Junior Digest

New Delhi, August 30,2024: The Vadhvan Port of which PM Modi laid the foundation stone on Friday, is set to boost India’s trade in many aspects because of its strategic location and capacity.
Situated in Palghar, Maharashtra, Vadhvan Port will be India’s largest deep-water port with an investment of Rs 76,220 crore.
The port will improve India’s connectivity with Central Asia and Russia and will give boost trade through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The port is anticipated to lower some pressure from Jawaharlal Nehru Port, which is currently the largest container-handling port in India.
The port will become a game changer for Maharashtra’s economy, as per the government estimates it will contribute over one per cent to Maharashtra’s GDP and will help in the growth and prosperity of the region.
The port will also be connected with the Dedicated Freight Corridors with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and will ensure faster, more efficient connectivity of cargo.
The Vadhvan Mega Port will be completed in two transformative phases which will have state-of-the-art facilities with unmatched capabilities. By the end of its second phase, the Vadhvan Megaport will handle a 23.2 million TEUs.
TEU stands for “twenty-foot equivalent unit” and is a unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to measure the volume of cargo in the containers.
In terms of employment generation through the port, the government stated that it will generate around 12 lac direct jobs and over one crore indirect jobs.
According to the government, from the beginning, the port was conceived as a green port. It balances economic growth with environmental stewardship in support of India’s blue economy. The port will spur economic and social development of the coastal communities and the entire region of Maharashtra.
The Vadhvan Port will also enhance India’s maritime connectivity and further strengthen its position as a global trade hub. It is set to be operational by 2030.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called the ‘Vadhvan Port project’ a “very special project” and said it will contribute towards the development of India. PM Modi also said that this project will reaffirm Maharashtra as a “powerhouse of progress”.

New Delhi , June20,2024: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram on Wednesday said that the Centre has kept an overall 7.5 per cent of the budget for the tribal community of India.
He said the government has initiated various schemes for the tribal community which has significantly brought a change in their lives.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Union Minister on tribal budget said, “We have a budget of more than Rs 5 lakh crores for the tribal community that can be spent on their welfare projects. Also, each Ministry has its tribal component. So, in total, we have an overall 7.5 per cent allocation of budget for tribal communities.”
Speaking about the projects for the tribal community, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram asserted, “We are working on the Eklavya Model Mission Schools. We are working on constituting 740 Eklavya Model schools. During the reign of Atal Ji, the targeted mission of schools was 100 from which we had constituted 84. But when the Congress party came into the rule, the mission became relatively slow. But after Narendra Modi Ji came into power, the speed of the project is revamped and now, we have funds of more than Rs 1.50 lakh crores available for the project.”
On the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) – Aajeevika he said, “Along with it, we are working on the livelihood scheme. In the livelihood scheme, we have provided MSPs on more than 87 products which has increased the income of tribes, as, initially the middlemen used to purchase those items at lower rates.”
“We have made 3,958 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra operational. We have built various storage godowns. We are providing marketing support to tribes for the non-timber forest products, which has brought a significant change in their life,” said Jual Oram on other welfare schemes of tribes.
Non-timber forest products are any products or services that come from forests but are not timber
He further stated, “One of the most important aspects was the constitution of the National Education Society (NEST) for tribal students which is very similar to Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs). Recruitment is continued for NEST.”
In the meanwhile, preparation for the upcoming Union Budget 2024-25 commenced in Delhi on June 13. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has directed officials to initiate the budget preparation process, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and comprehensive analysis.
This early start aims to ensure a well-structured budget that effectively addresses the country’s economic priorities and challenges. The collaborative efforts of the ministry’s team are expected to contribute to a robust and strategic financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
According to sources, the Union Budget for 2024-25 is likely to be tabled in Parliament by the third week of July. Earlier, on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget for 2024-2025 in Parliament due to the election year.

Lakshadweep, Jan 3,2024: The Union Government is committed to develop port infrastructure facilities in all the lslands of Lakshadweep, as they are the lifeline of archipelago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a public function at Agatti, the Prime Minister said the Centre is completely committed to the overall development of Lakshadweep including in sectors of Health, Education, Tourism, Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy.

Highlighting on various measures taken by the Centre to promote Agriculture, Fisheries and Tourism in the Islands, he further elaborated on how the Kochi – Lakshadweep lslands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection will ensure faster and reliable internet in the Islands, thereby promoting digital initiatives like telemedicine, e-governance, e-learning and digital banking.

Assuring to work for the welfare and development of the people of Lakshadweep, he expressed his utmost happiness in starting the new year of 2024 with the people of Lakshadweep and emphasised on how the world today appreciates the beauty, magnanimity and potential of Lakshadweep.

Following the public function at Agatti, the Prime Minister proceeded to Bangaram lsland. He will be attending a public function in Kavaratti Island on January 3, where he will be inaugurating and laying foundation of various projects worth around Rs 1200 crore.

The Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Lakshadweep, arrived at the Agatti Airport on January 2, where he was received by Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep and other senior officials of the Lakshadweep Administration. Later, he was given a ceremonial welcome by the All Girls School Band Team.

On his arrival at Agatti, he was accorded a grand welcome by the general public.

New Delhi, Feb 27,2024: The Congress on Tuesday attacked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government saying that if it has eliminated poverty, then why people were forced to commit suicide due to financial constraints and the poorest five percent spending only Rs 46 daily.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, party leader Supriya Shrinate said, “In 2022, more than 7000 people committed suicide due to financial constraints, every hour two farmers are forced to end their lives and everyday 40 youth die by suicide out of despair”.

Supriya said that according to Modi Government, if only seven crore people are poor in the country then why do 81 crore people have to be given free ration? Moreover why do 35 crore people have no means of transportation and 45 crore people have no television?

She further alleged that there has been a decline in daily use items which proves that people are not able to spend. Adding that two years ago India’s domestic saving rate was 11 percent above GDP but in two years this ratio has fallen to five percent.

“The reduction of savings rate to less than half proves that people are struggling with inflation, poverty and economic inequality,” the Congress leader said.

She also alleged that the NITI Aayog was giving different figures related to poverty and demanded from the government that which these reports were true.

Supriya said that the NITI Aayog survey has proved that the gap is growing between the rich and the poor of the country.

Citing the report, the Congress leader said that if the five percent richest living in rural areas are spending Rs 350 daily then the five percent poorest spend Rs 46 per day. While, the five percent richest in urban area spend Rs 700 daily, the five percent poorest spend Rs 67 a day.

“Our leaders Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have been raising the issue of wide gap between the rich and the poor,” she said.

Supriya Shrinate said that the country’s economic credibility was being destroyed by bringing such misleading surveys and demanded that the government comes up with the correct report.

New Delhi, February 18,2024: Looking back at 10 years of the government at the Centre under his leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the past decade at the helm bears testimony to courageous and far-reaching decisions.
Addressing party leaders and supporters on the closing day of the BJP’s National Convention at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi said, “The last 10 years of our government stands testimony to courageous and far-reaching decisions. We resolved tasks that had been pending for centuries. We fulfilled a dream and a wish going back five centurues by building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The country, in general, and Jammu and Kashmir in particular, were rid of Article 370 after nearly seven decades. Also, it took us six decadaes after independence to rename ‘Rajpath’ as ‘Kartavya Path’. The demand for ‘One Rank, One Pension’ was also fulfilled after four decades by our government,” PM Modi said.
Expanding on the signifcance of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, a legislation aimed at raising the representation of women in Parliament and state legislatures, Prime Minister Modi said, “We brought a law that guarantees more reservation for women in the Parliament as well as state legislative assemblies after three decades. We also showed the courage to implement a law that puts an end to the practice of Triple Talaq (among Muslims). The requirement for a new Parliament House had been felt by many for long. It was our government that fulfilled this long-pending requirement.”
PM Modi further said the BJP workers are fortunate to have witnessed ‘revolutionary changes’ across the country over the last 10 years.
“The BJP workers are fortunate to have witnessed revolutionary changes over the past 10 years of our government. Any country can progress and reach its promised place when the people come to appreciate and cherish its heritage and history. During our decade in governance, the country has not only come to cherish its heritage but also flaunt it with pride,” PM Modi said.
Earlier, on the inaugural day of the national convention on Saturday, the BJP passed a significant political resolution titled ‘Viksit Bharat’, highlighting the achievements of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre under Prime Minister Modi. It added that the BJP would return for a third term at the helm and carry forward its roadmap for holistic development and welfare.
With the Lok Sabha polls around the corner, the BJP National Convention was aimed at fleshing out the party’s strategy and charging up cadres ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Thiruvananthapuram, July 12,2024: Adani group flagship Adani Ports and SEZ on Friday announced arrival of first ship at its Vizhinjam port, marking India’s entry into the global transshipment and positioning the port as a critical player in the international trade routes.
Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is a critical economic infrastructure project promoted by the Government of Kerala in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. It is the largest private sector investment in Kerala.
After winning the bid, Adani Ports and Logistics formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), to develop the project. AVPPL entered into a concession agreement with the Department of Ports, Government of Kerala, on 17 August 2015 for the development and operation of Vizhinjam International Seaport. Overcoming multiple challenges, the port is now in the advanced stages of compeletion.
This marks the debut of India’s first automated port with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, capable of handling large ships, with its modern container handling equipment and world-class automation and IT systems, the company said in a statement.
San Fernando, the 300-meter-long container vessel operated by Maersk with a capacity of 8,000-9,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), will be availing the services at the port to offload about 2,000 containers and for 400 container movements within the vessel.
Highlighting Vizhinjam’s significance, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ) said, San Fernando – now berthed at our harbour is a symbol of a new, glorious achievement in Indian maritime history. It is a messenger that will tell the world that India’s first transshipment terminal and the largest deepwater port has begun commercial operations.
Talking about the port’s state-of-art infrastructure he added, “No other port in India – including our own highly advanced Mundra Port – has these technologies. What we have already installed here is South Asia’s most advanced container handling technology. And once we complete the automation and the Vessel Traffic Management System, Vizhinjam will be in a class of its own as one of the most technologically sophisticated transshipment ports in the world.”
Currently, 25 per cent of India’s container traffic is transshipped en-route to the destination. Until now, despite India’s rising trade with the world, the country did not have a dedicated transshipment port, resulting in three-fourths or 75 per cent of India’s transshipped cargo being handled by ports outside India.
Vizhinjam, will not only facilitate the movement of transshipment traffic into India but the strategically located port will also play a pivotal role in handling traffic along major routes connecting India, such as traffic between the US, Europe Africa, and the Indian subcontinent as well as US, Europe, Africa and the Far East, and thus playing a critical role in the international trade routes.

Bern, Jan 15,2023: The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will open in Davos, Switzerland on Monday.

The forum under the slogan “Rebuilding Trust” is scheduled to take place from January 15-19 and will focus on the principles of transparency, consistency and accountability. The agenda of the forum is expected to include food security, energy, the worsening climate crisis, inflation, current geopolitical risks for the world economy and artificial intelligence.

Representatives of over 100 governments, major international organizations, as well as civil society leaders, social entrepreneurs, youth representatives, experts, and media outlets are expected to attend the forum, its organizers have said.

Leaders of Argentina, France, Greece, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Spain, Ukraine and Vietnam are expected to address the forum, as well as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Munger, Nov 25,2023: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday declared that poverty in the state would get eradicated completely if special status demand was accepted by the Centre.

Kumar while addressing a function organised on the occasion of laying foundation stone of a Government Medical College and Hospital here, said that special status was an urgent need for Bihar and it should be granted without any further loss of time.
On the basis of recently held socio economic caste survey, state government had decided to launch schemes for providing livelihood to poor and also concrete houses to them, which required Rs 2.5 lakh crores, he added.

“If Bihar is given a special status, state government would be in a position to spend Rs 2.5 lakh crores for alleviation of poverty completely in the state,” Chief Minister said adding that Centre was meting out step motherly treatment to Bihar.

New Delhi, Feb 26,2024: To give a boost in the infrastructure of Indian Railways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of 2000 projects worth over Rs. 41,000 crore via video conferencing.

This includes the projects of redevelopment of 553 railway stations, 1500 Road Over Bridges and Underpasses across the country.

The redevelopment of 553 stations spread across 27 States and Union Territories, will be redeveloped at a cost of over Rs. 19,000 crore, which will act as ‘City Centres’ integrating both sides of the city”.

The Road Over Bridges and Underpasses are spread across 24 States and Union Territories. The total cost of these projects is around Rs. 21,520 crores, and it “will reduce congestion, enhance safety and connectivity, and improve the capacity, and efficiency of rail travel”.

Speaking at the event, Modi said, “Today’s programme is symbolic of the new India’s work ethic with an unprecedented speed at an unprecedented scale”.

The PM said, “The pace of laying new railway lines has doubled in the last 10 years. From Jammu and Kashmir to North-East… Indian Railways is reaching places where people had not even imagined.”

“Ten years ago, advanced and luxurious trains like Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat were beyond our imagination. While, today, this has become a part of our daily lives” he added.

Modi noted the youth will be the top beneficiaries of these projects.

“It will provide them with new employment opportunities. ‘Viksit Bharat’ is the Bharat of young aspirations.I want to tell the youth that your aspirations are my resolve” he further added.

The Prime Minister said as the economy jumps to 5th place in global ranking from 11th, there is a massive increase in the railway budget from 45,000 crore 10 years ago to 2.5 lakh crore today.

“Just imagine how much our strength will increase when we become the third largest economic superpower in the world”, Modi said.

During the event, the PM also launched Inaugurates redeveloped Gomti Nagar Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh.

New Delhi, Jan 23,2023: The Central Government has planned to implement over 200 projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the next five years under its National Ropeways Development Programme ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday.

Addressing the Ropeway Symposium event here, the Minister said, “More than 200 projects with a total cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore have been identified for the coming five years under Parvatmala Pariyojana.”

The minister emphasised the need to make ropeways economically viable by reducing overall project costs and encouraging Public-Private Partnerships for the development of the ropeway network in the country.

Apart from facilitating tourism in the hilly areas, the ropeway offers huge potential in urban public transport as well, he said.

The focus should be on developing indigenous and cost-efficient solutions without compromising safety, he told investors adding, “Ropeways hold immense potential to positively impact tourism and job creation in the country.”

India is on its path to becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy, he said highlighting, “Our economy stands at 5th position, and we aim to reach 3rd position.”

He further outlined that the government’s focus is on time-bound, cost-efficient, qualitative and sustainable infrastructure development and the creation of ‘world-class’ infrastructure, ‘ease of living’ of citizens and socio-economic development in the region.

“Our priority is to bring standardisation of existing policies & codes and transform the ropeway industry by encouraging the manufacturing of ropeway components under the “Make in India” initiative,” the Minister said.

Underlining the government’s support, Gadkari noted that 60% of construction support is provided under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for Ropeways), compared to 40% support provided under national highways to attract more private players for the development of ropeways under Parvatmala Pariyojana.

New Delhi, Feb 1,2024: Railways Minister Ashiwin Vaishnaw on Thursday said a total of Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been allocated in the interim Budget 2024-25 for his ministry, which will provide a transformative change.
Addressing a press conference here, the Minister termed it a “historic announcement” for the transformation of Railways.
The Union Minister further stated: “In this budget, a big focus has been put on creating additional capacity through three corridors.
“Overall, through these 3 corridors, about 40,000 Km of new track will be laid which will significantly increase railway capacity and reduce pollution as railways can save up to 90% CO2 emissions in a cost-effective manner” he sai
The first is the energy, mineral and cement corridors which will help reduce the pollution of roads and ensure a reduction in the cost of logistics.
The second is port connectivity which will provide seamless connectivity to the ports through railways in a multimodal ‘Gati Shakti’.
The third is ‘Amrit Chaturbhuj’ which will be akin to a golden quadrilateral on the Railway network on high-density traffic routes.
Talking about the second big announcement, the Union Minister said: “After the success of ‘Vande Bharat’ and ‘Amrit Bharat’ trains now we can upgrade all the 40,000 conventional coaches. The work to increase capacity is happening on multiple fronts. Last year we added 5,200 km of new tracks which is equivalent to the entire rail network of Switzerland,” he stated.
The Minister said this year the Railways is adding 5,500 km. “From 4 km per day in 2014, we are now adding about 15 km per day in new tracks”.

Ahmedabad, Mar 12,2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Rs 85,000 crore railway projects.

He also flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat trains virtually from Ahmedabad, taking the total number of semi-high-speed trains across the country to over 50.

The railway is currently running 41 Vande Bharat trains spanning 24 states.

The 10 new Vande Bharat trains are between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru-Dr. MGR Central (Chennai), Patna-Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow-DDehradun, Kalaburagi-SSir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, Khajuraho-Delhi (Nizamuddin).

The Prime Minister also flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains, including Ahmedabad-Jamnagar. Vande Bharat is being extended to Dwarka, Ajmer, and Delhi. Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat is being extended till Chandigarh; Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat is being extended till Prayagraj; and Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Vande Bharat is being extended till Mangaluru; and two new passenger trains between Asansol and Hatia and Tirupati and Kollam stations.

He also flagged off freight trains on the dedicated Freight Corridor from various locations, including New Khurja Junction, Sahnewal, New Rewari, New Kishangarh, New Gholvad, and New Makarpura.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The network of Vande Bharat trains has reached over 250 districts, and the government is consistently expanding the route of Vande Bharat trains.”.

“We are working towards 100% electrification of railways. We are also planning for railway stations to run on electricity generated by using solar power,” he said.

PM Modi noted that the development of railways is one of the top priorities of our government, saying the average railway budget in the last 10 years increased by six times”.

He further added that the government has completely transformed the landscape of the railway sector, and we increased the average railway budget six times as compared to the budget before 2014.

Talking about the development work carried out by the government, PM Modi said the new construction for developed India is continuously expanding, and in the year 2024, projects worth more than Rs 11 lakh crore have been inaugurated and the foundation stone has been laid.

“In the last 10–12 days alone, projects worth more than Rs 7 lakh crore have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid,” he added.

The prime minister also assured that in the next 5 years you will see a transformation of Indian Railways that you would not have even imagined.

Calling the rejuvenation of railways a guarantee of a developed India, PM Modi said, “Today, new reforms are taking place in railways at an unprecedented pace.”.

“Rapid construction of new railway tracks, modernization of more than 1300 railway stations, next-generation trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat, modern railway engines, and coach factories—all these are changing the picture of Indian Railways in the 21st century,” he added.

Krishnanagar, Mar 2,2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled development projects worth Rs 15,000 crore in West Bengal on Saturday. The prime minister unveiled the projects at an official function in Krishnanagar in Nadia district.

He said the projects would help Bengal to be self-reliant, and more investments would come. He said that for modernization, a state needs to be self-reliant on power, which helps industrial development, railway networks, and technologies.

Modi said he was expecting an investment of Rs 11,000 in Bengal. Once highly developed, Bengal gradually lost its importance following negligence immediately after India became independent.

Modi said he inaugurated and laid foundation stones worth over Rs 7,000 crore for the development of the state on Friday. He said the state is the gateway to eastern India. Among others, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase II (2×660 MW), located at Raghunathpur in Purulia district. This coal-based thermal power project of the Damodar Valley Corporation employs highly efficient, critical technology.

The new plant will be a step towards strengthening the energy security of the country.

Besides, the flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) system of Units 7 and 8 of Mejia Thermal Power Station. Developed at a cost of about Rs 650 crore, the FGD system will remove sulfur dioxide from flue gases, produce clean flue gas, and form gypsum, which can be used in the cement industry.

He also unveiled the road project for four laning of the Farakka-Raiganj Section of NH-12 (100 km). Developed at a cost of about Rs 1986 crore, the project will reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and contribute to socio socio-economic development of North Bengal and the Northeast region.

The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation four rail projects worth more than Rs 940 crore, including the project for the doubling of the Damodar-Mohishila rail line; the third line between Rampurhat and Murarai; doubling of the Bazarsau-Azimganj rail line; and a new line connecting Azimganj and Murshidabad. These projects will improve rail connectivity, facilitate freight movement, and contribute to economic and industrial growth in the region.

Bhubaneswar, Dec 23,2023: An Alumina Refinery with an investment of Rs 8,000 crore and an Apparel unit by the Aditya Birla Group will be set up in Odisha’s Rayagada district.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for Aditya Alumina Refinery (HINDALCO) and Apparel Unit to be set up by Utkal Alumina Social Welfare Foundation.

While the Alumina Refinery will be established at Kansariguda, the Apparel complex will be set up in Phulujuba village, both in Rayagada district.

Joining the bhumi pujan of both the projects on virtual platform, Patnaik said this is not just an industrial milestone, it’s a testament to the untapped potential that lies within our state’s natural resources.

He said the project signifies the beginning of a new chapter in our State’s industrial landscape and Odisha has once again proved its mettle as a preferable destination for investment in manufacturing.

Patnaik thanked the Aditya Birla Group for choosing Rayagada District for their industrial ventures.

He said the alumina refinery, with an investment of Rs 8000 Crore, will significantly contribute to the state’s economy by adding a substantial 2 million tons per annum of refined alumina from bauxite ore.

The Chief Minister thanked the people of Rayagada for their support for the industrial projects.

He said that both the projects will bring prosperity to Rayagada district and the district will be a bright spot in the industrial map of India.

On October 5 last, a Memorandum of Understanding was formalized with Hindalco Industries Limited to establish a long-term linkage for raw materials for the HINDALCO Alumina Refinery at Kansariguda.

The Aditya Birla Group has committed to set up an apparel manufacturing unit at Phulujuba village in Rayagada with a capacity to manufacture 36 lakh shirts annually.

This facility will create employment opportunities for 3000 local youths. This initiative focuses on maximizing the participation of women in the workforce, contributing to the empowerment of Rayagada’s local communities, Patnaik said.

Tura (Meghalaya), Jan 16,2023: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that the idea of women-led-development can be implemented only when the women get the freedom to make their choices.
Interacting with the members of Self Help Groups at Baljek airport in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, Murmu said that the empowerment of women in social, economic, political and spiritual spheres is essential for the country to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
“Economic self-reliance brings a greater self-confidence in women,” she opined.
The President underlined that India’s women are making a mark and paving way for other women in every field whether it is defence, science and technology, sports, education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, or any other field.
“They (women) just need some words and small actions of encouragement, a pat on the back,” she said.
Stating that the Central Government is making every possible effort to ensure that women contribute actively and in large numbers in the socio-economic development of the country, the President said several steps have been taken to improve women’s participation in the work-force.
“The Government has not only taken several steps for the social and economic development of women, but has also taken major steps towards ensuring their political participation. However, there is still a long way to go in the direction of women empowerment,” she said.
Exhorting people to start recognizing the value and qualities of the women around them and support them, the President also urged the members of SHGs to keep moving ahead and also hold the hands of other women to take them forward.
“This is not their journey alone but that of a large number of women in our country who are yet to explore the opportunities that lay beyond the four walls of their homes. They must become an inspiration for other women of their region and the nation,” Murmu added.

New Delhi [India], November 1 (ANI): Calling the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that this is the first rail link between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India.
He said that Tripura has had a strong bond with Bangladesh since the days of its Liberation struggle, and added that the internal trade between India and Bangladesh has tripled in the last 9 years.
In a video conference with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today, PM Modi said, “In the last 9 years, our internal trade has tripled… Today the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link is a historic moment… This is the first rail link between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India… Tripura has had a strong bond with Bangladesh since the days of its Liberation struggle… I am happy that we have inaugurated the second unit of the Maitree Thermal Power Project…”
PM Modi further highlighted that in order to establish peace and security at the border, India and Bangladesh have also signed a Land Boundary Agreement and that in the last nine years, 3 new bus services have been started connecting Dhaka, Shillong, Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata.
He also noted that three new train services have also started in the last nine years.
“For establishing peace, security and stability at the border, we signed the Land Boundary Agreement which had been delayed for decades. We also solved the maritime boundary… In the last 9 years, 3 new bus services have been started connecting Dhaka, Shillong, Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata… 3 new train services have also started in the last 9 years. Since 2020, parcel and container trains are also running between India and Bangladesh… By starting the world’s biggest cruise, Ganga Vilas, between India and Bangladesh, tourism has been boosted…,” PM Modi said.
On the inauguration of three development projects between India and Bangladesh, PM Narendra Modi said, “It is a matter of joy that once again we have connected to celebrate the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation. Our relations are reaching new heights continuously.”
“The work we have done together in the last 9 years was not done even in the decades before this,” he added.
“We have considered our approach of ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ for our neighbour country Bangladesh also. We take pride in being the biggest development partner for Bangladesh. In last 9 years, an aid of USD 10 billion has been given. The list of our achievements is very long… We took the decision of the three projects that are inaugurated today and we got the chance of inaugurating them too. I express gratitude to PM Sheikh Hasina for the success of our joint efforts…,” PM Modi said.
The Akhaura-Agartala railway is a new commercial opportunity between Northeast India and Bangladesh.
The Agartala-Akhaura International Railway is an internationally recognized project to connect the two countries.
The Akhaura-Agartala dual gauge railway is located in Bangladesh. The whole portion has been lined
with railroad tracks. Whereas, the station platform and the Customs and Immigration building still need renovation.
Owing to land acquisition challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic, the project’s 2020 completion date was pushed back. An international immigration station would be situated on the 15-kilometer railway line that connects Bangladesh’s Akhaura to Nischintapur, the border between India and Bangladesh.
When the railway is put into operation, it will take 10 hours instead of 31 to get from Agartala to Kolkata, creating a plethora of opportunities for tourism, commerce, and intercultural exchange.

Kuwait City [Kuwait], April 24,2024: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait organised the India-Kuwait Investment Conference 2.0 on Tuesday. The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share information regarding technologies and innovation within the financial and regulatory ecosystem.
The conference was held with the support of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Union of Investment Companies (UIC) and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

“The India-Kuwait Investment Conference 2.0 was organized by the Embassy with the support of IBPC, UIC and KCCI. The Managing Director of Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) was the Chief Guest. Senior-official led delegations from GiFT city, NIIF, InvestIndia and CII participated,” the Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on social media platform X.
The Managing Director of Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) was the Chief Guest at the conference. Senior-official led delegations from GiFT city, NIIF, InvestIndia and CII also participated.
Representatives of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Invest India also spoke at the event.
Furthermore, representatives of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) spoke at the conference.

On the sidelines of the conference, India’s International Financial Services Centres Authority and Kuwait’s Capitals Market Authority (CMA) signed an MoU to collaborate on sharing information concerning the application of technologies, and innovation within the financial and regulatory ecosystem for the development of financial markets in respective jurisdictions, the Indian Embassy said.

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), September 29,2023: A total of 95,767 villages in Uttar Pradesh have attained ODF Plus status during the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), marking a 100 percent achievement rate for the state, an official statement said on Thursday.
Uttar Pradesh Government said that out of 95,767 ODF Plus villages in the state, 81,744 villages are ODF Plus aspirational villages, where there is a system of solid waste management or liquid waste management systems in place.
“In addition, 10,217 villages are ODF Plus rising villages with provision for both solid waste management and liquid waste management, and 3,806 villages are ODF Plus Model Villages,” an official statement said.
Uttar Pradesh has witnessed remarkable progress during the current financial year. As of January 1, 2023, only 15,088 villages in the state had been declared ODF Plus. Within the span of just 9 months, the state made efforts to achieve ODF Plus status in a mission mode, which resulted in over 80,000 villages successfully achieving ODF Plus status, statement said.
Over 88 lakh people were associated with cleanliness service. This achievement of 100 percent has been achieved during the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)’ – 2023 campaign being run across the country.

SHS is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 2 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. In 2023, over 88 lakh people participated and contributed to ‘Shramdaan’ on a large scale, thereby accelerating the achievement of ODF Plus status.
An ODF Plus village is one that has retained its Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status while also implementing solid or liquid waste management systems. To date, 4.4 lakh (75%) villages across the country have declared themselves ODF Plus, which is a significant step towards achieving the targets of SBM-G Phase 2 by 2024–25.
The ODF Plus achievement was celebrated by felicitating those Gram Panchayats who did exemplary work and declared their Gram Panchayats as ODF Plus models.
“Gram Pradhans, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, Panchayat Assistants, and sanitation workers across the state were honoured at the state level and motivated to contribute further to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural),” statement said.
The award winners include the 60 best Gram Panchayats for their contribution to making Gram Panchayat a model and 75 sanitation workers (one from each of the 75 districts) were also honoured for their contribution.

New Delhi, June 20,2024: In a move that would give boost to wind energy, the Government on Wednesday approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects at a total outlay of Rs 7,453 crore.

This includes an outlay of Rs 6,853 crore for installation and commissioning of 1 GW of offshore wind energy projects (500 MW each off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu), and grant of Rs 600 crore for upgradation of two ports to meet logistics requirements for offshore wind energy projects, an official statement after Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

The VGF scheme is a major step towards implementation of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy notified in 2015 with an aim to exploit the vast offshore wind energy potential that exists within the exclusive economic zone of India.

The VGF support from the Government will reduce the cost of power from offshore wind projects and make them viable for purchase by DISCOMs. While the projects will be established by private developers selected though a transparent bidding process, the power excavation infrastructure, including the offshore substations, will be constructed by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL).

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, as the nodal ministry, will coordinate with various Ministries/Departments to ensure successful implementation of the scheme.

Construction of offshore wind energy projects and its operations also require specific port infrastructure, which can handle storage and movement of heavy and large dimension equipment. Under the scheme, two ports in the country will be supported by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to meet the requirements of offshore wind development.

Offshore wind is a source of renewable energy which offers several advantages over onshore wind and solar projects, such as higher adequacy and reliability, lower storage requirement and higher employment potential.

Development of offshore wind sector will lead to economy-wide benefits by attracting investments, development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities, creation of employment opportunities across the value chain and technology development for offshore wind in the country. This will also contribute towards achieving India’s energy transition targets.

The successful commissioning of 1 GW offshore wind projects will produce renewable electricity of about 3.72 billion units annually, which will result in annual reduction of 2.98 million ton of CO2 equivalent emission for a period of 25 years.

Further, this scheme will not only kick start the offshore wind energy development in India but also lead to creation of required ecosystem in the country to supplement its ocean based economic activities. This ecosystem will support the development of initial 37 GW of offshore wind energy at an investment of about Rs 4,50,000 crore.