Latest news with #DoNER
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Rising North-East India: Frontrunner Of Development
Last Updated: PM Modi has embraced the region's potential through a comprehensive developmental project. The North-Eastern region of India, comprised of eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—is renowned for its beautiful sceneries and exceptional weather. This region, rich in both natural and artificial resources, has recently gained prominence on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of the 'Rising North-East' summit has spotlighted the region's potential, leading to Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment interests, positioning it as India's next economic powerhouse. Modi has embraced the region's potential through a comprehensive developmental project. The Minister of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) highlighted eight key focus areas: agriculture, animal husbandry, sports, investments, economic corridors, infrastructure, textiles, and handicrafts. The North-Eastern region shares international boundaries with Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Each state boasts unique cultures and traditions, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a culturally rich area. The region plays a crucial role in India's 'Act East Policy,' aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia. With abundant natural resources and potential in agriculture and horticulture, the North-East is emerging as a hub for sustainable manufacturing and services. The region's diverse ethnic, religious, linguistic, and cultural landscape also makes it an attractive tourist destination, offering significant growth potential in tourism. Covering 2.6 lakh sq. km, the North-Eastern region accounts for 7.98 per cent of India's total geographical area and 3.78 per cent of its population. The terrain is a mix of hills and plains, with hills making up 70 per cent of the land. With a tribal population of around 54 per cent, especially in the hills, the region is home to approximately 135 Scheduled Tribe groups out of the total 705 across India. The area is rich in natural resources, including agro-horticultural and forest resources, hydroelectric potential, oil, natural gas, and minerals, making it ripe for investment and growth. Poor connectivity has historically hindered development, but transportation and infrastructure improvements are now a priority. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to enhance road infrastructure, such as the 3,000-km-long Trans Arunachal Highway in Arunachal Pradesh and the Dhola-Sadiya bridge in Assam, the longest in India. The Bharat Mala Pariyojana, a key highway development programme, aims to construct 35,000 km of highways across India, including significant projects in the North-East to boost connectivity and regional development. Air Connectivity New airports have been built, and existing ones upgraded, making air travel more comfortable and convenient. Incentives like reduced landing and parking fees have attracted airlines, increasing flight numbers. Improved air connectivity has made the North-East more accessible to tourists and businesses, boosting the local economy and regional growth. Rail Connectivity The Indian Railways has introduced special trains showcasing the region's cultural and natural heritage, promoting tourism and awareness. New and extended rail services have improved connectivity, contributing to economic growth. National Highways Expansion: India's National Highway network expanded from 65,569 km in 2004 to 1,46,145 km in 2024, with multi-lane stretches increasing from 18,371 km in 2014 to 48,422 km in 2024. Bharatmala Pariyojana: Launched in 2017, this programme aims to develop about 26,000 km of Economic Corridors. By November 2024, 18,926 km of roads were completed. Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs): As part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, 35 MMLPs are planned with a total investment of about Rs 46,000 crore, expected to handle around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo once operational. Civil Aviation Growth: The number of operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 by September 2024. In the North-East, operational airports grew from 9 in 2013 to 17 by 2023, leading to a 113% rise in traffic. The UDAN scheme added 194 fixed-wing and helicopter routes, boosting tourism, investment, and business. Arunachal Pradesh's first Greenfield airport at Hollongi, Itanagar, connects it to major cities. Inland Waterways Transport (IWT): A state-of-the-art IWT terminal at Jogighopa, Assam, connected to the Multi-Modal Logistics Park, serves as an international port for Bhutan and Bangladesh, enhancing logistics in the region. The development of National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra) and National Waterway-16 (Barak River) aims to reduce logistics costs. Urban and Industrial Growth: A semiconductor manufacturing plant is being established in Jagiroad, near Guwahati, Assam, in collaboration with the Tata Group. The first MMLP in India is under construction at Jogighopa, Assam, set to transform logistics, warehousing, and cargo movement. Policies and Schemes: Various state government initiatives like the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI) aim at developing industries and generating employment. The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) focuses on enhancing infrastructure related to water supply, power, connectivity, and tourism. The Ministry of DoNER has sanctioned 90 projects costing Rs 3,417.68 crore under NESIDS in the last three financial years. The Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) funds infrastructure and social development projects, promoting youth and women's livelihoods. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims at strengthening multi-modal logistics and seamless freight corridors. Bharatmala Pariyojana focuses on expanding highway corridors, enhancing inter-state and cross-border trade. The 'Rising North-East' summit highlights the region's critical position in India, providing immense opportunities to drive the Indian economy. About the Author Monalisa Deka Monalisa Deka has done Ph.D. in Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, JNU New Delhi. tags : Northeast India view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 17, 2025, 16:14 IST News opinion Opinion | Rising North-East India: Frontrunner Of Development Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Tripura planning to revive pineapple processing unit on PPP model: Minister
Agartala, Tripura's Agriculture & Farmer Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday said the government is contemplating reviving a dormant pineapple juice factory in North Tripura's Nalkata based on a public-private partnership model. Tripura planning to revive pineapple processing unit on PPP model: Minister The minister announced this while addressing a pineapple festival at Kumarghat in Unakoti district. The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd , a central government enterprise, used to operate the food-processing unit till the nineties. Pineapples, especially the Kew variety, are mostly grown in three districts of the northeastern state - North, Unakoti and Dhalai. "If the project is implemented, the pineapple growers will benefit greatly. The present government wants to increase the income of farmers to boost the state's economy," he said. In the northeastern state, pineapples are grown in 74,000 kani. In Tripura, one kani is a traditional land measurement unit, roughly equivalent to 20,000 square feet. The queen variety, which has already got the GI tag, is cultivated in 22,000 'kani' of land, while the Kew variety is grown in the remaining portion. Nath said DoNER Minister Jyotirditya Scindia has pushed a Rs. 132 crore project to promote the queen variety of pineapple globally because of its taste and food value. "Out of nine species of pineapples grown in the country, queen pineapple is the best in terms of food value and taste. Pineapple has already been declared as the state fruit," he said. Nath said the northeastern state has exported a total of 73.15 MT of pineapples to countries such as Dubai, Qatar and Oman during the last seven years. The minister added that the government is also planning to provide additional financial support to the farmers who practice organic farming. "We are mulling over supporting the farmers who are practising organic and natural farming like PM Kishan Yojana," he said. Under the PM-Kisan scheme, each registered farmer receives ₹6,000 in a year in three instalments. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
United News of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Scindia urges speedy execution of DoNER projects in Manipur during high-level review
Imphal, July 11 (UNI) Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, today called for expedited implementation of key development projects in Manipur, citing delays in critical sectors such as tourism, connectivity, and handloom. Speaking during a high-level review meeting co-chaired virtually with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, the Minister, who attended the meeting virtually, emphasized the need for targeted action to overcome persistent bottlenecks and deliver tangible results. The meeting reviewed the status of ongoing DoNER and North Eastern Council (NEC) projects across the state. Manipur Chief Secretary P.K. Singh presented a detailed update, highlighting progress and challenges in several priority areas. These included development of handloom and handicrafts, promotion of Polo, enhancement of tourism infrastructure, strengthening transport and connectivity, implementation of palm oil cultivation under the NMEO-OP, logistics improvements, and investment promotion in Manipur. Revisiting discussions from the previous review held on April 17, 2025, the session also focused on the advancement of vibrant village initiatives, monitoring of PMO-priority projects, and resolution of distressed or delayed projects under central schemes. Offering point-wise feedback, Minister Scindia urged departments to adhere to timelines and maintain momentum. Governor Bhalla reinforced the call for timely execution, directing officials to intensify ground-level implementation and prioritize outcome-driven governance. The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Governor, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), senior administrative secretaries, and officials from the North Eastern Council who participated via video conference. UNI NS RN
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Jyotiraditya Scindia interview: ‘‘PM Modi believes Northeast can be country's fulcrum … It is growing at almost the twice national rate'
After handling the civil aviation and steel portfolios in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, Jyotiraditya Scindia took charge of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the Ministry of Communications after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. A year in, Scindia reflects on his tenure at DoNER, speaks of the investment push in the Northeast, and points out the challenges that remain. Excerpts: Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes the Northeast has tremendous potential to become the growth fulcrum of this country, despite being neglected for 65 years. There are historical and cultural underpinnings to show that the Northeast has always been the setu (bridge) between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world. That belief has been acted upon in the last 11 years (under PM Modi) and will now see fruition. There has been a lot of infusion of capital, and that has translated into huge social and physical infrastructure. We are talking about an investment of close to Rs 5 lakh crore over the last 11 years. The world is growing at over 2.4%, India is at 7% … And my eight states (in the NE) are growing at 11%-13%, almost twice the national growth rate. In contrast to the past, the region has witnessed the visits of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (ministers) multiple times. While the PM has visited the region 60 times, there have been more than 700 ministerial visits. So, there is a granular level of understanding of the requirements (in the region) and (the) articulation of that understanding into very detailed projects. We held the first NE investment summit for all the states together (in May). That has brought in a promised investment of Rs 4.18 lakh crore … It took 10 months and nine roadshows. This (promised investment) would roughly be about Rs 50-60 crore per state. This is besides the Rs 27,000 crore promised in the Advantage Assam Summit. There are tremendous capabilities (being built) …. Agartala-Mumbai flying time is the same as Agartala-Singapore, Guwahati-Chennai is the same as Guwahati-Bangkok. You will have to think of the NE as a launchpad to Southeast Asia. No disturbances … Manipur is a different case. Today, across the Northeast, you can go from one state to the other and travel freely by road, rail, or air. I think the (advisories against travelling) are more state-specific rather than a DONeR issue. I want to push for the (larger) NE region environment as opposed to a state-specific environment. Those questions have to be taken to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). My mandate is social, infrastructure, and economic development. It is about becoming a bridge between the Centre and the (NE) states. I will not stray from my mandate. For instance, Sikkim had a problem with a national highway and they required a new alignment. I went to (Nitin) Gadkari and got that new alignment approved. So, I am their (NE's) soldier. I have done a strategic review of the states, with every Chief Minister, assessing various social and infrastructure indicators and identifying areas of potential. Also, we have outlined a penetration of banking strategy to facilitate home-grown entrepreneurs and industries. I am now looking at a tourism circuit for each state,and will start pilots in two states in the coming months. One USP has been identified for every state: king chillies for Nagaland, Queen pineapple for Tripura, organic produce for Sikkim, agarwood from Assam and Tripura. An entire value chain will be built around that USP. All eight states have been asked to conduct a study on social and physical infrastructure in their border villages and tell us what they want to achieve as a priority. Some have indicated issues such as roads, some have asked for electrification.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Unstoppable21: Where India's young changemakers step into the spotlight
Have you ever stumbled across a video so raw, so powerful, it stopped you mid-scroll? Maybe it was a boy no older than 13, his grip firm on a cricket bat, eyes fierce with focus, not just playing but commanding the pitch. Or perhaps it was a girl in a small town lab, mixing compounds to create a diagnostic kit she built from scratch, a pianist composing her own ballet score or a teenager diving into a pool, not just to swim, but to break national records. These aren't stories from a distant future, they are happening right now, in every corner of India. The kind of brilliance that makes you pause and think: how can someone so young be so extraordinary? But what's rarer than talent is a stage that knows how to honour it. Enter Unstoppable21, a celebration of the relentless, fearless, and truly unstoppable spirit of India's next generation. Now in its second season, The Times of India's #Unstoppable21 has grown into more than just a platform — it has become a powerful national tribute to the brilliance, resilience, and imagination of India's youth. This year's event was graced by none other than Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, as Chief Guest, whose inspiring words set the tone for an evening that celebrated courage, clarity, and character. His presence underscored the belief that leadership knows no age — it simply needs space to grow. Unstoppable21 celebrates 21 extraordinary individuals under 21 who are breaking boundaries across science, sports, arts, activism, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These aren't stories of 'someday,' they're stories of right now: of teens coding diagnostics, composing music, building ventures, and changing narratives. With backing from national mentors and media, Unstoppable21 doesn't just applaud potential — it nurtures it, offering young visionaries a launchpad to dream bigger and go further. Chosen from hundreds of nominations through a rigorous jury-led process, this year's cohort isn't defined by medals or marks, but by spirit, consistency, and the courage to shape the world before anyone asked them to. Fast lanes and fierce focus: Meet the sporting trailblazers What does it look like when a teenager commands a stadium? Ask Vaibhav Suryavanshi . At 14, he didn't walk into the IPL quietly—he lit it up, becoming the youngest player to score a century and leaving even seasoned pros applauding his calm confidence. Then there's Anmol Kharb, 18, the badminton ace whose power and precision helped India secure its first-ever gold at the Badminton Asia Team Championships. She's quick, composed, and already redefining what leadership on court looks like. In the swimming lanes, Dhinidhi Desinghu powered her way to a 11-medal haul at the National Games, turning ripples into waves with each performance. Meanwhile, Tanvi Patri returned from China to embrace her roots, and promptly dominated the junior athletics circuit, proof that homegrown dreams can run faster than any stopwatch. And then there's Esha Singh, India's young sharpshooter, calmly stacking up World Cup medals with the focus of a champion in the making. These athletes aren't waiting for their moment to arrive—they're creating it, record by record, stride by stride. Strings, stages and standing ovations: The performing arts whiz kids Step into the world of performance, and you will find magic in the making. Sooryagayathri , at 19, does not need flashy gimmicks or trending reels, her Carnatic vocals do the storytelling. With a voice that carries both depth and divinity, she has sung her way into hearts and sabhas alike, honouring tradition while captivating modern audiences. Close behind is Steven Samuel Devassy , a drumming phenomenon from Chennai whose rhythm feels almost elemental, he doesn't just play music, he lives it. Then there's , whose voice, once a childhood delight, now carries a grace and emotion far beyond her years; her recent playback work only cements her artistry. And weaving through it all is the haunting melody of Anirban Roy's flute, only 15, yet already a favourite at festivals for the kind of soul-stirring improvisations that feel like conversations. Together, these young performers are not chasing applause but they are subtly creating moments that linger long after the curtains fall. The heartspoken wordsmiths Not all stories need thunder to echo, some find their power in a whisper. Jiya Doshi, 17, knows this well. Her poetry, spread across three heartfelt books, captures the quiet chaos of growing up with honesty and grace. Each verse feels like a conversation with a friend, filled with warmth, wonder, and wisdom. Samarth Chitta on the other hand, is all of 13, but her podcasts have become a window for children into the grown-up world, explaining careers with humour, heart, and the kind of clarity even adults admire. And in the softest, most awe-inspiring surprise, is Anvi Agrawal, who became a TEDx speaker at five, and has not stopped creating since. Whether she is painting, composing, or writing poetry in two languages, Anvi brings a sincerity that's impossible to overlook. These young voices don't just tell stories, they remind us of how beautiful, thoughtful, and limitless childhood can truly be. Brains behind breakthroughs: The young scientists & tech tinkerers What drives a teenager to swap screen time for lab time? Curiosity. Compassion. And an uncanny instinct to solve problems most adults shy away from. In a quiet lab in Bengaluru, 20-year-old Mayank Pandhari is studying the behaviour of cancer cells. Not for a college credit, but to help shape future treatments. In Mumbai, Krisha Janaswamy is designing self-diagnosis kits that can help women detect gynaecological issues early, a life-saving idea born from stories close to home. Meanwhile, Anirudh Nautiyal is building tech that could help bomb squads and strengthen drone defense systems. And Aditya Kumar Jha, all of 16, turned a friend's illness into a mission, creating an AI-powered urine strip that detects early signs of liver disease. These are not school science projects. These are not mere concepts, they are real answers to real problems. Driven by empathy, sharpened by intellect, and built to make the world safer, smarter, and infinitely more hopeful. Compassion in motion: Young voices for a better tomorrow Not every young star stands on a podium, some walk quietly into the world, changing it with every step. Seventeen-year-old Saiyam Mazumdar is one of them. With over 1,800 animal rescues to his name, he is not just protecting wildlife but nurturing a generation to care, teaching everyone through conservation camps and even scaling Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness. In Delhi, Anoushka Jolly turned personal pain into purpose. After facing bullying herself, she built Kavach, an app offering kids a safe, empowering space to speak up. What started as a school project is now reshaping how institutions respond to harassment. These young humanitarians remind us that courage does not always roar, sometimes, it gently rewrites the rules. The young(est) entrepreneurs and their 'preneurs What do you call a child who turns an idea into impact? A preneur. And these young minds are showing us that age has nothing to do with ambition. Take Ridhhaan Jaiin, who at just 11 didn't stop at writing his own books, he built a publishing house to give other children a voice. Today, over 25 young authors have seen their stories come to life, because one boy believed they should be heard. And then there's 21-year-old Vaibhav Shokeen , whose innovations tackle global problems, from affordable diagnostics for parasitic diseases in Africa to eco-bricks that turn India's industrial waste into sustainable housing solutions. These are not side projects or science fair ideas. These are full-fledged, purpose-driven ventures, powered by passion, empathy, and the fierce belief that no dream is too big and no changemaker too young. A night of applause, emotions, and electric energy The journey of Unstoppable21 reached its crescendo in a grand celebration that brought all 21 young trailblazers under one roof, not as contestants, but as changemakers. As their names were called and they stepped into the spotlight, the room erupted with applause, admiration, and awe. There were standing ovations, proud tears, heartfelt hugs, and the unmistakable buzz of dreams being honoured in real-time. Parents looked on with teary smiles, mentors stood tall with pride, and these young visionaries stood center stage as living proof that brilliance knows no age. The evening wasn't about competition; it was about community, courage, and celebrating a generation that's already rewriting the narrative. Because Unstoppable21 was never just an award show, it was a promise to see children not as future leaders, but as leaders now. To create a space where school-going scientists, playground philosophers, and bedroom entrepreneurs are taken seriously. It is a movement that proves ideas drawn in notebooks and dreams whispered at bedtime can one day echo on national stages. And as the curtain falls on Season 2, the spotlight shifts again — outward, toward the next wave of young stars getting ready to rise. Season 3 is already on the horizon, and if this year has shown us anything, it's this: the next class of unstoppable kids is out there — curious, courageous, and already changing the world. Disclaimer: The article has been produced on behalf of Unstoppable (by BBCL) by the Times Internet's Spotlight team.
