Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the country's Budget for the year 2022-2023 on Tuesday (February 1) in the Parliament in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members.&nbsp;

While presenting the Budget, Sitharaman said that the government has comprehensively revamped schemes of the Ministry of Women and Child Development such as Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 to provide benefits.&nbsp;

The finance minister further said that the PM development initiatives for North East will be implemented for the North Eastern Council, which will enable livelihood activities for youth and women. This scheme is not a substitute for the existing Centre or State schemes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/live-india-union-budget-2022-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-arrives-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-449352">Click here to get live updates</a>&nbsp;

Overall, this year's Union Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint of the economy over 'Amrit Kal' of next 25 years - from India at 75 to India at 100.&nbsp;

Reflecting on the economy, Sitharaman said that India's growth is estimated to be at 9.2 per cent, the highest among all large economies as the nation is now in a strong position to withstand challenges, such as coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;

The finance minister further said that the nation is in the midst of the Omicron wave but the speed of the vaccination campaign has helped greatly. She said, "I am confident that 'Sabka Prayaas' we'll continue with strong growth."

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the country's Budget for the year 2022-2023 on Tuesday (February 1) in the Parliament in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the country's Budget for the year 2022-2023 on Tuesday (February 1) in the Parliament in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members. While presenting the Budget, Sitharaman said that the government has comprehensively revamped schemes of the Ministry of Women and Child Development such as Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 to provide benefits. The finance minister further said that the PM development initiatives for North East will be implemented for the North Eastern Council, which will enable livelihood activities for youth and women. This scheme is not a substitute for the existing Centre or State schemes. Click here to get live updates Overall, this year's Union Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint of the economy over 'Amrit Kal' of next 25 years - from India at 75 to India at 100. Reflecting on the economy, Sitharaman said that India's growth is estimated to be at 9.2 per cent, the highest among all large economies as the nation is now in a strong position to withstand challenges, such as coronavirus (COVID-19). The finance minister further said that the nation is in the midst of the Omicron wave but the speed of the vaccination campaign has helped greatly. She said, "I am confident that 'Sabka Prayaas' we'll continue with strong growth."

Budget 2022: Revamped schemes for women & child development will provide benefits, says Sitharaman

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the annual Union Budget for the year 2022-2023 in the Parliament in the nation's capital New Delhi on Tuesday (February 1).&nbsp;

In her opening remarks, Sitharaman said that India's growth is estimated to be at 9.2 per cent, the highest among all large economies as the nation is now in a strong position to withstand challenges, such as coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;

The finance minister further said that the nation is in the midst of the Omicron wave but the speed of the vaccination campaign has helped greatly. She said, "I am confident that 'Sabka Prayaas' we'll continue with strong growth."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/live-india-union-budget-2022-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-arrives-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-449352">Click here to get live updates</a>&nbsp;

The finance minister further said that this year's Union Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint of the economy over 'Amrit Kal' of next 25 years - from India at 75 to India at 100.&nbsp;

The budget was paperless - just like last year but it will be available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public.&nbsp;

The mobile app allows complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Budget Speech, Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution.&nbsp;

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the annual Union Budget for the year 2022-2023 in the Parliament in the nation's capital New Delhi on Tuesday (February 1).

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the annual Union Budget for the year 2022-2023 in the Parliament in the nation's capital New Delhi on Tuesday (February 1). In her opening remarks, Sitharaman said that India's growth is estimated to be at 9.2 per cent, the highest among all large economies as the nation is now in a strong position to withstand challenges, such as coronavirus (COVID-19). The finance minister further said that the nation is in the midst of the Omicron wave but the speed of the vaccination campaign has helped greatly. She said, "I am confident that 'Sabka Prayaas' we'll continue with strong growth." Click here to get live updates The finance minister further said that this year's Union Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint of the economy over 'Amrit Kal' of next 25 years - from India at 75 to India at 100. The budget was paperless - just like last year but it will be available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public. The mobile app allows complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Budget Speech, Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution.

Union Budget 2022: India's Finance Minister Sitharaman says growth expected at 9.2%

India's Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said that this year's budget will have something for everyone as the country's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the union budget for 2022-23 on Tuesday (February 1).&nbsp;

This year's budget is extremely crucial as India's economy is showing signs of recovery from the problems created by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

Ahead of the budget presentation, Chaudhary was quoted by ANI news agency as saying, "The budget will ensure there is something for everyone. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present an inclusive budget, in line with each and every sector's needs.&nbsp;

"It will benefit everyone. All sectors, including farmers, should have expectations from today's budget. I request all to have a bit of patience. People will be very happy with this budget," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/live-india-union-budget-2022-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-arrives-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-449352">Click here to get live updates</a>&nbsp;

The Indian government is expected to announce measures to boost GDP growth and strengthen the infrastructure of the country. Some experts said that the budget might give special focus to the education and health sectors.&nbsp;

In this year's budget, the customary 'halwa ceremony' to mark the final stage of the budget-making exercise was not held due to Covid protocols.&nbsp;

Instead, the government distributed packed sweets among the core staff members involved in the budget-making.&nbsp;

The budget will also be paperless - just like last year but it will be available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-budget-2022-govts-supply-side-reforms-prepare-economy-for-long-term-expansion-says-fm-sitharaman-449345">India Budget 2022: Govt's supply-side reforms prepare economy for long-term expansion, says FM Sitharaman</a>

The mobile app allows complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Budget Speech, Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution.&nbsp;

The budget session of parliament is being held in two parts. The first part will continue till February 11 and the second part from March 14 to April 8.&nbsp;

India's Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said that this year's budget will have something for everyone as the country's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the union budget for 2022-23 on Tuesday (February 1).

India's Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said that this year's budget will have something for everyone as the country's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the union budget for 2022-23 on Tuesday (February 1). This year's budget is extremely crucial as India's economy is showing signs of recovery from the problems created by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Ahead of the budget presentation, Chaudhary was quoted by ANI news agency as saying, "The budget will ensure there is something for everyone. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present an inclusive budget, in line with each and every sector's needs. "It will benefit everyone. All sectors, including farmers, should have expectations from today's budget. I request all to have a bit of patience. People will be very happy with this budget," he added. Click here to get live updates The Indian government is expected to announce measures to boost GDP growth and strengthen the infrastructure of the country. Some experts said that the budget might give special focus to the education and health sectors. In this year's budget, the customary 'halwa ceremony' to mark the final stage of the budget-making exercise was not held due to Covid protocols. Instead, the government distributed packed sweets among the core staff members involved in the budget-making. The budget will also be paperless - just like last year but it will be available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public. ALSO READ | India Budget 2022: Govt's supply-side reforms prepare economy for long-term expansion, says FM Sitharaman The mobile app allows complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Budget Speech, Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution. The budget session of parliament is being held in two parts. The first part will continue till February 11 and the second part from March 14 to April 8.

Budget 2022-2023: Indian minister says 'inclusive budget' will ensure there is something for everyone

Tom&nbsp;Brady&nbsp;says he will "know when the time is right" but for now he taking his future "day-by-day" and hasn't made up his mind about retiring from the National Football League.

Brady&nbsp;said plans for a quiet weekend at home with the family watching the NFL playoffs was shattered when reports came out Saturday that he would retire after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl rings.

"I was trying to enjoy a nice weekend,"&nbsp;Brady&nbsp;told a US-based SiriusXM podcast 'Let's Go!' "It didn't quite turn out that way because my phone got really busy, but that's just part of being in the situation I'm in."

American sports broadcaster ESPN cited unidentified sources saying that&nbsp;Brady&nbsp;would retire. The report did not say when&nbsp;Brady&nbsp;planned to make an announcement.

Brady&nbsp;reiterated on Monday that he is still mulling over his future.

"Sometimes it takes some time to really evaluate how you feel and what you want to do," he said. "I think when the time's right I'll be ready to make a decision one way or another, just like I said last week.

"I think for me, it's literally day to day. I'm just trying to do the best I can every day, evaluate things as they come, and I'm trying to make a great decision for me and my family."

Asked about the timing of a decision,&nbsp;Brady&nbsp;said: "I don't know. I'll know when the time is right. Like I've always said, I'm very blessed to play as long as I have. As things have gone on in the later parts of my career ... there's a lot of interest in when I'm going to stop playing. I understand that. When I know, I'll know. When I don't know, I don't know. I'm not going to race to some conclusion about that."

Brady&nbsp;said he wasn't pleased that his retirement speculation ended up being a distraction from the playoff games on the weekend.

"There were some very important games on the weekend,"&nbsp;Brady&nbsp;said. "The focus should be on those great games."

Tom Brady says he will "know when the time is right" but for now he taking his future "day-by-day" and hasn't made up his mind about retiring from the National Football League.

Tom Brady says he will "know when the time is right" but for now he taking his future "day-by-day" and hasn't made up his mind about retiring from the National Football League. Brady said plans for a quiet weekend at home with the family watching the NFL playoffs was shattered when reports came out Saturday that he would retire after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl rings. "I was trying to enjoy a nice weekend," Brady told a US-based SiriusXM podcast 'Let's Go!' "It didn't quite turn out that way because my phone got really busy, but that's just part of being in the situation I'm in." American sports broadcaster ESPN cited unidentified sources saying that Brady would retire. The report did not say when Brady planned to make an announcement. Brady reiterated on Monday that he is still mulling over his future. "Sometimes it takes some time to really evaluate how you feel and what you want to do," he said. "I think when the time's right I'll be ready to make a decision one way or another, just like I said last week. "I think for me, it's literally day to day. I'm just trying to do the best I can every day, evaluate things as they come, and I'm trying to make a great decision for me and my family." Asked about the timing of a decision, Brady said: "I don't know. I'll know when the time is right. Like I've always said, I'm very blessed to play as long as I have. As things have gone on in the later parts of my career ... there's a lot of interest in when I'm going to stop playing. I understand that. When I know, I'll know. When I don't know, I don't know. I'm not going to race to some conclusion about that." Brady said he wasn't pleased that his retirement speculation ended up being a distraction from the playoff games on the weekend. "There were some very important games on the weekend," Brady said. "The focus should be on those great games."

'I'll know when the time is right': Tom Brady says he is still mulling over his NFL future

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Monday after a probe into lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street found that such gatherings should never have taken place when there was a ban across the country due to coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;

Further, he vowed to bring about changes not only to his team but to the way he engages with his party, seeking to win over some who had threatened to try to oust him.&nbsp;

Also, the Johnson government will publish the full report by a senior civil servant Sue Gray, who was investigating the Downing Street parties, once the Metropolitan police investigation has concluded.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-in-partygate-row-what-did-the-sue-gray-report-say-449325">PM Johnson in 'partygate' row: What did the Sue Gray report say?</a>

Johnson faced renewed resignation calls when Gray highlighted the details of alcohol-fuelled events at the United Kingdom's PM's office and residence.&nbsp;

While pointing out the "serious failures of leadership" in the British government, Gray said that "the excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time".

"Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did," she added.&nbsp;

After facing criticism, it has been understood that the Johnson government will publish the full report by Gray once the Metropolitan police investigation has concluded.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-says-sorry-but-wont-quit-after-partygate-report-finds-failures-of-leadership-449306">PM Johnson says 'sorry' but won't quit after 'partygate' report finds 'failures of leadership'</a>

On Monday, Gray said she could only detail four of 16 events in question because of concerns about prejudicing a separate police investigation, which involves detectives looking into parties including one in Johnson's apartment above his office.&nbsp;

Johnson's office said Gray would be asked to update her report once the police investigation concluded and it would be published.

As quoted by The Guardian, a No 10 spokesperson said: "Given the police have said they are investigating a number of events, it would not be appropriate to comment further while the Met’s investigation is ongoing."

"But, at the end of the process, the prime minister will ask Sue Gray to update her work in light of what is found. He will publish that update. However, the prime minister is clear we must not judge an ongoing investigation and his focus now is on addressing the general findings," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Johnson made a statement and answered questions for almost two hours in parliament on Monday afternoon following the report's publication. He apologised again and pledged to make changes at his office.

"I want to say sorry. I get it and I will fix it," he said in a raucous debate, when he was challenged by some Conservative lawmakers.

Although he said sorry, but rejected to step down as the prime minister's spokesman has said Johnson does not believe he broke the law.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Monday after a probe into lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street found that such gatherings should never have taken place when there was a ban across the country due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Monday after a probe into lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street found that such gatherings should never have taken place when there was a ban across the country due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Further, he vowed to bring about changes not only to his team but to the way he engages with his party, seeking to win over some who had threatened to try to oust him. Also, the Johnson government will publish the full report by a senior civil servant Sue Gray, who was investigating the Downing Street parties, once the Metropolitan police investigation has concluded. ALSO READ | PM Johnson in 'partygate' row: What did the Sue Gray report say? Johnson faced renewed resignation calls when Gray highlighted the details of alcohol-fuelled events at the United Kingdom's PM's office and residence. While pointing out the "serious failures of leadership" in the British government, Gray said that "the excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time". "Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did," she added. After facing criticism, it has been understood that the Johnson government will publish the full report by Gray once the Metropolitan police investigation has concluded. ALSO READ | PM Johnson says 'sorry' but won't quit after 'partygate' report finds 'failures of leadership' On Monday, Gray said she could only detail four of 16 events in question because of concerns about prejudicing a separate police investigation, which involves detectives looking into parties including one in Johnson's apartment above his office. Johnson's office said Gray would be asked to update her report once the police investigation concluded and it would be published. As quoted by The Guardian, a No 10 spokesperson said: "Given the police have said they are investigating a number of events, it would not be appropriate to comment further while the Met’s investigation is ongoing." "But, at the end of the process, the prime minister will ask Sue Gray to update her work in light of what is found. He will publish that update. However, the prime minister is clear we must not judge an ongoing investigation and his focus now is on addressing the general findings," the spokesperson added. Johnson made a statement and answered questions for almost two hours in parliament on Monday afternoon following the report's publication. He apologised again and pledged to make changes at his office. "I want to say sorry. I get it and I will fix it," he said in a raucous debate, when he was challenged by some Conservative lawmakers. Although he said sorry, but rejected to step down as the prime minister's spokesman has said Johnson does not believe he broke the law. ×

Apologetic UK PM Boris Johnson vows changes, to publish full Sue Gray report after police inquiry ends

India is gearing up for this year's annual Budget as the country's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2022-23 on February 1.&nbsp;

Keeping coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in mind, this years budget will also be paperless - just like last year. People are expecting some significant investments in the health and education sector amid the ongoing pandemic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-a-union-budget-and-why-is-it-important-to-the-government-of-india-448180">What is a union budget and why is it important to the government of India?</a>

Ahead of the Budget presentation, here are how to download/read it on mobile:&nbsp;

What is 'Union Budget Mobile App'?

This year's Budget will be available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The mentioned app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public.&nbsp;

When the Union Budget will be available on the app?

This year's Budget would be available on the mobile app after the process of presentation has been completed in the Parliament.&nbsp;

The mobile app allows complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Budget Speech, Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2022-a-detailed-insight-to-how-the-document-is-prepared-448246">Union Budget 2022: A detailed insight to how the document is prepared</a>

How to download the app?&nbsp;

The app can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal (<a href="https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/">www.indiabudget.gov.in</a>).&nbsp;

The budget documents will also be available for download by the general public on Union Budget Web Portal (<a href="https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/">www.indiabudget.gov.in</a>), said the statement by the ministry.

The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms.&nbsp;

Here's the link to download the app: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nic.unionbudget&amp;hl=en_IN&amp;gl=US">Android/UnionBudget</a>

What's the language of the app?

The mobile app is bilingual (English and&nbsp;Hindi).&nbsp;

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Also, the traditional Halwa ceremony has been dropped. The finance ministry informed in a statement that to mark the final stage of the Union Budget making process, sweets were provided to the core staff instead of a customary Halwa ceremony.&nbsp;

The decision was taken in view of the prevailing pandemic situation and the need to observe health safety protocols.&nbsp;

India is gearing up for this year's annual Budget as the country's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2022-23 on February 1. Keeping coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in mind, this years budget will also be paperless - just like last year.

India is gearing up for this year's annual Budget as the country's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2022-23 on February 1. Keeping coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in mind, this years budget will also be paperless - just like last year. People are expecting some significant investments in the health and education sector amid the ongoing pandemic. ALSO READ | What is a union budget and why is it important to the government of India? Ahead of the Budget presentation, here are how to download/read it on mobile: What is 'Union Budget Mobile App'? This year's Budget will be available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The mentioned app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public. When the Union Budget will be available on the app? This year's Budget would be available on the mobile app after the process of presentation has been completed in the Parliament. The mobile app allows complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Budget Speech, Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution. ALSO READ | Union Budget 2022: A detailed insight to how the document is prepared How to download the app? The app can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal (www.indiabudget.gov.in). The budget documents will also be available for download by the general public on Union Budget Web Portal (www.indiabudget.gov.in), said the statement by the ministry. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Here's the link to download the app: Android/UnionBudget What's the language of the app? The mobile app is bilingual (English and Hindi). × Also, the traditional Halwa ceremony has been dropped. The finance ministry informed in a statement that to mark the final stage of the Union Budget making process, sweets were provided to the core staff instead of a customary Halwa ceremony. The decision was taken in view of the prevailing pandemic situation and the need to observe health safety protocols.

India's Union Budget 2022 will be available on mobile app: Here's how to download on Android and iOS

Despite the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, India's economic growth in the upcoming financial year, i.e., 2022-23, can be surprising on the higher side, ASSOCHAM Secretary-General said on Monday.&nbsp;

"While the 8-8.5 per cent GDP projections for FY23 are on the back of a high base of 9.2 per cent in the current financial year, ASSOCHAM is of the view that India's economic growth can surprise us on the higher side.&nbsp;

"Even as the pandemic is still raging in most parts of the world, its latest variant is less damaging. Besides, with 75 per cent of eligible Indians fully vaccinated and the booster dose being rolled out, India would be far better prepared to take on the challenges," ASSOCHAM Secretary General Deepak Sood said.&nbsp;

ASSOCHAM said it shares the prognosis of the Economic Survey that the Indian economy is well placed to take on the challenges of 2022-23, riding on the back of continuous reforms in supply-side and safety nets to the vulnerable sections of the society.&nbsp;

Sood further said that the advance estimates suggest manufacturing to be growing by 12.5 per cent in the current fiscal while services would expand by 8.5 per cent.&nbsp;

"Traditionally, services grow at a faster face. Clearly, the Covid impact on contact intensive industries is reflecting even as manufacturing has been aided by supply-side reforms. Once the impact of PLI scheme kicks in, we expect the manufacturing to be leading the growth for the foreseeable future," Sood said, adding that robust performance in exports has also helped the manufacturing.

He further said that the Economic Survey is right in its assessment about the investment scenario, saying: "The private investment recovery is still at a nascent stage, though there are increased activities in the brownfield projects. Heavy lifting would still be needed by the government with capital expenditure, and we expect that in the Budget."

The Survey has pointed out that the government has the fiscal capacity to maintain the support, and ramp up capital expenditure when required, ASSOCHAM said in a statement.

"Schemes like credit guarantee with 100 per cent guarantee for additional funding of Rs 4.5 lakh crore to MSMEs have provided critical relief to the sectors severely hit by the pandemic. More such measures are expected in the Budget," it said.

"The Survey has re-emphasised the government's asset monetisation and disinvestment agenda, which spells out bare minimum presence of government ownership even in the strategic sectors. Successful completion of Air India disinvestment should infuse confidence for the roadmap," it added.

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&nbsp;

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, India's economic growth in the upcoming financial year, i.e., 2022-23, can be surprising on the higher side, ASSOCHAM Secretary-General said on Monday.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, India's economic growth in the upcoming financial year, i.e., 2022-23, can be surprising on the higher side, ASSOCHAM Secretary-General said on Monday. "While the 8-8.5 per cent GDP projections for FY23 are on the back of a high base of 9.2 per cent in the current financial year, ASSOCHAM is of the view that India's economic growth can surprise us on the higher side. "Even as the pandemic is still raging in most parts of the world, its latest variant is less damaging. Besides, with 75 per cent of eligible Indians fully vaccinated and the booster dose being rolled out, India would be far better prepared to take on the challenges," ASSOCHAM Secretary General Deepak Sood said. ASSOCHAM said it shares the prognosis of the Economic Survey that the Indian economy is well placed to take on the challenges of 2022-23, riding on the back of continuous reforms in supply-side and safety nets to the vulnerable sections of the society. Sood further said that the advance estimates suggest manufacturing to be growing by 12.5 per cent in the current fiscal while services would expand by 8.5 per cent. "Traditionally, services grow at a faster face. Clearly, the Covid impact on contact intensive industries is reflecting even as manufacturing has been aided by supply-side reforms. Once the impact of PLI scheme kicks in, we expect the manufacturing to be leading the growth for the foreseeable future," Sood said, adding that robust performance in exports has also helped the manufacturing. He further said that the Economic Survey is right in its assessment about the investment scenario, saying: "The private investment recovery is still at a nascent stage, though there are increased activities in the brownfield projects. Heavy lifting would still be needed by the government with capital expenditure, and we expect that in the Budget." The Survey has pointed out that the government has the fiscal capacity to maintain the support, and ramp up capital expenditure when required, ASSOCHAM said in a statement. "Schemes like credit guarantee with 100 per cent guarantee for additional funding of Rs 4.5 lakh crore to MSMEs have provided critical relief to the sectors severely hit by the pandemic. More such measures are expected in the Budget," it said. "The Survey has re-emphasised the government's asset monetisation and disinvestment agenda, which spells out bare minimum presence of government ownership even in the strategic sectors. Successful completion of Air India disinvestment should infuse confidence for the roadmap," it added. ×

India's economic growth in 2022-23 could spring a surprise: ASSOCHAM

Fears of an imminent Russian incursion in Ukraine have grown in recent days and as tensions continue to rise, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron held a telephonic call to discuss the Ukraine border situation and concerns over security in Europe.&nbsp;

In a statement, Kremlin said, "The leaders expressed their views on the situation regarding Ukraine as well as issues related to providing Russia with long-term and legally-binding security guarantees."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-will-face-swift-and-severe-consequences-biden-to-putin-at-unsc-over-ukraine-449332">Russia will 'face swift and severe consequences': Biden to Putin at UNSC over Ukraine</a>

The French presidency said that the telephonic conversation was part of Macron's efforts to de-escalate tensions both the leaders welcomed "positive progress" following talks between Russian, French, German and Ukrainian representatives.&nbsp;

They have also supported further dialogue to implement Ukraine ceasefire agreements brokered in 2015 and the Kremlin added that both the leader have discussed the possibility of a face-to-face meeting.&nbsp;

Amid a war-like situation, Macron reaffirmed France's solidarity with Ukraine in a phone call on Friday with President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-session-on-ukraine-crisis-who-said-what-449326">UNSC session on Ukraine crisis: Who said what</a>

However, he has been vouching for diplomatic ways of solving the highly sensitive border crisis, that will have its impact across Europe.&nbsp;

Macron has reiterated his determination to preserve Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty but in an earlier phone call, Macron and Putin had agreed on the need to "de-escalate" the situation.&nbsp;

A couple of days ago, Zelensky had urged the Western countries to remain "vigilant" and "firm" in talks. After his phone call with Macron late on Friday that intensive international negotiations reduced "the chance of escalation" in Kyiv's stand-off with Moscow.&nbsp;

In one of his tweets, he had said, "As long as conditions are conducive, we must meet &amp; talk."&nbsp;

Western countries, especially the United States accused Russia of amassing thousands of troops, however, Russia's UN ambassador recently said there was "no proof" Moscow was planning military action and that Russia had never confirmed the West's assertion that it had amassed 100,000 troops near its neighbour.&nbsp;

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Fears of an imminent Russian incursion in Ukraine have grown in recent days and as tensions continue to rise, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron held a telephonic call to discuss the Ukraine border situation and concerns over security in Europe.

Fears of an imminent Russian incursion in Ukraine have grown in recent days and as tensions continue to rise, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron held a telephonic call to discuss the Ukraine border situation and concerns over security in Europe. In a statement, Kremlin said, "The leaders expressed their views on the situation regarding Ukraine as well as issues related to providing Russia with long-term and legally-binding security guarantees." ALSO READ | Russia will 'face swift and severe consequences': Biden to Putin at UNSC over Ukraine The French presidency said that the telephonic conversation was part of Macron's efforts to de-escalate tensions both the leaders welcomed "positive progress" following talks between Russian, French, German and Ukrainian representatives. They have also supported further dialogue to implement Ukraine ceasefire agreements brokered in 2015 and the Kremlin added that both the leader have discussed the possibility of a face-to-face meeting. Amid a war-like situation, Macron reaffirmed France's solidarity with Ukraine in a phone call on Friday with President Volodymyr Zelensky. ALSO READ | UNSC session on Ukraine crisis: Who said what However, he has been vouching for diplomatic ways of solving the highly sensitive border crisis, that will have its impact across Europe. Macron has reiterated his determination to preserve Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty but in an earlier phone call, Macron and Putin had agreed on the need to "de-escalate" the situation. A couple of days ago, Zelensky had urged the Western countries to remain "vigilant" and "firm" in talks. After his phone call with Macron late on Friday that intensive international negotiations reduced "the chance of escalation" in Kyiv's stand-off with Moscow. In one of his tweets, he had said, "As long as conditions are conducive, we must meet & talk." Western countries, especially the United States accused Russia of amassing thousands of troops, however, Russia's UN ambassador recently said there was "no proof" Moscow was planning military action and that Russia had never confirmed the West's assertion that it had amassed 100,000 troops near its neighbour. ×

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Where does France stand?

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (February 1), presented the Budget 2022-2023 aiming to put the economy on the path of development amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (February 1), presented the Budget 2022-2023 aiming to put the economy on the path of development amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, the government emphasised capital expenditure and investments to power the country's GDP growth forward with a pro-growth Budget. The government is aiming to step up spending to $529.7 billion (Rs39.45 trillion) in the coming fiscal year to drive economic growth and infrastructure. It is important to note that it involves a wider fiscal deficit than targeted and record borrowing. While presenting the budget, Sitharaman said that total government spending in the 2022-23 fiscal year beginning in April will be 4.6 per cent more than the current year. ALSO READ | India Union Budget 2022: What gets costly, what will be cheaper In her opening remarks, Sitharaman said that the growth is estimated to be 9.2 per cent for 2021-2022, the fastest among the world's major economies. As mentioned by an Indian politician and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kiren Rijiju, it is an "inclusive" Budget that takes care of the interests of every section of society including the poor, rural and border areas. But how will it impact the Non-Resident Indian (NRI)? Here's a report: Main Pointers -The introduction of the digital rupee might benefit NRIs in reducing the cost of cross-border remittances. -E-passports with the embedded chip will help in managing arrival and departure with ease. The chip will help in linkages of data with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and tax authorities. -Those who want to file updated tax returns can do it for 2 years from the end of the assessment year. It will also help those who are living abroad. Bharat Bhatia, who is the founder and CEO of Conares, the second-largest private steel manufacturer in the UAE, said as quoted by an India-based news agency ANI: "The finance minister presented a highly promising budget projecting a lot of opportunities for growth and investments that would prove to be beneficial to the economy at large." "The budget promises marginal allocations for urban capacity building, modernisation of building by laws, town planning schemes and transit-oriented development will be implemented," he said. ALSO READ | How Budget 2022-2023 will impact the common man and middle class in India? Bhatia also appreciated revoking customs duty on stainless steel, flat products and high steel bars; in addition to the extension of customs duty exemption on steel scrap for another year for small and medium-sized businesses. Dr Sunil Kumar K, who is the Managing Director of SAM Corporate in Dubai, hailed the announcements on e-passports and digital currency. As quoted by the news agency, Kumar said that e-passports will help NRIs and the RBI's digital Rupee will be a trendsetter in the digital currency market, "where state can play a catalyst and bring controls and confidence. The future is bright." During her Budget speech, Sitharaman proposed that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will introduce digital currency in the next financial year beginning April 2022 to boost the digital economy and efficient currency management. She also said e-passports with the embedded chip will be rolled out. According to Kumar, the voluntary winding up of companies will bring in increased growth without bad baggage and improve investors confidence. "Financing of Investment is a welcome move which is going to provide huge impetus to growth of early stage companies. Nothing could be better than supporting the young entrepreneurial generation," he added. WATCH WION's analysis | Union Budget 2022: A lot of this year's budget is focused on digital, says Niranjan Hiranandani × (With inputs from agencies)

How will Union Budget 2022-2023 impact Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)?

When you fluff up pillows on your well-worn sofa, or turn your shirt sleeves up just-so, or sprinkle some spices over your morning eggs, you may be engaging in the art of the “jeuje.” Or is it “zhoosh”? Make that “zhuzh.”

However it’s spelled, the word is used to convey what is often hard to: the act of adding an extra something special, a little oomph, to a dish, hairdo, outfit or any number of things.

But where did it come from?

Theories abound online. A few have placed their bets on Yiddish. Others swear the term is Romani in origin, derived from the word “zhouzho,” meaning clean or neat. And still others insist that it is an expressive formation, like “whoosh.”

The most interesting origin story is also the one with the most historical backing. According to Paul Baker, a linguist at Lancaster University in England, the word can be traced to Polari, “a secret form of language, used mostly by gay men, which flourished in the early 20th century” in the United Kingdom.

According to Baker, who has written two books on Polari, including “Fantabulosa: A Dictionary of Polari and Gay Slang,” the language is the product of “a very complicated and nonlinear chain” of events. He said it probably began as workplace slang among British sailors, who, traveling abroad, encountered the lingua franca of mainland Europe — i.e., French — and brought it home.

Since sailors knew all manner of ropes, knots and rigging apparatus, they often took jobs on land as theater stagehands and circus performers. Polari thrived among Britain’s fairgrounds, circuses and markets, metabolizing words from here and there (including bits of Romani), then twisting — or zhuzhing — them up.

Some Polari terms are “back slang,” or existing words pronounced as if they were spelled backward (“riah” for “hair,” for instance). By the 20th century, Baker said, Polari was spoken throughout the gay community in Britain, which had been driven underground by the country’s laws policing sexual behavior.

Baker said the language allowed gay men to communicate frankly and identify one another, but with its irrepressible jauntiness, it also celebrated the customs and spirit of a marginalized community. “It was also used for general gossip, to be hilariously funny, and to ‘read’ people with the most cutting put-downs,” Baker said.

Jonathon Green, who has spent the past 40ish years working on a comprehensive online dictionary of slang, cited early usage of the word — spelled as “zhoosh”— in a 1977 article from the British newspaper Gay News: “We would zhoosh [‘fix’] our riahs [‘hair’], powder our eeks [‘faces’], climb into our bona [‘nice’] new drag [‘clothes’], don our batts [‘shoes’] and troll off [‘cruise’] to some bona bijou [‘nice, small’] bar.”

Baker puts weight on the theory that the word “may have come about due to its onomatopoeic qualities.” Originally, he wrote in an email, “it was used in a variety of contexts, e.g., to zhoosh off (to go away), to zhoosh a bevvy (to gulp down a drink), to steal something (a zhoosh bag was a swag bag).”

“It was gradually this ‘styling’ sense that became the dominant one, possibly because it was more useful for gay men,” Baker said.

In the 1960s, Polari shot to mainstream awareness thanks to BBC radio’s popular comedy program “Round the Horne,”&nbsp;which followed the campy adventures of out-of-work theater actors Julian and Sandy, played by Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick, gay icons of British entertainment.

“It was all double entendre, and hidden meaning, deeply wonderful stuff and no doubt would have thrilled anyone familiar with Polari, to hear it on the radio, and know what it meant,” Green said.

It is interesting to note that the word’s current resurgence can largely be attributed to that bastion of 21st-century gay culture, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” on which viewers delighted in Carson Kressley admonishing his hapless new subject to “jeuje” up an ensemble by popping a collar or rolling up a sleeve. “It means to tweak it, making it better, giving it some personality, your own personal touch,” Kressley said. The show premiered in 2003; two years later, the Oxford English Dictionary added the word to its database, under the spelling “zhoosh.”

“Though some people credit me with the word, it was actually a word I learned working with Ralph Lauren and specifically Ralph and his brother Jerry who I worked directly with, styling looks,” Kressley said.

But while the origins of “zhuzh” may be a little clearer, the jury is as divided as ever on how to spell it. According to Google Trends, which tracks the popularity of search terms, “zhuzh” has far outpaced other alternative spellings in recent years (“jeuje” doesn’t rate at all), but that doesn’t make it the definitive spelling. In his book, Kressley himself spells it “tszuj.”

“I stupidly decided to make it very hard to spell,” he said. “I always thought it had an Eastern European Yiddish background, so I decided to throw in as many consonants as possible,” he said.

Slang has historically emerged through spoken language; words didn’t used to find their way into print until they’d been heavily codified. But with the birth of social media and meme culture, slang words are increasingly hitting our eyes before our ears.

“We are seeing slang words far earlier in their development nowadays,” said Emily Brewster, a senior editor and lexicographer at Merriam-Webster. “And the number of years that it takes a slang word, which is markedly informal, qualify for entry has decreased dramatically.”

In the 1950s, Brewster said, it took an average of 35 years for a word, once coined, to qualify for entry in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Today, it is just 11 — or less. So is “zhuzh” destined for those storied pages anytime soon? “I can say it has not been drafted for entry,” Brewster said, “but it is definitely one we are watching, and one that is getting closer to entry.”

Ironically, when that day happens it might mark the end of the word’s appeal among the style-minded. “We don’t really enter a word until it’s ho-hum,” Brewster said, “until it’s like, ‘Nobody says zhuzh anymore.’”

When you fluff up pillows on your well-worn sofa, or turn your shirt sleeves up just-so, or sprinkle some spices over your morning eggs, you may be engaging in the art of the “jeuje.

When you fluff up pillows on your well-worn sofa, or turn your shirt sleeves up just-so, or sprinkle some spices over your morning eggs, you may be engaging in the art of the “jeuje.” Or is it “zhoosh”? Make that “zhuzh.” However it’s spelled, the word is used to convey what is often hard to: the act of adding an extra something special, a little oomph, to a dish, hairdo, outfit or any number of things. But where did it come from? Theories abound online. A few have placed their bets on Yiddish. Others swear the term is Romani in origin, derived from the word “zhouzho,” meaning clean or neat. And still others insist that it is an expressive formation, like “whoosh.” The most interesting origin story is also the one with the most historical backing. According to Paul Baker, a linguist at Lancaster University in England, the word can be traced to Polari, “a secret form of language, used mostly by gay men, which flourished in the early 20th century” in the United Kingdom. According to Baker, who has written two books on Polari, including “Fantabulosa: A Dictionary of Polari and Gay Slang,” the language is the product of “a very complicated and nonlinear chain” of events. He said it probably began as workplace slang among British sailors, who, traveling abroad, encountered the lingua franca of mainland Europe — i.e., French — and brought it home. Since sailors knew all manner of ropes, knots and rigging apparatus, they often took jobs on land as theater stagehands and circus performers. Polari thrived among Britain’s fairgrounds, circuses and markets, metabolizing words from here and there (including bits of Romani), then twisting — or zhuzhing — them up. Some Polari terms are “back slang,” or existing words pronounced as if they were spelled backward (“riah” for “hair,” for instance). By the 20th century, Baker said, Polari was spoken throughout the gay community in Britain, which had been driven underground by the country’s laws policing sexual behavior. Baker said the language allowed gay men to communicate frankly and identify one another, but with its irrepressible jauntiness, it also celebrated the customs and spirit of a marginalized community. “It was also used for general gossip, to be hilariously funny, and to ‘read’ people with the most cutting put-downs,” Baker said. Jonathon Green, who has spent the past 40ish years working on a comprehensive online dictionary of slang, cited early usage of the word — spelled as “zhoosh”— in a 1977 article from the British newspaper Gay News: “We would zhoosh [‘fix’] our riahs [‘hair’], powder our eeks [‘faces’], climb into our bona [‘nice’] new drag [‘clothes’], don our batts [‘shoes’] and troll off [‘cruise’] to some bona bijou [‘nice, small’] bar.” Baker puts weight on the theory that the word “may have come about due to its onomatopoeic qualities.” Originally, he wrote in an email, “it was used in a variety of contexts, e.g., to zhoosh off (to go away), to zhoosh a bevvy (to gulp down a drink), to steal something (a zhoosh bag was a swag bag).” “It was gradually this ‘styling’ sense that became the dominant one, possibly because it was more useful for gay men,” Baker said. In the 1960s, Polari shot to mainstream awareness thanks to BBC radio’s popular comedy program “Round the Horne,” which followed the campy adventures of out-of-work theater actors Julian and Sandy, played by Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick, gay icons of British entertainment. “It was all double entendre, and hidden meaning, deeply wonderful stuff and no doubt would have thrilled anyone familiar with Polari, to hear it on the radio, and know what it meant,” Green said. It is interesting to note that the word’s current resurgence can largely be attributed to that bastion of 21st-century gay culture, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” on which viewers delighted in Carson Kressley admonishing his hapless new subject to “jeuje” up an ensemble by popping a collar or rolling up a sleeve. “It means to tweak it, making it better, giving it some personality, your own personal touch,” Kressley said. The show premiered in 2003; two years later, the Oxford English Dictionary added the word to its database, under the spelling “zhoosh.” “Though some people credit me with the word, it was actually a word I learned working with Ralph Lauren and specifically Ralph and his brother Jerry who I worked directly with, styling looks,” Kressley said. But while the origins of “zhuzh” may be a little clearer, the jury is as divided as ever on how to spell it. According to Google Trends, which tracks the popularity of search terms, “zhuzh” has far outpaced other alternative spellings in recent years (“jeuje” doesn’t rate at all), but that doesn’t make it the definitive spelling. In his book, Kressley himself spells it “tszuj.” “I stupidly decided to make it very hard to spell,” he said. “I always thought it had an Eastern European Yiddish background, so I decided to throw in as many consonants as possible,” he said. Slang has historically emerged through spoken language; words didn’t used to find their way into print until they’d been heavily codified. But with the birth of social media and meme culture, slang words are increasingly hitting our eyes before our ears. “We are seeing slang words far earlier in their development nowadays,” said Emily Brewster, a senior editor and lexicographer at Merriam-Webster. “And the number of years that it takes a slang word, which is markedly informal, qualify for entry has decreased dramatically.” In the 1950s, Brewster said, it took an average of 35 years for a word, once coined, to qualify for entry in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Today, it is just 11 — or less. So is “zhuzh” destined for those storied pages anytime soon? “I can say it has not been drafted for entry,” Brewster said, “but it is definitely one we are watching, and one that is getting closer to entry.” Ironically, when that day happens it might mark the end of the word’s appeal among the style-minded. “We don’t really enter a word until it’s ho-hum,” Brewster said, “until it’s like, ‘Nobody says zhuzh anymore.’”

'Jeuje,' 'Zhoosh,' 'Zhuzh': A word of many spellings, and meanings

With Nirmala Sitharaman's budget presentation lasting for about one hour 31 minutes on Tuesday, the Indian Finance Minister's budget speech this year became the shortest ever since 2019.&nbsp;

Last year, Sitharaman's budget speech lasted for about one hour 48 minutes, while in 2020, it went on for 2 hours 40 minutes, which was the longest speech ever.&nbsp;

In the year before that, the speech was 2 hours 17 minutes long.&nbsp;

Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2022-23 in the Lok Sabha today during the Budget Session of Parliament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-union-budget-2022-markets-cheer-as-sensex-nifty-close-on-a-high-449555">India Union Budget 2022: Markets cheer as Sensex, Nifty close on a high</a>

The budget will lay the foundation for India's economic growth and expansion for the next 25 years, Finance Minister said while presenting the budget.&nbsp;

"This Union Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint of the economy over Amrit Kal of next 25 years - from India at 75 to India at 100," Sitharaman said while presenting her fourth union budget.&nbsp;

She said India is in a strong position to withstand future challenges.&nbsp;

The Finance Minister said the government's focus will continue on boosting public investment to modernise infrastructure.&nbsp;

One of the priority areas of the government in the coming years would be the PM Gati Shakti programme.&nbsp;

Seven engines of the PM Gati Shakti initiative are roads, Railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways and logistics infra.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Budget 2022-23 which was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament.&nbsp;

The meeting began at around 10:20am (local time) ahead of the Budget presentation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-nirmala-sitharaman-opts-for-orissa-handloom-saree-to-present-the-union-budget-2022-449433">Nirmala Sitharaman opts for Orissa handloom saree to present the Union Budget 2022</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Railways, Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, and others were present at the Parliament for the Union Cabinet Meeting ahead of the Budget presentation.&nbsp;

Earlier today, Sitharaman met President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of the Budget presentation. She was accompanied by Ministers of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Bhagwat Karad and other officials from the Ministry.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, replacing her signature 'bahi khata', she opted to carry the documents in a tablet, which was wrapped in a red-coloured cover with the national emblem emblazoned on it.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;India Union Budget 2022: Will startups be the engine of jobs?

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With Nirmala Sitharaman's budget presentation lasting for about one hour 31 minutes on Tuesday, the Indian Finance Minister's budget speech this year became the shortest ever since 2019.

With Nirmala Sitharaman's budget presentation lasting for about one hour 31 minutes on Tuesday, the Indian Finance Minister's budget speech this year became the shortest ever since 2019. Last year, Sitharaman's budget speech lasted for about one hour 48 minutes, while in 2020, it went on for 2 hours 40 minutes, which was the longest speech ever. In the year before that, the speech was 2 hours 17 minutes long. Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2022-23 in the Lok Sabha today during the Budget Session of Parliament. ALSO READ | India Union Budget 2022: Markets cheer as Sensex, Nifty close on a high The budget will lay the foundation for India's economic growth and expansion for the next 25 years, Finance Minister said while presenting the budget. "This Union Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint of the economy over Amrit Kal of next 25 years - from India at 75 to India at 100," Sitharaman said while presenting her fourth union budget. She said India is in a strong position to withstand future challenges. The Finance Minister said the government's focus will continue on boosting public investment to modernise infrastructure. One of the priority areas of the government in the coming years would be the PM Gati Shakti programme. Seven engines of the PM Gati Shakti initiative are roads, Railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways and logistics infra. The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Budget 2022-23 which was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament. The meeting began at around 10:20am (local time) ahead of the Budget presentation. ALSO READ | Nirmala Sitharaman opts for Orissa handloom saree to present the Union Budget 2022 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Railways, Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, and others were present at the Parliament for the Union Cabinet Meeting ahead of the Budget presentation. Earlier today, Sitharaman met President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of the Budget presentation. She was accompanied by Ministers of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Bhagwat Karad and other officials from the Ministry. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, replacing her signature 'bahi khata', she opted to carry the documents in a tablet, which was wrapped in a red-coloured cover with the national emblem emblazoned on it. WATCH | India Union Budget 2022: Will startups be the engine of jobs? ×

Indian FM Sitharaman's Budget speech shortest since 2019, lasts for 91 minutes

To provide a boost to the coronavirus-ravaged economy, the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the annual Union Budget for the year 2022-2023 in Parliament on Tuesday (February 1).&nbsp;

The budget was paperless - just like last year and it is now available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public.&nbsp;

This year, the budget was read from Made in India tablet.&nbsp;Sitharaman was carrying the&nbsp;tablet kept inside a red coloured cover with a golden coloured national emblem embossed on it instead of the briefcase or 'bahi khata'.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2022-indias-finance-minister-sitharaman-says-growth-expected-at-92-449432">Union Budget 2022: India's Finance Minister Sitharaman says growth expected at 9.2%</a>

This was also seen as an attempt to go green and also to minimise physical contact amid the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

In a historic move, the Union Budget 2021 was presented in a digital format for the first time to promote the Government of India's (GoI) Digital India flagship programme.

Sitharaman in 2019, ditched the longstanding tradition of carrying a briefcase and went 'Swadeshi' to replaced the briefcase with the traditional 'bahi khata' saying that the Modi government was not a 'suitcase-carrying government'.&nbsp;

The tradition of carrying the Budget briefcase was a copy of the 'Gladstone box', used in the British Budget. In 1860, the then British budget chief William E Gladstone used a red suitcase with Queen's monogram embossed in gold to carry his documents, which came to be known as the 'Gladstone Box'.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-nirmala-sitharaman-opts-for-orissa-handloom-saree-to-present-the-union-budget-2022-449433">Nirmala Sitharaman opts for Orissa handloom saree to present the Union Budget 2022</a>

In 1947, India's first Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty carried a leather portfolio to present the first Budget.

Before Nirmala Sitharaman, a long standing tradition in connection with the Budget presentation was broken during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government with the then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha presenting the Budget at 11am (local time) instead of the traditional time of 5pm (local time).&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

To provide a boost to the coronavirus-ravaged economy, the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the annual Union Budget for the year 2022-2023 in Parliament on Tuesday (February 1).

To provide a boost to the coronavirus-ravaged economy, the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the annual Union Budget for the year 2022-2023 in Parliament on Tuesday (February 1). The budget was paperless - just like last year and it is now available on an application named "Union Budget Mobile App". The app was launched last year for easy access to Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public. This year, the budget was read from Made in India tablet. Sitharaman was carrying the tablet kept inside a red coloured cover with a golden coloured national emblem embossed on it instead of the briefcase or 'bahi khata'. ALSO READ | Union Budget 2022: India's Finance Minister Sitharaman says growth expected at 9.2% This was also seen as an attempt to go green and also to minimise physical contact amid the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. In a historic move, the Union Budget 2021 was presented in a digital format for the first time to promote the Government of India's (GoI) Digital India flagship programme. Sitharaman in 2019, ditched the longstanding tradition of carrying a briefcase and went 'Swadeshi' to replaced the briefcase with the traditional 'bahi khata' saying that the Modi government was not a 'suitcase-carrying government'. The tradition of carrying the Budget briefcase was a copy of the 'Gladstone box', used in the British Budget. In 1860, the then British budget chief William E Gladstone used a red suitcase with Queen's monogram embossed in gold to carry his documents, which came to be known as the 'Gladstone Box'. ALSO READ | Nirmala Sitharaman opts for Orissa handloom saree to present the Union Budget 2022 In 1947, India's first Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty carried a leather portfolio to present the first Budget. Before Nirmala Sitharaman, a long standing tradition in connection with the Budget presentation was broken during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government with the then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha presenting the Budget at 11am (local time) instead of the traditional time of 5pm (local time). × (With inputs from agencies)

From 'Bahi Khata' to 'Made in India' tablet: Reflection of Digital India during Budget 2022

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Srishti Sisodia

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