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The First Enslaved Africans in MexicoThree men were buried in Mexico 500 years ago. DNA and bones reveal their stories of enslavementFor decades, research on the early history of Africans and their descendants in Mexico has been hindered by the belief, from Mexicans and scholars alike, that Mexico never imported slaves from Africa- that the nation's peoples of African descent were relatively recent arrivals. This is despite the fact that today almost all Mexicans carry about 4% African ancestry.[1] This lack of knowledge about Mexico's African peoples has not changed much despite ongoing research. Mexico's Africans were thought to be the descendants of escaped slaves from North America and Cuba.[2] These fugitive had sought and found sanctuary in free Mexico.The historical and archaeological records, tell another story. In the sixteenth century, New Spain--as Mexico was then called--probably had more enslaved Africans than any other colony in the Western Hemisphere. From 1501 until 1518, the trans-Atlantic slave trade was comprised of black slaves transported from Iberia. Direct slave traffic from Africa was not initially permitted for the same reasons that colonists were repeatedly forbidden from bringing enslaved Muslims and moriscos to the Americas: the Spanish Crown worried that captives from sub-Saharan Africa might introduce non-Christian religious practices to Amerindian populations.[3] Charles I of Spain authorized the transport of four thousand Africans to be purchased directly from Portuguese traders in the Cape Verde Islands and transported to the Viceroyalty of New Spain in 1518.[4] Over the approximately three hundred years it lasted, the slave trade brought about 200,000 Africans to the colony. Many blacks were born in Mexico and followed their parents into slavery. Not until 1829 was the institution abolished by the leaders of the newly independent nation.[5]Charter granted by Emperor Charles V to Lorenzo de Gorrevod for permission to transport slaves, Spain, 18 August 1518 (African Laborers for a New Empire: Iberia, Slavery, and the Atlantic World)In the late 1980s, workers excavating a new subway line in downtown Mexico City stumbled upon a sixteenth-century mass grave adjacent to the San José de los Naturales Royal Hospital in Mexico City. Documents showed it had once been connected to a colonial hospital built between 1529 and 1531[6] —only about 10 years after the Spanish conquest of Mexico—for Indigenous patients. As archaeologists excavated the buried skeletons, three stood out.“We know there were a large number of Africans who were abducted and transported to New Spain, but they did not generally live in Mexico City,” says archaeogeneticist Rodrigo Barquera of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. “That’s why it’s surprising to find these three individuals there.”[7]Their teeth were filed into shapes similar to those described by contemporaneous European travelers to West Africa and of enslaved Africans from Portugal.[8] This year, researchers published the results of a plethora of data from extracted DNA and analyzed chemical isotopes, including strontium, carbon, and nitrogen, and the osteological analysis of their remains, from their teeth. [9]Skulls (top) and dental modification close-ups (above), Mexico City, Mexico (The First Enslaved Africans in Mexico)The skeletons also show evidence of strenuous physical labor and violent trauma. The men were likely in their late 20s or early 30s when they died. Before that, one man survived several gunshot wounds, and he and another man showed a thinning of their skull bones associated with malnutrition and anemia. The third man’s skeleton showed signatures of stress from grueling physical labor, including a poorly healed broken leg.The two men with malnutrition also carried pathogens linked to chronic diseases, according to a genetic analysis of the microbes preserved in their teeth. One had the hepatitis B virus, typically found in present-day West Africans.[10] While it’s unclear when hepatitis B infections first occurred in the Americas, the researchers contend that African slaves brought a novel genetic form of hepatitis B to Mexico. Another male carried the bacterium that causes yaws (Treponema pallidum sub. pertenue (causative agent of yaws), a disease in the same family as syphilis.[11] Previous research found a closely related West African yaws strain in the skeleton of a 17th century individual with European ancestry who was buried in Mexico City, suggesting that yaws carried by African slaves around a century earlier continued to infect people in the region.[12] Both microbes were most closely related to African strains, making it likely the men caught these pathogens in Africa. Or perhaps they picked up the microbes on an overcrowded slave ship voyaging to the Americas.The men were likely among the first generation of enslaved Africans brought to coastal Mexico in the 1520s. They may have toiled on a sugar plantation or in a mine before possibly becoming sick during an epidemic, which could explain their presence at the hospital. Isotope analysis of their teeth—which can determine where a person originated and what kind of food they consumed as a child—was consistent with West African ecosystems, and their DNA revealed that all three shared West African ancestry.[13] However, the men weren’t related to each other, and could not be connected to a specific population. It is possible, that after the community in Africa was raided, it disappeared from the historical record.[14]African societies and the beginning of the Atlantic slave trade (article) | Khan AcademyAfrican labor was vital to the Spanish colonists. Although the vast majority had their roots in Africa, not all slaves made the trip directly to New Spain, some came from other Spanish territories, particularly the Caribbean. Those from Africa belonged mainly to groups coming from Western Sudan and ethnic Bantu.[15]To decide the sex of the slaves that would be sent to the New World, calculations that included physical performance and reproduction were performed. At first half of the slaves imported were women and the other half men, but it was later realized that men could work longer without fatigue and that they yielded similar results throughout the month, while women suffered from pains and diseases more easily.[Later on, only one third of the total slaves were women.[16]From the African continent dark skinned slaves were taken; "the first true blacks were extracted from Arjuin."[17] Later in the sixteenth century, black slaves came from Bran, Biafadas and Gelofe (in Cape Verde). Black slaves were classified into several types, depending on their ethnic group and origin, but mostly from physical characteristics. There were two main groups. The first, called Retintos, also called swarthy, came from Sudan and the Guinean Coast.[18] The second type were amulatados or amembrillados of lighter skin color, when compared with other blacks and were distinguishable by their yellow skin tones.[19]As indigenous peoples were killed or died from European diseases, Africans assumed a disproportionate share of the burden of work, particularly in the early colonial period. African slaves labored in the silver mines of Zacatecas, Taxco, Guanajuato, and Pachuca in the northern and central regions; on the sugar plantations of the Valle de Orizaba and Morelos in the south; in the textile factories ("obrajes") of Puebla and Oaxaca on the west coast and in Mexico City; and in households everywhere.[20] Others worked in skilled trade or on cattle ranches. Although African slaves were never more than two percent of the total population[21] , their contributions to colonial Mexico were enormous, especially during acute labor shortages.The Africans of Mexico: From Slavery to the 2015 Intercensal Survey - Indigenous MexicoWherever their numbers permitted, slaves created networks that allowed them to cope with their situation, give expression to their humanity, and maintain a sense of self. These networks flourished in Mexico City, the port city of Veracruz, the major mining centers, and the sugar plantations, allowing Africans to preserve some of their cultural heritage even as they forged new and dynamic relationships.[22] Although males outnumbered females, many slaves found spouses from their own or other African ethnic groups.[23] Other slaves married or had amorous liaisons with the indigenous peoples and to a lesser extent the Spaniards. In time, a population of mixed bloods emerged, gaining demographic ascendancy by the mid-eighteenth century. Known as "mulattos," "pardos," or "zambos," many of them were either born free or in time acquired their liberty.[24]Marronage on a grand scale, with individual fugitives banding together to create communities, struck directly at the foundations of the plantation system, presenting military and economic threats that often taxed the colonists to their very limits.[25] Maroon communities, whether hidden near the fringes of the plantations or deep in the forest, periodically raided plantations for firearms, tools, and enslaved women, often permitting families that had formed during slavery to be reunited in freedom.[26]Details of Brutal First Slave Voyages DiscoveredAs in the rest of the Americas, slavery in Mexico exacted a severe physical and psychological price from its victims. Abuse was a constant part of a slave's existence; resisting oppression often meant torture, mutilation, whipping, or being put in confinement. Death rates were high, especially for slaves in the silver mines and on the sugar plantations.[27] Yet, for the most part, their spirits were never broken and many fled to establish settlements ("palenques") in remote areas of the country. These fugitives were a constant thorn in the side of slave owners. The most renowned group of "maroons," as they were called, escaped to the mountains near Veracruz.[28] The English word “Maroon”, like the French marron derives from Spanish cimarrón, itself based on an Arawakan [Taino] Indian root. Cimarrón originally referred to domestic cattle that had taken to the hills in Hispaniola, and soon after it was applied to American Indian slaves who had escaped from the Spaniards.[29] By the end of the 1530s, the word was being used primarily to refer to Afro-American runaways and had strong connotations of “fierceness”, of being “wild” and “unbroken”.[30]Other slaves rebelled or conspired to. The first conspiracy on record took place in 1537, and these assaults on the system grew more frequent as the African population increased.[31] Regardless of the form it took--escape or rebellion--resistance demonstrated an angry defiance of the status quo and the slaves' desire to reclaim their own lives. As such, African resistance occupies a special place in Mexico's revolutionary tradition, a tradition that is a source of pride for many Mexicans.Gaspar Yanga (Brought to Mexico in chains, Gaspar Yanga and his followers staged a bloody rebellion | Timeline)Unable to defeat these intrepid Africans, the colonists finally recognized their freedom and allowed them to build and administer their own town. Between 1570 and 1609, Gaspar Yanga, an escaped slave from the region of the Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion plantation led his followers into the mountains located in the vicinity of Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl, or "star mountain", the highest mountain in Mexico), the Cofre de Perote, Zongolica and Olmec regions. [32] By 1631, viceroy of New Spain Rodrigo Pacheco began negotiations with the Gaspar Yanga resistance. Yanga struck an agreement with the colonial leader respecting Spain's recognition of an autonomous region for the African community. The first official name was San Lorenzo de los Negros (aka San Lorenzo de Cerralvo), near Córdova.[33] Since 1932, the Mexican town has bore the name of its liberator Gaspar Yanga.Beyond that, Africans in Mexico left their cultural and genetic imprint everywhere they lived. In states such as Veracruz, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, the descendants of Africa's children still bear the evidence of their ancestry. No longer do they see themselves as Mandinga, Wolof, Ibo, Bakongo, or members of other African ethnic groups; their self identity is Mexican, and they share much with other members of their nation-state. Yet their cultural heritage has not entirely disappeared. Some African traditions survive in song, music, dance, and other ways. But much has changed since slavery ended, and it is difficult for a small minority to maintain its traditions in a constantly changing society.As their ancestors did, those few remaining persons, who are visibly of African descent, continue to be productive members of society. But history and archaeology has not been kind to the achievements of African peoples in Mexico. It is only within recent times that their lives have been studied and their contributions to Mexican society illuminated. Suffice it to say that contemporary black Mexicans can claim this proud legacy and draw strength from it, even as they become a shrinking part of their country's peoples.Footnotes[1] Latin America’s lost histories revealed in modern DNA[2] Africa's Legacy[3] African Laborers for a New Empire: Iberia, Slavery, and the Atlantic World[4] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.institutomora.edu.mx/Documentos_RHITMO/Atlantic-History-and-the-Slave-Trade-to-Spanish-America.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjL94fYh_LtAhWWWM0KHSIiCHsQFjAOegQIIBAB&usg=AOvVaw3RRv1vix7ge0Nr-CRhyOvX&cshid=1609206393163[5] Black Mexico and the War of Independence | JSTOR Daily[6] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327832961_Hospitals_in_Mexico_City_in_the_16th_Century_Conversion_Medicine_and_the_Circulation_of_Medical_Knowledge&ved=2ahUKEwiK0KrwlPLtAhWBX80KHWkxCQsQFjADegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw1Aob6PfvLyZZivxMVhVtMy[7] Three men were buried in Mexico 500 years ago. DNA and bones reveal their stories of enslavement[8] [PDF] Dental Modifications in a Skeletal Sample of Enslaved Africans Found at Lagos (Portugal) | Semantic Scholar[9] The First Enslaved Africans in Mexico[10] Genetic fossils betray hepatitis B’s ancient roots[11] 16th century skeletons suggest the slave trade brought some diseases to Mexico[12] Etiology and Pathophysiology[13] Origin and Health Status of First-Generation Africans from Early Colonial Mexico[14] Three men were buried in Mexico 500 years ago. DNA and bones reveal their stories of enslavement[15] El Fuerte de San Juan de Ulúa y Yanga, en Veracruz, son declarados Sitios de Memoria de la Esclavitud[16] Afro-Mexicans - Wikipedia[17] Africa's Lost Tribe In Mexico - New African Magazine[18] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://glc.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/events/race/Sweet.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwi83_DTgvTtAhWRB80KHcitD6QQFjAEegQICxAB&usg=AOvVaw1nP0hrkkiA-GenNtPV4ewT[19] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/their-ancestors-fled-us-slavery-for-mexico-now-theyre-looking-north-again/2019/03/15/6c64a14c-45cf-11e9-94ab-d2dda3c0df52_story.html[20] Africa's Legacy[21] Negro Slave Control and Resistance in Colonial Mexico, 1519-1650[22] The Africans of Mexico: From Slavery to the 2015 Intercensal Survey - Indigenous Mexico[23] Negro Slave Control and Resistance in Colonial Mexico, 1519-1650[24] Management by Manipulation on JSTOR[25] Social geographies, the practice of marronage and the archaeology of absence in colonial Mexico | Archaeological Dialogues | Cambridge Core[26] The Morphology of Marronage[27] The African Presence In New Spain, c. 1528-1700[28] Maroons and their Communities in the Americas[29] The Cimarrons - African communities in the Americas[30] Maroons and their Communities in the Americas[31] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://resources.saylor.org/wwwresources/archived/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HIST311-5.3.2-Enslaved-Africans-in-Mexico.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiP5beqjvLtAhWXWc0KHfSXDl4QFjABegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw0rjwo_6QHdFQQry_rTNjXa[32] Gaspar Yanga and Blacks in Mexico: 1570 African Slave Revolt in Veracruz[33] Gaspar Yanga and Blacks in Mexico:1570 African Slave Revolt in Veracruz

Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र, ISO 15919: Mahārāṣṭra)[1][2]Basic StatsMaharashtra is India’s 3rd largest state by area and 2nd largest population. It is also the world’s 2nd most populous country division (sub-national entity). It is India’s largest state economy. It is also India’s 3rd most urbanised state, with 45% population living in urban areas.[3][4][5][6][7][8]Forest Cover —The state forest area is about ~20% of the state’s are but has shown slight decrease between 2015–2017. {Please note forest cover in India also includes plantations}[9]HDI —The state has 15th highest HDI among all states and UTs at 0.659 (medium HDI)[10]Crime stats —The state ranks at 13th among all states and UTs in terms of rank based on crime rate. Its rank based on % share of incidences is 3rd. [NCRB report 2016][11]In terms of crime against women, the state’s rank has been 13th according to crime rate, while its rank based on % share is 3rd. [NCRB report 2016]It recorded the 10th highest suicide rate in India at 14.2 suicides per 1 lakh people [NCRB Report 2015][12]It unfortunately ranks at 10th in terms of crime rate 4th in terms of % share of number incidences of human trafficking among states and UTs for which data was available. [NCRB Report on Human Trafficking 2016][13]Literacy and Education —As per Census 2011, the state recorded ~83% literacy which is higher than national rate, and therefore ranks at 12th among all states and UTs. It also recorded the lowest female literacy rate. [Census 2011][14]It recorded the 11th lowest Gross Enrollment Ratio (enrollment of children between 6–13 years in school) among all states and UTs. [Statistics of School Education- 2010-11 published by MHRD][15]Health —The state recorded the 4th highest life expectancy at birth (tied with Punjab and Himachal) among all states and UTs for which data was available, ~71 years which is lower than national average [HDI Report of United Nations Development Programme - 2011][16]The state ranks 12th in effective coverage of supplementary nutrition programme for children [Report on Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) published by Planning Commission (GoI) in 2011][17]With regards to access to clean drinking water, it ranks 15th among the states and UTs, and the percentage of households having clean water access at ~83% is lower than the national average of 85.5%.[18]It recorded the 9th highest number of institutional deliveries among all states and UTs with ~90% children delivered in hospitals in 2015–16. [National Family Health Survey of 2015-16][19]It ranks at 20th among all states with regards to vaccination coverage. [National Family Health Survey 2015–16]It recorded among the high incidence of obesity, ranking at 9th for both males and females among all states and UTs. At the same time, it ranks at 14th and 11th for males and females respectively for number of underweight people. [National Family Health Survey 2005–06]Economy —It is India’s largest economy in terms of GSDP and 11th largest in terms of GDP per capita.[20][21][22]It recorded 9th lowest unemployment among all states and UTs with ~4.9% population unemployed as of 2017–18. [Labour Force Survey 2017–18][23]It recorded highest tax revenues among all states (with Delhi included) for 2010–15 [Report of 13th Finance Commission 2010–15]It ranked at 13th among the states and UTs for ease of doing business in 2018.Protected AreasBhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary[24]This sanctuary, situated Sahyadri, is rich in biodiversity, notably Indian Giant squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra and one of the 3 threatened Indo-Malayan squirrel species. The sanctuary also harbors common langur, rhesus macaques and wild boars.Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Marathi: राधानगरी वन्यजीव अभयारण्य)[25]It is notable as the first declared wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra, notified in 1958, as Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary and is popularly known as the "Bison Sanctuary" since gaur (bos gaurus) is the flagship species of the sanctuary. It is a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.Unfortunately, National Highway 116 passes through the centre of the sanctuary, which endangers wildlife to dangers of passing traffic, including death due to collisions or trampling by vehicles.Source: File:Radhanagari 1.jpg - WikipediaSanjay Gandhi National Park (formerly Borivali National Park)[26][27]SGNP is one of the most visited national parks in the world, lying near Mumbai and one the few protected areas lying in a major metropolis limit. The park is relatively small (~87km[math]^2[/math]) but still houses a small leopard population [Leopards need a large area to effectively survive] → This unfortunately means conflicts between leopards and humans are a huge issue, resulting in deaths of leopards that venture into Mumbai quite often.Source: File:Entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.JPG - WikipediaEducation and LiteracyHigher Education:Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University[28][29] —The 1st liberal arts women’s university in South Asia, this university was established in 1916 by Dhondo Keshav Karve[30]. It is headquartered in Churchgate, South Mumbai, Mumbai.Source: File:SNDT Women's Uni LOGO.png - WikipediaCollege of Engineering, Pune (COEP)[31][32]COEP is the 3rd oldest engineering college in India, established in 1854. The college's study model was referred to, in the early 1950s, as "Poona Model". National Institute Ranking Framework ranked the 45th among the engineering institutes in India.[33] The college is affiliated to Savitribai Phule University.Source: File:College of Engineering, Pune logo.jpg - WikipediaGovernment Polytechnic, Nagpur[34][35]It is one of the oldest polytechnic institutes in India, established in 1914.The institute was awarded World Bank assisted Technical Education Quality Improvement Program (TEQIP) through competitive bidding and received ₹ 2.55 crores. It received ISTE Narsee Monjee award for overall Best Performance in 1996 and Best Polytechnic award of Government of Maharashtra in 1997.Source: File:Government polytechnic nagpur government polytechnic sadar nagpur logo.jpglogo.jpg - WikipediaDeccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune[36][37]Established on 6 October 1821 as Hindoo College, it is one of the oldest institutions of modern learning in India. It was started under Mountstuart Elphinstone (Lt. Governor of Bombay Presidency), with funds diverted from the erstwhile Peshwa's Dakshina Fund, later disbursed by Khanderao Dabhade after Territories of Peshwa were annexed in 1818.Deccan College temporarily shut down its teaching activities in 1934 due to lack of funding. It was reopened by order of Bombay High Court on 17 August 1939 as a post-graduate and research institute for promoting higher learning and research in Indology and Social Sciences. The re-opened institute originally had 4 teaching and research departments: archaeology, linguistics, history, and sociology-anthropology. The college now also has lexicography and Sanskrit departments.Source: File:Deccan College Pune seal.png - WikipediaIndian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai[38][39]The 2nd IIT to be established (in 1958) with assistance from UNESCO and funds provided by Soviet Union, it currently has a 15 academic departments, 20 centres, a school of excellence and 4 interdisciplinary programs with the institute scoring the highest on academic and employer reputation, and is widely regarded as one of the best colleges to study in India.Source: File:IIT Bombay color logo.png - Wikipedia→ Powai Lake [Source: File:Powai Lake, April 2012.JPG - Wikipedia]Research and Development:Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)[40][41] —BARC is India’s premiere atomic research centre, established in 1954 founded by Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha, the founder of India’s atomic research programme.BARC is a multi-disciplinary research centre with extensive infrastructure for advanced research and development covering the entire spectrum of nuclear science, engineering and related areas. Its core mandate is to sustain peaceful applications of nuclear energy, primarily for power generation. It manages all facts of nuclear power generation, from theoretical design of reactors to computerised modelling and simulation, risk analysis, development and testing of new reactor fuel materials, etc. It also conducts research in spent fuel processing, and safe disposal of nuclear waste and applications for isotopes in industries, medicine, agriculture, etc. It operates many research reactors across the country.It is a constituent R&D centre under Homi Bhabha National Institute[42], a deemed university under Department of Atomic Energy.Source: File:Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.svg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bhabha_Atomic_Research_Centre.svg)- (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bhabha_Atomic_Research_Centre.svg) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bhabha_Atomic_Research_Centre.svg)National Defence Academy[43][44]→ NDA Insignia [Source: File:NDA Insignia-1956.gif - Wikipedia] — the insignia shows the insignia of all 3 armed forces and the national emblemNDA, located in Khadakwasla, Pune, is the Joint Services academy of Indian Armed Forces, engaged in training the cadets of all 3 services before they go on to respective service academies for further pre-commissioning training. It is the 1st tri-service academy in the world. The academy offers only a full-time, residential undergraduate programme wherein the cadets are Bachelors degree after 3 years.→ A 1999 stamp dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the National Defence Academy, featuring its Sudan Block → Sudan Block was constructed from the monetary gift received from Sudan government in 1941 in light of Indian troops contribution in its liberation.[45] [Source: File:National Defence Academy 1999 stamp.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Sudan Block [Source: File:National Defence Academy Sudan Block.jpg - Wikipedia]Museums:Cavalry Tank Museum, Ahmednagar[46]It is a military museum established by Armored Corps Centre and School in February 1994. The older exhibits date to World War I vintage and served on the battlefields of Cambrian Somme and Flanders. A large number of vehicles are from World War II period.→ Rolls-Royce Armoured Car — the museum’s oldest exhibit [Source: File:Ahmednagar Cavalry Tank Museum Rolls Royce Armoured Car.JPG - Wikipedia]→ Sexton self-propelled artillery (Canadian) [Source: File:Ahmednagar Cavalry Tank Museum Sexton Haubitze.JPG - Wikipedia]Economy[47]Maharashtra is India's leading industrial state contributing 13% of national industrial output and ~46% of the GSDP is contributed by industry. Maharashtra has software parks in many cities, and is the 2nd largest exporter of software with annual exports over ₹80,000 crores.[48] Although highly industrialized, agriculture continues to be the main occupation in many regions of the state with more than half of the population being employed in agriculture and allied activities.[49]It is India’s most industrialized state and a pioneer in small scale industries. It has the largest proportion of taxpayers in India[50] and its share markets transact almost 70 per cent of the country's stocks.Mumbai has the highest share of GSDP and is also the financial capital of the country. The main commercial hubs of the state are Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade and Bandra-Kurla complex.Agriculture:Most of the cultivable land in the state in largely rain-fed and dependent on Southwest monsoon. The state has the largest number of dams in India, built to facilitate irrigation and reduce rain dependency, although the irrigated area is still ~16% of the cultivable land in the state.Food crops and Cash crops—Principal food crops include jowar (Great Millet; Sorghum bicolor), bajra (Pearl Millet; Pennisetum glaucum), finger millet, wheat, pulses, vegetables and onions. Konkan coast receives relatively high rainfall, and therefore has areas of rice cultivation.The main cash crops are cotton (tree cotton; Gossypium arboreum)[51], sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), oilseeds like groundnut, soybean and sunflower etc.The state also has huge areas under fruit cultivation, with main fruits being mango, pomegranate, bananas, grapes and oranges.Nagpur Orange[52] is a GI tagged variety of orange grown in Nagpur.Nashik alone contributes to more than half of India’s grape production. Nashik grape[53] variety is a GI tagged product.Mahabaleshwar accounts for ~85% strawberry production in India, and Mahabaleshwar strawberry[54] is also a GI tagged product.Marine fish production —With a relatively long coastline, Maharashtra is a leading fish producer in India with major fish landing centres being New Ferry Wharf, Sassoon Dock and Versova, situated in Mumbai metropolitan area.Agricultural Cooperative Societies[55]Maharashtra was the pioneer in development of Agricultural Cooperative Societies in post-independence period. A ‘special’ status was accorded to the sugar cooperatives and the government assumed the role of a mentor by acting as a stakeholder, guarantor and regulator. Cooperatives play a crucial role in dairy, cotton, and fertilizer industries.Industries:Maharashtra contributes to ~25% of the country’s industrial output with industries being concentrated in 4 districts — Mumbai suburban, Mumbai city, Thane and Pune districts.Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation[56] provides businesses with infrastructure such as land (open plot or built-up spaces), roads, water supply, drainage facilities and street lights.→ MIDC logo [Source: File:Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (logo).jpg - Wikipedia]HeadquartersPublic Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Government Enterprises —Mumbai houses the headquarters of important financial institutions like Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange.Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is also headquartered in Mumbai and operates a refinery off its coast called Mumbai Refinery. Indian Rare Earths Limited[57], a government owned enterprise specialising in commercial exploration and mining of heavy minerals is headquartered in Mumbai, although most of its commercial activities outside Maharashtra.Hindustan Antibiotics Limited, India’s 1st public sector drug manufacturing company is headquartered in Pimpri suburb of Pune.Private Corporations —Mumbai houses headquarters of numerous Indian and multinational companies — Tata Group (the headquarters is called Bombay House[58]), Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Group, Godrej Group, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Mahindra Group, JSW Group, RPG Group etc. Most of the subsidiaries of Tata Group are also headquartered in Mumbai — Tata Chemicals, Tata Power, Tata AIG, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Capital, Tata Motors, Tata Teleservices, Tata Starbucks (joint venture).Pune houses national headquarters of Atos corporation, Ferrero SpA, Honeywell Automation, Mercedes-Benz, LG Electronics and Volkswagen as well as global headquarters of Cybage, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Sterlite Techologies and Tech Mahindra. Bajaj Allianz, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Auto are also headquartered in Pune.→ Volkswagen India Plant in Pune [Source: File:Volkswagen India Private Limited Pune Office-plant 1338.jpg - Wikipedia]Manufacturing:Manufacturing is mostly concentrated in Pune and Mumbai.According to Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, Pune is the single largest hub for German companies for the last 60 years. More than 225 German companies have set up their businesses in Pune.[59]Automobile Manufacturing —Bajaj Auto, the world’s largest 3-wheeler manufacturer and a leading 2-wheeler manufacturer has its headquarters Pune. It has 2 manufacturing plants in Pune - in Chakan and Akurdi, the latter being its oldest plant. Another plant is in Waluj, Aurangabad.Pune has manufacturing plants belonging to KTM Sportmotorcycles, India Kawasaki Motors, Kinetic engineering, Vespa scooters, Ssangyong Motor Company, Tata Motors, Mercedez-Benz Passenger Cars, Fiat Automobiles, Jeep India, Volkwagen India, General Motors India, Premier Automobiles Limited, Force Motors, MAN Trucks India, Piaggio Vehicles etc.Pharmaceutical Manufacturing —Serum Institute of India[60], the world’s 5th largest vaccines producer by volume has a plant as well as headquarters in Pune.Information Technology Industry:IT Industry in Maharashtra in mainly concentrated, again, in Pune and Mumbai.Pune is the location of Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi, a ₹600-billion project by MIDC. It houses more than 800 IT companies. IT companies are also located in Magarpatta (a privately owned gated community) and Kharda suburb of Pune.Movie Industry:Mumbai is the core of both Hindi movie industry[61] and Marathi movie industry[62]. Marathi cinema is the oldest and one of the pioneer film industries of India. Hindi movie industry is the largest component of India’s movie industry comprising 43% of Indian net box-office revenue.India’s 1st full-length feature film - Raja Harishchandra (1913)[63] directed by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke[64] - was a part of Marathi cinema; this makes Marathi cinema India’s oldest cinema. The movie Harishchandrachi Factory (2009) shows Dhundhiraj Phalke’s struggle in making his 1913 movie.India’s 1st talkie (sound movie) was the Hindi movie Alam Ara (1931)[65]. In 1932, the 1st Marathi talkie Ayodhyecha Raja[66] was released — it was also double-versioned in Hindi, making it India’s 1st double-version talkie.Thee Marathi movie Sairandhri (1933) produced by V Shantaram was the 1st movie to have color scenes, the scenes being processed and produced in Germany. The Hindi movie Kisan Kanya (1937)[67] was India’s 1st indigenously produced color movie.→ Dhundhiraj Phalke [Source: File:Phalke.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Publicity poster of Raja Harishchandra [Source: File:Publicity poster for film, Raja Harishchandra (1913).jpg - Wikipedia]→ Theatrical release poster of Alam Ara [Source: File:Alam Ara poster, 1931.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Still from Ayodhyecha Raja [Source: File:Ayodhyecha Raja, 1932 Marathi film, India.jpg - Wikipedia]Transport[68]{See:Public transport in Mumbai - Wikipedia,Mumbai Urban Transport Project - Wikipedia,Taxis in India - Wikipedia}Roadways:Maharashtra has India’s largest road network at 267,452 km. The length of National Highways in Maharashtra is 4688 km.Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation[69][70] —MSRTC, founded in 1948 as Bombay State RTC and renamed in 1960, provides bus services to Maharashtra and to its adjoining states. It is headquartered in Mumbai. MSRTC is operating a fleet of ~18,500 buses that ferry ~6.7 million passengers daily.MSRTC has in-house workshops in Dapodi, Aurangabad and Nashik to work on Ashok-Leyland and Tata chassis to produce Ordinary, Parivartan, Asiad and City Buses — These workshops produce as many as 20,000 buses per year on average. It also has 9 tyre retreading plants and 32 divisional workshops.Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST)[71][72] —It is a civic transport and electricity provider public body based in Mumbai. It uses CNG and diesel buses, operating a fleet of more than 3000 single and double-decker buses. BEST bus routes are spread citywide and to neighboring cities.→ Single decker bus made Tata [Source: File:Best cbd wad.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Double decker bus made by Ashok-Leyland [Source: Mumbai’s double-decker buses cross a milestone]Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT)[73] operates AC buses made by Volvo from Navi Mumbai to Bandra, Dadar & Borivali, Thane, Bhiwandi and non AC buses from Navi Mumbai to Mulund (East and West).Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT)[74] operates buses in Kalyan and Dombivli, Bhiwandi and to areas in Navi Mumbai.Thane Municipal Transport (TMT)[75] operates their buses from Thane to Mulund, Borivali, Kurla, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri, Navi Mumbai (Panvel, Uran etc.), Bhiwandi, Kalyan Dombivli and Mira Bhayandar etc.Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Transport (MBMT)[76] operates their buses from Mira-Bhayandar in Thane district to Jogeshwari and Borivali.Vasai-Virar Municipal Transport (VVMT)[77] operates their buses from Vasai-Virar in Palghar district to Mulund, Thane, and Bhivandi.Railways:The 1st passenger train in India ran from Mumbai to Thane on 16 April 1853.The state has a railway network spanning ~5,983 km between 5 railways —Central Railway[78] headquartered in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, MumbaiWestern Railway[79] headquartered in Churchgate, MumbaiSouth East Central Railway[80] through its Nagpur(South East Central) divisionSouth Central Railway[81] through its Nanded divisionKonkan Railway[82] headquartered in CBD Belavadi in Navi Mumbai→ Topological map of Mumbai's public transport system [Source: File:Rapid transit map of Mumbai.jpg - Wikipedia]Metro Railways —Mumbai Metro[83][84] serves Mumbai Metropolitan Area. It is owned by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority[85].Line 1[86] of the system is operated by Metro One Operation Private Limited (MOOPL) and is completely elevated as of present. All other lines of the system are currently under construction or planned. It is being constructed to provide rapid transit capability and easing the burden of Mumbai Suburban Railway.→ Mumbai Metro Logo [Source: File:Mumbai Metro Line 1 logo.png - Wikipedia]Nagpur Metro[87][88] serves Nagpur. It is operated by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) aka MAHA-METRO. It currently has1 operational line and 1 under construction line.Currently proposed/under construction networks are Nashik Metro (Metro NEO), Pune Metro and Navi Mumbai Metro.Mumbai Suburban Railway —Mumbai Suburban Railway is Asia’s oldest passenger railway system. It is operated by Western Railways and Central Railways.UTSOnMobile app allows users to book tickets on the entire network. In July 2015, an update for the app was launched, which made e-tickets acceptable. The update also brought technical changes, like, the tickets could be booked only within a radius of 30m- 5 km of the origin station, and not from the platform.Due to its extensive reach across Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and its intensive use by the local urban population, it suffers from the most severe overcrowding in the world. Over 4,500 passengers are packed into a 12-car or 15-car rake during peak hours, as against the rated carrying capacity of around 2,000. This has resulted in what is known as Super-Dense Crush Load of 14 to 16 standing passengers/m[math]^2[/math] of floor space.[89] On average, ~2,000 people die annually on Mumbai Suburban Rail network; between 2002 and 2012, more than 36,152 people died and 36,688 people were injured.[90]→ White and purple coloured MRVC Siemens rakes on the Western Line [Source: File:Mumbai Train.JPG - Wikipedia]Mumbai Monorail[91] —→ Logo [Source: File:Mumbai MonoRail Logo.svg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mumbai_MonoRail_Logo.svg)- (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mumbai_MonoRail_Logo.svg) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mumbai_MonoRail_Logo.svg)]Mumbai Monorail is the only currently operational monorail system in India.[92] It started operation in 2014, and as of 2019 is the 6th largest monorail system in the world. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is its owner.Currently, only Line 1[93] is operational. Further development of the monorail system is on hold, and questions have been raised as to whether the proposed monorail corridors will have sufficient capacity to meet Mumbai's requirements.→ Train arriving in station [Source: File:MumbaiMonorailInsideStation 01.jpg - Wikipedia]Waterways:Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB)[94] is tasked with the administration of ports and harbours, conservancy, licensing of crafts, levying of fees, regulation and control of traffic.In Mumbai, water transport consists of ferries, catamarans and less frequently, hovercrafts. MMB granted permission to a private operator to begin regular ferry services from Mora jetty in Uran to Gharapuri in 2017.Maharashtra has 2 major ports — Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Mumbai Port.Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva)[95][96] —The largest container port in India, it is located in Navi Mumbai on Arabian Sea’s coast. It is also the terminal of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, a broad gauge freight corridor under construction by Indian Railways. It handles more than half of the container cargo across all major ports in India. Major exports from the port are textiles, sporting goods, carpets, textile machinery, boneless meat, chemicals and pharmaceuticals while the main imports are chemicals, machinery, plastics, electrical machinery, vegetable oils, aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.→ View of JNP [Source: File:JNPT Port container handling.jpg - Wikipedia]Mumbai Port [97][98] —Mumbai Port, lying in a natural harbour in Mumbai is administered by Mumbai Port Trust autonomous corporation of Indian government. The port is primarily used for bulk cargo. It is an old port, being used by navies of Marathas, Portuguese and British, and has its 1st dock built in 1870s.Airways:Almost all major cities in Maharashtra are connected by airports.The largest of the airports are operated by Airports Authority of India (AAI)[99] — International airports include Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, Pune International Airport, Nashik International Airport and and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. Domestic airports include Juhu Airport and Aurangabad Airport.Reliance Airports Development Private Limited (RADPL)[100] operates 5 non-metro airports on 95 year lease basis — Latur, Nanded, Baramati, Osmanabad and Yavatmal.Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC)[101] was set up in 2002 to take up development of airports in the state that are not under the AAI or the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). MADC is playing the lead role in the planning and implementation of the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN)[102] project.Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport[103][104] —The primary international airport serving Mumbai Metropolitan Area, it is the 2nd busiest airport in India and busiest in Maharashtra based on passenger traffic. It is also the 14th busiest airport in Asia and 28th busiest in the world.Along with IGI Delhi, it was adjudged the "World's Best Airport" at Airport Service Quality Awards 2017 in the highest category of airports handling more than 40 million passengers annually by Airports Council International.[105] It has also won the "Best Airport in India and Central Asia" award at the Skytrax 2016 World Airport Awards.[106] It is one of the 3 airports in India to have implemented Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) to ensure timely takeoffs and landings.[107]Juhu Aerodrome a.k.a. Mumbai-Juhu Airport[108] —Built in Juhu suburb of Mumbai, it was founded in 1928 as India's 1st civil aviation airport and witnessed JRD Tata inaugurating India's 1st scheduled commercial mail service in 1932.Juhu Aerodrome has 2 operational runways and is run by the Airports Authority of India. It is used as a heliport for private charters and to ferry Oil and Natural Gas Corporation personnel by carrier Pawan Hans to offshore oil rigs at Bombay High.Jal Hans[109], India's first seaplane service was launched here in 2010.ArchitectureTemples:Cave Temples —Maharashtra has a number of cave temples including Ellora, Ajanta, Elephanta (Gharpauri), Nasik caves, Aurangabad caves, Kanheri caves, Shivleni caves etc, of which I have covered Ellora caves.Ellora Caves[110], Ellora (Vērūḷ), Aurangabad district —Ellora caves is UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of over 100 caves carved in basalt rock formation of Charanandri Hills during 600–1000 CE Rashtrakuta period. They are magnificent examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.→ Cave 11 — A 3-storied monastery cave having Vajrayana Buddhist iconography. [Source: File:Ellora, cave 11 (6359240593).jpg - Wikipedia]→ Carpenter’s cave (Cave 10) — Inside view having a stūpa in which Buddha is carved [Source: File:Ellora cave10 002.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Jagannatha Sabha (Cave 33) — It is a 2-storeyed cave with 12 massive pillars and elephant heads projecting towards a porch, all carved from a single rock. The hall has 2 heavy square pillars in front, 4 in the middle area, and a pillared interior square main hall with fluted shafts, all carved with capitals, ridges and brackets. [Source: Ellora-Cave 33-Jagannatha Sabha and Cave 34.]→ Ramesvara temple (cave 21) — Pillars with statues carved on them [Source: Ellora - Cave 21, The Ramesvara]→ Indra Sabha (Cave 32) —Temple Superstructure [Source: File:Indra Sabha Ellora Temple Maharashtra India.jpg - Wikipedia]Statue of an elephant near the cave [Source: http://indiathatwas.com/ellora-cave-32-the-indra-sabha/]Kailashnatha Temple (Cave 16)[111] : —Perhaps the most impressive of the temples carved in Ellora is Kailashnatha temple. It is a Rashtrakuta style chariot-plan temple that forms the world’s largest monolithic structure.→ Front view [Source: File:Kailasha.JPG - Wikipedia]Ashtavinayak (Marathi: अष्टविनायक, ISO 15919: Aṣṭavināyaka):[112]Ashtavinayak refers to a group of 8 temples in Maharashtra dedicated to 8 forms of Gaṇēśa — the eponymous Aṣṭavināyaka. The forms with their temples are as follows:Mayūrēśvara (Lord of Peacocks) —Mayureshwar Temple[113], Morgaon, Pune districtSiddhīvināyaka (vināyaka who gives success) — Siddhivinayak Temple[114], Siddhatek, Ahmednagar districtBallalēśvara (Lord of Ballala)— Ballaleshwar Temple[115], Pali, Raigad districtVaradavināyaka (vināyaka who gives boons) — Varadvinayak Temple[116], Mahad, Raigad districtCintāmaṅi (Jewel of thinking) — Chintamani Temple[117], Theur, Pune districtGirijātmaja (Son of daughter of mountain) — Girijatmaj Temple[118], Lenyadri, Pune districtVighnēśvara (Lord of obstacles) — Vighneshwar Temple[119], Ozar, Pune districtMahāgaṅapati (Great lord of [Śiva’s] troops) — Mahaganapati Temple[120], Ranjangaon, Pune district→ Mayureshwar Temple — Its tower features a triple notched disk top (a rarity). The tower is richly decorated with sculptures and paintingstemple tower [Source: File:Morgaon.jpg - Wikipedia]main gate [Source: File:Morgaon temple.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Siddhivinayak Temple [Source: File:Siddhi Vinayak at Siddhatek.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Ballaleshwar Temple’s tower — The tower is an octagonal stepped-pyramid like, with a single notched disk top with a spire [Source: File:Pali- Shri Ballaleshwar.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Chinatamani Temple — The tower is a 5-faceted (Pancaratha) type, havinga lotus shaped top covering a dome like structure that sports the finial. [Source: File:Shri Cintamani of Theur.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Cave 7 of Lenyadri that forms Girijatmaj temple — The caves have been carved in Lenyadri. [Source: File:Lenyadri cave 7 exterior.jpg - Wikipedia]Jyōtirlinga:[121]Jyōtirlinga are 12 Śiva temples located across India, of which 3 lie in Maharashtra (the largest number for any state)Bhimashankar Temple[122] in Pune district—This temple is dedicated to Bhīmāshankara form of Śiva.The temple is built in Nagara style, featuring a heterogenous sanctum superstructure with identical subsidiary structures arising from it (Śēkharī form). The sanctum is attached to a colonnaded flat roofed hall.While the shrine has been mentioned since 13th century CE literature, most of the temple’s present structure dates back to 18th century CE.Source: File:Bhimashankar.jpg - WikipediaSource: File:Bhimashankar temple, Maharashtra.JPG - WikipediaTryambakeshwar Temple[123] in Trimbak, Nashik district —The temple is dedicated to Tryambakēśvara form of Śiva.It is built in Hemadapanti style, featuring a Śēkharī form sanctum superstructure, with the sanctum attached to sloping roofed hall. The entrance porch, hall and superstructure have spires.Front view [Source: File:Trimbakeshwar nj.jpg - Wikipedia]Back view [Source: File:Trimbhakeshwar Temple.jpg - Wikipedia]Entrance [Source: File:Trimbakweshwar Temple Entrance.jpg - Wikipedia]Ghrishneshwar Temple[124] in Ellora, Aurangabad district —It is dedicated to Ghr̥ṣṇēśvara (Lord of compassion) form of Śiva.The temple is constructed in Hemādapantī style, with a tower having a cupolic dome top. The tower is a decorated stepped pyramid, somewhat similar to Kadamba style superstructure.It was constructed in 16th century CE and reconstructed in 18th century CE. It is the smallest of Jyōtirlinga temples.Source: File:Grishneshwar temple in Aurangabad district.jpg - WikipediaSource: File:Grishneshwar Shiva temple Maharashtra.jpg - WikipediaShree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir[125][126] in Prabhadevi, Mumbai —Dedicated to Siddhīvināyaka, it is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai.The original structure of the temple was a small brick structure with a dome top, built in 1801 CE by contractor Laxman Vithu Patil, funded by Deu Patil.In 1990, renovation of the temple commenced, the architect being Sharad Athale of SK Athale & Associates. It was built into a unique multiangular, 6-storeyed structure, surmounted with a main central gold plated spire. The other small crowns that surround it are made of gold and pañcadhātu (5 metals). 3 main entrances lead to the interior.The topmost storey houses a collection of 47 crowns — 33 small crowns of ~1m height, 3 crowns of ~2.5m height and the main crown of ~3.7m heightThe architectural details of the temple can be found here: Shree Siddhivinayak→ Source: File:Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai.jpg - WikipediaKhandoba Temple in Jejuri[127] —It is one the prime temples of Khaṇḍōbā in Maharashtra.The temple’s sanctum superstructure features a large dome surrounded by 4 towers on 4 sides — all 5 structures have urn shaped spires. The temple also features a separate tower having an onion-dome top and similar urn-shaped spires.→ Temple’s outside view [Source: Amazing Tales of Khandoba Temple in Jejuri]→ Lamp pillars of the temple [Source: Amazing Tales of Khandoba Temple in Jejuri]Forts:Murud-Janjira Fort[128] —Considered one of the strongest marine forts in India, the fort located and virtually comprising the entirety of an island off the western coast of India was constructed mainly during the reign of Siddi dynasty (Abyssinians) while the original structure was constructed by Kolis. The fort features 26 bastions and its outer walls measure 12m in height, being made of granite.Source: File:Murud Janjira Panoramic View.jpg - WikipediaSinhagad (Lion Fort)[129] —The site of Battle of Sinhagad[130], the fort was built on steep slopes to provide natural protection to its inhabitants. There are 2 gates to enter the fort, Kalyan Darwaza and Pune Darwaza which are positioned at south east and north-east ends respectively.→ Kalyan Darwaza [Source: File:Sinhagad pune.JPG - Wikipedia]Shivneri Fort on Shivneri hill[131], Junnar —It is a hill fort having a triangular shape and has its entrance from south-western side of the hill. Besides the main gate there is an entrance to the fort from side called locally as chain gate, where in one has to hold chains to climb up to the fort gate. The fort extends up to 1.6km with 7 spiral well-defended gates. There are mud walls all around the fort.Source: File:Shivneripic8.jpg - WikipediaKalavantin Durg[132] in Raigad district—Kalavantin Durg is a fort built on a ~680m high summit in Sahyadri in 15th century CE. The structure is mostly rock carved, with steps leading to it carved in the hill.→Top view showing the fort [Source: File:Kalavantin Durg.jpg - Wikipedia]Rock-cut steps leading to the fort [Source: File:Kalavantin Durg (6780448549).jpg - Wikipedia]Vijayadurg[133] (Victory Fort) in Sindhudurg district —Vijayadurg was constructed during the reign of Bhoja Shilahar II and restructured during the reign of Shivaji Bhonsle I. It is surrounded by water on all the 4 sides but connected to land through a narrow road.→ Bastions of the fort [Source: File:Bastions of vijaydurg.jpg - Wikipedia]Other monuments:Gateway of India —[134]Gateway of India is an triumphal arch type[135] monument built in 20th century CE (1915-1924) in Mughal-Gothic[136] revivalist architecture style to commemorate the visit of British monarch George V and his consort Mary of Teck earlier in 1911.The First Battalion of Somerset Light Infantry passed through this place with a 21-gun salute on 28th February 1948, signalling the end of British rule in India, being the last British troops to leave India.Front View [Source: File:Mumbai 03-2016 30 Gateway of India.jpg - Wikipedia]Aerial View [Source: File:Gateway of India aerial view.jpg - Wikipedia]Lattice work on the arches [Source: File:India Mumbai Victor Grigas 2011-7.jpg - Wikipedia]Floral motifs [Source: File:Gateway of India - 11 (Friar's Balsam Flickr).jpg - Wikipedia]Internal view of the dome [Source: File:Arch of Gateway of India.jpg - Wikipedia]Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai[137][138] —Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai refers to a collection of buildings comprising 2 types of architectural phases — Victorian Neo-Gothic buildings in late-19th century CE, and Indo-Deco (Art Deco unique to India) in early-20th century CE. These buildings were constructed around Oval Maidan (oval ground).2 waves of urban development of Mumbai in 19th and 20th centuries CE transformed the city from a fortified trading outpost to the beginning of a modern city. The 1st expansion included the construction in the 1880s of a group of Victorian Gothic public buildings and the creation of Oval Maidan. The 2nd expansion was Backbay Reclamation Scheme in early 20th century CE, which offered a new opportunity for Bombay to expand to the west with Art Deco residential, commercial and entertainment buildings and the creation of the Marine Drive sea front. Today Oval Maidan offers a spectacular ensemble of Victorian Gothic buildings on its eastern side, and another impressive ensemble of Art Deco buildings on its western side.→ Bombay High Court (बॉम्बे उच्च न्यायालय)[139] — Victorian Neo-Gothic [Source: File:Mumbai 03-2016 41 Bombay High Court.jpg - Wikipedia]→ A building of Mumbai University[140]: Victorian Neo-Gothic [Source: File:Mumbai 03-2016 37 University.jpg - Wikipedia]→ Eros Cinema Building in Churchgate: Art Deco [Source: File:ErosTheater.jpg - Wikipedia]Footnotes[1] https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/[2] Maharashtra - Wikipedia[3] List of country subdivisions by population - Wikipedia[4] Maharashtra Population 2019- Current Population in Maharashtra[5] List of states and union territories of India by population - Wikipedia[6] List of states and union territories of India by area - Wikipedia[7] http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf[8] List of Indian states and union territories by GDP - Wikipedia[9] http://fsi.nic.in/isfr2017/isfr-forest-cover-2017.pdf[10] Sub-national HDI - Subnational HDI - Global Data Lab[11] http://ncrb.gov.in/StatPublications/CII/CII2016/pdfs/Table%201A.1.pdf[12] http://ncrb.gov.in/StatPublications/ADSI/ADSI2015/chapter-2%20suicides-v1.pdf[13] http://ncrb.gov.in/StatPublications/CII/CII2016/pdfs/Table%2014.1.pdf[14] http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_chapter6.pdf[15] http://indiabudget.nic.in/budget2013-2014/es2012-13/estat1.pdf[16] http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/inequality_adjusted_human_development_index_for_indias_state1.pdf[17] data.gov.in[18] data.gov.in[19] National Family Health Survey[20] List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita - Wikipedia[21] https://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/ESM_17_18_eng.pdf[22] http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_release/Press%20Note%20PE%202018-19-31.5.2019-Final.pdf[23] http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/Annual%20Report%2C%20PLFS%202017-18_31052019.pdf[24] Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary - Wikipedia[25] Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary - Wikipedia[26] Sanjay Gandhi National Park - Wikipedia[27] Official Website of Sanjay Gandhi National Park[28] SNDT Women's University - Wikipedia[29] Home | SNDT Women's University[30] Dhondo Keshav Karve - Wikipedia[31] College of Engineering, Pune - Wikipedia[32] Welcome to College of Engineering, Pune[33] MHRD, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF)[34] Government Polytechnic, Nagpur - Wikipedia[35] Welcome To Government Polytechnic, Nagpur[36] Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute - Wikipedia[37] Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute (Deemed University)[38] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Institute_of_Technology_Bombayhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Institute_of_Technology_Bombay[39] IIT Bombay | IIT Bombay[40] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre - Wikipedia[41] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre ( BARC )[42] Homi Bhabha National Institute - Wikipedia[43] National Defence Academy (India) - Wikipedia[44] http://nda.nic.in/[45] East African campaign (World War II) - Wikipedia[46] Cavalry Tank Museum, Ahmednagar - Wikipedia[47] Economy of Maharashtra - Wikipedia[48] http://www.ibef.org/download/Maharashtra_060710.pdf[49] Agricultural Growth and Productivity in Maharashtra[50] More than 12.77 lakh taxpayers filed e-returns in Maharashtra[51] Gossypium arboreum - Wikipedia[52] Nagpur orange - Wikipedia[53] Nashik grape - Wikipedia[54] Mahabaleshwar strawberry - Wikipedia[55] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagpur_orangehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_Cooperative[56] Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation - Wikipedia[57] Indian Rare Earths - Wikipedia[58] Bombay House - Wikipedia[59] Pune becomes hot spot for German companies[60] Serum Institute of India - Wikipedia[61] Bollywood - Wikipedia[62] Marathi cinema - Wikipedia[63] Raja Harishchandra - Wikipedia[64] Dadasaheb Phalke - Wikipedia[65] Alam Ara - Wikipedia[66] Ayodhyecha Raja - Wikipedia[67] Kisan Kanya - Wikipedia[68] Transport in Maharashtra - Wikipedia[69] Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation - Wikipedia[70] Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation[71] Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport - Wikipedia[72] BEST[73] Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport - Wikipedia[74] Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport - Wikipedia[75] Thane Municipal Transport - Wikipedia[76] Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Transport - Wikipedia[77] Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Transport - Wikipedia[78] Central Railway zone - Wikipedia[79] Western Railway zone - Wikipedia[80] South East Central Railway zone - Wikipedia[81] South Central Railway zone - Wikipedia[82] Konkan Railway - Wikipedia[83] Mumbai Metro - Wikipedia[84] MMRC[85] Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority - Wikipedia[86] Line 1 (Mumbai Metro) - Wikipedia[87] Nagpur Metro - Wikipedia[88] Official site of Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited[89] Loan to relieve world's most overcrowded trains[90] http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-20/mumbai/31373302_1_lifeline-poles-accidents[91] Mumbai Monorail - Wikipedia[92] Mumbai monorail to run in two years | Mumbai News - Times of India[93] Line 1 (Mumbai Monorail) - Wikipedia[94] Maharashtra Maritime Board - Wikipedia[95] Jawaharlal Nehru Port - Wikipedia[96] jnpt[97] Mumbai Port Trust - Wikipedia[98] http://mumbaiport.gov.in/[99] Airports Authority of India - Wikipedia[100] Reliance Infrastructure - Wikipedia[101] Maharashtra Airport Development Company - Wikipedia[102] Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur - Wikipedia[103] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport - Wikipedia[104] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai[105] CSIA voted Best Airport in India and Central Asia[106] CSIA voted Best Airport in India and Central Asia[107] Only 2 AAI airports are making profits[108] Juhu Aerodrome - Wikipedia[109] Jal Hans - Wikipedia[110] Ellora Caves - Wikipedia[111] Kailasa temple, Ellora - Wikipedia[112] Ashtavinayaka - Wikipedia[113] Ganesha Temple, Morgaon - Wikipedia[114] http://1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddhivinayak_Temple,_Siddhatek[115] Ballaleshwar Pali - Wikipedia[116] Varadvinayak - Wikipedia[117] Chintamani Temple, Theur - Wikipedia[118] Lenyadri - Wikipedia[119] Vigneshwara Temple, Ozar - Wikipedia[120] Ranjangaon Ganpati - Wikipedia[121] Jyotirlinga - Wikipedia[122] Bhimashankar Temple - Wikipedia[123] Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple - Wikipedia[124] Grishneshwar Temple - Wikipedia[125] Official site of Shree SiddhiVinayak Temple, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, INDIA ::.[126] Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai - Wikipedia[127] Jejuri - Wikipedia[128] Murud-Janjira - Wikipedia[129] Sinhagad - Wikipedia[130] Battle of Sinhagad - Wikipedia[131] Shivneri - Wikipedia[132] Kalavantin Durg - Wikipedia[133] Vijaydurg Fort - Wikipedia[134] Gateway of India - Wikipedia[135] Triumphal arch - Wikipedia[136] Indo-Saracenic architecture - Wikipedia[137] The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai - Wikipedia[138] Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai[139] Bombay High Court - Wikipedia[140] University of Mumbai - Wikipedia

Since Modi government has came into power, n number of schemes have been launched:Financial inclusion schemes:PM Jan Dhan Yojna: aims to provide basic bank account to every family with no minimum balance required. Also, to bring poor financially excluded people into banking system and to decrease corruption in govt. subsidy schemes. It also provides accidental insurance up to 1 lakh and medical Insurance cover of 30,000Social security related schemes:Pradhan Mantri Jeevan jyoti yojna: its a life Insurance scheme worth ₹ 2 lakh at just ₹ 330 per annum.Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna: its an accidental Insurance scheme worth ₹ 2 lakh at just ₹ 12 per annum for accidental death its ₹ 2 lakh and for partial disability- 1 lakh rupeesAtal pension yojna: it guarantees a minimum pension amount at the age of 60 to subscribers depending upon their contributions per month. Amount may range from 1000 to 5000 per month. Minimum contribution period should be 20 years.Urban Reform schemes:Smart cities scheme: Smart city will b equipped with basic infrastructure to give a decent quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment throughout application of some smart solutions. Its for rise of neo middle class who wants better civic amenities.2. AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation): In this 500 cities selected to develop civic infrastructure. Few capital cities, important cities loated in hilly areas and islands and tourist areas are selected.3. HRIDAY ( Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojna): to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country. 12 heritage cities had been identified. Aim is to bring urban planning, economic growth and heritage conservation for heritage cities.4. PRASAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) : Aims to create spiritual centres for tourism development within the nation. 12 cities have been identified.5. Swadesh Darshan: Aim is to develop theme based tourist circuit. It should be insured that none of them are in same town, village or city but are not separated by a long distance too.6. Rurban Mission: seeks to develop smart village on the line of smart cities and reduce the burden of migration to the cities through adopting cluster approach.Farmer centric schemes:Deen Dyal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna: To provide round the clock power supply in Rural areas.2. DD Kisan: India first television chanel dedicated to farmers have been launched to provide onputs new farming techniques water conservation and prganic farming .It will include quiz shows farmers , a bottoms up approach involving agriculturists .This will provide real time interaction with time and farm scientists.3. Soil health card scheme: it aims to help farmers to improve the productivity of farms by providing them basic information for use of nutrients or fertilizers .the card careies crop wise recommendations of fertilizer that are required for farm lands and it also help farmers identify health of soil and judiciously use soil nutrients4. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna: it is a proposed scheme by the government of India which envisages connecting the irrigation system’s three crucial components - the field application , water sources & distribution network for optimal usage. it also envisage interlinking of perennial rivers to avoid drought and flood situations.5. Pradhan mantri Fasal Bima yojna: it aims to reduce the premium rates to be paid by the farmers so as to enable more farmers avail insurance cover against crop loss on account of natural calamities.Education related shemes:DIKSHA portal: for providing digital platform to teachers to make their lifestyle more digital. This will provide online/offline training to teachers, students and teacher educatorsYUYA: it aims to connect with youth by upgrading their skill as per their competencies.JIGYASA: student-scientist connect programme. Under this programme CSIR (Council of Scientific and industrial Research ) has joined hands with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. The focus is on connecting schools students and scientists so as to extend student’s classroom learning with that of a very well planned research laboratory based learning. This programme will connect 1151 kendriya Vidyalayas with 38 national laboratories of CSIR and will target 10,000 students and teachers every year.SWAYAM: Its an indigenously designed massive open online course ( MOOC), it will host all the courses, taught in classrooms from 9th class till post graduation and can be accessed by anyone, anywhere at any time. It aims to bridge the digital divide for students in e-Education.SWAYAM PRABHA: it will provide high quality educational contents, developed by experts, through 32 DTH (direct to home) television channels with an aim to bring uniformity in standards of education. It will cover diverse topics of all levels of education in various languages.National Academic Depository: it will directly integrate with boards/ universities which issue certificates which will be verified, authenticated, accessed and retrieved in a digital depository for purpose of employment, higher education and loansNational Digital library: its a online library containing 6.5 million books in English and the Indian languages.Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojna: stands for Scholarship for promotion of aptitudes and research in stamps as a hobby. It is proposed to award 920 scholarships to students pursuing philately as a hobby. Amount of scholarship would be 6000 per annumEklavya schools will be established for schedule tribe students by 2022 on the lines of Navodhya schools. Though its an old scheme but the government has signalled in budget 2018 that it wants to expand the scope.RISE: Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in Education scheme. It aims to lend low cost funds to government higher educational institutions.PMRF (Prime ministe’s Research Fellows scheme): This scheme will help tapping talent pool of country for carrying out research indigenously in cutting edge science and technology domains. Under this scheme, 1000 best students who have completed or in final year of B.tech or integrated M.tech or M. Sc in science and technology streams from IISc/ IITs/ NITs/ IISERs/IITs will be offered direct admission in PhD programme in the IITs/IISc. In this, govt. will provide fellowship of Rs. 70,000 per month fornthe first two years, Rs. 75,000 per month for 3rd year and Rs. 80,000 per month in 4th and 5th year.Beti Bachao Beti Padhao yojna: it aims at promoting gender equality and educating girl child.E-basta: created a framework to make school books accessible in digital form as e-books. Books can be read on laptops, tablets and mobiles. It will bring various publishers and schools together on one platform.Padho pradesh yojna: Its a scheme of interest subsidy on educational loan for overseas studies. It assists the students belonging to poor and minority community to acquire loan for subsidised interest rates.Flagship missions:Make In India: to make India a manufacturing hub and to create 100 million jobs and skill enhancement in 25 sectors of economy. Enhancing service sector is also covered under this mission.2. Digital India Mission: to transform the country into a digitally empowered knowledge economy. To create participative, transparent and responsive government. Digital india mission has 9 pilliars:Broadband highwaysInformation for allUniversal mobile accessPublic internet access programmeElectronics manufacturing: target net zero importsEarly harvest programmesE- kranti: electronic delivery of servicesIT for jobsE- Governance: reforming government through technology3. Swachh Bharat mission: its a massive mass movement that seeks to create a clean india by 2019. It aims atElimination of open defecationConversion of insanitary toilets to pour flush toiletsEradication of manual scavenging100 % collection and scientific processing/ disposal/reuse/recycling of municipal solid wasteA behavioral change in people regarding healthy sanitation practicesSupporting urban local bodies in designing, executing and operating waste disposal systems4. Namami Gange Project or Namami Ganga Yojana: is an ambitious Union Government project which integrates the efforts to clean and protect the Ganga river in a comprehensive manner. This will cover 8 states, 47 towns and 12 rivers. Rivers covered are: Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Damodar, Mahananda, Ramganga, Beehar, Chambal, Khan, Shipra, Betwa and Mandakini.Innovation and entrepreneurship schemes:Start up india: Through the Startup India initiative, Government of India promotes entrepreneurship by mentoring, nurturing and facilitating startups throughout their life cycle. Since its launch in January 2016, the initiative has successfully given a head start to numerous aspiring entrepreneurs. With a 360 degree approach to enable startups, the initiative provides a comprehensive four-week free online learning program, has set up research parks, incubators and startup centres across the country by creating a strong network of academia and industry bodies. More importantly, a ‘Fund of Funds’ has been created to help startups gain access to funding.2. Atal Innovation Mission: It is a Government of India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and it serves as a platform for promotion of world-class Innovation Hubs, Grand Challenges, start-up businesses and other self-employment activities, particularly in technology driven areas. In order to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination right at the school, AIM recently launched Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) across India. ATLs are workspaces where students can work with tools and equipment to gain hands-on training in the concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) are another programme of AIM created to build innovative start-up businesses as scalable and sustainable enterprises. AICs provide world class incubation facilities with appropriate physical infrastructure in terms of capital equipment and operating facilities. These incubation centres, with a presence across India, provide access to sectoral experts, business planning support, seed capital, industry partners and trainings to encourage innovative start-ups.3. Stand Up India: to support entrepreneurship among women and SC and ST4. MUDRA - Micro Units Development and Refinance Agnecy: Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) is a scheme launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on April 8, 2015 for providing loans upto 10 lakh to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. These loans are classified as MUDRA loans under PMMY. These loans are given by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, Cooperative Banks, MFIs and NBFCs. The borrower can approach any of the lending institutions mentioned above or can apply online through this portal. Under the aegis of PMMY, MUDRA has created three products namely 'Shishu', 'Kishore' and 'Tarun' to signify the stage of growth / development and funding needs of the beneficiary micro unit / entrepreneur and also provide a reference point for the next phase of graduation / growth.Schemes under Skill India Mission :Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojna: aims to give training to rural youths for jobs. Minimum age for entry is 15 years. Its complementing PM’s Make in India campaign.PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): aims to provide skills training to youth across the country. It includes class 10th and 12th drop outs.Nai Manzil scheme: to enable students of madrasas to cope up with the contemporary education system and provide them skill training so that they could earn their living once they move out of madrasahUSTTAD ( Upgrading Skill and Training in Traditional Arts/crafts for development) to conserve traditional arts/crafts and build capacity of artisans and craftsmen belonging to minority communities.Nai - roshni scheme: a leadership training program for womenManas: for upgrading entrepreneurial skills of minority youthsSeekho aur Kamao (Learn and Earn): central sector scheme for skill Development of minorities.Schemes related to women:Beti Bachao Beti Bhadao: discussed aboveSukanya samridhi yojna: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a small deposit scheme for the girl child launched as a part of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign. It is currently 8.1 per cent and provides income-tax benefit.A Sukanya Samriddhi Account can be opened any time after the birth of a girl till she turns 10, with a minimum deposit of Rs 1,000. A maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh can be deposited during the ongoing financial year.The account can be opened in any post office or authorised branches of commercial banks.The account will remain operative for 21 years from the date of its opening or till the marriage of the girl after she turns 18.To meet the requirement of her higher education expenses, partial withdrawal of 50 per cent of the balance is allowed after she turns 18.3. One Stop Crisis Centre: Ministry of Women and Child Development has formulated a scheme for operationalization of minimum 100 pilot projects of One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCCs), a specialized facility for providing all necessary services for women victims/ survivors of violence, in urban areas having population of more than 5 lakh, identified by the States for implementation during the remaining years of the 12th Plan. These Centres will be attached to the District Hospitals of the State Governments.4. SWADHAR - A scheme for women in difficult circumstances: to provide primary need of shelter, food, clothing and care to the marginalised women/ girls living in difficult circumstances who are without any social and economic support. Also, to provide emotional support and counselling to such women.5. STEP - Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women:STEP was launched by the Government of India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development to train women with no access to formal skill training facilities, especially in rural India. The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and NITI Aayog recently redrafted the Guidelines of the 30-year-old initiative to adapt to present-day needs. The initiative reaches out to all Indian women above 16 years of age. The programme imparts skills in several sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, food processing, handlooms, traditional crafts like embroidery, travel and tourism, hospitality, computer and IT services.6. UJJAWALA scheme: to prevent trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation. It works on 4 R appoach :RescueRehabilitationReintegrationRepatriationInfrastructure related schemes:Sagarmala project: Sagar Mala project is a strategic and customer-oriented ₹8 trillion (US$120 billion or €100 billion) investment initiative of the Government of India entailing setting up of 6+ mega ports, modernization of several dozen more ports, development of 14+ Coastal Economic Zones and at least 29 Coastal Economic Units, development of mines, industrial corridors, rail, road and airport linkages with these water ports, resulting in US$110 billion export revenue growth, generation of 150,000 direct jobs and several times more indirect jobs. It aims to modernize India's Ports so that port-led development can be augmented and coastlines can be developed to contribute in India's growth. It also aims for "transforming the existing Ports into modern world class Ports and integrate the development of the Ports, the Industrial clusters and hinterland and efficient evacuation systems through road, rail, inland and coastal waterways resulting in Ports becoming the drivers of economic activity in coastal areas."Bharatmala project: is a centrally-sponsored and funded road and highways project of the Government of India. The project will build highways from Gujarat and Rajasthan, move to Punjab and then cover the entire string of Himalayan states - Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand - and then portions of borders of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar alongside Terai, and move to West Bengal , Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and right up to the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur and Mizoram. Special emphasis will be given on providing connectivity to far-flung border and rural areas including the tribal and backward areas.Setu Bharatam Project: It aims to make all national highways free from railway level crossing by 2019 to ensure road safety.Green highways policy 2015 - to develop eco friendly National Highways with participation of the community, farmers, NGO’s, private sector, institutions, government agencies and the forest department.Gold schemes:Gold monetisation scheme: Gold monetisation scheme is like a gold savings account. You would generally keep your gold without any security at home or store it in bank lockers by paying a maintenance fee. But instead of that, you could keep your gold in any form in a Gold Monetisation Scheme account and earn interest as the price of the precious metal goes up. Also, You do not have to pay capital gains tax on the profits made through the gold monetisation scheme. The capital gains are also exempt from wealth tax and income tax.The Gold Monetisation Scheme is a great opportunity for big Indian households to make profits from the old jewellery lying in bank lockers and at the bottom of safe deposit boxes. Companies, trusts, jewelleries and individuals who have a hoard of gold can also use this scheme to monetise their precious metal. But do not forget that your jewellery will not come back to you in the same form as you put them in – you get the returns in the form of money or gold coins and bars that you can later encash.2. Sovereign Gold Bond : SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold. They are substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity. The Bond is issued by Reserve Bank on behalf of Government of India.3. Indian gold coin: • The coin will be the 1st ever National gold coin minted in India and will have the National Emblem of Ashok Chakra engraved on one side and Mahatma Gandhi on the other side .• Initially the coins will be available in denominations of 5 and 10 grams; later a 20 gram bullion will also be available through MMTC outlets.Advantages• It would provide gold coins of maximum possible purity and check the supply of counterfeit or adulterated gold sold by jewelers.• While it may not address people looking forward to buy jewellery, but people who buy gold coins for investment purposes can buy these, if they are still reluctant about the Gold bond scheme.• Physical gold coins are more liquid resource compared to gold bonds, as perceived by many people in India.Labour reform schemes:5 labour reform schemes have been launched for the youth, workers and employers to improve ease of business for enterprises while expanding government support to impart skill training for workers.A. Shram suvidha portalB. Random Inspection SchemeC. Universal Account NumberD. Apprentice Protsahan YojnaE. Revamped Rashtriya Swasthya Bima YojnaSchemes for Banking Reforms:Indradhanush plan for Revamp of Public Sector Banks: The strategy, Indradhanush (rainbow), focuses on systemic changes in state-run lenders, including a fresh look at hiring, a comprehensive plan to de-stress bloated lenders, capital infusion, accountability incentives with higher rewards including Stock Options and cleaning up governance.The 7 Elements includes:a. Appointmentsb. Bank of Board Bureauc. Capitalizationd. De-Stressing Public Sector Bankse. Empowermentf. Framework of accountabilityg.Governance Reforms2. Gyan Sangam : Gyan Sangam is the meet of various banks, financial institutions and insurance companies in order to discuss for enhancing the digitisation of the banking system in India and ways to increase the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and big data analytics in the banking & financial services industry in India.3. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Code: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) is the bankruptcy law of India which seeks to consolidate the existing framework by creating a single law for insolvency and bankruptcy.The code could ensure quicker resolution of NPA (Non- performing Assets) problems, especially in PSU banks. In fact, the Financial Stability Report issued by RBI in 2015 indicates that corporate sector vulnerabilities and the impact of their weak balance sheets on the financial system needs closer monitoring. The time-bound insolvency resolution process would definitely help the financial services industry function better.Bankruptcy laws accept that business ventures can fail and allow entrepreneurs to make a new start. While facilitating failed firms to wind up painlessly, the code can pave the way to resurrection also.Schemes for sports:Revamped Khelo India: this marks a watershed moment in the history of Indian sports, as the programme aims at mainstreaming sport as a tool for individual development, community development and national development. Under this scheme, each selected athlete shall receive an annual scholarship worth ₹5 lakh for 8 consecutive years.National Sports Talent Search Portal: to unearth sporting talent from every nook and corner. The portal will be also available as smartphone application. Using this portal, a child or his parents, coaches or teachers can upload their biodata or video on the portal.Schemes for household:SAUBHAGYA: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana: to ensure electrificationof all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas here today.National Nutrition Strategy: NITI AYOG has launched this scheme aiming at Kuposhan Mukt BharatNational Rural Drinking Water Program Continuation and Restructuring : aim is to provide every rural person with adequate safe water for drinking, cooking and other basic domestic needs on a sustainable basis, with a minimum water quality standard, which should be conveniently accessible at all times and in all situations. Though this was already under NRDWP Started in 2009, Union cabinet has accorded its approval for continuation and restructuring.KUSUM SCHEME: The scheme will work towards promoting solar power production a.k.a. solar farming up to 28,250 MW to help farmers.KEY FACTS ABOUT THE KUSUM SCHEMEKUSUM scheme will provide 1.75 million off-grid agricultural solar pumpsIt will build 10,000 MW solar plants on barren lands for solar farmingFarmers will be given a chance to earn extra income if they help produce additional power by setting up solar power project on their barren landThe energy produced by the farmers on their barren land will be bought by the state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMS)The scheme is likely to decrease the consumption of diesel in the agriculture sector (used in pumps)KUSUM scheme also includes the distribution of 17.5 lakh solar pumps for which 60 per cent subsidy will be given to the farmers.Scheme for Fisherman:Sagar Vani project: is an integrated information dissemination system that will serve the coastal community, especially the fisherman community with the advisories and alerts towards livelihood as well as their safety at seaHealth related schemes:Mission indradhanush and then Intensified Mission Indradhanush: “Let no child suffer from any vaccine-preventable disease". This was stated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as he launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) at Vadnagar in Gujarat, today. Through this programme, Government of India aims to reach each and every child under two years of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation programme. The special drive will focus on improving immunization coverage in select districts and cities to ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018. The achievement of full immunisation under Mission Indradhanush to at least 90% coverage was to be achieved by 2020 earlier. With the launch of IMI, achievement of the target has now been advancedAyushman Bharat project: The Government today announced two major initiatives in health sector , as part of Ayushman Bharat programme. The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitely while presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament here today said that this was aimed at making path breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems, covering both prevention and health promotion.The initiatives are as follows:-(i) Health and Wellness Centre:- The National Health Policy, 2017 has envisioned Health and Wellness Centres as the foundation of India’s health system. Under this 1.5 lakh centres will bring health care system closer to the homes of people. These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services. These centres will also provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services. The Budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme. Contribution of private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged.(ii) National Health Protection Scheme:- The second flagship programme under Ayushman Bharat is National Health Protection Scheme, which will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage upto 5 lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This will be the world’s largest government funded health care programme. Adequate funds will be provided for smooth implementation of this programme.Other schemes:Ajeevika Grameen Express Yojna: to provide an alternative source of livelihood to members of Self Help Group (SHGs). This scheme has been launched under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY - NRLM). This scheme will facilitate them to operate public transport services in background rural areas.PENCIL PORTAL - Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour: its an electronic platform that aims at involving Centre, State, District, Governments, civil society and general public in achieving the target of child labour free society.It encompasses various components- Child Tracking System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National Child Labour Project and Convergence. Each district will nominate District Nodal Officers (DNOs) who will receive the complaints. Within 48 hours of receiving complaints, DNOs will check genuineness of complaint and take rescue measures in coordination with police, if complaint is genuine. So far, 7 states have appointed DNOs.3. National Biopharma Mission: this is an Industry- Academia Mission to accelerate bio pharmaceutical development in India.4. VAJRA - Visiting Advanced Joint Research : this scheme enables NRIs and oversees scientific community to participate and contribute to research and development in India.5: Test and Treat Policy for HIV patients: Test-and-treat is an intervention strategy in which the population at risk is screened for HIV infection and diagnosed HIV infected individuals receive early treatment, aiming to eliminate HIV as it reduces the rate of spreading the virus to other people.6. DIGITAL POLICE PORTAL: will enable citizens to register FIRs online and the portal will initially offer seven public delivery services in all states and UTs like person and address verification e.g. of employees, tenants, nurses etc, permission for hosting Public Events, Lost and Found Articles and Vehicle theft etc.It will provide investigator the complete record history of any criminal from anywhere across the country.7. Nationwide campaign - Gaj yatra: A nationwide campaign to protect elephants on the occasion of World Elephant Day.8. SHE BOX portal: The Minister of Women & Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launched an online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace in New Delhi today. The complaint management system has been developed to ensure the effective implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (the SH Act), 2013.This portal is an initiative to provide a platform to women working or visiting any office of Central Government (Central Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous Bodies and Institutions etc.) to file complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace under the SH Act. Those who had already filed a written complaint with the concerned Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) constituted under the SH Act are also eligible to file their complaint through this portal. The SHe-Box portal can be accessed at the link given below:http://www.wcd-sh.nic.in9. Sankalp and strive schemes:STRIVE scheme: will incentivize ITIs to improve overall performance including apprenticeship by involving SMEs (Small Scale Enterprises), business association and industry clusters. It will develop robust mechanism for delivering quality skill development training by strengthening institutions- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs), Sector Skill Councils, ITIs and National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) etc.It will support universalization of National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) including National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) across skill development schemes. It will provide required push to National Skill Development Mission 2015 and its various sub missions. It is also aligned to flagship Government programs such as Make in India and Swachhta Abhiyan.SANKALP scheme : envisages setting up of Trainers and Assessors academies with self-sustainable models. Over 50 such academies are to be set up in priority sectors. It will leverage institutions for trainingtrainers in both long and short term VET thereby bringing about convergence. Additional trainer academies will also be set up.It will focus on greater decentralization in skill planning by institutional strengthening at State level which includes setting up of SSDMs and allow states to come up with State and District level Skill Development Plans (SSDPDSDP).It also aims at enhancement of inclusion of underprivileged and marginalized communities including women, Scheduled Castes (SCs)/Schedule Tribes (STs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWD). It will also develop a skilling ecosystem that will support the country’s rise in Ease of Doing Business index.10. Anti Narcotics Scheme: aims to combat illicit trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substance. The purpose is to assist state governments and UTs which are contributing in controlling the inter-state and cross border drug trafficking.11. Atal Bhujal Yojna: to tackle ever-deepening crisis of depleting groundwater level12. Gobar-Dhan yojna: the solid waste and cattle dung will be composed into useful elements such as Bio-CNG and Bio-gas.13. National Bamboo Mission: The Mission would ensure holistic development of the bamboo sector by addressing complete value chain and establishing effective linkage of producers (farmers) with industry.Beneficiaries:The scheme will benefit directly and indirectly the farmers as well as local artisans and associated personnels engaged in bamboo sector including associated industries. Since it is proposed to bring about one lakh ha area under plantation, it is expected that about one lakh farmers would be directly benefitted in terms of plantation.States/ districts covered:The Mission will focus on development of bamboo in limited States where it has social, commercial and economical advantage, particularly in the North Eastern region and States including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.The Mission is expected to establish about 4000 treatment/ product development units and bring more than 100000 ha area under plantation.Impact:Bamboo plantation will contribute to optimizing farm productivity and income thereby enhancing livelihood opportunities of small & marginal farmers including landless and women as well as provide quality material to industry. Thus, the Mission will not only serve as a potential instrument for enhancing income of farmers but also contributing towards climate resilience and environmental benefits. The Mission will also help in creating employment generation directly or indirectly in both skilled and unskilled segments.14. Secure Himalaya project:The Union Government had launched SECURE Himalaya, a six-year project to ensure conservation of locally and globally significant biodiversity, land and forest resources in high Himalayan ecosystem spread over four states viz. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.Key FactsThe SECURE project aims at securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems. It is meant for specific landscapes including Changthang (Jammu and Kasmir), Lahaul – Pangi and Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh), Gangotri – Govind and Darma – Byans Valley in Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) and Kanchenjunga – Upper Teesta Valley (Sikkim).The key focus areas of the project is protection of snow leopard and other endangered species and their habitats and also securing livelihoods of people in region and enhancing enforcement to reduce wildlife crime. Under it, enhanced enforcement efforts and monitoring will be undertaken to curb illegal trade in some medicinal and aromatic plants which are among most threatened species in these landscapes.15. Operation Greens: aims to promote farmer producers organisations, agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management. The operation aims to aid farmers and help control and limit the erratic fluctuations in the prices of onions, potatoes and tomatoes.