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India, EU accelerate efforts for comprehensive trade pact

India and the European Union (EU) are intensifying talks to finalise a commercially meaningful free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at expanding market opportunities for businesses on both sides. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in Brussels this week to take stock of the negotiations and engage with European officials on the way forward for the proposed deal. European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic welcomed Goyal, posting on X, “Glad to host Minister — and my friend — @PiyushGoyal. In today’s uncertain times, our businesses are looking for opportunity, access, and predictability. That’s exactly what we’re working to deliver: a commercially meaningful deal, opening up markets for goods and services.” Goyal reaffirmed India’s commitment to the partnership. He said, “The mutual benefit of our peoples and businesses will be central to our efforts.” Both sides are considering a phased negotiation process, a method India has previously adopted in its trade discussions with Australia and proposed for talks with the United States. This approach enables negotiators to quickly seal agreements in areas of consensus while setting aside more sensitive matters for future rounds. To date, ten rounds of negotiations have been completed, with the next round scheduled for May 12. The FTA discussions, revived in June 2022 after an eight-year break, had previously stalled in 2013 over disagreements on market access issues. The momentum picked up again after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission President agreed on February 28 to work towards concluding the deal by the end of this year. The agreement under discussion covers 23 chapters, ranging from Trade in Goods and Services, Investment, and Rules of Origin to Intellectual Property Rights, Government Procurement, and Sustainable Development. Key demands from the EU include tariff cuts on automobiles, medical devices, wines, and spirits, along with stronger intellectual property protections. India, in turn, hopes to secure improved access for its exports, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery. In 2023-24, trade in goods between India and the EU reached USD 137.41 billion, with India exporting goods worth USD 75.92 billion and importing USD 61.48 billion — positioning the EU as India’s largest trading partner in goods. The EU accounts for roughly 17 per cent of India’s total exports, while India makes up about 9 per cent of the EU’s total exports. The bilateral services trade was valued at USD 51.45 billion in 2023. Alongside the trade pact, India and the EU are also negotiating an investment protection agreement and a separate agreement on geographical indications (GIs), both aimed at deepening economic engagement and safeguarding mutual business interests. Read the full article

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Brahmin Samaj Observes Lord Parshuram Jayanti with devotion and unity

The Brahmin Samaj Raj Nagar Extension celebrated the birth anniversary of Lord Parshuram on May 4, 2025 with great enthusiasm and religious fervour at the KDP Society Club. The occasion was graced by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Shri Sunil Sharma, who attended as the Chief Guest, while Smt. Mamta Sharma, Chairperson of Brahmin Samaj Raj Nagar Extension, presided over the event. The celebrations began with the invocation and ceremonial worship of Lord Parshuram, revered as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to tradition, Lord Parshuram is believed to be immortal and engaged in deep meditation at Mahendragiri Mountain in Odisha, destined to return in Kaliyuga to vanquish evil and uphold righteousness. The devotional ceremony was followed by a vibrant cultural program presented by children, adding a festive spirit to the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Minister Sunil Sharma commended the Brahmin community for its unwavering commitment to protecting Sanatan Dharma. He highlighted Lord Parshuram’s legacy as a warrior saint who tirelessly fought against injustice. Prominent spiritual leader Pandit Pramod Kumar Soti, National President of Brahmin Kalyan Mahasabha, delivered a stirring address, calling for greater unity within the Brahmin community. He emphasised that collective strength and leadership are crucial in safeguarding the values of Sanatan Dharma in today’s era.

The program was ably conducted by Dr Keemati Gaur, whose eloquent and melodious narration kept the audience engaged throughout the event. A symbolic demonstration of unity, tradition, and discipline was witnessed when approximately 120 Brahmin families collectively invoked Lord Parshuram by blowing conch shells (Shankh). The event’s seamless organisation was credited to the dedicated efforts of the executive committee members of Brahmin Samaj Raj Nagar Extension. Special contributions were made by Pandit Piyush Mishra and Pandit Shivendra Gaur, while Dr Pradeep Sharma, Secretary of the organisation, ensured the smooth execution of the entire program. The celebration concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen community bonds and continue promoting the values of Sanatan Dharma through unity and leadership. Read the full article

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India's Coal imports rise marginally by 0.9% in April-July FY25

India’s coal imports saw a slight increase of 0.9% during the April-July period of FY25, reaching 90.51 million tonnes (MT), up from 89.68 MT in the same period last year, according to a statement by the Ministry of Coal. Despite the country’s vast coal reserves, the surge in demand, particularly for coking coal and high-grade thermal coal not readily available domestically, necessitates continued imports to support key industries like steel. During this period, coal production also grew by 9.56%, reaching 321.40 MT, up from 293.35 MT in FY24. While non-coking coal imports increased by 2%, coking coal imports saw a decline of 2.6%. Notably, coal imports for blending purposes fell by 8.2%, despite a 10.18% year-on-year increase in coal-based power generation. The non-regulated sector also witnessed an 11% drop in imports to 44.97 MT from 50.53 MT the previous year. Read the full article

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AAI Celebrates 78th Independence Day with Patriotic Zeal and Accomplishments

Guwahati: The Airports Authority of India, Regional Headquarters – North Eastern Region (AAI-RHQ-NER), commemorated the 78th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration that embodied the spirit of patriotism and highlighted the region's remarkable progress. M. Raja Kishore, the newly appointed Regional Executive Director (RED) for the North Eastern Region (NER), ceremonially hoisted the National Flag at the newly constructed building complex of the NAI within the Guwahati Airport premises, marking the occasion with great pride and honour. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Heads of Departments (HODs) and representatives from various organisations, who joined in the festivities to honour the nation’s independence. Adding to the grandeur of the celebration, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) presented a prestigious ‘Guard of Honour’ to the RED. The event was infused with patriotic fervour, featuring soul-stirring renditions of patriotic songs and captivating dance performances by children, which resonated deeply with all those in attendance. In his address, M. Raja Kishore highlighted the significant strides made by the NER's airports over the past year. He underscored the substantial development in airport infrastructure, the enhancement of passenger facilitation, and the initiation of several key construction projects. Among the notable achievements, he mentioned the completion and inauguration of the new Terminal Building at Tezu Airport last September, and the successful operationalisation of the extended runway at Dibrugarh Airport. Additionally, he pointed out the upgrade of Hollongi Airport from Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), making it operational in all weather conditions. The RED-NER also provided updates on other critical projects nearing completion, such as the Air Traffic Control (ATC) cum Technical Block at Shillong Airport, which is in its final stages of completion with the commissioning process already underway. Furthermore, the installation and commissioning of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at Imphal and Agartala airports were successfully completed, and Dibrugarh Airport has also installed its ILS. He highlighted the commissioning of Doppler Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (DVOR) at Imphal Airport and the completion of installation, calibration, and pre-commissioning processes at Dibrugarh Airport. Ongoing projects were also discussed, including the reconfiguration of passenger terminal buildings to enhance capacity at several airports, including Imphal, Jorhat, Shillong, Dimapur, and Silchar. These projects reflect the AAI’s commitment to continuously improving airport infrastructure in the region, aiming to provide world-class facilities to passengers. The RED-NER concluded his speech by expressing heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering dedication and commitment of all AAI officials, attributing the region’s achievements to their diligent efforts. He emphasised that these accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, and he encouraged everyone to continue striving for excellence in their respective roles. Read the full article

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Cargo Traffic at Major Ports Registers Increase of 5.92% in July: IPA

Cargo traffic at India's 12 major ports rose by 5.92% in July, reaching 70.08 million tonnes (MT), up from 66.17 MT in the same period last year, according to data from the Indian Ports Association (IPA). The report indicates that 10 of the 12 major ports experienced positive growth in cargo traffic, while the remaining two saw a decline. The twelve major ports comprise Mumbai, Deendayal (Kandla), New Mangalore, Mormugao, Chennai, Cochin, Ennore (Kamarajar), Visakhapatnam, Tuticorin (VO Chidambaranar), Paradip, Kolkata (including Haldia), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT). In July, Cochin Port recorded the highest cargo growth at 24.77%, followed by Visakhapatnam Port at 10.80% and JNPT at 9.07%. Chennai Port handled 8.89% more traffic compared to July 2023, while Deendayal Port and V O Chidambaranar Port saw increases of 7.13% and 6.74%, respectively. Other ports also showed growth: Paradip Port at 3.60%, Kolkata Port at 2.26%, and Kamarajar Port at 0.69%. New Mangalore Port saw a modest growth of 0.18%. However, negative growth was reported at Mumbai Port (1.23%) and Mormugao Port (1%). Overall, the data reflects a positive trend in cargo traffic at the majority of the country's major ports for July 2024. Read the full article

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India's merchandise exports climb 2.56% in June despite global challenges

In June, India's merchandise exports grew by 2.56%, reaching USD 35.2 billion, as indicated by government data released on Monday. However, the trade deficit for the month increased to USD 20.98 billion. This export growth is primarily attributed to higher inbound shipments of crude oil, pulses, and electronic goods, resulting in a 5% rise in imports, which totaled USD 56.18 billion. Back in June 2023, the trade deficit, which is the difference between imports and exports, was USD 19.19 billion. In May, India's merchandise exports saw a 9.1% increase, amounting to USD 38.13 billion, while the trade deficit reached a seven-month peak of USD 23.78 billion. Over the April-June period of this fiscal year, merchandise exports increased by 5.84% to USD 109.96 billion, with imports rising by 7.6% to USD 172.23 billion. For the April-June 2024 period, the trade deficit expanded to USD 62.26 billion, compared to USD 56.16 billion in the same period the previous year. Read the full article

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IREDA Achieves a Record PAT of Rs 1,252 Crore

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has revealed its audited financial results for the fiscal year 2023-24. IREDA has achieved an annual profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 1252.23 crore which is an all time high. The results mark an impressive growth of 44.83 percent over the previous fiscal year. The company has successfully reduced its net non-performing assets (NPAs) to 0.99 percent in FY 2023-24 from 1.66 percent in FY 2022-23. It demonstrates a significant reduction of 40.52 percent year-on-year.IREDA's loan book has grown from Rs 47,052.52 crore as on March 31, 2023, to Rs 59,698.11 crore as on March 31, 2024, registering a growth of 26.81 percent. The company has achieved all-time high annual loan sanctions of Rs 37,353.68 crore and disbursements of Rs 25,089.04 crore in financial year 2023-24, registering an increase of 14.63 percent and 15.94 percent respectively, over previous financial year loan sanctions of Rs 32,586.60 crore and disbursements of Rs 21,639.21 crore. The net-worth of the company as on March 31, 2024, has reached Rs 8,559.43 crore as against Rs 5,935.17 crore, year ending March 31, 2023, increased by 44.22 percent. IREDA CMD Pradip Kumar Das said, “IREDA's steadfast commitment to accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions in India indicates a promising trajectory for investors and stakeholders. IREDA CMD attributed the company's growth to the unwavering trust of its stakeholders while extending gratitude to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and Board of Directors for their indispensable support and guidance. Read the full article

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NHAI targets monetisation of 2,741 km highway stretches in FY'25

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified 33 highway stretches spanning 2,741 kilometer for monetisation during the current financial year. These stretches encompass Lucknow-Aligarh, Kanpur-Ayodhya-Gorakhpur, and Bareilly-Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh; Gurugram-Kotputli-Jaipur bypass and Jaipur-Kishangarh in Rajasthan; Panikoili-Rimuli in Odisha; Chennai bypass in Tamil Nadu; and Muzaffarpur-Darbhanga-Purnia highway in Bihar. In the fiscal year 2023-24, NHAI raised Rs 40,314 crore through various asset monetisation methods, exceeding the target of Rs 28,868 crore. NHAI's total asset monetisation has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore to date. The Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways (MoRTH) raised Rs 32,855 crore in 2022-23 through various modes of asset monetisation. MoRTH monetises its assets under three modes: toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model, Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), and project-based financing, providing all categories of investors an opportunity to invest in highways and associated infrastructure. InvIT is an instrument similar to mutual funds, pooling money from investors to invest in assets that provide cash flows over time. Read the full article

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Gas-based power plants to be activated to meet summer electricity demand

To address the escalating electricity demand during the summer season, the Government of India has announced plans to activate gas-based power plants. In a bid to maximize power generation from these stations, the government has issued directives to all gas-based generating stations under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003. This section empowers the government to specify that a generating company must operate and maintain a generating station as per government directions in extraordinary circumstances. Currently, a significant portion of gas-based generating stations remains underutilised, mainly due to commercial considerations. The order issued under Section 11, similar to the approach taken for imported-coal-based power plants, aims to enhance the availability of power from gas-based generating stations during the upcoming high-demand period. This order is effective for the generation and supply of power from May 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. GRID-INDIA to coordinate gas-based power supply Under this arrangement, GRID-INDIA will notify gas-based generating stations in advance of the number of days for which gas-based power is required. Gas-based generating stations that hold Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Distribution Licensees are required to offer their power to PPA holders first. Any unutilized power will then be offered in the power market. Gas-based generating stations without PPAs must offer their generation in the power market. To facilitate the implementation of this directive, a high-level committee chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority has been formed. This decision to activate gas-based generating stations is part of a broader strategy by the Government of India to ensure sufficient power availability during the summer season. Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh has convened several meetings to underscore the importance of ensuring an adequate power supply to meet the demand during the hot weather. In addition to the activation of gas-based generating stations, the government has implemented several other measures to address the summer demand: - Planned maintenance of power plants will be rescheduled to the monsoon season. - New capacity additions will be expedited. - Partial outages of thermal power plants will be minimised. - Surplus power from captive generating stations will be utilised. - Section 11 Directions have been issued for imported-coal-based power plants to ensure full capacity availability for generation. - Hydro power generation will be shifted to peak hours. - Advanced planning by all stakeholders will ensure coal availability. India's electricity demand has been steadily increasing, driven by economic growth, particularly during hot-weather and high-demand periods. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal maximum temperatures across most parts of the country for the 2024 hot weather season. The above-mentioned measures are being undertaken to prepare for the anticipated high electricity demand during this period. Read the full article

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Gas-based power plants to be activated to meet summer electricity demand

To address the escalating electricity demand during the summer season, the Government of India has announced plans to activate gas-based power plants. In a bid to maximize power generation from these stations, the government has issued directives to all gas-based generating stations under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003. This section empowers the government to specify that a generating company must operate and maintain a generating station as per government directions in extraordinary circumstances. Currently, a significant portion of gas-based generating stations remains underutilised, mainly due to commercial considerations. The order issued under Section 11, similar to the approach taken for imported-coal-based power plants, aims to enhance the availability of power from gas-based generating stations during the upcoming high-demand period. This order is effective for the generation and supply of power from May 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. GRID-INDIA to coordinate gas-based power supply Under this arrangement, GRID-INDIA will notify gas-based generating stations in advance of the number of days for which gas-based power is required. Gas-based generating stations that hold Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Distribution Licensees are required to offer their power to PPA holders first. Any unutilized power will then be offered in the power market. Gas-based generating stations without PPAs must offer their generation in the power market. To facilitate the implementation of this directive, a high-level committee chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority has been formed. This decision to activate gas-based generating stations is part of a broader strategy by the Government of India to ensure sufficient power availability during the summer season. Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh has convened several meetings to underscore the importance of ensuring an adequate power supply to meet the demand during the hot weather. In addition to the activation of gas-based generating stations, the government has implemented several other measures to address the summer demand: - Planned maintenance of power plants will be rescheduled to the monsoon season. - New capacity additions will be expedited. - Partial outages of thermal power plants will be minimised. - Surplus power from captive generating stations will be utilised. - Section 11 Directions have been issued for imported-coal-based power plants to ensure full capacity availability for generation. - Hydro power generation will be shifted to peak hours. - Advanced planning by all stakeholders will ensure coal availability. India's electricity demand has been steadily increasing, driven by economic growth, particularly during hot-weather and high-demand periods. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal maximum temperatures across most parts of the country for the 2024 hot weather season. The above-mentioned measures are being undertaken to prepare for the anticipated high electricity demand during this period. Read the full article

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IREDA's Gandhinagar office to boost green hydrogen and renewable energy manufacturing projects

 Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has opened an office in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, specialising in offering debt options denominated in foreign currencies. This initiative aims to enable natural hedging and substantially decrease financing costs for Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Manufacturing projects, thereby supporting India's shift towards a more sustainable future. The announcement was made by IREDA's Chairperson & Managing Director, Pradip Kumar Das, during a panel discussion on "Future Growth Opportunities for Long Duration Energy Storage" at the World Future Energy Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi on April 17, 2024. Das emphasised the critical role of energy storage in achieving the National Green Hydrogen Mission's ambitious target of over 5 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of hydrogen production by 2030. He outlined key priorities for advancing storage technologies, including enhancing research and development efforts to reduce costs and improve performance, implementing policies to strengthen the supply chain network, and providing competitive financial solutions to encourage investment in energy storage projects. India has undertaken several initiatives in this direction, including formulating a storage requirement roadmap up to 2047, issuing technology-agnostic storage tenders, and implementing supportive government interventions for battery manufacturing and pumped storage hydropower projects. The Central Electricity Authority of India forecasts a storage demand of close to 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030-32, necessitating an estimated investment of over Rs 3.5 lakh crore. IREDA has been a pioneer in renewable energy financing, offering innovative products for emerging technologies at competitive rates, and is committed to supporting the deployment of energy storage technologies in India. Read the full article

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Indigenous technologies transferred to industries at Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024

The recently held launch event of  "Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024" held at IIIT-Delhi witnessed the transfer of three indigenous technologies to twelve industries.  This initiative is a step towards the Innovation, Science, and Technology theme of Vikshit Bharat @2047, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. These technologies included the following: Thermal Camera:The thermal Smart camera features an inbuilt DPU to run various AI-based analytics. This indigenised technology targets applications across multiple domains, including Smart Cities, Industries, Defence, Health, and others. The field implementation, testing, and validation of this camera were done for road traffic applications. The technology was simultaneously transferred to the following eight industries comprising, RRPS4E Innovation Pvt Ltd, SCITA Solutions,  TAK Technologies Pvt Ltd, AABMATICA Technologies,  Prama India Pvt Ltd,  Samriddhi Automations Pvt Ltd, Norden Research and Innovation Centre and Vehant Technologies Pvt Ltd. CMOS Camera:The Industrial Vision Sensor iVIS 10GigE is a CMOS-based vision processing system with a powerful onboard computing engine for next-generation industrial machine vision applications. Fleet Management System: Personalised Transit Route Guidance System is a mobile app that aims to improve the travel experience for passengers by offering them the option to choose the most efficient or personalised routes of their choice. This technology was transferred to three industries simultaneously: Atulya Abhinav Tech Private Limited, Unidad Techno Labs (P) Ltd and IBI Group India Private Limited. The exchange of technology transfer documents took place in the presence of Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti, Rajeev Chandrasekhar;  Sunita Verma, GC R&D in E⁢ E. Magesh, DG-CDAC; Kalaiselvan A, Director - CDAC Trivandrum; senior officials in the government, CEO & CTO of Industries. Read the full article

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PM Modi Inaugurates India Energy Week 2024 in Goa, Unveils Development Projects Worth Rs 1330 Crore

Goa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India Energy Week 2024 in Goa (being held from 6 to 9 February), marking a significant milestone in India's energy transition journey. This event, the largest and only comprehensive energy exhibition and conference in India, aims to catalyse the nation's efforts towards sustainable energy development. The Prime Minister also convened a roundtable discussion with global oil & gas CEOs and experts, fostering dialogue and collaboration in the energy sector. Addressing the audience, Prime Minister Modi expressed his pleasure at hosting the event in the vibrant state of Goa, renowned for its hospitality and natural beauty. He emphasised the state's role as an ideal venue for discussions on sustainability and environmental consciousness. Highlighting Goa's burgeoning development, the Prime Minister welcomed foreign delegates to experience the state's unique charm. The Prime Minister underscored India's robust economic growth, with GDP rates surpassing 7.5 percent in the first half of the fiscal year, positioning India as the fastest-growing economy globally. He cited projections by economic experts forecasting India's ascent as the third-largest economy in the world, emphasising the significant role of the energy sector in this trajectory. India's significant position in the global energy landscape was emphasised by Prime Minister Modi, noting its status as a major energy consumer and importer. He outlined India's ambitious plans to meet growing energy demands, including substantial investments in infrastructure and the expansion of renewable energy sources. Highlighting India's commitment to sustainability, Prime Minister Modi discussed initiatives such as the Global BioFuel Alliance, which fosters collaboration among governments, organisations, and industries worldwide. He underscored India's progress in biofuel adoption, particularly in ethanol blending, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security. The Prime Minister reiterated India's focus on renewable energy, with notable achievements in solar energy capacity expansion. He announced ambitious missions, including the installation of solar rooftop panels in one crore homes, aimed at promoting self-reliance and clean energy adoption. Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's role in promoting green hydrogen and encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to realise its potential. He emphasised the event's significance as a platform for global cooperation and knowledge exchange in sustainable energy development. The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Governor of Goa, P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Oil and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli. Also, in a significant move towards bolstering infrastructure and welfare initiatives in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1330 crore under the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 program. The ceremony witnessed the Prime Minister's active participation as he also undertook a walkthrough of the exhibition showcasing the projects. The highlights of the day's endeavours include the inauguration of the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology, Goa, marking a significant moment for educational advancement in the region. Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports, aimed at fostering the development of watersports and water rescue activities. Among the cornerstone initiatives is the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Passenger Ropeway, an ambitious project set to enhance tourism connectivity between Panaji and Reis Magos. Complementing this, the inauguration of a 100 MLD Water Treatment Plant in South Goa further underscores the commitment to sustainable development in the state. In addressing employment needs, Prime Minister Modi distributed appointment orders to 1930 new government recruits across various departments during the Rozgar Mela, while also providing sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, ensuring inclusive growth and empowerment at the grassroots level. Reflecting on Goa's cultural richness and historical significance, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the state's crucial role in fostering peace and communal harmony. He underscored the government's commitment to the holistic development of Goa, emphasising the importance of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" in achieving equitable progress. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the concept of 'saturation' as the cornerstone of true secularism and social justice, reiterating the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the full transfer of benefits to all segments of society. In concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi called for collective efforts towards Goa's rapid development, urging citizens to actively participate in the state's progress. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Governor of Goa, P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shripad Yesso Naik, among others.   Read the full article

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PM Modi Unveils Development Projects Worth Rs 1330 Crore in Goa

In a significant move towards bolstering infrastructure and welfare initiatives in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1330 crore under the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 program. The ceremony, held today, witnessed the Prime Minister's active participation as he also undertook a walkthrough of the exhibition showcasing the projects. The highlights of the day's endeavours include the inauguration of the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology, Goa, marking a significant moment for educational advancement in the region. Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports, aimed at fostering the development of watersports and water rescue activities. Among the cornerstone initiatives is the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Passenger Ropeway, an ambitious project set to enhance tourism connectivity between Panaji and Reis Magos. Complementing this, the inauguration of a 100 MLD Water Treatment Plant in South Goa further underscores the commitment to sustainable development in the state. In addressing employment needs, Prime Minister Modi distributed appointment orders to 1930 new government recruits across various departments during the Rozgar Mela, while also providing sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, ensuring inclusive growth and empowerment at the grassroots level. Reflecting on Goa's cultural richness and historical significance, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the state's crucial role in fostering peace and communal harmony. He underscored the government's commitment to the holistic development of Goa, emphasising the importance of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" in achieving equitable progress. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the concept of 'saturation' as the cornerstone of true secularism and social justice, reiterating the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the full transfer of benefits to all segments of society. In concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi called for collective efforts towards Goa's rapid development, urging citizens to actively participate in the state's progress. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Governor of Goa, P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shripad Yesso Naik, among others. The newly inaugurated permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology, Goa, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff. Similarly, the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports aims to nurture talent and promote water-based activities in the region. The Integrated Waste Management Facility, featuring advanced waste treatment technologies and a solar power plant, marks a significant step towards sustainable waste management practices in Goa. Additionally, the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Passenger Ropeway and the Water Treatment Plant signifies a renewed focus on enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the state. With the distribution of appointment orders and welfare scheme benefits, the government reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the workforce and ensuring social inclusivity in Goa's development journey. Read the full article

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Coal Ministry achieves 99.73 million tonne coal production

The Ministry of Coal has reported a significant surge in coal production during January 2024, reaching 99.73 million tonnes (MT). This marks a substantial increase from the 90.42 MT produced in the same month last year, representing a growth rate of 10.30%. Coal India Limited (CIL) contributed significantly to this achievement, with its production reaching 78.41 MT in January 2024, reflecting a growth of 9.09% compared to 71.88 MT in January 2023. The cumulative coal production up to January 2024 stands at 784.11 MT (provisional) for the financial year 2023-24, showing a notable increase from 698.99 MT during the same period in FY 2022-23, with a growth rate of 12.18%. In terms of coal dispatch, January 2024 saw a substantial increase to 87.37 MT, up from 82.02 MT in January 2023, indicating a growth rate of 6.52%. CIL's dispatch performance was also impressive, reaching 67.56 MT in January 2024, compared to 64.45 MT in January 2023, reflecting a growth of 4.83%. The cumulative coal dispatch up to January 2024 stands at 797.66 MT (provisional) for FY 2023-24, compared to 719.78 MT during the corresponding period in FY 2022-23, showing a commendable growth of 10.82%. As of January 31, 2024, the coal stock held by coal companies has surged to 70.37 MT, reflecting a remarkable annual growth rate of 47.85% and highlighting the robust performance and efficiency of the coal sector. Additionally, the coal stock at Thermal Power Plants (TPP), specifically at the location identified as DCB, has increased significantly to 36.16 MT on the same date, with an annual growth rate of 15.26%. These statistics underscore the resilience and commitment of the coal sector in meeting the nation's energy demands. The Ministry of Coal remains dedicated to fostering sustained growth and efficiency within the sector.   Read the full article

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Modi launches projects worth over Rs 68,000 crore in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and dedicated several development projects in Sambalpur in Odisha. These projects valued at over Rs 68,000 crore comprise of energy, infrastructure, and education. The Prime Minister visited the model of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur and attended a photo exhibition during the event. Highlighting the significance of these projects, he said these projects emphasise on Odisha's development, and employment generation. He also announced the Bharat Ratna for former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani. PM Modi praised the government's efforts to make Odisha a hub for education and skill development. He mentioned the establishment of modern educational institutions like Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Berhampur and IIM Sambalpur. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of balanced development across all states and reiterated the government's support for Odisha. He highlighted the central government's investments in Odisha's petroleum and petrochemicals sector, railway infrastructure, rural roads, and National Highways. PM Modi also mentioned the inauguration of three National Highways projects, which will improve connectivity between Odisha and Jharkhand, and the development of industries in the region. He noted the increase in Odisha's income due to changes in mining policies and highlighted the District Mineral Foundation's role in the welfare of mining areas. He assured continued support from the central government for Odisha's development. The event was attended by Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das; Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik; Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, among others. Aligned with the Prime Minister's vision to enhance the country's energy security, the event focused on projects to boost the energy sector in Sambalpur, Odisha. PM Modi inaugurated the 'Dhamra – Angul Pipeline Section' of the 'Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline Project', which will connect Odisha with the National Gas Grid. He also laid the foundation stone for the 'Nagpur-Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline Section' of the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Pipeline, improving natural gas availability to several states. PM Modi dedicated and laid the foundation stone for multiple power projects, including thermal power stations and coal infrastructure projects, which will provide low-cost power and boost the supply of coal from Odisha. He also inaugurated several National Highways road sector and railway projects, enhancing connectivity and rail network capacity in the region. Read the full article

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils 'Amrit Kaal' strategy in Interim Budget 2024-25

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Interim Budget 2024-25 in Parliament, unveiling the 'Amrit Kaal' strategy. She emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring timely and adequate finances, relevant technologies, and appropriate training for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to grow and compete globally. Sitharaman highlighted the importance of orienting the regulatory environment to facilitate MSME growth. In line with the 'Panchamrit' goals, the government aims to facilitate high and more resource-efficient economic growth, working towards energy security in terms of availability, accessibility, and affordability. Sitharaman emphasised that guided by the principle 'Reform, Perform, and Transform,' the government will take up next-generation reforms and build consensus with states and stakeholders for effective implementation. The government will adopt economic policies that foster and sustain growth, said Sitharaman adding that the policies will facilitate sustainable and inclusive development, besides improving productivity, creating opportunities for all, helping in enhancing their capabilities, and contributing to the generation of resources to power investments and fulfill aspirations. The Minister further noted that to meet the investment needs, the government will prepare the financial sector in terms of size, capacity, skills, and regulatory framework.   Read the full article