Highlights of the Economic Survey

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday tabled the Economic Survey for 2009-10 that says that economic recovery is weak and the high double-digit food inflation in 2009-10 is a matter of great concern.

The survey warned that high food prices would rise further over next few months and criticised the food management policies that have led to 'unacceptably' high prices of items like sugar.

However, it says that full economic recovery and return to 9 per cent growth rate is likely in 2011-12.

Following are the highlights of Economic Survey 2009-10:

Economy likely to grow by up to 8.75 per cent in 2010-11.
Full recovery; return to 9 per cent growth in 2011-12.
Broad recovery gives scope for gradual stimulus roll back.
High double-digit food inflation in 2009-10 major concern.
Signs of food inflation spreading to other sectors.
Farm & allied sector production falls 0.2% in 2009-10.
Need serious policy initiatives for 4% agriculture growth.
Moots direct food subsidy via food coupons to households.
Favours making available food in open mkt.
Favours monthly ration coupons usable anywhere for poor.
Gross fiscal deficit pegged at 6.5 pc of GDP in 2009-10.
India 10th largest gold holding nation at 557.7 tonnes.
Exports in April-December 2009 down 20.3 per cent.
Imports in April-December 2009 down 23.6 per cent.
Trade gap narrowed to USD 76.24 bn in April-December.
32.5% savings & 34.9% investment (of GDP in 2008-09) put India in league of world's fastest growing nations.
Government initiates steps to boost private investment in agri.
Wants credit available at reasonable rates on time for private sector to invest in agriculture.
Slowdown in infrastructure that began in 2007, arrested.
Domestic oil production to rise 11 per cent in 2009-10.
Gas output up 52.8 per cent to 50.2 billion cubic meters with RIL [ Get Quote ] starting production.
India world's 2nd largest wireless network with 525.1 million mobile users.
Virtually every second Indian has access to phone.
Auction for 3G spectrum to provide existing and foreign players to bring in new technology and innovations.

Sachin creates history

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman ever to score 200 runs in the history of the 50-over game. As Sachin broke the record of the highest One-Day International score of 194 runs held jointly by Pakistan's Saeed Anwar and Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry during his knock of 46th ODI hundred, we take a look at the centuries he has scored so far in his career.

British media praise 'mighty' Sachin Tendulkar

London, Feb 25 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar's stupendous feat of becoming the first cricketer to score a double century in one-dayer was today hailed by the British media, which described the little master as the "finest batsman" ever.

"Tendulkar underlined his sensational class with a double century in Gwalior. To have reached such a landmark, with a single in the final over, only serves to underline his class and add to the legacy that already surrounds arguably the finest batsman to have played the game," BBC Sports said.

"His innings, the 46th one-day century of his career, was typified by wristy strokes, trademark boundary shots and, above all, stamina as he batted through the entire innings," the report read.

Meanwhile, The Times tried to anticipate whether the Indian can complete a century of centuries in international cricket by the end of this year.