Against this backdrop, India’s fertilizer story over the past twelve years represents one of the least discussed but most consequential transformations of the Modi era. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has moved from a position of chronic fertilizer dependence and production stagnation toward building a resilient, diversified, and increasingly self-reliant fertilizer ecosystem capable of protecting over 140 million farming households from global shocks.

The journey from import vulnerability to strategic resilience illustrates a broader philosophy underpinning the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047: economic sovereignty through domestic capacity creation.

The Fertilizer Question: Why It Matters for India’s Future

India today is the world’s second-largest consumer and third-largest producer of fertilizers. Nearly half of India’s workforce continues to depend directly or indirectly on agriculture, while food security for 1.4 billion citizens rests upon uninterrupted access to agricultural inputs.

Historically, however, India’s fertilizer sector faced three structural challenges:

• Heavy dependence on imported urea, phosphatic and potassic fertilizers;
• Closure and underutilization of domestic fertilizer plants;
• Exposure to global energy and commodity price volatility.

These vulnerabilities became starkly visible during successive global crises after 2020, when fertilizer prices rose to historic highs and several countries experienced severe shortages. For India, therefore, fertilizer self-reliance became not merely an industrial objective but a strategic imperative.

The Great Urea Revival: Reversing Three Decades of Stagnation

Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of the last twelve years has been the revival of domestic urea manufacturing. Between the early 1990s and 2014, India witnessed virtually no major expansion in urea production capacity. Several public sector fertilizer plants remained closed for decades, forcing the country into growing import dependence. The post-2014 period fundamentally altered this trajectory.

A New Generation of Fertilizer Infrastructure

Since 2014, six major urea projects have been commissioned or revived, including:

• Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh),
• Sindri (Jharkhand),
• Barauni (Bihar),
• Ramagundam (Telangana),
• Talcher (Odisha),
• Additional brownfield expansion projects.

Together, these facilities have added approximately 76.2 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of annual capacity, with another 25.4 LMT expected shortly. This represents one of the largest fertilizer capacity expansion programs undertaken anywhere in the world in recent decades.

The impact has been transformative.

This nearly 40 percent increase in domestic production capacity has significantly reduced India’s exposure to global supply disruptions. Equally important has been the implementation of the New Urea Policy (2015), which incentivized efficiency improvements and reportedly generated an additional annual production increase of 20–25 LMT beyond previous levels.

Building Strategic Resilience in a Fragmented World

The year 2026 presented perhaps the toughest stress test for India’s fertilizer security architecture. Escalating conflict in West Asia disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, increased natural gas prices, and threatened global fertilizer availability. Historically, such disruptions would have produced severe shortages and price shocks for Indian farmers. Instead, India demonstrated an emerging model of strategic state capacity.

The Government adopted a multi-pronged crisis management strategy:

• Constituted seven Empowered Groups of Secretaries;
• Conducted multiple inter-ministerial reviews;
• Diversified import sourcing beyond traditional suppliers;
• Activated alternative shipping corridors;
• Coordinated natural gas allocation for domestic plants;
• Executed global joint procurement strategies.

The results were unprecedented.

The Subsidy State as a Strategic Shock Absorber

One of the defining features of India’s fertilizer policy under Prime Minister Modi has been the use of fiscal capacity to shield farmers from global volatility.

International fertilizer markets witnessed unprecedented price increases after 2021 due to:

• disruptions in natural gas markets,
• Russia-Ukraine conflict,
• supply chain fragmentation,
• geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Yet Indian farmers experienced virtually no increase in retail fertilizer prices.

Global vs Indian Farmer Prices

This price insulation required enormous fiscal intervention. India’s fertilizer subsidy expenditure crossed historic levels after the pandemic, with total allocations and supplementary provisions touching nearly ₹1.9 lakh crore in recent years.

Critics often frame subsidies as fiscal burdens. However, from a strategic policy perspective, fertilizer subsidies during periods of global crisis functioned as:

• inflation stabilizers,
• food security insurance,
• rural demand support,
• political-economic shock absorbers.

In effect, the Indian state absorbed international inflation so that Indian farmers did not have to.

Beyond Self-Reliance: Toward Nutritional Sovereignty and Sustainable Agriculture

Yet, the Modi government’s fertilizer strategy has not been confined merely to expanding domestic production and reducing import dependence. A more profound transformation is underway—one that seeks to shift India’s agricultural paradigm from fertilizer quantity to nutrient quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

For decades, India’s agricultural growth model was heavily dependent on the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, particularly urea. While this approach helped achieve food self-sufficiency during the Green Revolution era, it also created serious structural imbalances in soil health. Excessive nitrogen application, coupled with inadequate use of phosphatic and potassic nutrients, led to declining soil fertility, reduced crop productivity, and increased environmental stress.

Agricultural scientists recommend an ideal Nitrogen:Phosphorus (N:P) application ratio of 4:2:1 for balanced crop nutrition. However, in several agricultural regions of India, actual usage patterns have often been distorted to 6:2:1 or even higher, reflecting an over-reliance on subsidized nitrogenous fertilizers. This imbalance has contributed to soil degradation, declining nutrient-use efficiency, and increased input costs for farmers.

Recognizing that true agricultural self-reliance cannot be achieved without restoring soil health, the Government of India has launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting balanced and sustainable nutrient management. This strategy includes large-scale adoption of:

• Nano fertilizers, particularly Nano Urea and Nano DAP, which enhance nutrient-use efficiency while reducing environmental impact;
• Fortified Organic Manure (FOM) and Liquid Fortified Organic Manure (LFOM) to improve soil organic carbon content;
• Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure (PROM) to supplement phosphorus requirements sustainably;
• Green manuring practices, which naturally enrich soil fertility and reduce chemical dependence;
• Balanced nutrient application campaigns, supported by soil testing, awareness programs, and scientific advisories.

The government’s nationwide awareness campaign conducted between March and May 2026, under the broader vision of protecting “Dharati Maa”, has already begun producing measurable outcomes. Early indicators demonstrate a significant behavioral shift among farmers:

• Combined sales of eco-friendly fertilizer alternatives such as FOM, LFOM, and PROM increased by nearly seven times in FY 2025-26 compared to the previous fiscal year;
• Consumption of ammonium sulphate, an important source of both nitrogen and sulphur, increased by approximately 60,000 tonnes, helping improve nutrient balance;
• Green manuring activities expanded to a record 1.84 lakh hectares, facilitated through the extensive network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country.

Simultaneously, initiatives such as the Soil Health Card Scheme, which has issued over 23 crore soil health cards, continue to provide farmers with scientific recommendations for optimal fertilizer application. The promotion of nano fertilizers by institutions such as IFFCO also represents a significant technological leap toward precision agriculture and reduced fertilizer intensity.

This transition marks a critical policy shift—from maximizing fertilizer consumption to maximizing nutrient efficiency. It reflects a broader evolution in India’s agricultural strategy: from ensuring food security alone to achieving nutritional sovereignty, ecological sustainability, and long-term soil resilience.

As India advances toward the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, the future of agricultural prosperity will depend not merely on producing more fertilizers, but on producing healthier soils, more resilient farming systems, and a sustainable foundation for the nation’s food security.

The Emerging Green Fertilizer Economy: Decarbonizing India’s Agricultural Future

The next frontier of India’s fertilizer revolution lies not merely in achieving self-reliance, but in building a globally competitive, low-carbon fertilizer ecosystem aligned with the country’s long-term climate and industrial ambitions. As the world transitions toward net-zero economies, India’s fertilizer sector is emerging as a critical arena where energy security, agricultural sustainability, and green industrial policy converge.

The production of conventional fertilizers, particularly ammonia-based fertilizers such as urea, remains highly energy-intensive and heavily dependent on natural gas. Globally, the fertilizer industry accounts for approximately 2 percent of total energy consumption and nearly 1.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, making decarbonization an urgent priority. For a country like India—which imports a substantial portion of its natural gas requirements—the transition to green fertilizers represents both an environmental necessity and a strategic economic opportunity.

Recognizing this opportunity, the Government of India, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, has initiated plans for the procurement and utilization of approximately 7.24 lakh metric tonnes of green ammonia annually. Produced using renewable electricity and green hydrogen instead of fossil fuels, green ammonia has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions while decreasing dependence on imported hydrocarbon feedstocks.

This initiative marks a paradigm shift in India’s approach to fertilizer production. Rather than viewing fertilizers solely through the lens of agricultural inputs, policymakers are increasingly positioning the sector at the intersection of multiple national priorities:

• Green hydrogen development, creating demand for one of the world’s most promising clean energy technologies;
• Green ammonia production, establishing India as a potential global manufacturing hub;
• Fertilizer security, reducing exposure to volatile international energy markets;
• Climate commitments, supporting India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070;
• Industrial competitiveness, fostering new investments, technologies, and employment opportunities.

India’s vast renewable energy potential further strengthens this strategy. With over 220 GW of installed renewable energy capacity and ambitious targets of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, the country possesses the foundational infrastructure necessary to support large-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia production.

Several public and private sector enterprises have already begun exploring investments in green ammonia projects integrated with fertilizer manufacturing facilities. Over time, this transition could help India reduce the carbon footprint of its agricultural sector while simultaneously building a globally competitive green manufacturing ecosystem.

Beyond environmental benefits, the emergence of a green fertilizer economy carries significant geopolitical implications. As countries increasingly impose carbon border taxes and prioritize low-carbon supply chains, early movers in green industrial production are likely to gain substantial strategic advantages. By integrating renewable energy, green hydrogen, fertilizer production, and agricultural sustainability into a unified policy framework, India has the opportunity to become one of the world’s first major economies to develop a comprehensive “green food security architecture.”

The fertilizer sector may therefore emerge as one of the earliest and most visible examples of India’s broader green industrial transformation—demonstrating how the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 can simultaneously advance economic growth, strategic autonomy, and environmental stewardship.

From Fertilizer Security to Strategic Agricultural Sovereignty

Despite the remarkable achievements of the past twelve years, India’s journey toward becoming a fully self-reliant and globally competitive fertilizer power remains a work in progress. As the country advances toward the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, several structural challenges will require sustained policy attention, institutional innovation, and strategic investment.

1. Reducing Import Dependence in Phosphatic and Potassic Fertilizers

While India has made substantial progress in achieving self-sufficiency in urea production, dependence on imports remains significant in the phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizer segment. India continues to import a large proportion of its requirements for phosphate rock, phosphoric acid, and potash from countries such as Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Russia, and Canada. This dependence exposes Indian agriculture to geopolitical risks, currency volatility, and supply-chain disruptions.

Addressing this challenge will require a multi-pronged strategy involving overseas resource acquisition, long-term supply agreements, domestic beneficiation technologies, strategic reserves, and accelerated investment in alternative nutrient sources and recycling technologies.

2. Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability of Fertilizer Support

India’s fertilizer subsidy regime has played a crucial role in protecting farmers from global price shocks and ensuring food security. However, sustaining large-scale subsidy commitments over the long term requires continuous reforms to improve efficiency, transparency, and targeting.

The next phase of reform may involve greater use of digital technologies, nutrient-based support mechanisms, direct benefit transfers, precision agriculture tools, and data-driven fertilizer management systems. The challenge for policymakers will be to balance fiscal prudence with the imperative of safeguarding farmer welfare and national food security.

3. Building Climate-Resilient Agricultural Systems

Climate change presents a growing challenge to India’s agricultural economy. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and water stress will increasingly shape fertilizer demand and agricultural productivity. Future fertilizer strategies must therefore move beyond conventional production targets and integrate broader goals of climate resilience.

This transition will require the adoption of:

• low-carbon fertilizer technologies,
• water-efficient agricultural practices,
• regenerative agriculture models,
• carbon-neutral fertilizer production systems,
• climate-smart nutrient management strategies.

Building resilience at the farm level will be critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of India’s food systems.

4. Transitioning Toward Nutrient Efficiency and Precision Agriculture

For decades, fertilizer policy has largely focused on ensuring the availability and affordability of inputs. The next phase of agricultural transformation must focus on improving nutrient-use efficiency and restoring soil health.

India’s future agricultural competitiveness will depend increasingly on:

• precision farming technologies,
• soil health management,
• satellite-based agricultural monitoring,
• artificial intelligence-driven advisory systems,
• customized nutrient solutions,
• nano fertilizers and smart fertilizers.

The objective is no longer merely to increase fertilizer consumption, but to maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing ecological costs.

The Strategic Significance of India’s Fertilizer Transformation

Yet despite these challenges, the strategic direction of India’s fertilizer policy is unmistakable.

The story of India’s fertilizer transformation over the past twelve years is not simply about producing more urea, expanding industrial capacity, or providing subsidies to farmers. It represents a much deeper transformation in the nature of state capacity itself—where industrial policy, food security, energy security, geopolitics, fiscal policy, environmental sustainability, and national security increasingly converge.

The crises of the past decade—from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and geopolitical tensions in West Asia—have demonstrated that control over food systems and agricultural inputs constitutes a vital pillar of strategic sovereignty. Nations that possess resilient agricultural ecosystems and secure supply chains will enjoy advantages that extend far beyond the agricultural sector, influencing economic stability, social cohesion, and geopolitical leverage.

The journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in fertilizers therefore reflects a broader strategic vision. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is no longer merely pursuing food security in the traditional sense; it is laying the foundations for nutritional sovereignty, strategic agricultural autonomy, and long-term economic resilience.

As India advances toward the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, the country’s fertilizer transformation offers an important lesson: in an increasingly uncertain world, securing the soil may prove to be one of the most consequential acts of securing the nation itself. The future of India’s rise as a developed nation will depend not only on its factories, highways, and digital infrastructure, but also on the strength, sustainability, and sovereignty of the systems that nourish its people.

The post The Making of an Atmanirbhar Fertilizer Powerhouse: 12 Years of Strategic Reform appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

“Infrastructure is not merely about building roads; it is about building markets, mobility, productivity and national confidence.”

Over the the last twelve years, India has undertaken one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations witnessed by any major economy in the twenty-first century. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the stewardship of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, India’s highway sector has transitioned from incremental expansion to strategic nation-building, fundamentally altering the country’s economic geography, logistics ecosystem and developmental trajectory.

This transformation extends beyond the construction of roads and expressways. It represents a structural shift in governance philosophy—viewing infrastructure as an instrument of economic competitiveness, regional integration, national security and social inclusion. Between 2014 and 2026, India not only expanded its highway network at unprecedented speed but also developed a new institutional architecture that combines scale, technology, financing innovation and execution efficiency.

As India advances toward the vision of Viksit Bharat, the country’s road infrastructure revolution offers important lessons in state capacity, public investment strategy and infrastructure-led growth.

Infrastructure as an Engine of Economic Transformation

Economic literature has long established a strong relationship between transportation infrastructure and economic growth. Studies by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and OECD indicate that every 1 percent increase in public infrastructure investment can generate long-term GDP gains ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 percent through multiplier effects.

For India, the challenge was particularly acute. Prior to 2014, high logistics costs, estimated at 13–14 percent of GDP compared to 8–9 percent in developed economies, reduced industrial competitiveness and constrained economic integration. The response was a paradigm shift: moving from isolated road projects to integrated economic corridor development.

The results have been remarkable:

• National Highway network expanded by over 61 percent.
• Highway construction speed nearly tripled.
• Multiple access-controlled expressways transformed inter-city mobility.
• Logistics efficiency improved significantly.
• Regional disparities in connectivity began narrowing.

This transformation has positioned transportation infrastructure as one of the principal drivers of India’s economic expansion.

Bharatmala Pariyojana: Reimagining India’s Economic Geography

Among the most transformative initiatives undertaken by the Government of India is the Bharatmala Pariyojana, approved in 2017 with an estimated investment of ₹5.35 lakh crore. Unlike conventional road-building programmes, Bharatmala was conceptualized as an integrated economic connectivity framework designed to optimize freight movement and reduce logistics costs across the national economy.

The programme envisages the development of 34,800 km of strategic highway corridors, including:

• Economic Corridors
• Inter-Corridor and Feeder Routes
• National Corridor Efficiency Projects
• Border Roads
• Coastal Roads
• Port Connectivity Projects
• Greenfield Expressways

As of March 2026:

The significance of Bharatmala lies in its strategic approach to infrastructure planning. Rather than merely connecting cities, it seeks to connect economic activity centres, manufacturing clusters, ports, logistics hubs and consumption markets. This approach aligns with global evidence demonstrating that corridor-based infrastructure investments generate significantly higher economic returns than fragmented transport projects.

The Great Expansion: India’s National Highway Network

The expansion of India’s National Highway network during the last decade represents one of the largest infrastructure scaling exercises undertaken by any democratic nation. From approximately 91,287 kilometres in 2014, the network expanded to over 146,572 kilometres by FY 2025–26, an increase of nearly 61 percent. This expansion has produced multiple developmental outcomes:

Economic Impact

• Reduced transportation costs.
• Improved market access.
• Enhanced industrial competitiveness.
• Increased agricultural integration.

Social Impact

• Better healthcare access.
• Improved educational connectivity.
• Enhanced mobility for rural populations.
• Greater regional inclusion.

Strategic Impact

• Improved border infrastructure.
• Enhanced disaster response capabilities.
• Strengthened national integration.

By connecting previously underserved regions with economic growth centres, highway expansion has become an important instrument for reducing regional disparities.

From 11 km to 34 km Per Day: Building State Capacity

Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of India’s highway transformation has been the dramatic increase in construction speed.

This threefold increase reflects not merely higher expenditure but a fundamental improvement in governance and implementation capacity.

Several reforms contributed to this achievement:

• Digital project monitoring systems
• Faster land acquisition mechanisms
• Hybrid Annuity financing models
• Institutional strengthening of NHAI
• Greater private sector participation
• Adoption of advanced construction technologies

A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore found that improved highway connectivity significantly reduced transportation costs between factories, suppliers and consumers, thereby enhancing industrial productivity and competitiveness.

The expansion of highway infrastructure has therefore become not merely a transportation success but a case study in institutional reform and state capability enhancement.

Delhi–Mumbai Expressway: India’s Economic Super Corridor

The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, spanning approximately 1,386 kilometres, represents India’s most ambitious expressway project to date.

Developed at an estimated cost of nearly ₹1 lakh crore, the expressway connects six major states:

• Delhi
• Haryana
• Rajasthan
• Madhya Pradesh
• Gujarat
• Maharashtra

The corridor is expected to:

• Reduce travel time by almost 50 percent.
• Lower logistics costs.
• Generate industrial clusters.
• Promote manufacturing investment.
• Create employment opportunities.
• Accelerate urbanization along growth corridors.

Economists increasingly view mega-corridors such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway as instruments for reshaping national economic geography, similar to the impact of interstate highways in the United States and high-speed logistics corridors in East Asia.

Delhi–Meerut Expressway: The Economics of Regional Mobility

The Delhi–Meerut Expressway, developed at a cost of approximately ₹8,346 crore, demonstrates how high-quality regional infrastructure can transform urban ecosystems.

The 82-km corridor has:

• Reduced travel time dramatically.
• Lowered congestion in the National Capital Region.
• Increased economic integration.
• Improved commuting efficiency.
• Stimulated real estate and industrial development.

The project illustrates the growing importance of metropolitan connectivity infrastructure in supporting India’s urban transition.

Dwarka Expressway: Building the Future of Urban Transport

The Dwarka Expressway, developed at nearly ₹9,000 crore, represents a new generation of urban infrastructure characterized by:

• Multi-level transportation systems
• Intelligent traffic management
• Advanced engineering design
• Access-controlled mobility

By improving connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram, the expressway addresses one of India’s most pressing development challenges: urban congestion and productivity loss. According to various estimates, traffic congestion costs India between 4 and 8 percent of GDP annually. Investments in urban mobility corridors therefore represent both transportation policy and economic policy.

Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway: Infrastructure as a Regional Growth Multiplier

The Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway, inaugurated in March 2023, demonstrates how strategic infrastructure can transform regional economies. Developed at a cost of ₹8,480 crore, the 118-km corridor reduced travel time from approximately three hours to just 75 minutes.

Its impact extends beyond transportation:

• Increased tourism flows.
• Enhanced industrial connectivity.
• Improved logistics efficiency.
• Expanded labour market integration.
• Accelerated regional investment.

The corridor reflects the global experience that reducing travel time effectively expands economic geography and productivity.

Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor: Towards Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Perhaps the most significant evolution in India’s highway strategy has been the integration of environmental sustainability into infrastructure design.

The Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, inaugurated in April 2026, represents this transition.

Developed at a cost of approximately ₹12,000 crore, the 213-km corridor:

• Reduces travel time from over six hours to approximately 2.5 hours.
• Incorporates one of Asia’s longest elevated wildlife corridors.
• Includes environmentally sensitive engineering solutions.
• Demonstrates coexistence between development and ecological conservation.

The project signals a broader policy shift toward sustainable infrastructure development and climate-sensitive engineering practices.

Beyond Roads: Building India’s Logistics Competitiveness

The true significance of India’s highway revolution lies not in kilometres constructed but in the creation of an integrated logistics ecosystem.

High-quality road infrastructure directly supports:

• The National Logistics Policy.
• PM Gati Shakti.
• Manufacturing competitiveness.
• Export growth.
• Supply chain resilience.
• Regional industrialization.

As India’s economy moves toward the $10 trillion aspiration, reducing logistics costs from approximately 13–14 percent of GDP to single digits will become essential for maintaining competitiveness. Infrastructure investment, therefore, is increasingly becoming industrial policy by other means.

Policy Challenges for the Next Decade

1. Road Safety: India’s Greatest Infrastructure Challenge

While India has built one of the world’s fastest-expanding highway networks, road safety remains a major concern. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Road Accidents in India 2023 report, India recorded over 4.8 lakh road accidents, resulting in approximately 1.72 lakh fatalities, making it one of the countries with the highest road accident deaths globally. Nearly 60% of fatalities occur among individuals aged 18–45 years, representing a significant loss of productive human capital. The World Bank estimates that road crashes cost India around 3–5% of its GDP annually, amounting to economic losses exceeding ₹8–10 lakh crore every year. Despite national highways constituting only about 2% of the road network, they account for a disproportionately high share of fatal accidents due to higher speeds and traffic volumes.

Addressing this challenge requires a paradigm shift from road construction to a comprehensive “safe systems approach.” The government has initiated measures such as the identification of over 13,000 accident black spots, implementation of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and mandatory road safety audits for national highway projects. However, future policy must prioritize intelligent speed enforcement, AI-enabled traffic monitoring, advanced driver assistance systems, emergency trauma care networks, and integrated road-user education. Achieving the target of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2030, aligned with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, will require sustained investment, stronger institutional coordination, and technological innovation.

2. Sustainable Financing: Beyond Traditional Public Spending

India’s infrastructure ambitions under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the vision of a developed nation by 2047 require unprecedented financial resources. The government has estimated infrastructure investments exceeding ₹143 lakh crore under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), with roads accounting for one of the largest shares. While budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have increased substantially—from approximately ₹33,000 crore in 2013–14 to over ₹3 lakh crore in 2025–26—public finances alone cannot sustain the scale of future infrastructure expansion. Rising fiscal pressures and competing social sector expenditures necessitate diversified financing mechanisms.

The next decade will therefore require a transition toward innovative financing models. Instruments such as Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) models, green bonds, municipal bonds, sovereign infrastructure funds, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) will play a crucial role. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already demonstrated success by monetizing highway assets through InvITs and TOT bundles, raising tens of thousands of crores for reinvestment. Future strategies could also include climate finance mechanisms, pension fund investments, and blended finance models that combine public and private capital. Building a sustainable financing ecosystem will be critical to ensuring that infrastructure expansion remains fiscally responsible while supporting long-term economic growth.

3. Climate Resilience: Building Highways for a Changing Climate

Climate change poses a growing threat to transportation infrastructure worldwide, and India’s highways are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and various domestic assessments, India is experiencing more frequent floods, heatwaves, cyclones, landslides, and extreme rainfall events. In recent years, several highway corridors in the Himalayan region, northeastern states, and coastal areas have suffered extensive damage due to climate-related disasters, resulting in substantial economic losses and disruptions to supply chains. The vulnerability of transport infrastructure threatens not only mobility but also national economic resilience.

Future highway development must therefore integrate climate adaptation and resilience at every stage of planning and execution. This includes adopting climate-resilient engineering standards, strengthening drainage systems, using heat-resistant pavement materials, constructing elevated corridors in flood-prone regions, and incorporating nature-based solutions for slope stabilization and erosion control. The government has already begun integrating sustainability measures through green highways initiatives, use of recycled materials, and carbon reduction strategies. However, achieving climate-resilient infrastructure at scale will require dedicated financing frameworks, climate risk assessments, advanced geospatial monitoring systems, and close coordination between environmental and infrastructure agencies.

4. Asset Maintenance: From Construction to Lifecycle Management

India’s rapid expansion of highways has created an equally significant challenge: maintaining an increasingly vast and complex road asset base. The country now possesses more than 1.46 lakh kilometers of National Highways, compared to approximately 91,000 kilometers in 2014, while the overall road network exceeds 6.7 million kilometers, making it one of the largest in the world. As infrastructure assets mature, maintenance expenditures will inevitably rise. International experience demonstrates that inadequate maintenance often leads to exponentially higher reconstruction costs, reduced road safety, and lower economic efficiency.

The next phase of India’s road sector transformation must prioritize asset lifecycle management rather than focusing exclusively on new construction. This requires expanding performance-based maintenance contracts, introducing digital asset management systems, deploying drones and IoT-based monitoring technologies, and establishing dedicated maintenance financing mechanisms. Predictive maintenance enabled by artificial intelligence can significantly reduce costs and improve asset longevity. Additionally, the development of a comprehensive national road asset registry and condition monitoring framework can support evidence-based investment decisions. Sustaining the quality and functionality of India’s highway network will ultimately determine the long-term returns on the country’s infrastructure investments.

5. Technology Integration: Building Smart and Connected Highways

The future of transportation infrastructure will be defined not merely by physical connectivity but by digital intelligence. India has already made substantial progress through initiatives such as FASTag, which has transformed toll collection by enabling over 98% electronic tolling penetration on national highways. Similarly, the government’s investment in digital public infrastructure and geospatial technologies under PM Gati Shakti has laid the foundation for integrated transport planning. However, India’s highway system remains in the early stages of adopting advanced intelligent transportation technologies.

Over the next decade, highways will need to evolve into smart mobility corridors equipped with artificial intelligence, real-time traffic management systems, autonomous monitoring technologies, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication networks, and integrated logistics platforms. AI-enabled predictive traffic management can reduce congestion, optimize freight movement, and enhance safety outcomes. Emerging technologies such as digital twins, satellite-based monitoring, connected vehicles, and autonomous freight corridors will reshape transportation systems globally. For India to maintain its competitive advantage, investments in intelligent transport systems (ITS), cybersecurity frameworks, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and 5G-enabled transport ecosystems must become standard components of highway development. The highways of the future will not simply connect destinations—they will function as intelligent economic and strategic infrastructure networks.

The Road to Viksit Bharat 2047

The transformation of India’s road sector over the last twelve years represents more than an infrastructure success story. It reflects the emergence of a new developmental state capable of executing large-scale public investments with unprecedented speed and scale. From Bharatmala Pariyojana to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, from record construction rates to environmentally sustainable corridors, India’s highway revolution has redefined connectivity, competitiveness and national ambition.

As India advances toward Viksit Bharat 2047, highways will no longer be viewed merely as transportation assets. They will serve as strategic economic corridors, instruments of national integration and foundations of prosperity. The story of India’s roads, therefore, is ultimately the story of a nation building not just infrastructure, but its future.

The post How India’s Road Revolution is Reshaping Economic Geography and State Capacity appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

Through flagship interventions such as the Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), PM-SETU, SOAR, and the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), India is laying the foundation for a workforce capable of competing in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven global economy. This article evaluates India’s skilling architecture, its achievements, emerging challenges, and policy pathways toward realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Global Skills Challenge

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is fundamentally reshaping labour markets. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, nearly 40% of current workforce skills are expected to undergo significant transformation within this decade. Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation, green technologies, cybersecurity, data analytics, and advanced manufacturing are altering the nature of work across sectors.

Simultaneously, developed economies face severe labour shortages due to aging populations. Countries across Europe, North America, East Asia, and the Gulf are increasingly competing for skilled workers. This presents India with a unique opportunity to emerge as the world’s largest supplier of skilled human capital.

Yet the challenge remains substantial. Historically, India’s workforce has been characterized by a high degree of informality and low levels of formal vocational training. Bridging this gap requires institutional reforms, industry partnerships, digital infrastructure, and large-scale investments in human capital.

Skill India Mission: The Foundation of Workforce Transformation

Launched in 2015, the Skill India Mission (SIM) represented a paradigm shift in India’s approach to workforce development. Unlike earlier vocational initiatives focused primarily on training delivery, SIM emphasizes employability, industry alignment, entrepreneurship, and continuous upskilling.

The mission operates through multiple complementary schemes:

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
• Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS)
• Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
• Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)

Together, these programmes form a comprehensive ecosystem covering school students, youth, workers, entrepreneurs, women, rural populations, and emerging technology sectors.

PMKVY: From Certification to Employability

More importantly, PMKVY has evolved from an incentive-based certification scheme into a demand-driven, outcome-oriented framework.

The latest phase incorporates:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Drone Operations
• Green Energy Technologies
• Electronics Manufacturing
• Industry-based On-the-Job Training
• National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) alignment

This shift reflects global evidence showing that employability improves significantly when vocational training is linked with practical industry exposure and standardized competency frameworks.

Democratizing Skills: Jan Shikshan Sansthan

One of the most important but often underappreciated reforms has been the revitalization of Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS).

Since 2018:

• 36.48 lakh beneficiaries have been trained.
• More than 26,500 tribal beneficiaries have successfully completed training.
• Localized courses have enabled livelihood creation in tailoring, handicrafts, food processing, and health services.
• Integration with the UdyamKart digital marketplace has expanded market access for artisans and micro-entrepreneurs.

This model demonstrates that skilling is not merely about industrial jobs; it is equally about strengthening local economies, preserving traditional crafts, and promoting inclusive growth.

Apprenticeships: Bridging the Education-Employment Gap

International evidence consistently demonstrates that apprenticeship-based systems produce superior employment outcomes.

Countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria maintain some of the lowest youth unemployment rates globally largely because of strong apprenticeship ecosystems.

India’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) seeks to institutionalize similar pathways.

Key Achievements

• 54.41 lakh apprentices engaged since 2016.
• Participation across automotive, manufacturing, retail, electronics, and IT sectors.
• Government stipend support through Direct Benefit Transfer.
• Introduction of Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) in 2025.

The apprenticeship model addresses one of India’s most persistent labour market challenges: graduates possessing qualifications but lacking practical workplace experience.

Reinventing ITIs through PM-SETU

Industrial Training Institutes have historically been the backbone of vocational education in India. However, many suffered from outdated infrastructure and curricula.

The launch of PM-SETU in 2025 marks perhaps the most ambitious ITI modernization initiative in independent India’s history.

Key Features

• ₹60,000 crore investment.
• Upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs.
• Hub-and-Spoke institutional model.
• Industry co-management through Special Purpose Vehicles.
• National Centres of Excellence in five NSTIs.
• Curriculum redesign aligned with labour market needs.

This reform mirrors successful international models where industry plays an active role in curriculum design, equipment modernization, and trainee assessment.

Preparing for the AI Era: SOAR Initiative

Artificial Intelligence is expected to become a foundational skill similar to digital literacy.

Recognizing this early, India launched SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) in 2025.

The initiative introduces AI awareness and foundational AI skills to students from Classes 6–12 through:

• AI to be Aware
• AI to Aspire
• AI to Acquire

Educators receive specialized training in AI ethics, machine learning concepts, and classroom integration.

Partnerships with IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco provide global industry exposure, helping ensure that Indian students are prepared for future jobs rather than merely current occupations.

This aligns with OECD recommendations emphasizing early exposure to computational thinking and AI literacy.

Prime Minister Internship Scheme: Creating Employability at Scale

One of the most significant innovations in India’s workforce strategy is the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS).

The initiative directly addresses employer concerns regarding graduate readiness.

Highlights

• 63,000+ internship opportunities.
• Financial assistance of ₹9,000 per month.
• One-time grant of ₹6,000.
• Coverage across 730+ districts.
• Joint certification by Government and industry.

The experience of interns such as Avi Rana demonstrates how structured workplace exposure develops professional competencies, confidence, communication skills, and organizational understanding.

Research across labour markets indicates that internship participation significantly improves job placement outcomes and wage prospects.

Skill India Digital Hub: Creating a Digital Public Infrastructure for Skills

India’s digital public infrastructure approach has transformed payments, governance, and service delivery. The same philosophy now extends to skills.

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) represents a unified platform connecting:

• Learners
• Employers
• Apprentices
• Training Providers
• Government Schemes

As of May 2026

• 1.89 crore registered users.
• 1.38 crore e-KYC verifications.
• Access in 23 languages.
• More than 1,000 courses.
• Integration with DigiLocker, UIDAI, e-Shram, PFMS and NCS.

By reducing information asymmetry and transaction costs, SIDH creates a scalable and transparent labour market infrastructure.

SANKALP: Institutionalizing Skill Governance

While training numbers often dominate public discourse, institutional capacity remains equally important.

The World Bank-supported SANKALP programme focused on governance reforms rather than merely training outputs.

Major outcomes include:

• District Skill Committees expanded from 248 to 776.
• District Skill Development Plans increased from 223 to 746 districts.
• 21,602 enterprises established.
• 20,875 Udyam registrations facilitated.
• Over 20,575 wage employment opportunities generated.
• More than 25,000 candidates placed in international job markets.
• AR/VR-based e-Skill labs established.

SANKALP demonstrated that effective skill development requires decentralized planning aligned with local economic realities.

Emerging Challenges

Despite remarkable progress, several challenges remain.

Quality versus Quantity: Training numbers alone cannot guarantee employability. Continuous quality assurance and outcome measurement remain essential.

Rapid Technological Disruption: AI and automation are transforming job roles faster than traditional curriculum revision cycles.

Industry Participation: While improving, employer participation in curriculum design, apprenticeships, and assessment needs further strengthening.

Global Skills Certification: India must align more skill standards with international frameworks to enhance workforce mobility.

Lifelong Learning: Future workers will need continuous reskilling rather than one-time training interventions.

India’s skill development journey over the past decade represents one of the largest workforce transformation initiatives in the world. The transition from isolated training programmes to a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing digital platforms, apprenticeships, AI readiness, internships, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships reflects a mature and forward-looking policy vision.

The challenge ahead is not merely creating jobs but creating a workforce capable of adapting to technological disruption, participating in global value chains, and driving innovation-led growth. If sustained and continuously refined, India’s skilling architecture can become the cornerstone of Viksit Bharat 2047—transforming the country’s demographic dividend into a decisive economic advantage and positioning India as the world’s leading source of skilled talent in the twenty-first century.

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Over the last decade, India has witnessed one of the most remarkable entrepreneurial transformations in modern economic history. What began as a policy vision under the Startup India initiative has evolved into a nationwide innovation movement, reshaping employment, investment, technology development, and regional economic growth.

India’s startup ecosystem has expanded from approximately 350-400 startups in 2014-15 to nearly 2.3 lakh recognized startups today. More importantly, these enterprises have generated close to 25 lakh direct jobs, underscoring the role of entrepreneurship as a major pillar of India’s growth strategy.

The startup story is no longer confined to venture capital and technology hubs. It has become a national development story linked directly to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Numbers Behind India’s Startup Transformation

The scale of India’s startup expansion is unprecedented.

According to DPIIT data, startups are now present across all Indian states and Union Territories, indicating that innovation has become geographically democratized.

This transition reflects a broader structural shift in India’s economy, from a service-led growth model toward an innovation-led growth model.

Startup India: A Policy Experiment That Became a National Movement

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Startup India in January 2016, the objective extended beyond creating new businesses. The initiative sought to transform India’s risk-averse economic culture into one that rewarded innovation and entrepreneurship.

Key reforms included:

• Simplified startup registration
• Tax incentives and exemptions
• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
• Intellectual Property Rights support
• Faster patent examination
• Regulatory easing and self-certification
• Public procurement access

These measures reduced entry barriers and created an enabling environment for innovators.

The result has been the emergence of entrepreneurship as a viable career option for millions of young Indians.

Employment Generation: The Most Significant Outcome

India faces the challenge of creating millions of quality jobs annually for its young workforce.

Traditional employment generators such as agriculture and government services alone cannot absorb this growing demographic.

Startups have emerged as a powerful alternative.

The nearly 25 lakh jobs generated by startups represent:

• High-skilled employment
• Technology-driven jobs
• Knowledge-intensive careers
• New-age manufacturing opportunities
• Gig and platform-based livelihoods

Research by NASSCOM and industry bodies consistently shows that startup ecosystems create multiplier effects across supply chains, logistics, professional services, and local economies.

For every direct startup job, several indirect employment opportunities are generated in ancillary sectors.

The Rise of Bharat’s Entrepreneurial Cities

Perhaps the most transformative development is the emergence of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as startup hubs.

More than 50 percent of startups now originate outside metropolitan regions.

Cities such as:

• Indore
• Jaipur
• Bhubaneswar
• Coimbatore
• Lucknow
• Surat
• Kochi
• Nagpur
• Dehradun
• Mysuru

are increasingly becoming centres of innovation.

This shift is significant because it aligns with the objective of balanced regional development.

Digital infrastructure, affordable internet, UPI-led financial inclusion, and widespread smartphone penetration have enabled entrepreneurs to build globally scalable businesses from smaller towns.

The startup revolution is therefore reducing geographic inequalities in economic opportunity.

Deep-Tech: The Next Frontier: The RISE Conclave 2026 brought together more than 125 startups, many working in advanced technology domains.

India’s next startup wave is likely to emerge from deep-tech sectors such as:

Aerospace: The success of mach33.aero, India’s first public-private aerospace incubation centre established by CSIR-NAL, demonstrates growing capabilities in aviation technologies, drones, propulsion systems, and advanced materials.

Artificial Intelligence: The IndiaAI Mission is building computing infrastructure, datasets, talent pipelines, and innovation ecosystems that could position India among leading AI economies.

Quantum Technologies: The National Quantum Mission, launched with a long-term roadmap, is advancing capabilities in:

• Quantum communication
• Quantum sensing
• Quantum computing
• Quantum cryptography

Biotechnology: India’s biotechnology industry has grown from a few billion dollars to over $150 billion in value, creating opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, diagnostics, and bio-manufacturing.

Space Economy: Following the opening of the space sector to private participation, Indian startups are entering satellite manufacturing, launch systems, geospatial services, and space applications.

Innovation and National Competitiveness

India’s startup growth is closely linked with improvements in innovation indicators.

Over the last decade:

• India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved substantially.
• Domestic patent filings have reached record levels.
• Research output and citation impact have increased.
• Industry-academia collaboration has strengthened.

These trends indicate a shift from technology consumption toward technology creation.

Historically, nations that achieved high-income status invested heavily in innovation ecosystems.

Examples include:

• United States (Silicon Valley)
• Israel (Startup Nation)
• South Korea (Technology-led Growth)
• Singapore (Innovation Economy)

India’s startup ecosystem is now moving in a similar direction.

Challenges That Require Policy Attention

Despite remarkable progress, several challenges remain.

Access to Growth Capital: While seed funding has improved, startups often struggle to secure late-stage capital. Policy support is needed to deepen domestic venture capital and pension fund participation.

Research Commercialization: India produces substantial scientific research, but commercialization rates remain relatively low. Stronger industry-academia partnerships are required.

Deep-Tech Financing: Deep-tech startups typically require longer gestation periods and higher capital investments. Dedicated funding mechanisms can accelerate innovation in strategic sectors.

Talent Development: Future industries will require expertise in:

• AI
• Robotics
• Semiconductors
• Quantum technologies
• Cybersecurity
• Advanced manufacturing

Higher education institutions must align curricula with emerging technology needs.

Global Market Access

Indian startups must increasingly become global innovators rather than domestic market players alone. Export-oriented startup policies can support this transition.

The success of the RISE Conclave 2026 demonstrates that India’s innovation ecosystem is maturing rapidly. However, future success must be measured not merely by the number of startups created but by outcomes such as technologies commercialized, patents monetized, industries transformed, jobs generated, and global market leadership achieved.

As India moves toward the centenary of Independence in 2047, the country’s laboratories, incubators, universities, industries, and entrepreneurs will play a decisive role in shaping its developmental trajectory. The journey from 350 startups to 2.3 lakh enterprises is not merely a statistical achievement. It represents the emergence of a new India, confident, innovative, technology-driven, and prepared to lead in the knowledge economy of the 21st century.

The startup revolution is no longer an economic phenomenon; it is a national movement powering the realization of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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On 10 June 2026, Narendra Modi became India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record. Whether one views this period politically, economically, strategically, or civilizationally, there is little doubt that the Modi years have altered the trajectory of the Republic.

Yet, after independence in 1947, India struggled with:

1. bureaucratic inertia,
2. fragmented welfare delivery,
3. infrastructure deficits,
4. national security vulnerabilities,
5. identity conflicts inherited from Partition,
6. and a lack of confidence in articulating its own civilizational narrative.

The Modi era sought to address these simultaneously.

Year-by-Year Transformation: Major Milestones of the Modi Era

2014: Financial Inclusion Revolution

In its first year in office, the Modi Government launched several transformative initiatives aimed at promoting financial inclusion, cleanliness, manufacturing growth, and effective governance. Key milestones included the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Make in India initiative, the expansion of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms, and an active foreign policy approach under the “Neighbourhood First” doctrine.

These initiatives laid the foundation for inclusive development and administrative reforms. The impact was particularly visible through the unprecedented success of PMJDY, under which more than 58.15 crore bank accounts were eventually opened, bringing millions of previously unbanked citizens into the formal financial system and enabling direct access to government welfare benefits.

2015: Digital State Formation

In 2015, the Government of India accelerated its vision of a digitally empowered and skilled nation through the launch of several transformative initiatives, including Digital India, the Skill India Mission, the International Solar Alliance, UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) reforms, and the groundwork for Startup India. These initiatives aimed to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance employability, promote renewable energy cooperation, improve the financial health of power distribution companies, and foster entrepreneurship across the country. The impact of these reforms has been significant. India’s digital connectivity witnessed unprecedented growth, with internet subscribers increasing from approximately 25.15 crore in 2014 to over 102.86 crore (1.028 billion) by December 2025, reflecting the rapid expansion of broadband and mobile internet services across urban and rural India.

The Digital India programme helped bridge the digital divide, enabled greater access to e-governance services, accelerated financial inclusion, and laid the foundation for India’s emergence as one of the world’s largest digital economies. Simultaneously, Skill India and Startup India contributed to strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and creating new opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, and job seekers.

2016: Structural Reform and Strategic Assertiveness

In 2016, the Modi Government undertook several landmark initiatives that significantly shaped India’s economic, financial, and security landscape. Major milestones included the demonetisation of high-value currency notes, the enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to strengthen the resolution of stressed assets, the successful conduct of Surgical Strikes across the Line of Control in response to cross-border terrorism, the rapid expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem, and the launch of the BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) application to promote digital payments. These measures aimed to formalize the economy, strengthen financial discipline, enhance national security, and accelerate the transition towards a digital economy.

The long-term impact of these initiatives has been particularly evident in the growth of digital payments. UPI, which was in its infancy in 2016, has evolved into the backbone of India’s digital economy and one of the world’s largest real-time payment systems. By 2025-26, UPI was processing more than 18 billion transactions per month, with annual transaction volumes exceeding 240 billion and transaction values surpassing ₹300 lakh crore. The widespread adoption of UPI has transformed the way individuals, businesses, and government agencies conduct financial transactions, enabling seamless, low-cost, and instant payments across the country. Simultaneously, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code improved the framework for corporate debt resolution, while the BHIM App and the broader digital payments ecosystem accelerated financial inclusion and reduced dependence on cash transactions, contributing to the growth of a more transparent and digitally empowered economy.

2017: One Nation, One Tax

In 2017, the Modi Government introduced several transformative reforms and infrastructure initiatives that significantly strengthened India’s economic integration and connectivity. The most notable milestone was the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which replaced a complex web of indirect taxes with a unified national tax regime, creating a single market across the country. Other key initiatives included the accelerated rollout of BharatNet to expand rural broadband connectivity, the launch of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to enhance regional air connectivity, record expansion of the national highway network, and a series of financial sector reforms aimed at improving banking efficiency and economic governance.

The impact of these initiatives has been far-reaching. GST emerged as one of the most significant economic reforms in independent India, unifying the country’s internal market, reducing logistics costs, improving tax compliance, and enhancing ease of doing business. By 2025-26, monthly GST collections consistently crossed ₹2 lakh crore, with annual gross GST revenues exceeding ₹22 lakh crore, reflecting increased formalization of the economy and improved tax administration. Simultaneously, BharatNet connected more than 2.2 lakh Gram Panchayats with high-speed broadband infrastructure, enabling digital inclusion in rural India. Under the UDAN scheme, over 600 routes and more than 90 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes were operationalized, bringing affordable air travel to previously underserved regions. India’s highway construction pace also reached historic levels, with the national highway network expanding from approximately 91,000 km in 2014 to over 1.48 lakh km by 2026, significantly improving logistics efficiency, regional connectivity, and economic growth. Together, these reforms laid the foundation for a more integrated, connected, and competitive Indian economy.

2018: Social Security Expansion

In 2018, the Modi Government launched a series of welfare-oriented and inclusive development initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, agricultural support, regional development, and rural infrastructure. Key milestones included the launch of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the PM-AASHA scheme to ensure remunerative prices for farmers, the Aspirational Districts Programme to accelerate development in underserved regions, the rollout of the National Health Protection Scheme, and the near-universal electrification of villages and households across the country. These initiatives reflected a commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable sections of society while promoting balanced and inclusive growth.

The impact of these programmes has been substantial. Ayushman Bharat has emerged as one of the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance programmes, providing health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year to economically vulnerable households. By 2026, more than 41 crore Ayushman Cards had been issued, over 9 crore hospital admissions had been authorized under the scheme, and healthcare benefits worth more than ₹1.3 lakh crore had been provided to beneficiaries across India. The Aspirational Districts Programme significantly improved key indicators related to health, education, nutrition, agriculture, and financial inclusion in 112 backward districts. Simultaneously, the government’s rural electrification drive achieved near-universal household electrification, with over 2.8 crore households connected under the Saubhagya scheme and virtually all inhabited villages electrified. Together, these initiatives strengthened India’s social protection architecture, expanded healthcare access for millions, and promoted inclusive development across some of the country’s most underserved regions.

2019: Decisive Constitutional Transformation

In 2019, the Modi Government began its second term with a stronger electoral mandate and introduced several landmark policy measures with significant constitutional, social, and developmental implications. Major milestones included the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir, the enactment of legislation criminalizing Triple Talaq, the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide tap water to every rural household, the expansion of the PM-KISAN income support scheme for farmers, and the formation of the government with an enhanced parliamentary majority. These initiatives reflected a focus on national integration, social reform, rural development, and agricultural welfare.

The impact of these measures has been far-reaching. Supporters of the abrogation of Article 370 view it as completing the constitutional integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India, a goal that many believed remained unfinished since Independence. The Triple Talaq legislation was presented as a significant step toward ensuring gender justice and protecting the rights of Muslim women. The Jal Jeevan Mission emerged as one of the world’s largest rural drinking water programmes, increasing rural household tap water coverage from approximately 3.2 crore households (around 17%) in August 2019 to over 16 crore households, covering more than 80% of rural homes by 2026. Simultaneously, PM-KISAN became one of the largest direct income-support programmes globally, with more than 11 crore farmer beneficiaries receiving over ₹3.8 lakh crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) since its inception. Together, these initiatives strengthened rural infrastructure, expanded social welfare coverage, and contributed to a broader narrative of governance reform, national integration, and inclusive development during the government’s second term.

2020: Crisis Leadership During Pandemic

In 2020, the Modi Government confronted the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously pursuing economic resilience and self-reliance. Major milestones included the nationwide COVID-19 response strategy, the launch of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) to support vulnerable populations, the introduction of agricultural reform laws aimed at liberalizing agricultural markets, and strong policy support for indigenous vaccine research, development, and manufacturing. These initiatives sought to protect public health, safeguard livelihoods, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and enhance India’s long-term economic resilience amid a global crisis.

The impact of these measures was significant. Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, free food grains were provided to approximately 80 crore beneficiaries, making it one of the world’s largest social protection programmes. The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative accelerated domestic manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes across multiple sectors. India’s vaccination programme emerged as one of the largest in human history, administering more than 220 crore vaccine doses nationwide. With the development and large-scale production of indigenous vaccines such as Covaxin, alongside the manufacturing of Covishield and other vaccines, India strengthened its position as a global pharmaceutical and vaccine hub.

By 2026, India accounted for nearly 60% of global vaccine production capacity and had supplied vaccines to more than 100 countries through commercial exports, grants, and international partnerships. While the agricultural reform laws were later repealed following extensive farmer protests, the broader policy focus on agricultural modernization and market reforms continued through other initiatives. Collectively, these efforts enabled India to navigate the pandemic, support vulnerable populations, accelerate economic recovery, and reinforce its reputation as one of the world’s leading vaccine producers and providers.

2021: Infrastructure-led Recovery

In 2021, the Modi Government focused on accelerating economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while laying the foundation for the next generation of infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean-energy growth. Major milestones included the launch of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for integrated infrastructure development, the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) to unlock value from public assets, the continuation of one of the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drives, the announcement of ambitious semiconductor manufacturing initiatives, and the launch of the National Hydrogen Mission. These initiatives aimed to improve logistics efficiency, attract private investment, strengthen strategic manufacturing capabilities, and position India as a leader in emerging clean-energy technologies.

The impact of these initiatives has been substantial. PM Gati Shakti introduced a digital platform integrating infrastructure planning across multiple ministries, helping to reduce project delays, improve coordination, and optimize logistics networks. By 2026, more than 1,600 infrastructure projects across roads, railways, ports, airports, and logistics corridors had been integrated into the Gati Shakti framework, contributing to faster project execution and enhanced connectivity. India’s COVID-19 vaccination programme successfully administered over 220 crore vaccine doses, becoming one of the largest public health campaigns in history.

Simultaneously, the semiconductor mission attracted investment commitments exceeding ₹3 lakh crore, with multiple semiconductor fabrication, assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) facilities approved across the country. The National Green Hydrogen Mission further strengthened India’s clean-energy ambitions, targeting the production of at least 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 and attracting significant domestic and international investments. Through the National Monetisation Pipeline, substantial capital was mobilized for reinvestment in new infrastructure assets. Collectively, these initiatives accelerated integrated infrastructure planning, strengthened India’s manufacturing ecosystem, improved logistics competitiveness, and laid the groundwork for long-term economic growth and energy transition.

2022: India as a Digital and Strategic Power

In 2022, the Modi Government focused on strengthening India’s digital infrastructure, logistics ecosystem, transportation networks, and defence self-reliance while preparing for a larger global leadership role. Major milestones included the launch of 5G services across India, intensive preparations for India’s G20 Presidency, a renewed push for defence indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework, the introduction of the National Logistics Policy, and the rapid expansion of the Vande Bharat Express train network. These initiatives aimed to enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs, strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, and position India as an emerging global economic and strategic power.

The impact of these initiatives has been substantial. India’s 5G rollout emerged as one of the fastest in the world, with over 4.74 lakh 5G base stations deployed within a short period of launch. By 2026, the number of 5G towers had crossed 5.2 lakh, providing coverage to more than 99.6% of districts and serving over 35 crore 5G subscribers nationwide. The National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti initiatives worked in tandem to improve supply-chain efficiency and reduce logistics costs as a percentage of GDP. The Vande Bharat programme transformed semi-high-speed rail travel, with more than 75 Vande Bharat train services connecting key cities across the country by 2026, significantly improving passenger comfort and travel times.

Simultaneously, defence indigenisation gained momentum through increasing domestic procurement, expansion of defence exports, and the publication of multiple positive indigenisation lists restricting imports of defence equipment. India’s defence exports, which stood at less than ₹2,000 crore in 2014, crossed ₹24,000 crore by 2025-26, reflecting the growing strength of the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. Collectively, these initiatives enhanced India’s digital connectivity, logistics competitiveness, transportation infrastructure, and strategic self-reliance while reinforcing its position as a rapidly modernising economy.

2023: Bharat on the Global Stage

In 2023, the Modi Government strengthened India’s global profile through a series of landmark achievements in diplomacy, governance, science, and democratic reform. Major milestones included India’s successful G20 Presidency, the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, the inauguration of the new Parliament building, and intensified engagement with developing countries through Global South diplomacy. These initiatives reflected India’s growing confidence as an emerging global power while reinforcing its commitment to democratic modernization, scientific advancement, and inclusive representation.

The impact of these developments was significant both domestically and internationally. India’s G20 Presidency culminated in the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and the historic admission of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, enhancing the representation of developing nations in global governance. Through the Voice of Global South Summits and sustained diplomatic outreach, India positioned itself as a leading advocate for the interests of developing countries on issues such as climate finance, food security, digital public infrastructure, and equitable economic growth. The enactment of the Women’s Reservation Bill marked a major constitutional step toward increasing women’s representation in legislative bodies by reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies after the implementation of delimitation.

India’s scientific capabilities received global recognition when Chandrayaan-3 successfully achieved a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole, making India the first country to accomplish this feat and only the fourth nation to achieve a successful lunar soft landing. The inauguration of the new Parliament building symbolized the modernization of democratic institutions and the transition toward a more technologically advanced legislative framework. By 2026, these achievements continued to strengthen India’s international standing, scientific reputation, and role as a bridge between developed and developing economies, reinforcing its aspiration to become a leading voice of the Global South and an influential actor in shaping the emerging world order.

2024: Civilizational Symbolism and Electoral Continuity

In 2024, the Modi Government marked several politically, economically, and culturally significant milestones, including the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the formation of the government for a third consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continued expansion of national infrastructure projects, the advancement of semiconductor manufacturing initiatives, and the strengthening of India’s manufacturing ecosystem through Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and strategic investments. These developments reflected a combination of civilizational, economic, and governance priorities aimed at reinforcing India’s long-term development trajectory.

The impact of these initiatives has been considerable. The inauguration of the Ram Mandir was viewed by many supporters as the culmination of a centuries-long cultural and civilizational aspiration and the resolution of a historical grievance associated with the Ayodhya dispute. The event attracted national and international attention and significantly boosted religious tourism, with Ayodhya emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing pilgrimage destinations. Simultaneously, infrastructure development continued at an unprecedented scale, with the National Infrastructure Pipeline, PM Gati Shakti initiatives, expressway construction, airport modernization, railway upgrades, and logistics projects expanding across the country.

By 2026, India’s national highway network exceeded 1.48 lakh kilometres, more than 150 operational airports were connected under various expansion programmes, and over 75 Vande Bharat train services were operational. The semiconductor mission gained further momentum, with approved projects involving investments exceeding ₹3 lakh crore across fabrication, packaging, and semiconductor ecosystem development. Manufacturing growth was strengthened through PLI schemes spanning sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, solar modules, telecommunications, and semiconductors. As a result, India’s electronics manufacturing output crossed ₹11 lakh crore annually by 2025-26, while mobile phone exports exceeded ₹2 lakh crore. Together, these developments reinforced India’s emergence as a major manufacturing destination, accelerated infrastructure-led growth, and contributed to a broader narrative of cultural resurgence, economic modernization, and national development during the government’s third consecutive term.

2025: Economic Consolidation

In 2025–26, India continued its trajectory of economic expansion and structural transformation, achieving several notable milestones that underscored its emergence as a major global economic power. Key developments included India becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, the continued expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), sustained growth in manufacturing, significant improvements in logistics and connectivity, and a sharp increase in defence exports. These achievements reflected the cumulative impact of reforms undertaken over the previous decade in areas such as infrastructure, digitization, financial inclusion, industrial policy, and ease of doing business.

The impact of these developments has been substantial. India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased from approximately ₹106.57 lakh crore in 2014–15 to over ₹350 lakh crore by 2025–26, more than tripling in size within a decade. In nominal dollar terms, India’s economy crossed the $4 trillion mark and emerged as the fourth-largest economy globally, surpassing several advanced economies. The country’s Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem, comprising Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, CoWIN, Account Aggregator, and other platforms, became an internationally recognized model for inclusive digital governance, serving billions of transactions annually.

Manufacturing received a major boost through Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, semiconductor investments, electronics production, and the “Make in India” initiative, with manufacturing output reaching record levels and mobile phone exports crossing ₹2 lakh crore annually. Logistics efficiency improved through PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy, dedicated freight corridors, expressway expansion, and multimodal connectivity projects, helping reduce transportation costs and improve supply-chain performance. Simultaneously, India’s defence exports reached historic highs, exceeding ₹24,000 crore in 2025–26 compared to less than ₹2,000 crore in 2014, reflecting growing self-reliance in defence production and increasing international acceptance of Indian defence products. Collectively, these achievements strengthened India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and reinforced its aspirations of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

2026: Twelve Years of Governance

In 2026, the Modi Government entered a new phase of governance marked by long-term national development planning, expanding global influence, and continued infrastructure-led growth. Major milestones included Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, the transition of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision from conceptualization to implementation, the strengthening of India’s leadership among Global South nations, continued expansion of strategic infrastructure projects, and further enhancement of India’s technological, defence, and geopolitical capabilities. These developments reflected the government’s emphasis on positioning India as a developed nation by the centenary of Independence in 2047 while strengthening its role in shaping the emerging global order.

The impact of these developments has been significant. Prime Minister Modi’s milestone as the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history was accompanied by congratulatory messages and acknowledgements from numerous world leaders, reflecting India’s growing prominence in international affairs and his role in shaping contemporary global discourse. The Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda entered an implementation phase focused on sustained economic growth, infrastructure modernization, innovation, energy security, manufacturing competitiveness, and human capital development.

India’s leadership of the Global South continued to gain momentum through initiatives related to digital public infrastructure, climate action, development finance, food security, and technology partnerships. Domestically, major investments in highways, railways, ports, airports, logistics corridors, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure continued to transform the country’s economic landscape. Simultaneously, strategic capability enhancement through defence modernization, indigenous manufacturing, semiconductor development, space technology, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure projects strengthened India’s long-term national resilience. Together, these developments reinforced India’s emergence as a leading global power, a voice for developing nations, and a nation pursuing the ambitious goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.

The Modi Doctrine: What Changed?

Beyond individual schemes and policy initiatives, the Modi era is often characterized by three broad shifts in India’s governance and development paradigm: a transition from welfare to empowerment, from incremental progress to execution-driven governance, and from strategic hesitation to strategic confidence. These shifts have shaped public policy, administrative priorities, and India’s engagement with the world over the past decade.

From Welfare to Empowerment

A defining feature of the Modi Government’s approach has been the transition from viewing citizens primarily as beneficiaries of government assistance to enabling them as active participants in economic growth. While welfare programmes continued, greater emphasis was placed on creating systems that enhanced access, transparency, and opportunity. Initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), PM SVANidhi, and Ayushman Bharat sought to provide citizens with financial access, digital connectivity, healthcare security, and economic opportunities. This model aimed to reduce leakages, improve service delivery, and empower individuals through technology-enabled inclusion rather than relying solely on traditional subsidy-based approaches.

From Incrementalism to Execution

Another notable shift was the emphasis on large-scale implementation and time-bound execution of infrastructure and development projects. The period witnessed unprecedented expansion in highways, expressways, rail electrification, airport infrastructure, metro rail systems, rural housing, and drinking water connectivity. Programmes such as PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, and the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity reflected a governance model focused on measurable outcomes and accelerated delivery. Supporters argue that this execution-oriented approach significantly improved project completion rates, enhanced connectivity, and strengthened the foundation for long-term economic growth.

From Hesitation to Strategic Confidence

The Modi era also marked a shift toward a more assertive national and international posture. Key examples frequently cited include the Surgical Strikes of 2016, the Balakot air operation in 2019, the abrogation of Article 370, India’s leadership during its G20 Presidency, vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, and sustained advocacy for the concerns of developing countries through the Global South platform. This approach sought to project India as a confident and influential actor capable of safeguarding its interests while contributing to global governance. Supporters view these developments as evidence of a more proactive and strategically confident India on the world stage.

Taken together, these three shifts, from welfare to empowerment, from incrementalism to execution, and from hesitation to strategic confidence, constitute a central narrative through which many observers interpret the political, economic, and institutional changes that have characterized India between 2014 and 2026.

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According to a World Bank assessment, cyber incidents already cost India nearly 0.8% of its GDP annually, a figure that could double if critical infrastructure is compromised.

India’s National Cybersecurity Exercise 2025 (NCE 2025) has concluded, but its impact is likely to resonate for years as the country sharpens its defense posture against a rapidly expanding spectrum of cyber threats. Organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), the exercise stands as one of the most ambitious multi-stakeholder cybersecurity initiatives in Asia.

Why 2025 Matters for India’s Cybersecurity

The year 2025 is strategically significant. India is on the cusp of crossing 1 billion digital financial transactions daily through UPI, while smart manufacturing and AI-led services are becoming mainstream. According to a World Bank assessment, cyber incidents already cost India nearly 0.8% of its GDP annually, a figure that could double if critical infrastructure is compromised.

Unlike past editions, NCE 2025 elevated focus areas that mirror India’s immediate vulnerabilities:

Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which secure sectors like energy, railways, and aviation.

AI-driven threats, particularly deepfakes and adversarial machine learning, capable of eroding public trust and manipulating democratic discourse.

By integrating these modules, the exercise acknowledged that the threat frontier is no longer confined to traditional IT networks but spans operational technologies and cognitive security.

A Benchmark in Multi-Sector Participation

With over 600 participants, including defense forces, financial regulators, private security firms, and universities, the exercise created a whole-of-nation approach rarely seen in cybersecurity. Similar exercises in the US and Europe typically involve government agencies and critical infrastructure operators, but India’s model stands out for embedding startups and academia alongside the state. This inclusive strategy is expected to help generate domestic IP in cybersecurity tools, reducing over-reliance on foreign technology.

Learning from Global Cyber Incidents

The simulations in the Strategic Exercise (Stratex) reflected lessons from high-profile international breaches:

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack (2021) that disrupted fuel supplies in the US.

The SolarWinds supply chain compromise, which infiltrated government networks globally.

The surge of AI-enabled disinformation campaigns witnessed during recent global elections.

By contextualizing these incidents in Indian scenarios, NCE 2025 tested the country’s national crisis management capacity and inter-agency data fusion mechanisms.

Strategic Voices at the Forefront

Senior leaders underscored the policy imperatives emerging from the exercise.

Shri T. V. Ravichandran emphasized digital sovereignty and called for synergized national frameworks.

Major General Manjeet Singh projected the rise of AI-enabled malware and nation-state actors as the defining threat of the coming decade.

Professor Kalpesh Wandra highlighted the knowledge gap in cybersecurity education, advocating for integration of AI ethics, cyber law, and defense technology studies into mainstream curricula.

Cybersecurity as a Pillar

India’s ambitions of becoming a global technology hub by 2047 cannot succeed without resilient digital infrastructure. The NCE 2025 outcomes are expected to inform three key policy shifts:

Creation of a National ICS Security Framework to safeguard power, telecom, and transport systems.

Integration of AI threat modeling into the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Incentivization of indigenous cybersecurity innovation, especially in areas like quantum-safe cryptography and automated defense orchestration.

The conclusion of NCE 2025 marks not just an event but a strategic inflection point. For a nation adding 10 million new internet users every month, the challenge is not just to defend today’s networks but to anticipate tomorrow’s unknown vulnerabilities. India’s ability to lead in the fourth industrial revolution will rest as much on secure digital trust as on innovation and scale.

By converging government, academia, industry, and defense into a single cybersecurity ecosystem, the National Cybersecurity Exercise 2025 has laid the foundation for a future-ready Bharat, resilient against threats yet confident in its digital destiny.

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FAME-I (2015–2019): The First Step Towards Electrification

The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-I) scheme, launched in April 2015, was India’s first structured national policy intervention for electric mobility. Implemented under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), it ran till March 2019 with a total outlay of ₹895 crore.

During its tenure, FAME-I directly supported the adoption of 2,55,305 EVs, including:

1,51,648 two-wheelers (e-2Ws)

786 three-wheelers (e-3Ws)

1,02,446 four-wheelers (e-4Ws)

425 electric buses (e-buses)

Of the total budget, ₹529 crore was allocated towards technology platforms, pilot projects, and demand incentives, while the rest was used for R&D and awareness programs.

Notably, pilot projects worth ₹158 crore played a catalytic role in establishing:

Testing infrastructure for EV components and batteries.

Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for advanced research in battery engineering, electric drivetrains, and hybrid technologies.

Though modest in scale compared to later interventions, FAME-I was critical in seeding India’s EV ecosystem. It established proof-of-concept for electric mobility in India, validated consumer acceptance, and encouraged the first wave of domestic manufacturing investments. According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the scheme also helped shape consumer perception by demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of EVs.

FAME-I’s biggest achievement lay in laying the groundwork. Without its infrastructure pilots and demand-side incentives, India would not have had the testing ecosystem, consumer trust, or industrial interest needed for large-scale adoption.

FAME-II (2019–2024): Scaling EV Penetration

Building on the foundation of FAME-I, the Government of India launched FAME-II in April 2019, with a much larger outlay of ₹10,000 crore. Unlike FAME-I, which focused on feasibility and pilots, FAME-II was designed as a scaling programme—aimed at mainstreaming EV adoption, creating charging infrastructure, and linking EV growth to industrial policy.

By June 2025, FAME-II had achieved remarkable outcomes:

14,35,065 electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws) supported — the largest beneficiary segment, reflecting India’s commuter-driven mobility demand.

1,65,029 electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws) adopted — strengthening last-mile logistics and shared mobility, where India is now a global leader.

22,644 electric four-wheelers (e-4Ws) supported — signaling a gradual consumer shift in the passenger car market.

5,165 electric buses deployed (with 6,862 committed) — advancing the decarbonization of public transport systems.

8,885 public charging stations installed nationwide — tackling the critical barrier of range anxiety.

These figures represent a quantum leap from FAME-I, particularly in two- and three-wheeler adoption. For instance, EV two-wheeler sales supported under FAME-II are nearly ten times higher than those under FAME-I.

FAME-II’s design embedded strategic policy objectives:

Climate Alignment: EV adoption under FAME-II supports India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. According to NITI Aayog and IEA estimates, EVs deployed under FAME-II could cut over 9 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Energy Security: With India importing crude oil worth over $100 billion annually, mass EV adoption—especially in 2W and 3W segments—offers a pathway to reduce fuel imports and mitigate global oil price shocks.

Industrial Policy & Job Creation: Localization norms under FAME-II nudged global and domestic OEMs to invest in Indian manufacturing. Companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Hero Electric, and TVS expanded capacity, while global majors explored local assembly. NITI Aayog estimates that EV adoption under FAME-II has already created 1.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs by 2024.

Charging Infrastructure: By mandating charging networks, FAME-II provided a structural backbone for consumer confidence. With nearly 9,000 charging stations installed, the groundwork is laid for exponential growth.

The consumer impact is equally notable. Delhi, which set a target of 25% EV penetration by 2024, already has 13% of new vehicle sales as EVs, one of the highest among global megacities. Cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad are also witnessing mainstream adoption of e-scooters and shared e-mobility.

Finally, FAME-II also positioned India in the global EV race. India is now the largest market for electric two- and three-wheelers, complementing China’s leadership in four-wheelers and Europe’s dominance in premium EVs.

PM E-DRIVE (2024–2028): Accelerating Mass Adoption

In September 2024, the Government of India launched the PM Electric Drive Vehicle Incentive Scheme (PM E-DRIVE) with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, aiming to support over 28 lakh EVs across all categories. As of July 2025, the scheme has already incentivized 15,74,258 EVs, distributed as follows:

13,82,947 electric two-wheelers

3,430 e-rickshaws and e-carts

1,87,881 L5 category three-wheelers

Beyond demand incentives, PM E-DRIVE dedicates ₹2,000 crore for charging infrastructure and ₹780 crore for testing and homologation agencies, underlining a dual focus on mass adoption and technological self-reliance. This policy is not only expanding consumer adoption but also creating pathways for domestic innovation in batteries, drivetrains, and software systems.

By integrating incentives with infrastructure, PM E-DRIVE represents a more holistic EV policy architecture than its predecessors, aligning with India’s twin goals of climate leadership and industrial competitiveness.

Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) for Auto and ACC Batteries

The PLI schemes have emerged as the industrial backbone of India’s EV transformation, ensuring that adoption-led growth is coupled with domestic manufacturing strength.

PLI Auto Scheme: With a projection of ₹42,500 crore investments over five years, the scheme has already attracted ₹29,576 crore by March 2025, generating 44,987 jobs and ₹19,753 crore of incremental sales. Although incentive disbursement remains modest (₹322 crore of the ₹25,938 crore corpus), the long-term effect is expected to be transformative as firms achieve scale. This scheme is already attracting both Indian and global OEMs to deepen their EV production footprint in India.

PLI-ACC Battery Scheme: Approved in May 2021 with a budgetary outlay of ₹18,100 crore for 50 GWh capacity, the scheme is strategically designed to reduce dependence on foreign battery imports. By mid-2025, it had attracted ₹2,145 crore investment, created 1,007 jobs, and enabled Ola Cell Technologies to install 1 GWh of operational capacity. This marks an early but significant milestone toward building domestic cell manufacturing and global supply chain resilience. Given the centrality of batteries in the clean energy transition, this scheme positions India as a future leader in advanced chemistry cells and energy storage systems.

Together, these two PLIs complement adoption-focused schemes (FAME and PM E-DRIVE), ensuring that India does not remain merely a consumption hub but evolves into a global EV and battery manufacturing hub.

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars (SPMEPCI)

Launched in March 2024, the SPMEPCI reflects India’s strategic attempt to attract global EV manufacturers while balancing consumer access and industrial localization. The scheme offers reduced customs duties on completely built units (CBUs) to encourage market entry, alongside clear conditions for eventual localization.

Detailed guidelines were issued in June 2025, and applications remain open until October 2025. By providing an initial import cushion, India seeks to accelerate domestic availability of high-quality EV cars, expand consumer choice, and simultaneously compel global players to commit to local manufacturing and R&D facilities.

This scheme is expected to catalyze foreign investment, enhance technology transfer, and position India as a global hub for EV passenger car production. By carefully sequencing short-term import flexibility with long-term localization targets, SPMEPCI reflects a calibrated industrial policy—one that balances affordability, availability, and Atmanirbharta.

From FAME-I to PM E-DRIVE, from PLI Auto to SPMEPCI, India has moved from pilots to scale, and from adoption incentives to manufacturing incentives. The ecosystem is now comprehensive, spanning R&D, production, charging, and consumer adoption. India’s EV policy architecture is no longer fragmented but integrated into the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047. If executed with continued urgency, India will not only electrify its roads but also claim a central place in the global EV value chain, emerging as a true EV manufacturing and innovation powerhouse.

The post India’s Policy Architecture for Strengthening the EV Ecosystem appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

लेखक- अचिरतोष ‘विधु

25 जून 1975, एक सत्ता मद में अंधी भ्रष्ट महिला प्रधानमंत्री इंदिरा गांधी द्वारा भारत पर आपातकाल थोपा गया और सभी संवैधानिक अधिकार निरस्त कर राजनैतिक/ सामाजिक कार्यकर्ताओं को जेल में ठूंस दिया, अखबारों पर सेंसरशिप लागू की और सारे भारत को एक जेल में परिवर्तित कर दिया। और यह सब किया गया इलाहाबाद उच्च न्यायालय द्वारा अपना चुनाव रद्द घोषित कर देने के बाद प्रधानमंत्री के पद को कब्जाये रखने के लिए? क्योंकि कानूनन उनका चुनाव रद्द हो जाने पर उन्होंने प्रधानमंत्री का पद छोड़ देना चाहिए था, और इसके लिए इंदिरा गांधी ने भारतीय लोकतंत्र का गला घोंट दिया । उस समय भारतीय सर्वोच्च न्यायपालिका भी रीढ़ हीन हो गयी थी और पूर्णतः सत्ता की चेरी बन गयी थी।

इसी आपातकाल के समय मदांध इन्दिरा गांधी ने भारतीय संविधान की मूल आत्मा पर आघात किया और उसके मूल स्वरूप को बदलकर उसमें समाजवादी जैसे असंगत शब्द को जोड़ दिया। कांग्रेस पार्टी भी इंदिरा गांधी की ताल पर डांस कर रही थी। कांग्रेस के तत्कालीन विवेक शून्य अध्यक्ष देवकांत बरुआ ने तो नारा ही दे दिया था कि ” इंदिरा इज इंडिया और इंडिया इज इंदिरा” । इस सन्दर्भ में तत्कालीन राष्ट्रपति फखरुद्दीन अली अहमद की भूमिका एक रीढ़ हीन व्यक्ति की सी रही जिन्होंने सोते से जाग कर आपातकाल के अध्यादेश पर हस्ताक्षर किए।

3-4 जुलाई 1975 की रात में राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ पर प्रतिबंध की घोषणा कर दी गई। संघ के सरसंघचालक बालासाहेब देवरस को तथा अनेकों प्रचारकों और कार्यकर्ताओं को पकड़ कर जेल में डाल दिया गया था, क्योंकि इंदिरा गांधी को संघ से ही आपातकाल के विरोध की आशा थी। देश भर में संघ स्वयंसेवकों की सूचियां तैयार कर उनके खिलाफ गिरफ्तारी के वारंट जारी किए गए। स्वयंसेवकों को असह्य प्रताड़ना दी गई। उनके नाखून प्लायर से खींच कर निकाले गए, उन पर रोलर चढ़ाया, डंडे पर तेल लगाकर उसपर मिर्च पाउडर लपेट कर कार्यकर्ताओं की गुदा स्थान में डालकर उनसे प्रचारकों और अन्य कार्यकर्ताओं के बारे में जानकारी मांगी, इस प्रताड़ना वश अनेक स्वयंसेवक बाद में नपुंसकता से ग्रस्त हो गये। संघ कार्यालयों पर सील लगा दी और वहां से मिली उस समय शस्त्र प्रशिक्षण में प्रयोग होने वाली लकड़ी की छुरिकाओं को लेकर अखबारों में दुष्प्रचार भी कराया गया था कि संघ कार्यालयों में भारी मात्रा में शस्त्र भी मिले हैं। देश भर में जनता ने इसका विरोध शुरू किया, और धीरे-धीरे एक जन आंदोलन का स्वरूप ले गया।

आपातकाल में पुरुष नसबंदी पर बहुत बल दिया गया। सरकारी स्वास्थ्य कर्मियों ने भी आयु , वर्ग देखे बिना पकड़ -पकड़ कर नसबंदी शुरू कर दी। हालात ये थे कि नाबालिग, अविवाहित, विदुर, सत्तर- अस्सी वर्ष की आयु के तथा कहीं तो भिक्षाटन करते साधुओं की भी नसबंदी कर दी गई। उस समय एक नारा बहुत प्रचलित हुआ था – नसबन्दी के तीन दलाल इंदिरा, संजय, बंशीलाल। बंशीलाल उस समय हरियाणा के मुख्यमंत्री थे और अत्याचार करने वालों में अग्रणी थे।

धीरे -धीरे राजनैतिक दलों ने भी अपने विरोधी स्वर उठाने शुरू कर दिए। लोकनायक जयप्रकाश नारायण के नेतृत्व में एक लोकसंघर्ष समिति बनाई गई जिसके तत्वावधान में देश भर में सत्याग्रह शुरू किया गया। संघ कार्यकर्ताओं ने बड़े पैमाने पर सत्याग्रह में सहभागिता की और बहुत बड़ी संख्या में सत्याग्रह कर जेल यात्रा की। संघ स्वयंसेवकों की सत्याग्रह कर जेल जाने वालों की संख्या राजनीतिक दलों के कार्यकर्ताओं से कयी गुणा अधिक थी। आपातकाल लगने पर अधिकांश परिवार आधारित दल चेतना शून्य स्थिति में पहुंच गए थे। मुलायम सिंह यादव जी को जब उस क्षेत्र के जिला प्रचारक जी ने सत्याग्रह कर विरोध शुरू करने का आग्रह किया तो उनका चेहरा पीला पड़ गया ।
संघ की शाखाओं पर पार्क में लगाने पर प्रतिबंध था किन्तु जेलों में स्वयंसेवकों ने नियमित शाखा लगाकर मातृभूमि की वन्दना का क्रम जारी रखा।

एक बार एक सत्याग्रही टोली में 60-65 वर्ष के एक बाबा जिनकी कमर झुकी हुई थी आये थे, दिसम्बर का महीना था मां बोली कि अरे इन्हें कहां भेज रहे हो जेल में मर-मरा गये तो हत्या गले पड़ेगी पर वह बोले माताजी आप चिन्ता न करें मुझे कुछ नहीं होगा और इमरजेंसी हटवाए बिना तो मैं मरने वाला ही नहीं हूं। और वास्तव में जब छः महीने बाद वह जेल से रिहा होकर आये तो कमर सीधी और चेहरे पर ओज था आकर बोले माताजी देखो इंदिरा से लड़ने के लिए मैं तगड़ा हो गया हूं ।
आपातकाल के विरोध में सारे विश्व में भारतीयों ने काम किया। बहुत से लोगों को इस काम के लिए विदेश भेजा गया ताकि वह आपातकाल के बारे में विश्व में सही जानकारी पहुंचा सकें। डा सुब्रमण्यम स्वामी भी एक ऐसे ही व्यक्तित्व थे। पुलिस से बचने के लिए कयी प्रचारक बन्धुओं के साथ समाज की बहिनें भी प्रवास पर जाने लगीं ताकि पुलिस वाले उनके वाहन चैक नहीं करें क्योंकि सबको पता था कि प्रचारक तो अविवाहित होते हैं।

हमारे माता-पिता भी 1976 में मथुरा-वृंदावन की श्रावण मास में यात्रा करने के लिए गये थे। मथुरा में उनके एक मित्र बाबूलाल जी “गुजराती हिन्दू लाॅज” चलाते थे। माताजी- पिताजी वहां भोजन करने गए और भोजन करके जैसे ही वहां से निकल कर गये उनके यहां पुलिस पहुंच गई और उन्हें थाना ले गई और बार-बार रज्जू भैया ( संघ के वरिष्ठ प्रचारक जो बाद में सरसंघचालक बने) के बारे में पूछताछ की कि वह तुम्हारे यहां आये थे उनके साथ एक महिला भी थी। तब बाबूलाल ने बताया कि वह रज्जू भैया नहीं एक डाक्टर साहब अपनी पत्नी के साथ आये थे ( असल में पिताजी की कद-काठी का रज्जू भैया से बहुत साम्य था) किन्तु पुलिस मानी नहीं। पन्द्रह दिन बाद जब पिताजी फिर उनके यहां भोजन करने गए तब बाबूलाल जी ने यह प्रसंग उन्हें बताया।

देश में चले सतत् आंदोलन के परिणाम स्वरूप तानाशाह प्रधानमंत्री इंदिरा गांधी को संसद के चुनाव कराने पर विवश होना पड़ा और चुनाव की घोषणा हुई। राजनैतिक दलों ने एकत्रित हो कर एक दल “जनता पार्टी” के चुनाव चिन्ह पर चुनाव लड़ा और कांग्रेस और उसके बड़े-बड़े नेताओं को धूल चटाई। इंदिरा गांधी, संजय गांधी जैसे नेता भी चुनाव हार गए । आपातकाल हटा , अखबारों से सेंसरशिप ख़त्म हुई, राजनैतिक/ सामाजिक कार्यकर्ताओं की जेल से रिहाई हुई, राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ से प्रतिबंध हटा देश में पुनः लोकतंत्र की स्थापना हुई और एक काले अध्याय का समापन हुआ। हम जैसे स्वयंसेवक पुनः पार्कों में एकत्रित होकर मस्ती में झूमकर गाने लगे . नमस्ते सदा वत्सले मातृभूमे …..

लोकतंत्र अमर रहे। भारत माता की जय।

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Ghaziabad’s advanced Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant, a state-of-the-art facility designed to treat and reuse 40 MLD (million litres per day) of wastewater. The treated water is distributed via a 95-km pipeline network to over 1,400 industrial units across the city.

In a historic leap for sustainable urban governance, Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam (GNN) has achieved a national first—successfully issuing India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban, this groundbreaking initiative raised ₹150 crore for a transformative urban infrastructure project: a Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP) that sets new benchmarks in water reuse, environmental responsibility, and fiscal innovation.

This is not just an engineering milestone; it represents a paradigm shift in how Indian cities must approach urban sustainability—by aligning policy, finance, and climate action into a unified development framework.

The Policy Imperative: Why Green Bonds Matter for Indian Cities

Urban India faces a triple challenge—rapid population growth, strained civic infrastructure, and increasing climate vulnerability. Municipalities are often underfunded, with limited capacity to finance long-term infrastructure. The issuance of Green Municipal Bonds addresses this gap by offering a financially viable and environmentally sustainable instrument to fund critical urban services.

Green bonds link capital markets with climate-positive outcomes, encouraging investor participation in sustainable development. Ghaziabad’s success proves that even a Tier-2 city can build credibility in financial markets when backed by transparent governance, policy alignment, and measurable environmental goals.

Inside the Innovation: Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP)

At the heart of the green bond project is Ghaziabad’s advanced Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant, a state-of-the-art facility designed to treat and reuse 40 MLD (million litres per day) of wastewater. It integrates Membrane Filtration Technologies—microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis—to purify sewage to industrial-grade standards.

This is not just high-end technology for its own sake. The treated water is distributed via a 95-km pipeline network to over 1,400 industrial units across the city. In doing so, the plant offsets freshwater consumption in manufacturing, reduces water stress, and closes the loop on municipal waste—turning a liability into an economic asset.

Policy Innovation: Blending Finance and Sustainability

What sets this project apart is its unique Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), which combines:

• 40% municipal funding
• 60% private sector participation
• A structured repayment mechanism over time, ensuring performance-based disbursements.

By leveraging this model, Ghaziabad minimized upfront costs, maintained operational oversight, and guaranteed service continuity. The ₹150 crore raised through the Certified Green Bond came with independent verification of environmental impact, attracting ESG-conscious investors and setting new standards for municipal financial governance.

Outcomes That Matter

• Water reuse at scale: Over 9.5 MLD of treated water contracted with 800+ firms.
• Reduction in groundwater extraction: Reduces pressure on aquifers and complies with National Water Policy goals.
• Recognition and replication: GNN was honoured with the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024-25, gaining national visibility.
• International academic interest: A delegation from West Suffolk College, UK, visited Ghaziabad to study its sustainability model, signaling global knowledge exchange.

Broader Implications: A Blueprint for Urban India

Ghaziabad’s model is replicable. It provides a policy-ready template for other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) aiming to:

• Decarbonize municipal services
• Diversify water supply sources
• Tap into green finance
• Improve governance and public accountability

This initiative aligns with India’s commitments under SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also dovetails with national efforts such as AMRUT 2.0, Jal Jeevan Mission–Urban, and the ClimateSmart Cities Alliance.

Viksit Bharat Starts at the Local Level

As India marches toward its vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, it is clear that sustainability must begin at the grassroots—within cities, wards, and municipalities. Ghaziabad’s pioneering Green Municipal Bond is a beacon for what’s possible when visionary leadership, policy innovation, and citizen-centric service delivery converge.

It is a timely reminder that climate action is not just a global agenda—it is a local governance priority. And Ghaziabad has shown that with the right mix of courage, collaboration, and competence, Indian cities can lead the green transition not just in theory, but in practice.

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India imports over 85% of its crude oil. Hydrogen offers a way to reduce this dependency, saving billions in foreign exchange. A NITI Aayog report estimates India’s green hydrogen market could exceed $8 billion by 2030.

As the world transitions from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, green hydrogen has emerged as a game-changer. With zero carbon emissions at the point of use, hydrogen offers immense potential in decarbonizing industries, transportation, and power. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has aggressively advanced its national hydrogen strategy, positioning itself as a global leader in this promising frontier.

India’s Strategic Vision for Green Hydrogen

Launched in 2021, the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is the cornerstone of India’s hydrogen roadmap. Backed by ₹19,744 crore (approximately $2.4 billion), the mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Key targets include:

• 5 MMT (million metric tonnes) of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
• 125 GW of renewable energy capacity dedicated to hydrogen production.
• Creation of over 600,000 jobs.
• Reduction of nearly 50 MMT of CO₂ emissions annually.

Scientific Innovations Driving Progress

A remarkable breakthrough in this journey has come from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Indian scientists have explored the role of Built-In Electric Fields (BIEF) and Gibbs Free Energy in proton adsorption for hydrogen production — a crucial step in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

They synthesized a CuO–CuWO₄ p-n heterojunction, demonstrating how the interplay between BIEF and free energy gradients can optimize hydrogen bonding. The research uncovered:

• Enhanced proton adsorption at the CuO phase.
• Efficient desorption at the CuWO₄ phase.
• A “negative cooperativity” effect improving HER efficiency.
• Publication in Advanced Energy Materials (2025), a leading journal.

This represents a leap in India’s electrocatalyst design, critical for low-cost and scalable hydrogen generation.

Why This Matters: Strategic and Economic Significance

Energy Security and Financial Independence:
India imports over 85% of its crude oil. Hydrogen offers a way to reduce this dependency, saving billions in foreign exchange. A NITI Aayog report estimates India’s green hydrogen market could exceed $8 billion by 2030.

Industrial Decarbonization:
Hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, fertilizers, and refineries. India’s industrial giants — such as Reliance Industries, NTPC, Adani, and Indian Oil Corporation — have announced billion-dollar investments in hydrogen ecosystems.

Global Leadership and Diplomacy:
Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance, India is driving South-South cooperation in green energy. Hydrogen strengthens its position as a climate leader on the world stage.

Modi Government’s Bold Policy Moves

• Hydrogen Hubs: States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra are being developed as hydrogen valleys with export infrastructure.
• PLI Scheme for Electrolysers: The government is incentivizing local manufacturing to reduce costs.
• R&D Boost: Through DST and CSIR labs, fundamental research is being accelerated to develop indigenous technologies and materials.
• Grid Integration and Storage: MNRE and CEA are working to ensure seamless integration of hydrogen with the national energy grid.

Global Interest and Investment

India is now attracting partnerships from countries like Germany, Japan, Australia, and the UAE. In 2023, Germany signed a €10 billion MoU for green hydrogen imports from India. Leading multinationals such as Siemens, Fortescue Future Industries, and TotalEnergies are also entering the Indian hydrogen space.

Challenges to Address

Despite strong momentum, challenges remain:

• Electrolyser Costs: Imported electrolysers currently raise costs. Scaling domestic production is essential.
• Water Usage: Green hydrogen requires clean water, a potential constraint in arid regions.
• Skilled Workforce: Upskilling engineers and technicians is crucial to operate this new economy.

The Modi government’s response includes launching Hydrogen Skill Councils and promoting public-private R&D consortia.

India’s Green Hydrogen Age is Here

India’s bold leap into the green hydrogen economy under Prime Minister Modi reflects visionary leadership, scientific ambition, and strategic foresight. By fusing innovation, policy, and global collaboration, India is not just catching up but leading the hydrogen race. With sustained investment, research, and international alliances, the country is poised to transform into a hydrogen superpower — one molecule at a time.

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WAVES 2025 isn’t just another industry expo; it’s a landmark platform bringing together visionaries, tech pioneers, investors, and creators under one roof.

From May 1st to 4th, 2025, the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai will be transformed into a dynamic epicenter of creativity, innovation, and global collaboration as it hosts WAVES 2025 – The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit. With over 15,000 square meters of exhibition space and 100+ powerhouse exhibitors — including Netflix, Meta, Sony, Amazon, Google, and India’s own Reliance, Dharma Productions, and Saregama — this global event is poised to redefine the boundaries of media and entertainment.

WAVES 2025 isn’t just another industry expo; it’s a landmark platform bringing together visionaries, tech pioneers, investors, and creators under one roof. From immersive technologies and generative AI to cutting-edge gaming, animation, and storytelling platforms, the summit presents a rare opportunity to witness the next big leap in entertainment and media.

Kala to Code: The Soul of Indian Storytelling

One of the most captivating features of WAVES 2025 is the Bharat Pavilion, a 1,470 Sqm celebration of India’s storytelling journey through the ages. Themed “Kala to Code”, it is designed to immerse visitors in four curated experiential zones — Shruti (oral traditions), Kriti (text and script), Drishti (visual storytelling), and Creator’s Leap (emerging tech and AI). This pavilion not only showcases India’s cultural heritage but also highlights its rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and the convergence of art with technology.

Adding to the cultural mosaic are dedicated State Pavilions, where leading creative states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, and Telangana will spotlight their unique film, media, and animation ecosystems. These pavilions will attract investors and content creators from across the globe, looking to tap into regional narratives and production talent.

Empowering the Future of M&E

Recognizing the importance of startups and MSMEs in shaping the future, WAVES 2025 will host a special MSME Pavilion and Startup Zones, offering emerging innovators access to key industry players, mentorship, and funding networks. These zones will serve as incubators of fresh ideas, driving disruption and digital transformation across the M&E landscape.

Another key highlight is the WAVES Gaming Arena, reflecting the exponential rise of India’s gaming industry. With participation from global giants like Microsoft Xbox, Dream11, Krafton, Nazara, and MPL, the arena will spotlight esports, gamification, immersive AR/VR technologies, and the deepening intersection of gaming with entertainment and education.

Beyond Showcase: A Platform for Policy, Progress, and Partnerships

WAVES 2025 is not just a marketplace for technologies and content — it’s a thought leadership forum. Panels, workshops, and high-level networking sessions will address the future of broadcasting, content monetization, generative AI, IP protection, and cross-border co-productions. Whether you’re a filmmaker seeking distribution, a tech firm offering AI tools, or a policymaker shaping the digital economy, WAVES offers fertile ground for partnerships that transcend borders.

Global Recognition, Indian Heartbeat

Hosted by the Government of India, WAVES is a strategic initiative to solidify India’s status as a global media powerhouse — not just in content production, but also in IP creation, tech innovation, and cultural export. It underscores India’s readiness to lead on the global stage, integrating its ancient traditions of storytelling with the promise of tomorrow’s immersive technologies.

Open to All, Designed for the Future

Open for business interactions from May 1–4, and public access on May 3–4, WAVES 2025 promises something for everyone — whether you are an aspiring creator, tech enthusiast, investor, or simply a curious visitor. With exhibition hours from 10 AM to 6 PM (till 5 PM on May 4), this mega-event is a must-attend spectacle for anyone invested in the future of media, entertainment, and technology.

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आज, जब भारत 1200 वर्षों बाद फिर एक ऐतिहासिक मोड़ पर खड़ा है, हमें आदि शंकराचार्य के कार्यों से प्रेरणा लेकर पुनः सांस्कृतिक पुनर्जागरण की ओर अग्रसर होना है। इस दिशा में प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के नेतृत्व में हो रहे प्रयास उसी परंपरा के आधुनिक रूप हैं।

आदि शंकराचार्य, केवल एक दार्शनिक या आध्यात्मिक गुरु नहीं थे, बल्कि वे भारत की सांस्कृतिक एकता और सनातन चेतना के अद्वितीय सूत्रधार थे। उनकी जयंती केवल स्मरण का अवसर नहीं है, बल्कि यह भारत की आत्मा को पुनः जागृत करने का क्षण है। 8वीं शताब्दी में जब भारतवर्ष विविधता में विभाजित था, आदि शंकराचार्य ने सम्पूर्ण भारत की पदयात्रा कर न केवल दार्शनिक समन्वय का कार्य किया, बल्कि राष्ट्रीय एकता का भी बीज बोया।

अद्वैत वेदांत की घोषणा कि “ब्रह्म सत्यं जगन्मिथ्या” ने यह स्पष्ट कर दिया कि समस्त प्राणी एक ही ब्रह्म के अंश हैं। उन्होंने शृंगेरी, द्वारका, पुरी और ज्योतिर्मठ जैसे चार पीठों की स्थापना की, जिससे भारत की आध्यात्मिक परंपरा को संस्थागत आधार मिला। शंकराचार्य का योगदान केवल दार्शनिक नहीं, बल्कि सांस्कृतिक और राष्ट्रीय एकता की दृष्टि से भी अमूल्य है।

आज, जब भारत 1200 वर्षों बाद फिर एक ऐतिहासिक मोड़ पर खड़ा है, हमें आदि शंकराचार्य के कार्यों से प्रेरणा लेकर पुनः सांस्कृतिक पुनर्जागरण की ओर अग्रसर होना है। इस दिशा में प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के नेतृत्व में हो रहे प्रयास उसी परंपरा के आधुनिक रूप हैं।

काशी-तमिल संगमम, सौराष्ट्र-तमिल संगमम और काशी-तेलुगु-कन्नड़ संगमम जैसे प्रयास यह प्रमाणित करती हैं कि भारत की आत्मा भाषा, क्षेत्र या जाति से नहीं बंटी है। यह एक सांस्कृतिक और आध्यात्मिक एकता में बसी हुई है। इन संगमों ने उत्तर-दक्षिण, पूरब-पश्चिम की दूरी को नहीं, बल्कि निकटता को रेखांकित किया है।

केदारनाथ और बद्रीनाथ धामों का पुनर्निर्माण, अयोध्या में श्रीराम मंदिर का भव्य निर्माण, ओंकारेश्वर में स्थापित ‘स्टैच्यू ऑफ ऑननेस’—आदि शंकराचार्य की 108 फुट ऊंची प्रतिमा—और महाकुंभ का सफल आयोजन यह दर्शाते हैं कि भारत अपनी विरासत को केवल संरक्षित ही नहीं कर रहा, वह उसे पुनः विश्व के समक्ष सशक्त रूप से प्रस्तुत कर रहा है।

यूनेस्को द्वारा भगवद गीता और नाट्यशास्त्र को विश्व धरोहर सूची में सम्मिलित किया जाना न केवल भारत की सांस्कृतिक श्रेष्ठता की पुष्टि है, बल्कि यह भारत के बौद्धिक और आध्यात्मिक योगदान की वैश्विक स्वीकृति भी है। यह सब उस सांस्कृतिक नेतृत्व का परिणाम है, जो आज भारत को केवल एक भूभाग नहीं, बल्कि एक जीवंत सभ्यता के रूप में प्रतिष्ठित कर रहा है।

युवा संगम जैसी पहलें भावी पीढ़ियों को एकसूत्र में बांध रही हैं, जिससे ‘एक भारत, श्रेष्ठ भारत’ की संकल्पना जीवंत हो रही है।

इसलिए आज, आदि शंकराचार्य की जयंती पर हमें न केवल श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करनी है, बल्कि उनके विचारों को 21वीं सदी के भारत के राष्ट्रीय चरित्र में आत्मसात करना है। संस्कृति, धर्म और राष्ट्रनिर्माण एक दूसरे से पृथक नहीं, बल्कि एक ही सतत धारा के अंग हैं।

आइए, हम भी शंकराचार्य की तरह संस्कृति के रक्षक और भारत की एकात्म चेतना के वाहक बनें। यही उनके प्रति सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि होगी।

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Key Objectives of the SMILE Program

The SMILE program focuses on four key pillars to revolutionize India’s logistics landscape:

1. Strengthening Institutional Frameworks – Establishing governance structures at national, state, and city levels for integrated logistics planning.
2. Standardizing Warehousing and Logistics Assets – Improving supply chain efficiency by ensuring uniformity in warehousing practices, thereby attracting private sector investment.
3. Enhancing External Trade Logistics – Boosting India’s performance on the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) through digital trade facilitation.
4. Adopting Smart and Green Logistics Solutions – Implementing low-emission logistics systems to support sustainable supply chain practices.

Impact on India’s Logistics Performance

Efficient logistics are critical to economic growth, and India has been making significant progress:

• India’s rank in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) improved from 54 in 2014 to 38 in 2023.
• Logistics costs currently stand at 12-14% of GDP, compared to 8-9% in developed economies. The Modi government aims to bring this down to 8% by 2030, making Indian industries more competitive globally.
• The implementation of NLP and Gati Shakti has reduced port dwell time from 100 hours to 48 hours, facilitating smoother trade logistics.

Aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

By fostering an efficient logistics ecosystem, the SMILE program directly supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India by:

• Strengthening domestic manufacturing – A streamlined supply chain reduces production bottlenecks, improving output efficiency.
• Enhancing export competitiveness – Better logistics mean reduced lead times, improving India’s position in global trade.
• Attracting private investment – Standardized logistics infrastructure encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs), leading to a more robust logistics network.

Digital Transformation in Trade Logistics

The Modi government has emphasized digitalization as a key enabler for logistics efficiency. The SMILE program promotes:

• Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) – Integrating all logistics-related digital services under a single framework.
• E-Logistics Marketplaces – Facilitating real-time tracking of shipments, leading to 30% improvement in delivery efficiency.
• Paperless Trade Facilitation – Enabling faster customs clearance and reducing administrative bottlenecks.

Gender Inclusion in Logistics

A significant and progressive aspect of the SMILE program is its commitment to gender inclusion. The initiative includes:

• Gender audit of land ports to ensure women-friendly trade infrastructure.
• Assessment of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) to improve gender responsiveness.
• Encouraging female participation in logistics workforce, aligning with the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (2020-23).

Long-Term Benefits and Economic Resilience

The SMILE program is expected to:

• Create millions of job opportunities across warehousing, supply chain management, and trade logistics.
• Reduce logistics costs by up to 5%, improving India’s cost competitiveness in global trade.
• Increase private sector participation in infrastructure development, further strengthening the economy.
• Enhance India’s status as a global manufacturing and supply chain hub, boosting GDP growth.

The Narendra Modi government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transforming India’s logistics ecosystem, and the SMILE program is a testament to that vision. By integrating infrastructure development, digital innovation, and sustainable practices, India is set to emerge as a global leader in logistics efficiency. With initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, NLP, and SMILE, the government is not only improving trade logistics but also fostering economic growth and global competitiveness for Viksit Bharat 2047.

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PRASHAD scheme has sanctioned 48 projects across 27 states and union territories promoting India’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy while driving economic growth and sustainable development.

India, a land of diverse cultures and spirituality, has always been a haven for pilgrimage tourism. Recognizing its immense potential to boost tourism, generate employment, and enhance the country’s heritage, the Government of India launched the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scheme has become a cornerstone in promoting India’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy while driving economic growth and sustainable development.

Objectives of the PRASHAD Scheme

The PRASHAD scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to rejuvenate pilgrimage sites by improving infrastructure and services. It focuses on developing tourism infrastructure in an integrated, inclusive, and sustainable manner. The key objectives include:

• Enhancing the pilgrim experience through modern amenities.
• Boosting employment opportunities for local communities.
• Promoting skill development and capacity-building initiatives.
• Ensuring sustainability through eco-friendly practices.

Achievements Under PRASHAD

Since its inception, the scheme has sanctioned 48 projects across 27 states and union territories, with a cumulative sanctioned amount running into hundreds of crores. The success stories include:

1. Andhra Pradesh: Development of pilgrimage amenities at iconic sites like Amaravati, Srisailam Temple, and Simhachalam, showcasing 100% progress in projects initiated in earlier years.
2. Assam: The renowned Kamakhya Temple has seen a complete transformation, with state-of-the-art facilities enhancing the pilgrim experience.
3. Gujarat: Key sites like Dwarka and Somnath were developed under the scheme, with amenities such as promenades, ghats, and sound-and-light shows.
4. Varanasi: The Varanasi Phase-I project in Uttar Pradesh revitalized one of India’s holiest cities, integrating modern facilities while preserving its spiritual essence.

Employment and Community Development

A significant aspect of the PRASHAD scheme is its contribution to employment generation. By involving local communities in skill development and hospitality training, the scheme has enabled residents to find meaningful employment opportunities. Additionally, the integration of features like solid waste management systems, solar panels, and CCTV installations ensures that the projects adhere to sustainable and safe practices.

PRASHAD and the Special Assistance Scheme (SASCI)

Complementing PRASHAD, the government has also launched the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI), with an allocation of ₹3,295.76 crore for 40 projects across 23 states. This initiative aims to elevate iconic tourist centers to global standards, leveraging India’s cultural and historical assets.

Transforming Pilgrimage Tourism: By the Numbers

• 48 projects sanctioned under PRASHAD across 27 states/UTs.
• Major milestones: Projects in Srisailam, Dwarka, Amaravati, and Kamakhya Temple achieved 100% completion.
• Projects focus on diverse elements such as tourist facilitation centers, multi-level parking, ghats, and sound and light shows.
• Integration of modern systems like solid waste management and renewable energy sources ensures sustainable tourism.

Impact of the Modi Government’s Vision

Under PM Modi’s leadership, the focus on cultural heritage and tourism development has not only elevated India’s global standing but also empowered local communities. The PRASHAD scheme exemplifies the government’s commitment to preserving India’s spiritual heritage while fostering economic growth. By aligning tourism development with the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), the Modi government is setting a benchmark in public policy and governance.

The PRASHAD scheme is a testimony to the Modi government’s visionary approach to inclusive and sustainable development. It has transformed India’s pilgrimage tourism landscape by blending cultural preservation with modern infrastructure. As the nation progresses toward its goal of becoming a global tourism hub, initiatives like PRASHAD will play a pivotal role in realizing the dream of New India—a nation proud of its heritage and committed to its future.

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The India-New Zealand Joint Statement marks a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two nations. With agreements spanning trade, security, science, education, and cultural cooperation, the visit has set the stage for a dynamic and forward-looking bilateral relationship.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, embarked on his first official visit to India from March 16-20, 2025. This historic visit, encompassing New Delhi and Mumbai, underscored the deepening partnership between the two nations, focusing on trade, security, education, and people-to-people ties. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including key ministers and business representatives, PM Luxon’s visit has paved the way for a stronger, future-oriented relationship.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The discussions between the two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Anchored in democratic values and robust cultural ties, India and New Zealand recognized the untapped potential in trade, investment, defence, technology, and mobility. PM Luxon, as the Chief Guest at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, emphasized the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting shared aspirations for a stable and rules-based international order.

A notable aspect of the visit was the recognition of the vibrant Indian diaspora in New Zealand, which constitutes nearly six percent of its population. Both leaders committed to ensuring the safety and security of the Indian community in New Zealand, as well as New Zealanders residing in India.

Boosting Trade and Economic Cooperation

The leaders acknowledged the growing economic synergy between India and New Zealand and welcomed the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations aimed at fostering deeper economic integration. The proposed agreement is expected to unlock new avenues for trade, investment, and digital cooperation, with both nations designating senior representatives to expedite discussions.

A major highlight was the signing of the Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA), which aims to facilitate smoother trade by streamlining customs processes. Additionally, new collaborations in horticulture and forestry were formalized through Memorandums of Cooperation, ensuring knowledge exchange and market expansion. Tourism was also emphasized, with an updated Air Services Agreement paving the way for direct flight operations.

Expanding Defence and Security Engagements

Defence cooperation emerged as a crucial pillar in bilateral relations, with the signing of the India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Cooperation. This agreement seeks to enhance military exchanges, maritime security discussions, and collaborative training programs. Notably, New Zealand welcomed India’s membership in the Combined Maritime Forces and expressed interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), reflecting a shared vision for a secure Indo-Pacific.

Science, Technology, and Disaster Management Cooperation

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of scientific collaboration, particularly in climate change mitigation, disaster management, and innovation. New Zealand reaffirmed its support for India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), enhancing cooperation on sustainable infrastructure development. Additionally, discussions on earthquake mitigation cooperation signaled a proactive approach toward disaster resilience.

Education, Mobility, and Cultural Exchanges

With India emerging as a key education partner for New Zealand, the signing of the refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement marked a significant step towards greater academic collaboration. The agreement will facilitate student exchanges, research partnerships, and skill development programs.

A major breakthrough was the launch of negotiations for an arrangement to facilitate the mobility of professionals and skilled workers. This agreement is expected to enhance workforce mobility while addressing concerns related to irregular migration.

In the realm of sports and culture, India and New Zealand celebrated a century of sporting engagement through a new Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports. The leaders also encouraged deeper cultural exchanges, fostering ties through music, dance, and cinema.

Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation

India and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligning their efforts through regional platforms such as the East Asia Summit and ASEAN-led fora. A major diplomatic breakthrough was New Zealand’s endorsement of India’s candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council, reinforcing India’s role in global governance.

The India-New Zealand Joint Statement marks a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two nations. With agreements spanning trade, security, science, education, and cultural cooperation, the visit has set the stage for a dynamic and forward-looking bilateral relationship. As both countries continue to build on their shared values and strategic interests, this partnership is poised to contribute significantly to regional stability and global prosperity.

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PB-SHABD, प्रसार भारती द्वारा शुरू की गई एक अत्याधुनिक 24×7 साझा समाचार सेवा है, जो पूरे भारत में मीडिया संगठनों को विश्वसनीय, सरकारी प्रमाणित समाचार सामग्री निःशुल्क प्रदान करती है।

यह पहल विशेष रूप से छोटे और उभरते मीडिया प्लेटफार्मों के लिए फायदेमंद है, जो संसाधनों की कमी के कारण उच्च-गुणवत्ता वाली खबरों को एकत्रित और सत्यापित करने में कठिनाई का सामना करते हैं।

PB-SHABD क्या है?

मार्च 2024 में लॉन्च किया गया Prasar Bharati – Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD) मीडिया जगत के लिए गेम-चेंजर साबित हुआ है। यह एक साझा समाचार फीड सेवा है, जो वीडियो, ऑडियो, टेक्स्ट और फोटो सहित विभिन्न स्वरूपों में लोगो-रहित समाचार सामग्री प्रदान करती है।

अब जब PB-SHABD अपनी पहली वर्षगांठ मना रहा है, प्रसार भारती ने इसकी मुफ्त सदस्यता मार्च 2026 तक बढ़ा दी है, जिससे डिजिटल प्लेटफॉर्म, समाचार पोर्टलों और प्रसारकों को विश्वसनीय समाचारों तक आसान पहुंच मिल सके।

PB-SHABD क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है?

PB-SHABD मीडिया उद्योग के लिए एक क्रांतिकारी पहल है। आइए जानते हैं इसके प्रमुख लाभ:

1. समाचार की उपलब्धता की असमानता को दूर करना

छोटे और क्षेत्रीय मीडिया संगठनों को विश्वसनीय समाचार सामग्री प्राप्त करने में कठिनाइयों का सामना करना पड़ता है। PB-SHABD इस अंतर को भरते हुए प्रसार भारती से आधिकारिक और सत्यापित समाचार प्रदान करता है, जिससे ये संगठन अधिक भरोसेमंद समाचार प्रकाशित कर सकते हैं।

चूंकि यह सेवा पूरी तरह मुफ्त है, इसलिए छोटे और क्षेत्रीय मीडिया प्लेटफार्मों को बड़ी मीडिया कंपनियों के साथ प्रतिस्पर्धा करने में मदद मिलती है।

2. व्यापक नेटवर्क और व्यापक कवरेज

PB-SHABD को 1500 से अधिक रिपोर्टर्स, संवाददाताओं और स्ट्रिंगर्स का समर्थन प्राप्त है, और यह 60 समर्पित संपादकीय डेस्क द्वारा संचालित होता है। इसकी विशेषताएं:

1000+ दैनिक समाचार 
50+ श्रेणियों में कवरेज, जैसे:

• कृषि
• प्रौद्योगिकी
• विदेशी मामले
• राजनीतिक घटनाक्रम
• पर्यावरण एवं जलवायु
• स्वास्थ्य और विज्ञान

इस विशाल नेटवर्क की बदौलत मीडिया संगठनों को वास्तविक समय में अद्यतन समाचार मिलते हैं, जिससे स्वतंत्र रूप से समाचार एकत्र करने और सत्यापन की आवश्यकता समाप्त हो जाती है।

3. बहुभाषी उपलब्धता

भारत की भाषाई विविधता को ध्यान में रखते हुए, PB-SHABD सभी प्रमुख भारतीय भाषाओं में समाचार प्रदान करता है। इसके लाभ:

क्षेत्रीय दर्शकों तक व्यापक पहुंच
गैर-हिंदी और गैर-अंग्रेजी भाषी समुदायों के लिए समावेशन
स्थानीय मीडिया संगठनों के लिए बेहतर अनुकूलन

इससे क्षेत्रीय पत्रकारिता को बढ़ावा मिलता है और हर कोने तक प्रमाणिक समाचार पहुंचते हैं।

4. विश्वसनीय और लोगो-रहित सामग्री

PB-SHABD की सबसे अनूठी विशेषता इसका लोगो-रहित (logo-free) कंटेंट है। अन्य समाचार एजेंसियों के विपरीत, PB-SHABD:

मीडिया संगठनों को बिना किसी ब्रांडिंग या क्रेडिट की आवश्यकता के सामग्री का उपयोग करने की अनुमति देता है।
समाचारों, वीडियो और छवियों को स्वतंत्र रूप से प्रकाशित करने में सहायक होता है।
डिजिटल, प्रिंट और प्रसारण मीडिया के लिए इसे अत्यधिक सुविधाजनक बनाता है।

5. लाइव फीड्स और पुरालेख (आर्काइव) तक पहुंच

PB-SHABD केवल स्थिर समाचार रिपोर्ट ही नहीं देता, बल्कि यह निम्नलिखित सुविधाएं भी प्रदान करता है:

प्रमुख राष्ट्रीय घटनाओं की लाइव कवरेज, जैसे:

• सरकारी अधिकारियों की प्रेस वार्ता
• प्रमुख नीति घोषणाएं
• गणतंत्र दिवस, स्वतंत्रता दिवस, चुनाव और शिखर सम्मेलन जैसी राष्ट्रीय घटनाएं

पुरालेख (आर्काइव) तक पहुंच, जिससे मीडिया संस्थान:

• पूर्व समाचार रिपोर्ट प्राप्त कर सकते हैं
• ऐतिहासिक फुटेज का उपयोग कर सकते हैं
• विस्तृत रिपोर्टिंग के लिए क्यूरेटेड न्यूज़ पैकेज का लाभ उठा सकते हैं

यह सुविधा विशेष रूप से मीडिया संगठनों के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है, जो समाचारों का विश्लेषण और विस्तृत रिपोर्टिंग करना चाहते हैं।

PB-SHABD की प्रमुख विशेषताएं

24/7 न्यूज़ हब: पूरे दिन और रात उपलब्ध समाचार सेवा
लाइव फीड्स: महत्वपूर्ण घटनाओं की सतत कवरेज
मीडिया रिपॉजिटरी: साक्षात्कार, संपादकीय, मौसम अपडेट और पुरालेख तक पहुंच
कोई क्रेडिट आवश्यक नहीं: समाचार सामग्री का उपयोग बिना किसी स्रोत को श्रेय दिए किया जा सकता है
सरल पंजीकरण प्रक्रिया: मीडिया संगठन shabd.prasarbharati.org पर पंजीकरण कर सकते हैं

PB-SHABD मीडिया संगठनों को कैसे लाभ पहुंचाता है?

खर्च में बचत: मार्च 2026 तक मुफ्त सेवा से छोटे मीडिया संगठनों की सामग्री खरीदने की लागत घटेगी।
समय की बचत: रेडी-टू-यूज़, सत्यापित समाचार सामग्री से क्यूरेशन और सत्यापन में लगने वाला समय कम होगा।
विश्वसनीय स्रोत: प्रसार भारती का हिस्सा होने के कारण, PB-SHABD समाचारों की प्रामाणिकता और विश्वसनीयता सुनिश्चित करता है।
विविध सामग्री उपलब्धता: विशेष साक्षात्कार, क्यूरेटेड रिपोर्ट, ब्रेकिंग न्यूज़ और क्षेत्रीय अपडेट सहित संपूर्ण समाचार कवरेज अनुभव।

PB-SHABD से जुड़े रहें

नवीनतम अपडेट और समाचारों के लिए PB-SHABD को सोशल मीडिया पर फॉलो करें:

X (पूर्व में ट्विटर): https://x.com/PBSHABD
इंस्टाग्राम: https://www.instagram.com/pbshabd/

PB-SHABD एक परिवर्तनकारी पहल है, जो मीडिया संगठनों को उच्च-गुणवत्ता वाली समाचार सामग्री प्रदान कर निष्पक्ष और स्वतंत्र पत्रकारिता के लिए एक मजबूत आधार तैयार कर रहा है। इसकी विस्तृत पहुंच, बहुभाषी उपलब्धता और पारदर्शिता भारत में समाचार प्रसारण को नए आयाम दे रही है।

PB-SHABD के साथ भविष्य की पत्रकारिता को सशक्त बनाएं!

The post PB-SHABD: विश्वसनीय, किफ़ायती व प्रमाणिक पत्रकारिता का सार्थक प्रयास appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

PB-SHABD is a groundbreaking initiative by Prasar Bharati that serves as a 24/7 shared news feed service, designed to provide reliable, government-backed news content to media organizations across India.

It plays a crucial role in democratizing access to verified news, particularly benefiting smaller and emerging media platforms that often lack the resources to source and verify high-quality content.

Launched in March 2024, Prasar Bharati-Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD) has rapidly emerged as a game-changer in the media landscape. Designed as a shared feed service, PB-SHABD provides logo-free news content in multiple formats—including video, audio, text, and photos—enabling media organizations, especially smaller ones, to access high-quality, credible news materials with ease.

As PB-SHABD marks its first anniversary, Prasar Bharati has extended its free subscription till March 2026, reinforcing its commitment to supporting news portals, broadcasters, and digital platforms across the country. This initiative ensures that credible, government-backed news remains accessible, reliable, and comprehensive.

Why PB-SHABD is Important

Here’s why PB-SHABD is a game-changer in the media ecosystem:

1. Bridging the News Gap

Many regional and digital media organizations struggle with access to authentic, real-time news content due to limited resources or reliance on third-party sources that may lack credibility. PB-SHABD fills this gap by offering official, verified news from Prasar Bharati—India’s national public broadcaster—ensuring that news portals and broadcasters can report with confidence.

Since PB-SHABD provides free access to high-quality content, it levels the playing field for small, regional, and emerging media houses, enabling them to compete with larger, well-funded organizations.

2. Extensive Network & Comprehensive Coverage

PB-SHABD is powered by a vast network of over 1500 reporters, correspondents, and stringers, supported by 60 dedicated edit desks operating round the clock. This ensures:

Real-time updates from across the country

Coverage of 1000+ daily news stories

Diverse reporting on over 50 news categories, including:

• Agriculture
• Technology
• Foreign Affairs
• Political Developments
• Environment & Climate
• Health & Science

The platform ensures that media organizations have instant access to the latest news, eliminating the need for independent news-gathering and verification.

3. Multilingual Accessibility

India is a linguistically diverse nation, and the demand for news in regional languages is growing rapidly. PB-SHABD recognizes this need by providing news content in all major Indian languages. This ensures:

• Wider reach among regional audiences
• Enhanced inclusivity for non-English and non-Hindi-speaking communities
• Better adaptability for media organizations serving specific linguistic demographics

By offering content in multiple languages, PB-SHABD strengthens regional journalism and makes credible news accessible to every corner of India.

4. Reliable & Logo-Free Content

One of PB-SHABD’s most unique features is its logo-free content. Unlike many other news services that require branding or attribution, PB-SHABD allows media organizations to:

• Seamlessly integrate content into their platforms
• Use text, video, and images without crediting Prasar Bharati
• Maintain their own brand identity without external logos

This makes it highly convenient for digital, print, and broadcast media, as they can repurpose content without any restrictions.

5. Live Feeds & Archival Access

PB-SHABD doesn’t just provide static news reports—it also offers:

Live coverage of key national events, such as:

• Press briefings by government officials
• Major policy announcements
• Events of national importance (e.g., Republic Day, Independence Day, elections, and summits)

Archival Access: A media repository where media houses can:

• Retrieve past news reports
• Access historical footage
• Use curated news packages for in-depth reporting

This feature is invaluable for media organizations looking to provide contextual analysis, background stories, or retrospective news features.

Key Features of PB-SHABD

• 24/7 News Hub: Round-the-clock availability of news, ensuring that media organizations can access breaking news updates instantly.
• Live Feeds: Continuous coverage of major events, making real-time reporting seamless for media outlets.
• Media Repository: Access to an extensive library of archived footage, interviews, editorial pieces, and daily weather updates.
• No Attribution Needed: Content from PB-SHABD can be used freely without crediting the source.
• Simple Sign-up Process: Media organizations can register at shabd.prasarbharati.org for quick access.

How PB-SHABD Benefits Media Organizations

• Cost Savings: With free access extended till March 2026, smaller media outlets can significantly reduce content procurement costs.
• Time Efficiency: Ready-to-use, verified news content saves time in content curation and verification.
• Reliable Source: Being part of Prasar Bharati, India’s national public broadcaster, ensures authenticity and credibility.
• Diverse Content Availability: From special interviews and curated reports to breaking news and regional updates, PB-SHABD offers a holistic news coverage experience.

Stay Updated with PB-SHABD

For the latest updates and insights, follow PB-SHABD on social media:

• X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/PBSHABD
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbshabd/

PB-SHABD stands as a transformative initiative, empowering media organizations with high-quality news content while fostering an ecosystem of free and fair journalism. With its extensive reach, multilingual accessibility, and commitment to transparency, PB-SHABD is set to redefine the way news is disseminated across India.

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Understanding Soil Fertility Mapping

Soil Fertility Mapping is a scientific approach to analyzing soil composition and nutrient levels across different regions. By generating district and village-wise digital soil fertility maps, the government provides farmers with crucial data on pH levels, organic carbon content, essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micro-nutrients such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and boron. This information, made available through the Soil Health Card (SHC), enables farmers to make informed decisions on fertilizer use, ensuring optimal soil health and higher productivity.

The Role of Soil Health Cards (SHC)

The Soil Health Card Scheme, launched in 2015, is a landmark initiative that assists farmers in judicious use of chemical fertilizers by promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). The scheme encourages the use of organic manures, bio-fertilizers, and secondary/micro-nutrients to enhance soil fertility. Farmers receive personalized recommendations on nutrient application based on soil testing, helping them avoid overuse or deficiency of essential nutrients.

Technological Advancements in Soil Fertility Mapping

The Modi government has integrated cutting-edge technology into soil health assessment. Geospatial techniques, remote sensing, and AI-based tools are being extensively used in soil fertility mapping.

• Each SHC soil sampling point is geo-coded using GPS, ensuring precise location-based tracking.
• Unique QR Codes are assigned to each soil sample, allowing seamless data retention and analysis.
• Farmers can access their SHCs online by entering their registered mobile numbers, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

Progress and Achievements in Maharashtra

As a testimony to the success of this initiative, soil fertility maps have been generated for 351 villages across 34 districts of Maharashtra. These maps provide spatial data on nutrient composition, helping farmers optimize fertilizer use, reduce costs, and maximize productivity. Such precise data-driven approaches significantly reduce environmental damage caused by indiscriminate fertilizer application.

Overcoming Challenges in Remote and Hilly Areas

While soil testing and mapping face logistical challenges in remote and hilly areas, the government has established Village Level Soil Testing Labs and Mini Labs to bridge the gap. These decentralized units ensure that even farmers in the most inaccessible areas benefit from accurate soil analysis and balanced fertilizer recommendations.

Impact on Agriculture and Economic Growth

Soil fertility mapping has transformed Indian agriculture by:

1. Preventing soil degradation through targeted fertilizer application.
2. Enhancing crop productivity by ensuring proper nutrient balance.
3. Reducing input costs by eliminating unnecessary fertilizer usage.
4. Boosting farmers’ income by increasing yield efficiency.
5. Encouraging sustainable agriculture by promoting organic and bio-fertilizer use.

Modi Government’s Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare

The Soil Fertility Mapping initiative under the Modi government exemplifies a progressive approach to agricultural sustainability. By adopting advanced technology, ensuring accessibility, and promoting balanced fertilizer usage, this initiative has empowered millions of farmers across India. With continued efforts, the government is laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem, driving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in agriculture.

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A remarkable 1,521 awareness workshops were conducted across 35 States/UTs, 599 districts, 493 blocks/tehsils, and 134 gram panchayats, reaching over 3.08 lakh beneficiaries.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) marked Safer Internet Day on February 11, 2025, with a comprehensive nationwide awareness campaign under the theme ‘Together for a Better Internet.’ This initiative underscored the government’s commitment to promoting cyber hygiene, enhancing digital literacy, and strengthening national cybersecurity resilience.

A Nationwide Cyber Awareness Drive

The campaign, organized under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) program, saw the active participation of various institutions, including NIC, NIXI, C-DAC, NIELIT, MyGov, and NeGD. A remarkable 1,521 awareness workshops were conducted across 35 States/UTs, 599 districts, 493 blocks/tehsils, and 134 gram panchayats, reaching over 3.08 lakh beneficiaries. These sessions provided essential guidance on cyber threat mitigation, digital security best practices, and responsible online behavior, ensuring inclusivity by covering rural and urban populations alike.

Strengthening Digital Resilience Through Mass Outreach

Recognizing the importance of multi-platform engagement, MeitY leveraged traditional and digital media channels to maximize outreach. Cyber awareness messages, expert interviews, and informational content were disseminated in 11 major Indian languages via FM stations, Prasar Bharati, and Vividh Bharati networks, reaching an estimated 2.27 crore listeners. Meanwhile, the campaign’s digital engagement, driven by MyGov, NIC, and ISEA teams, resulted in over 5.49 lakh social media impressions and 63.57 lakh views across 680 creative posts. This hybrid approach ensured widespread access to vital cybersecurity information.

Empowering Government Officials with Digital Security Tools

A significant highlight of the initiative was an online workshop titled ‘Navigating the Digital Highway: Safeguarding Your Online Journey.’ Engaging 1,217 government officials from various ministries, departments, and organizations, the session emphasized best cybersecurity practices. It introduced critical security tools such as PIC2MAP, deviceinfo.me, coveryourtracks.eff.org, stopNCII.org, and SecureEraser, demonstrating their application in verifying online content authenticity, preventing identity fraud, analyzing device fingerprints, and securing personal data. The workshop’s practical approach was widely appreciated, reinforcing cybersecurity preparedness among key decision-makers.

Building a Cyber-Aware Workforce: The ISEA Project

MeitY’s commitment to long-term cybersecurity education is embodied in the ISEA Project. With the launch of ISEA Phase-III in October 2023, the initiative aims to train 2.25 lakh individuals over the next five years. This includes 45,000 skilled and certified cybersecurity professionals and 2.3 lakh students and researchers in formal and non-formal courses. Additionally, the Cyber Aware Digital Naagrik campaign aims to extend cyber awareness training to over 12 crore beneficiaries, spanning school children, teachers, college students, faculty, women, senior citizens, government employees, MSMEs, and NGOs. These efforts align with India’s broader vision of becoming a digitally secure and self-reliant nation.

A Unified Effort for a Secure Digital India

MeitY’s proactive approach in spearheading cyber awareness reflects its dedication to fostering a safe and responsible digital ecosystem. The extensive outreach and educational initiatives under the ISEA Project will not only empower individuals with cybersecurity knowledge but also strengthen India’s defense against emerging cyber threats. As digital adoption accelerates, sustained efforts in cyber hygiene awareness will play a crucial role in ensuring a resilient digital infrastructure for the nation.

For further resources and cybersecurity awareness materials, visit ISEA and Stay Safe Online.

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The overall budget for tribal development has seen a remarkable rise, increasing from ₹10,237.33 crore in 2024-25 to ₹14,925.81 crore in 2025-26, reflecting a 45.79% increase. Since 2014-15, the budget has grown by 231.83%, underscoring the government’s sustained focus on tribal welfare.

TRIFED: Driving Economic Empowerment of Tribal Communities

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been actively working to enhance the economic conditions of tribal communities. Its mission revolves around promoting socio-economic development by enabling tribal artisans to access larger markets and fair pricing for their products.

Van Dhan Yojana: Transforming Tribal Livelihoods

Launched on April 14, 2018, the Van Dhan Yojana is a flagship initiative under the ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) & Development of Value Chain for MFP.’ Implemented by TRIFED as the nodal agency, this scheme aims to generate livelihood opportunities for tribal gatherers by transforming them into entrepreneurs.

Under this initiative, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKCs) have been established in tribal-dominated districts, where tribal Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engage in the collection, value addition, and marketing of MFPs. Each VDVK cluster comprises 15 tribal SHGs with about 300 beneficiaries. The initiative, 100% funded by the Central Government, provides ₹15 lakhs per cluster to support tribal entrepreneurship, ensuring a sustainable source of income for forest-dwelling communities.

Since its inception, the Van Dhan Yojana has benefited over 11.83 lakh tribal individuals, enhancing their income and fostering sustainable development. With substantial funding of ₹587 crore, the scheme has empowered forest-dependent communities to become self-reliant and move up the value chain from raw material suppliers to producers of high-value finished goods.

TRIBES INDIA: Bridging Tribal Products with Global Markets

To support the economic welfare of tribal artisans, TRIFED launched TRIBES INDIA in 1999, opening its first retail outlet in New Delhi. Today, TRIBES INDIA has expanded to 117 retail outlets across the country. TRIFED operates 15 regional offices to source handicrafts, handlooms, and natural food products from tribal artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These products are marketed through 35 own showrooms, 8 consignment showrooms, exhibitions, and the e-commerce platform www.tribesindia.com.

This initiative has enabled more than 200 tribal communities residing in remote regions to preserve and showcase their traditional arts and crafts, ensuring fair pricing and global exposure for their products.

Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives: Strengthening Tribal Enterprises

To further its mission, TRIFED has entered into several strategic partnerships aimed at facilitating tribal entrepreneurship and enhancing market access. Some notable collaborations include:

Aadi Mahotsav: Celebrating Tribal Excellence and Entrepreneurship

Aadi Mahotsav, TRIFED’s flagship initiative, is an annual event that celebrates India’s rich tribal heritage, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce. The 2025 edition, held from 16th to 24th February at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, brought together:

• 600+ tribal artisans from 30+ States and Union Territories
• 500 performing artists showcasing tribal dance forms
• 25 tribal food stalls presenting indigenous cuisines
• Live painting sessions by tribal artisans
• 20 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and 35 training institutes collaborating with tribal entrepreneurs
• 25+ MoUs signed with design institutes and corporate houses

The theme, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce,” encapsulated the essence of tribal life and economic self-reliance.

Building a Self-Reliant Tribal Economy

TRIFED’s initiatives, including Van Dhan Yojana, TRIBES INDIA, and Aadi Mahotsav, are fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing market access, and preserving traditional crafts. Through strategic partnerships, retail expansion, and cultural events, these programs create sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance for tribal communities while celebrating their rich heritage. The future of India’s tribal economy lies in empowering artisans, ensuring fair trade, and integrating them into the national and global markets.

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This facility, along with its 12 regional stations, currently stores 0.47 million accessions of plant material. These accessions include cereals (0.17 million), millets (over 60,600), legumes (over 69,200), oilseeds (more than 63,500), and vegetables (nearly 30,000).

In a landmark announcement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has declared the establishment of a second Gene Bank to conserve India’s rich genetic resources. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to food security and biodiversity conservation, ensuring that future generations have access to vital genetic material crucial for agricultural sustainability.

The Role of a Gene Bank

A Gene Bank serves as a repository for genetic materials such as seeds, pollen, and tissue samples from different plant species. These collections are essential for protecting biodiversity, preserving important crop varieties, and preventing extinction. Genetic material stored in these banks is used for research, conservation, and crop breeding, playing a crucial role in developing resilient agricultural systems.

India’s First Gene Bank and Its Achievements

India’s first Gene Bank was established in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi. This facility, along with its 12 regional stations, currently stores 0.47 million accessions of plant material. These accessions include cereals (0.17 million), millets (over 60,600), legumes (over 69,200), oilseeds (more than 63,500), and vegetables (nearly 30,000). This extensive genetic repository has been instrumental in supporting breeding programs, research, and conservation efforts.

The Need for a Second Gene Bank

Recognizing the increasing threats to biodiversity posed by climate change, natural disasters, and geopolitical uncertainties, the Ministry of Finance has proposed the establishment of a second National Gene Bank in the 2025-26 budget. This facility will house an impressive 10 lakh (1 million) germplasm lines, significantly bolstering India’s genetic resource management capabilities.

Strengthening India’s Position in Global Biodiversity Conservation

India is home to over 811 cultivated crop species and 902 crop wild relatives, making it one of the most biodiversity-rich nations in the world. The second Gene Bank will reinforce India’s leadership in global biodiversity conservation by preserving plant genetic resources (PGR) critical for agricultural resilience and food security. The facility will also support international conservation efforts, particularly in SAARC and BRICS nations, by providing expertise and infrastructure to countries with limited PGR capabilities.

A Safety Net for Genetic Diversity

With global agricultural biodiversity under threat from environmental and human-made disruptions, the establishment of a second Gene Bank will act as a safety net, ensuring the protection of irreplaceable germplasm. The redundancy created by a second facility will enhance the security of stored genetic material, providing a robust backup in case of unforeseen calamities.

India’s Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

This initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and ensuring long-term ecological balance. The second Gene Bank will serve as a cornerstone for future-ready agricultural practices, aiding researchers, farmers, and policymakers in building climate-resilient farming systems.

The establishment of India’s second Gene Bank is a strategic move to safeguard agricultural biodiversity and secure food security for future generations. By reinforcing its genetic conservation infrastructure, India is taking a significant step towards becoming a global leader in biodiversity conservation while ensuring sustainable agricultural growth and resilience against future challenges.

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As of December 2024, 27 million women were actively monitoring their credit scores, reflecting a shift towards financial independence and responsible borrowing.

In a significant step towards financial inclusion and empowerment, NITI Aayog has launched a report titled “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story.” The report, published in collaboration with TransUnion CIBIL and MicroSave Consulting (MSC), highlights the increasing participation of women in India’s financial landscape, particularly in accessing credit and monitoring their credit scores.

Key Findings: Growing Financial Awareness Among Women

The report reveals a 42% year-over-year increase in women borrowers, indicating a surge in financial literacy and credit awareness. As of December 2024, 27 million women were actively monitoring their credit scores, reflecting a shift towards financial independence and responsible borrowing.

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog played a crucial role in compiling this study, underscoring the importance of gender-inclusive financial growth.

Government’s Commitment to Women Entrepreneurs

During the launch event, Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized the need for accessible finance to support women entrepreneurs. He stated, “Access to finance is a fundamental enabler for women’s entrepreneurship. The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive ecosystem that promotes financial literacy, credit accessibility, mentorship, and market linkages. However, ensuring equitable financial access requires a collective effort from financial institutions and policymakers alike.”

To further this initiative, the Financing Women Collaborative (FWC) has been constituted under WEP to engage financial sector stakeholders in promoting gender-responsive financial products.

Women Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Economic Growth

Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor at NITI Aayog and Mission Director of WEP, highlighted the transformative role of women entrepreneurs in India’s economic expansion. She noted that encouraging women-led businesses could generate employment for 150 to 170 million people, thereby accelerating equitable economic growth and increasing female workforce participation.

Regional Trends and Emerging Financial Behavior

The report also presents regional insights into women’s credit monitoring and borrowing patterns:

• Women’s share in the total self-monitoring credit base increased from 17.89% in 2023 to 19.43% in 2024.
• Women from non-metro regions are more actively self-monitoring their credit than their metro counterparts, registering a 48% growth in non-metro areas compared to 30% in metro cities.
• Five states – Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana – accounted for 49% of all self-monitoring women, with Southern India leading at 10.2 million credit-active women.
• Northern and central states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, recorded the highest compounded annual growth rates (CAGR) in active women borrowers over the past five years.

Increasing Access to Business Loans

Since 2019, women’s participation in business loans has seen a remarkable rise:

• 14% growth in women’s share of business loan origination.
• 6% increase in gold loans taken by women.
• By December 2024, women accounted for 35% of total business borrowers, highlighting their growing role in entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the promising trends, women still face several barriers to credit access, including:

• Credit aversion due to lack of financial literacy.
• Poor banking experiences and cumbersome loan processes.
• Challenges related to collateral and guarantor requirements.

The report underscores the need for financial institutions to design gender-smart financial products that address these challenges. With rising credit awareness and improved credit scores, banks and NBFCs have a unique opportunity to promote financial inclusion by offering tailored financial solutions for women entrepreneurs.

The launch of this report marks a significant milestone in recognizing the crucial role of women in India’s financial growth story. The increasing participation of women in credit monitoring and borrowing is a positive indicator of India’s economic transformation towards a more inclusive financial ecosystem. Policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders must continue working together to break barriers and create an environment where women not only borrow but also build businesses and drive economic progress.

With strategic interventions and sustained efforts, India’s vision of financial empowerment for women can become a reality, unlocking vast potential for national economic growth.

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The Role of Domestic Investors in Market Stability

Post-COVID-19, domestic investors, particularly through systematic investment plans (SIPs), have bridged the gap left by FIIs. According to AMFI data, retail investors now account for nearly 60% of the total AUM, with SIP contributions exceeding Rs 18,000 crore per month as of January 2025. This shift highlights the growing reliance on local capital, which enhances market resilience against external shocks.

However, market volatility remains a concern, driven by large fund inflows, fear of missing out (FOMO), and speculative trading. The mutual fund industry must implement risk management strategies that educate investors about market cycles and long-term investing principles. Policymakers should collaborate with AMFI to establish stricter disclosure norms, ensuring transparency in fund allocation.

Mitigating Volatility and Protecting Small Investors

Market unpredictability has led to financial crises in the past, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard retail investors. Key recommendations include:

1. Investor Education and Financial Literacy: AMFI should lead campaigns promoting financial literacy to prevent impulsive investment decisions based on misinformation. Collaboration with educational institutions and digital platforms can enhance awareness.
2. Stronger Regulatory Oversight: SEBI and AMFI should reinforce guidelines on algorithmic trading and high-frequency trading, which often amplify volatility. Stricter disclosure requirements for large institutional trades can provide more predictability.
3. Risk Management Mechanisms: Mutual funds should implement strategies such as dynamic asset allocation and counter-cyclical investment approaches to stabilize market fluctuations.
4. Encouraging Long-Term Investment: The industry must promote long-term wealth creation over short-term speculative gains. Tax incentives for long-term investors can further encourage stability.

Global Context: The Condition of the USA and China

The global economic landscape is undergoing significant shifts, with major economies like the United States and China facing unique challenges. The U.S. financial markets have seen increased volatility due to concerns over inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, impacting investor sentiment. Meanwhile, China is grappling with slowing economic growth, a struggling real estate sector, and regulatory crackdowns on major industries, leading to a decline in foreign investments. These factors have led to capital outflows from emerging markets, including India, reinforcing the importance of domestic investment to ensure market stability and sustained growth.

The Future of Mutual Funds in India

With private capital expenditure rebounding and government investments increasing, India’s financial markets are poised for sustained growth. The mutual fund industry’s role as a wealth creator necessitates a balanced approach that ensures profitability while maintaining a fair and organized market structure.

The industry must work towards achieving deeper financial inclusion by expanding mutual fund penetration in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Digital onboarding, simplified investment processes, and innovative products catering to diverse investor profiles can accelerate this progress.

As India’s economy evolves, domestic investors will remain the backbone of the financial markets. The mutual fund industry must uphold its duty to protect small investors, ensure market stability, and enhance financial inclusion. By prioritizing investor education, enforcing robust regulatory measures, and fostering a culture of long-term investment, the industry can drive India’s economic growth for the next two decades, shaping a resilient and self-reliant financial ecosystem.

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The Significance of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) serves as a catalyst for empowering women entrepreneurs by offering critical support in areas such as financing, mentorship, market access, and skill development. The launch of the WEP Mizoram State Chapter, the first of its kind in Northeast India, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening regional support for women entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights of the Workshop

WEP Mizoram State Chapter: The establishment of a dedicated state chapter will provide women entrepreneurs in the Northeast with access to essential business resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

New Shop ATR Launch: As part of the Award to Reward (ATR) initiative, this program aims to boost women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. Selected participants will receive training, mentorship, and financial aid to scale their businesses.

Project Maitri Awards: Recognizing outstanding women homestay entrepreneurs, this initiative provides training and mentorship to promote sustainable tourism ventures in the Northeast.

Launch of WEP App (Beta Version): The newly introduced digital platform will streamline access to funding, mentorship, and business resources, ensuring a seamless support system for women entrepreneurs.

Panel Discussions and Workshops: Covering critical topics such as government policies, financial inclusion, and market expansion, these discussions provided valuable insights to over 500 participants, including women entrepreneurs, students, industry leaders, and government officials.

Technology and Innovation Showcase: The SELCO Foundation curated a tech experience center, highlighting innovative sustainable technology solutions developed by women entrepreneurs in the region.

Policy Implications and Economic Impact The workshop’s success underscores the pivotal role of women entrepreneurship in India’s economic transformation. Several policy takeaways highlight how initiatives like WEP can accelerate economic development:

Boosting Economic Growth: Women-led businesses contribute significantly to GDP growth by driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic inclusivity. Strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems in states like Mizoram will further unlock economic potential.

Enhancing Financial Access: The government’s focus on financial inclusion and skill development ensures that women entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to scale their businesses and compete in national and global markets.

Encouraging Sustainable Development: Programs like Project Maitri, which promote eco-friendly tourism, and tech-based innovations showcased at the event, align with India’s commitment to sustainable economic growth.

Empowering Rural and Regional Economies: By decentralizing entrepreneurship support and focusing on the Northeast region, WEP is driving inclusive development and reducing economic disparities.

Strengthening Digital Infrastructure: The launch of the WEP App will help bridge the digital divide, providing women entrepreneurs with easy access to mentorship, funding, and business resources.

The Third State Workshop on Enabling Women-led Development through Entrepreneurship reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering a robust, inclusive, and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem for women. With continued government support, strategic partnerships, and policy innovations, women entrepreneurs will play a crucial role in shaping India’s economic trajectory towards Viksit Bharat 2047. The success of the WEP Mizoram State Chapter serves as a model for other states to follow, ensuring that women-led businesses flourish, contributing to the nation’s prosperity and self-reliance.

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The Need for Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Mode in Coal Transportation

India’s growing energy demands necessitate a seamless, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable coal transportation system. Traditionally, the all-rail route (ARR) has been the primary mode of coal transportation, leading to network congestion, higher logistical costs, and increased carbon emissions. The RSR mode, integrating rail and coastal shipping, provides a viable alternative by decongesting the railway network and leveraging maritime infrastructure for bulk cargo movement.

Key Benefits of the RSR Mode

1. Cost Competitiveness and Efficiency

The latest decision by Indian Railways to allow telescopic benefits in freight rates for coal transported via RSR mode is a game-changer. Previously, coal transported in two legs (mine to unloading port and loading port to power plant) was charged separately for each leg, increasing costs. The telescopic benefit consolidates freight charges, significantly reducing transportation costs and making RSR a more competitive option for coal evacuation.

2. Decongesting Railways and Enhancing Capacity

The ARR mode often faces congestion due to high coal transportation demand, causing delays and inefficiencies in freight movement. The increased use of RSR alleviates this pressure by diverting a significant portion of coal transportation through coastal routes, allowing Indian Railways to optimize its network and improve overall freight services.

3. Environmental Sustainability

The RSR model contributes to India’s sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint of coal transportation. Coastal shipping is inherently more fuel-efficient than rail transport, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The shift towards RSR aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development and cleaner logistics solutions.

4. Strengthening Maritime Infrastructure and Coastal Economy

With the increased adoption of RSR mode, India’s coastal ports and shipping infrastructure will receive a significant boost. The expansion of port facilities, investment in coastal shipping, and integration of rail connectivity with maritime logistics will generate employment, enhance regional economies, and support India’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub.

Impact on India’s Economic Growth

The adoption of RSR mode for coal transportation has far-reaching economic implications:

Boosting Energy Security: Ensuring uninterrupted coal supply to power plants enhances energy security and supports industrial growth.

Improving Logistics Competitiveness: Reduced transportation costs will contribute to overall cost efficiencies in power generation and allied industries.

Enhancing Port Utilization: Increased coal movement via ports will drive investments in coastal shipping infrastructure, fostering maritime trade.

Supporting Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat: A robust logistics ecosystem strengthens India’s manufacturing sector by ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy supply.

The government’s focus on Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) mode as an alternative coal transportation strategy is a significant step towards a resilient, efficient, and sustainable logistics framework. With supportive policies such as telescopic freight benefits and increased coal movement through coastal shipping, India is poised to enhance its energy security, reduce logistics costs, and propel economic growth. Strengthening the RSR mode will not only support India’s coal sector but also pave the way for a more integrated and future-ready multimodal logistics network, essential for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) focus areas align with India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and provide an opportunity for mutual growth and innovation.

The second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), held in New Delhi on February 28, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and the European Union. Co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with senior EU representatives, this engagement highlights the growing strategic and economic convergence between the two regions. Established in April 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the TTC is a key platform addressing critical intersections of trade, technology, and security.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties in a Multipolar World

India and the EU, as two vibrant democracies with open-market economies and shared values, recognize the shifting dynamics of the global geopolitical landscape. Their cooperation is essential in promoting global stability, economic security, and inclusive growth. The emphasis on a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution solidifies their commitment to a multipolar world.

Key Pillars of India-EU Collaboration

The TTC operates through three core working groups: Strategic Technologies & Digital Governance, Clean & Green Technologies, and Trade, Investment & Resilient Value Chains. These focus areas align with India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and provide an opportunity for mutual growth and innovation.

1. Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Connectivity

Digital transformation is crucial for economic growth, and India and the EU are committed to developing advanced and trustworthy technologies. Their cooperation extends to:

• Semiconductors: Strengthening supply chain resilience through joint R&D in chip design, sustainable semiconductor technologies, and production capabilities.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Ensuring safe, human-centric, and ethical AI development while enhancing cooperation on Large Language Models and responsible AI applications.
• 6G and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Facilitating interoperability of digital infrastructure and mutual recognition of e-signatures to promote seamless cross-border transactions.
• Talent Exchange: Encouraging joint talent development programs to foster digital and semiconductor skills.

This digital collaboration will bolster India’s ambition to become a global technology leader while reinforcing the EU’s vision of a secure and open digital ecosystem.

2. Clean and Green Technologies: Advancing Sustainability Goals

The India-EU partnership is instrumental in achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070 and the EU’s by 2050. Their collaboration includes:

• Battery Recycling & EV Technologies: Joint R&D initiatives with a €60 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, marine plastic waste mitigation, and waste-to-hydrogen conversion.
• Renewable Energy & Hydrogen Economy: Strengthening supply chains for solar, wind, and clean hydrogen, promoting sustainable energy solutions.
• Standardization & Market Expansion: Aligning standards for EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen safety protocols to accelerate market integration and investment opportunities.

By leveraging cutting-edge innovations, this collaboration will drive India’s transition towards a green economy while enhancing EU-India business cooperation in clean energy sectors.

3. Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains

Economic security and resilient value chains remain a cornerstone of the India-EU partnership. Key developments include:

• Agricultural and Food Security Cooperation: Promoting climate-resilient farming, crop diversification, and research on food security under the G20 framework.
• Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Resilience: Enhancing transparency in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and establishing early warning systems to prevent supply disruptions.
• Boosting Clean Technology Investments: Encouraging technology transfer, research collaborations, and reducing trade barriers in sectors such as solar energy, offshore wind, and hydrogen.

The ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), and Geographical Indications Agreement will further deepen economic ties, enabling a conducive environment for trade and investment.

India’s Path to Economic Growth and Global Leadership

The India-EU TTC framework provides a robust mechanism for economic cooperation, innovation-driven growth, and global influence. India stands to benefit from:

• Enhanced Market Access: Greater integration with European markets will boost trade and investment.
• Technological Advancements: Joint R&D will foster India’s leadership in AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.
• Green Energy Transition: Strengthening clean technology collaborations will support India’s sustainability goals.
• Strengthened Value Chains: Diversification of supply chains will enhance economic resilience and reduce dependency on single-source suppliers.

The strategic partnership between India and the EU is set to play a transformative role in shaping the global economic landscape. By fostering deeper collaboration, both regions will not only drive economic prosperity but also contribute to a stable, sustainable, and multipolar world order.

The post India-EU Trade and Technology Council: A Roadmap for Growth and Prosperity appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

Over 100 model tea garden schools have been established to ensure that children of tea garden workers receive quality education. 350+ Ayushman Arogya Mandirs within tea gardens signifies an effort to provide accessible healthcare.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address in Assam highlighted a crucial aspect of his governance—cultural revival alongside socio-economic upliftment. His speech, delivered in a vibrant atmosphere filled with the spirit of the state’s traditional ‘Jhumur’ dance, was not just a celebration of Assam’s rich heritage but a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the development of the Northeast. The event also underscored the administration’s focus on empowering indigenous communities, bolstering infrastructure, and integrating the region into the national mainstream.

Cultural Recognition and Preservation

The government’s decision to grant Assamese the status of a classical language and the inclusion of Charaideo Moidams in UNESCO’s World Heritage list are significant milestones in recognizing Assam’s cultural and historical contributions. These efforts align with a broader strategy to revive and promote indigenous cultures that have long been overlooked. PM Modi’s assertion that he serves as a ‘brand ambassador’ for Northeast India reflects the strategic intent to position the region as a key part of India’s cultural and economic narrative on the global stage.

Furthermore, the commemoration of the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan on a national scale was a significant step in reviving historical narratives that celebrate regional heroes. The establishment of museums dedicated to tribal heritage under the ‘Tribal Pride Day’ initiative further showcases the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the contributions of indigenous communities.

Empowerment of Tea Tribe Communities

One of the key highlights of PM Modi’s speech was the empowerment of Assam’s tea tribe communities. Assam is synonymous with its globally renowned tea industry, which employs a vast number of laborers, many of whom belong to the tea tribes. The government has undertaken several measures to improve their socio-economic conditions, including the provision of ₹15,000 in financial assistance to pregnant women, ensuring they do not face income loss during maternity. Additionally, Assam Tea Corporation workers are now receiving bonuses, providing much-needed financial security.

Education and healthcare remain top priorities in the government’s roadmap for these communities. Over 100 model tea garden schools have been established, with more in the pipeline, to ensure that children of tea garden workers receive quality education. Simultaneously, the opening of 350+ Ayushman Arogya Mandirs within tea gardens signifies an effort to provide accessible healthcare, addressing long-standing concerns about poor medical facilities in remote areas.

Infrastructural Development: Connecting Northeast to New Horizons

PM Modi’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on infrastructural development in the Northeast, transforming it from a historically neglected region into a gateway of opportunities. Initiatives such as the expansion of rail and road networks, including the ambitious Bharatmala and Sagarmala projects, have significantly improved connectivity. Assam’s inclusion in India’s Act East Policy is further integrating the region into global trade networks, particularly with Southeast Asian countries.

Another notable development is the push towards enhancing Assam’s biodiversity and ecotourism potential. PM Modi’s stay at Kaziranga National Park symbolized the government’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, encouraging greater global recognition of Assam’s natural wealth.

Political and Social Inclusion

One of the most significant aspects of PM Modi’s approach to Assam and the Northeast is his emphasis on political and social integration. Unlike past governments, which often viewed the Northeast as a peripheral concern, the BJP-led administration has taken proactive steps to ensure that the region is central to India’s growth trajectory. The repeal of outdated laws, strengthening of regional autonomy, and the inclusion of local voices in policymaking have all contributed to a more inclusive governance model.

Moreover, the reservation of 3% seats for tea tribe youths in OBC quotas and financial assistance of ₹25,000 for self-employment initiatives mark an important step in mainstreaming these communities into the broader socio-economic framework of India.

The Vision for a Developed Assam and Northeast

PM Modi’s speech was not just a ceremonial address but a reflection of a well-structured development vision for Assam and the Northeast. By intertwining cultural recognition with economic progress, the government is fostering an environment where traditional heritage and modern development coexist harmoniously. The Northeast, long viewed as a distant frontier, is now emerging as a vibrant hub of economic and cultural resurgence.

As these initiatives take root, Assam and the broader Northeast region are poised to become integral players in India’s growth story, standing as testaments to the success of inclusive and development-driven governance. The vision outlined by PM Modi is not merely about regional upliftment but a larger national goal of building a more connected, prosperous, and culturally enriched India.

The post PM Modi’s Vision for Northeast: Cultural Revival and Socio-Economic Upliftment appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

उत्तरप्रदेश का धार्मिक पर्यटन भारत की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक परंपरा और आर्थिक शक्ति का प्रतीक बन गया है। ऐसे में जब हम वाराणसी, अयोध्या और प्रयागराज को एक दृष्टि में देखते हैं तो योगी का उत्तर प्रदेश भारत की सांस्कृतिक शक्ति का वैश्विक विस्तार करता दिखाई देता है।

 

लेखक – माधवेन्द्र प्रताप सिंह, विधायक, सबायजपुर, हरदोई, (उ.प्र.)

योगी आदित्यनाथ के नेतृत्व में उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार और प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के कुशल मार्गदर्शन में महाकुंभ 2025 एक ऐतिहासिक सफलता के रूप में उभरा है। महाकुंभ ने न केवल भारत के धार्मिक और सांस्कृतिक गौरव को पुनर्स्थापित किया, बल्कि यह उत्तर प्रदेश और देश की आर्थिक और बुनियादी ढांचे की प्रगति का भी प्रतीक बना। मोदी सरकार की दूरदर्शी नीति और योगी सरकार की कुशल प्रशासनिक रणनीति ने इसे एक वैश्विक आयोजन बना दिया। यह आयोजन केवल एक धार्मिक समागम नहीं, बल्कि भारत की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक परंपरा और आर्थिक शक्ति का प्रतीक बन गया है। ऐसे में जब हम वाराणसी, अयोध्या और प्रयागराज को एक दृष्टि में देखते हैं तो योगी का उत्तर प्रदेश भारत की सांस्कृतिक शक्ति का वैश्विक विस्तार करता दिखाई देता है।

योगी का उत्तर प्रदेश: भारत के वैश्विक पर्यटन और सॉफ्ट पावर का नया केंद्र

उत्तर प्रदेश, जो कभी अपनी अव्यवस्थाओं और पिछड़ेपन के लिए जाना जाता था, आज मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ के कुशल नेतृत्व में भारत का एक नया वैश्विक पर्यटन और सांस्कृतिक शक्ति केंद्र बनता जा रहा है। न केवल धार्मिक पर्यटन बल्कि आध्यात्मिक, सांस्कृतिक, ऐतिहासिक और पारिस्थितिक पर्यटन को भी राज्य में नई ऊँचाइयाँ मिल रही हैं। योगी सरकार ने बीते वर्षों में पर्यटन विकास के क्षेत्र में अनेक ऐतिहासिक कदम उठाए हैं, जिससे उत्तर प्रदेश विश्व मानचित्र पर एक प्रमुख गंतव्य बन चुका है।

महाकुंभ 2025  से 3 लाख करोड़ रुपये का योगदान

महाकुंभ 2025 के आयोजन पर कुल 4,000 करोड़ रुपये खर्च किए गए, जिसमें से केवल 1,500 करोड़ रुपये मेले की व्यवस्थाओं पर लगे, जबकि शेष राशि प्रयागराज के समग्र बुनियादी ढांचे के विकास में निवेश की गई। इस निवेश के बदले में उत्तर प्रदेश की अर्थव्यवस्था को 3 लाख करोड़ रुपये का योगदान मिला, जो पर्यटन, व्यापार और रोजगार के नए अवसरों से संभव हुआ। इस बार के महाकुंभ में 50 करोड़ से अधिक श्रद्धालु देश-विदेश से आए, जो इसे विश्व का सबसे बड़ा सांस्कृतिक आयोजन बनाता है। योगी सरकार द्वारा किए गए बुनियादी ढांचे के विकास कार्यों से पर्यटन उद्योग को नई ऊँचाइयाँ मिलीं। होटल, परिवहन, स्थानीय हस्तशिल्प और खाद्य उद्योग में लाखों लोगों को रोजगार मिला।

आंकड़ों में उत्तर प्रदेश का पर्यटन विकास

2023 में उत्तर प्रदेश में 32 करोड़ से अधिक घरेलू पर्यटकों का आगमन हुआ, जो भारत में सबसे अधिक है। इसी वर्ष विदेशी पर्यटकों की संख्या 40 लाख को पार कर गई थी जिससे राज्य की सॉफ्ट पावर को वैश्विक स्तर पर मजबूती मिली।

काशी विश्वनाथ धाम के पुनर्निर्माण के बाद वाराणसी में 2022-23 में पर्यटकों की संख्या 7 करोड़ पार कर गई, जिससे यह एक प्रमुख आध्यात्मिक केंद्र बन गया। 11 जनवरी से 11 फ़रवरी 2025 के बीच काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर में डेढ़ करोड़ से ज़्यादा श्रद्धालुओं ने दर्शन किए।इस दौरान हर दिन 7 से 8 लाख लोग दर्शन करने आए।

साल 2024 में अयोध्या उत्तर प्रदेश का सबसे अधिक लोकप्रिय स्थल बन गया तथा अयोध्या में 13 करोड़ 55 लाख घरेलू पर्यटक और 3,000 से अधिक अंतरराष्ट्रीय आगंतुक पहुंचे। वहीं, 2025 के नए साल के पहले दिन ही करीब 10 लाख श्रद्धालु अयोध्या पहुंचे, जो इसकी बढ़ती लोकप्रियता को दर्शाता है। श्रीराम मंदिर के उद्घाटन के बाद से अब तक करोड़ों लोग अयोध्या आ चुके हैं, जिससे यह वैश्विक पर्यटन का एक प्रमुख केंद्र बन गया है। राम मंदिर के उद्घाटन के साथ ही अयोध्या धार्मिक और सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन का एक बड़ा केंद्र बन चुकी है, जो राज्य की अर्थव्यवस्था और सॉफ्ट पावर को भी सशक्त कर रही है।

महाकुंभ में 33 दिनों में 50 करोड़ से ज्यादा श्रद्धालुओं ने स्नान किया। इतिहास में ये सबसे बड़ा आयोजन रिकॉर्ड किया गया। अमेरिका और चीन की कुल आबादी के बाद तीसरी सबसे बड़ी आबादी के बराबर लोग प्रयागराज पहुंचे हैं।

पर्यटन क्षेत्र में इस अभूतपूर्व प्रगति के चलते उत्तर प्रदेश को 2023 में ‘सर्वश्रेष्ठ पर्यटन राज्य’ के रूप में राष्ट्रीय पर्यटन पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किया गया।

योगी सरकार के प्रमुख पर्यटन एवं सांस्कृतिक परियोजनाएँ

1. अयोध्या – वैश्विक रामनगरी की ओर कदम

अयोध्या को भारत की सांस्कृतिक राजधानी बनाने के लिए योगी सरकार ने राम मंदिर निर्माण के साथ-साथ कई महत्वपूर्ण बुनियादी ढांचा परियोजनाओं पर कार्य किया है। शहर को वैश्विक पर्यटन केंद्र के रूप में विकसित करने के लिए महार्षि वाल्मीकि अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे का निर्माण किया गया, जिससे देश-विदेश के श्रद्धालु आसानी से अयोध्या पहुंच सकें। इसके अलावा, भव्य राम पथ, धर्म पथ और भक्ति पथ का निर्माण किया गया, जिससे मंदिर तक की यात्रा सुगम हो सके। अयोध्या धाम रेलवे स्टेशन का आधुनिकीकरण कर इसे आधुनिक सुविधाओं से लैस किया गया है। नगर के कायाकल्प और विकास को बढ़ावा देने के लिए 84 कोसी परिक्रमा मार्ग का विकास किया गया, जिससे धार्मिक यात्राओं को अधिक सुविधाजनक बनाया जा सके। साथ ही, रामायण सर्किट का विस्तार कर अयोध्या को भारतीय सांस्कृतिक और आध्यात्मिक पर्यटन का केंद्र बनाने की दिशा में एक महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाया गया है।

2. काशी का कायाकल्प – विश्व धरोहर का पुनरुद्धार

काशी विश्वनाथ कॉरिडोर परियोजना के तहत मंदिर क्षेत्र का 5 लाख वर्ग फुट तक विस्तार किया गया, जिससे श्रद्धालुओं को अधिक सुविधाएं मिल सकें और काशी की आध्यात्मिक महत्ता और अधिक बढ़ सके। इसके साथ ही, गंगा घाटों का पुनरुद्धार किया गया और सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन को बढ़ावा देने के लिए विभिन्न योजनाएं चलाई गईं। देव दीपावली जैसे भव्य आयोजनों को वैश्विक पहचान दिलाई गई, जिससे काशी की सांस्कृतिक धरोहर को अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर नई प्रतिष्ठा मिली। इसके अलावा, जी-20 सम्मेलनों के सफल आयोजन ने काशी को वैश्विक मंच पर एक महत्वपूर्ण सांस्कृतिक और आध्यात्मिक केंद्र के रूप में स्थापित कर दिया।

3. मथुरा-वृंदावन: कृष्ण जन्मभूमि को विश्व केंद्र बनाना

ब्रज तीर्थ विकास परिषद द्वारा 500 करोड़ से अधिक की योजनाओं के तहत वृंदावन, मथुरा और गोवर्धन में पर्यटन सुविधाओं का व्यापक विकास किया गया है। वृंदावन में यमुना नदी के किनारे स्थित प्रमुख पर्यटन स्थलों का पुनरुद्धार किया गया, जिससे श्रद्धालुओं और पर्यटकों को अधिक सुविधाएं मिल सकें। गिरिराज पर्वत परिक्रमा मार्ग का आधुनिक विकास किया गया, जिससे भक्तजन बिना किसी कठिनाई के अपनी आस्था से जुड़े इस पवित्र स्थल की परिक्रमा कर सकें। इसके अलावा, भगवान कृष्ण से जुड़े विभिन्न धार्मिक स्थलों पर आधुनिक सुविधाओं का निर्माण कर ब्रज क्षेत्र को एक विश्वस्तरीय आध्यात्मिक और सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन केंद्र के रूप में विकसित किया जा रहा है।

4. बौद्ध पर्यटन का विस्तार: कुशीनगर से सारनाथ तक

योगी सरकार ने उत्तर प्रदेश को वैश्विक बौद्ध पर्यटन केंद्र के रूप में स्थापित करने की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाए हैं। कुशीनगर अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे के उद्घाटन से दक्षिण एशियाई देशों, विशेषकर बौद्ध अनुयायियों की बड़ी संख्या वाले जापान, थाईलैंड और श्रीलंका से सीधी कनेक्टिविटी सुनिश्चित हुई है। सारनाथ, श्रावस्ती, संकिसा और कौशांबी जैसे बौद्ध स्थलों पर विश्वस्तरीय पर्यटन सुविधाओं का विस्तार किया गया है, जिससे इन ऐतिहासिक स्थलों पर आने वाले श्रद्धालुओं और पर्यटकों की संख्या में उल्लेखनीय वृद्धि हुई है। परिणामस्वरूप, उत्तर प्रदेश बौद्ध धर्मावलंबियों के लिए एक प्रमुख आध्यात्मिक केंद्र बनकर उभर रहा है।

5. फिल्म सिटी: ग्लोबल एंटरटेनमेंट हब की ओर बढ़ता यूपी

फ़िल्में सांस्कृतिक राजदूत का कार्य करती हैं और दक्षिण कोरिया के फिल्मोद्योग इसका उदाहरण है। योगी सरकार उत्तर प्रदेश को फिल्म निर्माण और मनोरंजन उद्योग के नए केंद्र के रूप में विकसित करने के लिए नोएडा में विश्वस्तरीय फिल्म सिटी की स्थापना कर रही है। यह परियोजना 1,000 एकड़ से अधिक क्षेत्र में विकसित की जा रही है और इसे भारत की सबसे उन्नत एवं तकनीकी रूप से सुसज्जित फिल्म सिटी बनाने का लक्ष्य रखा गया है।

इस फिल्म सिटी में हॉलीवुड और बॉलीवुड दोनों के फिल्म निर्माताओं को आकर्षित करने के लिए अत्याधुनिक फिल्म स्टूडियो, पोस्ट-प्रोडक्शन सुविधाएं, डिजिटल इफेक्ट्स (VFX) लैब, और अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर की शूटिंग लोकेशन्स उपलब्ध कराई जाएंगी। यह न केवल भारतीय सिनेमा बल्कि विदेशी प्रोडक्शन हाउस के लिए भी एक प्रमुख शूटिंग स्थल के रूप में उभरेगा।

इसके अलावा, फिल्म सिटी में एक एक्टिंग स्कूल, फिल्म इंस्टीट्यूट, और अन्य सहायक उद्योगों को भी बढ़ावा दिया जाएगा, जिससे रोजगार के हजारों अवसर सृजित होंगे। यह परियोजना उत्तर प्रदेश को भारतीय मनोरंजन और सांस्कृतिक उद्योग के एक नए ग्लोबल हब के रूप में स्थापित करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाएगी।

पर्यटन और सॉफ्ट पावर में उत्तर प्रदेश की वैश्विक छवि

उत्तर प्रदेश आज केवल पर्यटन का केंद्र नहीं बल्कि भारत की सांस्कृतिक और आध्यात्मिक शक्ति का भी प्रमुख केंद्र बन चुका है। योगी सरकार के नेतृत्व में राज्य ने अपने धार्मिक, सांस्कृतिक और ऐतिहासिक स्थलों का बड़े पैमाने पर पुनरुद्धार किया है, जिससे न केवल भारत बल्कि पूरी दुनिया में इसकी पहचान मजबूत हुई है। अयोध्या और काशी जैसे पवित्र स्थलों के पुनरुद्धार से भारत की सांस्कृतिक कूटनीति को मजबूती मिली है। काशी विश्वनाथ कॉरिडोर और राम मंदिर जैसे भव्य निर्माण कार्यों ने वैश्विक स्तर पर भारत की आध्यात्मिक धरोहर को पुनर्जीवित किया है, जिससे लाखों पर्यटक और श्रद्धालु हर साल इन स्थलों की यात्रा कर रहे हैं।

इसके अलावा, रामायण सर्किट और बौद्ध सर्किट ने भारत के दक्षिण एशियाई देशों जैसे नेपाल, श्रीलंका, थाईलैंड, जापान, म्यांमार और कंबोडिया से सांस्कृतिक और धार्मिक संबंधों को और मजबूत किया है। ये परियोजनाएं न केवल धार्मिक पर्यटन को बढ़ावा देती हैं बल्कि भारत की सॉफ्ट पावर को भी विश्व मंच पर सशक्त करती हैं। उत्तर प्रदेश के मेले, त्योहार और कुंभ जैसे भव्य आयोजन भारत की “वसुधैव कुटुंबकम्” की भावना को दर्शाते हैं। कुंभ मेले में करोड़ों श्रद्धालु और विदेशी पर्यटक शामिल होते हैं, जो भारतीय संस्कृति और आध्यात्मिकता की गहराई को अनुभव करते हैं। इन आयोजनों ने उत्तर प्रदेश को विश्व स्तर पर आध्यात्मिक पर्यटन के सबसे बड़े केंद्रों में से एक बना दिया है।

योगी आदित्यनाथ के नेतृत्व में उत्तर प्रदेश केवल पर्यटन ही नहीं बल्कि सॉफ्ट पावर का एक महत्वपूर्ण केंद्र भी बन चुका है। धार्मिक और सांस्कृतिक स्थलों का पुनरुद्धार, पर्यटन बुनियादी ढांचे का विकास, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय कनेक्टिविटी, और वैश्विक स्तर पर सांस्कृतिक प्रचार उत्तर प्रदेश को नई ऊँचाइयों पर ले जा रहा है। आने वाले वर्षों में, यह राज्य भारत की सांस्कृतिक शक्ति और वैश्विक पर्यटन का केंद्र बनने की पूरी क्षमता रखता है।

(लेखक, सबायजपुर विधानसभा, हरदोई, उ.प्र. से भारतीय जनता पार्टी के विधायक हैं तथा यह इनके निजी विचार हैं।)

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