First India-Mumbai Edition-2nd February 2023

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & MUMBAI

Top TWEETS

Narendra Modi

@narendramodi

This Union Budget 2023 will fulfil the dreams of an aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, and farmers.

I congratulate Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and his team for this historic budget. The first budget of “Amrit Kaal” will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. It gives priority to the deprived.

Amit Shah

@AmitShah

The budget-2023 brought by the Modi government is a budget that lays a strong foundation of Amritkal.

I am sure that this allinclusive and visionary budget will give further impetus to the resolve of the Modi government for a self-reliant India, taking every section along. Congratulations to @narendramodi and @nsitharaman for this.

#AmritKaalBudget

Rahul Gandhi

@RahulGandhi

‘Mitr Kaal’ Budget has: NO vision to create Jobs, NO plan to tackle Mehngai, NO intent to stem Inequality, 1% richest own 40% wealth, 50% poorest pay 64% of GST, 42% youth are unemployed- yet, PM doesn’t Care! This Budget proves Govt has NO roadmap to build India’s future.

www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/mumbai I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

1ST BUDGET OF ‘AMRIT KAAL’: NATION FIRST, CITIZEN FIRST

Last full Union Budget before 2024 Lok Sabha elections ticks all boxes

Moni Sharma

The “first Budget of Amrit Kaal”, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called her fifth budget in a row on Wednesday. This was the Narendra Modi government’s last full budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha elec tion and came ahead of polls in nine states this year. Keeping that in mind, it ticked off as many boxes as it could without de railing government finances and had something for everybody -- from industry to the middle classes, farmers and various social groups that the BJP would like to keep on its side as the countdown for the

‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ BUDGET!

The govt has simplified the slabs in the new tax regime. There will be no tax on income on up to `7 lakh a year -- up from `5 lakh.

For the railways, the minister announced an outlay of `2.4 lakh crore — the highest in almost a decade and four times the last year’s budget.

The PAN will be used as a common identifier for all digital systems of

First budget of Amrit Kaal....the world has recognised India as a bright star. Economic growth for the current year (2022-23) is estimated at 7 per cent... is the highest among all major economies.

—Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister

MAJOR TAKEWAYS

specified govt agencies.

The KYC process will be simplified and a one-stop update of identity will be established through Digilocker service and Aadhaar.

The government will spend a record `10 lakh crore on longer term capital expenditure.

In another populist measure, the agricultural credit target has

A SPOILSPORT AFTER BUDGET...

now been increased to `20 lakh crore.

Allocation for Prime Minister Awas Yojna increased by 66 per cent to over `79,000 crore.

The government has promised 50 new airports and helipads.

To settle commercial disputes, the government will bring another dispute resolution scheme.

ADANI ENTERPRISES CALLS OFF `20,000 CRORE FPO

The interest of the investors is paramount and hence to insulate them from any potential financial losses, Board has decided not to go ahead with FPO: Adani

First India Bureau

Mumbai: On Wednesday, tremendous, ambitious and popular budget was presented by Union Finance Minister, on the same day there was a huge chaos in the stock market. Billionaire Gautam Adani-led group’s firm Adani Enterprises decided to scrap its follow-on public offer (FPO), a day after it was fully subscribed.

`20,000 crore FPO was fully subscribed a day ago as investors pumped funds into the flagship firm. Adani Group said that it has decided not to

proceed with FPO in the interest of its subscribers. “Given the unprecedented situation and the current market volatility the company aims to protect the interest of

Thanking the investors for their support and commitment to the FPO, given the unprecedented market movement, the board of directors of company felt that going ahead with FPO will not be “morally correct”.

—Gautam Adani, Chairman Adani Group

ADANI LOSES ASIA’S RICHEST PERSON TITLE, DROPS TO 15 ON WORLD LIST

Gautam Adani lost his title as Asia’s richest person on Wednesday. Stock losses saw Adani slip to 15th on the Forbes rich list with an estimated net worth of $76.8 billion.

its investing community by returning the FPO proceeds and withdraws the completed transaction,” Adani Group said. Stating that his group balance sheet is very

healthy with strong cash flows and secure assets, Adani said that decision will not have any impact on their existing operations and future plans.

The government is targeting 5 MT of Green Hydrogen production by the year 2030. Budget provides for Rs 35,000 crore for priority capital investment towards energy transition and net zero objectives.

The fiscal deficit target of 6.4 per cent will be retained in the revised estimate for the current fiscal. For next fiscal 2023-2024, it will be cut down to 5.9% of the GDP.

6th FinMin to present Budget 5 times in a row; Sitha’s shortest speech at 87 mins F inMin Nirmala Sitharaman is 6th minister in independent India to present 5 consecutive budget, joining a select league of legends likes of Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. She wrapped her 2023 speech in under 90 minutes.

CM SHINDE CONGRATULATES PM, SITHARAMAN ON BUDGET 2023-24

Urges Maharashtra

Opposition parties to welcome provisions made for farmers and the underprivileged

First India Bureau Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed the Union Budget 2023-24 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sitharaman on it. Speaking to the media here, Shinde said, “The overall development of the country and the state will be boosted by this Budget. I heartily congratulate PM Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for this.”

BUDGET CONSIDERS WOMEN, YOUTH, TRIBAL COMMUNITIES,

FARMERS: DY CM Mumbai (PTI): Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the Union Budget has taken the interests of all sections of society, including farmers, tribal communities, women, youth and the middle class into consideration. Talking to reporters here, Fadnavis, who is also the state Finance Minister, termed the budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as “Sarva Jan Hitai” (benefitting everyone), adding it caters to all segments and sectors. The budget will help the middle and lower middle class to fulfil their aspirations, he said. Terming the allocation of Rs10 lakh crore in infrastructure as unprecedented, he said it will help boost infrastructure growth.

Calling it a comprehensive Budget, CM Shinde said it “gives justice to all sections of the society such as farmers, workers, women and youth” and added that it has provisions for the underprivileged, the middle class, and boosts industries and infra -

structure. After opposition parties criticized the Budget on several fronts, Shinde came to its defence: “This is the annual Budget and the opposition parties should welcome it. A huge amount of the total budget has been allocated to the Rail -

ways. Since 2013, the budget for railways has increased by nine times till date.” Farmers have been considered as the focal point and several provisions have been made for them. There is no factor that will be deprived in this Budget, he added.

Eknath Shinde —FILE PHOTO

‘SEVEN

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2023-24 to the President, Droupadi Murmu, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Illustration by: Uttkarsha Shekhar

On Wednesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made as many as five personal income tax-related announcements, in what was her fifth consecutive budget speech. No announcement on income tax was made in last year’s budget. This was the last full budget of the Narendra Modi government before next year’s parliamentary elections, slated for April-May 2024

Infusing new energy to India’s growth!

`

‘PLEASE ALL’ BUDGET! TAX

l Banking Laws to be amended

l Support for digital public infrastructure will continue

l Std deduction to

`52,500 for income

to `15.5 lakh to more

l Over 100 Joint Commisioners to dispose small Tax disputes

l New TAX regime to be implemented

Personal tax rebate hiked, slabs cut

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has increased the rebate limit for individual taxpayers from `5 lakh to `7 lakh a year.

“..Currently, those with income up to `5 lakh do not pay any income tax in both old and new tax regimes. I propose to increase the rebate limit to `7 lakh in the new tax regime. Thus, persons in the new tax regime, with income up to `7 lakh will not have to pay any tax,” Ms Sitharaman said while presenting Budget 2023 in parliament today. She also announced new tax slabs and scrapped the old twin-structure system that was unboxed in 2020, which taxed citizens under 25 per cent without exemptions and 30 per cent with exemptions allowed.

New Tax Regime to be Default Regime: The new

l One stop solution for reconciliation and updation of identity and address of individuals to be established using DigiLocker service and Aadhaar as foundational identity

l

l Setting up a single window IT system for registration and approval from IFSCA,

tax regime will now be the default tax regime, but citizens can still avail of benefits under the old tax regime on an opt-out basis.

Rebate Increased: The finance minister has pro-

posed in the Budget to increase the tax rebate. Therefore, the income rebate limit has now been increased to `7 lakh from `5 lakh in the new tax regime.

Faster Processing of

Strong foundation for building developed India, says PM Modi

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the “first budget of Amrit Kaal” and said that it would lay a strong foundation for building a developed India.

The Prime Minister said that the budget gives priority to the deprived and will fulfill the dreams of the aspirational society, the farmers and middle class. “The first budget of Amrit Kaal will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. It gives priority to the deprived. This budget will fulfil the dreams of an aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, and farmers. I congratulate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address, after tabling of the Union Budget 2023-24, via video conferencing on Wednesday.

Nirmala Sitharaman and his team for this historic budget,” PM Narendra Modi said in a televised address.

VISHVAKARMA KAUSHAL SAMMAN

Noting that PM Vishvakarma

Kaushal Samman will bring a huge change in the lives of ‘Vishvakarmas’, the Prime Minister said that for the first time schemes relating to their support has been incorporated into the budget.

STEPS TAKEN FOR WOMEN

IN RURAL, URBAN EASY: PM

The govt has taken several steps to make the lives of women, in rural and urban areas, easy. Women’s self-help groups will further enhance them. Special savings scheme will be started empowering women in households, said PM Modi. “This year’s Budget infuses new energy to India’s devp trajectory”, he added.

Tax Returns: The average processing time for income tax returns has been reduced from 93 days to 16 days.

Common IT Return Forms: The government

SIMPLIFIED INCOME TAX REGIME FOR PEOPLE

z The collection through personal income tax is estimated at ₹`8.15 lakh crore for fiscal year 2022-23 and are projected to rise by 10.4% next year and reach `9 lakh crore

z The fiscal deficit target of 6.4% will be retained in the revised estimate for the current fiscal. For the next fiscal 2023-2024, it will be cut down to 5.9% of the GDP

z A system of ‘Unified Filing Process’ will be set-up to streamline the current process of duplication for multiple departments for ease of business

seeks to roll out next-gen common Income Tax Return forms and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms for taxpayers to help them resolve issues of income tax payments.

The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visionary leadership. It is a budget to empower poor farmers, tribals, Dalits, backward, deprived, economically backward and middle class... Emphasis is on middle class earnings and the well-being of the elderly.

Jagat

Prakash Nadda, BJP National President

The Union Budget for the Financial Year 202324 envisages a total outlay of Rs. 45,03,097 Crore. Of this, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total Budget of Rs 5,93,537.64 Crore, which is 13.18 % of the total GoI Budget. The best budget for India’s growth in ‘Amrit Kaal’. Rajnath Singh, Union Defence Minister

INDIRECT TAXES DIRECT TAXES

l Tax exemption on Capital Goods and lithium Batteries for Electric vehicles

l GST EXEMPTION ON BLENDED CNG

l Custom Duty reduced from 21% to 13%

l MOBILES CAMERAS LENSES TO GET CHEAPER

l Gold Silver Diamonds to get expensive

l CLOTHES TO BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE

l Customs duty on parts of open cells of TV panels cut

l MSME with turnover upto 2cr and 50 lakhs can avail presumptive taxation

l TAX RELIEF TO 3.7 LAKHS FOR CUSTOMERS WHOSE CASH RECEIPTS IS 5%

l New IT return form for easing Filing returns

l HIGHER TDS LIMIT OF 3CR FOR COOPERATIVES

l Lower Taxes on Higher Digital Payments

l 100 JOINT COMMISIONER TO DISPOSE SMALL TAX DISPUTES

l TDS cut on EPF withdrawal

Key announcements such as setting up the National Financial Information Registry, establishing a Central Data Processing Centre, targeting fiscal deficit to be below 4.5% by 2025-26, etc. are all indicative of the Govt’s commitment towards taking the country to newer heights.

Manish Gupta, ICSI President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Minister Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Narendra Singh Tomar and others lend ears to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she presents the Union Budget 2023-24 on 2nd day of Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In a relief to taxpayers, the FM proposed to change tax structure in new personal income tax regime

TAXATION

Chief Economic Adviser Venkatramanan Anantha Nageswaran interacts with Finance Secretary TV Somanathan and share a lighter moment after FinMin’s Budget Speech of 2023 at the Parliament House in New Delhi on Wednesday.

UNION BUDGET 2023-24

HEALTH&EDU

The Union Budget 2023 has allocated a whopping `88,956 crore to health expenditure, a `2,350 crore hike of 2.71% from `86,606 crore in FY23. Dwelling on the subject of Pharma Innovation, Government will encourage industry to invest in R&D through centers of excellence. National Digital Library for Children and Adolescents will be set-up for facilitating availability of quality books across the nation

A booster dose for Youth, Women & Sports

150% HIKE in outlay of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

l In a major boost to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), the Centre on Wednesday announced a 150-per cent hike in the outlay of its flagship scheme with an allocation of `5,000 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24.

l However, there has been a nine-per cent decrease, with an allocation of `2,132 crore, for the construction of non-residential office buildings, including the Central Vista project, Parliament and Supreme Court, as compared to the revised estimates of `2,344.08 crore in the last fiscal.

KEEPING A KEEN EYE

Union Budget brings cheers to the automobile industry as it will positively give push to sales

The budget has laid special emphasis on the Vehicle Scrappage Policy which will not only boost the sales but will also enable in achieving clean and green environment for overall sustainable development.

Venkatram Mamillapalle, Renault India CEO & MD

50% RISE

in National Ayush Mission

SKILL DEVP FOR ‘AMRIT

z Setting Up Of Unity

Malls In State Capitals , For promotion and sale of ODOPs (One District, One Product), GI and handicraft products

z Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 will be launched to skill lakhs of youth within the next 3 years

z The scheme will also cover new age courses for Industry 4.0 like coding, AI, robotics, IOT, 3D printing, drones, and soft skills

30 SKILL

India International Centres will be set up across different states to skill youth for international opportunities

47 LAKH youth to get stipend support in three years through direct benefit transfer under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

PEEDHI’

To give impetus to the youth and help the ‘Amrit Peedhi’ realise their dreams, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the government has formulated the National Education Policy, focused on skilling, adopted economic policies that facilitate job creation at scale and support business opportunities.

157 nursing colleges to be set up

The Centre will recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff for 740 EkLavya Schools serving 3.5L tribal students

During the delivery of the Union Budget 2023 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the govt will establish 157 new nursing colleges, while talking about budget allocation in the sector of health and education. “157 new nursing colleges will be established in co-locations with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014,” she added.

The Finance Minister also said, “Facilities in select Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) labs will be made available for research by public and private medical colleges.” She has also made the announcement of a new research scheme for research in the Pharma sector.

FM has given a massive push to millets, the coarse grain already being recom-

EDUCATION MINISTRY GETS `1.12 LAKH CRORE, HIGHEST EVER ALLOCATION

mended by doctors as having the capability of reducing the burden of diabetes in a country. This is the first time that nutrition gets a big push with a special programme called the PM Programme for Restoration Awareness Nourish-

As per budget documents, cetre’s allocation for the Ministry of Education for the next financial year is `1,12,898.97 crore. Notably, this is the highest allocation granted to the ministry ever. School Education Department’s outlay stands at `68,804.85 crore, while the Higher Education Department has been allocated `44,094.62 crore.

ment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-Pranam).

The govt also announced an Aspirational Blocks Programme, covering 500 blocks for saturation of essential govt services across multiple domains such as health, nu-

WOMEN & FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Marginal rise for WCD Ministry, new savings scheme for women

Focus on integrating Ayush system in National Health ecosystem had got a boost in the Budget 2023-24 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The total allocation of budget to Ayush Ministry has increased by 20 percent to `3,647 crores. The budget has also emphasized on promoting evidencebased research in Ayush systems through Ayush research councils.

Budget allocation to centrally sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM) has got 50 percent increase in allocation from `800 cores to `1,200 crores.

The budget allocated to the Women and Child Development Ministry, the nodal department of the government for the welfare of women and children, stood at Rs 25,448.75 crore in 2023-24, an increase of Rs 267 crore from Rs 25,172.28 crore allotted in 2022-23. The most significant announcement for women in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech was the proposal for the ‘Mahila Samman Saving Certificate’ with a fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent for two years.

The deposit can be made in the name of a woman or a girl child. The maximum deposit amount has been kept

at ` 2 lakh and the scheme will have a partial withdrawal facility as well.

For the ministry, the largest allocation has been for the Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 (Umbrella ICDS

- Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls) of `20,554.31

AUTONOMOUS BODIES GETS RAISE IN BUDGET

The budget allocation for autonomous bodies is Rs 168 crore, a marginal increase from Rs 162 crore in the earlier budget. These autonomous bodies includeCentral Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and National Commission for Women.

crore. Mission VATSALYA (Child Protection Services and Child Welfare Services) has been allotted `1,472 crore and allocation for Mission Shakti (Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women) is `3,143 crore in 2023-24, a dip from `3,184 crore in 2022-23.

WHAT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION

z The ICMR Labs will be made available for research by public and pvt medical college faculty

z Centre will appoint over 38,000 teachers for 700 plus Ekalavya model residential schools serving 3.5 lakh tribal students

z Teachers’ training to be reenvisioned via innovation

z District Institutes of Education and Training to be developed as vibrant institutes of excellence

z National digital library to be set up for children

Office of Mr. Anurag Thakur @Anurag_Office 157 new nursing colleges will be set up in Sahasthan along with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014. A mission will be launched to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047 through awareness generation and universal screening of 7 crore people in affected tribal areas.

trition, education, agriculture, water resources, and skill development.

However, the budget for the National Health Mission has been cut down to Rs 36,785 crore this year from Rs 37,165 crore in 2022-’23.

z The government is aiming to test seven crore people for sickle cell disease in tribal belts, and those who test positive will be given a colour-coded card

z All cities and towns will be enabled for 100% mechanical desludging of septic tanks

SPORTS I

`700 CRORE PLUS BOOST FOR SPORTS MINISTRY

n a year when the Indian athletes will compete at the Asian Games and prepare for 2024 Paris Olympics, the Sports Ministry has got a fillip with the government allocating Rs 3,397.32 crore, an increase of Rs 723.97 crore, in the Union Budget here on Wednesday.

One of the reasons for the reduced revised allocation

for 2022-23 could be the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games, which will be held this year.

The ministry’s flagship programme, ‘Khelo India — National Programme for Development of Sports’ continues to be the govt’s priority, with it being allotted Rs 1,045 crore as against the revised allocation of Rs 606 crore during the previous financial year.

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp #AmritKaalBudget paves the way to transform India into a knowledgebased economy. Highest-ever allocation of `1,12,899.47 crore for the education sector. Total allocation of `1,16,417.08 crore for the education and skill development sector in #AmritKaalBudget.

Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani

Congratulations to PM @narendramodi Ji & FM @nsitharaman Ji for a truly #AmritKaalBudget epitomising inclusive development & reinforcing economic fundamentals. Emphasis given to infra, tech, green energy & other areas will institutionalise India’s growth for a stronger tomorrow.

MAPPING PRIORITIES FOR AMRIT KAAL: A ROADMAP TO 3RD LARGEST ECONOMY

This year’s Budget provides an unprecedented impetus to: Sustainable Future, Green Growth, Green Economy, Green Infrastructure, Green Jobs.

Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp

Unprecedentedallocation to create paperless courts for faster delivery of justice. I thank PM @ Narendramodi ji and FM @ NSitharaman ji for timely announcing critical eCourts Phase-III Project with an outlay of Rs 7000 Cr in Budget for 2023-24.

Kiren Rijiju @KirenRijiju

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

Under PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, traditional artisans, for the first time, will get a package of assistance which will focus on bettering the quality, scale and reach of their products. The package will include financial support, skill training, digital, green techniques, brand promotion, digital payment, social security etc. There is no populism in Union Budget for 2023-24, Finance Min Nirmala Sitharaman’s fifth in a row

ver since the very inception of budget in 1860s it has shown a transformation from briefcase to bahi khata, then to tablet for now.

The very first budget of “Amrit Kaal” as enunciated by Finance Minister,was an excellent opportunity for the nation to demonstrate how its tax policy measures align with its growth and investment goals while preventing needless conflicts from arising on its path to becoming the third largest economy by the turn of the decade. Following seven priorities, which complement each other and act as the Saptarishi in guiding us through the ‘Amrit Kaal’ are: inclusive development, infrastructure and investment, reaching the last mile, unleashing the potential,

green growth, youth power, financial sector. The big picture of the Budget is its focus on growth through higher productive capital spending, and simultaneously sticking to fiscal prudence.

Prior to the general elections in 2024, the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiled a significant budget that featured significant investments in infrastructure and agricultural sectors as well as redesigned tax brackets that provided significant relief to middle class. The Union Budget 2023-24 can be summarized in the following big takeaways as mentioned:

PUSH FOR GREEN GROWTH- REDUCING

GREEN INFLATION

Green inflation is the acceleration of consumer prices triggered by the increase in the price of products linked to the transition to a carbonfree economy, both those to be discontinued and those to be enhanced. With regard to green product prices, such as commodities used intensively by renewable energies (copper, lithium), price increases are also to be expected given the slow response of production to the increase in demand.

With a budget of Rs 19,700

crores, the recently established National Green Hydrogen Mission would help India shift to a low carbon economy, and establish the nation as a market and technological leader in this emerging industry.

RAISING CAPEX

The amount spent on capital projects has steadily increased over the past three years, rising from Rs 4.39 lakh crore in 2020–21 to Rs 5.4 lakh crore in 2021–22, Rs 7.5 lakh crore in the current fiscal year (202–23), and Rs 10 lakh crore in the following fiscal year. The expected capital expenditure for 2022–2023 is 33% lower than the expenditure for the following year.

NEW TAX REGIME

New Personal Income Tax regime is now the default: The Budget choice that will likely garner the greatest attention is this one. Indians who make a living on a salary anticipated some tax relief. Although it was introduced last year and not many people took use of it, the FM appears to have included it under the so-called new personal income tax structure. The public is likely to support this action since it will provide relief for the salaried class. The

government hopes that this will help to boost the economy by putting more money in the hands of taxpayers. By exempting income up to Rs 7 lakh from tax, Sitharaman has put more money in the hands of many young) entrants to the job market. Now, those earning up to Rs 7 lakh (monthly income of just under Rs 60,000) will not pay any tax. Also, those who have retired – government employees and even private sector – which is an increasing number today, will not have to pay tax if their pension is less than Rs 60,000.

FISCAL PRUDENCE

The fiscal deficit, or the difference between expenditures and revenues, is the figure that matters the most in the budget and is closely monitored by all FIIs and foreign investors.

In addition to estimating the budget deficit for 2023–24 at 5.9% (less than 6%; a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from the deficit forecast for 2022–23), she noted that the budget has fallen short of the objective this year, which was 6.4% of the GDP. Interest rates are lower when the government borrows less money. This will have a salutary impact on the broader economy as

it suggests that money will be available for private entrepreneurs to borrow.

CONCLUDING REMARK

India Budget 2023 has offered a multi-dimensional view. The 3 Cs which stand out are — capex increase, consumption boost, capital gains tax status quo. Mindful of the fact that there is hardly any space for fiscal expansion, FY24 fiscal deficit is pegged at 5.9 % and expected to see progressive reduction by FY 2026. Budget 2023 also aimed at the economic empowerment of women and job generation for youth. Under PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, traditional artisans, for the first time, will get a package of assistance which will focus on bettering the quality, scale and reach of their products. There is no populism in Union Budget for 2023-24, Finance Min Nirmala Sitharaman’s fifth in a row, no foreshadow of 2024LS polls – or its imperatives for a party working for a third term. If at all, this Budget clearly points to continuity to government’s economic strategy. It is bold, and innovative too with the hope that good economics isn’t necessarily bad politics.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY

THE AUTHORS ARE PERSONAL

SAPTRISHIS TO GUIDE INDIA’S GROWTH

aptrishis, the seven ascetics extolled by the Vedas, were invoked in Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget for Financial Year 2023-24. A constellation is named after them. What do the mythological holy men have to do with the Union Budget? As the Finance Minister explained they form the government’s seven priorities--inclusive development, last mile growth, green

S

growth, infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, youth power, financial sector---in the Amrit Kaal.

Inclusive growth carries forward the government’s agenda of ‘Sabka saath, sabka vikas’ for the welfare of Divyangjan (physically challenged), financially weaker sections, farmers, O BCs, SCs & STs. The Finance Minister outlined in her Budget speech a wide range of schemes for the benefit of agriculturists.

As the Finance Minister explained they form the government’s seven priorities—inclusive development, last mile growth, green growth, infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, youth power, financial sector— in the Amrit KaalAlso included for inclusive development are the health and education sectors, both important components requiring focus especially in the context of farmers and weaker sections of the society. Sitharaman announced four schemes for reaching the last mile.

In the case of infrastructure and investment the government announced an increase of 33.4% in capital outlay, increasing the Railways capital outlay by Rs 2.4 lakh cr, creation of a

fund for development of modern infrastructure in Tier 2 and 3 cities and other schemes.

To unleash potential 3 artificial intelligence centres in educational institutes, a national data governance policy, making contract execution for MSMEs less strict, etc. have been planned. Ambitious schemes are on the anvil for other priority sectors. The Budget is a clear roadmap to make India outshine other countries.

PROF ND MATHUR

The writer is Dean, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University

SUMANT KAUSHIK

The writer is Assistant Professor, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University

COURTYARD

KERALA JOURNO KAPPAN TO BE RELEASED TODAY

New Delhi: Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, held on terror charges, will be released today. A Special court in Lucknow signed his release order today -over a month after he got bail in the 2 cases against him. His lawyer said the formalities have all been completed today, “but the release order didn’t reach jail in time. He’ll walk out of jail tomorrow before noon”. Kappan was expected to walk out last evening, but he could not be released since the judge of the Special Court on Prevention of Money Laundering was busy with a bar council election.

SC ASKS WHATSAPP TO PUBLICISE UNDERTAKING

New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed WhatsApp to publicise its undertaking given to the Centre in 2021 that it will not limit functionality for users not agreeing to its new privacy policy.A five-judge Constitution bench asked the mobile messaging app to give advertisement in five newspapers to publicise its undertaking given to the government.“We record that the stand taken in the letter (to government) and we record the submission of the senior counsel for WhatsApp that they will abide by the terms of letter…till next hearing.

New Delhi (PTI): The SC has sought the Centre’s response on the issue of exploring the possibility of entering into mutual agreements with the US in matters related to child custody disputes as such cases are increasing due to Indians residing there. The apex court passed the order while holding a man, who is a resident of the US, guilty of civil contempt for his failure to bring back his child to India on the order of the court in May last year.

China a major challenge to world: US

Multi-layered approach needed to strengthen our defense partnership, and China is one of the dimensions as it is a major challenge to India and the world, a senior administration official in Washington told media

Washington (ANI): The United States and India on Tuesday formally established a high-level initiative on critical and emerging technologies or iCET.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had a ‘fruitful discussion’ with his US counterpart at the White House. In the discussions, there was a laser focus on aligning Washington and New Delhi’s strategic, commercial and scientific approaches specifically in the field of technology. Officials did announce several concrete steps that the initiative will be taking forward from the high-power meeting in Washington. Sullivan, in an interview with reporters, said that iCET would ‘serve both countries’ deeper strategic interests, according to The

—PHOTO

DOVAL

DISCUSSES

Washington Post. iCET has no explicit reference to China, but the

Biden administration sees technology development vis-a-vis China

Assembly polls: PM Modi, Shah, Nadda attend BJP CEC meeting

New Delhi (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting over the upcoming Meghalaya and Nagaland Assembly elections. The meeting at the party headquarters in Delhi was chaired by BJP national president JP Nadda. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and all the members of the Central Election Committee were present at the meeting. Voting for As-

Shah to visit WB in Feb to boost party’s morale

New Delhi (ANI):

Aiming to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organisation in West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting the state in February.

Incidentally, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is constantly visiting West Bengal to strengthen its organisation. BJP state presi-

dent Sukanta Majumdar informed ANI that Amit Shah will visit Bengal in February but the date has not been confirmed yet.

“We will finalise the date of the Home Minister’s visit on February 6. Although, there is a possibility that he will visit the state in the second week of February,” he said. The party has also started the Loksabha Pravas Yojana, in view of the Lok Sabha elections.

PM Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and BJP chief JP Nadda and other dignitaries at the BJP Central Election Committee meeting, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

sembly elections in Nagaland and Meghalaya will be held in a single phase on February 27. The results will be declared on March 2. In Meghalaya, BJP will

Gill creates history; breaks

Kohli’s records

New Delhi: India defeated New Zealand to win the T20 series against Kiwis 2-1. Shubman Gill single-handedly destroyed the bowling attack of New Zealand and was undefeated at 126. Gill became only the fifth Indian to hit hundreds across all formats of the game, joining Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina. He created history as he surpassed Kohli & Raina to become the youngest Indian to hit a T20I century.

fight in all seats alone this time while in Nagaland, the party will contest the polls in alliance with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).

as a zero-sum game that the U.S. cannot lose hence iCET could be an important way forward.

“The US-India defence and artificial intelligence dialogue is a multi-layered approach and China is one of the dimensions as it is a major challenge to New Delhi and the world,” a senior administration official told reporters.

Washington: The US and India plan to share advanced defense and computing technology, including the potential joint production of General Electric Co. jet engines, as the Biden administration seeks to shift New Delhi away from Russia and counter China. US officials are evaluating a proposal from GE to approve joint production of jet engines for Indian warplanes. Sullivan and Ajit Doval attended an event with executives from American and Indian tech firms and university presidents.

White House National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan during the Round Table on Critical and Emerging Technologies hosted by US-India Business Council, in Washington.

INDIA, US TIES TO TARGET CHINA’S AI, MILITARY EQUIPMENT: WHITE HOUSE

Washington: The White House is launching a partnership with India that President Joe Biden hopes will help the countries compete against China on military equipment, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Washington wants to deploy more Western mobile phone networks in the subcontinent to counter China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, to welcome more

Indian computer chip specialists to the US and to encourage companies to collaborate on military equipment like artillery systems. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, are meeting with senior officials from both countries at the White House to launch the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies.

Anti-encroachment drive on in J&K

Srinagar (PTI): Authorities in Kashmir launched a massive anti-encroachment drive here on Tuesday, bulldozing illegal structures to recover over 500 ‘kanals’ of land from influential people including former ministers and kin of an exchief minister. One acre is equal to eight ‘kanals’. The recovered land includes 40 kanals allegedly occupied by the owners of Hotel Nedou’s at MA Road here, officials said after the drive conducted by revenue department in Srinagar and Anantnag districts.

Authorities in Jammu

LANDSLIDE BLOCKS NAT’L HIGHWAY-44

boulders can be seen on the highway, blocking it. The deputy commissioner of Ramban district has advised people to follow advisories issued by the J&K traffic police. “People are advised to follow J&K Traffic Police advisories,” said Deputy Commissioner, Ramban.

Air Marshal AP Singh takes charge as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force

New Delhi: Air Marshal AP Singh, who has more than 5,000 hours of flying experience, assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force on Wednesday. He succeeded Air Marshal Sandeep Singh who retired on Tuesday after more than 39 years of service.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, the Air Marshal was

NEW CONTROVERSY

‘NATION’S SAFETY CANNOT BE OUTSOURCED’

AVALANCHE KILLS TWO FOREIGNERS

Baramulla (ANI): Two foreign nationals were killed in an avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg, police said on Wednesday. During the rescue oerations, 19 foreign nationals and 2 local guides have been rescued. Some skiers were trapped in the famous ski resort Gulmarg after an avalanche hit the Afarwat peak in the region, Baramulla Police said and added that three teams comprising twentyone Foreign nationals and two local guides went to Affarwat Gulmarg for skiing on Wednesday.

commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on Dec 1984. The officer is a qualified flying instructor & an experimental test pilot with over 5,000 hours of flying experience.

Pune (PTI): Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande on Wednesday said no country is willing to share the latest, “state-ofthe-art” technologies and it implies that security of the nation can neither be outsourced nor be dependent on the largesse of others. He was speaking at the foundation day of the Army Institute of Technology in Maharashtra’s Pune city.

“Indira and Rajiv Gandhi killings were accidents”

Dehradun (ANI): The killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were not “martyrdom but accidents”, Uttarakhand Minister Ganesh Joshi said, stoking a political controversy.

The Minister said that there is a “difference between accident and martyrdom” and what happened with the two former prime ministers is betetr called an “accident”. “If you look at History, there is a dif-

ference between accident and martyrdom.

Freedom fighters like Chandra Shekhar Azad,

Ram Prasad Bismil and others, who accepted capital punishment but did not accept the Brit-

ishers’ demands, were martyrs. If there is some bad incident with someone, that is called an accident,” said Joshi.

Former PM Indira Gandhi was killed by her 2 Sikh bodyguards in 1984 as a revenge for military operation to flush out extremists from the Golden Temple.

Her son Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister, was assassinated by Tamil Tiger rebels in 1991 during an election campaigning.

CONG FUMES OVER BJP’S

‘NOT MARTYRDOM’ REMARK

FOR GANDHIS, DEMANDS

New Delhi (ANI): Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Congress leader Harish Rawat on Wednesday slammed the BJP’s minister Ganesh Joshi for his remarks on the deaths of former Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, demanding an apology from the latter. “BJP has gone mad, as no one has the right to insult martyrdom, to criticize the sacrifice. BJP should apologize for this statement made by their minister,” Rawat said. Joshi courted a political controversy

APOLOGY

calling the killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi “accidents, not martyrdom”. The killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were not “martyrdom but accidents”, Joshi remained firm over his statement while talking to ANI. “Those who do violence like PM Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval, and RSS, cannot understand pain, but we can. We should stand against the ideology which tries to demolish the base of India,” he said.

New Delhi: Leaders of Delhi’s civic body will meet again on February 6 to elect a mayor after two failed attempts last month amid a tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party, or AAP, has alleged the BJP is trying to capture the Municipal Corporation of Delhi by electing a BJP leader to the mayor’s post, although the AAP won far more seats than the BJP in the recent election to the civic body.

WHATSAPP BANS 36.77 LAKH ACCOUNTS IN 2022

DELHI MAYOR ELECTION ON MONDAY, WAS STALLED TWICE DUE TO AAP-BJP FIGHT JHARKHAND CM ANNOUNCES `4 LAKH AS EX-GRATIA

Ranchi (PTI): After PM Narendra Modi had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on Wednesday announced Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in the Dhanbad fire tragedy.

14 were charred to death after a major fire broke out on the second floor of ‘Ashirwad Tower’, a multi-storied building in the Joraphatak area.

New Delhi: WhatsApp said it banned 36.77 lakh accounts in India in November, marginally lower than the number of accounts it barred in the preceding month

The banned WhatsApp accounts include 13.89 lakh accounts which were barred proactively before being flagged by users. In December, WhatsApp banned 37.16 lakh accounts, including 9.9 lakh accounts which were barred proactively.

MAJOR GEN GIRISH KALIA TAKES CHARGE AS GOC OF ARMY’S VAJR DIVISION

Srinagar (ANI): Major General Girish Kalia assumed charge as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the elite Vajr Division from Major General Abhijit S Pendharkar, a Defence spokesperson said. Major Gen Girish Kalia was commissioned on 14 December 1991 from IMA, Dehradun into MADRAS Regiment, a spokesperson said. An alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the General Officer has attended all-important career courses at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Army War College, Mhow & National Defence College, New Delhi, he said.

Former PM Indira Gandhi was killed by her two Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Her son Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister, was assassinated by Tamil Tiger rebels on May 21, 1991.

BY ANI

INDIA MADE JET ENGINES IN US PLAN TO COUNTER CHINA

DEFENCE TIES WITH US

and Kashmir went into overdrive to retrieve the encroached government land from influential persons.

New Delhi: A major landslide occurred near the Rampari area in Banihal town of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. National Highway 44 has been closed for vehicular traffic following a landslide. In a video shared by the deputy commissioner of Ramban,

— Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

BUDGET HAS NOTHING FOR MAHARASHTRA: DANVE

‘CM, Dy CM should have brought major allocations for Maharashtra, but they have failed’ says LOP in the Legislative Council

First India Bureau

Aurangabad: The Union Budget has nothing for Maharashtra and it reflects the “failure” of the state BJP leaders and the Eknath ShindeDevendra Fadnavis government, said Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve on Wednesday.

“The Maharashtra state has got nothing from the Union Budget. The government has not spoken about unemployment in the country despite claiming that it would give two

crore jobs in a year,” said the Shiv Sena leader in a video message.

Targeting the ruling alliance of the Shindeled Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he said, “This is a failure of the ShindeFadnavis-led govern-

ment in Maharashtra. They should have brought major allocations for Maharashtra, but they have failed,” said Danve, who hails from Aurangabad.

Opposition party leaders in Aurangabad and Marathwada also criticized the Union

‘Chunavi Jumla has destroyed the concept of welfare state’

Budget.

Former chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan said there is nothing concrete in the budget to bring down inflation. The price of crude oil has come down but there is no reduction in fuel prices by the Centre.

Language no bar? Not quite, says PJP MLA Bachchu Kadu

First India Bureau

Mumbai: While most reactions to the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have been predictable, split along partisan lines, Prahar Janshakti Party lawmaker Bachchu Kadu had an unusual complaint, focusing instead more on the fact that the speech was in English.

“The Budget is very good, but it left out the part related to farmers,

The most unfortunate thing is that it was presented in English. If you can’t speak Hindi, then someone else should present that Budget.

—Bachchu Kadu, MLA

labourers and housing for the homeless. Also, there aren’t many provisions to improve the healthcare system. However, the most un -

DCP Jadhav of EOW revoked LOC against Rizvi illegally?

Renni Abraham

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday ordered Mumbai realtor Akhtar Hasan Rizvi to return to India by February 15, 2023, over charges of embezzlement and fraud.

It also expressed surprise when informed that Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prakash Jadhav, attached to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Crime Branch, had amended an existing look out notice (LOC) that allowed Rizvi to flee the country in November 2022.

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Raja Thackeray and the advocate on board Bharat Manghani contested Rizvi’s anticipatory bail application by pointing out identical averments regarding his health that was not accepted by the sessions court.

Manghani said, “As far as a LOC is concerned, there is no pro-

Bombay HC orders Mumbai realtor to return to India by February 15, 2022

vision to temporarily revoke it. IPS rank officers may only revoke the LOC if there is legal ground to do so. The accused had attempted to leave India in October 2022 and was prevented by immigration authorities due to the LOC.” When contacted, Rizvi said, “I will not be able to talk. I am out of town, as you are aware. I will go by the court’s decisions.”

fortunate thing is that it was presented in English. If you can’t speak Hindi, then someone else should present that Budget,”

“The BJP government at the centre releases big numbers every year. However, those announcements are not being implemented. It was earlier announced that they would double the income of farmers by 2022. In fact, compared to UPA-1 and UPA-2, the rate of increase in guaranteed prices has reduced considerably. It was said that by 2022, everyone would have their own home. They have increased the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Awas Yojana in this year’s budget but there is no response from the central government regarding the announcements made earlier,” added Chavan.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Imtiaz Jaleel called it an election budget.

First India Bureau Mumbai: Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar said the Union Budget for 2023-24 has “destroyed the concept of the welfare state”. He also said the “bogus” Budget was an attempt at electioneering ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in nine states.

“This budget is a ‘Chunavi Jumla’,” he said, adding “There is a pretence of increasing the exemption limit of income tax to appease the middle class, but there is no concrete provision for the social security of the middle class.” He also raised the question of past promises.

“The country’s GDP growth rate has only risen 3% on average between 2018 and 2022 The old announcement that the country's

ALL EYES ON BUDGET

Ajit Pawar

economy will be 5 trillion dollars is renewed means that the Central government itself has admitted its incompetence,” he said.

“What happened to the promise of providing 2 crore jobs every year has not been answered in this budget,”

he added. “The finance minister announced that mobiles and electronics will become cheaper. However, the Central government conveniently forgot to reduce taxes on essential commodities,” the NCP leader also said.

he told reporters here.

“The national language of this country is Hindi and you should speak in the House in the language that elected you so that the common man can understand it. The national language has been insulted by presenting the budget in English. We should correct this insult. We are going to write a letter to Prime Minister Modi that next year’s Budget should be presented in Hindi,” the MLA said.

Implementation will be zero as usual: Cong MP

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Balu Dhanorkar, the only Congress MP in the state, termed the Union Budget 2023-24 “only a declaration” and said that its “implementation will be zero as usual.”

Slamming the budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Dhanorkar said, “This is the kind of budget that is ruining the lives of people in the

country. Inflation, unemployment, and increasing poverty should have

been addressed. Due to poverty and unemployment, the underprivi-

‘50 new airports announced, but what of Chandrapur airport? It’s still unfinished’

leged are feeling the effects of inflation. Our per capita income has

IGNORED

doubled, but whose, the poor or the rich?”

“This is Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s last budget before the Lok Sabha elections. So, big announcements have been made keeping the polls in mind,” said Dhanorkar, adding, “The minister announced plans to set up 50 new airports across the country. However, the Chandrapur airport has been lying unfinished for years.”

First India Bureau

Mumbai: After the Union Budget 2023-24 was presented on Wednesday, Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aaditya Thackeray blasted the Centre for not making provisions for Maharashtra.

Criticizing the Budget, the former state minister said, “What has been achieved from the Union Budget? That is the big question. In the state (Gujarat), where the BJP won more than 150 seats in the Assembly, projects of firms such as Vedanta-Foxconn, Tata Airbus, and the International Financial Centre were shifted. They have also received more concessions (than Maharashtra). This budget has rubbed salt on Maharashtra’s wounds.”

Had high expectations, but are disappointed: Kisan Sabha

‘The govt had promised to double the incomes of farmers, but is only doubling income of corporations; 3.25L farmers have committed suicide under Modi govt’

First India Bureau Mumbai: Attacking the Union Budget as favouring corporate firms while ignoring farmers, the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha (ABKS) on Wednesday issued a statement saying that the Union government, which had

promised to double farmers’ incomes is doing that, but only for large corporate houses.

“According to the government data, farmer’s earn just Rs27 a day from crops. Their indebtedness is on the rise since the rate of farm produce has been falling steadily. As a result,

the number of farmer suicides has reached 3,25,000 under the Modi government. Farmers had high expectations

from the budget, but they have been left disappointed,” ABKS National Joint Secretary Ajit Navale said.

“The Modi government had promised oneand-a-half times the price of agricultural produce to increase the income of farmers. In the budget, promotion of natural farming, mango cultivation on seashores, and Rs10,000 crore for animal husbandry and bulk grain have been announced. These announcements are made ignoring the basic issues of farmers and agriculture,” alleged Navale.

“Cotton and soybean prices are continuously falling in the country. The budget was expected to take steps to reduce losses to farmers as cotton and soybean production fell due to natural calamities. But that has not happened,” he also said, adding, “Unfortunately, instead of increasing the purchasing power of workers, measures have been taken to once again double the income of corporate firms.”

People watch the Budget on multiple screens at an electronics store in Mumbai.

—PHOTO

Farmers earn just Rs27 a day from their crops. —FILE PHOTO

People follow the Union Budget on their mobile devices outside the Bombay Stock Exchange, in Mumbai, on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

‘Union Budget adds insult to state’s injuries’

Cong MP Balu Dhanorkar —FILE PHOTO

Vaani Kapoor, who won hearts for her performance in Abhishek Kapoor’s Chandigarh Kare

Aashiqui, has signed her next project The actress will now headline Yash Raj Films’ yet untitled gritty crime thriller show, which will be helmed by Mardaani 2 director Gopi Puthran. This multi-season show is a part of YRF’s OTT slate. “Vaani has been looking for projects where she could deliver a performance to remember. While she continues to give preference to theatricals, she isn’t going to shut herself out of great digital projects. The show is a gritty, edge-of-theseat crime thriller which YRF feels is a brilliant concept, and has plans to mount it at a scale that will surprise people. Gopi was clear that he wanted to cast someone who will be fresh in the OTT landscape. He wanted a solid performer who can hold her own and has always appreciated Vaani’s work in her films,” informs a source close to the development.

ANISTON IN AN INDIAN ATTIRE

ennifer Aniston is a well-known for both her exceptional acting talent and good looks. The actress is now winning the in ternet with the recently released official trailer of her upcoming project, Murder Mys tery 2. The renowned star is reprising her muchloved character Audrey Spitz in the crime com edy, which is set to release on Netflix. To the much surprise of her fans across the globe, especially those of Indian origins, Jennifer is spotted in an exquisite ivory lehenga in the official trailer of Murder Mystery 2, which has been going viral on social media. The heavily embroidered is created by renowned Indian designer, Manish Malhotra.

SELENA SHUTS DOWN A HATER

Selena Gomez has been quite vocal about her health problems, especially her journey with lupus. However, now and then, internet users find an opportunity to comment, criticize and shame her for the same. Speaking of which, recently, the 30-year-old singer responded to a troll who made fun of her hand tremors in a video.

A few days back, Selena took to TikTok and post-

Anushka soaks in positive energy

ed a video showcasing her skincare regime. Others felt the need to point out that Selena’s hands were shaking. A TikTok user posted a now-deleted video on the platform, saying, “Oh my god, what are you doing?!” as they trolled the actress.Selena took to the comments section and reminded the user by stating “Lol I shake because of my medication for lupus. Also read my disclaimer. I ain’t no pro (laughing emoji)”.

Anushka Sharma, who is quite active on social media, is cur rently spending time in Rishi kesh. On Tuesday evening, the actress took to social media and dropped a peaceful picture from the mountains. She also penned a beautiful quote by Neem Karoli Baba in the caption.

In the picture, Anushka is seen sporting a black t-shirt and matching leggings. Along with it, she wrote, “Can’t you see, it’s all perfect!” - Neem Karoli Baba.”

SAMANTHA’S APOLOGY

amantha -

hu has joined forcesjay Deverakonda for the romantic entertainer, Kushi. While theready completed the initial schedule of the movie in Kashmir, the rest of the shoot was pushed because of the Yashoda actor’s health condition.

Now, the team is all set to resume work on the much- Sharing the happy news, Samantha wrote on Twitter, “#Kushi will resume very soon .. my apol-

ogies to @TheDeverakon da fans @ShivaNirvana @ MythriOfficial.” The film was originally scheduled to release in December 2022, however, it got de layed. Recently, VD con firmed that same say ing, “We have finished close to 60 percent of the shoot. We were originally hoping to release the film by December. But now it has been pushed to next year due to a bunch of reasons. We are eyeing February 2023 release as of now.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Poster of the film

Anushka Sharma

Her post...

Selena Gomez

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer in Manish Malhotra’s lehenga

Vaani Kapoor

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

You care about you lover but somehow hesitate in expressing that care. Don’t make friends for money and status rather make friends who will stick with you forever. On social front, you may have to spend some extra money in buying gifts for someone for some specific occasion.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

A PERSPECTIVE ON INTERMITTENT FASTING

You love to live close to your family. Best day to buy gold and silver for investment sake.

You are a child at heart and never let this child die.

You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Video gathering is possible as you miss your social circle like anything.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

You are a pro in your field and none can beat you. You give tough competition to people. Many people get inspired by you. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Take stand where you need to, don’t run in the same direction where everybody else is going.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. Don’t attack stress even if you don’t have any. Let go of things that are not in your control. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You make sure to make things work your way. Never demotivate someone even if someone is not capable of doing something. You are most wanted by your friends. You can have romantic affair in office and a serious one. You will invest money in clothes and accessories today.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are opportunist and this will make you successful. There may be delays in property possession and it won’t effect you. You are happy spending whole day at home. Help your mothers at home today.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Scrumptious food is what you are craving for today. You always maintain cordial relationship with everyone. You workout daily to keep yourself fit. You may start a side business to earn extra money. You are not a jealous kind and you feel happy for others.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will feel amorous towards your wife. This is the best time try something new with life give yourself a new purpose. Work on your limitations, there can be no better time than this. You have more opposite sex friends than the same and you may be judged sometimes but don’t care.

People love dramatic happenings in life. Psy chologically, the major ity of us do so many things to satisfy our ego than to get the desired results. Managing body weight is one such area where people want to talk more about losing pounds than really losing them. For this, there are so many types of diets, exercises, supplements, tricks and whatnot. But the urban population has more obese people than the fit ones. Intermittent fasting is one such fad which is being talked about very frequently. Recently, a number of studies have been conducted to find its efficacy, health benefits and possible harmful effects.

Weight loss experts have started recommending intermittent fasting to cut down body fat resulting in weight loss. They also claim that this lifestyle also reduces incidents of other chronic diseases. Intermittent fasting can be undertaken in many ways. One method is alternate day fasting and eating in which for 12 hours of each day nothing is consumed except water followed by normal meals. This has to continue for many weeks. Another method is two days of fasting on non-consequent days with a normal diet on the other 5 days.

One another variation is 4-12 hours eating window including fasting of 12 hours. The person can eat anything during that window. One more option is time-restricted eating. In this method, one shouldn’t eat anything for 16 hours continuously but can have normal meals during the residual 8 hours. There is a circadian rhythm of the body when things move in a circular system of activities like sleep and awakening, hormonal up and down swings etc.

Some researchers claim that eating at odd times disrupts cir cadian rhythm and increases the chances of some chronic diseases. These diseases in clude type 2 diabetes, heart dis ease and even some cancers.

The purpose of this diet regime is to increase nighttime fasting as is done by a traditional Jain family in India where no food is taken after sunset. This is called chrono-nutrition.

Now a ques tion arises about the scientific analysis of intermittent fasting. Generally, after 12 to 36 hours of fasting, liver glycogen stores get depleted resulting in

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 22

Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good. Boisterous behaviour is what everyone needs right now, do whatever you can do to cheer everyone up. You will feel financially comfortable and infant you are in position to invest

prove blood sugar control (but not in type 1 diabetes) by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing insulin resistance. A weight loss of 3-7 per cent is possible after 8-10 weeks of intermittent fasting. There is a 14 hours to 10 hours pattern of fasting in which one can have normal food for ten hours after 14 hours of total fasting. It has been seen that by this method one can reduce waist circumference, and body and visceral fat resulting in better blood glucose metabolism. As fat loss reduces chronic in flammation, the chances of breast cancer are possibly re duced in women. Incidents of cancer breast in low-body weight women are significantly lower than in obese or compara tively plump women. Studies are underway to examine the impact on longevity and occur rence of Parkinson’s disease where logically intermittent fasting should have beneficial effects. But is fasting the pana cea for so many human health problems? Are there no nega tive effects of staying away from food under pressure? Can

this be a universal phenomenon or there are individual preferences and adjustments? There is nothing which can be abso-

DR RAMAVTAR SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

India closer to Amrit Kaal

In the Union Budget, Nirmala announced attractive incentives and rebates in the new income tax regime. The Budget kept its focus on expanding Capex showing that the Modi government’s priorities are building roads, highways and railway lines. It is stated in the Constitution of India in Article 112 that it is necessary to present a budget at the Par-

Budget mainly focuses on ensuring the efficient allocation of resources, reducing unemployment and poverty levels and changing the tax structures according to the nation’s requirements. This year Finance Minister presented her Fifth Budget speech which focuses primarily on developing a technology and innovation-driven, self-sufficient economy that will move India closer to Amrit Kaal, as it moves towards its 100th year post-independence. The budget has also provided some relief to the middle class in terms of tweaks in the new income tax regime which clearly point out that the government wants a shift towards the new regime from the older one. In regards to the budget City First brings to

The Budget has aimed to adhere to the traditional economic prescription by Keynes, of spending on infrastructure to create jobs for its expanding workforce until the economy recovers. Building roads, ports, and airports will go a long way toward making India a dependable investment destination, and a 33% increase in capital expenditure to 10 trillion rupees will aid the same. The budget has also reduced social spending even while it has presented a tax bonanza for the middle class by altering slab rates under the new tax regime. Shifting from the past track record, this year a reduced amount of 600 billion rupees has been allotted to rural jobs guarantee scheme. The budget in short can be described as pro-growth due to cuts in Income tax and increase in infrastructure spending. By concentrating on Education, Sustainability & Technology, new efforts are intended to alter many things from agriculture and health care to artificial intelligence.

—CA RAJNEESH SINGHVI, Managing Partner, H.S. Darda & Co.

The budget 2023-24 announced by FM Sitharaman today looks promising, though the budget does not directly address inflation as was much anticipated by the public, some key pointers in regard to the export and banking sector would prove to be pivotal for economic growth in the near future. The basic needs of the common man seem yet to be taken into consideration, but priority is given to areas of green growth, youth power, inclusive development highlighting the vision for a much more economically stable India.

—SOUBHAGYA SHARMA, Sub-editor

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the year 2023-24 in the Parliament. The budget was widely awaited and was anticipated to give a push to the Indian economy and help it get back in shape. The FM announced a slew of initiatives to strengthen the infrastructure of the country. From roadways to railways, new bridges, airports and seaports, the government’s aim was to ensure the smooth and efficient transportation of goods and services across the nation.

—RAHUL FAUJDAR, Sub-Editor

It is not different from the last year’s budget, No relief for the common man. The common man is feeling cheated. There was no talk on the issues of the common man like education, health, and employment. New avenues have opened for capitalists like coastal shipping, new airports, the digital economy, etc. In the budget of Amrit Kaal, instead of the common man, nectar is visible for special men.

—MEENAKSHI SETHI ZAIDI, Madad foundation

SITHA’S HAND-WOVEN SAREES...

The maroon colour saree that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wore while presenting the Union Budget on Wednesday was Karnataka’s Dharwad region’s handwoven ‘Ilkal’ silk saree with traditional ‘Kasuti’ work. Kasuti is a traditional form of the folk embroidery craft, with a geographical indication (GI) tag, said to be unique to the Dharwad region.

SHUBHANSHI PATHAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WEDDING SHENANIGANS!

RAHA IS MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY”

Alia Bhatt is one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation, who has been ruling the silver screen for some time now.

Bhatt has managed to create waves in her career, with hits such as Gangubai Kathiawadi, RRR and Brahmastra, all in one year. She also debuted as a producer in 2022 with Darlings, and her performance in the film was widely appreciated. On the personal front, she also had a landmark year that included marriage with longtime boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor and motherhood. The couple welcomed their daughter Raha in November.

Alia Bhatt attended an event with her Kalank co-star, Varun Dhawan, and the duo

sat for a conversation where Alia was asked if, like many female actors after marriage, she too would be focusing more on her family than work. Before she could answer, her friend and frequent co-star, Varun Dhawan, interrupted and said that he strongly disagrees with this.

The Brahmastra actor replied, “I am a take-each-day kind of a person. I will take it one day at a time and will give my best. But definitely, priorities have changed. My number one priority in my life is my daughter, who I love deeply. My next love, or next to next… or my first love is movies and cinema and working. I will try my best and maybe it will be quality over quantity, jo buri baat nahi hai (which is not a bad thing).

Soon after embracing motherhood, Alia Bhatt got back to her fitness regime, leaving everyone stunned with

her post-partum body transformation. In an interview, the actress revealed that she is in no rush to look a cer tain way. Stressing the importance of body positivity, Alia shared that her mantra is to listen to her body and not to be hard on herself. Talking about the same, she said that she loves food, she loves to eat, but she had to lose weight to act in films as she needed to look healthy and appealing.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Alia Bhatt was last seen in Ayan Mukerji's Brah mastra part 1: Shiva. Up next, she is all set to make her debut in Holly wood with Heart of Stone. Alia also has Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahani confirmed in her pipeline.

Hrithik Roshan hosts

JACKSON WANG

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan recently hosted the K-pop singer Jackson Wang at his home in Mumbai. The GOT7 member was in the country to perform at the Lollapalooza festival in Mumbai after which he took a trip around the city.

Hrithik shared a series of photos of his family with Wang. He captioned them, “What a delightful experience meeting you Jackson. Such a kindhearted rock star. Loved hearing about your journey, I hope you continue to grow both as the star and

human. Thanks for the music and for the love you gave my family and home staff.” Jackson Wang too shared a set of images of his time in Mumbai. The album features glimpses of him performing at Lollapalooza along with pictures clicked at Hrithik Roshan's house. The rapper

wrote, “#MAGICMAN in Lollapalooza India 2023. Always wanted to visit. Finally…Such an amazing experience with all of you from the moment at the airport to seeing you all at the show to new friends to the experience of the culture. Such an honour. Very blessed. I hope I get to come back more often.”

The grand wedding ceremony of Dr Deepak, son of Daya Shankar Rai and Madhuri Devi with Divyanshi, daughter of Brajesh Singh and Suman Lata, took place at Udman by Ferns and Petals on Tuesday, January 31. Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs & Sports, CM Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Sant Prasad Rai, Managing editor ABP news, Rajat Sharma, Editor-In-Chief and Chairman, India TV and Journalist Rubika Liyaquat along with various other dignitaries reached to bless the newlyweds and wish them a happy married life ahead.

MEET&GREET!

Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Jal Shakti, Prahlad Singh Patel was greeted by Upendra Rai, Chairman, MD, and Editor-in-Chief, Bharat Express News Network, as he reached the former’s residence on Wednesday to invite him to the launching ceremony of the news channel which was organised on Feb 1.

Masaba's heartfelt note

asaba Gupta, a fashion designeractor who just wed actor Satyadeep Mishra, has written letters for her parents, cricket star Vivian Richards, her father, and actress Neena Gupta, her mother. In the first post, Masaba shared a candid photo of Neena Gupta sitting on a chair smiling. Masaba wrote, "The sweetest thing. Thanks for raising me to be a LIONESS (lion emoji) @neena_gupta."

Kiara’s last-minute wedding preparations

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra are reportedly all set to tie the knot on February 6. While the couple has been tight-lipped about it, reports are floating around that the IT couple of Bollywood would have a wedding in one of Jaisalmer’s lavish hotels. Now, ahead of this reported wedding, Kiara Advani was snapped with designer Manish Malhotra, and we wonder if it was to finalise and get the final fitting for the wedding lehenga!

As most know, Sidharth and Kiara fell in love on the sets of Shershaah. They tried to keep their relationship under wraps for a very

long time. It was Karan Johar during the last season of Kof fee With Karan, who made them finally spill the beans and confess their ro mance.

Kiara Advani was recently spotted at Manish Malhotra’s residence. It is said that the actress has decided to wear a bridal lehenga of her close designer friend and arrived for last minute trial late at night on Tuesday. Videos of her outing are viral all over the internet.

MMasaba also posted a photo of her stepfather Vivek as he posed for the camera and smiled in the picture. The last photo featured Vivian Richards smiling and posing for the lens. She captioned the post, "The eyes chico, they never lie. My fierce father, a gentle giant and I'm so glad I got not just your nose but also your shoulders to take on the world just like you did and emerge a fighter."

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Alia Bhatt

Kiara Advani

Masaba Gupta

Upendra Rai with Prahlad Singh Patel

Rakesh Roshan, Pinkie Roshan, Jackson Wang and Hrithik Roshan

Rubika Liyaquat

Anurag Thakur

Manish Sisodia, Sant Prasad Rai and Arvind Kejriwal

Rajat Sharma Harish Rawat

Gorgeous bride Divyanshi with her family members

Kiara Advani papped outside the designer’s residence