Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rightly given top priority to infrastructure in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-go-up-in-delhi-petrol-up-by-rs-245-at-rs-7296-233462">Union Budget for 2019-20</a> which will generate employment, attract investment and enable India to be the fastest growing major economy in the world, her predecessor Arun Jaitley said on Saturday.

"The Finance Minister has rightly given top priority to infrastructure. This priority is self-evident in the fact that the rural roads programme connecting every village with a motorable road is nearing completion. National highways are moving at a pace faster than ever before. Adequate amount of allocations have been made in the Budget for this," Jaitley said in his blog.

While presenting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-it-gives-wings-to-farmers-youngsters-women-home-minister-amit-shah-233399">Union Budget</a> in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Sitharaman said that the government will spend Rs 100 lakh crore on infrastructure upgradation over the next five years.

Jaitley said massive infrastructure creation also has the ability to generate employment and attract investment. So does a boost to the construction and real estate sector.

"India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. In the last two to three-quarters, growth has seen a moderation," he added.

Jaitley said the railways is one of the top priorities of the government. Besides faster trains, modernised coaches, additional railway safety measures, very soon India will witness the modernisation of its railway stations similar to what today has happened to the airports.

"Increase in port capacity, further development of inland water transportation and expanding the aviation sector to the remotest corner of the country is the roadmap which the Finance Minister has presented. This will be the India of 2024," he said.

Saying that modernisation of cities with all-weather roads, an effective metro system, better urban roads are being given an impetus, Jaitley said, "A major tax incentive has been given to those who borrow to buy affordable houses. This move will not merely help the system to utilise the unsold stock of affordable houses but will also be instrumental in injecting liquidity into the real estate market."

The direction of reforms in the banking and financial sector has been maintained. Consolidation of public sector banks is being undertaken so as to have fewer but mega and financially strong banks.

A sizeable allocation has been made for recapitalisation of banks so that their capacity to lend for growth improves.

"The Budget contains concrete proposals about support to the NBFCs whose liquidity, for the last several months, was under strain and had reduced the purchasing power of the consumer. The sectors most affected by this were real estate, automobiles, and the MSMEs," said Jaitley.

While the GST reforms are being carried out, a lot of simplification for direct tax assesses has been proposed.

Jaitley said besides affordable housing, electric vehicles and start-ups are the sectors on which the Budget places an adequate emphasis.In the last two years, he said, when the global crude oil prices hardened, duties had been cut by the Central government on at least two occasions in a major way.

"It is the softening of crude oil prices which persuaded the government to raise excise duty on petrol and diesel marginally so that this money could be transferred to a special fund meant for infrastructure creation, particularly for the national highways and the rural roads programme," Jaitley said.

 
&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rightly given top priority to infrastructure in the Union Budget for 2019-20 which will generate employment, attract investment and enable India to be the fastest growing major economy in the world, her predecessor Arun Jaitley said on Saturday.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rightly given top priority to infrastructure in the Union Budget for 2019-20 which will generate employment, attract investment and enable India to be the fastest growing major economy in the world, her predecessor Arun Jaitley said on Saturday. "The Finance Minister has rightly given top priority to infrastructure. This priority is self-evident in the fact that the rural roads programme connecting every village with a motorable road is nearing completion. National highways are moving at a pace faster than ever before. Adequate amount of allocations have been made in the Budget for this," Jaitley said in his blog. While presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Sitharaman said that the government will spend Rs 100 lakh crore on infrastructure upgradation over the next five years. Jaitley said massive infrastructure creation also has the ability to generate employment and attract investment. So does a boost to the construction and real estate sector. "India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. In the last two to three-quarters, growth has seen a moderation," he added. Jaitley said the railways is one of the top priorities of the government. Besides faster trains, modernised coaches, additional railway safety measures, very soon India will witness the modernisation of its railway stations similar to what today has happened to the airports. "Increase in port capacity, further development of inland water transportation and expanding the aviation sector to the remotest corner of the country is the roadmap which the Finance Minister has presented. This will be the India of 2024," he said. Saying that modernisation of cities with all-weather roads, an effective metro system, better urban roads are being given an impetus, Jaitley said, "A major tax incentive has been given to those who borrow to buy affordable houses. This move will not merely help the system to utilise the unsold stock of affordable houses but will also be instrumental in injecting liquidity into the real estate market." The direction of reforms in the banking and financial sector has been maintained. Consolidation of public sector banks is being undertaken so as to have fewer but mega and financially strong banks. A sizeable allocation has been made for recapitalisation of banks so that their capacity to lend for growth improves. "The Budget contains concrete proposals about support to the NBFCs whose liquidity, for the last several months, was under strain and had reduced the purchasing power of the consumer. The sectors most affected by this were real estate, automobiles, and the MSMEs," said Jaitley. While the GST reforms are being carried out, a lot of simplification for direct tax assesses has been proposed. Jaitley said besides affordable housing, electric vehicles and start-ups are the sectors on which the Budget places an adequate emphasis.In the last two years, he said, when the global crude oil prices hardened, duties had been cut by the Central government on at least two occasions in a major way. "It is the softening of crude oil prices which persuaded the government to raise excise duty on petrol and diesel marginally so that this money could be transferred to a special fund meant for infrastructure creation, particularly for the national highways and the rural roads programme," Jaitley said.

Budget rightly gives top priority to infrastructure: Arun Jaitley

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor.

"We will give Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family of the 6-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Dwarka. I met doctors. She is stable now and out of danger. We will also provide an advocate to the family," he said.

On July 2, the six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Dwarka area of the national capital.

On Friday, Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal met the victim at the hospital and expressed dismay on the brutality of the incident.

"Met 6 year old rape survivor in Hospital. Shell shocked! Each inch of her body has marks of brutality... Last year I kept hunger strike for 10 days for death to child rapists but yet to be implemented even in Delhi. The system is responsible for this rape!" she had tweeted. The police have arrested the accused with the help of CCTV footage.

 
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The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor.

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor. "We will give Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family of the 6-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Dwarka. I met doctors. She is stable now and out of danger. We will also provide an advocate to the family," he said. On July 2, the six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Dwarka area of the national capital. On Friday, Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal met the victim at the hospital and expressed dismay on the brutality of the incident. "Met 6 year old rape survivor in Hospital. Shell shocked! Each inch of her body has marks of brutality... Last year I kept hunger strike for 10 days for death to child rapists but yet to be implemented even in Delhi. The system is responsible for this rape!" she had tweeted. The police have arrested the accused with the help of CCTV footage.

Delhi government to give Rs 10 lakh compensation to kin of 6-year-old rape survivor

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank.

This comes just days after the Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-high-court-orders-freezing-of-accounts-of-nirav-modis-sister-brother-in-law-232328">freezing of a bank account belonging to Nirav Modi's sister</a> and brother-in-law, news agency ANI reported.

On the request of the Enforcement Directorate, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said.

The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks.

The Swiss authorities had frozen four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi previously.&nbsp;

Nirav Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the PNB loan default case.

India is seeking Modi's extradition on charges of fraud and money laundering. He is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank.

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank. This comes just days after the Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to Nirav Modi's sister and brother-in-law, news agency ANI reported. On the request of the Enforcement Directorate, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said. The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks. The Swiss authorities had frozen four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi previously. Nirav Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the PNB loan default case. India is seeking Modi's extradition on charges of fraud and money laundering. He is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London. (With inputs from ANI)

Nirav Modi, aides to pay Rs 7,300 crore with interest to PNB: Debt Recovery Tribunal

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Akbar, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal for his cross-examination in connection with a defamation case filed by him against Ramani, said in court, "It is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness of pervasiveness of the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace."

He added, "It is also wrong to suggest that Ramani's disclosures in her tweets and articles relating to him were true and made in good faith for public interest and for public good."

Claiming that he had no intention to target Ramani by filing a defamation case in the matter against her, he said, "It is wrong to say that present complaint I filed is false and without merit and that I have been selective in filing this complaint against Priya Ramani in order to target her."

"I worked with a journalist Pallavi Gogoi in 1994 at Asian Age. I was made aware of an article Mark-M written by Pallavi Gogoi in the Washington Post dated 01.11.2018. But I deny all those allegations. It is a matter of public record that on 02.11.2018, I released a statement to ANI in relation to the allegations made by Pallavi Gogoi. It is correct that my wife has also released a statement to ANI from portion A to A on 02.11.2018," Akbar said in response to a question put forth by Ramani's counsel, senior advocate Rebecca John.

The court has posted the matter for cross-examination of Akbar's witness for July 15 and 17.

Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar.

In one of the past hearings, the ACMM had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow.

In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. She was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign.

Akbar had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace. Akbar, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal for his cross-examination in connection with a defamation case filed by him against Ramani, said in court, "It is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness of pervasiveness of the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace." He added, "It is also wrong to suggest that Ramani's disclosures in her tweets and articles relating to him were true and made in good faith for public interest and for public good." Claiming that he had no intention to target Ramani by filing a defamation case in the matter against her, he said, "It is wrong to say that present complaint I filed is false and without merit and that I have been selective in filing this complaint against Priya Ramani in order to target her." "I worked with a journalist Pallavi Gogoi in 1994 at Asian Age. I was made aware of an article Mark-M written by Pallavi Gogoi in the Washington Post dated 01.11.2018. But I deny all those allegations. It is a matter of public record that on 02.11.2018, I released a statement to ANI in relation to the allegations made by Pallavi Gogoi. It is correct that my wife has also released a statement to ANI from portion A to A on 02.11.2018," Akbar said in response to a question put forth by Ramani's counsel, senior advocate Rebecca John. The court has posted the matter for cross-examination of Akbar's witness for July 15 and 17. Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar. In one of the past hearings, the ACMM had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow. In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. She was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign. Akbar had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.

Wrong to suggest Priya Ramani's tweets were meant to raise awareness on sexual harassment: MJ Akbar

PM Modi on Saturday kicked-off BJP's Membership Drive in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-varanasi-to-launch-bjps-membership-drive-inaugurates-statue-of-former-pm-lal-bahadur-shastri-233485">Parliamentary constituency Varanasi</a>. Shortly after reaching the city, the prime minister in his address praised centre's $5 trillion economy growth goal and said that the 'New India' is yearning to run on the path of growth.&nbsp;

In his address, the prime minister urged people to stop the wastage of water and conserve it.&nbsp;

"More than the availability of water, the wastage and careless use of water are bigger problems. So be it use in homes or for irrigation, we have to stop the wastage of water," he said.&nbsp;

"In the budget, we gave direction to achieve the goal of $5 trillion economy and decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 years. We will become a $5 trillion economy in the next 5 years," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Varanasi: In budget, we gave direction to achieve goal of $5 trillion economy &amp; decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 yrs. We will become a $5 trillion economy in next 5 yrs <a href="https://t.co/Vo69Icx1jH">pic.twitter.com/Vo69Icx1jH</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1147400786432921601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, PM Modi was welcomed and greeted by BJP working president JP Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and party state chief MN Pandey at Varanasi airport.

He inaugurated a statue of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri at Varanasi airport and launched a tree plantation drive.&nbsp;

Later in the day, PM Modi will visit the Virtual Museum at Man Mahal.&nbsp;

"Situated near the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, this is a cultural landmark of the city. It showcases aspects of our great cultural heritage," PM had tweeted.&nbsp;

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I look forward to being in Varanasi tomorrow, where I will take part in various programmes. 
 
The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. 
 
This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1147136039141564419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi, on Friday, took to Twitter and posted about his visit to Varanasi today. The prime minister is set to take part in "various programmes" today.

"The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi calls it the budget for New India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-pm-modi-calls-it-the-budget-for-new-india-233360/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This drive will further connect people from all walks of life with the BJP family. It will strengthen our party," he tweeted.&nbsp;

PM Modi on Saturday kicked-off BJP's Membership Drive in his Parliamentary constituency Varanasi. Shortly after reaching the city, the prime minister in his address praised centre's $5 trillion economy growth goal and said that the 'New India' is yearning to run on the path of growth.

PM Modi on Saturday kicked-off BJP's Membership Drive in his Parliamentary constituency Varanasi. Shortly after reaching the city, the prime minister in his address praised centre's $5 trillion economy growth goal and said that the 'New India' is yearning to run on the path of growth. In his address, the prime minister urged people to stop the wastage of water and conserve it. "More than the availability of water, the wastage and careless use of water are bigger problems. So be it use in homes or for irrigation, we have to stop the wastage of water," he said. "In the budget, we gave direction to achieve the goal of $5 trillion economy and decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 years. We will become a $5 trillion economy in the next 5 years," the prime minister said. PM Modi in Varanasi: In budget, we gave direction to achieve goal of $5 trillion economy & decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 yrs. We will become a $5 trillion economy in next 5 yrs pic.twitter.com/Vo69Icx1jH — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 6, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi was welcomed and greeted by BJP working president JP Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and party state chief MN Pandey at Varanasi airport. He inaugurated a statue of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri at Varanasi airport and launched a tree plantation drive. Later in the day, PM Modi will visit the Virtual Museum at Man Mahal. "Situated near the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, this is a cultural landmark of the city. It showcases aspects of our great cultural heritage," PM had tweeted. I look forward to being in Varanasi tomorrow, where I will take part in various programmes. The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2019 × PM Modi, on Friday, took to Twitter and posted about his visit to Varanasi today. The prime minister is set to take part in "various programmes" today. "The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive," his tweet read. Watch: PM Modi calls it the budget for New India "This drive will further connect people from all walks of life with the BJP family. It will strengthen our party," he tweeted.

'New India' is ready to run on path of growth: PM Modi in Varanasi 

The number of pilots with commercial pilot licenses has increased in India over the last five years even as airlines have hired more number of foreign pilots during the same period, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Replying to an unstarred question by BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Puri said the number of Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Type Rated Pilot License holders had been increasing over the past five years.

In the year 2015, the number of CPLs issued was 394 and it rose to 659 in the year 2018. For the year 2016 and 2017, the number of CPLs issued were 458 and 593 respectively.

In 2019 a total of 313 CPLs were issued till May 31.

The type rating issued on pilot licenses in the year 2015 the number of endorsements were 1521 and it rose to 2611 in the year 2018.

In his reply, Puri said that the number of foreign pilots employed by aviation companies over the last five years also rose from 280 in the year 2015 to 324 in the year 2018.

In 2019 up to the month of June, a total of 404 foreign pilots were employed.

Puri also said to overcome the shortage of pilots, all the schedule and non-schedule airlines have been advised to develop their own strength to reduce the dependency of foreign pilots.

"Accordingly, airlines train their pilots to upgrade them as a pilot in command/commanders to reduce the dependency on foreign pilots," the minister said.

This was in reply to Rudy's question whether the government will establish a system to develop a homegrown pool of commercial pilots who war type rated so that the dependency on expatriate pilots is minimised.&nbsp;

The number of pilots with commercial pilot licenses has increased in India over the last five years even as airlines have hired more number of foreign pilots during the same period, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The number of pilots with commercial pilot licenses has increased in India over the last five years even as airlines have hired more number of foreign pilots during the same period, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Replying to an unstarred question by BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Puri said the number of Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Type Rated Pilot License holders had been increasing over the past five years. In the year 2015, the number of CPLs issued was 394 and it rose to 659 in the year 2018. For the year 2016 and 2017, the number of CPLs issued were 458 and 593 respectively. In 2019 a total of 313 CPLs were issued till May 31. The type rating issued on pilot licenses in the year 2015 the number of endorsements were 1521 and it rose to 2611 in the year 2018. In his reply, Puri said that the number of foreign pilots employed by aviation companies over the last five years also rose from 280 in the year 2015 to 324 in the year 2018. In 2019 up to the month of June, a total of 404 foreign pilots were employed. Puri also said to overcome the shortage of pilots, all the schedule and non-schedule airlines have been advised to develop their own strength to reduce the dependency of foreign pilots. "Accordingly, airlines train their pilots to upgrade them as a pilot in command/commanders to reduce the dependency on foreign pilots," the minister said. This was in reply to Rudy's question whether the government will establish a system to develop a homegrown pool of commercial pilots who war type rated so that the dependency on expatriate pilots is minimised.

Number of pilots with commercial licenses increased over 5 years: Civil Aviation Minister

A SpiceJet aircraft, which has been stuck on the runway at Mumbai International Airport since Tuesday, was finally pulled out on runway surface on Thursday night.

"The disabled SpiceJet aircraft, which was stuck in Runway-27 RESA has been pulled out on Runway surface at 11:10 PM yesterday," Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) spokesperson said.

Officials had been trying to pull the aircraft and operationalise the main runway which was shut after the city-bound SpiceJet SG 6237 skidded off the runway while landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on July 2.

All passengers of the flight on Jaipur-Mumbai route were deplaned normally and are safe.

The incident led to the shutdown of the main runway of the Mumbai airport with flights cancelled or diverted to the nearby airports. An alternate runway was put into operation at the airport.&nbsp;

A SpiceJet aircraft, which has been stuck on the runway at Mumbai International Airport since Tuesday, was finally pulled out on runway surface on Thursday night.

A SpiceJet aircraft, which has been stuck on the runway at Mumbai International Airport since Tuesday, was finally pulled out on runway surface on Thursday night. "The disabled SpiceJet aircraft, which was stuck in Runway-27 RESA has been pulled out on Runway surface at 11:10 PM yesterday," Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) spokesperson said. Officials had been trying to pull the aircraft and operationalise the main runway which was shut after the city-bound SpiceJet SG 6237 skidded off the runway while landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on July 2. All passengers of the flight on Jaipur-Mumbai route were deplaned normally and are safe. The incident led to the shutdown of the main runway of the Mumbai airport with flights cancelled or diverted to the nearby airports. An alternate runway was put into operation at the airport.

SpiceJet plane stranded on Mumbai airport runway finally pulled out

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-to-present-maiden-budget-today-at-11-am-233079">Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a> will be unveiling Modi-government 2.0's first Union Budget on Friday. As the finance minister, this will be Sitharaman's maiden budget.&nbsp;

Here's taking a quick look at what all is likely to announced as the finance minister presents the government's first full-year budget today.&nbsp;

Relief to tax payers

Experts suggest Sitharaman is likely to pronounce relief to the common tax payers today by raising the personal income tax threshold for certain categories.

In the Interim Budget, the government had proposed a rebate on all payable taxes if an individual's taxable income is up to Rs 5 lakh per annum. But it kept the basic exemption levels unchanged.&nbsp;

Sources said that the Budget 2019-20 will take the sops announced in the Interim Budget further by raising the basic tax exemption limit for an individual income tax payee to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 2.50 lakh at present to cover for the inflationary impact over the years.

Watch:&nbsp;Key Expectations From Indian Budget 2019-20

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Push to agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare spending

It is also anticipated that spending on agriculture, healthcare, social sectors and infrastructure would get a push.&nbsp;

The budget is likely to feature schemes for ushering in a "blue revolution". The BJP's promise of allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for providing infrastructure like storage and marketing for small fishermen is likely to be fulfilled.&nbsp;

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Biima Yojana (Prime Minister's Crop Insurance) scheme will be improved. Proposals with a focus on micro-irrigation and new agriculture warehouses along national highways are also on the cards, said sources.

Slew of measures

It is widely expected that the budget will have a slew of measures which will support the economic growth both in the short-term and the long-term. It may be noted that the economic expansion during last fiscal has slowed down to a five-year low of 6.8 per cent, with growth for the running fiscal (2019-20) pegged down substantially by the Reserve Bank of India.

New industrial policy&nbsp;

Sitharaman is expected to make public the new industrial policy today which primarily centres around the "Make in India" theme and was first envisaged in Modi's first term.&nbsp;

Disinvestment, RBI dividend

Today's budget may feature the government's plan to raise the funds required to boost the economy through welfare measures. The disinvestment target is likely to be raised whereas the Reserve Bank of India may be nudged for a higher dividend. The 5G spectrum auction, due in October, is also likely to find a mention today.&nbsp;

Air India woes

As per reports, cash-strapped, privatisation-bound Air India may not get financial support from the budget today. &nbsp;

Sitharaman, on Thursday, tabled the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-needs-to-sustain-8-gdp-growth-to-become-5-trillion-economy-in-2025-economic-survey-232945">Economic Survey</a>&nbsp;in Rajya Sabha which said India needed to sustain a GDP growth rate of 8 per cent in order to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025.

The economic survey has predicted seven per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in FY20 on stable macro-economic conditions.

The survey said oil prices were expected to decline in 2019-20.

According to the survey, the general fiscal deficit is seen at 5.8 per cent in FY19 against 6.4 per cent in FY18. "The government stood by the fiscal consolidation path," the report said.

&nbsp;

 
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be unveiling Modi-government 2.0's first Union Budget on Friday. As the finance minister, this will be Sitharaman's maiden budget.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be unveiling Modi-government 2.0's first Union Budget on Friday. As the finance minister, this will be Sitharaman's maiden budget. Here's taking a quick look at what all is likely to announced as the finance minister presents the government's first full-year budget today. Relief to tax payers Experts suggest Sitharaman is likely to pronounce relief to the common tax payers today by raising the personal income tax threshold for certain categories. In the Interim Budget, the government had proposed a rebate on all payable taxes if an individual's taxable income is up to Rs 5 lakh per annum. But it kept the basic exemption levels unchanged. Sources said that the Budget 2019-20 will take the sops announced in the Interim Budget further by raising the basic tax exemption limit for an individual income tax payee to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 2.50 lakh at present to cover for the inflationary impact over the years. Watch: Key Expectations From Indian Budget 2019-20 Push to agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare spending It is also anticipated that spending on agriculture, healthcare, social sectors and infrastructure would get a push. The budget is likely to feature schemes for ushering in a "blue revolution". The BJP's promise of allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for providing infrastructure like storage and marketing for small fishermen is likely to be fulfilled. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Biima Yojana (Prime Minister's Crop Insurance) scheme will be improved. Proposals with a focus on micro-irrigation and new agriculture warehouses along national highways are also on the cards, said sources. Slew of measures It is widely expected that the budget will have a slew of measures which will support the economic growth both in the short-term and the long-term. It may be noted that the economic expansion during last fiscal has slowed down to a five-year low of 6.8 per cent, with growth for the running fiscal (2019-20) pegged down substantially by the Reserve Bank of India. New industrial policy Sitharaman is expected to make public the new industrial policy today which primarily centres around the "Make in India" theme and was first envisaged in Modi's first term. Disinvestment, RBI dividend Today's budget may feature the government's plan to raise the funds required to boost the economy through welfare measures. The disinvestment target is likely to be raised whereas the Reserve Bank of India may be nudged for a higher dividend. The 5G spectrum auction, due in October, is also likely to find a mention today. Air India woes As per reports, cash-strapped, privatisation-bound Air India may not get financial support from the budget today. Sitharaman, on Thursday, tabled the Economic Survey in Rajya Sabha which said India needed to sustain a GDP growth rate of 8 per cent in order to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025. The economic survey has predicted seven per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in FY20 on stable macro-economic conditions. The survey said oil prices were expected to decline in 2019-20. According to the survey, the general fiscal deficit is seen at 5.8 per cent in FY19 against 6.4 per cent in FY18. "The government stood by the fiscal consolidation path," the report said.

Budget 2019: Slew of measures to boost economy, relief to tax payers likely in Sitharaman's maiden budget today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the newly-elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-highlights-of-taxation-revenue-policy-announced-by-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-233200">government's budget for the first year</a>.&nbsp;

Opening his post-budget address, the prime minister said that the budget "has given hope to the country".

"It testifies that the path we are on is right and that we will reach our target," PM Modi said, adding that the budget will help facilitate the creation of 'New India'.&nbsp;

"The middle class will progress with this budget, development work will expedite even more. The tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernise," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

"The budget for a 'New India' has a roadmap to transform the agriculture sector of the country, this budget is one of hope," he added.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi: Ye desh ko samridh aur jan jan ko samarth banane wala budget hai. Is budget se gareeb ko bal milega. yuva ko behtar kal milega <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/PllxCyqs4m">pic.twitter.com/PllxCyqs4m</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1147056169489448960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sitharaman's maiden budget is being largely seen as a "balanced one".&nbsp;

Ashok Jha, former finance secretary, called it a "pretty balanced budget".

"There are concessions given to various sectors, in fact, there is a simplification of taxation, trying to reduce tax payers' hassles," Jha told WION.&nbsp;

"There are indicators of growth in the budget. 70,000 crore push to public sectors banks, governance reforms in public sectors banks. All these are growth-inducing things," Gautam Chikermane, vice president, ORF told WION.&nbsp;

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Ashok Jha, former finance secretary, calls it a pretty balanced budget. 'There are concessions given to various sectors, in fact, there is a simplification of taxation, trying to reduce tax payers' hassles'<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2019</a> 
Watch post budget analysis LIVE: <a href="https://t.co/iSR65rv97J">https://t.co/iSR65rv97J</a> <a href="https://t.co/6dgSRNJyy3">pic.twitter.com/6dgSRNJyy3</a>
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Some of the key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-key-takeaways-announced-by-nirmala-sitharaman-in-parliament-233179">highlights of Sitharaman's budget</a> speech today featured no taxation for those earning less than 5 lakh per annum. The government decided to hike the petrol price by Rs 1 per litre and customs duty on gold as well.&nbsp;

A slew of benefits was announced for startups. Going by Sitharaman's budget presentation, the Modi government 2.0 seems to have given a big push to infrastructure, technology, rural development, startups and has also promised to make housing affordable and hassle-free process to boost investment.&nbsp;

During the Budget speech, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India's sovereign external debt to GDP was among the lowest globally at less than 5 per cent.

Budget 2019: India will become a $3-billion economy this year, says Nirmala Sitharaman

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-india-will-become-a-3-billion-economy-this-year-says-nirmala-sitharaman-233230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The fiscal deficit this year is 3.3 per cent, brought down from 3.4 per cent," Sitharaman said.

"More than 120 crore Indians now have Aadhar card, therefore for ease of taxpayers I propose to make PAN card and Aadhar card interchangeable and allow those who don't have PAN to file returns by simply quoting Aadhar number and use it wherever they require to use PAN," the finance minister said.&nbsp;

Highlights of Tax policy:

- Direct tax revenue increased by 78 per cent.

- Excise hike on Rs 1 litre on petrol, diesel

- Customs duty on gold increased by 2 per cent

- Cheaper home loans for houses up to 45 lakhs

- Proposal to levy TDS of 2 per cent on cash withdrawal exceeding Rs 1 crore in a year from a bank account.

- Tax benefits for buying electric vehicles.

- Easing of Angel tax for startups.

- Additional income tax deduction on loans taken on e-vehicles.

- All companies with an annual turnover of Rs 400 crores to now come under the &nbsp;25 per cent bracket. It will cover 99.3 per cent of all the companies.

- Tax deduction for affordable housing.

- Interchangeability of PAN, Aadhar.

- Discourage making cash payments in business transactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the newly-elected government's budget for the first year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the newly-elected government's budget for the first year. Opening his post-budget address, the prime minister said that the budget "has given hope to the country". "It testifies that the path we are on is right and that we will reach our target," PM Modi said, adding that the budget will help facilitate the creation of 'New India'. "The middle class will progress with this budget, development work will expedite even more. The tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernise," PM Modi said. "The budget for a 'New India' has a roadmap to transform the agriculture sector of the country, this budget is one of hope," he added. PM Narendra Modi: Ye desh ko samridh aur jan jan ko samarth banane wala budget hai. Is budget se gareeb ko bal milega. yuva ko behtar kal milega #Budget2019 pic.twitter.com/PllxCyqs4m — ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2019 × Sitharaman's maiden budget is being largely seen as a "balanced one". Ashok Jha, former finance secretary, called it a "pretty balanced budget". "There are concessions given to various sectors, in fact, there is a simplification of taxation, trying to reduce tax payers' hassles," Jha told WION. "There are indicators of growth in the budget. 70,000 crore push to public sectors banks, governance reforms in public sectors banks. All these are growth-inducing things," Gautam Chikermane, vice president, ORF told WION. Ashok Jha, former finance secretary, calls it a pretty balanced budget. 'There are concessions given to various sectors, in fact, there is a simplification of taxation, trying to reduce tax payers' hassles'#Budget2019 Watch post budget analysis LIVE: https://t.co/iSR65rv97J pic.twitter.com/6dgSRNJyy3 — WION (@WIONews) July 5, 2019 × Some of the key highlights of Sitharaman's budget speech today featured no taxation for those earning less than 5 lakh per annum. The government decided to hike the petrol price by Rs 1 per litre and customs duty on gold as well. A slew of benefits was announced for startups. Going by Sitharaman's budget presentation, the Modi government 2.0 seems to have given a big push to infrastructure, technology, rural development, startups and has also promised to make housing affordable and hassle-free process to boost investment. During the Budget speech, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India's sovereign external debt to GDP was among the lowest globally at less than 5 per cent. Budget 2019: India will become a $3-billion economy this year, says Nirmala Sitharaman "The fiscal deficit this year is 3.3 per cent, brought down from 3.4 per cent," Sitharaman said. "More than 120 crore Indians now have Aadhar card, therefore for ease of taxpayers I propose to make PAN card and Aadhar card interchangeable and allow those who don't have PAN to file returns by simply quoting Aadhar number and use it wherever they require to use PAN," the finance minister said. Highlights of Tax policy: - Direct tax revenue increased by 78 per cent. - Excise hike on Rs 1 litre on petrol, diesel - Customs duty on gold increased by 2 per cent - Cheaper home loans for houses up to 45 lakhs - Proposal to levy TDS of 2 per cent on cash withdrawal exceeding Rs 1 crore in a year from a bank account. - Tax benefits for buying electric vehicles. - Easing of Angel tax for startups. - Additional income tax deduction on loans taken on e-vehicles. - All companies with an annual turnover of Rs 400 crores to now come under the 25 per cent bracket. It will cover 99.3 per cent of all the companies. - Tax deduction for affordable housing. - Interchangeability of PAN, Aadhar. - Discourage making cash payments in business transactions.

Budget has given hope to country, shows we are on right track: PM Modi 

One terrorist was killed in an encounter which broke out on Friday morning between militants&nbsp;and security forces in Narwani area of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp; 
 
"Police have recovered arms &amp; ammunition from the site while&nbsp;identity &amp; affiliation of the terrorist is yet to be ascertained," said officials.

The encounter comes just under a week after the security forces gunned down a terrorist on Sunday in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district.&nbsp;

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area, following information about the presence of terrorists there.&nbsp;

As the forces were conducting searches, the hiding terrorists fired upon them. The security forces retaliated the firing, triggering off a gunbattle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-one-terrorist-killed-in-budgam-encounter-231618">Last Friday, a terrorist was killed</a> in the same district during an encounter. Later, the slain terrorist was identified as a Pakistani national name Zarar who was affiliated to Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.

On June 23, four terrorists were gunned down in Shopian district.

One terrorist was killed in an encounter which broke out on Friday morning between militants and security forces in Narwani area of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir.

One terrorist was killed in an encounter which broke out on Friday morning between militants and security forces in Narwani area of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir. "Police have recovered arms & ammunition from the site while identity & affiliation of the terrorist is yet to be ascertained," said officials. The encounter comes just under a week after the security forces gunned down a terrorist on Sunday in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area, following information about the presence of terrorists there. As the forces were conducting searches, the hiding terrorists fired upon them. The security forces retaliated the firing, triggering off a gunbattle. Last Friday, a terrorist was killed in the same district during an encounter. Later, the slain terrorist was identified as a Pakistani national name Zarar who was affiliated to Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. On June 23, four terrorists were gunned down in Shopian district.

Jammu and Kashmir: One terrorist killed in encounter between security forces, militants in Shopian

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