Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki showed her class in upstaging eighth seed Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 to enter the quarter-finals of the US Open on Sunday. 
 
The Dane will now face unseeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in the last eight. Sevastova beat Briton Johanna Konta to advance to the next round. 
 
Thirteenth seed Konta was Sevastova&#39;s second high-profile scalp of the tournament. She had earlier beaten number three seed Garbine Muguruza in the second round.&nbsp; 
 
Italy&#39;s Roberta Vinci, former US Open runner-up and the player to deny Serena Williams the perfect grand slam in 2015, looked imperious in her match against world number 99&nbsp;Lesia Tsurenko 7-6(5), 6-2. 
 
She is due to face the winner of multiple Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and second seed Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber in the quarter-finals. 
 
In the men&#39;s side, French duo of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils entered the quarter-finals of the US Open. Mercurial Monfils prevailed over Marcos Baghdatis in straight sets, while Tsonga dropped a set en route to reaching the quarter-finals. 
 
Tsonga and Monfils, who is enjoying a fruitful run this American summer with a win-loss record of 17-2, both reached their third quarter-final at the US Open.&nbsp; 
 
While Tsonga will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic and Kyle Edmund match, La Monf will face off against the winner of 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal and Lucas Pouille, also from France. 
 
Update:&nbsp;Nadal and Pouille have won one set apiece with the Frenchman leading 3-1 in the third. 
 
(WION) 
 
&nbsp;

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki showed her class in upstaging eighth seed Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 to enter the quarter-finals of the US Open on Sunday. The Dane will now face unseeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in the last eight.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki showed her class in upstaging eighth seed Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 to enter the quarter-finals of the US Open on Sunday. The Dane will now face unseeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in the last eight. Sevastova beat Briton Johanna Konta to advance to the next round. Thirteenth seed Konta was Sevastova's second high-profile scalp of the tournament. She had earlier beaten number three seed Garbine Muguruza in the second round. Italy's Roberta Vinci, former US Open runner-up and the player to deny Serena Williams the perfect grand slam in 2015, looked imperious in her match against world number 99 Lesia Tsurenko 7-6(5), 6-2. She is due to face the winner of multiple Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and second seed Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber in the quarter-finals. In the men's side, French duo of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils entered the quarter-finals of the US Open. Mercurial Monfils prevailed over Marcos Baghdatis in straight sets, while Tsonga dropped a set en route to reaching the quarter-finals. Tsonga and Monfils, who is enjoying a fruitful run this American summer with a win-loss record of 17-2, both reached their third quarter-final at the US Open. While Tsonga will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic and Kyle Edmund match, La Monf will face off against the winner of 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal and Lucas Pouille, also from France. Update: Nadal and Pouille have won one set apiece with the Frenchman leading 3-1 in the third. (WION)

Indian industry optimism grows as CII business confidence index reaches 68.2

In the order dated June 22, CCI said that it found Google 'prima facie' in violation of India's antitrust regulations and asked the CCI Director General to launch a probe into the matter.

CII orders investigation into google for antitrust practices

At a time Indian economy is facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, Industry Federation CII has demanded Rs 3 trillion package additional stimulus. Watch this report to know more.

CII pitches for Rs 3 trillion fiscal stimulus

At a times when India's Coronavirus cases and casualties are rising exponentially, Confederation of Indian Industry has urged the government to take the “strongest national steps” and to curtail economic activity to save lives.

World Business Watch: CII chief calls for strict curbs to battle COVID-19 pandemic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India has now left the lockdown behind and has entered unlock phase 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-cross-198-lakh-mark-in-india-death-toll-at-5598-302533">Also read: COVID-19 cases cross 1.98 lakh-mark in India; death toll at 5,598</a> 
 
“While it is true that coronavirus has slowed down our growth, India has now left the lockdown behind and has entered unlock phase 1. So in a way, we have already started getting our growth back. I have confidence in India’s capabilities, crisis management,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi was attending the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Session 2020- “Getting Growth Back” where he addressed the issue of economic slowdown due to coronavirus and how to revive it as alarm bells ring for Indian economy.

Here are the highlights of PM Modi's speech:&nbsp;

1: Coronavirus is an unprecedented crisis where we have several priorities as we handle the situation — we have to revive the economy while keeping the welfare of the poor in mind. 
&nbsp; 
2: Getting growth back is what we also have our motto as we reopen the economy. I have full faith in India's crisis management, talent, technology, innovation, and intellect. 
&nbsp; 
3: I have faith in India's farmers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders. Therefore, yes, we will get our growth back. India will get its growth back. Friends, coronavirus may have impeded our speed, but the reality today is that we have left the lockdown phase behind and now we are in the Unlock 1.0 phase. 
&nbsp; 
4: A large part of the economy has reopened. The rest will reopen on June 8.&nbsp;

5: We were able to do all this because even as the rest of the world was struggling in the grips of coronavirus, we took the right steps at the right time. 
 
6:&nbsp;To bring India back on track for fast-paced growth five things are very important: Intent, Inclusion, Investment, Infrastructure, Innovation. 
 
7: Under PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana, Rs 53,000 crore worth of financial assistance has already been provided to the poor. 
&nbsp; 
8: During the lockdown, the govt provided 80 million LPG cylinders right at the doorstep of the poor.

9: We have made decisions to make our economy and sectors future-ready. Our reforms are not scattered; rather, our reforms are planned, futuristic. For us, reforms mean taking it to the logical conclusion.

10: The private sector's participation across sectors of the economy are now truly a reality.

11: If a country like ours, which is the biggest storehouse of coal, had to import coal for its requirements, there were policy bottlenecks that needed reform.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India has now left the lockdown behind and has entered unlock phase 1. Also read: COVID-19 cases cross 1.98 lakh-mark in India; death toll at 5,598 “While it is true that coronavirus has slowed down our growth, India has now left the lockdown behind and has entered unlock phase 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India has now left the lockdown behind and has entered unlock phase 1. Also read: COVID-19 cases cross 1.98 lakh-mark in India; death toll at 5,598 “While it is true that coronavirus has slowed down our growth, India has now left the lockdown behind and has entered unlock phase 1. So in a way, we have already started getting our growth back. I have confidence in India’s capabilities, crisis management,” PM Modi said. PM Modi was attending the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Session 2020- “Getting Growth Back” where he addressed the issue of economic slowdown due to coronavirus and how to revive it as alarm bells ring for Indian economy. Here are the highlights of PM Modi's speech: 1: Coronavirus is an unprecedented crisis where we have several priorities as we handle the situation — we have to revive the economy while keeping the welfare of the poor in mind. 2: Getting growth back is what we also have our motto as we reopen the economy. I have full faith in India's crisis management, talent, technology, innovation, and intellect. 3: I have faith in India's farmers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders. Therefore, yes, we will get our growth back. India will get its growth back. Friends, coronavirus may have impeded our speed, but the reality today is that we have left the lockdown phase behind and now we are in the Unlock 1.0 phase. 4: A large part of the economy has reopened. The rest will reopen on June 8. 5: We were able to do all this because even as the rest of the world was struggling in the grips of coronavirus, we took the right steps at the right time. 6: To bring India back on track for fast-paced growth five things are very important: Intent, Inclusion, Investment, Infrastructure, Innovation. 7: Under PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana, Rs 53,000 crore worth of financial assistance has already been provided to the poor. 8: During the lockdown, the govt provided 80 million LPG cylinders right at the doorstep of the poor. 9: We have made decisions to make our economy and sectors future-ready. Our reforms are not scattered; rather, our reforms are planned, futuristic. For us, reforms mean taking it to the logical conclusion. 10: The private sector's participation across sectors of the economy are now truly a reality. 11: If a country like ours, which is the biggest storehouse of coal, had to import coal for its requirements, there were policy bottlenecks that needed reform.

India has left lockdown behind, will get our growth back, says PM Modi

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the annual session 2020 of the 'Confederation of India's Industry' (CII) on Tuesday.

PM Modi inaugurates annual session 2020 of 'Confederation of Indian Industry'

Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the largest growth is coming from the Asia-Pacific and the countries of this region also face challenges that are "quite common".

Speaking at the Ninth Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (APTFF) organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Ministry of Commerce, Goyal said,&nbsp;"This region holds 60 per cent of the world's population. The largest growth is coming from this region. We are very large economies and there are also small economies in the region".

"Many of the challenges are quite common. Environment, poverty, etc, are our prime challenges. All the countries in the region are looking together to engage with each other. We have several Sustainable Development Goals set up by the United Nations. We will achieve faster results on some goals like poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and affordable and sustainable energy," he added.

Goyal further said that this forum will help those countries which are developing economies.

Speaking on the initiatives taken at the national level, Goyal said, "Jal shakti mission will help masses with clean water.

"Our clean energy programme is the most ambitious program in the world. I am confident that we will achieve our ambitious target of five trillion-dollar economy," he added.

Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the largest growth is coming from the Asia-Pacific and the countries of this region also face challenges that are "quite common".

Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the largest growth is coming from the Asia-Pacific and the countries of this region also face challenges that are "quite common". Speaking at the Ninth Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (APTFF) organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Ministry of Commerce, Goyal said, "This region holds 60 per cent of the world's population. The largest growth is coming from this region. We are very large economies and there are also small economies in the region". "Many of the challenges are quite common. Environment, poverty, etc, are our prime challenges. All the countries in the region are looking together to engage with each other. We have several Sustainable Development Goals set up by the United Nations. We will achieve faster results on some goals like poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and affordable and sustainable energy," he added. Goyal further said that this forum will help those countries which are developing economies. Speaking on the initiatives taken at the national level, Goyal said, "Jal shakti mission will help masses with clean water. "Our clean energy programme is the most ambitious program in the world. I am confident that we will achieve our ambitious target of five trillion-dollar economy," he added.

Largest growth coming from the Asia-Pacific region: Piyush Goyal

Industry body CII Tuesday said the proposed national e-commerce policy should provide greater clarity on data sharing as forced disclosure may raise concerns on privacy.

In its comments on the draft policy floated by the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), it also said the regulations should not aim at "micromanaging" players in the e-commerce sector but should act as an enabler to promote innovations.

In February, the DPIIT floated the draft policy proposing setting up a legal and technological framework for restrictions on cross-border data flow and also laid out conditions for businesses regarding the collection or processing of sensitive data locally and storing it abroad.

In its suggestions, the CII said the role of an e-commerce platform is that of an intermediary and hence the responsibility of preventing IP infringements while limited, is a joint one with the larger role around liability and gatekeeping on the seller/ manufacturer.

"Forced disclosures and data sharing can infringe privacy concerns and hence greater clarity and calibration are required on the context, procedure, and expectations around the government's right to mandate the forced transfer of proprietary information," CII said.&nbsp;

The draft says that a business entity that collects or processes any sensitive data in India and stores it abroad, shall be required to adhere to certain conditions.&nbsp;

The conditions state that all such data stored abroad shall not be made available to other business entities outside India, for any purpose, even with the customer's consent.&nbsp;

Further, the data shall also not be made available to a third party for any purpose and it would also not be shared with a foreign government, without the prior permission of Indian authorities, the draft said.

CII further suggested that the e-commerce policy should not aim for a one size fits all approach but take into account the diversity of organizations and industries it affects.&nbsp; 
"Hence, the policy should determine its scope of work and aim to limit its overreach accordingly," it said.

Also, the regulation should not aim to micromanage or overpower innovation but to become an enabler of innovation and opportunities. 
Ritesh Agarwal, Chairman, CII National Committee on e-commerce said in the last decade, e-commerce has touched every aspect of lives and is growing at an impressive pace.&nbsp;

"Through this committee's representation to the DPIIT, we will explore ways to increase economic opportunities and empower businesses," he said. 
Anjan Das, Executive Director of CII said any legal framework impacting the e-commerce ecosystem is of critical importance for both consumers as well as service providers.&nbsp;

CII said it has held stakeholder consultation and invited them to provide detailed comments, issues and proposed solutions that have been compiled to form a comprehensive list of responses to the draft policy.

Industry body CII Tuesday said the proposed national e-commerce policy should provide greater clarity on data sharing as forced disclosure may raise concerns on privacy.

Industry body CII Tuesday said the proposed national e-commerce policy should provide greater clarity on data sharing as forced disclosure may raise concerns on privacy. In its comments on the draft policy floated by the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), it also said the regulations should not aim at "micromanaging" players in the e-commerce sector but should act as an enabler to promote innovations. In February, the DPIIT floated the draft policy proposing setting up a legal and technological framework for restrictions on cross-border data flow and also laid out conditions for businesses regarding the collection or processing of sensitive data locally and storing it abroad. In its suggestions, the CII said the role of an e-commerce platform is that of an intermediary and hence the responsibility of preventing IP infringements while limited, is a joint one with the larger role around liability and gatekeeping on the seller/ manufacturer. "Forced disclosures and data sharing can infringe privacy concerns and hence greater clarity and calibration are required on the context, procedure, and expectations around the government's right to mandate the forced transfer of proprietary information," CII said. The draft says that a business entity that collects or processes any sensitive data in India and stores it abroad, shall be required to adhere to certain conditions. The conditions state that all such data stored abroad shall not be made available to other business entities outside India, for any purpose, even with the customer's consent. Further, the data shall also not be made available to a third party for any purpose and it would also not be shared with a foreign government, without the prior permission of Indian authorities, the draft said. CII further suggested that the e-commerce policy should not aim for a one size fits all approach but take into account the diversity of organizations and industries it affects. "Hence, the policy should determine its scope of work and aim to limit its overreach accordingly," it said. Also, the regulation should not aim to micromanage or overpower innovation but to become an enabler of innovation and opportunities. Ritesh Agarwal, Chairman, CII National Committee on e-commerce said in the last decade, e-commerce has touched every aspect of lives and is growing at an impressive pace. "Through this committee's representation to the DPIIT, we will explore ways to increase economic opportunities and empower businesses," he said. Anjan Das, Executive Director of CII said any legal framework impacting the e-commerce ecosystem is of critical importance for both consumers as well as service providers. CII said it has held stakeholder consultation and invited them to provide detailed comments, issues and proposed solutions that have been compiled to form a comprehensive list of responses to the draft policy.

Greater clarity required on data sharing, CII on draft e-commerce policy

Industry body CII Tuesday said the proposed national e-commerce policy should provide greater clarity on data sharing as forced disclosure may raise concerns on privacy.

In its comments on the draft policy floated by the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), it also said the regulations should not aim at "micromanaging" players in the e-commerce sector but should act as an enabler to promote innovations.

In February, the DPIIT floated the draft policy proposing setting up a legal and technological framework for restrictions on cross-border data flow and also laid out conditions for businesses regarding the collection or processing of sensitive data locally and storing it abroad.

In its suggestions, the CII said the role of an e-commerce platform is that of an intermediary and hence the responsibility of preventing IP infringements while limited, is a joint one with the larger role around liability and gatekeeping on the seller/ manufacturer.

"Forced disclosures and data sharing can infringe privacy concerns and hence greater clarity and calibration are required on the context, procedure, and expectations around the government's right to mandate the forced transfer of proprietary information," CII said.&nbsp;

The draft says that a business entity that collects or processes any sensitive data in India and stores it abroad, shall be required to adhere to certain conditions.&nbsp;

The conditions state that all such data stored abroad shall not be made available to other business entities outside India, for any purpose, even with the customer's consent.&nbsp;

Further, the data shall also not be made available to a third party for any purpose and it would also not be shared with a foreign government, without the prior permission of Indian authorities, the draft said.

CII further suggested that the e-commerce policy should not aim for a one size fits all approach but take into account the diversity of organizations and industries it affects.&nbsp;

"Hence, the policy should determine its scope of work and aim to limit its overreach accordingly," it said.

Also, the regulation should not aim to micromanage or overpower innovation but to become an enabler of innovation and opportunities. 
Ritesh Agarwal, Chairman, CII National Committee on e-commerce said in the last decade, e-commerce has touched every aspect of lives and is growing at an impressive pace.&nbsp;

"Through this committee's representation to the DPIIT, we will explore ways to increase economic opportunities and empower businesses," he said. 
Anjan Das, Executive Director of CII said any legal framework impacting the e-commerce ecosystem is of critical importance for both consumers as well as service providers.&nbsp;

CII said it has held stakeholder consultation and invited them to provide detailed comments, issues and proposed solutions that have been compiled to form a comprehensive list of responses to the draft policy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blog-former-national-basketball-player-turned-cosmic-healer-draws-attention-at-kumbh-mela-191548">The mega Kumbh Mela</a>, which began on January 15 and will continue till March 4, is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 1.2 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh, says apex industry body Confederation of Indian Industry.

Although the Kumbh Mela is spiritual and religious in nature, the economic activities associated with it generate employment for over six lakh workers across various sectors, CII said in a report.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the 50-day Kumbh Mela this time, which is over thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, making the mega pilgrimage perhaps the costliest ever.

The hospitality sector aims at employing 2,50,000 people, airlines and airports around 1,50,000 and tour operators around 45,000. The employment numbers in eco-tourism and medical tourism are being estimated at 85,000, says a CII study.

Apart from this, there will be around 55,000 new jobs in the unorganized sector comprising of tour guides, taxi drivers, interpreters, volunteers etc.&nbsp; 
This will lead to increase income levels for government agencies and individual traders.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-crore-people-take-dip-as-kumbh-mela-begins-in-prayagraj-190554">Attracting a massive number of foreign tourists</a> from various countries like Australia, UK, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, the Kumbh is a festival of the world.

"The 'mela' is expected to generate a revenue of Rs1,200 billion for Uttar Pradesh, the state where it is being held, while neighbouring states like Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh will also benefit from the enhanced revenue generation with a large number of national and foreign tourists expected to explore other destinations.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a hefty amount of Rs 4,200 crore for the Kumbh Mela held in Allahabad, which has become the costliest pilgrimage till date.

"The UP government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013," state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal told PTI.

The area of Kumbh Mela has also been doubled to 3,200 hectares as compared to 1,600 hectares in the previous melas.

The Kumbh is a unique and massive gathering of both rural and urban population and also has a huge dispersal factor as people travel long distances across the country.&nbsp;

In order to house this multitude, authorities have erected a mini-city of more than 4,000 tents. The city is being lit by installing over 40,000 LED lights, say local authorities.

Overhauling of key infrastructure is being done, including upgrading nine railways stations and construction of a new airport terminal in Allahabad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumbh-2019-largest-temporary-city-of-world-to-have-250-kilometre-long-roads-22-bridges-188891">The setting up of this new city in the huge Mela</a> area involves 250-kilometre&nbsp;roads and 22 pontoon bridges, which will make it the largest temporary city in the world.

The Kumbh, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage, is thus expected to generate direct and indirect business activities, the fruits of which would hopefully benefit the economy not only of Uttar Pradesh but that of India as a whole, the CII document says.&nbsp;

The Kumbh at Sangam city Prayagraj, as Allahabad is now known, dates back to a hoary past, whose first mention of was made some 2,000 years ago by the Chinese traveller Hsuan Tsang who visited India during the reign on King Harshvardhana.

Based on a complex astrological calculation, the alignment of the stars determines the time and place of the 'Kumbh' in one of the following four river-sites: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik, and Ujjain.

It is a celebration of an ancient tradition, a dip in the holy waters where the mythical Saraswati, Ganga and Yamuna meet. These riverside festivals and the city that springs up around them are attended by millions, making the 'Kumbh Mela' the largest religious gathering, perhaps the oldest, and the largest temporary city in the world.

Learned seers believe that a dip in the waters would endow an individual with religious merit.&nbsp;

Masses of devotees gather on the riverbank to attain spiritual enlightenment, some in the belief that doing so will lead them worldly success, others simply to purify their souls.

The Kumbh Mela gets its worldwide reputation as a mega-event not only because of the sheer number of people who attend the fair but also for a widespread display of cultural traits of a nation, which is bound by ties of faith and traditions.

Around 12 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh between now and Maha Shivratri on March 4, when the Mela will come to a close on Maha Shivratri day.

The first "Shahi Snan' (royal bath) of Kumbh on January 15 drew a record crowd of 2.25 devotees, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been meticulously supervising minute details personally to make the event "Divya Kumbh, Bhavya Kumbh".

Although the Kumbh Mela is spiritual and religious in nature, the economic activities associated with it generate employment for over six lakh workers across various sectors, CII said in a report.

The mega Kumbh Mela, which began on January 15 and will continue till March 4, is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 1.2 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh, says apex industry body Confederation of Indian Industry. Although the Kumbh Mela is spiritual and religious in nature, the economic activities associated with it generate employment for over six lakh workers across various sectors, CII said in a report. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the 50-day Kumbh Mela this time, which is over thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, making the mega pilgrimage perhaps the costliest ever. The hospitality sector aims at employing 2,50,000 people, airlines and airports around 1,50,000 and tour operators around 45,000. The employment numbers in eco-tourism and medical tourism are being estimated at 85,000, says a CII study. Apart from this, there will be around 55,000 new jobs in the unorganized sector comprising of tour guides, taxi drivers, interpreters, volunteers etc. This will lead to increase income levels for government agencies and individual traders. Attracting a massive number of foreign tourists from various countries like Australia, UK, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, the Kumbh is a festival of the world. "The 'mela' is expected to generate a revenue of Rs1,200 billion for Uttar Pradesh, the state where it is being held, while neighbouring states like Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh will also benefit from the enhanced revenue generation with a large number of national and foreign tourists expected to explore other destinations. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a hefty amount of Rs 4,200 crore for the Kumbh Mela held in Allahabad, which has become the costliest pilgrimage till date. "The UP government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013," state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal told PTI. The area of Kumbh Mela has also been doubled to 3,200 hectares as compared to 1,600 hectares in the previous melas. The Kumbh is a unique and massive gathering of both rural and urban population and also has a huge dispersal factor as people travel long distances across the country. In order to house this multitude, authorities have erected a mini-city of more than 4,000 tents. The city is being lit by installing over 40,000 LED lights, say local authorities. Overhauling of key infrastructure is being done, including upgrading nine railways stations and construction of a new airport terminal in Allahabad. The setting up of this new city in the huge Mela area involves 250-kilometre roads and 22 pontoon bridges, which will make it the largest temporary city in the world. The Kumbh, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage, is thus expected to generate direct and indirect business activities, the fruits of which would hopefully benefit the economy not only of Uttar Pradesh but that of India as a whole, the CII document says. The Kumbh at Sangam city Prayagraj, as Allahabad is now known, dates back to a hoary past, whose first mention of was made some 2,000 years ago by the Chinese traveller Hsuan Tsang who visited India during the reign on King Harshvardhana. Based on a complex astrological calculation, the alignment of the stars determines the time and place of the 'Kumbh' in one of the following four river-sites: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik, and Ujjain. It is a celebration of an ancient tradition, a dip in the holy waters where the mythical Saraswati, Ganga and Yamuna meet. These riverside festivals and the city that springs up around them are attended by millions, making the 'Kumbh Mela' the largest religious gathering, perhaps the oldest, and the largest temporary city in the world. Learned seers believe that a dip in the waters would endow an individual with religious merit. Masses of devotees gather on the riverbank to attain spiritual enlightenment, some in the belief that doing so will lead them worldly success, others simply to purify their souls. The Kumbh Mela gets its worldwide reputation as a mega-event not only because of the sheer number of people who attend the fair but also for a widespread display of cultural traits of a nation, which is bound by ties of faith and traditions. Around 12 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh between now and Maha Shivratri on March 4, when the Mela will come to a close on Maha Shivratri day. The first "Shahi Snan' (royal bath) of Kumbh on January 15 drew a record crowd of 2.25 devotees, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been meticulously supervising minute details personally to make the event "Divya Kumbh, Bhavya Kumbh".

Kumbh will generate Rs 1.2 lakh crore in revenue: CII

Rupee depreciation does not benefit exporters, instead, a stable currency is needed for long-term sustainable growth of India's international trade, industry body CII said Monday.

In the present globalised environment, a majority of costs like raw material, shipping charges, warehousing and other related services are denominated in foreign currency or at import parity price, the chamber said in a statement.

Besides, most of the exporters do long-term hedging at the time of booking of orders, while importers press for a reduction in prices citing depreciation of the rupee, it said.

"Hence, it is more of a perception than reality that depreciation of the rupee helps exporters. What is required is a stable range-bound currency which will give stability and certainty for quoting prices and accepting orders in today's competitive global environment," Chairman of CII National Committee on Exports and Imports Sanjay Budhia said.

The rupee weakened by 36 paise to 72.84 against the US dollar Monday even as the RBI announced plans to purchase government bonds worth Rs 36,000 crore to boost liquidity.

The domestic unit rupee had gained 11 paise to close at a one-week high of 72.48 against the US dollar on Friday.

In recent weeks, the rupee has taken a beating amid volatility in global markets and strengthening of the greenback. The central bank has been taking various measures to shore up the rupee.

Rupee depreciation does not benefit exporters, instead, a stable currency is needed for long-term sustainable growth of India's international trade, industry body CII said Monday.

Rupee depreciation does not benefit exporters, instead, a stable currency is needed for long-term sustainable growth of India's international trade, industry body CII said Monday. In the present globalised environment, a majority of costs like raw material, shipping charges, warehousing and other related services are denominated in foreign currency or at import parity price, the chamber said in a statement. Besides, most of the exporters do long-term hedging at the time of booking of orders, while importers press for a reduction in prices citing depreciation of the rupee, it said. "Hence, it is more of a perception than reality that depreciation of the rupee helps exporters. What is required is a stable range-bound currency which will give stability and certainty for quoting prices and accepting orders in today's competitive global environment," Chairman of CII National Committee on Exports and Imports Sanjay Budhia said. The rupee weakened by 36 paise to 72.84 against the US dollar Monday even as the RBI announced plans to purchase government bonds worth Rs 36,000 crore to boost liquidity. The domestic unit rupee had gained 11 paise to close at a one-week high of 72.48 against the US dollar on Friday. In recent weeks, the rupee has taken a beating amid volatility in global markets and strengthening of the greenback. The central bank has been taking various measures to shore up the rupee.

Stable currency needed to boost India's international trade: CII

India has &quot;increased substantially&quot; its score in the latest international Intellectual Property (IP) index released by the US Chambers of Commerce today, ranking 44th out of 50 countries.

India&#39;s overall score has increased substantially from 25 per cent (8.75 out of 35) in the 5th edition of the Index to 30 per cent (12.03 out of 40) in the 6th edition, according to the annual report prepared by the Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) of the US Chambers of Commerce.

Despite improvement in the score, India continues to remain towards the bottom of the ladder. It now ranks 44 out of 50 countries.

Last year, India ranked 43rd out of 45 countries in the index, with an overall score if 8.4 points.

India&#39;s ranking, the report said, reflects a relatively strong performance in the new indicators as well as positive reform efforts on patentability of computer-implemented inventions (CIIs) and registration procedures for well-known marks.

The US tops the list with 37.98 points, followed by United Kingdom (37.97) and Sweden (37.03).

The annual report notes that India in July 2017 issued &#39;Guidelines on the Examination of Computer-Related Inventions&#39; which significantly improved the patentability environment for technological innovations.

Additionally, the government created IP awareness workshops and technical training, programmes for enforcement agencies, implementing key deliverables of the National Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Policy.

&quot;However, India?s score continues to suggest that additional, meaningful reforms are needed to complement the policy,&quot; he report said. 
In what is otherwise a very challenging environment for IP rights holders, India said has demonstrated a long-standing and clear commitment to increasing awareness of the importance of IP rights and respect for creators and innovators, it said.

However, India has a long way to go, the report noted.

Among key areas of weaknesses are limited framework for protection of life sciences IP; patentability requirements outside international standards; lengthy pre-grant opposition proceedings; previously used compulsory licensing for commercial and nonemergency situations; limited participation in international IP treaties and no participation in international PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway) tracks.

&quot;For the first time, India has broken free of the bottom ten per cent of economies measured, and its score represents the largest percentage improvement of any country measured. This is further evidence of a country on the move,&quot; said? Patrick Kilbride, vice president of GIPC.

&quot;Several factors figure into the improved score. India passed guidelines to strengthen the patentability environment for technological innovations, improved the protection of well-known marks, and initiated IP awareness and coordination programmes, thereby implementing some tenets of the 2016 National IPR Policy,&quot; he said.

&quot;However, additional, meaningful reforms are still needed to incentivize domestic innovation, attract foreign investors, and improve access to innovation,&quot; Kilbride said. 
The report analyses the intellectual property (IP) climate in 50 world economies based on 40 unique indicators that benchmark activity critical to innovation development surrounding patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secrets protection.

India continues to remain towards the bottom of the ladder. It now ranks 44 out of 50 countries

India has "increased substantially" its score in the latest international Intellectual Property (IP) index released by the US Chambers of Commerce today, ranking 44th out of 50 countries. India's overall score has increased substantially from 25 per cent (8.75 out of 35) in the 5th edition of the Index to 30 per cent (12.03 out of 40) in the 6th edition, according to the annual report prepared by the Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) of the US Chambers of Commerce. Despite improvement in the score, India continues to remain towards the bottom of the ladder. It now ranks 44 out of 50 countries. Last year, India ranked 43rd out of 45 countries in the index, with an overall score if 8.4 points. India's ranking, the report said, reflects a relatively strong performance in the new indicators as well as positive reform efforts on patentability of computer-implemented inventions (CIIs) and registration procedures for well-known marks. The US tops the list with 37.98 points, followed by United Kingdom (37.97) and Sweden (37.03). The annual report notes that India in July 2017 issued 'Guidelines on the Examination of Computer-Related Inventions' which significantly improved the patentability environment for technological innovations. Additionally, the government created IP awareness workshops and technical training, programmes for enforcement agencies, implementing key deliverables of the National Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Policy. "However, India?s score continues to suggest that additional, meaningful reforms are needed to complement the policy," he report said. In what is otherwise a very challenging environment for IP rights holders, India said has demonstrated a long-standing and clear commitment to increasing awareness of the importance of IP rights and respect for creators and innovators, it said. However, India has a long way to go, the report noted. Among key areas of weaknesses are limited framework for protection of life sciences IP; patentability requirements outside international standards; lengthy pre-grant opposition proceedings; previously used compulsory licensing for commercial and nonemergency situations; limited participation in international IP treaties and no participation in international PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway) tracks. "For the first time, India has broken free of the bottom ten per cent of economies measured, and its score represents the largest percentage improvement of any country measured. This is further evidence of a country on the move," said? Patrick Kilbride, vice president of GIPC. "Several factors figure into the improved score. India passed guidelines to strengthen the patentability environment for technological innovations, improved the protection of well-known marks, and initiated IP awareness and coordination programmes, thereby implementing some tenets of the 2016 National IPR Policy," he said. "However, additional, meaningful reforms are still needed to incentivize domestic innovation, attract foreign investors, and improve access to innovation," Kilbride said. The report analyses the intellectual property (IP) climate in 50 world economies based on 40 unique indicators that benchmark activity critical to innovation development surrounding patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secrets protection.

India ranks 44 out of 50 nations in global IP index

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India ranks 44 out of 50 nations in global IP index