Under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has embarked upon a dynamic journey of transformation, particularly evident in the first 15 days of his Government’s third term. This period has witnessed a robust push towards enhancing infrastructure and fortifying welfare measures across diverse sectors of the economy. From ambitious housing initiatives to pivotal advancements in port infrastructure and renewable energy projects, the Modi administration has reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive growth and sustainable development. As the Government sets ambitious targets for the future, Prime Minister Modi’s call for “triple efforts” promises to deliver “triple results,” signalling a period of accelerated progress and steadfast dedication to shaping a resilient and prosperous India.
Expansion of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
The Cabinet’s decision to further expand the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) by constructing three crore additional rural and urban houses marks a significant stride in addressing the nation’s housing needs. This ambitious initiative reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen enjoys a better quality of life. By providing affordable and sustainable housing solutions, the expansion of PMAY aims to bridge the housing gap, promote inclusive growth, and uplift the living standards of millions of families across India. This move not only fosters economic development but also strengthens the social fabric of the nation, underscoring the Government’s dedication to the welfare of its people.
Devolution of Tax Revenue to States: June 2024
The Union Government has devolved Rs 1.39 lakh crore to states in June 2024 as part of its tax revenue devolution, the finance ministry announced. This amount includes an additional instalment beyond the regular monthly devolution, totalling Rs 1,39,750 crore for the current month. The ministry noted that this significant release is intended to help State Governments accelerate their development and capital spending. For FY25, the Interim Budget had allocated Rs 12.19 trillion for the devolution of taxes to states. With this latest release, the total amount devolved to states for FY25 up to June 10 now stands at Rs 2.8 trillion. According to the Finance Commission’s formula, 41 per cent of the Centre’s tax revenue is allocated to State Governments.
Distribution of Rs 20,000 Crore to 9.26 Crore farmers during his first visit to Varanasi after securing a third consecutive term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme. This instalment amounts to over Rs 20,000 crores and will benefit approximately 9.26 crore farmers across the nation. With this latest disbursement, the total benefits provided under the PM-KISAN scheme have exceeded Rs 3.04 lakh crore, reaching over 11 crore eligible farmer families since the scheme’s launch in 2019.
Reviving Nalanda: India’s Renaissance in Education
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University at Rajgir, Bihar, marking a significant milestone in India’s academic heritage and cultural exchange. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised that Nalanda is more than just a name; it represents an identity, an honour, a value, a mantra, a pride, and a saga. He expressed confidence that this revival heralds a golden age for India, linking the heritage of many countries, especially in Asia, to this historic institution. PM Modi highlighted India’s longstanding model of sustainable progress, aiming to balance development with environmental stewardship. He articulated his vision for India to become a global hub of education and knowledge, aspiring to reestablish the nation as the world’s foremost centre of learning. The Prime Minister also underscored India’s commitment to developing the most comprehensive and advanced skilling and research-oriented higher education system. He expressed faith that Nalanda University will emerge as a significant centre for global causes. The inauguration, attended by dignitaries from 17 countries, symbolises a collaborative effort between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries and concluded with the Prime Minister planting a sapling, symbolising growth and future potential.
Approval of Significant MSP Hike for Kharif Crops
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an increase in the minimum support prices (MSP) for all 14 kharif crops for the 2024-25 season. This increase will result in farmers receiving around Rs 2 trillion as MSP, an additional Rs 35,000 crore compared to the previous season. This hike aligns with PM Modi’s vision of policy continuity to support farmers and boost their income. Notably, the highest MSP increases were for oilseeds nigerseed and sesamum, raised by Rs 983 and Rs 632 to Rs 8,717 and Rs 9,267 per quintal, respectively. Pulses like tur or arhar saw a significant hike of Rs 550, reaching Rs 7,550 per quintal. Paddy’s MSP was increased by Rs 117 to Rs 2,300 per quintal for the ‘common’ grade variety. Other cereals such as jowar, bajra, ragi, and maize saw varied increases, with bajra’s MSP now at Rs 2,625 per quintal. In the pulses and oilseeds category, MSP hikes ranged from Rs 124 to Rs 983, with notable increases for moong, urad, groundnut, sunflower seed, and yellow soybean. Cotton’s MSP was set at Rs 7,121 for medium staple and Rs 7,521 for long staple varieties, an increase of Rs 501 each. This MSP increase adheres to the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing MSP at least 1.5 times the average cost of production. The expected farmer margins over production costs are highest for bajra at 77 per cent, followed by tur at 59 per cent, maize at 54 per cent, and urad at 52 per cent, with other crops estimated at 50 per cent. However, concerns about the low imputed cost of family labour were raised, highlighting farmers’ challenges in meeting basic needs.
Approval of Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a Major Port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharashtra. This project, to be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL) – a special purpose vehicle formed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) with 74 per cent and 26 per cent shareholding respectively – will develop an all-weather Greenfield deep draft major port. With a total project cost of Rs.76,220 crore, it includes land acquisition and infrastructure development through public-private partnerships (PPP). The port will feature extensive facilities, including nine container terminals, multipurpose berths, liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth, with a capacity to handle 298 million metric tons annually. This initiative is set to enhance EXIM trade via the IMEEC and INSTC corridors and is aligned with the PM Gati Shakti program, promising significant economic benefits and potential employment for approximately 1.2 million individuals. Upon completion, Vadhavan Port will rank among the world’s top ten ports.
Development of Project Approved for Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. This comprehensive project includes constructing a new terminal building, extending the apron and runway, and adding a parallel taxi track along with other allied works. With an estimated investment of Rs 2869.65 crore, the development aims to increase the airport’s passenger handling capacity from 3.9 million to 9.9 million passengers per annum (MPPA). The new terminal, spanning 75,000 square meters, is designed to accommodate 6 MPPA and 5000 peak-hour passengers, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. Additionally, the runway will be extended to 4075m x 45m, and a new apron will be constructed to park 20 aircraft.Emphasising environmental sustainability, the project will develop Varanasi Airport as a green airport, focusing on energy optimisation, waste recycling, carbon footprint reduction, solar energy utilization, and the use of natural daylighting.
Rs 7453 Crore VGF Scheme for Offshore Wind Energy
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects with a budget of Rs 7453 crore. This includes Rs 6853 crore for the installation and commissioning of 1 GW of offshore wind projects off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and Rs 600 crore for upgrading two ports to support these projects. This initiative is a significant step toward implementing the 2015 National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, aimed at harnessing India’s extensive offshore wind energy potential. The VGF scheme will make offshore wind power economically viable for DISCOMs by reducing production costs. Private developers, selected through transparent bidding, will establish these projects, with Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) managing the power evacuation infrastructure. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will oversee coordination. Enhanced port infrastructure is crucial for handling the specialized equipment needed for offshore wind development. Offshore wind energy offers several benefits, including higher reliability and lower storage requirements compared to onshore wind and solar projects. This sector’s growth will attract investments, spur indigenous manufacturing, create jobs, and advance technology. The scheme’s successful execution will produce approximately 3.72 billion units of renewable electricity annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 2.98 million tons annually over 25 years. It will also create an ecosystem supporting further offshore wind energy development, contributing significantly to India’s energy transition goals.
GST Council Proposes Exemption for Indian Railways Services
The GST Council has proposed an exemption for specific services offered by Indian Railways to the general public, as well as for intra-railway transactions. Under this new proposal, the sale of platform tickets and services such as retiring rooms, waiting rooms, cloakroom facilities, and battery-operated car services will no longer be subject to GST. This move aims to reduce the financial burden on passengers and streamline railway operations, making these essential services more accessible and affordable for the public.
Rs 500 Crore Fund to Ease Overcrowding at Hindu Shrines
Devotees at the popular Hindu shrine have long faced issues of overcrowding due to the restriction of entry through a single gate. This has led to mounting demands for the opening of all four gates to facilitate smoother access and alleviate congestion within the temple premises. Responding to these concerns, the Majhi-led state government has taken a significant step by establishing a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore. This fund is intended to address the immediate needs and enhance the infrastructure of the shrine, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient experience for the devotees.
ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ Completes Successful Landing Experiment
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the 11th third and final landing experiment of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named ‘Pushpak’. This accomplishment marks a crucial step forward in India’s pursuit of reusable space transportation technology. The RLV, designed to reduce the cost of launching payloads into space by enabling the recovery and reuse of launch vehicle components, has been a focus of ISRO’s research and development efforts. The successful landing experiment underscores ISRO’s growing expertise in aerospace engineering and its commitment to advancing space exploration capabilities.
Enactment of Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, has been officially enacted by the Union Government, effective from June 21, 2024. Initially passed by Parliament on February 9, 2024, and subsequently receiving Presidential assent on February 12, 2024, the Act remained dormant until its recent notification Issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The notification empowers the Central Government to enforce stringent measures against activities such as question paper leaks, unauthorized assistance to candidates, and tampering with computer systems during public examinations. Both individuals and institutions found engaging in such malpractices will face legal repercussions under the provisions of this newly enacted legislation.
Indian Railways has marked a historic achievement with the successful trial run on the Chenab Rail Bridge, now acclaimed as the world’s highest railway bridge. Stretching between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi in Jammu & Kashmir, this monumental structure promises to redefine rail connectivity in the region. Standing tall amidst the scenic Himalayan landscape, the bridge not only showcases engineering prowess but also signifies a significant leap in infrastructure development. As it prepares to open its gates to regular train services, the Chenab Rail Bridge is poised to catalyze economic growth and enhance accessibility for its residents and travellers alike, ushering in a new era for Indian Railways.
India Launches Pilot Project for Underground Coal Gasification
The Ministry of Coal has launched India’s inaugural pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in Jharkhand, marking a significant step forward in the country’s coal sector. This pioneering initiative aims to transform the coal industry by adopting on-site coal gasification technology. Through this process, coal is converted into valuable gases including methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases hold immense potential for various industrial applications, promising to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The pilot project underscores India’s commitment to innovation in energy production and sustainable resource utilisation, paving the way for future advancements in the field of coal gasification.
In conclusion, The first 15 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term have been marked by a series of bold and transformative initiatives in infrastructure and welfare. From expanding housing projects and enhancing the Minimum Support Prices for Kharif crops to reviving historic educational institutions and advancing renewable energy, the Modi administration has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development. These efforts, coupled with significant investments in port development, airport infrastructure, and innovative energy solutions, underscore the Government’s vision for a resilient and prosperous India. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to deliver tangible benefits to millions of citizens, drive economic progress, and solidify India’s position as a global leader in sustainable development and technological innovation.
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