Luxury Sail away
Few things in life (in our books at least) are as fancy as sitting on a sailing boat, heading out into the sea, and watching the sun go down. It reminds us of James Bond movies, where the hero, dressed in his trademark tuxedo, is serenading some woman or the other. So, if you too want to feel as glamorous, take a trip from off the Gateway of India into the Arabian Sea. Sail past lighthouses from a bygone era and catch some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. And if you’re lucky, you might also spot some dolphins frolicking around in the water.
On: January 27 and 28
Starting point:Gateway of India, Colaba
Call: 9930086252
Cost: Rs 1,899

Adventure
Flag off the weekend
This one’s a true-blue Republic Day event, complete with a flag-hoisting ceremony. It will take some effort to pull off, though, since the flag will be hoisted on the top of Mount Kalsubai, which is the highest peak in Maharashtra, towering over the other hills in the range at a height of 5,400 feet. Small steps built into the incline do make the climb easier than it would have been otherwise. But nevertheless, it’s one thing sitting on a sailing boat and heading out into the sea, and another to make your way to the top of a bona fide mountain, steps or no steps.
From: January 25 to 26
Starting point: Pritam Hotel, Dadar West
Log on to: eventshigh.com
Cost: Rs 1,000

Wild escape
Sea it to believe it
The sea off the Konkan coastline houses a number of different types of fish, such as barracudas and groupers. Learn what it’s like to occupy their habitat with a scuba-diving course for beginners, meant even for those who don’t know how to swim. A professional diver will accompany you as you travel down to the depths of the Arabian Sea, where you can experience coral reefs and sealife from close quarters. The event also includes treks to the nearby Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg forts, apart from vegetarian food from the region.
On: January 25 to 28
Starting point: Pritam Hotel, Dadar West
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 4,500

Heritage
Go back in time
The Fort area is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. The fort itself was built in as far back as 1715 by the British, to ward off invading Marathas. But then its walls were brought down around 1862, which suddenly changed everything. A small English settlement grew into a mercantile hub. Indo-Saracenic, Gothic and neoclassical structures came up to give the area its unique architectural blend of styles. Gradually, it became the bustling precinct that it looks like in the modern era. Take an open-air bus ride around Fort to find out more about the precinct’s heritage, and learn how British India’s “first city” evolved over the years.
On: January 26, 7 am to 9 am
Starting point: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, MG Road, Fort
Call: 9930086252
Cost: Rs 1,499

Leisure
Spend a night with the stars
We’ve all watched movies in a closed theatre. But here’s a chance to watch one under the stars, at a camping site just off Gorai beach. The selected film is Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited, one of the most poignant portrayals of life in India through a foreigner’s eyes. If, however, music floats your boat more than movies, there will also be an indie gig that precedes the screenings, featuring upcoming artiste Bryan Rodrigues. Plus, since it’s a camping event, expect bonfires, long walks and, of course, a barbecue (for what is a great camping experience without one?).
On: January 25 to 26
At: Chowk Dongri, Bhayandar West, near Pali Beach Resort, Uttan
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 2,200

Fun Ride a new wave
Surfing has always looked like something we’d like to try our hand at (or should that be feet?). The idea of riding a wave before it crashes on the beach does seem like fun. But while we haven’t taken the initiative yet, you can seize the opportunity to get a beginner’s lesson in the sport. The organisers are inviting people of all ages to try out surfing for the first time. The three-day event also includes camping, bonfires, movie nights and games. So all in all, this weekend getaway has something for everyone.
On: January 26, 9 am to January 28, 3 pm
At: Manipal, Karnataka (nearest airport: Mangalore)
Call: 9833157583
Cost: Rs 10,500 (including sessions, food and stay for two nights)

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After going through the daily grind and slogging, a short break from work becomes the ultimate need of the hour. A small excursion for a day or two is the best way to unwind and get away from the stress and hectic schedule of daily routine city life. Sounds like an exciting idea, right?

When one has time constraints, you can plan a weekend getaway and indulge in interesting recreational activities like camping, cycling, trekking or rafting. You can also explore some amazing places nearby, indulge in shopping, and enjoy local cuisines or mouth-watering delicacies etc. Travelling for such trips is also a lot easier and more convenient, because your home is never too far away. So, get ready to treat yourself and enjoy your life to the fullest during weekend getaways, using these five user-friendly travel apps.

Travel Triangle

Travel Triangle is a registered website of Holiday Triangle Travel Pvt. Ltd. They connect travelers worldwide with multiple local travel experts and agents. Travelers can request personalized packages or choose curated options and book the best travel packages as per their taste & need. The website allows travelers to choose from a wide range of domestic and international destinations. The company has been growing steadily, and now facilitates the travel and bookings of over 200,000 happy tourists annually across the globe.

Cleartrip

Cleartrip is a leading online travel company in India. Based on a straight-forward premise of ¿making travel simple¿ for its customers, Cleartrip achieves this with a clean and clutter-free website, which is fast to load, quick in providing relevant information, simple to navigate, and offers an easy booking process. In 2016 it forayed in the hyper local activities space under the banner of Cleartrip Experiences to become the most comprehensive travel app ever.

Cleartrip Mobile was listed in Apple¿s App Store `Best of 2014¿ list and has also been featured as the `Editor¿s Pick¿. In 2017 Cleartrip received the global CX Visionary award at the 12th annual Genesys Customer Innovation Awards and the SATTE Award for best travel blog in January this year.

We Are Holidays

This online platform enables its users to research, plan, book and share their holidays with a global traveler community. It has created a vibrant holiday space where users are directed to verified. The experience of these experts provides travelers with the insights that you won¿t find anywhere else. The company is a young startup which was founded in early 2011, and its employees have had prior experience working at large OTAs like MakeMyTrip.

Tripoto

Tripoto is one of the largest community of Travelers in the world. Users get a chance to share their amazing travel experiences, discover unique trips and travel itineraries used by other travelers, and connect with an active tourist community from around the world through this website. The platform¿s USP is the ease with which credible travel information can be shared, making it one of the largest crowd-sourced repositories of travel content from across the world.

Travkart

Travkart is a technology backed company offering both online and offline holiday solutions, specializing in fixed departures and curated itineraries. Incorporated jointly by Manheer Singh Sethi and Gursahib Singh Sethi, Travkart was incepted under the aegis of one of the top consolidators in the North Indian travel business and IATA License holder, Sahibji Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd (established in 1993).

What makes Travkart unique is its commitment to provide smart travel solution to its customers through several unique features and highly convenient tools like Live & Instant Confirmations, Customized Travel Options, Immediate Selling Point (ISP) & Mobile App, Budget Search Tool, Easy & Convenient Payment Gateways. Its B2B marketplace format is beneficial to both travel suppliers and agents.

(Edited by mid-day online desk, with inputs from ANI)

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Gokarna

Goa

For seaside bliss
Goa, Gokarna
Give your mom a break and visit Goa or Gokarna with her, both of which are a hop, skip and jump away from Mumbai. Lie by the beach and allow yourself to be surrounded by the unimaginable pulchritude of Kudle (beach in Gokarna) or Agonda (beach in South Goa) for a calm escape. Sign up for yoga sessions or a meditation programmes to give your mornings a healthy,
peaceful start.
NOTE: Paradise and Half Moon beaches in Gokarna are not advisable for people with arthritis, heart abnormalities, etc, since you have to hike here
CALL 18001028747
LOG ON TO makemytrip.com (for suitable packages)

Warli Art

For an organic getaway
Vangaon
Avail of this special Mother's Day travel package to Vangaon, a few hours from Mumbai, to discover Warli art and culture with. Get in on the history, knowledge and cultural influence behind the world-famous art form and learn directly from renowned artist Sanjay Pahad, whose works are exhibited in galleries around the world. Plus, she gets to spend time on an organic plantation.
NOTE: The exact location will be shared during booking
CALL 9920286319 (Swadesee)
LOG ON TO insider.in

Sula Vineyards

For the indulgence
Nashik's vineyards
How about an indulgent, laid-back weekend filled with a re-telling of childhood tales or soaking in the quiet around acres of vines? Walk in a vineyard and indulge in wine tasting. Even if you're a teetotaller, the expansive vista of the town makes it the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.
NOTE: Most packaged vineyard tours come with set itineraries that include pick-up, drop, breakfast and more. If you're planning it on a weekday, keep in mind that you have to book in advance
CALL 8040851222 (holidayiq)
LOG ON TO blackgrapeholidays.com; holidayiq.com (for wine tours)

Shirdi Temple

For a spiritual high
Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar,
Ramtek, Paithan
Most of us have been taught our first prayers by our mothers, and what better way to give her a thoughtful surprise than to sign her up for one of the many tours to famous religious sites across Maharashtra. From Hindu mythological connect to stunning temple architecture and spiritual bliss, this idea is sure to strike a chord with her.
NOTE: Paithan is also famous for Paithani silk saris with elaborate zari borders, making them the perfect gift for your spiritually inclined mum
CALL 804873599 (hello travel)
LOG ON TO cultureholidays.com

Bhandardara

For R&R in the hills
Malhar Machi, Bhandardara
Be it a fever or a fit, mums are always waiting around the corner with piping daal khichdi or hot chocolate, like the genie who knows exactly what you need. How about returning the favour? Gift-wrap your mum a relaxing wellness trip packed with spa treatments and massages amid the lush green expanses of the Sahyadris or surrounded by the cascading falls of Bhandardara.
NOTE: Carry trekking shoes, torch and well-stocked medical kit for 
CALL 8888000055 (Malhar Machi)
LOG ON TO travelmango.in

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Controversial Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) general secretary Vinod Tihara is in a Meerut jail for allegedly violating GST norms, a development which has come to light a month after he went "incommunicado" and fuelled speculation of being self-isolated with symptoms of COVID-19. "A Delhi resident named Vinod Tihara was arrested by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) wing of Noida on March 17 on allegations of violations of GST norms and is currently in Meerut jail," SSP Meerut, Ajay Sahni, told PTI.

The SSP's version was later corroborated by Meerut Jail Superintendent Dr B P Pandey, who gave more details on the charges against Tihara. "Vinod Tihara, a resident of Delhi's Rohini has been in Meerut jail since March 17. The case no is 2/20 and he has been charged under Customs Act 132 and 135," Pandey said. Under Section 132 of Indian Customs Act, "if a person knowingly makes, signs or uses, or causes to be made, signed or used, any false declaration, statement or document in the transaction of any business relating to the customs, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years, or with fine, or with both."

Under section 135, there are multiple clauses and sub clauses dealing with "misdeclaration, fradulent evasion and carrying, concealing or purchasing goods which are liable to confiscation." There was no immediate clarity on the exact violation Tihara has been accused of committing. Tihara is Delhi cricket's representative at the BCCI and an influential figure in state's cricket body. He had been "unreachable" since mid-March leaving DDCA officials, including members of his faction, flummoxed.

"For the longest time, we were under the impression that Vinod ji has tested positive for COVID-19. One or two people who contacted his family members were told that he is under isolation. His phone is switched off for the past one month," a senior DDCA office-bearer told PTI. During a recent online hearing in a matter of financial misappropriation of funds, organised by DDCA ombudsman Justice (Retd) Deepak Verma via Skype, one of the body's lawyers, known for his proximity to Tihara, told the apex council members that he had tested positive for novel coronavirus.

"We all freaked out as we had met Tihara till March 15 at various places. We told him that why weren't we informed as we all needed to quarantine ourselves. "He then changed track and said that if you people would have been COVID-19 positive, then you would have known by now. It was very suspicious," the Apex Council member who was suspended that day, said.

In fact, some of the members are now wondering how did a letter signed by Tihara in support of one of the lawyers, whose service was being terminated, was submitted to Ombudsman, when all this while he had been in jail.

It is understood that because of the lockdown, his bail plea has been deferred.

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India's GST Council has put flesh on the bones of its plans to introduce a new goods and services tax regime for real-estate transactions.

Asian stock markets are higher today as Chinese and Hong Kong shares show gains. The Shanghai Composite is up 0.6% while the Hang Seng is up 0.9%. The Nikkei 225 is trading up by 1.8%. Wall Street's indices climbed on Thursday, with the Nasdaq erasing losses for 2020, following a clutch of upbeat earnings reports led by PayPal as investors looked past more weak jobs data caused by the coronavirus-induced economic downturn.

Trends on SGX Nifty indicated a positive opening for the index in India with a 91 points gain.

India share markets opened higher. The BSE Sensex is trading up by 542 points while the NSE Nifty is trading up by 158 points. The BSE Mid Cap index and BSE Small Cap index opened up by 0.9% and 0.6% respectively.

All sectoral indices are trading in green with metal stocks and banking stocks witnessing maximum buying interest.

Note that the�coronavirus impact�has shaken markets worldwide. For the�BSE Sensex, FY20 was the second worst year post FY08, the year of the global financial crisis.

Good Time to Start Investing Now?

Naturally, there is an atmosphere of fear all round.

Is it time to sell stocks now? Will the correction get worse?

History has shown that after years like the one we had just now, the next 3 years are good for the markets. In fact, these corrections are the rare times when you find businesses with solid fundamentals at reasonable valuations.

If you can�find good businesses�that can survive the current crisis, you will do well in the long run.

Moving on, the rupee is currently trading at 75.57 against the�US$.

Gold prices are currently trading up 1.7% at Rs 46,161.

Gold prices in India edged lower in yesterday's trade though it remained in a narrow range.

On MCX, June gold futures fell about Rs 30 to Rs 45,340 per 10 gram, extending losses to the third day.

Gold prices had fallen about Rs 426 per 10 gram in the previous session. Silver futures also gave up early gains and were down 0.1% to 41,803 per kg.

In global markets, gold prices edge higher today after a sharp fall in the previous session.

Spot gold climbed 0.3% to US$1,690.19 per ounce, after a 1% fall in the previous session. Despite bleak economic data, the dollar's strength is weighing on gold.

The US dollar today touched a more than one-week high against a basket of major currencies. Besides firmer dollar, some bullion refineries restarted have production, easing supply-side concerns.

Moving on to mutual funds sector. Investors pumped Rs 837.8 billion in equity-oriented mutual fund (MF) schemes in FY20, registering a decline of 25% from the Rs 1.11-trillion inflows in the preceding year.

However, this was the sixth successive year of net inflows in equity mutual funds, according to data by the Association of Mutual Funds in India.

The flows into equity funds in the last fiscal were lower than the flows in 2018-19 primarily because of the equity markets displaying volatility, which made some investors take a break from making fresh equity investments.

Net inflows in these funds were Rs 1.7 trillion in FY18, Rs 703.7 billion in FY17, Rs 740.2 billion in FY16, and Rs 710.3 billion in FY15. However, they had witnessed a net outflow of Rs 92.7 billion in FY14.

To know what's moving the Indian stock markets today, check out the most recent�share market updates here.

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z earphones come with a magnetic stripe on the earbuds that pause music when attached.

Jio has introduced an annual work-from-home annual plan for Rs 2399 that gives its users 2GB daily data. It has also brought in three work-from-home add-on plans.

Jio has also announced new add-on data packs under work from home theme

Malaysian authorities are developing draft legislation to level the tax playing field between online retailers and domestic bricks and mortar retailers.

Antiviral protein that gives immune response to Zika viral infection in mothers may harm the placenta and fetal development, according to a study led by scientists at Yale.

Nearly 433 people have been confirmed to be affected by dengue since January including Navneet Sehgal, principal secretary, Khadi Gram Udyog. Sehgal

The Australian Government has secured an exemption from new US metal tariffs, Trade Minister Steven Ciobo has said.

Kanpur administration has directed all pharmacies to register the name, address and contact number of people buying paracetamol or medicines for cough, cold and fever or breathing problems.

The United States may impose additional duties of up to 100 percent on certain French products in retaliation for France's digital services tax, which a newly published report by the US Trade Representative has concluded discriminates against certain US companies.

The UAE's Cabinet has announced that wholesale trading in gold and diamonds will be made exempt from value-added tax.

Highlights : A way to utilize existing chemotherapy in a more efficient manner in treating pancreat

Highlights: On behalf of ISPEN 2019, Medindia interviewed Dr. Usha Sriram on her talk on Metabolic syndrome D

On April 23, 2020, the National Treasury of South Africa provided further details of the additional COVID-19 tax support measures first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on April 21.

The United States may impose additional duties of up to 100 percent on certain French products in retaliation for France's digital services tax, which a newly published report by the US Trade Representative has concluded discriminates against certain US companies.

In animal study, small amount of coconut oil was found to decrease the features of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that raise the chances

Adding plenty of veggies to your pregnancy diet can reduce the risk of preterm birth. So, hurry up, Start following the traditional vegetable diet to deliver healthy full-term babies.

A new IWMI partnership with Digital Earth Africa (DEA) will leverage state of the art remote-sensing and data management technologies to enhance the ability of African Governments, communities and companies to better manage their water.

How close is the world to “peak phosphorus” — that point in time when production of phosphorus will reach its maximum and it will get harder to access it?

A new International Water Management Institute (IWMI) partnership with Digital Earth Africa (DEA [1]) will leverage state of the art remote-sensing and data management technologies to enhance the ability of African Governments, communities and companies to better manage their water.

Medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has metastasized, may benefit patients with metastatic brain cancers, according to a new review and analysis led by researchers at St.

Doctors were astounded to remove this massive hoard weighing 1.6 kg which included golden metal jewellery, trinkets, money and a watch from a woman's stomach during an operation.

A new IWMI partnership with Digital Earth Africa (DEA) will leverage state of the art remote-sensing and data management technologies to enhance the ability of African Governments, communities and companies to better manage their water.

A new International Water Management Institute (IWMI) partnership with Digital Earth Africa (DEA [1]) will leverage state of the art remote-sensing and data management technologies to enhance the ability of African Governments, communities and companies to better manage their water.

Specific nutrients were found to directly influence the stem cell development, revealed Biomedical scientists from KU Leuven and Harvard University published these results in Nature.

Nobel medicine prize board member has resigned from the body over an investigation into controversial surgeon Paolo Macchiarini. Urban Lendahl, a

Poverty takes a toll on health in many ways. It often causes malnutrition and hunger, creates barriers to access basic resources, and can also impact

New study has discovered different types of white fat cells, even within a single site, may play different roles in disease. The findings of the study

Severe obesity, diabetes, hypertension can raise the risk for severe COVID-19 complications, and bariatric or metabolic surgery can dramatically and rapidly improve these conditions.

New guidance recognizes patients with the greatest need for bariatric and metabolic surgery as a new study warn delaying treatment may put them at a higher risk of complications from their disease as well as from COVID-19.

Being metabolically unhealthy raises diabetes risk as increased fat distribution contributes to insulin resistance, even in women of normal weight, according

The molecular mechanisms that trigger metabolic imbalance between the two distinct but linked processes have been discovered by scientists. The new finding

Minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure called Revita (Regd) duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) had significantly improved blood glucose (sugar) levels, liver

Babies create their episodic memory when they nap, which enables them to remember the details of their individual experiences after napping, reports a new study.

Bungie is planning changes for microtransactions, weapons, armour, and core activities in Destiny 2.

Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, will be in Madrid on 2nd December 2019 to attend the official opening of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25).

Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, will be in Madrid on 10 March 2020 on an official visit to Spain. He will hold bilateral meetings with Mr. Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain and Ms. Arancha González Laya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain.

Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, will be in Geneva on 8th July 2013 to present the joint OECD-WTO report “Aid for Trade at a Glance 2013: Connecting to Value Chains” together with Mr. Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

The secretary-General attended the World Economic Forum 2014 Davos where he delivered remarks in different sessions and held bilateral meetings with officials from several countries attending the Forum.

Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, was in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum 2015.

The Secretary-General participated in several sessions of the World Economic Forum on a wide range of policy issues and also held bilateral meetings with a number of Forum participants.

Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, will be in Geneva from 22 to 24 August 2018 to attend various meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF), including the Summer Meeting of the International Business Council of the WEF.

Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, will be in Davos, Switzerland, from 21st to 25th January 2019 to attend the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).While in Davos, the Secretary-General will participate in several sessions and meet with several government and business leaders attending.

The Secretary-General of the OECD will be in South Africa on 4th March 2013 on an Official Visit. On this occasion, he will present the 2013 OECD Economic Survey of South Africa together with Mr. Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, Minister of Finance.