The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, September 4, 2025 — Beneath the regal domes of Rashtrapati Bhavan, a moment of quiet power unfolded today as Prime Minister of Singapore, H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, called on President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu—a meeting that wasn’t just ceremonial, but symbolic of a partnership that’s matured, deepened, and now poised to leap into the future. 

Sixty years of diplomatic relations—a milestone few nations celebrate with such vibrancy. And this year, India and Singapore are doing just that, not with nostalgia, but with vision and velocity.

A Partnership Reimagined

Welcoming Prime Minister Wong with warmth and gravitas, President Murmu hailed Singapore as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and a strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific narrative. She recalled the flurry of high-level engagements this year—from President Tharman’s visit in January to the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, where six senior ministers, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, joined hands to shape the next chapter of cooperation.And today, that chapter got its headline:

From Green Energy to Outer Space

The new agreements signed today aren’t just ink on paper—they’re blueprints for transformation. From green economy initiatives to space collaboration, civil aviation upgrades to fintech innovation, and skill development programs that empower youth across borders—India and Singapore are aligning their strengths in sectors that define the future.
President Murmu emphasised that this isn’t just about trade—it’s about shared purpose.

Defence, Diaspora, and Deeper Bonds

The conversation also touched on defence cooperation, with joint exercises and training programs reinforcing mutual trust. And then there’s the Indian diaspora in Singapore—a vibrant bridge of culture, commerce, and community. President Murmu praised their role in nurturing people-to-people ties that go beyond policy and politics.

Dialogue at the Top: A Diplomatic Signature

Both leaders agreed: frequent, high-level exchanges are the lifeblood of this relationship. With today’s meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the dialogue dynamic, the cooperation comprehensive, and the friendship future-ready.

This wasn’t just a diplomatic courtesy—it was a strategic handshake across oceans, echoing with the promise of innovation, inclusion, and Indo-Pacific leadership.

The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, August 3 (2025): In a major step toward accelerating India’s digital transformation and industrial modernisation, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the ‘Industry 4.0 workshop for CPSEs’ organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance in Guwahati.

The workshop witnessed participation from several senior dignitaries, including the Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), CMD NRL, Director (Enterprise Business) BSNL, MD NRL, MD AMTRON, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and various CPSEs.

Discussions focused on empowering Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to embrace transformative Industry 4.0 technologies—including 5G CNPN, Digital Twins, 3D Printing with AI, Virtual Formulation, AR/VR/MR, IoT, and Big Data Analytics—to foster innovation, efficiency, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Under this MoU, BSNL and NRL will collaborate to deploy India’s first 5G CNPN (Captive Non-Public Network) within the refinery sector, ushering in a new era of secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time industrial connectivity. This initiative is a pioneering step in leveraging indigenous 5G infrastructure for mission-critical operations.

The Secretary, DPE, praised the initiative as a shining example of the Government’s ‘Whole of Government’ (WoG) approach, underlining its potential to modernise India’s industrial base, promote advanced skilling, and generate employment opportunities, particularly in the North Eastern region.

CMD NRL stated that the integration of 5G CNPN will not only enhance operational efficiency and cybersecurity but also enable transformative technologies such as AR/VR-based training, Digital Twins, and real-time IoT applications. He called it a game-changing moment for India’s refinery sector.

BSNL CMD A Robert J Ravi, remarked, “This partnership exemplifies BSNL’s commitment to empowering India’s strategic sectors with next-generation digital infrastructure. The deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL will mark a technological leap forward, not only in connectivity but in redefining how core industries can operate in the future. As a trusted public telecom provider, BSNL is proud to pioneer this journey toward a self-reliant, digitally intelligent Bharat.”

Director (Enterprise Business), BSNL added that this collaboration represents a historic milestone in the adoption of 5G and Industry 4.0 within India’s industrial ecosystem. He reaffirmed BSNL’s commitment to supporting Digital India by offering secure, robust, and future-ready communication infrastructure for CPSEs and enterprises.

This partnership between BSNL and NRL is expected to set the stage for replicable models across other industrial sectors, reinforcing the Government of India’s vision for a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat.

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Chennai, August 2, 2025: The Capacity Building Commission of the Government of India, in association with Pondicherry University, successfully organised a three-day Rashtriya Karma Yogi Jan Seva Programme - Master Trainers Training Workshop at Pondicherry University from July 31 to August 2, 2025.  

The aim of this Mission Karmayogi is to create a competent civil service rooted in the Indian ethos, with a shared understanding of India’s priorities, working in harmony for effective and efficient public service delivery.

Envisioned as one of the largest capacity-building initiatives in the government anywhere in the world, Mission Karmayogi will aim to transform approximately 1.5crore government officials across the centre, the states, and the local bodies. 
Faculty members and non-teaching staff from various central universities participated in the training sessions led by lead trainers from the Capacity Building Commission.  Once they get trained, they will be called master trainers, and in turn, they have to train the faculty and staff of their own universities.

The three-day workshop was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Kumar Tripathi, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC). In his inaugural address, Dr Tripathi highlighted the critical role of higher education institutions in driving national capacity-building missions.  

Prof P Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, during his presidential address stressed the strategic relevance of structured capacity development in achieving responsive and reform-oriented governance. He reiterated the commitment of Pondicherry University and the Capacity Building Commission to cultivating a capable, accountable, and citizen-centric workforce.

Delivering the Special Address, Dr Diksha Rajput, Joint Secretary, Capacity Building Commission, UGC, elaborated on the objectives of the Master Training Programme, emphasising the long-term transformative potential of training master trainers across the nation, embedding Sewa Bhaav in governance.

Prof P G Arul, Director (i/c), UGC- Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre, Pondicherry University and also the coordinator of this event, welcomed the resource persons and participants by highlighting the unique positioning of Pondicherry in organising these types of workshops on the campus.

Dr K Srujana, Assistant Professor, UGC-MMTTC, conducted the event. Pondicherry University officials, including Prof D Lazar, Finance Officer, Dr M Vijaya Kumar, University Librarian, Prof P Natarajan, Dean, School of Management, Prof M Shuaib Mohamed Haneef, Director, Electronic Media and Mass Communication Research Centre, were present among others. 
This workshop marks a significant step towards institutionalising professional development and strengthening the public service delivery framework in India. On successful completion of various training sessions and imparting required skills, the programme concluded on August 2, 2025.

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New Delhi, May 24, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, earlier today. It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors representing 24 states and seven UTs. This year’s theme was Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047. The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Prime Minister said that it is the aspiration of every Indian for the country to be a Viksit Bharat. It is not the agenda of any party but the aspiration of 140 crore Indians. He observed that if all states work together towards this goal, then we will make stupendous progress. He also said that we should commit to developing every state, every city, and every village, and then Viksit Bharat will be achieved much before 2047.

The PM said that India has emerged among the top five economies of the world, and 25 crore people have escaped poverty. He emphasised that India needs to increase the speed of this transformation. He encouraged states to leverage their manufacturing strengths. He said that the Government of India has announced the Manufacturing Mission.

The PM observed that global investors are hugely interested in India. He encouraged the states to utilise this opportunity and make it easy for investments. Citing recent trade agreements with the UAE, the UK and Australia, he said states should utilise it to the optimum.

Emphasising skilling, the Prime Minister said that NEP gives emphasis on education and skill development. He said states must plan for various skills which are attuned to modern technologies like AI, semiconductors, and 3D printing.

He said that we can become the skill capital of the world because of our demographic dividend. The Prime Minister said that a Rs 60,000 crore scheme for skilling has been approved by GoI. States must focus on modern training infrastructure and rural training hubs to enhance skilling.

The PM cited cybersecurity as both a challenge and an opportunity. Hydrogen and green energy were emphasised by him as arenas of immense potential and opportunities.

The PM said that the G20 Summit helped India to be recognised as a global tourist destination, but states should leverage the opportunity. He urged the states to develop at least one tourist destination to global standards and expectations. He said that 25-30 such tourist destinations can be created across India.

The PM observed that India is urbanising rapidly. He asked the states to make cities the engine of sustainability and growth and urged them to focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. He noted that a Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund is being created for seed money.

The PM emphasised the huge strength of India’s Nari Shakti. He urged to change in the laws for women so that they can join the growth trajectory. He observed that there should be reforms in the public and private sectors for working women with a focus on their ease of working.

He also encouraged states to interlink rivers within states to battle water scarcity as well as floods. He appreciated Bihar, which has recently started the Kosi-Mochi connection grid. He also appreciated the Aspirational Districts Programme, which has been a success through collective efforts.

The Prime Minister said that in agriculture, we must focus on the lab to land. He talked about the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, in which about 2,500 scientists will go to villages and Rural Centres in the coming days, where they will deliberate on topics such as crop diversification and chemical-free farming. He asked all CMs to support this endeavour.

He emphasised the need to focus on health services delivery. He said that we must check for oxygen plants and preparations to be ready for any COVID-related challenges. He said that the states need to expand telemedicine so that good doctors can be connected from district hospitals, and E-Sanjeevani & tele-consultation benefits should be made available.

The Prime Minister mentioned that 'Operation Sindoor’ should not be treated as a one-off initiative, and we must adopt a long-term approach. He mentioned that we must modernise our approach to civil preparedness. He said that the recent mock drills have reignited our attention to civil defence and that states should institutionalise Civil Defence.

The CMs and LGs praised Operation Sindoor for its precision and targeted strikes, which led to the destruction of terror infrastructure. In one voice, they praised the PM’s leadership and the valour of the Armed Forces. They also praised the efforts towards Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector, which have strengthened the defence forces and bolstered confidence in our capabilities.

Chief Minister/Lt. Governors gave various suggestions for the vision of Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and also discussed steps being taken in their States. Some of the key suggestions and best practices highlighted were in the fields of agriculture, education and skill development, entrepreneurship, drinking water, reducing compliances, governance, digitalisation, women empowerment, cyber security, etc. Several states also shared their endeavours to create a State Vision for 2047.

Prime Minister asked NITI Aayog to study the suggestions of states and UTs made during the meeting. He said the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog is a milestone in its 10 years of journey, which defines and outlines the vision for 2047. He observed that the Governing Council Meetings have helped in nation-building, and it has emerged as a platform for joint action and shared aspirations. He expressed his gratitude to all the CMs and LGs for participating in the meeting and sharing their views and experiences, and expressed confidence that India is progressing on the path to fulfil the vision of Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047 through the power of cooperative federalism.

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New Delhi, May 23, 2025: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar, and Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, co-chaired the 28th meeting of the Committee to devise ways and means to curb offences of untouchability and atrocities against SCs and STs, in New Delhi today. Union Ministers of State Dr Ramdas Athawale, BL Verma and Durga Das Uikey also attended the meeting.

In the meeting, discussions were held regarding charge sheet filing rate in the courts, pendency of cases in courts, status of Exclusive Special courts, meeting of Vigilance and  Monitoring Committees, pending grievances on National Helpline against Atrocities and Action plan to do away with shortcomings in implementation of the PCR and PoA Acts, etc., was reviewed. The committee reaffirmed the resolution of the government to provide dignity to all the vulnerable sections of society, an official PIB statement said.

Dr Virendra Kumar, in his concluding remarks, emphasised upon regular conduct of State Level and District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meetings to review the implementation of the provisions of the Act in their respective states and districts. State officers were asked to take measures to ensure the SC & ST people are not exploited in their states. Further, he emphasised an increase in the establishment of Special Police Stations, to fix accountability and take action against erring officials as per the provisions of the PoA Act in case of neglect of duty.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participants to work together to ensure that the intent and spirit of these crucial acts are upheld and justice is delivered to the victims of caste-based discrimination and atrocities.

It witnessed participation from various state governments at the level of additional chief secretaries, secretaries, principal secretaries/secretaries of the SC/ST development/welfare department, home department and senior police officials of the States/UTs attended the meeting.

Background

A committee, under the chairpersonship of Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment along with the members from Ministry of Home Affairs, Tribal Affairs, Law and Justice, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and three non-official members (two amongst SCs and one amongst STs), was set up in the year 2006 on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It aims to devise ways and means to curb offences of atrocities and ensure effective administration of the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities){PoA} Act, 1989.

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New Delhi, May 23, 2025: Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh interacted with Industry partners and beneficiaries under the Samarth scheme today.

The Minister interacted with beneficiaries from different sectors, including handloom, handicraft, jute and silk under the Samarth scheme, and beneficiaries shared their experiences on the benefits given to them, which is strengthening their livelihood. During the interaction, the beneficiaries and industry partners shared the scheme’s impact and success stories with the minister, an official PIB statement said.

The minister highlighted the significance of the textile sector in India as one of the largest employment-generating sectors and the benefits provided to them through various schemes of the Textiles Ministry, including the Samarth scheme.

During the interaction industry representative put forward their views on the present status of the Samarth scheme including challenges to be addressed, growth potential and opportunities available for the skilled manpower to make India global hub of Textiles.

So far, under the Samarth scheme, 4.32 lakh beneficiaries have been trained, and 3.20 lakh have received placements. About 88% are women beneficiaries. By empowering women in textile production, craftsmanship, and innovation, the scheme is driving gender-inclusive development.

The scheme extends across India, making skill development accessible from Jammu & Kashmir to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The government's focus on increasing textile manufacturing, modernising infrastructure, fostering innovation, upgrading technology through skilled manpower will strengthen India’s position as a global textile hub.

Samarth - scheme for capacity building in the textile sector is a demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling initiative is a significant step towards developing workforce empowerment. Samarth aims to incentivise and supplement the efforts of the industry in creating jobs in the organised textile and related sectors, covering the entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving.

The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, May 23, 2025: India hosted a Virtual Capacity Building Session on Digital Transformation in BRICS, organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through the National Communications Academy – Technology (NCA-T), Ghaziabad. Convened under the BRICS ICT Working Group, the event brought together digital thought leaders from across the BRICS nations to explore shared challenges, best practices, and chart a path forward for robust ICT cooperation among the group countries.

The session was inaugurated by BRICS Chair Daniel Cavalcanti and NCA-T Director General Atul Sinha.

Cavalcanti commended India for hosting the session and highlighted the event's role in advancing cooperation, focusing on mobile security, cyber resilience, digital infrastructure, and digital twin, an official PIB statement said.

Atul Sinha emphasised the importance of capacity building through collaboration, co-creating scalable and secure technologies, and fostering partnerships to empower citizens across BRICS nations. Four thematic sessions addressed pressing challenges and opportunities in the digital domain.

Session I: Empowering Mobile Users

India showcased its flagship Sanchar Saathi initiative aimed at protecting mobile users from fraud, enhancing transparency, and ensuring equitable access to mobile services. The session underscored the importance of citizen-centric regulatory frameworks that foster trust and inclusivity in digital communications.

Session II: Cyber Resilience for the 21st Century

India and Brazil led presentations on their national approaches to cyber resilience, emphasising preparedness, rapid response, and cross-border cooperation to counter cyber threats.

Session III: Foundation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

This session focused on building secure, inclusive, and interoperable platforms. India presented AADHAAR as a foundational DPI that has revolutionised public service delivery through identity-based digital inclusion. China also shared insights on its digital infrastructure journey. The session highlighted DPI as a transformative tool for governance efficiency and service outreach.

Session IV: Digital Twin – Revolutionising Public Infrastructure

India introduced its ambitious Sangam Digital Twin initiative, aimed at using AI-native, federated platforms to enable scenario-based infrastructure planning and real-time governance solutions. China also shared its experiences with Digital Twin technology. The discussion showcased the use of predictive simulations and data-driven governance as game-changers for public infrastructure management.

In the closing remarks, Daniel Cavalcanti and Avinash Agarwal, Deputy Director General, International Relations Division, DoT, India, reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS nations to mutual learning and collaborative digital development.
The sessions provided a robust platform for sharing national success stories, identifying scalable solutions, and laying the groundwork for future digital cooperation. The outcomes are expected to bolster strategic alliances and foster resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital societies across BRICS.

The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, May 24 (2025): Rashtrapati Niketan, the Presidential Retreat in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, will be open for public viewing from June 24, 2025.

Opening of the 186-year-old 21-acre Estate is part of the initiative to increase citizen engagement with the President and the heritage of Rashtrapati Bhavan, an official PIB statement said.

Under this initiative, since 2023, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Nilayam, Hyderabad, and Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra, were opened up for public visits six days a week. From February 2025, the Change of Guard Ceremony started at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in a new format with increased seating capacity.

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu will visit the Rashtrapati Niketan on June 20, 2025, to oversee the preparation of the opening of the Estate for the public. She will also lay the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre ecological park, on the occasion.

The Rashtrapati Niketan, earlier known as Rashtrapati Ashiana, was used by the President’s Bodyguards for the training of PBG horses. This heritage building now showcases a curated selection of artwork and offers a glimpse into its rich legacy. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the stables and horses of the President’s Bodyguard. The Lily Pond, Rockery Pond, Rose Garden, and Pergola will also be points of attraction for the visitors.

In addition to the Rashtrapati Niketan, people can also visit the Rashtrapati Tapovan, a 19-acre dense forest trail on the Rajpur Road. The Tapovan offers a serene escape into nature with a rich canopy of native trees, winding trails, wooden bridges, elevated machans for bird watching, and quiet spots for reflection and meditation. It has been developed with the aim of connecting visitors with the natural world through guided trails, seasonal flora, and eco-interpretive elements.
The Rashtrapati Udyan, which is scheduled to be open to the public next year, is planned to be developed as a dynamic environmental and recreational space, featuring thematic gardens, a butterfly garden, a scenic lake, an aviary, and a dedicated children's play area.

The park plan also includes a sports zone, walking tracks, jogging and cycling tracks, water conservation systems, and outdoor learning installations — creating a living classroom that encourages environmental awareness, active lifestyles, and family-friendly engagement in harmony with nature.

The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, May 25, 2025:  The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will convene the 38th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) on 26th May 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Council, reconstituted in October 2024 under the chairmanship of Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, Jayant Chaudhary, plays a pivotal role in advising the Government on key policies related to apprenticeship training across the country.

The last CAC meeting was held in June 2021. Since then, India’s apprenticeship landscape has evolved considerably, with over 43.47 lakh apprentices engaged across 36 states and union territories, with active participation from more than 51,000 establishments, enhanced outreach across districts and social groups, and renewed alignment with futuristic sectors through the PM-NAPS and NATS schemes.

The 38th CAC will deliberate on critical reforms, including:

Digital and virtual mode apprenticeship delivery

Integration of Degree Apprenticeships through rule amendments, including the introduction of new definitions to formally regulate Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP)

Provisions for the global deployment of apprentices at client sites

Enhanced stipend rates linked to inflation

Measures to support women, PwDs, and apprentices from NER

Institutional strengthening, includingthe  setting up of new regional boards

The Council comprises representatives from central ministries, state governments, industry (public and private), academia, labour bodies, and technical experts. Notable members include chairpersons of BHEL, Indian Oil, Tata Group, Maruti Suzuki, Reliance Industries, NSDC, UGC, AICTE, and senior bureaucrats from ministries such as education, labour, MSME, railways, and textiles.

State apprenticeship advisors from ten key states and domain experts with experience in education, labour, and industry also serve on the council.

Ahead of the meeting, Jayant Chaudhary, Chairman of CAC and Minister of State (I/C), MSDE, stated: “The future of apprenticeships lies at the intersection of education, technology, and opportunity. As we prepare India’s youth for a dynamic and inclusive economy, this Council meeting will catalyze to unlock greater flexibility, global linkages, and institutional coherence in our apprenticeship framework. It is an important step in our journey toward a ‘Kushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat’.”

The meeting will begin at 10:30 AM at Vigyan Bhawan, with a keynote address by the minister, followed by discussions on proposed reforms and policy enhancements. Outcomes from the Council are expected to significantly shape India’s skilling priorities in the years ahead.

Earlier this week, MSDE launched a strategic Apprenticeship Scheme Pilot for the North Eastern Region (NER) in Aizawl, Mizoram, in the presence of Jayant Chaudhary and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma. The initiative aims to boost apprenticeship adoption across all eight NER states by providing an additional ₹1,500/month stipend to over 26,000 youths, above the standard NAPS benefit. Backed by a dedicated outlay of ₹43.94 crore, including funds for awareness and capacity building, the scheme is being implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). It marks a significant step toward mainstreaming skilling opportunities in underserved geographies, promoting mobility, inclusion, and industry-readiness among youth in the region.

Source: A PIB report by Beena Yadav & Shahbaz Hasibi

THE BUSINESS FACTORS NEWS DESK

New Delhi, May 25, 2025: The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, held during May 23-24, concluded on Saturday (May 24) with significant investment announcements made on the first day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit on May 23.

In his valedictory address, the Union Minister of Communications and Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Jyotiraditya M.  Scindia said that the Northeast has emerged as a hub of global partnership and mutual interest. 
He said the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 drew an unprecedented Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment interest, setting the stage for the Northeast Region (NER) to become India’s next economic powerhouse. “We welcomed delegations from over 80 countries — from Japan to Europe to ASEAN nations, and there was one unanimous sentiment: India’s future lies in the Northeast,” he said.

Scindia praised the PM for not just recognising the vast potential of the north-eastern region but also embracing it. He said, “None of this would have been possible without the commitment of the government under the PM and his deep, heartfelt connection to this region. For six decades after Independence, successive governments failed to recognise the vast potential of this land, a land that once contributed nearly 20% to India's GDP. But Narendra Modi not only understood this potential, he embraced I,t adopting a ‘whole-of-government’ approach.”

He said the ministry has created eight high-level task forces across key sectors: agriculture, sports, investment promotion, tourism, economic corridors, infrastructure, textiles and handicrafts, and animal husbandry, allowing each state to chart its own roadmap.

MDoNER has been holding discussions with various stakeholders, including investors and foreign diplomats, to encourage them to explore investment opportunities in the northeastern states. In the last year, the ministry has led an extensive nationwide and international engagement effort in this direction. These key initiatives include nine domestic road shows across major Indian cities,  Ambassadors’ Meets with representatives from over 95 countries, six state roundtables, six sector-specific industry interactions, and numerous consultations with PSUs, industry chambers, and corporates.

Scindia said, “These discussions have borne real fruit and investment proposals of Rs.4.30 lakh crore.” Commenting on the Rising North East Summit 2025, the minister said that this is the first time since the inception of MDoNER that an investment summit has been organised on this scale. On Friday, industry leaders, including Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, Gautam Adani, Chairperson of Adani Group, and Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta, collectively announced investments worth more than Rs 1,55,000 crore to explore opportunities in the North Eastern region during the event's inauguration ceremony.

Besides Scindia, MoS Sukanta Majumdar, MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Tripura Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma remained present.  

MDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, MDoNER joint secretary Angshuman Dey, DoNER Statistical Advisor Dharmvir Jha and other officers were present.

On Friday, Mukesh Ambani pledged Rs 75,000 crore over the next five years, targeting agriculture, telecommunications, digital services, and local enterprise development. Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani also announced an additional Rs 50,000 crore investment over the next decade, and Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal announced more than Rs 30,000 crore investments in the northeast.

MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita said, “It fills me with immense pride and joy to witness the remarkable transformation of the northeast region under the visionary leadership of the PM.”

Talking about the fortnightly visits mandated for the central ministers to each north-eastern state, the minister said that so far, more than 700 such visits have taken place, reflecting our governance model that is more active, outcome-oriented, and truly people-centric.

Sukanta Majumdar expressed gratitude for making the North East summit a resounding success. He said, “Over the past two days, Bharat Mandapam has transformed into a national stage, amplifying the voice, vision, and vast potential of the north-eastern region.”

“From Guwahati to Mumbai, Hyderabad to Kolkata, nine investor road shows, two Ambassador meets, and engagement with over 131 investors and 24 industry members have sparked the momentum that is redefining the development narrative of the northeast,” he added.

Briefing about the progress seen by the North eastern region in recent years, the minister said, “National highways in this region have grown from 10,905-km in 2014 to 16,207-km by 2024. A total of 694.5 megawatts of power generation capacity and over 10,000-km of circuit of transmission and distribution lines have been added. Thirty-six major aviation projects have been completed, and airports have doubled from 9 to 17 between 2014 and 2024.”

Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER, said that the Northeast states are not just known for their natural beauty but also have immense potential in the fields of natural resources, tourism, sports, and music. “Looking at all these factors, it can be said that the future belongs to the Northeast states. We have conducted road shows, Ambassador round tables, and state round tables in different cities across eight states to promote the investment ecosystem in NER,” said Kumar. He further added that the Ambassadors' Meet, organised last month, saw participation from representatives from about 76 countries, and the ministry has received investment proposals worth over Rs 4 lakh crore.

Dharmvir Jha thanked investors for showing investment interest in the NER and said, “Today, we're at the culmination of our hard work in the form of the Rising North East Summit.” The Statistical Advisor, MDoNER, said that investment proposals worth Rs 4.30 lakh crore have been received so far.

The trailblazing investment summit, organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, hosted ministerial sessions, Business-to-Government sessions, Business-to-Business meetings, startups, and exhibitions of policy and related initiatives taken by state governments and central ministries for investment promotion. The summit is the culmination of various pre-summit activities, such as a series of road shows and states' roundtables, including the Ambassador's Meet and the Bilateral Chambers Meet, organised by the central government with active support from the state governments of the North Eastern Region.

In the inaugural ceremony of the summit held on Friday, the Prime Minister highlighted that over the past decade, Rs 21,000 crore has been invested in the Northeast's education sector. He noted key developments, including the establishment of over 800 new schools, the region's first AIIMS, nine new medical colleges, and two new IIITs. The Prime Minister assured that the Northeast now offers top-tier talent across various sectors, encouraging industries and investors to leverage the region's immense potential.

“We will continue B2G and B2B dialogues, where MDoNER will act as a bridge between investors and state governments, to ensure that each approved project translates swiftly into reality. Standing here today, I reaffirm our promise: every MoU, every proposal discussed here will be pursued relentlessly. The Northeast Region, our NER, now embarks on a journey of New Economic Revolution, a New Economic Revival — where it will emerge as India’s International Gateway to Southeast Asia,” said the Union Minister of DoNER, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his concluding remarks on Saturday. 

The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, May 24, 2025: Under the leadership of Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, preparations for the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ are now in their final stages.

This nationwide campaign will be formally launched on May 29 (2025) from the sacred land of Puri, Odisha. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, in collaboration with state governments, are fully engaged in the planning and execution of this massive initiative. As a part of these preparations, Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed agricultural scientists from across the country at the NASC Complex, New Delhi.

In his address, Chouhan stated, that his life is dedicated to serving farmers, boosting agricultural production, reducing production costs, ensuring food security, filling the nation's food basket, and safeguarding the agricultural interests of future generations. He emphasized that balanced use of fertilizers, understanding local conditions, utilizing accurate research insights, and access to quality seeds can undoubtedly help farmers enhance their productivity.

Stressing the importance of collaboration, the minister highlighted that this campaign is a significant step towards connecting scientists, department officials, and farmers an integration that has long been missing. He further accentuated that, “Farming is a matter of heart and emotion and it must be lived.”

He affirmed the government’s commitment towards advancing agricultural research under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assured that there will be no shortage of funds for research and innovation. Describing the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a result-oriented initiative, he expressed confidence that its outcomes increased yields and reduced costs would be visible as early as the upcoming Kharif season.

The minister also urged the country’s scientists to showcase their research capabilities on the global stage, asserting that India’s agricultural institutions possess the strength and excellence that can earn global recognition. He lauded the dedication of agricultural scientists and stated that the nation would express its gratitude to them following the successful completion of this campaign.

The session witnessed the active participation of Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, MoA&FW Dr ML Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) ICAR, representatives from all 113 ICAR institutes, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and scientists and faculty from 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and various Central and State Agricultural Universities, both in person and virtually.

Chaturvedi, stated that India has 210 million hectares of net cropped area. Even a marginal increase of one quintal per hectare in productivity could lead to a substantial boost in overall agricultural output.

Speaking on the programme’s objective, Dr Jat highlighted that the Abhiyan promotes demand-driven research to enhance agricultural efficiency. It aims to bridge the gap between research and field application while fostering and scaling farmer-led innovations for inclusive and sustainable growth. Dr. Jat stated that the era of supply-driven research has passed, and the focus must now be on demand-driven research. He further explained that agricultural research has its own language, and the challenge lies in translating it into practical, scientific terms that can be effectively communicated to the end-users.

This programme, he said, offers a platform to achieve that goal through collective and coordinated efforts by all stakeholders.

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan will be held from May 29 to 12 June 2025 across 700 districts. Team of scientists will travel village to village, engaging in direct interaction with farmers. The campaign will include participation from 731 KVKs, 113 ICAR institutes, state-level departments, and officials from agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, as well as innovative farmers. The campaign aims to reach and interact directly with 1.5 crore (15 million) farmers across the country. 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Director, ICAR- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, proposed the vote of thanks.