The Union Budget-2024 is visionary and progressive and will help boost the country’s overall economic growth, said the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) on Tuesday.

The Union Budget-2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament “reflects the determination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to realise the goal of a $10 trillion economy by 2030 and Viksit Bharat by 2047”, said Rajiv Nath, AiMeD Forum Coordinator, in a statement.

“Nine priorities of the government — productivity and resilience in agriculture; employment and skilling; inclusive human resource and development, and social justice; manufacturing services; urban development; energy security; infrastructure; innovation and research and development; and next-generation reforms – will act as a catalyst for the country’s overall economy,” Nath said.

Nath also thanked the government for “the reduction in duty on the import of components of X-ray equipment until these get to be produced in India”.

He explained that “the imports of medical devices have consistently been over Rs 61,000 crore for the last three years and regretfully this year have increased by 13 per cent to Rs 69,000 crore”.

Nath noted that AiMed had in January in a representation to the Department of Pharmacy (DoP), raised the issue of an increase in customs duty and removal of benefits for the import of X-ray tube and flat panel detectors under the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP).

He said that the relief from the government is “appreciable” as the two critical components lack domestic manufacturers.

He pointed out that AiMeD had hoped for a “nominal duty increase on at least those medical devices that India had substantial manufacturing capacity as demonstrated during Covid-19 pandemic times”.

“Removal of nil duty exemption on some of these medical devices would have acted as a further enabler for Make in India drive and enhance our global competitiveness,” Nath said. AGENCIES

 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday criticised the Central government over the Union Budget, saying that there was very “little to cheer about” in the Budget as it has failed to address the issues of common people and only the two states of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh gained and other states did not.

“I am afraid it is an underwhelming Budget. I would say there has very been little to cheer about the Budget,” the Congress MP told media persons after the Budget speech was over.

He said that the government had simply not addressed a number of key issues.

“MGNREGA wasn’t even mentioned. Health and education showed no indication of any increase in the share of GDP allocated to these vital subjects,” the Congress MP said.

He said that there was nothing in the announcement about how to address the income inequality of the country.

“More than 60 per cent of our people have seen their incomes dropping in the last 10 years. What has the government done about it? Very little,” Tharoor said.

He said that even the share markets and the common people have reacted badly to the Budget.

“Only the people of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have something in it, where they have their government. There are political reasons to satisfy the people of two states but there are 26 other states in the country where people have no reason to be happy,” the Congress MP said.

Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid out nine priorities of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with a focus on employment, skilling, agriculture and manufacturing.

These are: Agriculture, employment, inclusive development, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy, infrastructure, innovation R&D and next-generation reforms.

The Finance Minister also announced a reduction in customs duty on mobile phones and mobile chargers to 15 per cent.

Other products that are set to become cheaper include mobile phones, imported gold, silver, leather goods and seafood.

The reduction in duties on gold and silver by 6 per cent will significantly give a fillip to retail demand.

For the salaried class, the Finance Minister announced tax sops for over four crore salaried individuals. AGENCIES

Chandigarh, July 19, 2024

A journey that Peter Boizot began in 1965 by opening the first legendary PizzaExpress outlet on Wardour Street, SoHo in London is now a global phenomenon. A casual dining restaurant has scripted a new milestone for pizza aficionados with the launch of its 30th Pizzeria at CP 67, Sector 67, Mohali. Bringing its signature all-day dining experience to cater to all age groups, perfected for every occasion with authentic Italian hand-tossed gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads, and more, using the finest and freshest ingredients. PizzaExpress also showcases its brand-new menu featuring artfully crafted cocktails, mocktails, sangrias, and a wine portfolio complemented by all-new bar bites offerings.

Gourmet Investments Private Limited, the food and beverage vertical of Bharti Family Office, has brought the international franchise to India. Beginning the journey from Colaba, Mumbai in 2012 to the launch of the sprawling CP67 restaurant in Mohali, PizzaExpress now operates 30 restaurants across nine key cities in India.

Its signature is the thin, hand-tossed, and delectable ‘Romana’, a thin crust base inspired by pizzas from Rome, along with the fiery yet irresistible Calabrese, a specialty rectangular pizza from the Calabria region in Italy packed with southern Italian punch and unique hot flavors.

Ramit Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Director of Gourmet Investments, said, “Our vision is to redefine the dining experience in India and bring the best-in-class global brands to the country. GIPL is committed to building on the partnership with PizzaExpress Global.”

Known globally for its utmost focus on quality ingredients, freshness, and welcoming interiors, the brand enjoys unmatched love among discerning patrons.

Reflecting on the innovation brought by PizzaExpress and pizza lovers in the tricity of Punjab, Krunal Chahwala, Brand CEO of PizzaExpress, said, “We are excited to add to the colorful tapestry of the pizza industry in India by bringing authentic Britalian flair and innovative offerings. The launch of our Mohali Pizzeria-Café is close to our hearts as it brings something unique like Calzones from Naples, Leggera for the health-conscious audience, and of course, our iconic rectangular pizzas, Calabrese, to Punjab, where people have exposure to world cuisine due to their travels. Our commitment to redefine the local dining scene is unwavering, and the launch of our outpost in Mohali also signifies our well-thought-out growth strategy.”

PizzaExpress never compromises when it comes to ingredients, which form the cornerstone of delightful flavors with the signature Tomato Passata sauce, invented in 1965 by the Greci Family of Italy. Each tin of the signature Passata is made with San Marzano tomatoes, crushed within 12 hours of harvest and hand-finished with basil leaves, exported to all PizzaExpress restaurants globally.

But it’s not just the mouth-watering food and drinks at the legendary pizzeria that make dining out a memorable experience; the brand’s unwavering commitment to make the world happier through pizza has shaped communities across the world. In fact, PizzaExpress across the globe boasts rich heritage, uniqueness, and the same core belief of creating energetic, sociable places where dining experiences are elevated with beautifully designed interiors and expert Pizzaiolos who skillfully toss and flair pizza dough in open kitchens.The interiors at PizzaExpress at CP 67 feature vibrant pops of color, strategically introduced through captivating artwork, wooden flooring, and wall paneling to create a sense of warmth and comfort.

Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head at Gourmet Investments, said, “We have curated signature recipes keeping in mind local tastes. For example, Spicy American Hottest, Padrino (grilled chicken), and Chicken and Paneer coriander pesto pizzas have been specially crafted to appeal to local flavors. The authentic Italian pizzas serve as a point of differentiation for PizzaExpress. Our unwavering commitment is to bring the very best pizza to our valued customers.”

This dedication is evident in the brand’s diverse offerings, from the flavorful Calabrese and Romana pizzas made with in-house rolled dough to delicious dessert offerings, including cheesecakes, shakes, and more. As one of the world’s leading casual dining brands, there’s much more to PizzaExpress than just pizza; there is a sumptuous variety of pastas, salads, and other appetizers, including renowned signature dough balls. Of course, there’s always freshly brewed Italian coffee to make every PizzaExpress meal even more special.

Ajay Singhal, COO & Director at GIPL, concluded, “At Gourmet Investments, we’re dedicated to our journey from 30 to 100 PizzaExpress outposts across the country while championing our promise to deliver the best-in-class experience to our patrons. We’re proud to say that PizzaExpress India has gone from strength to strength in terms of our growth. We will continue to tap into India’s promising and growing F&B culture.”

 At least 16 people were killed in a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, according to the local fire and rescue headquarters.

China’s Ministry of Emergency Management and National Fire and Rescue Administration said that a working team has been dispatched to southwest China’s Sichuan Province following a fire at a department store, Xinhua news agency reported.

The fire broke out around 6 p.m. on Wednesday at a 14-story building in Zigong City.

Immediately after receiving the information about the incident, the two government departments provided local authorities with guidance on the investigation and rescue work.

The two departments have urged all-out efforts in search and rescue, treatment of the wounded and an investigation into the cause of the fire as soon as possible.

The rescue operation was completed as of 3 a.m. on Thursday, according to the local fire and rescue headquarters. A preliminary investigation has indicated that the fire was caused by construction work.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, fire experts from across the country will also be sent to participate in the accident investigation. AGENCIES

 Belarus will introduce a visa-free policy for 35 European countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said in a statement on its official website.

The policy will take effect on Friday, July 19, and will last until December 31, 2024, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.

Citizens of the 35 countries, including members of the European Union and the UK, can stay in Belarus for 30 days at a time without a visa.

The statement said that in order to further demonstrate Belarus’s commitment to openness, peace and good neighbourliness, and to simplify personnel exchanges, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko supports citizens of 35 European countries to temporarily enter and stay in Belarus through road and rail checkpoints without a visa.

According to the State Border Committee of Belarus, the visa-free policy for citizens of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia entering Belarus which has taken effect since 2022, will be now extended to citizens of 35 other European countries. The visa-free policy can be used multiple times, and shall not exceed 90 days within a year.

This policy does not apply to holders of special passports such as diplomatic and official passports. AGENCIES

 US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 following his first event in Las Vegas, the White House said on Wednesday.

Biden is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms.

“He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Biden’s doctor, the President presented on Wednesday afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorrhea (runny nose) and a non-productive cough.

“He (President Biden) felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for Covid-19 was conducted, and the results were positive… Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals,” the doctor was quoted in the statement.

“PCR confirmation testing will be pending. His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, his temperature is normal at 97.8 and his pulse oximetry is normal at 97 per cent. The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth,” said the doctor. AGENCIES

 US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 as his bid for re-election faced fresh opposition from within his own Democratic party.

“Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for Covid-19,” Karine Jean Pierre, the White House Press Secretary said in a statement on Wednesday.

“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” she added.

The campaign event in the crucial swing state of Nevada was cancelled and the President headed for his home state Delaware where he will self-isolate and recover.

Biden’s re-election bid faced its severest challenge Wednesday when Adam Schiff, a senior Democratic member in the House of Representatives who is running for the US Senate, became the newest Democrat to call for the President to step aside. Schiff is very close to the former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who together with other leaders of the party, is trying to steer the President towards the exit.

“Joe Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now as President has made our country better,” Schiff wrote in a statement. “But our nation is at a crossroads. A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November,” he added.

Biden has rejected all calls for him to step aside and has vowed to stay in the race, but his Covid-19 infection could seriously challenge his resolve given his age.

The White House doctor said in the same statement as released by Jean-Pierre, “The President presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general mailaise. He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus. Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals. PCR confirmation testing will be pending.”

“His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, his temperature is normal at 97.8 and his pulse oximetry is normal at 97 per cent. The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth,” the doctor said. AGENCIES

 Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has spread to a second farm in Sydney’s northwest, with emergency control zones established to curb the transmission of the highly contagious disease.

In a statement released on Thursday, a local council said that emergency control zones have been placed around the Hawkesbury region, as bird flue is primarily spread via the movement of infected domestic and wild birds, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Two zones have been established in the immediate vicinity of the detections. A Restricted Emergency Zone (REZ) has been set up in the immediate two-kilometer perimeter surrounding the affected properties and a Control Emergency Zone has been established in the surrounding area beyond the REZ,” said the Hawkesbury City Council.

The announcement came weeks after the state government of New South Wales (NSW) identified a second case of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza on a poultry farm in the Hawkesbury biosecurity control zone.

Having tested positive for the H7N8 strain, the site is within the restricted biosecurity zone 1.5 km from the original infected farm site detected on June 19.

Australia has been grappling with multiple bird flu outbreaks since May, with Victoria, the nation’s second most populated state, first sounding the alarm. H7N3 and H7N9 strains have been detected across eight Victorian poultry farms.

In late June, confirmed cases emerged in NSW and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

According to the Hawkesbury City Council, the strain found in NSW and the ACT is not the H5N1 strain causing global concern, nor is it linked to those outbreaks in Victoria. AGENCIES

 The European Commission announced that it will earmark over 7 billion euros (about $7.66 billion) for 134 transport projects across the European Union (EU), to facilitate the delivery of the bloc’s climate objectives and improve its transport networks.

The projects will receive funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the EU’s fund for strategic investment in infrastructure development. The grants are the largest under the current CEF transport programme, according to a press release from the European Commission.

“The selected projects will help transform Europe’s transport network, making cleaner transport modes more efficient and attractive for passengers and freight while enhancing safety across the trans-European transport(network) (TEN-T),” said Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra.

Rail projects will receive 80 per cent of the total funds, to improve cross-border rail connections along the TEN-T core network, Xinhua news agency reported.

The release also noted that around 20 maritime ports including those in Ireland, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece will receive support for infrastructure upgrades. Some will enable them to supply shore-side electricity to ships, or transport renewable energy. AGENCIES

 Four Chinese tourists were injured due to bus crashes on State Highway in South Island, New Zealand in Thursday morning’s foggy weather, said the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch.

The official Radio NZ reported that four people were taken to nearby hospitals due to the crashes, Xinhua news agency reported.

The accidents occurred on State Highway 8 in South Island of New Zealand at around 8.38 a.m. on Thursday. There were two buses involved in the single-vehicle incidents. The two crashes happened separately 100 meters apart from each other, said the report.

The Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch released a statement confirming that those travellers on board the buses were Chinese tourists.

Two people seriously injured were sent to hospital and are currently out of life-threatening danger, said the statement.

The consulate general has responded to the emergency and sent staff to the scene.

The consulate general reminded its nationals who are visiting the South Island to raise their safety awareness and pay attention to traffic safety and winter weather conditions.

Weather conditions were foggy at the time, however, the exact cause of the crashes is still being determined. AGENCIES