6 oil-free snacks you can pack for your office tiffin

In a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Mumbai's famed dabbawalas have suspended their tiffin courier services from March 20-31, an official spokesperson said here on Thursday. "Adhering to the directives of the state government to avoid spreading the coronavirus, we have decided to suspend our services from tomorrow (March 20) till March 31. We plan to resume operations from April 1," said <keyword id="513864" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai-dabbawalas">Mumbai Dabbawalas</keyword> Association spokesperson Subhas Talekar. There are around 5,000 dabbawalas who ferry over 2,00,000 lunch boxes to and from homes-offices to lakhs of office-goers and students in what has become a globally renowned efficient service. This is a rare voluntary suspension of service by the dabbawalas who work round-the-year ferrying tiffins around Mumbai, barring an annual 10-day pilgrimage break. Maharashtra has currently touched 49 COVID-19 positive cases in the state, plus one who succumbed to the viral disease this week.

Mumbai's dabbawalas suspend tiffin services as colleges and offices close down

We all look forward to those chatty office and college lunch breaks or even picnic sessions where you’re excited to have the delicious food. But what about the lunch box you’re carrying that food in? Is it good enough to keep the taste and aroma of the food intact? Does your lunchbox retain the crispness and juiciness of the salad and the fruit by the time you break for lunch? Certain factors are essential to be considered when picking the right lunch box for yourself. The right size, material and features like air tight or moisture-freeze are important to factor in while investing in the right lunch box set so you can carry as well as enjoy all your favourite delights while at work, college, or for that matter, at picnics or outings. Here are a couple of interesting lunch box sets for you which are great in quality, technology, looks, and much more. <bulletContentEmbed name="B01MR8MX69" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01MR8MX69_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Best Value" msid="78021754" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01MR8MX69</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01MR8MX69_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01MR8MX69_5121299865585221"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Milton Executive Lunch Box Set of 3, Orange</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This is an exclusive lunch box ideal for office-going people or college-going students. You can enjoy a wholesome meal even at your workplace as this brilliant lunch box will maintain the freshness and the quality of the food, keeping it hot, also preventing any kind of spillage or leakage. In this package, there are 3 containers, one is an oval plastic container and two round shaped stainless steel containers. This insulated tiffin box includes a washable softline jacket with a belt. A plastic spoon and a fork are also included. The airtight plastic lids prevent leakage from the boxes, so carry curries and other liquid food items without any worries. There’s a 1-year warranty only against any manufacturing defects on the product.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01MR8MX69_4936757525038046"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Insulated Tiffins With Airtight Spill Proof Lids</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07MXXW3RL" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07MXXW3RL_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Popular Choice" msid="78021826" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07MXXW3RL</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07MXXW3RL_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07MXXW3RL_7224643877793470"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Signoraware Best Steel Lunch Box, Blue (500 ml+350 ml+200 ml) | with Steel Tumbler 370 ml</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">From one of the most popular ranges in lunch boxes, this product is made with safe and approved food-grade material. 0.5 mm stainless steel is used to make the containers while the blue lids are made of virgin plastic with silicone seals. The containers look flawless with a mirror shine finish. Can easily be cleaned in a dishwasher and stored in a refrigerator. These airtight, leakproof &amp; crack proof containers retain the moisture of the food and the insulated packaging keep the food warm for very long. In this package, you get one 500 ml container, one 350 ml container, one 200 ml container, one 370 ml steel tumbler, and an insulated jacket to carry the containers.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07MXXW3RL_3923609307963952"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Compact &amp; Dishwasher Safe Steel Containers</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B075R6QX8Z" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B075R6QX8Z_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Editor&amp;#39;s Choice" msid="78021866" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B075R6QX8Z</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B075R6QX8Z_body"><bulletContentRow name="B075R6QX8Z_3724539348003943"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Borosil - ITSQ32RN24UEC Glass Universal Lunch Box Set of 4, (2pcs 320 ml sq. + 2pcs 240 ml Round) Microwave Safe Office Tiffin</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This elegant lunch box set has 4 containers made from non-porous stain-free Borosilicate glass and a washable blue coloured bag. 2 square containers are 320 ml each and the other 2 round containers are 240 ml each. All of these are microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher safe. The open and close lids of the containers ensure there’s no leakage of the food. You get a 1-year manufacturer warranty on the product.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B075R6QX8Z_2201522757303903"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Borosil Scratch-Resistant Glass Containers</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B01E8JXLTK" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01E8JXLTK_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Must Have" msid="79404751" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01E8JXLTK</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01E8JXLTK_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01E8JXLTK_8209591876753056"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Cello Max Fresh Click Steel Lunch Box Set, 4-Pieces, Blue</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This lunch box set by Cello comes in handy when there is a need to pack some food. Made from stainless steel, these are very sturdy and durable. They have unique silicone seal which is airtight and prevent any kind of food spilling. This set also comes with a lunch bag, a set of spoon and fork which makes it easy and convenient for you to carry lunch every day.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01E8JXLTK_7207258555384480"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Easy to use and clean.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B00NAS56S0" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B00NAS56S0_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Top Pick" msid="78021838" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B00NAS56S0</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B00NAS56S0_body"><bulletContentRow name="B00NAS56S0_3984032911423819"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Milton Meal Combi Plastic Lunch Box, Red</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This all-in-one lunch box is smartly designed to accommodate three 300 ml containers, one 400 ml tumbler and a spoon &amp; a knife in one beautiful carry bag. Created in a lovely red theme, all the spill-proof lids and the bag are in the same shade. The premium quality plastic used in the product is BPA free &amp; toxin-free, therefore absolutely safe for use. The containers and the tumbler are spacious enough to carry a good amount of food and beverages. These durable containers are microwave friendly and can be straight away taken from a fridge put into a microwave to heat the food. 1-year manufacturer warranty is available on this product.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B00NAS56S0_7968107151506201"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Microwave Safe Containers</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07FVS4J18" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07FVS4J18_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Also Consider" msid="78021906" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07FVS4J18</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07FVS4J18_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07FVS4J18_2665598334922499"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Kaiserhoff Round Glass Lunch Box Set, 400 ml, Set of 3, Clear</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 3-pc borosilicate glass containers set comes with a sturdy washable pouch, flexible enough to accommodate all your favourites. The three 400 ml containers are easily washable by hand or in a dishwasher, can be used in a microwave or an oven and also be easily stored in a fridge or a freezer. The containers are round in shape and have open and close lids to retain the freshness of the food. You get a 1-year warranty on the product.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07FVS4J18_4901820808162631"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Easycare Containers With A Flexible Pouch</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed>

Premium lunch boxes (tiffin box) in India

<ul><li>47-year-old Geeta Patil runs a homemade snacks business in Mumbai in partnership with her son, Vinit, and his friend, Darshil Savla. </li><li><keyword id="15957848" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="patil-kaki" source="Orion">Patil Kaki</keyword> received offers from four of the five sharks on <keyword id="11924074" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="shark-tank-india" source="Orion">Shark Tank India</keyword> S2 - <keyword id="246967" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vineeta-singh" source="Orion">Vineeta Singh</keyword>, <keyword id="824423" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="peyush-bansal" source="Orion">Peyush Bansal</keyword>, Anupam Mittal, and Aman Gupta. </li><li>Patil Kaki accepted the offer by Bansal and Mittal who invested ₹40 lakh for 4% equity. </li></ul>In its second season, Shark Tank India has seen all kinds of pitches but that of Patil Kaki, a homemade snacks business, sent four of the five judges into a bidding war. This six-year-old business that started in a 200 square feet kitchen in Mumbai is run by 47-year-old Geeta Patil with two 21-year-old partners – her son Vinit Patil, and his friend Darshil Savla. While Geeta Patil, who runs the eponymous business, has been making and selling snacks ever since her husband lost his job in 2016, it’s the younger partners who gave it a digital spin. Vineet Patil and Savla are college dropouts, who at one point, set up and ran a small IT services business. They set up <a href="https://patilkaki.com/">a website for Patil Kaki </a>helping scale up the business from 15-20 orders a day to around 3,000 orders monthly, as per <a href="https://www.thebetterindia.com/286270/mom-sells-authentic-maharashtrian-food-in-mumbai-pune-earns-crores/">reports</a>. Her chaklis, modaks, chivdas, puran poli, and even healthy snacks like makhanas which are now well-packaged well, branded, and available online – generated sales to the tune of ₹1 crore in the first five months of FY23 – as of August 2022 when the Shark Tank episodes were recorded. They hope to end the financial year with sales to the tune of ₹3 crore. “They are the emerging faces of New India. Even two years haven’t passed (since the young partners joined the business), they’ve helped you to make a business worth ₹3 crore,” commented shark and Shaadi.com’s founder Anupam Mittal after hearing their pitch on the show. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The bidding begins" comment="subhead2" text="The bidding begins">The bidding begins</cmsannotation> Patil Kaki’s products and business impressed the judges so much that the sharks were fighting for a piece of its pie. It culminated in a bidding war that saw the startup’s valuations more than double within a matter of minutes. Sugar Cosmetics CEO Vineeta Singh was the first to offer ₹40 lakh for 10% equity that valued Patil Kaki at ₹4 crore. Soon after, Aman Gupta, the co-founder of boAt, trumped it by doubling his offer — ₹40 lakh for 5% equity, valuing it at ₹8 crore. Lenskart’s co-founder Peyush Bansal and Shaadi.com’s founder Anupam Mittal then made an offer that Kaki couldn’t refuse — ₹40 lakh for 4% equity that valued it at ₹10 crore. Gupta too matched their offer and wanted to be a solo investor in the company but the Patil Kaki founders accepted the Bansal and Mittal’s joint offer. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Inspired by her ‘aai’" comment="subhead2" text="Inspired by her ‘aai’">Inspired by her ‘aai’</cmsannotation> Geeta Patil started selling homemade food after she was inspired by her own aai or mother who whipped up tiffins for 20 people every day, <a href="https://www.thebetterindia.com/286270/mom-sells-authentic-maharashtrian-food-in-mumbai-pune-earns-crores/">reports </a>The Better India. She had been making and selling food out of passion before 2016. But afterwards, she converted it into a proper business as she had to shoulder the responsibility of running the household. “I couldn’t afford to take it easy any longer. The first order came from a family in Khar. The best part is that even today, we get orders from them regularly,” shared Geeta with The Better India. Slowly, she started getting orders from offices too. However, it was the pandemic that pushed her to prepare and sell dry snacks too. “We started by serving breakfast at the BMC office. Impressed by our cooking, the employees got a letter from the ward office, allowing us to serve them at the office. However, when the lockdown started, the problems started again. That’s when I started with snacks like chakli, chivda, etc,” said Patil on the show. To cater to the growing business, the team took up a 1,200 sq ft space in Santacruz. Patil Kaki hired its first employee in 2019 and now has a team of <a href="https://patilkaki.com/about-us/">25 people</a>. It claims that 75% of its workforce consists of women who’re working for the first time. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Investors bite into snacks businesses" comment="subhead2" text="Investors bite into snacks businesses">Investors bite into snacks businesses</cmsannotation> Foodtech industry has been one of the fastest-growing businesses amongst startups. Even public market investors have taken a shine to two snacks companies that listed on the stock markets late last year. Both the companies – <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bikaji-stocks-why-investors-continue-to-snack-on-this-stock/articleshow/95757704.cms">Bikaji Foods</a> and Annapurna Swadisht raised ₹881 crore and ₹30 crore respectively via public offers. They also received strong investor response for the offers in the form of subscriptions, and also provided listing gains to their investors. Uniquely both these snack companies are skewed heavily towards Indian snacks. Bikaji, that’s endorsed by Amitabh Bacchan, is known for its namkeens like Bhujiya, Jalmuri and sweets like Kaju Katli and more. Kolkata-based Annapurna Swadisht is known for sweets like Gohona Bori in addition to chivdas, chips, and more. SEE MORE: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/glass-free-3d-oled-laptop-to-portable-laser-tv-heres-a-look-at-all-futuristic-imaging-and-display-tech-at-ces-2023/articleshow/96789252.cms">Glass-free 3D OLED laptop to portable laser TV: Here’s a look at all futuristic imaging and display tech at CES 2023</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/shark-tank-india-gear-head-motor-rides-high-secures-funding-from-aman-gupta-and-peyush-bansal/articleshow/96785906.cms">Shark Tank India: Gear Head Motor rides high, secures funding from Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal</a>

An aai and two college dropouts’ home snacks biz sends Shark Tank judges into a bidding war

<keyword id="6358070" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai">Mumbai</keyword>'s <keyword id="81633" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dabbawalas">dabbawalas</keyword> and staff of foreign consulates and high commissions have been allowed to travel in <keyword id="148020" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="local-trains">local trains</keyword> which are currently being run only for essential services staff, officials said on Wednesday. Dabbawalas, the famous lunch-box carriers in Mumbai, last month said there was never a six-month break in the "130 -year-old history of the tiffin services", and demanded access to local trains to resume their services in full capacity. Currently, in view of the <keyword id="8915632" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid-19-restrictions">COVID-19 restrictions</keyword>, only the dabbawalas who could reach the south Mumbai area on their cycles were able to deliver food to office-goers. They have now expressed happiness on being allowed to board local trains with effect from Tuesday. Sumit Thakur, chief public relations officer of the Western Railway, said based on the unlock guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government on September 30, they have allowed the dabbawalas to travel in local trains. "The staff of foreign consulates and high commissions have also been permitted to travel in local trains, as per the directives received from the Ministry of Railways," he said. Over 5,000 dabbawalas run the tiffin delivery business in the metropolis. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, they used to deliver over two lakh tiffins to office-goers on normal working days. They use suburban trains to ensure lunch boxes are delivered at the destination on time. Shivaji Sutar, chief public relations officer of the Central Railway, said QR-coded ID cards issued by the state government will be mandatory for them to travel in local trains, but dabbawalas have requested that they be allowed to travel on their identity cards. "If the Maharashtra government agrees to their demand, we will permit them to travel on their ID cards," he said. Subhash Talekar, spokesperson of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, expressed happiness on being allowed to travel in local trains. "Finally, after more than six months, we can resume our service," Talekar said, adding dabbawalas will now contact their customers and request them to resume the tiffin service. He was, however, skeptic about resumption of services in full capacity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Before the pandemic, every dabbawala had on an average 20 to 22 customers, but I doubt all customers will resume the service immediately as many people are still working from home," he said. Another issue is that many housing societies are still not allowing outsiders into the premises, he said. Talekar said the dabbawalas will start tiffin delivery even with four to five customers initially as they know it will take some time for things to normalise. "We are going to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols like wearing masks and gloves, using sanitisers and maintaining social distance and will also ensure our customers about it," he said. Most of the dabbawalas hail from Maval area of Pune in western Maharashtra. Following the enforcement of lockdown in March this year, many of them returned to their native places in Junnar, Ambegaon, Rajgurunagar, Maval, Haveli, Mulashi and other talukas in Pune district.

Mumbai's famous dabbawalas and consulates staff can now travel in local trains

<ul><li>Metal and mining magnate <keyword id="6354819" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anil-Agarwal" source="Orion">Anil Agarwal</keyword> has announced investments of ₹1.8 lakh crore in the past one week.</li><li>After building his fortune with metals, <keyword id="781" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="agarwal" source="Orion">Agarwal</keyword> is now turning his gaze to semiconductor chips, a key to the modern world’s lifestyle.</li><li>Here’s the story of a boy from Bihar who made it, knowing only two English words – “yes” and “no”.</li></ul> Metal and mining magnate Anil Agarwal is in the news yet again – this time around, it’s for announcing an investment of ₹1.54 lakh crore to set up a semiconductor chipset manufacturing plant in Gujarat, in partnership with Taiwan-based Foxconn. In the same breath, Agarwal also announced an investment of ₹25,000 crore in Odisha – a key investment for <keyword id="28423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vedanta" source="Orion">Vedanta</keyword> – topping up his initial investment of ₹80,000 crore in the coastal state. Clearly, money’s not in short supply for Agarwal, but it wasn’t always the case for the man who hails from Bihar and knew only two English words – “yes” and “no” – when he came to Mumbai in the 1970s. Over the past five decades and then some, Agarwal built a metal and mining empire and got the first Indian company listed on the London Stock Exchange – Vedanta. So how did a boy from Bihar who knew the two most basic English words go onto list his company in the heart of the English world? Here’s a peek into how. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="86453777" title="Girish Mathrubootham, the son of a retired bank officer who built a $13 billion company in just 10 years" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Starting small" comment="subhead" text="Starting small">Starting small</cmsannotation> Agarwal was a teenager when he joined his father’s business of aluminum conductors and scrap metal trading. Born in a marwadi family, taking up his family business might seem like such an obvious – yet stereotypical – thing to do. While his father’s business was not where he would make money, it would become a founding block of his future success. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="City of dreams calling" comment="subhead" text="City of dreams calling">City of dreams calling</cmsannotation> At 19, Agarwal left the comfort of his family home and Patna, leaving for the hustle of Bombay. It would take two more decades for the city that made him rich to be renamed to Mumbai, and a lot would change in Agarwal’s life in this time. Agarwal never went to a college, let alone a business school. But within a small time, he acquired his first company which was on the brink of bankruptcy. Unsurprisingly, it was a copper company named Shamsher Sterling Corporation. He cobbled up ₹16 lakh – a handsome amount for the 1970s – from his own savings, friends and family. Agarwal still ran his primary business of trading in scrap metal – for the next 10 years, he ran both side by side. In 1986, he created Sterlite Industries which would go on to become the largest producer of copper in India, but its beginnings were earnest and small. The company launched an IPO in 1988 to finance its polythene-insulated jelly filled copper telephone cables plant. Seven years later, Agarwal acquired an 83% stake in Madras Aluminium, a ‘sick’ company, for ₹55 crore. This would set the tone for Agarwal’s business strategies over the next few decades, wherein he would identify undervalued assets and turn them around into huge revenue streams. For instance, Agarwal acquired a mine in Tasmania for a paltry sum of $2.5 million and turned it into a $100 million annual revenue stream. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="91829090" title="Understanding Gautam Adani’s rise: a story on how to generate wealth via hope, equity and of course debt" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> He also acquired Hindustan Zinc, another PSU sold by the government as part of its divestment program, in 2002. At the time of acquisition, it was said that the company had a reserve for five years, and a manufacturing capacity of 1.5 lakh tonnes of zinc per annum. However, now the company is still operational and has expanded its capacity to 1 million tonnes. Agarwal<a href="https://www.bcg.com/publications/2014/anil-agarwal-simplicity-determination-vedanta-resources"> said</a> in an interview that the company has reserves for another 40 years. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="From an 8x9 feet rented office in Mumbai to London" comment="subhead" text="From an 8x9 feet rented office in Mumbai to London">From an 8x9 feet rented office in Mumbai to London</cmsannotation> When Agarwal arrived in Mumbai, all he had was a tiffin box and bedding. He shared a room with seven other people for ₹21. Agarwal rented out an 8x9 feet office to buy and sell scrap metal. Following decades of hard work, sharp business acumen and acquiring undervalued assets, it was time for Vedanta to go global. But what triggered Vedanta’s listing at the London Stock Exchange was Agarwal’s involvement with Harshad Mehta – in a bid to make a comeback, Mehta drove up the prices of three stocks – Agarwal’s Sterlite, and Videocon and BPL. “My wife, Kiran, thought I was crazy when I told her that we are moving to London overnight. She went to our daughter Priya’s school and asked them for a 6-month leave because she was sure we would be back by then,” Agarwal shared in a note. Agarwal reached the English shores and got Vedanta Resources listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in 2003, making him the first Indian to get a company listed on LSE. Over the next decade, Vedanta acquired several mines across Africa, Australia and other regions. After mining and metals, Agarwal turned his eye to oil and natural gas, announcing a $9 billion deal to acquire Cairn India, the country’s largest private sector oil producer. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The $20 billion mega-merger of 2012" comment="subhead" text="The $20 billion mega-merger of 2012">The $20 billion mega-merger of 2012</cmsannotation> In 2012, Vedanta Resources Plc announced a merger of its Indian firms – Sesa Goa, Sterlite, Vedanta Aluminium, and Madras Aluminium into a single entity named Sesa Sterlite. The merged entity, Sesa Sterlite, was valued at over $20 billion, making it the seventh largest global diversified natural resources major. At the time, Agarwal said it would result in a savings of ₹1,000 crore every year. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Taking Vedanta private" comment="subhead" text="Taking Vedanta private">Taking Vedanta private</cmsannotation> Getting Vedanta listed on the LSE was one of Agarwal’s dreams, but 15 years later, in 2018, the mining magnate delisted the company and took it private. The “why” of it is easy to understand – Vedanta was undervalued during the commodity slump of 2018, and a majority of the capital expenditure had already been made by then. Agarwal sensed an opportunity to take the company private at a lower price and reap the rewards during the next cyclical upswing of commodities. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Looking ahead" comment="subhead" text="Looking ahead">Looking ahead</cmsannotation> With the semiconductor chipset shortage hurting the electronics and automobile industry globally, and countries trying to reduce their dependence on China for this crucial piece of tech, Agarwal has shifted his focus with the ₹1.54 lakh crore investment announcement in Gujarat. Will it come to fruition or not is a story for another day, though. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/gautam-adani-just-1-billion-away-from-becoming-the-second-richest-person-in-the-world-as-per-bloomberg-index-report/articleshow/94242575.cms">Gautam Adani is $1 billion away from beating Jeff Bezos as the second richest person in the world</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/gautam-adani-a-story-on-how-to-generate-wealth-via-hope-fomo-and-of-course-debt/articleshow/91829090.cms">Understanding Gautam Adani’s rise: a story on how to generate wealth via hope, equity and of course debt</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/meet-girish-mathrubootham-founder-and-ceo-of-freshworks/articleshow/86453777.cms">Girish Mathrubootham, the son of a retired bank officer who built a $13 billion company in just 10 years</a>

Anil Agarwal – how a Bihar boy who knew only ‘yes’ and ‘no’ went onto list the first Indian company on London Stock Exchange

Mumbai, Jun 25 () Coronavirus has claimed the life of a 39-year-old 'dabbawala' (tiffin carrier) in Mumbai, the first from the fraternity to succumb to the infection, an officer-bearer said on Thursday. Talking to , president of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, Subhash Talekar, said that he died due to the infection at Nair Hospital on Wednesday evening. "He was a resident of Malad, where coronavirus positive cases have seen a sharp increase. He is survived by his wife and a five year-old son," he said. His wife has been quarantined now, Talekar said. Due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, the business of the city's dabbawalas has been severely impacted as they depend on lakhs of daily customers. "Since the last four months, dabbawalas have been facing financial problems as they do not have enough money to survive. I urge the state government to do something for this community," Talekar said. ZA NP NP

COVID-19 claims life of Mumbai dabbawala

<ul><li>The Maharashtra government allowed restaurants, bars, and hotels to open with restricted capacity. </li><li>However, under the <keyword id="6586390" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-guidelines">new guidelines</keyword>, schools and cinema halls shall remain closed. </li><li>Maharashtra is the worst COVDI-19 hit state in India with 2,60,789 active cases as of October 1. </li></ul>The Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra extended the COVID-19 lockdown till October 31 but has also resumed services across several sectors including hotels, restaurants and bars from October 5 with restricted capacity. Maharashtra is the worst COVDI-19 hit state in India with 2,60,789 active cases as of October 1. So far, over 36,000 people have succumbed to coronavirus in Maharashtra. Maharashtra Unlock 5.0: What’s open <ul><li>All the trains originating and ending the journey within the state will be restarted with immediate effect subject to health protocols for COVID-19, the latest guidelines said.</li><li>Hotels, food courts, restaurants and bars can operate from October 5 with capacity not exceeding 50% or as prescribed by local authorities. A separate Standard Operating Procedure will be issued by the tourism department for precautions to be taken while operating these establishments</li><li>All industrial and manufacturing units producing non- essential items will be allowed to operate in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).</li><li>The Railways will increase the frequency of local trains in the MMR. Local trains in Pune region will restart with protocols and procedures adopted in the MMR.</li><li>Dabbawalas of tiffin carriers in MMR will be allowed to travel by local trains after procuring QR code passes from the Mumbai police commissioner's office.</li><li>There shall be free movement of oxygen-carrying vehicles within and out of the state without any restrictions of time. </li></ul>Maharashtra Unlock 5.0: What’s prohibited <ul><li>Schools, colleges and other educational and coaching institutions will remain closed.</li><li>Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres in malls and market places, auditoriums, assembly halls will continue to remain closed.</li><li>Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious events and other large congregations will remain prohibited. </li><li>International Air travel of passengers to remain prohibited, except as permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. </li><li>Metro rails to remain closed. </li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/unlock-5-0-international-flights-to-remain-suspended-till-october-31/articleshow/78418862.cms">Unlock 5.0: International flights to remain suspended till October 31</a>

Maharashtra Unlock 5.0: Government opens restaurant and bars, but schools and cinema halls to remain closed

With the country gearing for gradual relaxations in the COVID-19 lockdown norms from June 8, <keyword id="9320146" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-goa-health-ministry">the Goa Health Ministry</keyword> has compiled a comprehensive list of dos and dont's, which spell out precautions that need to be taken in various aspects of life, including in public places, dealing with house-help or using public transport. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76116076" title="India records highest single-day spike of 8,380 coronavirus cases— death toll climbs to 5,164" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The handbook which has been prepared by <keyword id="9320147" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-goa-institute-of-public-administration">the Goa Institute of Public Administration</keyword> and Rural Development and <keyword id="9320148" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-department-of-preventive-and-social-medicine">the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine</keyword> of the state's top medical facility, <keyword id="9320145" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-goa-medical-college">the Goa Medical College</keyword>, also contains a set of precautionary guidelines for housing societies, educational institutions and government offices. The handbook advises, that domestic help should use hand sanitisers before entering and leaving homes. "If any refreshments or meals are to be served to them, the same may be given in a tiffin or appropriate container, to consume it at their home," the handbook states. "Watchmen and security guards may be instructed not to touch ID cards, letters, licenses, etc., while allowing people to enter the housing compounds; without wearing gloves," the guidelines says. Advising banks to relocate their cheque drop boxes outside the bank's interiors, the handbook also instructs tellers to "sanitise their hands frequently and preferably after every transaction". "Guards manning the ATMs should be provided with sanitisers and they should ask every customer to sanitise their hands every time they enter to make a transaction," the handbook specifies, adding that thermal guns should be used to check temperatures of employees and visitors in every workspace, run by both private and government agencies. In its guidelines related to precautions to be taken while using public transport, the handbook states that "vehicles should be sanitised or disinfected preferably after each trip, and certainly at the end of the day", adding that drivers and conductors should always wear masks and compel passengers to wear masks too. "Drivers, helper, conductors should wash their hands or take bath and wash their clothes at the end of the day and maintain proper hygiene," the handbook states. While urging private and government office heads to ensure the standard precautionary measures like availability of hand sanitiser, maintaining social distancing and ensuring basic hygiene, the handbook also states, that every office should create a task force or a vigilance team to supervise social distancing, cleanliness, while urging employers to arrange periodical psychological counselling for employees. "Every office should formulate a Resilience Plan, with details of helpline numbers, nearest hospitals, deep cleaning and sanitation schedules, proper seating arrangements and facilities to attend to the visiting public or clients," the handbook advises. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/data-of-coronavirus-patients-state-wise-in-india/articleshow/74669748.cms">Coronavirus cases in India state wise</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/topic/coronavirus">Coronavirus News and Updates</a>

Goa issues advisory for gradual relaxations in lockdown norms from June 8

Jute has always been the eco-friendlier choice when it comes to carry bags. Plastic is killing the planet, so why not do our bit and switch to something that will save it. Here’s some of the <keyword id="10147415" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-jute-bags">best jute bags</keyword> that you can use to carry you lunch to work. <bulletContentEmbed name="B01NAGVPP1" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01NAGVPP1_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Popular Pick" msid="78792740" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01NAGVPP1</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01NAGVPP1_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01NAGVPP1_8432097560279399"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">H&amp;B Jute bags for lunch for men</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Jute has always been the eco-friendlier choice when it comes to carry bags. Plastic is killing the planet, so why not do our bit and switch to something that will save it. Here’s some of the best jute bags that you can use to carry you lunch to work.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01NAGVPP1_5380257062170392"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Can be used for grocery shopping, is durable and resistant to dirt.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B079SYT3GZ" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B079SYT3GZ_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Top Pick" msid="78792753" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B079SYT3GZ</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B079SYT3GZ_body"><bulletContentRow name="B079SYT3GZ_3094816649578913"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Ecotara Premium Quality Eco Friendly Jute Lunch Bag for Men &amp; Women with Bottle Holder - Black</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bag, too, will easily hold 3 air-tight lunch boxes and a water bottle. It’s ideal for you to carry a full meal to work. It has a cutlery pouch to keep your forks, spoons and napkins, and the zipper will see that no dust or impurities enter the bag on your way to work. This high-quality jute bag is eco-friendly and long-lasting.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B079SYT3GZ_7233887391709162"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Attractive design, unisex, strong handles, and resilient.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B0744D22L4" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B0744D22L4_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Trending" msid="78792770" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B0744D22L4</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B0744D22L4_body"><bulletContentRow name="B0744D22L4_9932795345562176"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Foonty Daily Use Women Jute Lunch Bags(Combo of 2,Multicolour,fab-11)</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">With its sober colours and abstract design, this set of 2 jute bags is a steal. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a trendy and vibrant lunch bag that’s different from the dull and boring regular ones. It has a faux leather strap that is sturdy and firmly stitched to the bag. Made from premium quality jute, this bag is value for money.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B0744D22L4_3044509678051793"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Zipper closure, can be used for grocery shopping, and is easy to maintain</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07QHDQVBC" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07QHDQVBC_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Editor&amp;#39;s Pick" msid="78792790" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07QHDQVBC</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07QHDQVBC_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07QHDQVBC_6167205637302434"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Mist Yoga Print Jute Shopping Bag Eco-Friendly Bag</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">With cute little yoga prints on it similar to Warli art, this bag is a market favourite. It is strong, easy to clean, eco-friendly and made from high-quality jute. Use it to carry lunch to work or to go shopping for home essentials. It has a laminated waterproof interior that makes it even more convenient.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07QHDQVBC_4441127426729910"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Neat stitching, colourful design, durable, and has a zipper.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B0841PQMSR" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B0841PQMSR_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Recommended" msid="78792811" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B0841PQMSR</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B0841PQMSR_body"><bulletContentRow name="B0841PQMSR_1149397080911297"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">BUYRITE Lunch Box Jute Bag for Office for Men Women Lunch Bag &amp; School Kids Tiffin Bags with Zip &amp; Bottle Holder</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The elegant look and unisex design make this bag Amazon’s Choice. The premium jute fabric will not disintegrate or wear off. You can carry your lunch in it to work or college and be sure that the eco-friendly burlap fabric will keep your food fresh. It is extremely lightweight, the stitching is impeccable, and it will last you a long time.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B0841PQMSR_7392069618057136"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Minimalistic design, appealing look, strong handles, can carry up to 10kgs.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07FMGX9JL" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07FMGX9JL_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb> <div type="image" title="Most Adorable" msid="78792829" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07FMGX9JL</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07FMGX9JL_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07FMGX9JL_4584495117289493"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Hyena RSN Jute Tote Shoulder Bag for Women Red</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">With an adorable white bunny painted on this red jute bag, it is a lunch bag that kids can take to school or college, and adults can take to work too. It’s an attractive and smart alternative to plastic. The bag will hold around 3 medium sized lunch boxes and a water bottle. The zipper will ensure that no impurities enter the bag.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07FMGX9JL_9753754809578499"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Interiors are laminated to make it water resistant, has a small pouch inside, and has neat, close stitching.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed>

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Mumbai, May 20 () Mumbai's popular street snacks like 'bhel puri', 'paani puri' and 'vada pav', which used to be relished by people cutting across community and class barriers, have no takers now during the lockdown, throwing street food vendors and roadside stalls out of business. Till some time back, street food was a thriving business in Mumbai, but since the coronavirus outbreak, many vendors have returned to their native places while others are staring at an uncertain future. Kanhaiya, who ran a paani puri stall at Bhuleshwar in Zaveri Bazaar of south Mumbai, returned to his native village near Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh after his business dried up. "In mid-March, when some coronavirus cases were detected in the state and the government ordered closure of malls, swimming pools, gyms, I realised that I should leave for my native place. When malls are shut, what value will I have," he told over phone from his village. He is now busy working at his family farm land, growing wheat, sugarcane and paddy. Asked if he willcome back, Kanhaiya said, "Let's see how the situation unfolds. Even though I have a farm in the village and a house of my own, agriculture is unreliable. Never know what you have sown will remain, it depends on rain. At my shop in Mumbai, I could at least make some savings." He has been missing his stall at Bhuleshwar, which was the hub of wholesale and retail cloth, gold, diamond, steel, plastic and readymade garments. Taxi drivers and low wage workers frequently visited the area, where 'puri bhaji', 'bhel puri', 'vada pav' and 'dosa' were available at prices ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 200. Three khau gullies in Bhuleshwar, streets near the Churchgate station, Flora Fountain in Fort, Bombay Stock Exchange and other areas in south Mumbai used to be packed with food stalls and canteens selling snacks at cheap prices on normal days, but now these areas wear a deserted look. Pappu Singh, another 'paani puri' vendor from Vile Parle area, also left for his native village Khedlakhurd in Dausa district of Rajasthan amid the lockdown. "I used to earn Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 every month and lived at a rented room in Vile Parle with my sons. I came back when business started suffering," he told over phone. "I am penniless since the last two months. There is no water or work in my village. I have been surviving on roti- mirchi (flat bread and chilly)," he said. "There is nothing in my farm. I will sow bajra (pearl millet) if there is good rain. I am waiting for the situation to normalise so that I can resume work," he added. His son Narender singh, who works at a 'bhel puri' shop in Vile Parle, however, did not leave Mumbai as he felt the lockdown will not prolong. "I and seven workers are staying at the 'bhel puri' shop and we are getting food. The owner hails from our village," Narender said. His employer Sandeep Sharma, owner of the 'Sharma Bhelpuri' outlet in Vile Parle, said his business is affected by this unprecedented crisis. "My 16 employees were mostly from my native place in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Some from UP have left and those who stayed back are living in my shop and godown. They are my family, so it is my duty to look after them in such harsh times," Sharma said. He also feels it is time to reinvent the business model once the COVID-19 crisis ends. "We are thinking of starting 'sev puri' and 'paani puri' takeaways and supply our 'chutneys' hygienically packed to general stores which are open," Sharma said. "Business is anyways low during monsoon. I don't think people will prefer eating'bhel puri' and 'paani puri' when normalcy returns. They will be scared to eat outside and would rather spend on more important things in life," he added. Santosh Sawant, a 'vada pav' stall owner in suburban Santacruz, said business owners like him are now confused about their future. "When my business shut two months ago, I looked after my staff members who were staying in two rooms that I own. I gave them moneyand food. But, on May 15, they left for their native places without informing me. They were my employees for last 15 to 20 years and I can't start my business again without them," he said. But, Sawant is hopeful that his employees will return as he used to acknowledge their hard work. "My focus has always been on quality food and my customers know it. I am sure when things normalise, my business will resume. But I am working on how to take it forward. I am thinking of taking home delivery orders right now," he said. Sagar, whose mother used to supply tiffins to staff at the Vidhan Bhavan, secretariat and the Shipping Corporation of India in south Mumbai, said his business was already down after his father died last year and mother became ill. Since the lockdown, their tiffin service has completely shut down. Sagar said his mother used to sit on the footpath opposite the secretariat in the afternoon to get more customers who would stop by for a quick lunch of Malvani food. "Since our business closed, I even tried taking up other jobs, but didn't have much luck after everything came to a standstill due to the lockdown," he said. Franchise broker Pravin Jagtap said nearly five lakh people worked in the micro-business sector of fast food and takeaway joints, which has been badly hit by the lockdown. A lot of youngsters had joined the business before the COVID-19 crisis took it all away. "Those who have paid the one-time franchise fees and have taken loan will not be able to pay the shop rent and bank dues due to business losses. After the situation normalises, these shops will have to be careful about health and hygiene issues to get customers back," he said. Rents will also be unaffordable in future and prices will go up due to inflation, he claimed. "Mumbaikars have already forgotten the habit of eating out," Jagtap said. Writer and culinary expert Ajit Joshi said," The street food of Mumbai, that found a place in Bollywood films, international documentariesand food shows, is going to be missed." A large number of office-goers used to depend on the street food, he added. MR GK GK

Mumbai's street food business in jeopardy due to lockdown

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/582df9f7dd08955e6d8b4a54-1332/people eating lunch in bryant park.jpg" alt="People Eating Lunch in Bryant Park" data-mce-source="Miljan Mladenovic / Shutterstock" data-link="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-160127117/stock-photo-new-york-september-24th-people-enjoying-a-nice-day-in-bryant-park-on-september-24th-2013-in-new-york-city-ny-bryant-park-is-a-9603-acre-privately-managed-park-in-the-center-of-manha.html?src=6WNHUag0NngwiMDmRviJqg-2-86" /><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-160127117/stock-photo-new-york-september-24th-people-enjoying-a-nice-day-in-bryant-park-on-september-24th-2013-in-new-york-city-ny-bryant-park-is-a-9603-acre-privately-managed-park-in-the-center-of-manha.html?src=6WNHUag0NngwiMDmRviJqg-2-86">Miljan Mladenovic / Shutterstock</a></div></div></div>The <keyword id="79969" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="insider">INSIDER</keyword> Summary:• Lunch customs differ around the world. • American office workers are known for the "sad desk lunch." • Most Europeans go out for a large, sit-down meal, and the Japanese enjoy ramen. <hr /> In the US, it's common to spend your lunch hour hunched over a salad or sandwich at your desk.But that's not the case around the world.How office workers spend their lunch hour varies greatly from country to country.Keep scrolling to see what lunch looks like in 7 places across the globe.Singapore<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57f69f65dd089504368b4ad5-1329/alexandra village hawker center singapore.jpg" alt="Alexandra Village Hawker Center Singapore" data-mce-source="Tiberiu Ana / Flickr" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/txberiu/7144522029/" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/txberiu/7144522029/">Tiberiu Ana / Flickr</a></div></div></div>Hawker centers, which are comparable to food courts in the US, are packed with food stalls selling relatively inexpensive local cuisine like dumplings, chicken and rice, and noodle dishes.During lunch hour, the centers are packed with businessmen looking somewhat out of place perched on tiny stools in their slacks and button downs.America<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/582df9f7dd08955e6d8b4a55-1500/woman eating salad at desk with laptop.jpg" alt="Woman Eating Salad at Desk with Laptop" data-mce-source="Jo Guldi / Flickr" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/landschaft/113524107/" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/landschaft/113524107/">Jo Guldi / Flickr</a></div></div></div>Many Americans treat lunch as a necessity instead of an actual break from the work day. Many office workers will either bring food or buy something quick like a salad or a sandwich, and then eat it at their desk while they continue to work.Unless you're taking a client out, drinking alcohol during lunch is a no no. Weekday lunch in the US isn't as much of a social event as it is in other countries around the world.Brazil<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/582df9f7dd08955e6d8b4a56-933/lunch rio de janeiro.jpg" alt="Lunch Rio de Janeiro" data-mce-source="Clayton Shonkwiler / Flickr" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shonk/3891530702/" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shonk/3891530702/">Clayton Shonkwiler / Flickr</a></div></div></div><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/06/lunches-around-the-world-summer-food-special">Restaurantes À quilo</a> are common lunch spots in Rio de Janeiro. These restaurants feature giant buffets that charge diners by the weight of their plate.Most of the food offered at these buffets is typical in Brazil: rice, meats, black beans, and plenty of sides that range from vegetables to French fries.Germany<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/582df9f7dd08955e6d8b4a57-1333/german lunch sausage and potato salad.jpg" alt="German Lunch Sausage and Potato Salad" data-mce-source="Leonid Mamchenkov / Flickr" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mamchenkov/4098878813/" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mamchenkov/4098878813/">Leonid Mamchenkov / Flickr</a></div></div></div>Lunch hour in Germany often involves some serious eating. Germans like to take a "Mittagspause" (midday break) and enjoy a full, sit-down meal with their colleagues at a restaurant.It's not uncommon for Germans to eat their main meal at lunch - think sausages, potato salad, schnitzel, fries, etc. - and then have something lighter for dinner. It's also completely acceptable to have a beer.India <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/582df9f7dd08955e6d8b4a58-1066/tiffin wallah.jpg" alt="Tiffin Wallah" data-mce-source="Steve Evans / Wikimedia Commons" data-link="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mumbai_Dabbawala_or_Tiffin_Wallahs-_200,000_Tiffin_Boxes_Delivered_Per_Day.jpg" /><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mumbai_Dabbawala_or_Tiffin_Wallahs-_200,000_Tiffin_Boxes_Delivered_Per_Day.jpg">Steve Evans / Wikimedia Commons</a></div></div></div>In India, the concept of food delivery is one that's steeped in history. According to <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/08/28/159982983/in-india-100-year-old-lunch-delivery-service-goes-modern">NPR</a>, every day, about 200,000 hot lunches are hand-delivered to office workers across the city of Mumbai by approximately 5,000 deliverymen. The deliverymen are known as dabba wallahs, and the delivery service as tiffin wallah - tiffin refers to the metal containers that the food is delivered in.The network of dabbah wallahs is complex but efficient, with multiple handoffs between couriers. It's a marvel that the food manages to make it to its rightful owner.Until now, the food being delivered has been local dishes cooked in home kitchens. That's changing though; prices are going up and food is becoming more modern. However, the method of delivery remains the same.Japan<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/582df9f7dd08955e6d8b4a59-1314/cooking and eating ramen sapporo japan.jpg" alt="Cooking and eating Ramen Sapporo Japan" data-mce-source="Vassamon Anansukkasem / Shutterstock" data-link="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-492414025/stock-photo-sapporo-japan-aug-6-2016-an-unidentified-man-cooks-ramen-to-serve-to-his-customers.html?src=GRVD0HNPK4rOGNB34iciDA-3-68" /><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-492414025/stock-photo-sapporo-japan-aug-6-2016-an-unidentified-man-cooks-ramen-to-serve-to-his-customers.html?src=GRVD0HNPK4rOGNB34iciDA-3-68">Vassamon Anansukkasem / Shutterstock</a></div></div></div>You'll find plenty of ramen shops tucked into back alleys and side streets all over Japan. Some of the best shops are tiny holes-in-the-wall that attract all kinds of people looking for a quick, warm meal.During lunch, businessmen often fill the shops' counters, which allows them to sit directly in front of the chef who's making their ramen, in turn providing a more interactive solo dining experience.Spain<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/582df9f7dd08955e6d8b4a5a-911/paella.jpg" alt="Paella" data-mce-source="Javier Lastras / Flickr" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jlastras/3495550630/" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jlastras/3495550630/">Javier Lastras / Flickr</a></div></div></div>The Spanish refer to their midday meal as "la comida." Like in Germany, this meal is often the largest of the day. La comida consists of multiple courses, and is served between 2pm and 4pm.The meal usually starts with something light like a soup or salad, which is then followed by a meat or fish course (like the paella or seafood stew picture above), and ends with a dessert that can be anything from fruit to a traditional pastry. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/a-tower-of-custard-is-piped-into-this-thai-dessert-2016-11">A tower of custard is piped into this Thai dessert</a></h3> <div> <div> <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="l1dmRuNzE6m65cw5gxG_5if8L2R37b5x" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> <script> if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; } RunFunctions.push(function() { var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'l1dmRuNzE6m65cw5gxG_5if8L2R37b5x',{ autoplay: 'false' }); }); </script> <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div> </div> <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script> </div>

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<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/56098147.cms" /> Since demonetisation announcement, the government has made umpteen number of changes in the norms of depositing and withdrawal of old notes and new currencies, respectively. The latest rule on depositing only Rs 5,000 in banks has not only irritated the customers but also the customers and it has sparked chaos across the country. 
 
The bankers have been forced to turn into inquisitors, record statements and demand explanations from customers, asking them for a ‘satisfactory’ reply for depositing old notes now. Bank officials are vexed and tired because of the increasing demands that are being dumped upon on them. 
 According to the recent circular issued by <keyword id="30067" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI">RBI</keyword>, customers depositing more than Rs 5,000 have to explain to two bank officials why they waited so long to credit the old notes. The money can only be accepted after a satisfactory explanation. 
 
"Bankers have become the soft target in this entire demonetisation exercise. It is not the job of bankers to identify tax evaders... Most banks have reproduced the circular issued by RBI to branches and left it to the branch managers to interpret what 'satisfactory' means," a Mumbai bank branch manager told ET. 
 
The executive also said that banks are holding internal meetings to discuss the definition of "satisfactory". Banks also rushed to shut about 30,000 cash deposit machines (CDMs) overnight to prevent any money being sneaked into accounts through that route and they will stay shut till the end of this month. 
 
Many people who haven’t deposited old notes yet were waiting for long queues to end. But, they are now facing hardships. 
 "I was waiting for the queues to thin out and didn't deposit my Rs 37,000 in old notes. Besides, the <keyword id="6355261" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-minister">finance minister</keyword> had also said there was ample time, but now the government says that I have to explain why I didn't deposit the money," <keyword id="3981936" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="varsha-gaonkar">Varsha Gaonkar</keyword>, a fashion designer in suburban Mumbai, told ET. 
 The change was effected after more than 80% of the money that ceased to be legal tender got deposited. <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance">Finance</keyword> Minister <keyword id="42575" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitley">Arun Jaitley</keyword> said the money should be deposited on one go as repeated visits raised suspicions. 
 
The explanation by the customer has to be recorded so that there will be an audit trail, the RBI has said. Some banks are making audio recordings besides seeking explanations in writing. 
 "I just deposited Rs 17,000 in my account and was questioned by the branch manager as to how I got the money and why I didn't come to the bank earlier -this is unnecessary harassment," <keyword id="1359405" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Laxman-Kale">Laxman Kale</keyword>, who works as a dabbawala delivering tiffins in Mumbai, told ET. 
 
Banks have been left to deal with the latest course correction. 
 
"Queues have increased since today (Tuesday) morning and we haven't got any direction from our head office on implementation of the new circular. We just know that we have to question customers on their source of deposits," a branch manager of a private bank in south Mumbai, told ET. 
 
The move has made bankers worried. They were already over burdened with work and now they have to make judgement calls and are concerned the wrong decision may land them in trouble later. The most common response bankers have got for deposits above Rs 5,000 is that customers were out of town or unwell. 
 
"However, we cannot ask them for a medical certificate or travel tickets as proof," one, distressed at the government putting onus on staff to identify suspicious customers, told ET. 
 Others such as <keyword id="6357149" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="HDFC-bank">HDFC Bank</keyword> are asking customers to fill a form answering questions such as why the money wasn't deposited earlier and querying the source of funds. 
 
"HDFC Bank is clearly crossing the line by asking customers source of fund, which is really not their jurisdiction. The RBI circular on deposits says that a bank can accept deposits on receiving a satisfactory explanation but it does not talk about the source of funds,” a customer told ET. 
 
Ray Dsouza, who works at an IT company in Pune, doesn't need to give any explanations - she just has Rs 12,000 to deposit, which is why she didn't rush to do so. Still, she said, "I wish the government would stick to its word and not change course every single week."

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