Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

National Critical Mineral Mission

Powering India’s Clean Energy Future

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tasked with conducting 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

A committee formed by the Ministry of Mines in November 2022 identified 30 critical minerals, with 24 included in Part D of Schedule I of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (MMDR Act, 1957). The inclusion of 24 critical minerals in Part D of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) means that the Central Government now has the exclusive authority to auction mining leases and composite licenses for these specific minerals.

It also recommended setting up a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) to regularly update the mineral list and guide strategy.

Critical minerals are essential for clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, EVs, and energy storage systems. To secure these resources, India launched the NCMM to ensure their long-term availability and processing.

Critical minerals are essential for a country’s economic development and national security, and their lack of availability or concentration in a few geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.

 

Usage of Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are essential components of various clean energy technologies and industries. Their importance can be highlighted across different sectors:

1. Solar energy

• Critical minerals such as silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are vital for the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells used in solar panels.
• India’s current solar capacity of 64 GW is heavily dependent on these minerals.

2. Wind energy

• Rare earth elements like dysprosium and neodymium are used in permanent magnets for wind turbines.
• India aims to increase its wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030, necessitating a stable supply of these minerals.

3. Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are key materials used in lithium-ion batteries.
• Under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), India plans to deploy 6–7 million EVs by 2024, leading to increased demand for these critical minerals.

4. Energy storage

• Lithium-ion batteries used in advanced energy storage systems depend on lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

 

Objectives of NCMM

1. To secure India’s critical mineral supply chain by ensuring mineral availability from domestic and foreign sources.
2. Strengthening the value chains by enhancing technological, regulatory, and financial ecosystems to foster innovation, skill development, and global competitiveness in mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recycling.

 

Mission Output

 

Mission Objectives	Key Heads	Target (2024-25 to 2030-31)
Securing Domestic and Foreign Sourcing	Domestic Critical Mineral Exploration Projects-Projects aimed at identifying and evaluating domestic reserves of critical minerals.	1200
	Foreign Critical Mineral Mines – PSUs Exploration and acquisition of overseas mineral assets by Public Sector Undertakings.	26
	Foreign Critical Mineral Mines – Private Entities-Facilitation and support for private firms to acquire critical mineral assets abroad.	24
	Incentive Scheme for Recycling (kt) Scheme to promote recovery of critical minerals from secondary sources like scrap and waste	400
Strengthening Value Chains	Patents in Critical Mineral Value Chain Encouraging innovation through development of patents across the critical mineral lifecycle.	1000
	Skill Development Training and upskilling workforce to support activities in mining, processing, and R&D.	10000
	Mineral Processing Parks Dedicated zones for processing critical minerals with modern infrastructure and facilities.	4
	Centre of Excellence Institutions established for advanced research and technological development in the sector.	3
	Mineral Stockpile (Cumulative) Strategic reserves maintained to ensure uninterrupted supply of critical minerals.	5

 

 

Components of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)

India’s exploration efforts

Under NCMM mission, GSI has intensified its exploration programs. In the 2024-25 field season, GSI has taken up 195 projects, including 35 in Rajasthan, focused on identifying and assessing critical mineral deposits. The mission seeks to minimize import dependency by enhancing domestic exploration and mining efforts. More than 100 critical mineral blocks are set to be auctioned, and exploration will be expanded to offshore regions rich in polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, rare earth elements (REEs), nickel, and manganese.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, follows the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) classification and Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) (MEMC) Rules, 2015, to carry out exploration activities for critical minerals. Earlier in 2021-22 and 2022-23, GSI conducted reconnaissance surveys for rare earth elements (REEs) including neodymium in Sirohi and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan. Additionally, the Department of Atomic Energy discovered around 1,11,845 tonnes of in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) in Balotra, Rajasthan.

To speed up projects, a fast-track regulatory approval system will be introduced. A new Exploration Licence (EL) will encourage private sector participation. Recovery of minerals from secondary sources like fly ash, tailings, and red mud will be promoted through relaxed rules and incentives. Efforts will also focus on trace mineral assessment, development of processing parks, and increased involvement of state governments and PSUs in the critical mineral value chain.

Acquisition of assets abroad

India will invest in exploring and acquiring critical mineral assets in resource-rich countries. PSUs and private firms will be supported through funding, guidelines, and inter-ministerial coordination. Public-private partnerships will be promoted, and infrastructure support will be ensured with MEA’s help.

Key International Initiatives

• KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) signed an agreement with CAMYEN SE, a state-owned enterprise in Catamarca, Argentina, on 15th January 2024 for lithium exploration covering 15,703 hectares.
• KABIL also signed an MoU with the Critical Mineral Office (CMO), Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISER), Government of Australia, in March 2022.
• Due diligence is underway for selection of lithium and cobalt projects in Australia for strategic investments through off-take arrangements.

IREL (India) Limited

With a processing capacity of 6 lakh tons per annum, IREL produces key minerals like ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, and garnet. It also operates a Rare Earth Extraction Plant in Chatrapur, Odisha and a Rare Earth Refining Unit at Aluva, Kerala. The company has been making profit consistently since 1997-98, with a peak turnover of over ₹14,625 million in 2021-22, including ₹7,000 million in exports.

IREL is focused on expanding its production capacity, supporting value chain industries, and advancing R&D through its facility in Kollam, Kerala.

Conclusion

India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), achieve 50% of its electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and reach net-zero emissions by 2070. To achieve these climate goals, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) plays a vital role by building a resilient and self-reliant ecosystem for critical minerals. The mission focuses on boosting domestic production, encouraging private sector participation, strengthening international partnerships, and streamlining regulations to ensure a steady supply of minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

References

Click here to see PDF

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

(Release ID: 2120525) Visitor Counter : 90

Source: Government of India

Bureau of Indian Standards hosts 15th Plenary meeting of Technical Committee of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

India is ready to take on a greater role in shaping global AI standards: Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, GoI

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

India is ready to take on a greater role in shaping global AI standards, said Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, during the inauguration of 15^th Plenary meeting of the Technical Committee of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for developing international standards on Artificial Intelligence hosted by Bureau of Indian Standards.

She added that the government is committed to advancing AI technology particularly LLM (Large Language Model) and SLM (Small Language Model) in a responsible manner, ensuring these are developed with both global collaboration and national priorities in mind. She further highlighted the importance of aligning national AI strategies with global standards that are inclusive, context-aware, and adaptable to local needs.

Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, reflected on India’s sustained engagements and partnerships with the key stakeholders in the field of AI as the founding member of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI). Highlighting India’s commitment to promoting ‘AI for good and for All’, he said Government of India is working for Democratising & Decentralising the way Artificial Intelligence works and there is a need of setting standards for AI so that we stay ahead of the curve.

BIS, the National Standards Body of India, is leading the global efforts of standardisation related to Artificial Intelligence. The 15th plenary and sub-group meetings of the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 ‘Artificial Intelligence’ sub-committee in New Delhi were attended by more than 350 global experts from 70 countries.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the plenary, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General, BIS, said that the Bureau has formed sector-specific groups for targeted AI standard development and strengthened partnerships with ministries, academia, regulatory bodies, and consumer bodies for targeted AI standard development.

Informing the participants about the upcoming IEC General Meeting in India in Sep 2025, he said the IEC general meeting 2025, in New Delhi is a testament to India’s increasing participation in global standards. In addition to hosting management meetings and more than 45 technical committee and subcommittee meetings, BIS will organise seminars, workshops, and exhibitions on various emerging technologies, including AI.

The week-long deliberations covered key aspects of the rapidly changing technology landscape of the Artificial Intelligence such as foundational AI standards, Data governance, Trustworthiness, computational approaches, and AI applications across industries including de- identification in machine learning and quality assurance in generative AI applications. India is leading a discussion on standards for the Resilience Assessment of AI systems.

Extending his gratitude to BIS for hosting the SC 42 plenary, Mr. Wael William Diab, the incumbent chairperson of the Committee informed that the Committee has successfully published 35 ISO standards on AI and 47 other ISO standards on AI are under development

On the sidelines of the plenary summit, BIS organised an International Workshop on ‘Enabling Trust in Technology in the Age of LLMs and Generative AI’. Speaking at the workshop Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary MeitY and CEO of IndiaAI Mission highlighted how Trust in AI can be built through Fairness, Transparency, and Accountability with diverse and inclusive data sets. He said this can be achieved only through a set of standards generated through Extensive consultation and deliberation in a forum like this. He also shared India’s experience and highlighted the need for standards for voice and image data in a linguistically diverse country like India.

Shri Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary, DoCA said during the event that to fully harness AI’s power, it is imperative to establish robust, inclusive, and internationally recognized standards that ensure trust, fairness, security, and accessibility. These standards will not only safeguard AI’s ethical deployment but also help create a level playing field for developing nations, enabling them to adopt and implement AI responsibly and effectively. He cited the example of the AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline (NCH) system for transformation of the grievance redressal through AI-powered automated classification and predictive analysis, reducing resolution time.

The meetings and workshops highlighted India’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global AI governance. As the national standards body of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) represents the country in international committees of ISO and IEC, which are involved in the development of international standards. These standards play a vital role in the global economy, ease of trade, ensuring interoperability, safety, security, reliability of systems, and achieving the UN SDGs.

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2120521) Visitor Counter : 112

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 6:14PM by PIB Delhi

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 6%, Projects 6.5% GDP Growth for FY 2025-26

Introduction

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its 54th meeting and the first of the financial year 2025–26, unanimously decided to reduce the policy repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 6 per cent with immediate effect. The repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks, and a cut in this rate is aimed at boosting lending and investment. This decision comes at a time when global economic conditions are becoming increasingly uncertain. Trade tensions have resurfaced, leading to a decline in crude oil prices, weakening of the US dollar, softening bond yields, and corrections in equity markets. While central banks across the world are adjusting their policies to address domestic concerns, they are doing so cautiously.

Within India, the outlook has shown signs of improvement. Inflation, particularly food inflation, has declined more than expected, offering some relief, though global and weather-related risks remain. Growth is recovering after a weak first half in the previous financial year, but it still falls short of the country’s potential. The Monetary Policy Report of April 2025, released alongside the MPC resolution, also outlines the GDP growth forecast and inflation projection for the coming months. This year also marks a milestone for the RBI as it completes 90 years since its establishment on 1st April 1935. Over the decades, it has evolved into a full-service central bank, balancing its roles of managing inflation, supporting growth, and ensuring financial stability.

Key Policy Decisions

Growth Assessment

The Reserve Bank of India has projected real GDP growth at 6.5 per cent for 2025–26, maintaining the same rate as estimated for 2024–25, following a strong expansion of 9.2 per cent in the preceding year. The quarterly projections stand at 6.5 per cent in Q1, 6.7 per cent in Q2, 6.6 per cent in Q3, and 6.3 per cent in Q4. This marks a downward revision of 20 basis points from the February estimate, reflecting heightened global volatility. Agriculture remains on a positive footing, supported by healthy reservoir levels and robust crop production, which is expected to sustain rural demand. Manufacturing is showing early signs of revival amid improved business sentiment, and the services sector continues to demonstrate resilience.

On the investment side, activity is gaining pace on the back of higher capacity utilisation, continued government focus on infrastructure, and strong balance sheets of banks and corporates. Easing financial conditions have also aided this recovery. While services exports are likely to remain steady, merchandise exports could face headwinds from global uncertainties and trade disruptions. Looking ahead, the RBI has projected real GDP growth at 6.7 per cent for 2026–27, suggesting continued recovery momentum.

Inflation Outlook

Headline inflation eased during January and February 2025, driven by a sharp decline in food prices. With uncertainties around the rabi crop largely resolved, and second advance estimates indicating record wheat output and higher pulse production than last year, food inflation is expected to soften further. This favourable trend is supported by robust kharif arrivals and a sharp fall in inflation expectations over the next three and twelve months, as reflected in recent surveys. The decline in crude oil prices has further strengthened the disinflationary outlook. Accordingly, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for 2025–26 is projected at 4.0 per cent, with quarterly estimates at 3.6 per cent in Q1, 3.9 per cent in Q2, 3.8 per cent in Q3, and 4.4 per cent in Q4.

While the inflation outlook appears stable, global uncertainties and the possibility of weather-related supply shocks continue to pose upside risks to the inflation path. The Reserve Bank of India has assumed a normal monsoon in framing its projections, and it considers the risks to be evenly balanced at this stage.

External Sector Snapshot

Liquidity and Financial Market Conditions

Conclusion

The Monetary Policy Report of April 2025, released alongside the 54th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, reflects a balanced approach by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to support growth while maintaining price stability. The decision to cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 6 per cent is underpinned by easing inflation, particularly in food prices, and a gradual recovery in economic activity. With GDP growth for 2025–26 projected at 6.5 per cent and inflation expected to remain within the 4 per cent target band, the report signals cautious optimism despite global uncertainties.

On the external front, robust services exports and strong remittance inflows have helped cushion the merchandise trade deficit, keeping the current account deficit at sustainable levels. Meanwhile, improved system liquidity, lower short-term borrowing costs, and stable foreign exchange reserves underscore the resilience of India’s financial system. The RBI has affirmed its commitment to closely monitor evolving conditions and take timely, calibrated measures to preserve macroeconomic and financial stability.

References:

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Saurabh Kalia

(Release ID: 2120509) Visitor Counter : 27

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025: Finalists Announced for “Make the World Wear Khadi” Challenge

From 750 to the Best : WAVES to Honour Winning Campaigns Reimagining Khadi

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 5:00PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 9 April 2025

 

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), has announced the shortlist for Make the World Wear Khadi – one of the 32 Creative in India Challenges being held as part of the WAVES Summit 2025, scheduled from May 1 to 4 in Mumbai.

Shortlisted Candidates:

• Iman Sengupta & Soham Ghosh – Havas Worldwide India
• Kartik Sankar & Madhumita Basu – 22feet Tribal
• Kajal Tirlotkar – Interactive Avenues
• Tanmay Raul & Mandar Mahadik – DDB Mudra Group
• Akash Mejari & Kajol Jeswani – DDB Mudra Group

Sharing insights behind their work, the participants reflected on Khadi’s evolving identity—from a symbol of India’s freedom movement to a solution for sustainable fashion.

Kajal Tirlotkar described Khadi as “a testament of time… slow, soulful, and spun with care,” while Tanmay Raul and Mandar Mahadik positioned it as the “Fabric of the Future,” highlighting its potential to address environmental degradation caused by fast fashion. Akash Mejari and Kajol Jeswani focused on Khadi as a means to “undo” ecological damage, encouraging climate-conscious action through their campaign. Meanwhile, Iman Sengupta and Soham Ghosh emphasized Khadi’s economic and cultural value, advocating for it as a premium, purpose-driven choice in global fashion.

The contest, designed to reimagine Khadi as a global icon of sustainability and identity, drew over 750 registrations from creative professionals and agencies across the country. Participants were challenged to create advertising campaigns that position Khadi not just as a fabric, but as a powerful symbol of innovation and conscious living on the world stage.

A distinguished jury of advertising industry leaders evaluated the entries based on originality, cultural depth, global appeal, and alignment with the contest’s core message. The shortlisted campaigns were praised for their strategic thinking, compelling narratives, and their potential to ignite a global movement around Khadi.

The final winners will be revealed and felicitated during the WAVES Summit 2025, where their campaigns will be presented before an elite audience of policymakers, global delegates, media leaders, and industry stakeholders.

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here  

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Dhanlakshmi/ Darshana | 88

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(Release ID: 2120449) Visitor Counter : 37

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu in her message on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti has said: –

“On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially the Jain brothers and sisters.

Bhagwan Mahavir, the embodiment of non-violence and compassion, showed a new path to humanity through the message of ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’, which means non-violence is the supreme religion. Mahavir Jayanti gives us the message to follow the path of spirituality and adopt the values of simplicity, kindness and detachment from material possessions and desires.

Let us imbibe the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir in our lives and promote peace, non-violence and harmony in the society”.

Please click here to see the President’s Message:-

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MJPS/SR/BM

(Release ID: 2120476) Visitor Counter : 76

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Manufacturing Contract between Airbus & Mahindra Aerostructures

Historic Signing Event for H130 Fuselage Manufacturing

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 5:03PM by PIB Delhi

In a landmark event, Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today chaired the signing ceremony for the H130 helicopter fuselage manufacturing contract between Airbus and Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. The event, held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, was graced by the presence of Secretary Civil Aviation Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, President & MD of Airbus India & South Asia Mr Remi Maillard, Group CEO & MD of Mahindra Group Dr Anish Shah and senior leadership of the industry partners.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in India’s aviation journey, further strengthening the global confidence in the country’s industrial potential. The partnership between Mahindra Aerostructures and Airbus underscores India’s progress in the aviation sector and our steadfast commitment to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

In his address, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “I think this contract for the manufacturing and assembly of the H130 helicopter fuselage is a testament to the confidence global players like Airbus have in the potential of Indian industry. Since its inception in 2011, Mahindra Aerostructures has proven that even as a young player in the aerospace industry, it can deliver world-class parts and assemblies for major global players like Airbus. As the Civil Aviation Minister, I am proud of the fact that today every Airbus commercial aircraft and helicopter carries critical technologies and parts designed, made, and maintained in India. And today, we are setting a new benchmark for aircraft component manufacturing. I believe that this has been possible only with the valuable support from Airbus.”

Highlighting India’s rapid aviation growth, the Minister shared:

• India is set to become one of the world’s largest civil aviation markets, with over 2,200 aircraft expected to join the fleet in the next 20 years.
• By 2030, India will handle 630 million passengers annually, growing at a CAGR of 6–8%.
• Over the next 10–15 years, the domestic aerospace manufacturing market can grow to a $10 billion industry, encompassing structural components, avionics systems, and more.

The Minister also acknowledged the exemplary contribution of Indian MSMEs and startups, which supply over $2 billion worth of aircraft components annually to global OEMs like Airbus and Boeing.

The event builds on the momentum from a February 2025 meeting chaired by the minister, focusing on accelerating aircraft component manufacturing in India. Attended by senior officials, industry leaders, and experts, the meeting aimed to chart a unified roadmap for bolstering domestic production and enhancing global competitiveness.

Secretary, MoCA, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam in his address emphasized how the H130 fuselage contract will not only bring cutting-edge technologies and jobs to India but also catalyze the development of domestic MRO capabilities and a robust manufacturing base.

The two Final Assembly Lines in India; one for the C295 military aircraft, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Spanish PM Mr. Pedro Sánchez, and the upcoming H125 helicopter assembly line stand as beacons of India’s thriving aerospace ecosystem and its strategic partnership with global players like Airbus.

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Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2120439) Visitor Counter : 116

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

PM to visit Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on 11th April

PM to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore in Varanasi

Special focus of projects: road, electricity, education, tourism

PM to present Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to newly registered local items and products

PM to perform darshan and pooja at Guru Ji Maharaj Temple in Isagarh, Madhya Pradesh

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 9:43PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on 11th April. He will travel to Varanasi and at around 11 AM, he will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore. He will also address a public meeting.

Thereafter he will travel to Madhya Pradesh and at around 3:15 PM, he will perform darshan and pooja at Guru Ji Maharaj Temple in Isagarh. Further, at around 4:15 PM, he will participate in a public programme at Anandpur Dham and address the gathering on the occasion.

PM in Uttar Pradesh

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore in Varanasi. In line with his commitment to infrastructure development, particularly enhancing road connectivity in Varanasi, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various road projects in the region. Furthermore, he will lay the foundation stone for a road bridge between Varanasi Ring Road and Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings of the city and a highway underpass road tunnel on NH-31 at the Varanasi International Airport worth over Rs 980 crore.

Giving a boost to the electricity infrastructure, Prime Minister will inaugurate two 400 KV and one 220 KV transmission substations and associated transmission lines of Jaunpur, Chandauli and Ghazipur districts of Varanasi division worth over Rs 1,045 crore. He will also lay the foundation stone of a 220 KV transmission substation at Chaukaghat, Varanasi, a 132 KV transmission substation in Ghazipur and augmentation of the Varanasi city electricity distribution system worth over Rs 775 crore.

Prime Minister will inaugurate a Transit Hostel at the Police Line and barracks at PAC Ramnagar Campus, to improve facilities for the security personnel. He will also lay the foundation stone of new administrative buildings at various police stations and a residential hostel in Police Line.

In line with his vision to ensure education for all, Prime Minister will inaugurate projects including a Government Polytechnic College at Pindra, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government College at village Barki, 356 rural libraries and 100 Anganwadi centres also. He will also lay the foundation stone for renovation of 77 primary school buildings under the Smart City Mission and the construction of a new building for Kasturba Gandhi School at Cholapur, Varanasi. Promoting sports infrastructure in the city, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a synthetic hockey turf with floodlights and spectator gallery at Uday Pratap College and a mini stadium at Shivpur.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat at Ganga river, 130 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission worth over Rs 345 crore, improvement of six municipal wards of Varanasi and landscaping and sculpture installations at various sites of Varanasi.

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for MSME Unity Mall for artisans, infrastructure development works of Transport Nagar Scheme at Mohansarai, 1 MW solar power plant at WTP Bhelupur, Community halls in 40 Gram panchayats and beautification of various parks in Varanasi.

Prime Minister will also handover Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to first time benefitting senior citizens over 70 years. He will present Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to various local items and products including  tabla, painting, thandai, tiranga barfi among others. He will also transfer over Rs 105 crore bonus to milk suppliers of Uttar Pradesh associated with Banas Dairy.

PM in Madhya Pradesh

In line with his commitment to furthering the cultural and spiritual heritage of India, Prime Minister will visit Anandpur Dham of Isagarh Tehsil in the Ashoknagar district in Madhya Pradesh. He will perform darshan and pooja at Guru Ji Maharaj Temple. He will also tour the temple complex at Anandpur Dham.

Anandpur Dham has been established for spiritual and philanthropic purposes. Spanning 315 hectares, it houses a modern gaushala (cowshed) with over 500 cows and runs agricultural activities under Shri Anandpur Trust campus. The trust has been operating a charitable hospital in Sukhpur village, schools in Sukhpur and Anandpur and various Satsang Centers across the country.

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2120622) Visitor Counter : 52

Source: Government of India

PRESIDENT OF INDIA IN SLOVAKIA; MEETS POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC; LEADS DELEGATION-LEVEL TALKS

WITNESSES EXCHANGE OF TWO MoUs IN THE FIELDS OF MSMEs AND DIPLOMATIC TRAINING COOPERATION

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 9:05PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu reached Bratislava on the final leg of her State Visit to Portugal and the Slovak Republic. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the Slovak Republic in 29 years. The Minister of State, Smt Nimuben Bambhaniya, and Members of Parliament Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt Sandhya Ray are also part of the accompanying delegation. 

 

The President commenced her engagements with the visit to the Presidential Palace where the President of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Mr. Peter Pellegrini, warmly received her. She was extended a traditional Slovak welcome with bread and salt by a couple in folk dress and accorded a ceremonial welcome with the Guard of Honour.

 

Later, President Droupadi Murmu discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and issues of shared global and regional interests with President Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic during one-to-one meeting and delegation-level talks. The President appreciated the personal commitment and initiative of President Pellegrini towards strengthening bilateral relations. She noted the rising popularity of Indian art and culture in Slovakia.  She highlighted the immense potential for the two countries to collaborate more closely in the rapidly expanding media, entertainment and creative economy sectors of India, including promotion of Slovakia as a filming destination and a partner in joint film production. She invited Slovakia to take part actively in the upcoming WAVE Summit being hosted by India in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Both leaders witnessed the exchange of two MoUs, one on cooperation in the fields of MSMEs between NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency and another on diplomatic training cooperation between SSIFS and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

In the next engagement, President Droupadi Murmu met the Speaker of National Council of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Mr. Richard Raši. The President congratulated Mr. Raši on his recent election as Speaker and reaffirmed the high priority attached by India to the historic friendship between the two countries. She said that Parliamentarians have an important role in enhancing goodwill and mutual understanding between India and Slovakia. She noted that there has been a tradition of a Slovak-India Friendship Group in the National Council of Slovakia, and said that it would help promote the exchange of knowledge and experience among our Parliamentarians.

The President also met and held extensive discussions with the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Mr Robert Fico. She stated that India greatly values our traditionally close and friendly ties with the Slovak Republic, based on shared values of democracy, rule of law and convergence of views on global issues. She also noted that there has been an increase in our engagements across sectors. The two leaders agreed to further diversify and strengthen bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest.

Please click here to see the President’s speech – 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2120611) Visitor Counter : 60