BUILD NEW CITIES TO CREATE JOBS, BOOST GROWTH
The New Indian Express|July 21, 2024
"We will initiate building 100 new cities; enabled with the latest in technology and infrastructure-adhering to concepts like sustainability, walk to work etc, and focused on specialised domains. BJP election manifesto, 2014
SHANKKAR AIYAR

BUDGET 2024, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, is effectively a grand challenge on how to spend a bonanza of ₹1 lakh crore. To appreciate, consider the timeline of events and facts. The interim budget of February 2024 defined revenues and allocations to craft the pathway to a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It allocated over ₹11.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure, expanded welfare payments and promised to reduce fiscal deficit to 5.1 percent of GDP. The balancing act triggered hosannas for economic conservatism.

The political and economic landscape has since shifted. On May 22, the RBI approved a transfer of Rs 2,10,874 crore to the government more than double the sum assumed in the budget, creating headroom for a spend of ₹1 lakh crore. This was followed by the June 4 verdict and an altered political reality. It is likely that allocation of the trillion-rupee bonanza is informed and defined by the response to the diminished tally.

This has fuelled a binary narrative on how the bounty of 1 lakh crore (and more from higher tax collections) must be allocated. In the blue corner are folks who argue for a response to the cries of distress from the bottom of the pyramid that influenced the verdict. Those in the red corner advocate a hike in capital expenditure on infrastructure to boost growth and revenues.

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Peter Dinklage joins Roofman
The New Indian Express

Peter Dinklage joins Roofman

THE cast of the upcoming film Roofman is getting bigger with the addition of Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage.

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1 min  |
October 23, 2024
Tom Holland to star in Christopher Nolan's next?
The New Indian Express

Tom Holland to star in Christopher Nolan's next?

PREVIOUSLY, we reported that Christopher Nolan has set his next film at Universal Studios, with Matt Damon cast in a prominent role.

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1 min  |
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Beyond the Boundary
The New Indian Express

Beyond the Boundary

LIFE doesn't always give you second chances, but when you get one, you ought to make the best Tamil appearance, Swaswika has now made a smashing comeback with the sports drama Lubber Pandhu, in which her performance has garnered unanimous appreciation.

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3 mins  |
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Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone join cast of In Memoriam
The New Indian Express

Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone join cast of In Memoriam

EARLIER, we reported that actor-stand up comedian Marc Maron is starring in a film titled In Memoriam, an independent comedy from writer-director Rob Burnett. The latest development about the project is that Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone are all set to join the cast.

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1 min  |
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Culinary heritage preserved in GI tags
The New Indian Express

Culinary heritage preserved in GI tags

TAMIL Nadu is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food history too. The state is a foodie's dream destination with each region giving a unique gastronomic experience. This vibrant food scene includes festival delicacies, temple prasadams, street food, and snacks made from the finest local and seasonal ingredients making each dish a culinary masterpiece.

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2 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Sips of success
The New Indian Express

Sips of success

FROM the vibrant petals of floral arrangements to the rich aroma of spiced chai, Navanethan Ponniah's entrepreneurial journey is an example of adaptability and innovation. His transition from the floral business to creating chai-making machines showcases creativity. What began with crafting beautiful bouquets for South Asian weddings evolved into a quest to bring the comforting taste of chai to the Canadian market.

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2 mins  |
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M-powering
The New Indian Express

M-powering

Transitioning from a drab healthy alternative to a trending everyday superfood, millets have emerged as a popular choice of grain

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2 mins  |
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Impressions of Chettinad mores
The New Indian Express

Impressions of Chettinad mores

EVERY corner of The Folly, Amethyst was loaded with aesthetics on Monday as we entered the venue lured by the aroma of filter coffee served in a davara set five-foot wooden cupboards with glass doors, brass utensils, lantern-shaped chandeliers, wooden cradles, and rows of fashionable attires inspired by the heritage of Chettinad. The outfits are part of 'Payanam', the latest collection by Anavila, a luxury womenswear brand.

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2 mins  |
October 23, 2024
THE BALANCE IS BROKEN!
The New Indian Express

THE BALANCE IS BROKEN!

In 'saving' Blue Water, and neglecting Green Water, humankind has put a dent in the laws of nature, as the water cycle, for the first time in recorded history, has gone off balance

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3 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Budgam village loses the healer in terror attack
The New Indian Express

Budgam village loses the healer in terror attack

WE have lost the healer and an honest man,\" said Abdul Gaffar, an elderly resident of Nadigam village of central Kashmir's Budgam district. Dr Shahnawaz was among seven persons killed on Sunday in the terror attack on a workers' camp at an under-construction site belonging to APCO Infratech company at Gagangir in central Kashmir's Ganderbal.

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2 mins  |
October 23, 2024