Junior Digest

New Delhi,Oct 13,2026:
Friends,
This year’s Bloomberg Economic Forum is focused on the new powers emerging around the world. Every era has had its own sources of power and its own definition of power. But in the 21st century, especially in this third decade, a major transformation is taking place. Today, Technology is Power, Data is Power, Knowledge is Power, Innovation is Power.

But friends,

The real question is not who possesses power. Rather, the question is how that power is being used. Will technology advance only a few people? Or will it create new opportunities for millions? Will knowledge remain the strength of only a select few? Or will it enhance everyone’s capabilities? It is from here that a new idea emerges. And that idea is: Power to Empower. Power to Empower. Beyond Power to Control lies Power to Enable. Beyond Power to Compete lies Power to Collaborate. Beyond Power to Succeed lies Power to Help Others Succeed. And therefore, the vision with which I have come here today is: Power to Empower.

Friends,

This idea is not new to India. In our tradition, it is said: “Vidya Vivadaya Dhanam Madaya, Shaktih Paresham Paripidanaya; Khalasya Sadhoh Viparitam Etat, Jnanaya Danaya Cha Rakshanaya.” Its essence is that whoever possesses knowledge, wealth, or power, what matters is how they use it. In other words, the true value of power lies in its purpose. And it is very important to understand this philosophy in today’s world.

Friends,

This human spirit of Power to Empower is not merely a lesson meant to be preached to others. It is something that our traditions have taught us over thousands of years. And in India, we have demonstrated this by incorporating it into our governance and our work culture. Therefore, I will continue my remarks through examples from India itself.

Friends,

As all of you know, India is the Mother of Democracy. India has more than one hundred languages, nearly eighty thousand registered newspapers and publications, and more than one thousand satellite television channels. And not only that, in this age of social media, India has more than five hundred million YouTube users and more than five hundred million Instagram users. In our country, people openly debate different issues, and citizens discuss diverse viewpoints. In the present era, one factor that has played a major role in enabling this is digital power.

Friends,

Until about twelve or thirteen years ago, there was a time in India when access to mobile phones and the internet itself was a form of power. Whoever had access also had information, knowledge, and opportunities. After 2014, when a new government came to power in India and we were given the opportunity to serve, India placed great emphasis on making mobile data affordable. As a result, today a student in a small town can access digital learning. A small shopkeeper in a village can reach new customers. A young person can enroll in online courses. In other words, connectivity in India has not merely connected people; it has connected opportunities as well. This, indeed, is Power to Empower.

Friends,

To those guests who have come from abroad, I would encourage you to experience India’s digital payments ecosystem. In our country, a street vendor and a large car showroom may operate at completely different scales, but both use the same digital payments ecosystem. This is the strength of inclusive technology.

Friends,

Whatever capabilities India possesses, we do not believe in keeping them confined within our own borders. We continuously share them with the Global South and with our partner countries. We are sharing our experience in Digital Public Infrastructure with other nations so that they can develop digital systems according to their own needs. During the COVID period, we also developed the CoWIN platform, which was open source. In other words, our constant effort has been to ensure that India’s capabilities open new doors of possibility for other countries as well. In other words, our strength should empower humanity.

Friends,

The power of innovation works in the same way. Transforming an idea into a product, and turning a problem into a solution, is in itself a tremendous capability. But when such opportunities reach a larger number of people in society, the balance of power becomes more equitable and its impact multiplies many times over. India’s startup journey is an example of this transformation. Before 2014, India had only a few hundred startups. Today, the country has more than 250,000 startups. Nearly half of these startups come from small cities and towns. More than forty-five percent of startups have at least one woman Director or Partner. In other words, opportunities for innovation are reaching more people, new talent is emerging, and new solutions are being created.

Friends,

This focus on the purpose of power is equally important in governance. The government possesses authority, but its purpose should not be to make citizens dependent on the system. Rather, its objective should be to ensure that citizens become capable and empowered. India is moving along this very path. Following this path, India has lifted 250 million people out of poverty over the past decade, a number greater than the population of many countries in the world.

Friends,

You may also have heard about the JAM Trinity and Direct Benefit Transfer. By using technology, we have created a system through which government assistance reaches beneficiaries directly in their bank accounts. This has reduced corruption, increased convenience for citizens, and established a direct pathway between the government and the people.

Friends,

This same philosophy of Power to Empower is visible in India’s global engagement. During the COVID pandemic, vaccine manufacturing capacity became extremely important. The question at that time was whether the benefits of this capability would remain limited to only a few countries, or whether vaccines would also reach those nations and people who lacked such facilities and capabilities. India chose the path of empowering humanity. We supplied vaccines to more than one hundred countries. Our manufacturing capability became a source of assistance for other nations as well. Let me give you another interesting example. A few months ago, India hosted the AI Impact Summit, and Mr. Bloomberg has just spoken very highly of that summit. There, we discussed not only the use of AI for humanity, but also how animals could benefit from AI. Nandan, who is seated here, can later share much more information about how this was done. In other words, the more capable and stronger India becomes, the more beneficial it will be for humanity and for the world.

Friends,

Power is not just the ability to move ahead. It is also the ability to empower others to move ahead. India believes that competition is important, but compassion is equally important. Innovation is essential, but its benefits must also be widely shared. National strength is necessary, but we must also contribute solutions to global challenges. Whether it is climate change, water governance, public health, or the responsible use of emerging technologies, the world needs capabilities that provide solutions and create new opportunities.

Friends,

Let me give you another example. Under the Paris Agreement, India made a major commitment to address climate change. In 2015, we set ourselves the target of achieving 40 percent of our installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. India achieved this milestone in November 2021 itself, nine years ahead of schedule. India became the first G20 nation to do so. This was not merely about fulfilling a commitment; it was also a reflection of India’s evolving energy journey.

Friends,

In 2014, India’s renewable energy capacity stood at about 75 gigawatts. Today, it has reached approximately 300 gigawatts. In other words, we have added nearly four times more capacity.

Friends,

This energy transition underway in India is also creating new opportunities. Today, we have schemes such as PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. One scheme is connecting households to solar power, while the other is enabling farmers to generate solar energy and reduce their input costs through its use. Through these two schemes, India has achieved more than 30 gigawatts of solar capacity. It is estimated that they will reduce carbon emissions by more than 30 million tonnes annually. In other words, solar power is not only becoming a means of protecting nature, but also a means of empowering people.

Friends,

In this global race for power, India is moving forward with a different mindset. And this decade itself bears witness to that.

Friends,

This decade of the twenty-first century has brought unprecedented global challenges. If we look back at the last six years, we witnessed a global pandemic. Then wars broke out in different regions. As if that were not enough, disruptions emerged in trade, critical minerals, and energy supplies. The world begins to find a way out of one crisis when another crisis appears. Things that once connected the world are now being turned into weapons. Supply chains, energy, minerals, payment systems, and technology are increasingly becoming instruments of pressure and dominance. The routes created by globalization over past decades have, in many cases, become chokepoints. Amid all this, Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way every sector functions. At the same time, many countries are facing rapidly growing challenges related to ageing populations. In such circumstances, the world is confronted with a fundamental question: trust. Trust that supplies will continue during times of need. Trust that promises made will also be fulfilled. Trust that a partner country will stand by you during moments of crisis. And it is here that India stands before you with a different outlook and a different way of thinking.

Friends,

India’s progress in the twenty-first century is a story of advancing together with everyone and carrying everyone along. When the world needs affordable medicines, one out of every five generic medicines comes from India. When solutions for digital identity and payments are required, the world looks to models developed in India. When the world needs talent, it places its trust in India’s skilled youth. Today, India is home to more than 2,000 Global Capability Centres that are providing services to companies across the world.

Friends,

It is clear that whenever the world needs a steady pillar, India extends its hand in support, recognizing its responsibility. We do not grow at anyone’s cost. We grow with the world, and for the world.

And friends,

India does not seek credit for what it does. The world proudly says that India gave Zero to the world. This Zero benefited all of humanity. Yet India never asked for royalties in return. Even today, India works with the same spirit. The ideas we offer for addressing contemporary challenges also reflect this outlook. Throughout history, many global organizations have been created, each serving its own interests. But consider the kind of global platforms India has created. Consider the institutions we have established and compare them with what has emerged elsewhere in the world. What have we contributed? The International Solar Alliance. What have we contributed? The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. What have we contributed? The Big Cat Alliance, the Global Biofuel Alliance, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and Mission LiFE, Lifestyle for Environment. These are initiatives that benefit everyone and contribute to the well-being of all life.

Friends,

The ideas that India has brought forward are before you. The vision of One Sun, One World, One Grid. The belief in One Earth, One Family, One Future. The vision of One Earth, One Health. In other words, India places emphasis on connecting and coming together. And even in this, power is used to empower others.

Friends,

In a world filled with uncertainty, India offers the assurance of reliability and stability. In the April-June quarter of this year, India’s growth rate stood at 7.8 percent. And this growth rests on a strong foundation. Twelve to thirteen years ago, India’s current account deficit was more than four percent of GDP. Last year, it declined to approximately half a percent, standing at 0.61 percent. Today, our foreign exchange reserves exceed 700 billion dollars. Our banking system is in its strongest position in many decades.

Friends,

It is because of this strength that India’s sovereign ratings are being upgraded. Today, India’s confidence is at an unprecedented high. We are pursuing reforms with a clear policy direction. Through GST, we transformed a complex web of taxes into a national market. We enacted the Insolvency Law. Twenty-nine labour laws have now been consolidated into four simple labour codes. Hundreds of minor business-related offences have been decriminalized. And we have not stopped there. India’s reform express continues to move ahead at high speed. For us, reforms are not a compulsion. Reforms are our conviction.

Friends,

Thousands of years ago, our Vedas gave us a mantra: “Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam. Let us repeat that mantra today: Let us walk together. Let us speak together. Let us strive to understand one another. Because when we walk together, our strength grows. Through dialogue, our understanding deepens. And by understanding one another, we can jointly solve great challenges. This is the essence of Power to Empower. It means not limiting our power solely to our own progress, but using it to create new opportunities for others as well. I am confident that this very platform of the Bloomberg Economic Forum will become a major platform for advancing this spirit. Once again, my very best wishes to all the participants for this event. Thank you very much. Thank you.

New Delhi, 18,2025: A record 14-hour-long discussion was held in Lok Sabha on the Centre’s Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, (VB-G RAM G). A total of 98 members of parliament participated in the discussion, which saw opposition demanding to send the Bill to the standing committee. The government maintained the Bill would bring reforms in the MGNREGA scheme, but the opposition is doubtful about that.
What opposition said against the Bill
From the name to provisions and legal guarantee, the opposition made several claims against the Bill. Describing the Bill as an important one, Congress MP K Suresh urged the House to send the Bill to the Standing Committee. He said the Bill requires proper and deeper scrutiny, which was visible through the length and intensity of the debate itself.
Highlighting the provisions of the Bill, several MPs strongly objected to the renaming of MNREGA and changes in the funding pattern. Congress MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam questioned the government’s intentions, and called the changes “unnecessary decisions.”
Echoing similar concerns, Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla said the Bill not only changes the scheme’s name but also imposes a financial share on state governments.
During the discussion, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said the Bill snatches away the legal 100 days guarantee of MNREGA. She said the Bill mentions the word ‘guarantee’ 92 times, but not offers it even a single time. Reading out four provisions of the Bill, the Bengal MP stressed the Centre has transformed the scheme from ‘legal right’ based to an ‘allocation’ based employment.
“‘G-RAM-G’ Bill provides no guarantee for rural employment, promising 125 workdays is just ‘eyewash’,” she said, adding that in the past few years, the Centre did not provide the funding and then national average under the scheme stood at 50-55 days.

Another MP, RLP President Hanuman Beniwal said the States will not be able to handle the financial burden the “bill is going to pose. States will not implement this scheme and will eventually put an end to it…”

As per the new provisions, the earlier Centre-funded scheme will now be shared by states as well. As per Section 22 of the Bill, the fund-sharing pattern between the Central Government and the State Governments will be 60:40, while for the North Eastern States, Himalayan States, and Union Territories (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir), it will be 90:10.

Treasury benches defend Bill

Countering the opposition’s stand, BJP MP Jagadambika Pal said the Bill translates Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of Viksit Bharat into reality by strengthening rural employment and livelihood security. He added the proposed law goes beyond the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

“The Viksit Bharat-G RAM G amendment bill introduced today brings the Prime Minister’s idea of a Viksit Bharat to reality. This bill ensures that poor people living in villages have employment year-round,” Pal said.

Defending the provisions, he added that once the guaranteed employment period ends, agricultural labour demand would further absorb workers, creating a continuous cycle of livelihood opportunities.

The MP further said the policy decisions under the new framework would be taken by a Central Council with representation from states and labour organisations, ensuring cooperative federalism.

BJP MP Basavaraj S. Bommai said the legislation was not meant to satisfy the opposition but to address the changing needs of rural India.

“We are not here to satisfy the opposition. They are just trying to politicise everything. It is for the development of the rural masses. The dynamics have changed, and so have the needs. We are reviewing the entire process after numerous complaints about the misuse of funds. This is why technology is being used now: to block all misdeeds. This time, the states will have to contribute rather than spend all their money on guarantees and other low-cost items. They will have to allocate funds to support the people. It is the people’s money. Instead of just distributing that money to the people, it is time they value labour and pay wages and salaries to them…” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey launched a sharp attack on the Congress, and said the MNREGA had become an “epicentre of corruption.” Citing Articles 49 and 51(a) of the Constitution, the BJP MP argued that national figures such as the President, Vice President and the Father of the Nation should not be used for political purposes.

“Have you ever come across a scheme in the name of the President or the Vice President? How can there be a scheme in the name of the Father of the Nation?” Dubey asked.

“Congress is rattled because it will not be able to make money in the name of Mahatma Gandhi,” he claimed.

The Bill, if cleared by Lok Sabha, will be taken to Rajya Sabha for discussion.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), March 31,2026:: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugrated Rs 3,300 crore Kayne’s Semiconductor Plant at Sanand GIDC in Ahmedabad. It is the second such plant in India and an achievement in the semiconductor sector. It is being recognised as one of the most crucial initiatives under India’s semiconductor mission, as it will accelerate the mission. Earlier today, PM Modi also inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum at Koba Tirth in the Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra campus in Gandhinagar on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. Named after Samrat Samprati, the grandson of Ashoka, the museum showcases the rich historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy of Jainism.Earlier on Monday, Gujarat’s Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia said, “In the semiconductor manufacturing chain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tomorrow inaugurate a Rs 3,300 crore Kaynes Semicon plant in Sanand. This will be the second plant in the series, and the facility will manufacture more than 7 lakh chips per day.”He added that the project represents India’s entry into a new technological era and reflects the Prime Minister’s approach of converting challenges into opportunities.”With this second unit, we are entering the era of this futuristic industry. The USP of the Prime Minister has been his ability to turn challenges into opportunities,” Modhwadia told ANI.Earlier, in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Micron semiconductor plant. On this occasion, highlighting the project’s speed, he stated, “The MoU for this facility was signed in June 2023, the foundation stone was laid in September, and by February 2026, commercial production had already begun. Even in developed countries, such approvals and processes take years, but India has completed this seemingly impossible task in just 900 days. When intentions are clear, and dedication is towards rapid national development, policies become decisive, and decisions gain momentum naturally.”

New Delhi, Jul 17,2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind railway station in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards clean and sustainable transportation. Officially named the NaMo Green Rail, the zero-emission train places India among a select group of nations that have adopted green hydrogen technology for passenger rail operations.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the train during his visit to Haryana, where he launched a series of development projects aimed at strengthening clean mobility, connectivity, healthcare and cultural heritage. The hydrogen-powered train will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route, covering the journey in around two hours with stoppages at 12 intermediate stations.

In a post on social media platform X, Modi said, “Happy to be in Jind. Speaking at the launch of projects that strengthen clean mobility, connectivity, healthcare and cultural heritage. Together, they will improve ‘Ease of Living’ and accelerate Haryana’s development.”

In another post, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of transport infrastructure, saying, “Connectivity not only enhances convenience but also multiplies the pace of development.”

The 10-coach train has been developed using indigenous technology and represents a major step in Indian Railways’ efforts to adopt environmentally sustainable transport solutions. Unlike conventional diesel-powered trains, the hydrogen-powered train generates electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel cells, where hydrogen reacts chemically with oxygen to produce electrical energy. The only direct emission from the process is water vapour, making the train completely free of carbon emissions during operation.

Designed to accommodate around 2,600 passengers, the train will initially operate at a speed of 75 kmph, while its design permits speeds of up to 110 kmph. The project is expected to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel technology in India’s railway network and pave the way for wider adoption of green mobility solutions.

The launch is seen as a significant boost to the Indian Railways’ long-term strategy of achieving net-zero carbon emissions while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen has emerged as a key component of India’s clean energy transition, with the government promoting its use across sectors including transport, industry and power generation under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Hydrogen-powered trains are considered an emerging alternative for rail routes where full electrification may not be economically viable. Fuel-cell technology enables the trains to produce electricity onboard without relying on diesel engines or overhead electric lines, while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

The inauguration of the NaMo Green Rail also reflects the government’s broader emphasis on modernising railway infrastructure, improving regional connectivity, and adopting cleaner technologies. Officials believe the successful deployment of the hydrogen-powered train will provide valuable operational experience and support future expansion of hydrogen-based rail services across the country.

The hydrogen train was among several development initiatives launched by the Prime Minister during his Haryana visit, with the projects collectively aimed at enhancing infrastructure, improving public services and accelerating economic growth in the state while advancing India’s clean energy and sustainable mobility ambitions.

New Delhi,Oct 15,2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh worth around Rs 3,350 crore.

The projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built for Rs 640 crore. Spread over 23,800 square metres, the modern terminal is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually, officials said.

It incorporates geothermal energy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in Ladakh’s ecologically sensitive environment.

Blending modern passenger amenities with elements of Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage, the terminal will improve passenger convenience and strengthen air connectivity with the rest of the country, the officials said.

Modi also dedicated to the nation the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Connecting Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley, the road provides an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh, supplementing the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways, an official statement said.

Traversing the challenging Himalayan terrain, including the high-altitude Shinkun La Pass, the road marks a significant engineering achievement. Its strategic importance lies in enhancing operational mobility and strengthening logistical support for the armed forces, the statement said.

It will also benefit the residents of Zanskar by improving access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services, it said.

“Today, another chapter is being added to Ladakh’s progress and development. I am happy to be part of this occasion through technology. Several important development projects have been inaugurated in Ladakh today.

“These projects will make travel easier for many people, improve electricity facilities in some areas, increase water availability in others, and strengthen the preservation of our ancient heritage,” Modi said.

As part of the efforts to strengthen energy security and harness Ladakh’s renewable energy potential, the prime minister inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line.

The projects will strengthen power evacuation infrastructure and improve the reliability of Ladakh’s electricity network, marking a step towards harnessing the region’s hydropower resources.

Recognising the importance of preserving Ladakh’s ancient archaeological heritage, the prime minister also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh.

Ladakh is home to hundreds of prehistoric rock art sites featuring carvings of wildlife, human figures and symbolic representations that offer valuable insights into thousands of years of human history.

The prime minister also inaugurated 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar, an initiative aimed at addressing Ladakh’s unique geographical and climatic challenges through water conservation, in line with the objectives of Mission Amrit Sarovar.

Agriculture in Ladakh faces a seasonal imbalance between water availability and demand. Farmers often experience water scarcity during the crucial sowing season, even as snowmelt and glacial runoff provide substantial water resources during other periods.

Project Him Sarovar seeks to address this challenge by conserving water when it is available and ensuring its availability when required, thereby supporting irrigation, sustaining agricultural livelihoods and strengthening long-term water security in the region, the statement said.

February 22, 2026:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the remaining sections of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), including the 5 km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21 km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. The RRTS has been integrated with the Meerut Metro services, which were also launched.
Mr. Modi said the entire 82 km corridor of the RRTS project provides a glimpse of what connectivity will look like in a developed India that uses Metro rail for intra-city travel and the Namo Bharat trains to accelerate the “twin cities” vision. “This integration allows commuters to travel within the city or go directly to Delhi, thus ending the compulsion for many workers and students to live in rented houses in Delhi. A unique feature of the project is the integration of Indian Railways, Metro, and bus stands at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut,” Mr. Modi said.
Talking about development in the regions, Mr. Modi said, “The government’s investment in modern infrastructure, including expressways, freight corridors, and the Jewar International Airport is creating vast employment opportunities. These projects attract new industries and business to the region”.
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, speaking at the inauguration, said the proposal for two new rapid rail corridors starting from Sarai Kale Khan is expected to be approved soon. “One corridor is planned from Sarai Kale Khan to Karnal in Haryana, covering a distance of around 125-130 km, which can be completed in about one-and-a-half hours. Another route is proposed to connect Sarai Kale Khan with Babarpur in Haryana and Neemrana in Rajasthan,” the Minister said. Referring to the broader NCR plan, the Minister said fast rail links would help distribute population and economic activity across districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, easing the burden on the capital.
The Sarai Kale Khan station, the originating station of the corridor, is strategically located as a major multi-modal hub, seamlessly connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and the Ring Road.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, commenting on the launch, said the Delhi-Meerut corridor will transform the Capital’s pace of development and stimulate economic activity in the Delhi-NCR region, strengthen employment opportunities and accelerate balanced regional development. “The corridor will help passengers save time and resources, marking a historic milestone for Delhi and the surrounding region as the project is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions by reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads, thereby creating a positive environmental impact,” Ms. Gupta said in a statement.
The RRTS is different from conventional railways as it will provide reliable, high-frequency, point-to-point regional travel at high speed along a dedicated pathway. It is also different from the Metro as it caters to passengers travelling relatively longer distances with fewer stops and at higher speed.

Sept 26,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launch Bihar’s ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana’, under which ₹10,000 each was transferred to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women in the state.
The 7,500-crore scheme, an initiative of Bihar’s NDA government, is aimed at promoting women’s empowerment through self-employment and livelihood opportunities.
The prime minister launched the scheme virtually from Delhi, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other ministers joining it through video conference from Patna.
Addressing women beneficiaries through video conference, Modi said that the state would soon have the maximum number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in the country.
He said that the 75 lakh beneficiaries of the scheme would receive an additional 2 lakhs and training for improvement in entrepreneurial skills.
Modi said that initiatives such as Ujjwala Yojana, free ration to 8.5 crore people of Bihar and Ayushman Bharat have improved the lives of residents of the state.
As per the scheme, each beneficiary will be given an initial financial assistance of 10,000 to start employment of her choice.
After six months of initiating the venture, an assessment will be conducted and additional assistance of up to 2 lakh may be provided based on need.
Announcing the scheme in August, Nitish Kumar said it is designed to empower women, make them self-reliant and strengthen family incomes.
Taking to X, the chief minister wrote in Hindi: “I am confident that the implementation of this scheme will not only further strengthen the position of women but will also provide better employment opportunities within the state, and people will not have to leave the state for employment out of compulsion.”
The launch of the scheme assumes significance ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in the state.

New Delhi, Sep 25,2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday marked 12 years of the Make in India initiative by highlighting what he described as a visible transformation across sectors, with greater domestic production, investment and exports emerging as key indicators of the country’s economic shift.

In a post on social media platform X, Modi said, “More made in India. More investment in India. More exports from India. A transformation visible across sectors!” and tagged the post with #12YearsOfMakeInIndia. Launched in September 2014, Make in India was conceived as a major initiative to promote India as a global manufacturing hub, attract domestic and foreign investment, encourage innovation and generate employment.

Over the years, the government has sought to strengthen manufacturing capabilities across sectors such as electronics, automobiles, defence, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, while integrating Indian industry more closely with global supply chains.

Policy measures, including production-linked incentive schemes for selected sectors, have also been introduced to encourage domestic production and attract investment. Modi’s message placed the emphasis on three broad pillars of the initiative – manufacturing more within India, bringing in greater investment and expanding exports.

The anniversary comes as the government continues to focus on manufacturing-led growth and strengthening India’s role in global production networks, with investment and export expansion remaining important elements of its economic agenda.

Katra (J&K), June 6,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world’s highest Chenab rail bridge in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The PM was accompanied by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Before the inauguration, the PM inspected the bridge and spoke to the engineers and the labourers, who turned the dream into a reality.

The Chenab rail bridge is the architectural marvel; it is located at a height of 359 meters above the river, and is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. It is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is built to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.

Through the Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it will take just about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing existing travel time by 2-3 hours.

The 272-km USBRL project is built at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, and includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges.

The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration.

New Delhi, Jan 31,2025: Highlighting the rapid infrastructure development in the country and underscoring the positive impact of various flagship schemes of the government, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said Indian economy has demonstrated remarkable stability and resilience despite global concerns such as the Covid pandemic, its aftermath, and war-related uncertainties.

“Over the past decade, India has achieved several milestones in constructing world-class infrastructure. This modern infrastructure has strengthened India’s image globally, increased investors’ trust in the nation, boosted industries, and created new employment opportunities,” Murmu said while addressing the joint session of the Parliament.

The President said that 10 years ago, the budget for capex was around Rs 2 lakh crore which has now increased to over Rs 11 lakh crore.

Murmu said that initiatives like the construction of 12 crore toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, 10 crore free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, ration for 80 crore needy citizens, the Saubhagya Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission have given poor the confidence that they can live with dignity.

“Due to such efforts, 25 crore people have overcome poverty and are moving forward in life. They have formed a Neo Middle Class, a group that is infusing new energy into India’s growth journey,” she said.

The President said that the government is steering India towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

“To ensure that the journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ continues to be guided by the ideals of our Constitution, the government has placed four key principles—service, good governance, prosperity, and pride—at the core of its governance,” she said.

The President said that the government is making rapid advances in its commitment to reform, perform, and transform.

“The guiding mantra of my government is “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and its goal is the creation of a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” the President said.

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”.

Chennai, Aug 31,2024: Tamil Nadu led the AI race in India, with Chief Minister M K Stalin, on

an official visit to US to attract investments, signing a MoU with Google for setting an Artificial

Intelligence (AI) Lab in Chennai, besides meeting top executives of Apple and Microsoft

and invited them to invest in TN.

The MoU was signed at Google headquarters in California on Saturday.

The AI Lab would be set up jointly by Google and Guidance TN.

During the meeting with top executives of Google, the Chief Minister also discussed about

expansion of Pixel-8 smartphone production and commence manufacturing of other

products of Google in the State.

Mr Stalin said his government was determined to strengthen these partnerships and make

Tamil Nadu one of the foremost growth engines of Asia, according to an official release here.

Later in a social media post, Mr Stalin said “An awe-inspiring visit to the offices of Apple,

Google and Microsoft.”

“Discussed various opportunities and exciting partnerships. Determined to strengthen these

partnerships and make Tamil Nadu one of the foremost growth engines of Asia!’, he added.

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, who is also part of the delegation that accompanied

the Chief Minister, in a social media post said “On our visit to the Google HQ today, we’ve signed

an MoU to set up the Tamil Nadu AI Labs at GuidanceTN in Chennai in partnership with Google!”

“Say hello to what I would like to call ‘Chennai.ai”, he said.

New Delhi, July 18,25: Minister of State for Transport & Highways Harsh Malhotra today said that India’s national highways network has expanded significantly from 91,000 km in 2014 to over 1.46 lakh km today, making it the second-largest road network in the world.

Addressing the Road and Highways Summit here, Malhotra emphasised that these modern highways are not just roads but they are lifelines of progress, connecting people, industries and opportunities, an official statement said.

“By expanding the network, the government has redefined the very experience of travel — making it faster, safer and significantly more comfortable for every citizen,” he said.
The Minister also stated that in recent years road infrastructure has created 45 crore man-days of direct employment, 57 crore man-days of indirect employment and 532 crore man-days of induced employment which demonstrates the substantial impact of infrastructure projects on job creation across various sectors.
He said that the government’s spending on road infrastructure has increased 6.4 times between 2013–14 and 2024–25, with a 57 per cent rise in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This, he said reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to connectivity, mobility and economic growth.
Malhotra also stated that more than 10,000 km of National Highways constructed in North Eastern Region during the past decade, which demonstrates the government’s commitment to the region.
He also highlighted the Delhi Decongestion Plan, which aims to reduce the traffic congestion and pollution in the city and would improve connectivity in the city.
He also highlighted the Delhi Decongestion Plan, which aims to reduce the traffic congestion and pollution in the city and would improve connectivity in the city.

The plan includes extension of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NE-5) from KMPE till UER-II (NH-344M) in Delhi and Haryana, Extension of UER-II (NH-344M) near Alipur till Delhi-Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B) near Tronica City in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, construction of a road tunnel starting from Dwarka Expressway (near Shiv Murti Mahipalpur) to Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj.
He said the the Ministry is in process of developing 700+ Wayside Amenities (WSAs) by 2028-29 that offer clean restrooms, quality food, rest areas, fuel stations, and EV charging points.

Stating that the Ministry was according top priority to the road safety said, “14000 accident prone blackspots have been rectified. Minister also applauded the successful implementation of schemes like the good samaritan scheme and the cashless golden hour scheme”.
The Minister further stated that with initiatives like the Green Highways Policy and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, the Ministry has planted over 4.78 crore trees and transplanted around 70,000 trees along national highways.

He said that the Ministry has also adopted sustainable construction practices including the use of over 80 lakh tonnes of plastic waste in major projects such as UER-II and the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway. Additionally, fly ash from thermal power plants is being incorporated into highway construction, reducing the need for raw materials and lowering emissions.
“The construction of more highways is pivotal to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Every rupee invested in highway development yields a threefold return to the GDP, unlocks vast employment opportunities and opens multiple channels for revenue generation and the government is not just building roads— it is laying the foundation for a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Bharat,” he added.

Vijayawada, June 20,2025: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that additional incentives will be provided to industries and projects that invest in the state’s backward regions.

The Chief Minister emphasized that establishing industries would spur development in those regions, create employment for locals, and thereby distribute prosperity across the state.

The 7th State-Level Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and approved 19 projects worth Rs 28,546 crore in total. These investments are expected to create employment opportunities for 30,270 individuals. So far, across the seven SIPB meetings, approvals have been given to investments totaling Rs 5,34,684 crore, generating job prospects for 4,73,969 people.

The Chief Minister stressed that locals should receive the majority of jobs in the upcoming industrial projects in the state. Therefore, skill development for youth should be treated as a core policy objective.

Naidu reiterated that the coalition government is committed to balanced development across all regions of Andhra Pradesh. A plan is being drawn up to ensure that incoming investments are distributed evenly across the state.

The Chief Minister made it clear that companies allotted land must establish their units within the stipulated timeline. He instructed officials to engage in discussions with representatives of such companies. He also mentioned that MSME parks are being established in every Assembly constituency across the state, and these should be utilized to promote entrepreneurs under the ‘One Family – One Entrepreneur’ initiative.

The Chief Minister directed that details of all industries, projects, investments, and jobs created should be made available on an online portal. He suggested mapping these industries based on clusters.

Hyderabad, Sep 9,2024: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy virtually inaugurated the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) for the 2024-25 academic session at Lalita Kalathoranam on Monday.
During the event, the Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of IIHT in Telangana, noting that previously, students had to travel to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to pursue handloom courses. He emphasized that no efforts had been made in the past decade to establish such an institute in Telangana.

Reddy revealed that after discussions with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, permission was granted to set up the IIHT. To ensure no time is wasted, classes will commence this year at Telugu University, with plans to relocate the institute to Skill University next year. The Chief Minister also announced a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 for each student.

He further highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting weavers, with the release of Rs 290 crore in pending dues. The government also plans to distribute two sarees annually to each of the 63 lakh members of self-help groups in the state, with an annual order of 30 lakh sarees placed with local weavers.

Additionally, Reddy assured that Rs 30 crore in handloom loans would be waived, making weavers debt-free.

The Chief Minister announced that IIHT will be named after Konda Laxman Bapuji, a leader recognized for his sacrifices for the Telangana movement, and instructed officials to take the necessary steps to implement this.

Textile and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao also spoke at the event, emphasizing the government’s priority for both farmers and weavers.

He pointed out that technological challenges are a major issue for the handloom sector and that steps will be taken to promote the export of handloom products.

He noted the swift establishment of IIHT within just 10 days and confirmed that IIHT will soon be shifted to Skill University. Rao praised the Chief Minister’s efforts, particularly Revanth Reddy’s dedication to serving all communities at a young age.