As many as 346 infrastructure projects, each entailing an investment of Rs 150 crore or more, have been hit by cost overruns of more than Rs 4.46 lakh crore, as per an official report.
According to Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, which monitors infrastructure projects worth Rs 150 crore and above, out of 1,418 projects, 346 reported cost overruns and as many as 823 projects were delayed.
" Total original cost of implementation of the 1,418 projects was Rs 20,38,026.75 crore and their anticipated completion cost is likely to be Rs 24,84,846.99 crore, which reflects overall cost overruns of Rs 4,46,820.24 crore (21.92 per cent of original cost)," the ministry's latest report for February 2023 said.
According to the report, the expenditure incurred on these projects till February 2023 is Rs 13,62,707.98 crore, which is 54.84 per cent of the anticipated cost of the projects.
However, the number of delayed projects decreases to 643 if delay is calculated on the basi

Press Trust of India

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Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called upon the government to stop the controversial judicial overhaul legislation that has sparked protests across the country, sticking his neck out amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence to go ahead with the proposed "reforms".
His intervention came as Israelis opposed to the changes held mass rallies across the country for the twelfth week in a row.
"The security of the State of Israel is my life's mission. Over the course of my entire adult life, I have dealt with Israel's security day in and day out," Gallant, Netanyahu's close aide, said on Saturday.
He said that he still supported the need to revamp the court system, but acknowledged that unprecedented feelings of anger, pain and disappointment have risen within the military over the proposed changes to Israel's balance of power.
The revamp includes enabling Parliament to overrule decisions made by the Supreme Court - a move that critics say will undermine the independe

Existing mutual fund investors have time till March 31 to nominate a beneficiary or opt out of it by submitting a declaration form, failing which their folios will be frozen, and they will not be able to redeem investment.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), in its circular on June 15, 2022, made it mandatory for mutual fund subscribers to submit the nomination details or declaration to opt out of the nomination on or after August 1, 2022. Later, the deadline was extended to October 1, 2022.
The deadline for all the existing mutual fund folios, including jointly-held ones, was set as March 31, 2023, failing which the folios will be frozen for debits.
Explaining the rationale behind the Sebi's move, Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd COO Niranjan Babu Ramayanam said that many investment accounts in the past have been opened without nominating anyone to whom the assets should be transmitted in case something happens to the account holders.
This means that the rightful heirs had ..

Five of the top 10 most valued firms together lost Rs 86,447.12 crore in market valuation last week, with Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and State Bank of India taking the biggest hit.
Last week, the BSE benchmark fell 462.8 points or 0.79 per cent.
While Reliance Industries Limited, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HDFC Bank, Infosys and State Bank of India suffered erosion from their valuation, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever Limited, ITC, HDFC and Bharti Airtel posted gains.
The market capitalisation (mcap) of Infosys tumbled by Rs 25,217.2 crore to Rs 5,72,687.97 crore.
The valuation of State Bank of India fell Rs 21,062.08 crore to Rs 4,51,228.38 crore, and that of TCS tanked Rs 21,039.55 crore to Rs 11,42,154.59 crore.
The mcap of Reliance Industries declined by Rs 13,226.53 crore to Rs 14,90,775.40 crore, and HDFC Bank dipped Rs 5,901.76 crore to Rs 8,71,416.33 crore.
However, ICICI Bank added Rs 10,905.18 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 5,94,888.25 crore.
The valuat

The unseasonal rainfall has put a brake on the sales of residential air conditioners, which had started to pick up early this year from mid-February as the temperature was rising.
Now, in the second half of March, sales of AC have been impacted, however, makers see it as a "temporary phenomenon" and are hopeful of reaching their targets from April onwards when heat waves would start.
Overall the AC industry, which had record sales of around 8.25 million units in 2022, expects to continue its double-digit growth journey this season also led by the prediction of harsh temperature and an elongated summer season.
Panasonic Life Solutions India said it has witnessed a minor drop in sales due to unseasonal rains.
"However, we have a long summer ahead and we are hopeful of meeting our targets if there are not too many weather disturbances like this," Panasonic Life Solutions India Business Head - Air Conditioners Group Gaurav Sah told PTI.
When asked about the impact on sales after ...

This technique can be used to detect starch adulteration in milk up to 0.005% weight by volume of starch

The order placed by the Railways is for the supply of seats and interior panels for Vande Bharat trains and "not to manufacture its coaches", a Tata Steel official has clarified.
As part of the Rs 225 crore order, Tata Steel will supply light-weight seats for 23 coaches of Vande Bharat rails and fibre-reinforced polymer composites-based interior panels for 16 coaches of the high-speed train, Debashish Bhattacharjee, Vice President (VP) - Technology & New Materials Business of Tata Steel, told PTI.
Some sections of the media have reported that Tata Steel has bagged orders for manufacturing coaches of Vande Bharat trains, which is "incorrect and baseless. We have not received the order to manufacture its coaches," he said.
"Tata Steel has bagged the seats and interior panels order through a competitive bidding process executed by the national transporter (the Railways). We appeared as L1 for the prestigious order," he said, adding that the value of the order is Rs 225 crore.
The ...

The government has capped the maximum rate of GST compensation cess that would be levied on pan masala, cigarettes and other forms of tobacco and linked the highest rate to their retail sale price.
The capping of the cess rate was brought in as part of the amendments to the Finance Bill, 2023, which was passed by the Lok Sabha last Friday.
As per the amendment, the maximum GST compensation cess rate for pan masala will be 51 per cent of the retail sale price per unit. In the current regime, the cess is charged at 135 per cent ad valorem.
The rate for tobacco has been fixed at Rs 4,170 per thousand sticks plus 290 per cent ad valorem or 100 per cent of the retail sale price per unit.
So far, the highest rate was Rs 4,170 per thousand sticks plus 290 per cent ad valorem.
The cess is levied over and above the highest Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate of 28 per cent.
Changes in schedule-I of GST compensation cess Act, brought in via amendment in Finance Bill, has capped the maximum c

India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has said he would pick Shubman Gill over himself in the national side, given the young cricketer's form with the bat of late.
Gill has been in sublime form in all three formats this season, with the 23-year-old virtually securing his place in the side for the ODI World Cup in India later this year, even as Dhawan finds himself out of favour due to a dip in form.
The young cricketer's form has seen him score centuries in all three formats this year, including an ODI double ton against New Zealand and a century against Australia in the drawn fourth Test at Ahmedabad.
Dhawan, a veteran of 167 ODI, who would still be eyeing a place in the India side for the ODI World Cup at home, said had he been the selector, he would pick Gill over himself based on current form.
"I feel the way Shubman is (playing). Like he was playing two formats and performing well in Tests and T20s. He was playing more matches in the international circuit and I wasn't... If I were th

The theme of this year's World Water Day - marked annually on 22 March - is "Nature for Water", which "explores nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges we face in the 21st century" according to the United Nations Environment Programme.The challenges are tough as the UN notes that currently 2.1 billion people "lack access to safely managed drinking water services," while an estimated 1.8 billion "use an unimproved source of drinking water with no protection against contamination from human faeces." Business Standard takes a look at the water challenges faced in India.

World Water Day: Photos that depict the water challenges in India

The theme of this year's World Water Day - marked annually on 22 March - is "Nature for Water", which "explores nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges we face in the 21st century" according to the United Nations Environment Programme.The challenges are tough as the UN notes that currently 2.1 billion people "lack access to safely managed drinking water services," while an estimated 1.8 billion "use an unimproved source of drinking water with no protection against contamination from human faeces." On World Water Day, Business Standard takes a look at the water challenges faced in India.

World Water Day 2018: Photos that depict the water challenges in India

Here’s what the airlines don’t want you to figure out: All it takes is a little points savvy to experience luxurious seats for pennies on the dollar. And thanks to powerful credit cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum, loyal flying may not be necessary. Here are the hacks that will get you into the five best cabins in the skies today.

Want to fly best first-class seats on top airlines at dirt-cheap rates? Try this

Here's what the airlines don't want you to figure out: All it takes is a little points savvy to experience luxurious seats for pennies on the dollar. And thanks to powerful credit cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum, loyal flying may not be necessary. Here are the hacks that will get you into the five best cabins in the skies today.

Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi has created history by becoming the first Indian woman fighter pilot to fly solo.

Meet Avani Chaturvedi: India's first-ever Indian woman to fly MiG-21 solo

Auto Expo 2018: Concept cars steal the show, two-wheelers not far behind

With national polls looming next year -- and possibly as early as late 2018 -- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has rolled out a budget designed to help distressed farmers and rural areas while boosting growth, jobs and private investment.

Union Budget 2018: Here's a list of all the gainers and losers

69th Republic Day celebration at Rajpath on Friday at New Delhi

R-Day celebrations: India showcases military might, cultural diversity

Police deployment has been doubled around cinemas across India after the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmaavat' on Thursday.

Padmaavat row: High security around movie theatres amid violent protests

On February 1, all eyes will be on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley when he rises to present the Union Budget 2018-19 to the nation. Jaitley has his task cut out for the dwindling Indian economy which has decelerated due to note ban and GST,

Budget 2018: Meet the key men who will decide your taxes this year

The future is on display at the Detroit Auto Show - or at least the very-near future. Executives in natty suits (and the occasional sweater) are busy unwrapping a bevy of vehicles that will soon be in dealerships. Here are some of those exciting and eye-catching machines

Top eye-catching machines at the Detroit Auto Show

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Republic Day celebration in 2018 would be "remembered through the ages" because the government for the first time in India's history would host leaders of 10 Asean countries as chief guests on January 26.

These ASEAN leaders will attend India's 69th Republic Day celebrations

Puri (Odisha), March 22(ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 visited Puri’s iconic Jagannath Temple. While addressing the media persons, Mamata Banerjee said “I have offered prayers for Indians, people of Bengal and Odisha. I am very grateful that the flag that was there on the top of the temple is given to me.”

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits at Jagannath Temple in Puri

Puri (Odisha), March 22(ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 visited Puri's iconic Jagannath Temple. While addressing the media persons, Mamata Banerjee said "I have offered prayers for Indians, people of Bengal and Odisha. I am very grateful that the flag that was there on the top of the temple is given to me."

Chandigarh, March 22 (ANI): Amid the high-profile crackdown on the ‘fugitive’ pro-Khalistani radical leader Amritpal Singh by Punjab Police, political fumes in the Punjab Assembly is showing no signs of dousing. Congress on March 22 questioned that Punjab police are arresting his associates, but why are they failing to arrest Amritpal Singh. Speaking on this matter, Punjab Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa said that this behaviour of Congress shows their character. “The character of congress came before people, why they are leaving the house and not being able to face it. It is a request to Shiromani Akali Dal to not do any politics for the peace of Punjab. People of Punjab will never tolerate this,” Punjab Minister said.

Punjab Minister launches bittering attack on Congress over leaving Parliament session

Chandigarh, March 22 (ANI): Amid the high-profile crackdown on the 'fugitive' pro-Khalistani radical leader Amritpal Singh by Punjab Police, political fumes in the Punjab Assembly is showing no signs of dousing. Congress on March 22 questioned that Punjab police are arresting his associates, but why are they failing to arrest Amritpal Singh. Speaking on this matter, Punjab Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa said that this behaviour of Congress shows their character. "The character of congress came before people, why they are leaving the house and not being able to face it. It is a request to Shiromani Akali Dal to not do any politics for the peace of Punjab. People of Punjab will never tolerate this," Punjab Minister said.

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen won the quarter-finals of Women’s World Boxing Championship against Chuthamat Rakshit of Thailand. While addressing the media persons on March 22, she expressed her happiness over winning the bout and confirming a medal for India.“It was a very close match but I won the match. I am very happy to confirm a medal for my country. Tomorrow I will have a semi-final match,” said Nikhat Zareen.

Anti-India protests by Khalistanis outside the Indian HC in London; Metropolitan police on guard

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen won the quarter-finals of Women's World Boxing Championship against Chuthamat Rakshit of Thailand. While addressing the media persons on March 22, she expressed her happiness over winning the bout and confirming a medal for India."It was a very close match but I won the match. I am very happy to confirm a medal for my country. Tomorrow I will have a semi-final match," said Nikhat Zareen.

Puri (Odisha) March 22 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 reviewed ‘Bhakta Niwas’ building construction area for West Bengal devotees in Puri. CM Mamata Banerjee is on a three-day visit to Odisha. “Tourists from Bengal come to Odisha. West Bengal devotees in huge numbers visit Odisha and sometimes, they don’t find places to stay and they wander to places. I am grateful that Naveen Ji announced me the State guest. This time we are staying in the Rural development building. I, myself tried to find a room in a hotel but was unable to get it. So, more hotels need to be made in Puri to stay. This is a must thing,” CM Mamata said.

CM Mamata reviews ‘Bhakta Niwas’ building construction area in Odisha

Puri (Odisha) March 22 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 reviewed 'Bhakta Niwas' building construction area for West Bengal devotees in Puri. CM Mamata Banerjee is on a three-day visit to Odisha. "Tourists from Bengal come to Odisha. West Bengal devotees in huge numbers visit Odisha and sometimes, they don't find places to stay and they wander to places. I am grateful that Naveen Ji announced me the State guest. This time we are staying in the Rural development building. I, myself tried to find a room in a hotel but was unable to get it. So, more hotels need to be made in Puri to stay. This is a must thing," CM Mamata said.

CM Mamata reviews 'Bhakta Niwas' building construction area in Odisha

New Delhi, Mar 22 (ANI): In view of the recent surge in COVID cases in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a high-level meeting today to review the Covid-related situation and public health preparedness. India recorded 1,134 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, with the active caseload currently at 7,026, stated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Earlier on Tuesday, the national capital recorded one Covid death and 83 fresh cases amid the rising Covid-19 cases in neighbouring Maharashtra. On March 19, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also issued revised guidelines for Covid-19 in the wake of the surge of cases.

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to review COVID-related situation

New Delhi, March 22 (ANI): On March 22, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal promised that the Aam Aadmi Party government will clean the Yamuna river and that he will take a dip in it ahead of the next Assembly elections. Addressing the media persons, Kejriwal said that the government has prepared a six-point action plan to clean the Yamuna river. "A 6-point action plan has been formed to clean Yamuna...Before the next election in 2025, I will take a dip with you in Yamuna. The three landfills (in Delhi) will be cleared by December 2024,” he said.

“Will clean Yamuna before 2025 election, will take dip…” Kejriwal’s promise for 2025 Delhi polls

New Delhi, March 22 (ANI): On March 22, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal promised that the Aam Aadmi Party government will clean the Yamuna river and that he will take a dip in it ahead of the next Assembly elections. Addressing the media persons, Kejriwal said that the government has prepared a six-point action plan to clean the Yamuna river. "A 6-point action plan has been formed to clean Yamuna...Before the next election in 2025, I will take a dip with you in Yamuna. The three landfills (in Delhi) will be cleared by December 2024," he said.

"Will clean Yamuna before 2025 election, will take dip…" Kejriwal's promise for 2025 Delhi polls

Jaipur (Rajasthan), 22 March (ANI):  Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the Rajasthan International Expo at Boranada in Jodhpur. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honoured 20 exporters who have bagged Rajasthan Export Award-2021 for remarkable work in the field of exports. During the expo, the Chief Minister said that due to the excellent industrial policies and programs of the state government, export and investment have increased in Rajasthan. The export of 50 thousand crore rupees done in the year 2022-23 is the result of the efficient management of the state government.Along with this, the Chief Minister said that the MSME policy has been implemented by the government in the state. Due to this, more than 16 thousand industrial units have been established in the state so far. Under the MSME Establishment and Facilitation Act, no government permission is required for 5 years to start an industry in the state. This provision made by the government has increased the number of s

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurates Rajasthan International Expo

Rajasthan has best environment for investment and export: CM Gehlot

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): TMC Leader Dola Sen on March 22, reacted to Kailash Vijayvargiya’s remark on post-partition India. She said Kailash Vijayvargiya does not know the true meaning of India. She also said that there was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. While speaking to ANI, Dola Sen said “There was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. Whoever went to jail, wrote letters apologising and came out. He (Kailash Vijayvargiya) does not know the true meaning of India.”

Dola Sen condemns Kailash Vijayvargiya’s remark, says there was no BJP during freedom movement

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): TMC Leader Dola Sen on March 22, reacted to Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark on post-partition India. She said Kailash Vijayvargiya does not know the true meaning of India. She also said that there was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. While speaking to ANI, Dola Sen said "There was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. Whoever went to jail, wrote letters apologising and came out. He (Kailash Vijayvargiya) does not know the true meaning of India."

Dola Sen condemns Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark, says there was no BJP during freedom movement

New Delhi, March 22 (ANI): Indian Boxer Nitu Ghanghas assured India a medal after reaching semifinals in Women's World Boxing Championship 2023. Confident pugilist said that she wants to win the gold medal. "My performance today bodes well for the coming matches as well. I played watching, and I took an aggressive approach in the end. I want to win the gold medal," she said.

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