
CM reviews investment MoUs in RR
He emphasised the need for mission-mode execution to accelerate economic growth and energy self-reliance in the state.
Sharma informed that groundbreaking ceremonies for projects worth over Rs 4 lakh crore already took place, marking a significant step toward realising the state's investment potential. "The state govt is committed to making Rajasthan self-reliant in the energy sector. The MoUs signed under Rising Rajasthan, especially in the renewable energy domain, are vital to achieving this goal," Sharma said during the review meeting held at his residence.
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Indian Express
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Mastroianni said that contrary to assumptions, there has been a surge in demand for EB-5 after the announcement of the Gold Card programme. 'We are witnessing one of the most promising surges in EB-5 interest from Indian families in recent history. The uncertainty surrounding future visa programmes like the proposed Gold Card, combined with heightened scrutiny of traditional student and work visa routes, has pushed many investors to act now — not later. What's changed is not just demand, but decisiveness,' he said. 'With the spectre of visa retrogression looming and the current ability to file concurrently from within the US, families are prioritising stability, permanence, and long-term security. EB-5 is no longer seen as an alternative — it's become the preferred strategy,' Mastroianni said. Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More


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