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On Monday, July 22, Finance Minister <keyword id="22504403" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmal-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmal Sitharaman</keyword> tabled the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="economic-survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-24 in the parliament ahead of the much-awaited budget 2024 tomorrow. In addition to a socio-economic stock take, the comprehensive report also outlines the strides India has made on the environment and climate fronts last year. India is in a weird grey area when the climate blame-game is concerned. We continue to average some of the lowest per capita CO2 emissions in the world. But, being the most-populous country in the world, these small bits add up to make India the third-largest emitter of CO2 in the world, after China and the United States. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111923746" title="Economic Survey 2023-2024 highlights emerging job trends in AI, Cybersecurity, 3D Printing and Web Development" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, this is not to say that the country has been sitting the green transition out either. As highlighted in the Economic Survey, India has been making notable strides in tackling climate change and promoting <keyword id="19895783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainability" source="keywords">sustainability</keyword> — efforts that will be crucial to protect billions in the coming years and decades. Let's take a look at these efforts and compare them with findings from other recent environmental reports to see the full picture. <h2><keyword id="21818512" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="emission-intensity" source="keywords">Emission intensity</keyword> reduction</h2>The economic survey proudly states that India has reduced the emission intensity of its GDP by 33% from 2005 levels by 2019. This means the country is producing less greenhouse gas for every unit of economic activity. This is a commendable achievement because India’s original climate change target — or Nationally Determined Contribution — was set to precisely 33% reduction of emission intensity by 2030, before being revised to 45% in 2022. While the jump from 33% to 45% is still a significant one with barely half a decade to go, this progress is a clear sign that India’s climate policies are having a real impact. <h2><keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">Renewable energy</keyword> capacity</h2>According to the economic survey, 45.4% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity — which includes solar, wind, and hydropower — now comes from non-fossil sources, as of May 31, 2024. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111774972" title="Economic Survey shows India&amp;#39;s energy needs to grow 2.5x, healthy growth in formal employment" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As per reports by the Ministry of New &amp; Renewable Energy, India added a record renewable energy capacity of 18.48 GW in 2023-2024, with solar installations amounting to 12.78 GW, followed by 2.27 GW of wind energy. However, industry experts have also noted that India Inc. cannot afford to run out of steam now, and must continue to add at least 50 GW for the next six years to meet the target of 500 GW of renewables by 2030. <h2>Indian energy needs</h2>India's energy needs are expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047, as per the latest economic survey. This necessitates a balanced approach to <keyword id="19951336" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-transition" source="keywords">energy transition</keyword> that considers resource limitations and the need for resilience to climate change. India has suffered from an overdependence on coal and fossil fuels in the past, accounting for around 75% of total energy generation in 2021, as per the Energy Information Administration. However, this number has been quickly falling, even dropping below a historic 50% in Q1 2024. <h2>Sovereign <keyword id="20177085" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-bonds" source="keywords">green bonds</keyword></h2>To fund green projects, India issued Rs 16,000 Crore in sovereign green bonds — financial instruments that support green projects at lower capital costs — in early 2023 and another Rs 20,000 Crore later in the year, the economic survey reports. As per the government, these proceeds were utilised in many eco-friendly projects, such as New and Renewable Energy, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Housing and Urban Affairs, Railways. To widen the investor base, the <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india" source="keywords">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (RBI) also recently permitted eligible foreign investors to invest in such bonds. <h2>Mission LiFE and Green Credit Programme</h2>The survey also talks extensively about Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which promotes sustainable living, and the Green Credit Programme (GCP), which incentivises eco-friendly actions by offering “green credits”. In the past few months, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and a few other states have reportedly approved thousands of hectares of degraded forest land for greening exercises as part of the GCP. <h2>International initiatives</h2>India has spearheaded several international initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), One World, One Sun, One Grid (OSOWOG), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States’ (IRIS) and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). Hundreds of nations are signed up for these climate coalitions and our participation will help reflect India's commitment to advancing global <keyword id="20000756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-action" source="keywords">climate action</keyword> and fostering international cooperation in sustainable development. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111923191" title="Economic Survey 2024 – industries grow by 9.5%, fueling economic growth to 8.2%" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The report even notes that India is currently the only G20 nation who is set not to cross the 2°C warming threshold. All in all, India’s economic survey and environmental reports together show a nation making impressive progress in combating climate change and advancing sustainability. These achievements will hopefully set a strong example for other countries to follow.

On the right track — Economic Survey 2023-24 outlines India’s commendable climate action

In April, the <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (<keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword>) governor Shaktikanta Das referred to <keyword id="19895000" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="inflation" source="keywords">inflation</keyword> as the ‘elephant in the room’. He said, “The elephant has now gone out for a walk and appears to be returning to the forest. We would like the elephant to return to the forest and remain there on a durable basis… Elephant moves slowly, and last mile inflation tends to be sticky.” On Friday, the Indian government data showed that the year-on-year inflation rate based on the Consumer Price Index (<keyword id="20468215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CPI" source="keywords">CPI</keyword>) for June 2024 stood at 5.08 per cent — rising from 4.75% last month. This was the first time the headline inflation had risen since December 2023! Looks like the elephant decided to stop and look back on its way to the forest. The question remains, what’s next — will it return to the forest or return to the room to haunt us again? <h2>Food price inflation at a record high</h2> The major driver for the higher inflation figures this month has been the rising <keyword id="19960157" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-prices" source="keywords">food prices</keyword> across India. In fact, food price inflation almost doubled year-on-year in June, rising to 8.36 per cent last month compared to 4.63 per cent in June 2023. Inflation in the food basket was 9.36 per cent in June, up from 8.69 per cent in May, according to the data of the National Statistical Office (NSO). Government data showed that <keyword id="513422" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail-inflation" source="Orion">retail inflation</keyword> for all food segments, including cereal, meat, eggs, milk, oils, fruits, vegetables, pulses, sugar, spices, prepared snacks, and sweets, increased month-on-month. This was the main cause for retail inflation hardening in June, diverging from the previous months' moderation. While the inflation rate based on the all-India CPI for June 2024 stood at 5.08%, rural and urban inflation rates also spiked to 5.66 per cent and 4.39 per cent, respectively. “Barring the food basket, inflation is indicating signs of bottoming out broadly across the non-food categories, also seen in the inflation in the core categories averaging at 3.5% in the last six months. A stable monsoon will play an important role in stabilising food prices and inflation levels over the next few months,” said Vivek Rathi, National Director Research, Knight Frank India. In May, annual retail inflation was at a 12-month low of 4.75%, slightly down from April's 4.83%. In December last year, retail inflation stood at 5.7 % and had been moderating until June. On the other hand, the US CPI rose only 3% on an annual basis in June versus expectations of 3.2%. Month-over-month, the US CPI declined 0.1%, on expectations for a 0.1% rise. <h2>There goes the chance of an early rate cut?</h2> While European central banks started to cut interest rates last month, hopes of such policy moves seem to have been derailed by these inflation figures. Indian central bank, RBI, has remained cautiously focused on inflation as the growth prospects remained robust. It has been waiting for the final phase of disinflation to materialise before considering rate cuts. The situation, however, does seem rather peculiar — as long as inflation does not align with the central bank's 4% target, the interest rates may remain rather high. However, the current economic environment is not gloomy at all, characterized by a robust GDP growth rate, estimated at 8.2% for 2023-24. Hence, the RBI adopts a wait-and-see approach. And the wait is likely to continue a little while longer. This year, food prices have become a significant issue for policymakers in India, and the RBI governor pinned his hopes on a good monsoon season to alleviate the food price inflation concerns. So far, the monsoon has stood up to our expectations, yet the food prices have remained stubbornly high, mainly due to extended heat wave conditions in June. "The CPI inflation came marginally higher than our expectations. While the <keyword id="67286" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="food-inflation" source="Orion">food inflation</keyword> risks will continue to dominate in the near term, we expect better sowing patterns and spatial distribution of rains to eventually ease the price pressures beyond these volatile months. Having said that, the central bank will be in no hurry to ease <keyword id="20104157" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monetary-policy" source="keywords">monetary policy</keyword> given the headroom from robust growth in the backdrop of near-term inflation risks," said Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank. India's retail inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) comfort range of 2-6% but exceeds the ideal 4% scenario. While inflation is a global concern, India has so far managed its inflation trajectory relatively well. Since May 2022, the RBI has raised the repo rate by 250 basis points cumulatively to combat inflation. However, over the last eight policy cycles, the central bank has kept the rates consistent at 6.5%. The next monetary policy meeting of the RBI is scheduled for early August. And with the higher-than-expected inflation data, the central bank is likely to keep the rate unchanged next month as well for the ninth consecutive month. However, hopes are still alive for a rate cut towards the end of the year. "We are not ruling out a stance change in October 2024 and a 25 bps rate cut each in December 2024 and February 2025, followed by an extended pause, if the food inflation outlook turns decidedly favourable on the back of a normal magnitude and favourable distribution of rainfall in the rest of the monsoon season, and there are no other shocks, either global or domestic," said Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA. (With inputs from ANI and PTI) <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110784179" title="Monetary Policy Committee keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, confirms RBI governor Shaktikanta Das" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110788776" title="RBI retains inflation projection for FY25 at 4.5%" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div>

Inflation spikes in June 2024 due to high food prices; Likely to affect RBI’s decision on interest rate

<ul><li><keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword>’s MPC keeps <keyword id="6371181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="interest-rates" source="Orion">interest rates</keyword> unchanged in the first policy of FY25.</li><li>Most experts had expected the RBI to maintain the status quo on interest rates.</li><li>A few, however, expected it to soften its hawkish forward guidance. </li></ul>The Indian central bank’s rate-setting panel, the <keyword id="6357126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monetary-policy" source="Orion">Monetary Policy</keyword> Committee (MPC), kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% on Friday. It remained focused on the withdrawal of accommodation in the first monetary policy of FY25. Both these decisions were taken with a majority of five to one. “Two years ago, around this time, when CPI inflation had peaked at 7.8% in April 2022, the elephant in the room was inflation. The elephant has now gone out for a walk and appears to be returning to the forest. We would like the elephant to return to the forest and remain there on a durable basis,” said Shaktikanta Das, governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The second advance estimate (SAE) placed real GDP growth at 7.6% for the recently concluded FY24 — the third successive year of 7 per cent or higher growth. RBI projects FY25’s real GDP growth at 7%. “Robust growth prospects provide the policy space to remain focused on inflation and ensure its descent to the target of 4%. Under these circumstances, monetary policy must continue to be actively disinflationary to ensure anchoring of inflation expectations and fuller transmission of the past actions,” said Shaktikanta Das, governor of the Reserve Bank of India. His speech pointed out that uncertainties in food prices continue to pose challenges especially as temperatures are expected to be above normal. The MPC remains vigilant to the upside risks to inflation that might derail the path of disinflation. “Elephant moves slowly, and last mile inflation tends to be sticky,” said Das at the RBI press conference. RBI sees FY25’s consumer price inflation (CPI) inflation, assuming a normal monsoon, at 4.5%. The RBI had repeatedly insisted that it intends to bring down retail inflation below 4%. “It is essential, in the best interest of the economy, that CPI inflation continues to moderate and aligns with the target on a durable basis. Till this is achieved, our task remains unfinished,” said Das pointing to frequent incidences of supply chain shocks. He also added that the crude oil price movements in the last few days. GDP growth &amp; inflation projections by RBI for FY25 <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Time period </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Real GDP growth </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">CPI inflation </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">FY25 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.5% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q1 FY25 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7.1% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.9% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q2 FY25 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.9% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.8% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q3 FY25 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.6% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q4 FY25 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.5% </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> Hot inflation keeping RBI in wait-and-watch mode say economists This is the seventh consecutive policy review cycle where the MPC has chosen to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%. Most experts have been expecting the RBI to maintain the status quo. Its current decision, most say, is a balanced approach towards growth while being vigilant over headline inflation. “This careful stance reflects concerns over potential inflationary pressures arising from volatile food prices, recent upticks in oil prices, and robust economic growth. While there was some anticipation of rate cuts by the end of 2024, the RBI seems inclined to adopt a wait-and-see approach before initiating a rate cut cycle,” says Sujan Hajra, chief economist &amp; executive director at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. Volatile food inflation in the last few months has been worrying economists. The ongoing heatwave combined with the persistent El Niño impact brings back worries about cereal and pulse price hikes. While the wheat crop has by and large been harvested, vegetable prices also pose an additional worry. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted higher-than-normal maximum temperatures across the country this summer. While core inflation has been softening, in the last few days, crude oil prices have inched up to cross $90 per barrel. "The monetary policy stance announced today reflects that the RBI is evenly balancing the two divergent objectives of growth and inflation. It seems a case of full commitment to growth with an even higher commitment to inflation targets. I hope we will see sustained growth and softened inflation,” Anu Aggarwal, president &amp; head of corporate banking, Kotak Mahindra Bank. The RBI governor’s stance on bringing down inflation has made economists delay their rate cut expectations as far as Q3 of FY25. The Bank of Japan has recently ended its negative interest rate policy and the US Fed has also delayed its much anticipated easing cycle. Most economists believe that RBI policy is pegged to the Fed, especially in the last two years, even as it formally targeted inflation. “External dynamics have been fluid, implying that the policy prerogative needs to be flexible for ensuring financial stability. We maintain the RBI’s tone will slowly tiptoe to ‘Gracklish’ from the usual ‘Hawk-Dove’ signaling, implying a non-committal stance and limited definite forward guidance ahead,” said Madhavi Arora, lead economist, Emkay Global Financial Services.

We want the elephant of inflation to walk back to the forest: Shaktikanta Das

<keyword id="19901640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jaipur" source="keywords">Jaipur</keyword>, the vibrant capital of <keyword id="6355588" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajasthan" source="Orion">Rajasthan</keyword>, with its bustling streets, majestic forts, and colorful bazaars, is a delightful destination for travelers. However, for those seeking a break from the urban hustle and a chance to explore the enchanting landscapes and historical gems of Rajasthan and its neighboring states, Jaipur serves as an excellent base for weekend getaways. Here's a curated list of the <keyword id="20761105" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Top-10-Weekend-Getaways-from-Jaipur" source="Orion">top 10 weekend getaways from Jaipur</keyword> that promise a refreshing escape: 1. Pushkar Just a few hours' drive from Jaipur lies Pushkar, a sacred town nestled around a picturesque lake. Famous for its annual <keyword id="1937984" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pushkar-Camel-Fair" source="Orion">Pushkar Camel Fair</keyword> and the Brahma Temple, Pushkar offers a serene ambiance ideal for spiritual rejuvenation and cultural exploration. 2. Ranthambore National Park Wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers can head to Ranthambore National Park, renowned for its population of Bengal tigers. Embark on exhilarating jungle safaris to spot a variety of wildlife, including leopards, deer, and crocodiles, amidst the rugged terrain and ancient ruins. 3. Ajmer Steeped in history and spirituality, Ajmer is home to the revered <keyword id="12108092" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajmer-Sharif-Dargah" source="Orion">Ajmer Sharif Dargah</keyword>, a Sufi shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. Explore the bustling streets, visit the historic Taragarh Fort, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the serene Ana Sagar Lake. 4. Bharatpur Nature lovers can escape to Bharatpur, known for its famous <keyword id="112283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Keoladeo-National-Park" source="Orion">Keoladeo National Park</keyword>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on birdwatching expeditions amidst the wetlands and marshes, home to over 370 bird species, including migratory birds like the Siberian crane. 5. Neemrana History buffs can journey back in time with a visit to Neemrana, home to the majestic <keyword id="7117783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Neemrana-Fort-Palace" source="Orion">Neemrana Fort Palace</keyword>. Perched atop a hill, this heritage hotel offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli hills and a glimpse into Rajasthan's royal past. 6. <keyword id="58435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sariska-Tiger-Reserve" source="Orion">Sariska Tiger Reserve</keyword> Another wildlife sanctuary within easy reach of Jaipur is the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Embark on safari adventures to spot tigers, leopards, and other wildlife amidst the lush forests and rugged landscapes of the Aravalli hills. 7. Shekhawati Explore the vibrant frescoes and ornate havelis of Shekhawati, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. Wander through the quaint towns of Mandawa, Nawalgarh, and Dundlod to admire the intricate artwork adorning the centuries-old mansions. 8. <keyword id="3704124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chand-Baori" source="Orion">Chand Baori</keyword> History and architecture enthusiasts can marvel at the architectural marvel of Chand Baori, one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India, located in the village of Abhaneri. With its intricate geometric patterns and over 3,500 steps, Chand Baori is a testament to ancient engineering prowess. 9. Alwar Discover the charm of Alwar, a historic city dotted with forts, palaces, and scenic lakes. Explore the majestic Alwar Fort, visit the picturesque Siliserh Lake Palace, and embark on wildlife safaris in the Sariska Tiger Reserve for a memorable weekend getaway. 10. Jodhpur For those willing to venture a bit further, the "Blue City" of Jodhpur beckons with its iconic Mehrangarh Fort, vibrant bazaars, and ornate palaces. Immerse yourself in the <keyword id="20761106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rich-cultural-heritage-of-Rajasthan" source="Orion">rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan</keyword> as you explore the narrow lanes and majestic monuments of this historic city. Jaipur serves as an ideal gateway to explore the diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture of Rajasthan and its neighboring states. Whether you're seeking wildlife adventures, historical exploration, or spiritual retreats, these top 10 weekend getaways from Jaipur offer something for every traveler's preference and promise an unforgettable escape from the city bustle. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Jaipur

Guwahati (Assam) [India], November 28 (ANI): To attain a better understanding of <keyword id="2966017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="forest-ecology" source="Orion">forest ecology</keyword> in the urban landscape, Aaranyak organised an event titled Nature's Wonderland - A journey of curiosity, supported by Wipro Foundation and LEA Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd. (LASA), focusing on forest biodiversity at the RReserve Forest, Kamrup District. Ten students of Rani High School participated in the journey accompanied by their faculty, Prarthana Mudoi and Kakali Buragohain organised on Sunday. "Deforestation, the urban heat island (UHI) effect, freshwater scarcity, pollution, flash floods and climate change are the pertinent issues clouding the metropolis," Aaranyak stated in a press statement. With cities becoming the locus of economy, trade, and logistics, landscapes around the world are changing due to rapid urbanisation. Cities are swelling with population influx in search of education, employment, lifestyle, and health care at the cost of natural resources like land, air, forests, rivers, streams, wetlands, croplands, etc. Aaranyaks Biologist, Jigyas Boruah briefed the participants about the art and science of birdwatching, and the use and adjustment of binoculars to take pleasure in birdwatching. Baruah described the ecology and habitat characteristics of the birds, Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus), Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus), Black-hooded Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), Black-crested Bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris), spotted by the students while trailing in the Reserve Forest. Amid the environmental challenges, Guwahati, the bowl-shaped city dotted by green-covered hills, is thriving due to the presence of forest in the city as well as in the periphery of the city. "These forests provide multiple environmental services like heat mitigation, air and noise pollution reduction, groundwater recharge as well as other nature-based solutions, and socio-economic and psychological benefits," Aaranyak further said. Aaranyaks environmentalist Tanvi Hussain gave the participants an insight into the satellite-based navigation device, GPS and the process of trilateration for determining the geo-location of a place widely used in all modern gadgets. The nature enthusiasts relieved their uphill climb tiredness meditating to the trickling music of the Kopili stream. While Aaranyaks Wasima Begum carried out a biodiversity understanding and story-telling session Leaves Museum by the fallen leaves collected by the students on the trail. A group of students arranged the collected leaves as a flower to outline the variety and variability of flora and fauna. Another group arranged the leaves to depict Lord Ganesha to outline the shrinking of wild habitats emphasizing Human-Elephant coexistence. The activity threw light on the enthusiasm and awareness of the <keyword id="4550079" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GenZ" source="Orion">GenZ</keyword> on environmental issues and biodiversity conservation. The coordination and conduction of the journey were shouldered by Aaranyaks Pranab Goswami and Wasima Begum facilitated by Bijay Kalita and Bikash Goyari. (ANI)

GenZ expresses their concern over shrinking wildlife habitat

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6358021" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="budget" source="Orion">Budget</keyword> Estimates for 2023-24, will be provisionally finalised after completion of pre-Budget meetings.</li><li>It will be the fifth Budget of the Narendra Modi 2.0 government and Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="Orion">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>.</li><li>The Budget 2023-24 is likely to be presented on February 1, during the first half of Parliament's Budget session. </li></ul> The government on <keyword id="21684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monday" source="Orion">Monday</keyword> will kick off its annual Budget making exercise for financial year 2023-24, that is expected to look at measures to revive growth amid a gloomy <keyword id="23764" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global" source="Orion">global</keyword> outlook. The meeting would start with consultations with various ministries and departments on the revised estimates (RE) of expenditure for ongoing financial year and the fund requirement for 2023-24. On the first day on Monday, RE meetings with <keyword id="48413" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry" source="Orion">Ministry</keyword> of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Labour And Employment, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would take place. Most of these discussions to finalise RE for ongoing financial year (2022-23) and Budget Estimate for 2023-24 would be chaired by the <keyword id="46929" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Secretary" source="Orion">Finance Secretary</keyword> and Expenditure Secretary. The month-long deliberations would end on November 10, with consultations with Ministry of Cooperation, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, as per a notification of Budget Division of the finance ministry. The Budget Estimates for 2023-24, will be provisionally finalised after completion of pre-Budget meetings. These meetings would take place against the backdrop of many institutions, including the <keyword id="50847" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank" source="Orion">Reserve Bank</keyword> and the World Bank slashing India's growth forecast to 7 per cent and 6.5 per cent, respectively. It will be the fifth Budget of the Narendra Modi 2.0 government and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the last full Budget before the general elections due in April-May 2024. During the <keyword id="6359191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="election" source="Orion">election</keyword> year, the government presents Vote on Account for the limited period. Usually, the Budget is cleared till July. The Budget 2023-24 is likely to be presented on February 1, during the first half of Parliament's Budget session which usually begins in the last week of January every year. The Budget 2022-23 had projected a growth rate of 7-7.5 per cent in real terms while fiscal deficit was pegged at 6.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government scrapped the colonial-era tradition of presenting the Budget at the end of February. The then finance minister Arun Jaitley had for the first time presented the annual accounts on February 1, 2017. With the change in the date of Budget presentation, ministries are now allocated their budgeted funds from the start of a financial year beginning April. This gives government departments more leeway to spend as well as allow companies time to adapt to business and taxation plans. Previously, when Budget was presented at the end of February, the three-stage Parliament approval process would get completed some time in mid-May, weeks ahead of the onset of monsoon rains. This meant government departments would start spending on projects only from August-end or September, after the monsoon season ended. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/pakistani-rupee-becomes-worlds-best-performing-currency/articleshow/94724119.cms">Pakistani rupee becomes 'world's best performing currency'</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/middle-east-destinations-see-an-upsurge-amongst-indian-travellers/articleshow/94723228.cms">Middle East destinations see an upsurge, amongst Indian travellers</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/people-struggle-as-prices-of-vegetables-grains-go-through-roof-says-report/articleshow/94723150.cms">People struggle as prices of vegetables, grains go through roof, says report</a>

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As many as 85 tigers, including 32 cubs, have died in the past four years due to various reasons in <keyword id="4679793" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wildlife-habitats" source="Orion">wildlife habitats</keyword> of <keyword id="6355554" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="madhya-pradesh" source="Orion">Madhya Pradesh</keyword>, the government has informed the state Assembly. <keyword id="202599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-forest-minister" source="Orion">State forest minister</keyword> <keyword id="1137352" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kunwar-vijay-shah" source="Orion">Kunwar Vijay Shah</keyword> gave this information in a written reply to a question by Congress legislator from Jabalpur (East) Lakhan Ghanghoriya. The Congress MLA had sought to know how many tigers died in the state in four years from 2018-19 to 2021-22. The MLA had also sought information about how many big cats had escaped from various reserves, to which Shah said that the movement of the tigers through various forest corridors is a natural process in search for food, partners, better habitat and new territory. "State government spent ₹28,306.70 lakh on the conservation, security and monitoring of the big cats during 2018-19, while this amount was ₹22,049.98 lakh in 2019-20. In 2020-21 and 2021-22, ₹26,427.86 lakh and ₹12,882.82 lakh have been spent on this work respectively," Minister told the house. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reports suggested that a total 202 tigers were reported to have died between 2012 and 2020 in Madhya Pradesh. The data available on the NTCA website said that 38 tigers died in the state between January and December this year so far. Madhya Pradesh had regained the tag of tiger state in the 2018 census for being home to 526 big cats, two more than Karnataka. Earlier, the MP had lost this tag to Karnataka in the all-India tiger estimation exercise for 2010, primarily due to alleged poaching in the Panna Tiger Reserve. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/paytm-mall-loses-its-unicorn-status/articleshow/88446807.cms">Paytm Mall loses its unicorn status</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/here-are-the-best-camera-phones-under-20000-in-india/slidelist/88447488.cms">Best camera phones under ₹20,000 in India</a>

Madhya Pradesh lost 85 tigers in the past four years

<ul><li>Das is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in the area of amphibians of Munnar at the <keyword id="865704" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala-Forest-Research-Institute">Kerala Forest Research Institute</keyword>.</li><li>Das's <keyword id="11391650" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="peculiar-interest">peculiar interest</keyword> in <keyword id="6536559" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="frogs">frogs</keyword>, particularly the purple frog.</li><li>He is also a winner of the Kerala State Wildlife Photography Award.</li></ul> For Sandeep Das, photography was more of a necessity rather than a passion. While pursuing his graduation in zoology, Das used to frequent the wetlands near his home to study birds. Soon he realised that he needed to take up photography to help present his findings to a scientific community to prove the unusual sightings of the rare and exotic birds he spotted. He began as a novice shooting pictures, randomly. Now, he is a winner of the Kerala State Wildlife Photography Award. Das is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in the area of amphibians of Munnar at the Kerala Forest Research Institute. He is also a fellow of <keyword id="57595" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zoological-Society-of-London">Zoological Society of London</keyword> on the research and conservation of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) Purple Frog aka Mahabali Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis). His key area of interest remains amphibians and, to some extent, reptiles. They essentially share the same ecosystem, and both are primarily nocturnal. So, if you study one, you are bound to bump into the other frequently. Das's peculiar interest in frogs, particularly the purple frog, stems from the fact that smaller animals, unfortunately, do not receive the attention they deserve, unlike larger animals like tigers, elephants and most birds. The incredible nature and capabilities of these tiny creatures are what Das wants to bring to the limelight. Melanobatrachus -- Galaxy Frog (Scientific name: Melanobatrachus indicus) <div type="image" title="Melanoatrachus" msid="83280115" hostid="261"></div> Photographed while with Rajkumar KP, another EDGE fellow working towards conservation of this endangered beauty. This is one of the rarest, evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered frogs of the <keyword id="6371307" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="western-ghats">Western Ghats</keyword>. Very little is known about this species, but studies are underway. Purple Frog aka Mahabali Frog (Scientific name: Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) <div type="image" title="Purple Frog" msid="83280124" hostid="261"></div> The proposal for declaring the purple frog as the state amphibian was submitted to the <keyword id="6356408" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="forest-department">forest department</keyword> by Das, primarily because the living fossil of this creature is evidence for India's prehistoric landmass connectivity with Africa. Frogs cannot tolerate salinity. So there is no way they could have swam across the oceans. Das and his fellow scientists named it "Mahabali frog" as it emerges from under the ground for only one day, like Kerala's mythological King Mahabali, who was banished to the underworld and given permission to meet his subjects in Kerala on Onam day. <div type="image" title="Road Kill" msid="83280222" hostid="261"></div> Unfortunately, however, the Purple Frog on its way to the breeding site often gets run over by vehicles, one of the significant threats faced by these amphibians. Raorchestes resplendens/ Resplendent Shrub Frog (Scientific name: Raorchestes resplendens) <div type="image" title="Raorchestes resplendens" msid="83280236" hostid="261"></div> Once thought to be found only in the Anamudi summit, Das and his team later found them in several adjoining areas. Large-scaled <keyword id="1318465" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pit-Viper">Pit Viper</keyword> (Scientific name: Trimeresurus macrolepis) <div type="image" title="Large-scaled Pit Viper" msid="83280275" hostid="261"></div> One of the common pit vipers found in the Western Ghats, they are found in the mountains of Agasthyamala, higher reaches of AchanKovil forests, Periyar hills, Meghamalai, Anamalais (including Munnar, Idukki and Valparai) and Nelliyampathy hills. They are a widely distributed species in the mountains of Kerala and <keyword id="20154" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword> -- found in an elevational range of 700 to 2500 metres above sea level. These snakes are best seen in Munnar as they are common in plantations and roadside bushes. Major threats are habitat conversion and linear intrusions, including roads. Brown Dispar/Gunther's Vine Snake (Scientific name: Ahaetulla dispar) <div type="image" title="Brown Dispar" msid="83280290" hostid="261"></div> Found in the high elevation mountains of Anamalais. These Vine Snakes are harmless to humans, but they are mildly venomous, which is essential in bringing down their prey, including tiny frogs, other snakes, lizards etc. Green Reed Frog/Chalazodes Bubble Nest Frog (Scientific name: Raorchestes chalazodes) <div type="image" title="Raorchestes chalazodes" msid="83280304" hostid="261"></div> Another critically endangered species, this one is endemic to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. They breed inside reed clumps. They are direct-developing frogs whose eggs directly hatch out into tiny froglets. 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