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<keyword id="19894922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh" source="keywords">Uttar Pradesh</keyword> has strong and established women leaders but, ironically, the majority of this '<keyword id="19911646" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nari-Shakti" source="keywords">Nari Shakti</keyword>' does not belong to this state. Barring a few, most of the women leaders have come from other states and after contesting several elections, they have consolidated their position in Uttar Pradesh. Senior Congress leader <keyword id="19935990" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sonia-Gandhi" source="keywords">Sonia Gandhi</keyword> leads the brigade of political talent imported from outside Uttar Pradesh. A native of Italy who was living in New Delhi with her in-laws, the Gandhi bahu made her political debut from Amethi in 1999 and then contested and won the Rae Bareli seat from 2004 to 2019. Sonia Gandhi began campaigning in Amethi from 1984 when her husband Rajiv Gandhi made his political debut. When Sonia Gandhi finally took a plunge in politics after the former Prime Minister's demise, she chose the family turf, Amethi. The former Congress President was at one time seen as a prime ministerial candidate, though she never claimed the position. Another woman politician who was seen as a prospective prime ministerial candidate is BSP supremo, <keyword id="19897516" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mayawati" source="keywords">Mayawati</keyword>. Mayawati was born in Delhi but her political 'karambhoomi' became Uttar Pradesh when the first SP-BSP government came into existence in 1993 in the state. Circumstances propelled Mayawati into the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's chair in 1995 and over the years, she has emerged as a politician who cannot be ignored. Actor-turned-politician, <keyword id="19968072" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hema-Malini" source="keywords">Hema Malini</keyword>, who is seeking her third term from Mathura, belongs to Tamil Nadu and has spent most of her life in Mumbai. She contested and won the 2014 and 2019 elections from Mathura. Hema Malini calls herself 'Krishna ki gopi' and claims to have a divine connect with Mathura. Among others in this list is Smriti Irani, who is seeking her second term from Amethi and originally belongs to Delhi. However, after winning Amethi in 2019, she calls herself 'Amethi ki bitiya'. She has even built her home in Gauriganj in Amethi and is well versed with local politics and the local people. Maneka Gandhi, who originally belongs to Delhi, is the senior-most MP among these women, having won her first election in 1989 on a Janata Dal ticket. She later joined the BJP and has always chosen Uttar Pradesh to contest elections - first Pilibhit and then Sultanpur. Jaya Prada, another actor-turned-politician, was born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh but chose Uttar Pradesh to kickstart her political career even though she had earlier joined the TDP. Jaya Prada successfully contested the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket. Later, she joined the BJP in 2019. Dimple Yadav, senior SP leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, originally belongs to Uttarakhand but made Uttar Pradesh her home after her marriage to Akhilesh. Dimple Yadav began her career by losing a bypoll to Raj Babbar of the Congress from Firozabad in 2009 but won the Kannauj seat in a 2012 bye-election. She won the Kannauj seat in 2014 but lost in 2019. However, Dimple Yadav won the Mainpuri bye-election after the demise of Mulayam Singh Yadav in 2022. Among all these women leaders, it is only Union Minister Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (S) who was born and brought up in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Interestingly, even in the past, several women leaders who made a mark in Indian politics were born outside Uttar Pradesh but chose to contest polls from the state. Former Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, made her debut in politics when she won a bye-election from Bijnor in 1985. Meira Kumar, who is the daughter of late veteran politician Jagjivan Ram, was born in Bihar. Former Delhi Chief Minister, late Sheila Dikshit, won her first election from Kannauj in 1984. She was born in Kapurthala in Punjab. Freedom fighter Sucheta Kripalani, the first woman Chief Minister in India, who headed the Uttar Pradesh government, also belonged to Punjab but won the Assembly polls from Mehdawal in Sant Kabir Nagar. --IANS amita/rad

Uttar Pradesh's political 'Nari Shakti' does not belong to it

<ul><li>Durga Puja in <keyword id="6357783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="west-bengal" source="Orion">West Bengal</keyword> is synonymous with fun, enthusiasm and power.</li><li>This year, brands celebrated <keyword id="445934" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maa-durga" source="Orion">Maa Durga</keyword>’s power, resilience by paying a tribute to Indian women.</li><li>Here are a few campaigns that caught our attention.</li></ul><keyword id="48284" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri" source="Orion">Navratri</keyword> and Durga Puja is one of India’s widely celebrated festivals, especially in West Bengal. Millions of people visit Kolkata every year to attend the four-day festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is that time of the year when every part of West Bengal is decked up, consumers are filled with optimism and joy. Pandal hopping, gorging on foods, <keyword id="3105575" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dhunuchi-naach" source="Orion">Dhunuchi Naach</keyword> (dance with the incense burner) are some of the inseparable moments associated with Durga Puja. This is when the entire local community and tourists come together and celebrate the festival with enthusiasm. Dussehra is followed by Kali Puja/Diwali/Laxmi Puja and Bhai Dooj. It is during Navratri and Diwali that consumers shop a lot and spruce up their houses to welcome Maa Durga. The purchase of household durables, cars, bikes, home renovations, capital expenditures in businesses also see a hike during this period. In keeping with the festive spirit, brands left no stone unturned to celebrate Maa Durga during the nine auspicious days of Navratri. Along with beautiful campaigns celebrating the goddess, we also came across a few brands that have come up with limited edition packaging to become a part of the festivities. Brands also use this opportunity to start a conversation around gender equality. They point out how the irony of celebrating <keyword id="87480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nari-shakti" source="Orion">Nari Shakti</keyword> and female power for the nine days of Navratri is very stark. As the country bids adieu to Maa Durga tomorrow, for this year, we take a look at how the festival was celebrated in the brandverse. Here are a few campaigns that stood out: Elegant Steel <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> Shoppers Stop <div type="Youtube" id="L_toOIXnuJI" title="Shera Sajer Shera Stop | Pujo 2021 | Shoppers Stop" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L_toOIXnuJI/mqdefault.jpg"></div> ITC Aashirvaad <div type="Youtube" id="5lpFle-skcs" title="Eta Amar Maa" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5lpFle-skcs/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Joy Personal care <div type="Youtube" id="Z-Ixcs4WkL8" title="Pujo 2021 - Joy Beautiful by Nature | Mimi Chakraborty | Joy Personal Care" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z-Ixcs4WkL8/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Tata Tea Gold's new packaging <div type="Youtube" id="AjFo4axK7jg" title="Durga Pujo with Tata Tea Gold Special Edition Festive Packs" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AjFo4axK7jg/mqdefault.jpg"></div> 7UP <div type="Youtube" id="owe2SzTk1c0" title="7UP and Fido is here with some fresh dhak beats!" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/owe2SzTk1c0/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

Navratri 2021: Here’s how brands celebrated the spirit of Navratri across India

<keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword>, An all-women cockpit crew set out on a history journey, operating <keyword id="2573" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India">Air India</keyword>'s inaugural San Francisco-Bengaluru <keyword id="30815" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="flight">flight</keyword>, going over the <keyword id="175235" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="North-pole">North Pole</keyword> and taking the <keyword id="44121" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atlantic">Atlantic</keyword> route to reach the Karnataka capital at the other end of the world. The flight number AI176 left <keyword id="12161" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="San-Francisco">San Francisco</keyword> on Saturday at 8.30 PM (local time) and would arrive here at 3.45 AM on Monday, according to Air India sources. Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted, "Way to go girls! Professional, qualified &amp; confident, the all <keyword id="10554594" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-cockpit-crew">women cockpit crew</keyword> takes off from San Francisco to Bengaluru on @airindiain's flight to fly over the North Pole.Our <keyword id="87480" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="nari-shakti">Nari Shakti</keyword> achieves a historic first." Air India has said this will be the longest commercial flight in the world to be operated by it or any other airline in India. The total flight time on this route will be more than 17 hours depending on the wind speed on that particular day, it had said in a statement on the eve of the historic flight. Members of the crew are: Captain Zoya Aggarwal, Captain Papagari Thanmai, Captain Akansha Sonaware and Captain Shivani Manhas. Air India too expressed its elation when it tweeted, "Imagine this : -All Women Cockpit Crew. -Longest flight into India. -Crossing the North Pole It's here &amp; happening! Records broken. History in the making by AI176 from @flySFO to @BLRAirport. AI 176 is cruising at 30000 feet." SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tcs-delivers-yet-another-strong-quarter-with-16-growth-in-profit-as-covid-drives-tech-spending/articleshow/80173561.cms">TCS delivers yet another strong quarter with 16% growth in profit as COVID drives tech spending</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/dmart-the-nearly-two-trillion-dollar-indian-retailer-may-post-strong-earnings-watch-out-for-the-progress-on-e-commerce/articleshow/80172629.cms">DMart, the nearly two trillion dollar Indian retailer, may post strong earnings ⁠— watch out for the progress on e-commerce</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/oyo-bags-a-7-4-million-cheque-as-pandemic-forces-ritesh-agarwal-to-reimagine-the-business/articleshow/80170847.cms">OYO bags a $7.4 million cheque as pandemic forces Ritesh Agarwal to reimagine the business</a>

Air India's all-women cockpit crew takes off on historic San Francisco-Bengaluru flight

<keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on Tuesday presented the <keyword id="20387181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget-2024-25" source="keywords">Union Budget 2024-25</keyword> after the Cabinet gave its approval. In her intial comments, Sithamraman said India's economic growth will be a shining exception. "We are determined all Indians regardless of religion and age achieve life goals and aspirations," Sitharman said. The Finance Minister presented first Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 government and her seventh consecutive one during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Economic Survey 2023-24 was tabled yesterday in the Parliament. Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Parliament today to approve the Union Budget ahead of its presentation by the Finance Minister. This would mark Sitharaman's seventh consecutive budget and eclipses the late Moraji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets, which is likely to focus on changes in the income tax structure and improving the ease of doing business in India. Addressing the media, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary earlier said that the first Union Budget of the third Modi government will be based on his mantra of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas". Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that this budget would accelerate the country's economic growth. "The economic growth that happened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this budget and this Budget will further accelerate it. The budget that will be presented today by Nirmala ji will also help our country, which is the fastest-growing economy," Pralhad Joshi said while speaking to the media on the Parliament premises on Tuesday. The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. On Monday, the economic survey presented in Parliament by finance minister Sithraman emphasized the resilience of the Indian economy and its stable post-Covid recovery. The Survey underscored the government's commitment to "Nari Shakti" through various legislative measures and provisions aimed at boosting women's participation in diverse professions. According to the Economic Survey, the budget for women's welfare and empowerment schemes has surged by 218.8 per cent, growing from Rs 97,134 crore (BE) in FY14 to Rs 3.10 lakh crore in FY25. Additionally, the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) has seen a 38.7 per cent increase compared to FY24 BE, with its share in the total Union Budget rising to 6.5 per cent in FY25, the highest since GBS was introduced in FY06. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present her record seventh consecutive Budget today</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank">Here's a quick overview of PM Modi 3.0 government's first budget, to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman today</a>

"India's economic growth will be shining exception" FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2024-25

In her <keyword id="19906106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Interim-Budget" source="keywords">Interim Budget</keyword> speech in February 2024, <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> celebrated what she termed as the Modi government's landmark achievement: unleashing 'nari shakti' or women's power through various initiatives since 2014. Among these, the creation of one crore 'Lakhpati Didis' — women whose annual household income exceeds one lakh rupees — under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has garnered significant attention. <h2>The hype around it </h2>Imagine being a <keyword id="20416259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakhpati-Didi" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didi</keyword> — a rural woman whose annual household income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. These women are not just financial achievers; they are community leaders who inspire others through their entrepreneurial journeys. Their success stories highlight the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and collective action in rural India. Launched amid much fanfare on August 15, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme aims to empower women through diverse skill development programs, from producing LED bulbs to operating agricultural drones. Partnering with entities like Patanjali, Flipkart, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these products, ostensibly connecting women with credit lines and MUDRA loans for financial support. Almost an year on, the scheme is all set to get some well-deserved boost in the Budget 2024 to be presented on July 23. However, the time also apt to examine if it has actually contributed to <keyword id="20009191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment" source="keywords">women empowerment</keyword> in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111915324" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in Parliament today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>The reality check </h2>Critics argue that such schemes may inadvertently tether women's SHGs to corporate networks, potentially benefiting transnational agribusiness giants aligned with the government. Programs like 'Namo Drone Didi', allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Interim Budget, exemplify this trend by integrating women into digital agriculture, albeit under the influence of corporate agendas. Further, while the Interim Budget championed the narrative of women's economic prosperity, it failed to adequately address their basic needs. Despite claims of empowerment, essential schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Rural) and Har Ghar Jal have seen significant budgetary underspending, raising concerns about the government's commitment to women's welfare beyond mere rhetoric. For instance, the underutilisation of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the shrinking allocations for crucial subsidies like nutrition and education further highlight the disconnect between budgetary outlays and on-ground impact. This trend suggests a shift in responsibility towards state governments without commensurate support from the Union government, leaving vulnerable populations like widows and rural women at risk. Overall, the well-intentioned narrative around the scheme needs better translation and execution on ground to achieve desired outcomes. <h2>Looking ahead </h2>Until now, the budgetary allocation for women-centric programs have remained disproportionately low, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development having been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52% compared to the previous budget. This paltry investment underscores a broader pattern of neglecting systemic issues such as gender-based violence, social discrimination and pro-corporate stance. As Budget 2024 approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate policies that not only boost economic growth but also empower rural women as entrepreneurs and leaders. While Lakhpati Didi stands poised to empower rural women with opportunities and support, more steps are needed to make it more sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

<ul><li>Rehman is best known for films like Pyaasa, CID and Guide.</li><li>The actor has worked in more than 90 films across languages.</li><li>She is already the recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.</li></ul> Veteran actor, <keyword id="6442163" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="waheeda-rehman" source="Orion">Waheeda Rehman</keyword> will be honoured with this year's <keyword id="54010" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="Dadasaheb-Phalke-Award" source="Orion">Dadasaheb Phalke Award</keyword>, the highest recognition in the field of <keyword id="4636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Cinema" source="Orion">Indian cinema</keyword>, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting <keyword id="6364468" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anurag-Thakur" source="Orion">Anurag Thakur</keyword> said on Tuesday. Regarded one of India's finest actors, Rehman is best known for films including "Pyaasa", "CID", "Guide", "Kaagaz Ke Phool", "Khamoshi" and "Trishul". Thakur took to his official X account to make the announcement. "I feel an immense sense of happiness and honour in announcing that Waheeda Rehman ji is being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award this year for her stellar contribution to Indian Cinema," the minister wrote. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Waheeda Rehman: A glittering career" text="Waheeda Rehman: A glittering career">Waheeda Rehman: A glittering career</cmsannotation> Rehman, 85, made her acting debut with the 1955 Telugu films "Rojulu Maraayi" and "Jayasimha". She made her Hindi cinema debut with "CID", the 1956 film headlined by Dev Anand. In a career spanning over five decades, the legendary actor has worked in more than 90 films across languages. She received a National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in "Reshma and Shera" (1971). She is already the recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. "At a time when the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed by Parliament, her being awarded with this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to one of the leading ladies of Indian Cinema and one who has dedicated her life after films to philanthropy and the greater good of society. I congratulate her and humbly pay my regards to her rich body of work that is an intrinsic part of our film history," Thakur further said in his post on the microblogging site. Rehman was last seen in "Skater Girl", a 2021 coming-of-age sports drama. (With text input from PTI)

Waheeda Rehman to cap glittering career with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

<ul><li>Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on Thursday presented the Interim Budget 2024-25.</li><li>This budget outlines expenditures and revenues till the formation of the next government.</li><li>Here are the top highlights and major announcements of the Interim Budget 2024-25.</li></ul> Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Interim Budget 2024-25 at <keyword id="19895397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="parliament" source="keywords">Parliament</keyword> on Thursday, February 1 announced that the FY25 capex outlay has been increased by 11.1% to ₹11.11 lakh crore. The FY25 capex outlay is now at 3.4% of the GDP. Fiscal deficit, the gap between the government’s revenue and expenses, is expected to be 5.8% of gross domestic product, said the FM. “The gross market borrowing for the financial year ending March 2025 will be ₹14.3 lakh crore (less than the borrowing in the current financial year).” The FM began her speech by giving a summation of the Narendra Modi government's performance in the past ten years. "The Indian economy has witnessed positive transformation in the last 10 years. Our development steps have covered all elements of inclusivity," she said. This is the final budget of the second term of the Narendra Modi government before the country heads to elections later this summer. Sitharaman stressed on the government's aim to make India developed -- Viksit Bharat – by 2047. The government has tried to provide inclusive development and growth, both socially and geographically, she said in the opening minutes of her sixth budget speech as the country’s finance minister. It is to be noted that this Vote on Account or an Interim Budget is only for the next three months as the next government after the election will come out with a comprehensive budget for the financial year 2024-25 later. In other words, this budget outlines expenditures and revenues till the formation of the next government. Key announcements by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: <ol><li>No relief for taxpayers: Same tax slabs to continue, says FM. “I propose to retain the same tax rates for direct and indirect taxes.”</li><li>FY25 divestment target at ₹50,000 crore. The FY24 target has been curbed to ₹30,000 crore</li><li>Gross market borrowing for FY ending March 2025 will be ₹14.3 lakh crore.</li><li>FY25 capex outlay increased by 11.1% to ₹11.11 lakh crore. The FY25 capex outlay is now at 3.4% of GDP.</li><li>The revised estimate of the fiscal deficit is 5.8% of GDP. The FY25 fiscal deficit target is set at 5.1%.</li><li>The FY25 revenue deficit is set at 2% versus FY24 revised estimate of 2.8%</li><li>The FDI during 2014 to 2023 was $596 billion. India is negotiating bilateral treaties with foreign partners. FM adds that FDI is now “First Develop India”.</li><li>Three major economic railway corridors announced to boost GDP. This includes an energy mineral and cement corridor, port connectivity corridor and high traffic density corridor.</li><li>40,000 rail bogies to be converted to Vande Bharat standards. Airports have doubled to 149 in the last decade.</li><li>Boost for tourism: Projects for enhancing tourism revenue will be taken up, especially for islands, including Lakshawdeep.</li><li>FM says the government has assisted 25 crore people to escape from multidimensional poverty.</li><li>Free ration: Worries of food have been alleviated as 80 crore people are provided with ration.</li><li>Direct benefit of ₹34 lakh crore via Jan Dhan has led to savings of ₹2.7 lakh crore for the government.</li><li>The PM PM SVANidhi scheme has supported over 78 lakh vendors. Out of this, 2.3 lakh vendors have received loans more than two times.</li><li>11.8 crore farmers have been assisted under the PM Kisan Yojna.</li><li>₹30 crore Mudra loans have been given to women entrepreneurs in the last ten years.</li><li>Average real income of people has risen by 50%.</li><li>India-Middle East-Europe Economic corridor is a game changer for India and others.</li><li>Artisanal support: PM Vishwakarma Yojana provides end-to-end support to artisans and crafts people engaged in 18 trades.</li><li>GDP new definition: FM Sitharaman has said that the government is focussed on GDP (governance, development and performance)</li><li>Real estate boost: Government close to achieving the target of three crore houses under the PM Awas Yojana Grameen. Additional two crore houses to be built in five years.</li><li>Sustainability &amp; free electricity: Rooftop solarisation scheme announced to help one crore houses, enabling free electricity and selling of surplus energy. First three hundred units for solar homes.</li><li>Nari Shakti: FM says that female enrolment in higher education is up by 28% in 10 years in STEM courses. Free healthcare under Ayushman Bharat to be extended to Asha workers and Anganwadi workers.</li><li>Target for Lakhpati Didi scheme enhanced from 2 crore to 3 crore.</li></ol>

Interim Budget 2024: FY25 capex hiked 11%; no change in tax slab, says FM Sitharaman

New Delhi, Cutting across party lines, <keyword id="48510" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rajya-sabha" source="Orion">Rajya Sabha</keyword> members on Thursday supported the bill to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in the <keyword id="197797" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="lower-house-of-parliament" source="Orion">Lower House of Parliament</keyword> and state assemblies, even as some opposition members termed it an election gimmick. During the debate in the <keyword id="122785" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="upper-house" source="Orion">Upper House</keyword> on the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill that seeks to reserve a third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women, members also highlighted the need to accelerate the process instead of waiting for a fresh census and delimitation exercise. Taking part in the discussion, Elamaram Kareem of CPI(M), while supporting the bill, said the BJP had promised to bring the <keyword id="109340" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="womens-reservation-bill" source="Orion">women's reservation bill</keyword> in 2014 and in 2019 as well but did not take any action. He held the ruling party responsible for women's reservation losing nine years. This is an election gimmick by the BJP after losing elections in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, besides facing defeat in the civic polls in Delhi polls, he said. Citing violence against women in strife-torn Manipur and allegations of sexual harassment by women wrestlers, Kareem alleged the government cared little for women. Ram Nath Thakur of the JD(U) questioned the timing of bringing the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MP K Keshava Rao stressed the need to accelerate the process for women's reservation and said the 2011 Census could be taken as the benchmark. He urged immediate appointment of the delimitation commission. MDMK's Vaiko also echoed similar sentiments. Saroj Pandey of the BJP said it was unfortunate that questions have been raised on the timing and the intent of bringing the bill. As the country celebrates 'Amrit Kaal', this was the ideal moment for such a legislation, she said. Asom Gana Parishad MP Birendra Prasad Baishya noted that the women's reservation bill has come at a "proper time" after failed attempts in the past. JD(S) leader H D Devegowda also supported the bill and recollected steps taken by him for women's reservation while he was the chief minister of Karnataka and also the prime minister. Manoj Jha of the RJD said demanded that the women's reservation bill be referred to a select committee to consider extending similar benefits to Other Backward Classes. V Vijayasai Reddy (YSRCP) also supported the bill and said the reservation for women must also be extended to Rajya Sabha and state legislative councils. KC Venugopal of the <keyword id="1575" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="congress" source="Orion">Congress</keyword> sought immediate implementation of the legislation. He also sought reservation for the OBC women under the bill. Venugopal claimed the <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> government did not make any effort to bring the bill in the last nine years and it is due to the political calculations that the government has brought the legislation now. "Life-transforming legislations should come from the heart and not from the head," he said in the Upper House. Rajani Ashokrao Patil of the Congress and Mausam Noor of the <keyword id="26422" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tmc" source="Orion">TMC</keyword> also supported the bill. Sulata Deo of the BJD, Subhas Chandra Bose Pilli of the YSRCP, Ravichandra Vaddiraju of the BRS and K Ravindra Kumar of the TDP also participated in the discussion. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/motorola-edge-40-neo-launched-in-india-specs-features-and-price/articleshow/103832280.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/motorola-edge-40-neo-launched-in-india-specs-features-and-price/articleshow/103832280.cms" target="_blank">Motorola Edge 40 Neo with with vegan leather back hits the Indian market</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/amazfit-cheetah-series-smartwatches-with-ai-powered-running-coach-launched-in-india/articleshow/103836676.cms">A smartwatch in India now offers an AI-powered running coach</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/mohammed-siraj-leads-icc-odi-rankings-kohli-rohit-sharma-and-other-top-ranked-players/slidelist/103828281.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/mohammed-siraj-leads-icc-odi-rankings-kohli-rohit-sharma-and-other-top-ranked-players/slidelist/103828281.cms" target="_blank">Siraj climbs to No. 1 in ODI ranking ahead of WC: Here are the other Indians in the top-10</a>

Cutting across party lines, Rajya Sabha MPs support women's reservation bill

Budget 2022-23 reflects the vision of the union government in reimagining cities as centres of sustainable living with opportunities for all, including the youth and women. The unwavered and continued thrust of the budget on Nari Shakti (women power) with focus on education, skilling, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion is commendable. What is not desirable is the unidimensional approach to enhancing women’s access within urban centres. This year, the gender budget in urban spaces is dominated by the allocations of ₹520 crores for safe cities, ₹250 crores for emergency response, ₹20 crores for the safety of women in public <keyword id="6354639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road" source="Orion">road</keyword> transport, and ₹5.27 crore for the safety of women tourists. This is indeed a much-needed step in the right direction. Safety is a key factor enabling women’s unfettered access to economic opportunities that a city has to offer. At the same time, as India begins a critical 25-year journey to 100 years of independence, the country should expand its approach to women empowerment from protection against unsafe incidents to inclusion. In other words, India’s safe city paradigm should shift to cover safer and inclusive streets and public spaces. Budget allocations towards well-functioning and continuous street lighting, public amenities such as toilets, and lounge areas for women, more ‘eyes on the street’ as natural surveillance through mixed-land use and presence of hawkers and diverse gender/age population are low-hanging high-impact initiatives cities should undertake. Additionally, planning measures such as bus services on routes frequented by women, multimodal and first- last-mile connectivity, providing real-time transport schedules, developing on-demand stops at night, etc., are a few but necessary measures to provide safety in public transportation. Combined with accessible and seamless grievance redressal systems and safety audits, the effectiveness of safe city initiatives can be ensured. Recognising that gender issues are not unidimensional, safe cities should operate at the intersection of different identities and marginalisations. The safety and accessibility needs of elderly women, pregnant women, women with young children, and women with disabilities, et al need to be integrated into safe city initiatives of India, with learnings for the world. Catering to intersectionality would enable cities to implement wider footpaths, kerb ramps, handrails, spacious restrooms, seating spaces, feeding areas, etc., creating a more inclusive built environment. Additionally, a gender-mainstreamed city plan and associated budgets should take into account facilities like childcare centres, play areas, community centres, clustering of daily amenities either placed along or within walking distance of transit stops, and rental housing for working women. Safe city initiatives for women, therefore, should be rebranded as Safe, Accessible, and Inclusive City initiatives. That’s the only way for cities to reduce their overreliance on <keyword id="6354857" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cctv" source="Orion">CCTV</keyword> cameras and instead enable the freedom of movement of women at all times of the day and night. The current approach to safe cities has the risk of leaving women’s ‘right to the city’ unattended, thereby holding them back from living full lives. For instance, the existing premise is that unless a city installs CCTV cameras on all roads, every nook and corner, women’s mobility will be curtailed. Women may not be able to work late at night or pursue education far away from home. But are CCTVs effective in minimising gender-based violence and making women “feel safe”? At best these cameras can help solve crime after it has been committed and may to some degree minimise crime by increasing the risk of detection for criminal behaviour. India, thus, urgently needs to expand the paradigm of safe cities, and place safe, accessible, and inclusive mobility front and centre. This is not just what the authors of this op-ed want, but what girls and women across India need and deserve. Women constantly make decisions about their commute and expect public transport systems to be affordable, reliable, frequent, comfortable, clean, and safe. Women’s mobility involves trip chaining, travelling with dependents or in off-peak hours, etc. Thus, safety is not the sole priority. Recognising this and leveraging Budget 2022-23, India should aspire to integrate gender equity – comprehensively address women’s needs – in urban planning, development, and governance. The above should be combined with digitalisation and the use of geo-spatial data to track, compare and represent longer-term developments - aspects that the budget already emphasises upon, and justifiably so. Use of mapping and geotagging to report incidents, and notify other women of unsafe areas will have a profound impact on women’s mobility. This would allow for the implementation of safe, accessible, and inclusive city initiatives in an agile, responsive fashion. Overall, unlocking Nari Shakti is not only about women being safe from harassment, but also about enabling their meaningful participation in shaping urban governance and development. Just as India is leading by example by enabling a woman finance minister to steer the country towards growth and sustainable development, all cities and states too should enable women to have a seat at the decision-making table. Women’s voices - needs and aspirations - would thus be heard, leading to the creation of gender-inclusive built environments accompanied by urban policies and budgets. Even as the Union Budget provides a fillip to urban planning, it is imperative that women plan with the city and not be planned for. Multi-level, multi-sectoral, and multi-stakeholder engagement will lead to sustained progress on gender equity. We need gender-sensitive transformative urban policies at all government levels with intersectional coalitions for implementing and closing the feedback loop. This should be supplemented through gender-disaggregated data collection, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes to assess impacts, gender-budgeting at the city level, and increased public awareness. As the budget lays the blueprint for India@2047, it is time to tap into the potential of Nari Shakti by ensuring that investments benefit them, and we realise the vision of a women-led Atmanirbhar Bharat. Aishwarya Raman is Director and Head of Research, Ola Mobility Institute (OMI). Aishwarya Agarwal is Research Associate, Accessibility and Inclusion, OMI. SEE ALSO <a class="tout-title-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/adani-wilmar-tvs-motor-bharti-airtel-irctc-and-other-hot-stocks-on-february-8/slidelist/89418927.cms">Adani Wilmar, TVS Motor, Bharti Airtel, IRCTC and other hot stocks on February 8</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/interview-indias-latest-software-unicorn-is-wetting-its-feet-in-america-after-holding-its-horses-for-seven-years/articleshow/89409491.cms">INTERVIEW: India’s latest software unicorn is wetting its feet in America after holding its horses for seven years</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/future-groups-kishore-biyani-mohandas-pai-and-68-others-invest-in-former-twitter-india-heads-latest-startup/articleshow/89403045.cms">Future Group’s Kishore Biyani, Mohandas Pai and 68 others invest in former Twitter India head’s latest startup</a>

OPINION: There’s more to making roads safer for women than just CCTV cameras

New Delhi, 'Aatmanirbharta' implying self-reliance has been named by <keyword id="46985" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Oxford">Oxford</keyword> Languages as its <keyword id="5985859" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindi-word">Hindi word</keyword> of the year 2020 as it "validated the day-to-day achievements of the countless Indians who dealt with and survived the perils of a pandemic". The word was chosen by an advisory panel of language experts Kritika Agrawal, Poonam Nigam Sahay and Imogen Foxell. The Oxford Hindi word of the year is a word or expression that is chosen to reflect the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the passing year, and have lasting potential as a term of cultural significance. In a statement, Oxford Languages said in the early months of the pandemic when <keyword id="6354814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-narendra-modi">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> announced India's COVID-19 recovery package, he emphasised the need to become self-reliant as a country, as an economy, as a society and as individuals, in a bid to navigate the perils of the pandemic. There was a massive increase in the usage of 'aatmanirbharta' following the prime minister's address, highlighting its increased prominence as a phrase and concept in the public lexicon of India, it said. One of the standout successes of the entire <keyword id="9210236" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aatmanirbhar-Bharat">Aatmanirbhar Bharat</keyword> campaign is the large-scale manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccine in India. During the Republic Day parade, the Department of Biotechnology highlighted the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign and showcased the COVID-19 vaccine development process in its tableau at Rajpath. "In an unprecedented year, 'aatmanirbharta' found resonance with a wide cross-section of people as it is seen to be an answer to the revival of a COVID-impacted economy," said Oxford University Press India managing director Sivaramarkrishnan Venkateswaran. Agrawal said amid a number of interesting and topical entries received, 'aatmanirbharta' stood out because it validated the day-to-day achievements of the countless Indians who dealt with and survived the perils of a pandemic. This word "gives a voice to the strength displayed by young and old alike in dealing with extended periods of isolation, lack of familial support, loss of livelihoods and other difficulties through sheer determination and self-reliance", she said. Previous Hindi words of the year are Aadhar (2017), Nari Shakti (2018) and Samvidhaan (2019). While the Hindi word of the year has great resonance for the year in which it was chosen, it doesn't mean that the word will automatically go into any Oxford dictionaries. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mukesh-ambani-ratan-tata-and-anand-mahindra-might-come-together-for-indias-new-national-hydrogen-mission/articleshow/80645570.cms">Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, and Anand Mahindra might come together for India’s new National Hydrogen Mission</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indigo-paints-shares-listed-at-2607-which-is-at-75-premium-to-the-set-price-band-at-1488-1490-per-share/articleshow/80643645.cms">India’s fifth-largest paint maker Indigo Paints IPO lists at 75% premium over the issue price</a>

'Aatmanirbharta' named Oxford Hindi word of 2020

Kota (Rajasthan), Apr 12 () Facing a surge in demand for face masks amid the outbreak of COVID-19, women self-help groups (SHGs) in Kota have supplied more than 51,000 masks to frontline workers and public alike in the last few weeks fetching them a handsome sum of money. Under the aegis of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY–NULM) and the Kota Municipal Corporation (KMC), 39 women SHG members have earned over Rs 5 lakh by dispatching 51,200 masks so far. They have received bumper orders for 62,000 more masks, officials said. DAY-NULM is a government scheme that aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. As per data available online on mask making by DAY-NULM SHGs till Friday, Kota district is at the top in the state with more than 50,000 masks with Jhunjhunu district in distant second with 10,000 masks followed by Dungarpur district with 9,000 masks. Impressed by the performance of the women SHGs in Kota, Director and Ex–officio Joint Secretary, Local Self Government, Ujjwal Rathore, had issued a letter on Thursday to commissioners/executive officers of all local bodies of the state directing them to get SHGs of DAY–NULM engaged in making masks in the wake of rising requirement for the same. At the centre of this record number of face masks is Dr Hemlata Gandhi, social development manager of DAY-NULM at KMC. "We never presumed that a small effort by a few members of SHGs would fetch them such big orders and revenue," Gandhi said. On March 18, a week before the nationwide lockdown was imposed, she uploaded a video on the SHG Whatsapp group - Nari Shakti - on a mask making competition. A small number of masks were made for the competition which were sold out very soon and more importantly provided good income in the hands of the SHG members, she said. Encouraged by the response, the SHG members expressed keen interest in making more such masks. Later on March 21, Gandhi uploaded another video of ready-made masks on a Facebook page and orders started flooding in within hours. Gandhi then sought guidelines for standards of face masks from the Health department and instructed the SHG members to tailor 18 X 8 cm, three-layered cotton masks but getting the necessary cloth and other materials for stitching the masks proved to be difficult. When Gandhi took up the issue with KMC Commissioner Vasudev Malawat, he took special efforts to procure the materials from a shop in Indira Market in the city. "Kota District Collector Om Kasera and Commissioner Vasudev Malawat extended huge support and cooperation to make it possible for SHGs to make the face masks even in the lockdown," Gandhi pointed out. "Currently, 39 women of 11 SHG groups of NULM are employed in making masks and they have made nearly 52,000 face masks out of which 51,200 masks that were ordered have been delivered generating an income of over Rs 5 lakh to them," she further said. A single piece of elastic stringed mask costs Rs 8 while a mask with thread string is priced at Rs 10. These SHG members, who were otherwise deprived of earning money from daily labour due to the lockdown, are now getting Rs 300-400 per day by making masks, the NULM manager said. The current demand is for 62,000 masks and they have been receiving orders from other districts also but unavailability of transportation during the lockdown is a hurdle in delivering the masks, Gandhi said. Amid the spread of COVID-19, special emphasis is being laid on social distancing while making the masks and each member of the SHG is making masks individually at their home and the prepared masks are collected at their home. With the success of selling face masks, the SHGs are now gearing up to stitch personal protective equipment (PPE) uniforms and full face masks for frontline medical staff. Besides, the women have been deployed in other creative online competitions at their respective homes that include 'making best out of waste' and gardening and videos on promoting sanitisation, personal hygiene, frequent hand washing have also been uploaded online, Gandhi said. CORR HDA

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