Latest news with #ViksitBharat
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
UP sets ball rolling for ‘Viksit UP' by 2047
1 2 3 Lucknow: To chart a roadmap for developing a 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh' by 2047, in alignment with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', a preliminary meeting was held in the state capital on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh. The meeting included senior officials from the planning department, the NITI Aayog, and domain experts to outline a long-term strategy to achieve this goal. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's role in contributing to India's growth and in achieving the national target of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy and a developed nation by 2047, the chief secretary said that UP accounts for 10% of India's land area and contributes 20% of the nation's foodgrain production. He added that a 50-hectare agri-export facility, equipped with testing, treatment, and packaging infrastructure, is being set up near Jewar Airport to support cargo-based exports of horticultural produce. "UP currently accounts for 42% of India's expressway network, which is expected to rise to 52% upon completion of the Ganga Expressway. The state also boasts a dense railway network and the upcoming Multi-Modal Logistics Park in Greater Noida, aligned with the Eastern and Western Freight Corridors. UP's demographic advantage is being leveraged through data-driven initiatives like UPDASP, which covers 2.63 crore farmers and 8 crore land parcels," he said. "Initiatives such as 'One District, One Product', 'One District, One Medical College', and the 'Zero Poverty Scheme' will ensure inclusive growth across the state," the chief secretary added. During the meeting, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said that UP, as the fifth most populous region globally, must adopt a mission-mode approach to implement its development plan. He emphasised the need for a bottom-up strategy driven by public participation, supported by sector-specific missions, flagship programmes, 'Information, Education, Communication' (IEC) campaigns, and strong local involvement. Meanwhile, NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba outlined key steps the state should take toward this goal, including governance reforms, improving the ease of doing business, and asset monetisation. He stressed the importance of identifying industrial parks and cities, reducing compliance burdens, and leveraging public-private partnership (PPP) models. Principal secretary (planning), Alok Kumar, informed the meeting that UP's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, surpassing India's national CAGR of 13.6%. The Female Labour Force Participation Rate increased from 14.2% in 2017–18 to 35.8% in 2023–24. According to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023–24, UP moved from the 'Performer' to the 'Frontrunner' category, registering the highest national increase in index points since 2018.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
AI will boost decision-making and operational precision, says Lt. General Manjinder Singh
Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds tremendous potential in improving decision-making, streamlining resource allocation, and boosting the speed and precision of operations, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, said in Jaipur on Wednesday (July 16, 2025). Lt. Gen. Singh was addressing a seminar titled 'Next generation combat — Shaping tomorrow's military today' at the Jaipur Military Station in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. The seminar was focused on the implications of an AI-powered battlefield. Opinion | India's journey so far on the AI military bandwagon Lt. Gen. Singh's speech focused on science and technology's transformative role in building a 'Viksit Bharat'. The Sapta Shakti Command emphasised the urgent need for the Indian Army to adapt and innovate in response to the multifaceted challenges of modern and future conflicts, he said. Lt. Gen. Singh spoke on the complexities of grey zone warfare and stressed the importance of developing sophisticated capabilities to counter hybrid threats that blur the lines between peace and war. In his address, he highlighted how advanced systems, precision munitions, and enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, including the effective employment of drones, were instrumental in the success of Operation Sindoor. He also asserted the critical need for robust ethical frameworks, human oversight, and adherence to international humanitarian law in the development and deployment of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems. The seminar brought together leading experts, military strategists, and industry innovators to deliberate on the evolving landscape of warfare, and the critical technological advancements required to maintain a decisive edge.
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Neyveli book fair draws over 1.75 lakh book lovers
Over 1.75 lakh book lovers from all walks of life, including schoolchildren, visited the recently-concluded 24th edition of the Neyveli Book Fair hosted by NLC India Limited (NLCIL). The event that was launched amid much fanfare on July 4, came to a close at the Book Fair Grounds on Monday. Addressing the valedictory function, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma appreciated the NLCIL for bring schoolchildren from rural areas to the book fair by arranging free transport. With rich and diverse languages and culture, India was a treasure trove of literature, he said, adding that the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat would become a reality only with the spreading of literature and culture. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLCIL said the company had plans to increase its existing renewable energy capacity manifold by 2030. Though the Neyveli Book Fair had the second highest number of visitors in the State, it was the best in the country, he said. An e-souvenir was also released on the occasion. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines) was present.
Mint
10 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Chandrajit Banerjee: Manufacturing competitiveness can yield growth, jobs and resilience
India stands at a pivotal moment in its economic trajectory. With the global manufacturing landscape undergoing a strategic realignment, India is uniquely positioned to emerge as a key player in global supply chains. This transformation can anchor long-term economic growth, generate large-scale employment and strengthen industrial resilience—critical pillars for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. Manufacturing success is also a strategic and national security imperative, as a string of recent domestic and global events have demonstrated. India's strong fundamentals—a growing middle class, rising consumption, a rich resource base and a youthful workforce—create a solid foundation. Yet, despite this promise, manufacturing contributes only about 17% to gross value added (GVA) and employs just over 11% of the country's workforce. These figures underscore the urgency of scaling and strengthening India's manufacturing base. Also Read: Manufacturing versus services: Why privilege one over the other? To harness the sector's potential, we need to adopt a comprehensive strategy focused on competitiveness, innovation and sustainability. I would suggest a five-pillar strategy to strengthen India's manufacturing competitiveness. My first suggestion is to empower the National Manufacturing Mission: This government initiative can be a game-changer. To unlock its full potential, the Mission should be operationalized as a cross-ministerial, action-oriented platform with clear objectives: to increase the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25%, expand merchandise exports to $1 trillion by 2030 and create jobs at scale. A three-tier governance model—providing strategic oversight, implementation support and outcome monitoring—can ensure its effectiveness. The Mission should prioritize high-value and labour-intensive sectors, adopt cluster-based development and introduce a dedicated sub-mission for advanced manufacturing. This sub-mission would accelerate the adoption of technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, additive manufacturing and nanotechnology, while promoting R&D, cross-sector integration and global collaboration. Also Read: India's National Manufacturing Mission is just the catalyst this sector needs Second, bridge the 'missing middle' with capital support: One of the persistent structural issues in Indian manufacturing is the 'missing middle'—a gap between large enterprises and micro firms. Mid-sized firms often lack access to growth capital, which stifles innovation and scalability. To address this, the government could launch a capital support scheme offering interest-free loans, and up to 50% of the equity capital for projects in the ₹50- ₹1,000 crore investment range. Loans could be repayable over five years after a moratorium of ten years. Further, two fund-of-funds should be established—one focused on providing equity capital to small and medium enterprises and another on overseas technology acquisitions—drawing from the successful model used for startups. These funds would catalyse private investment and enable technology upgradation for globally competitive manufacturing. Third, accelerate the construction of large-scale industrial infrastructure that's world-class: For this, it is essential to have a robust national framework for land acquisition that streamlines acquisition processes, ensures fair compensation, enables compliance with environmental norms and facilitates coordination among all stakeholders. Also Read: Rahul Jacob: Manufacturing is crying out for a reality check In tandem, India must build its next generation of smart industrial cities along major industrial corridors. Drawing on successful models such as Sri City in Andhra Pradesh and AURIC in Maharashtra, the government should partner with the private sector to develop 10 new cities equipped with modern infrastructure, logistics and digital utilities. For faster development of the 12 smart cities already approved, an empowered group of ministers should be constituted with representation from central and state governments. A forward-looking national policy for private industrial parks—offering 'plug and play' infrastructure—can help scale up the effort to build large world-class parks that would attract both domestic and international manufacturers. Fourth, lower logistics and power costs: High logistical costs severely impact export competitiveness. The Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are welcome steps, but momentum must be sustained by fast-tracking the proposed East Coast, East-West and North-South DFCs. A world-class multimodal logistics network will improve turnaround times, reduce costs and attract global investors. Similarly, rationalizing industrial power tariffs is crucial. Current high tariffs, driven by cross-subsidization and often arbitrary surcharges, hinder cost-efficiency. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recommends implementing direct benefit transfers for subsidy-deserving consumers, with state governments funding these subsidies directly instead of doing it through distribution companies. Transparent tariff structures and reduced open-access charges will further improve reliability and investor confidence. Also Read: Think ahead: India's electronics manufacturing must go up the value curve Fifth, accelerate smart manufacturing and digital readiness: As the world moves towards Industry 5.0, India must build its capacity for smart manufacturing. CII proposes the creation of a National Digital Maturity Framework to guide businesses through the digital transformation journey—from foundational adoption to advanced integration. In parallel, establishing Centres of Excellence for Skill Development in smart manufacturing across key industrial regions will help build a digitally skilled and future-ready workforce. These centres can bridge the talent gap in AI, robotics, automation and data analytics—critical for high-productivity, innovation-led growth. Also Read: Time to re-imagine Indian manufacturing from the ground up To conclude, India's inherent strengths—its demographic dividend, strong domestic demand and globally competitive sectors like pharmaceuticals, auto components and renewables—provide a compelling case for a manufacturing-led economic strategy. A bold and cohesive policy framework focused on technology adoption, capital access, industrial infrastructure and digital readiness will help realize India's manufacturing potential. Reaching $7.5 trillion in manufacturing output by 2047 is ambitious but achievable—and it can serve as a cornerstone for a $30 trillion economy by India's centenary. We must unlock this opportunity not just to transform India's economic landscape, but also to secure its rightful place in the global manufacturing value chain. The author is director general, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Memri
a day ago
- Business
- Memri
Indian Economist S. P. Sharma, In New Book 'India @2047 – Leading The Global Economic Order,' Describes India As Emerging Global Innovation Powerhouse
"India@2047 – Leading the Global Economic Order" is the new book by Dr. S. P. Sharma, a distinguished Indian economist.[1] The book seeks to shed light on India's trajectory of growth and its effort to strengthen its economic and socio-economic structures to meet the aspiration of becoming a global economic superpower by 2047. According to the author, the journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat ("Developed India") is strengthened by its resilience, adaptability, and commitment. It is worth noting that, at the time of independence in 1947, India's per capita GDP was $58 in purchasing power parity, expectancy at birth was 31 years, and literacy rates were 24 percent for men and eight percent for women. In 2024, these figures are estimated to be $11,942, 71 years, and literacy rates of 82 percent for men and 65 percent for women. Following are excerpts of the book on India as an emerging global innovation powerhouse:[2] (Source: Dr. S. P. Sharma interviewed by Indian channel Vision TV world. Click here to see the full interview. Emerging As A Global Innovation Powerhouse – India's Startup Ecosystem Among Asia's Top 15 India's startup ecosystem is inspiring innovation globally, demonstrating strong growth and success stories.[3] India ranks third in the world and second in Asia in terms of startup numbers. In South Asia, India leads with 17,254 startups, followed by Bangladesh, which has approximately 2,500, and Sri Lanka, which has approximately 748. India's startup landscape has experienced a sustained rise in recent years, propelling the nation from a nascent entrepreneurial ecosystem to a thriving hub of innovation and economic dynamism. This transformation, driven by technological advancements, government support, and entrepreneurial spirit, has positioned India at the forefront of the global startup ecosystem. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 by Startup Genome, San Francisco, USA, five Indian startup ecosystems have secured spots in the top 15 Asian ecosystem: Bengaluru-Karnataka; Kerala; Odisha; Tamil Nadu; and Telangana. These are followed by China, which has three startup ecosystems (Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen); Japan, with two (Fukuoka and Tokyo); and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Korea (Seoul), and the Philippines (Manila), each with one ecosystem on the list. India's startup ecosystem thrives on the energy and innovation of young, dynamic companies, typically less than ten years old. These enterprises have the potential to redefine industries, break away from traditional norms, and inject fresh ideas and business models into the economy... These emerging giants serve as the lifeblood of India's rapidly evolving economic landscape. Indian Government Support The government's ambitious "Startup India" initiative, launched in 2016, has played a transformative role in nurturing this dynamic business environment.[4] It has provided regulatory streamlining, financial incentives, and a culture of innovation, significantly catalyzing the growth of India's startup ecosystem. This scenario not only underscores the sheer scale of entrepreneurial activity within the country but also serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit that permeates the startup landscape. Entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers have rallied together in their shared pursuit of propelling India's economic engine forward, laying the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation... From technology to healthcare, finance to agriculture, Indian start-ups are at the forefront of meaningful transformation, lever-aging innovation to address pressing societal challenges and unlock new opportunities. In essence, the Indian startup ecosystem is a testament to the nation's boundless potential and entrepreneurial spirit. It embodies resilience in adversity, creativity in progress, and collaboration as the foundation of success. As India continues on its growth trajectory, the startup ecosystem will remain a key driver of economic dynamism, inspiring future generations and cementing India's position as a global powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship. The transformative impact of big data analytics is revolutionizing sectors such as healthcare, finance, and agriculture, introducing groundbreaking solutions and unprecedented efficiencies. By harnessing the power of data, startups are driving innovation and addressing critical challenges, from enhancing patient care to optimizing financial transactions and improving agricultural practices. The advent of big data analytics signifies a fundamental shift in industry operations, underlining the pivotal role of startups in shaping meaningful change. Similarly, crowdfunding platforms have emerged as a democratizing force, revolutionizing access to capital for aspiring entrepreneurs. These platforms empower individuals to rally support for their ventures, bypassing traditional funding barriers and unlocking new avenues for innovation. By tapping into the collective power of the crowd, startups can bring their ideas to fruition, fueling a wave of entrepreneurship and economic growth. Crowdfunding exemplifies the democratization of finance, offering opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to India's thriving startup ecosystem. As these startups continue to push boundaries, they serve as catalysts for progress, driving economic growth and reshaping industries. In a rapidly evolving landscape, characterized by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences, India's startups stand poised to lead the charge towards a brighter, more inclusive future. By embracing shared ownership models and collaborative consumption, these startups are redefining consumer behavior and promoting sustainable practices in the process. The government has played a significant role in this extraordinary startup journey. The 2016 Startup Action Plan (SAP) served as a crucial catalyst, identifying key areas of support for startups.[5] From simplifying company registration to offering incubation facilities and seed funding, the SAP has played a pivotal role in creating fertile ground for entrepreneurial success. This proactive approach has propelled India to the forefront of the global startup scene, attracting international investors and reinforcing the nation's commitment to fostering innovation. In the interim budget of India for 2024-25, the extension of tax benefits to startups until March 31, 2025 marks another positive step for India's startup ecosystem. This measure provides startups with a stable and supportive environment, facilitating innovation and sustained growth. The extended tax benefits offer financial relief to startups during their formative years, enabling them to allocate resources strategically. Concurrently, the prolonged investment timeline provides startups with a greater opportunity to secure funding, contributing to their long-term viability. These initiatives collectively underline the government's commitment to nurturing a conducive ecosystem for startups, positioning them as key drivers of economic innovation and development. The Impact Of India's Startups On The Global Economy The future of India's startup ecosystem is brimming with potential. Continued government support, coupled with investments in talent development, infrastructure upgrades, and policy streamlining, will pave the way for sustained growth and global competitiveness. Fostering collaboration between startups, established businesses, and academia will further accelerate innovation and ensure that India's entrepreneurial spirit continues to flourish. As the world watches with growing anticipation, India's startup ecosystem is poised to redefine economic development, not just for the nation, but for the global economy. India's remarkable startup ecosystem is not only generating employment opportunities and driving economic growth but is also solidifying its status as a global hub of innovation. The proliferation of startups across multiple sectors showcases India's adaptability and its ability to leverage emerging technologies for progress. From artificial intelligence to renewable energy, Indian startups are pioneering solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, demonstrating the trans-formative power of human ingenuity. In conclusion, India's startup journey has the potential to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide, serving as a beacon of hope and innovation in an increasingly uncertain world. As the world watches with anticipation, India stands poised to chart a new course, characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. By harnessing the collective potential of its diverse talent pool and leveraging emerging technologies, India has the opportunity to carve out a unique position on the global stage, driving progress and prosperity for generations to come.
