India achieves highest ever export target of $ 400 billion

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that new industrial policy and investment proposals will create employment in Jammu and Kashmir. Replying to the discussion on the budget of 'Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2022-23' in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Ms Sitharaman said, impediments to industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir have been removed and 250 state laws completely repealed and 137 laws have been modified. She said, deweeding and dredging of Srinagar's Dal Lake will be taken up in the financial year 2022-23. The Minister said, the apple trade in the Union Territory is flourishing and the popular pashmina shawls and carpet weaving has been given Geographical Indication GI tag. Saying that there has been decline in terrorism-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, Ms Sitharaman said, Government is creating environment for normalcy and attracting investment in the Union Territory. She said, 180 terrorists including 32 foreigners were eliminated last year and this includes 42 top commanders. After the reply of the Finance Minister, Rajya Sabha returned the Appropriation Bills related to Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the Lok Sabha.

-India has scripted history by achieving an ambitious target of 400 billion dollars of goods export within a single year. Addressing media in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said this is a testimony to the sheer grit, determination, self-confidence and capabilities of young entrepreneurs, exporters and MSME sector. He said it is for the first time in history that India has crossed 400 billion dollars in merchandise exports. He said it is an important milestone in the journey towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.The Minister said it was a collective effort and every silo was broken within the government and between government and stakeholders like exporters and logistics providers. He thanked the banks who made it possible to have adequate financing. He also thanked the Indian Missions all over the world who went all out to canvas for business for India.

-Former MLA and ex-Minister of Bihar R K Rana, convicted in multi-crore Fodder scam case, passed away at AIIMS in New Delhi on Wednesday. Rana was shifted from Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Ranchi to AIIMS, New Delhi for better treatment. Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad has been discharged today from AIIMS New Delhi after his reports were found stable. Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad Yadav has been admitted in AIIMS New Delhi for better treatment after his reports were not found stable in RIMS, Ranchi. A special CBI court had sentenced RK Rana and RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav for a period of 5 years in the last case of illegal withdrawal of over Rs 139 crore from Doranda Treasury in the Fodder Scam.

-The Budget session of Delhi Assembly began on Wednesday with the customary address of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. In his address, Baijal highlighted and admired various welfare initiatives for people of all sections by Delhi Government during Corona Pandemic. He said, Delhi's Gross Domestic Product, GDP, at current prices during year 2021-22 has been recorded at nine lakh 23 thousand 967 crore rupees, which is an increase of 50 percent during the period of last five years from six lakh 16 thousand 85 crore rupees in 2016-17. The LG said, this reflects the deep strength of Delhi's current economy. He said, per capita income of Delhi at current prices is estimated at four lakh one thousand 982 in 2021-22, which is about three times higher than the national average. He said,  the Delhi government is committed to the welfare of citizens, and various actions taken by it have added impetus to the welfare activities and development process. 

-In Telangana, the revised and hiked retail tariff rates for electricity supply will be coming into force from 1st of next month in Telangana. The Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission (TSERC) has given its nod to hike power tariffs in the state by 14 percent. The hike in charges is 40-50 paise per unit for domestic consumers and Rs 1 per unit on other categories. Following the power tariff hike, an additional burden of 2,110 crore rupees will be imposed on Low Tension consumers and 4,721 crore rupees on High Tension consumers. Commission chairman Sirangarao, Member Technical Manohar Raju, Member Finance B Ramulu briefed media in Hyderabad today. They further informed that the Fixed and Customers charges will be imposed on domestic consumers also.