Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav said today the world came together at COP28 in Dubai, UAE to display positive collaboration and camaraderie for an action-oriented approach towards a greener and healthier planet.

Addressing the COP28 closing plenary session in Dubai he said through its G20 Presidency steered by Prime Minister  Shri Narendra Modiji  India displayed the resolve to make climate action a collaborative process that ‘leaves no one behind’. At COP28, India extended the same spirit enshrined in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he added.

Shri Yadav said India congratulates UAE’s COP Presidency for its fairness, transparency and free exchange of thought. He said we support the proposal of the Presidency on the COP decision document while reiterating the fundamental principles enshrined in the Paris Agreement to take action for global good in accordance with national circumstances.

Shri Yadav said India urges that the determination shown at COP is also substantiated with means to bring it to fruition. He said this must be based on the principles of equity and climate justice, which is respectful of national circumstances, and where the developed countries take the lead based on their historical contributions.

The Minister said  India, under PM Modi, has already achieved its earlier NDCs set for 2030 and revised them upwards affirming continued commitment. He said India will continue to walk this path with utmost responsibility, and show how economy and ecology can go hand in hand.

The Minister extended India’s compliments to the Presidency for its efforts and leadership in organizing this Conference. He said that this was a historic COP in which on the first day itself, a decision regarding operationalisation of Loss and Damage Fund was finalised.

Towards propelling healthcare excellence in India, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare dedicated new state-of-the-art facilities at AIIMS New Delhi to the nation today. The new facilities inaugurated today are Mother and Child Block, Surgical block, National Centre for Geriatrics, New Paid Ward in Main hospital; Center for Advanced Research in Hospital Infection Control and Forensic DNA Laboratory at JPN Apex Trauma Centre and Centre for Medical Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CMIE) and Private Ward Wing at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Jhajjar to the nation today. He was joined by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Ministers of State for Health & Family Welfare. Shri Sudhansh Pant, Union Health Secretary and Dr. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mandaviya praised AIIMS New Delhi as “a lighthouse, setting conventions and principles that the entire country follows”. He said that “the outstanding reputation of AIIMS is a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm exhibited by the dedicated doctors working here.” He informed that “these new facilities have been inaugurated today with the aim to improve healthcare service for the common people. The objective is to ensure that access to quality and affordable healthcare reaches the last mile of the people.”

Elaborating on the government’s initiative towards bringing about a transformation in healthcare in India, the Union Health Minister highlighted the establishment of 1,70,000 Ayushman Aarogya Mandir is an endeavour towards the same direction. “These health and wellness centres have also been provided with tele-consultation facilities, saving time, effort and resources for the common man”, he said.

He further stated that “recently the 10,000th Jan Aushadi Kendra was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The number of medical colleges have more than doubled in the last 9 years. Similarly the number of MBBS, PG and nursing seats have also increased at an unprecedented rate in a span of less than 10 years”.

Dr Mandaviya said that India is also promoting its quality and affordable healthcare service to the world. “The ‘Heal in India’ and ‘Heal by India’ initiatives have been launched to tap into the fast-growing medical tourism sector in the world”, he stated.

Appreciating the commitment of Indian healthcare professionals towards providing sewa or service to humanity, the Union Minister said that this tradition is rooted in our age-old culture which is now recognised by the world. He said, “the COVID crisis has shown the world not only India’s strengths in medical and pharmaceutical sector but also its values of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. This was on display when India continued to supply critical medicines to the world without escalating the prices, even when there was a global shortage of medicines”.

Background:

The new facilities, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi will mark a transformative leap in healthcare infrastructure and services. They are equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern amenities, underscoring AIIMS New Delhi’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare delivery. The expansion aims to address the evolving healthcare needs of a growing population and to reinforce AIIMS New Delhi’s position as a global leader in medical innovation.

The new infrastructure will boast advanced medical equipment and facilities designed to accommodate the latest breakthroughs in medical science. These enhancements will contribute to improved patient outcomes and a more efficient healthcare delivery system.

With the addition of new facilities, AIIMS New Delhi aims to reduce patient waiting times and expand its capacity to serve a larger number of individuals. The institution remains committed to providing accessible, world-class healthcare to the community.

Shri Sudhansh Pant, Union Health Secretary; Dr. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi; senior officials of the Union Health Ministry, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel who were martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001.

The Prime Minister posted on x:

“Today, we remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001. Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nation’s memory.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) via video conferencing today. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is being undertaken across the country to attain saturation of flagship schemes of the government by ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time-bound manner.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the remarkable enthusiasm being witnessed by the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ vehicle car in every village. Recalling his interaction with the beneficiaries a short while ago, the Prime Minister informed that more than 1.5 lakh beneficiaries have recorded their experiences during this journey. He mentioned the benefits of a permanent house, tapped water connection, toilet, free treatment, free ration, gas connection, electricity connection, bank account being opened, benefits under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojna, PM Swanidhi Yojana, and PM Swamitva property cards among others. He noted that crores of families in villages across the country have received the benefit of some scheme of the government without having to visit any government office again and again. He underlined that the government identified the beneficiaries and then took steps to extend the benefits to them. “That is why people say, Modi Ki Guarantee means the guarantee of fulfillment”, he added.

“Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has become a great medium to reach the people who have not been able to connect with the government schemes till now”, the Prime Minister remarked. He informed that the journey of VBSY has reached more than 40 thousand village panchayats and many cities in less than a month where more than 1.25 crore people have connected with ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ vehicle. He acknowledged the gratitude of the people for welcoming the  ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ vehicle. Prime Minister Modi also noted the several activities taking place before the commencement of the program and mentioned cleanliness drives being conducted, Prabhat Pheris being taken out to create awareness, children discussing developed India during prayer meetings in schools, rangolis being made, and lamps being lit at the door of every house. Shri Modi expressed happiness that the Panchayats have formed special committees and taken up the important role of welcoming VBSY. He also lauded the participation of school children as well as the elderly and expressed contentment that VBSY is reaching every corner of the country. The Prime Minister noticed that the Yatra is being welcomed with traditional tribal dance at various places in Odisha and mentioned the program at Rambrai in West Khasi Hill where the local people organized a cultural program and dance. He also touched upon the cultural programs being held in Andaman and Nicobar  Islands, Lakshadweep, and Kargil where more than 4,000 people were present to welcome VBSY. The Prime Minister suggested preparing a manual where the tasks can be listed and the progress before and after the arrival of the VBSY can be gauged. “This will also help the people of those areas where this guaranteed vehicle is yet to reach”, he added.

The Prime Minister underlined the government’s endeavor to ensure that every person in the village must reach the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ vehicle when it arrives so that the resolution of saturation of government schemes can be fulfilled. Observing that the impact of the government’s efforts can be witnessed in every village, Shri Modi informed that nearly 1 lakh new beneficiaries have applied for free gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme, more than 35 lakh Ayushman cards have also been given on the spot, health checkup of lakhs of people is being carried out, and a large number of people are now heading to Ayushman Arogya temples and for various tests.

“We have established a direct relationship, an emotional bond between the central government and the people of the country”, Shri Modi remarked. “Our government is not a Mai-Baap Sarkar, rather it is the serving government for the father and mothers”, he continued, “Modi’s VIPs are those who are poor, deprived and for whom even the doors of government offices were closed.” He emphasized that every poor person in the country is considered a VIP for him. “Every mother, sister and daughter of the country is VIP to me. Every farmer of the country is VIP to me. Every youth of the country is VIP to me”, PM Modi exclaimed.

Reflecting on the recently concluded Assembly Elections, the Prime Minister said that the election results have given a clear indication of the validity of Modi’s Guarantee. He also expressed his gratitude to all the voters who entrusted Modi’s Guarantee.

Pondering on the distrust of the citizens towards those standing against the government, the Prime Minister highlighted their propensity to make false claims. He stated that elections have to be won not on social media, but by reaching out to the people. “Before winning elections, it is necessary to win the hearts of the people”, the Prime Minister remarked underlining their proclivity to underestimate the public conscience. He noted that if opposition parties had kept the spirit of service paramount instead of political interest, a large section of the country’s population would not have remained in poverty, and Modi’s Guarantees of today would have been fulfilled 50 years ago.

Touching upon the focus of women-led development, the Prime Minister noted that a large number of NariShakti are participating in the Sankalp Yatra of Viksit Bharat. He mentioned that there are 70 percent women beneficiaries out of 4 crore houses made under PM Awas Scheme. 7 out of 10 Mudra beneficiaries are women and about 10 crore women are part of self-help groups. 2 crore women are being turned into Lakhpati Didis through Skill Development and 15 thousand self-help groups are getting drones underNamo Drone Didi Abhiyan.

Prime Minister Modi commended the support of the women power, youth power, farmers and the poor towards the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. He expressed satisfaction that more than one lakh athletes have been rewarded during this journey which will further encourage young players. The Prime Minister noted the tremendous enthusiasm of the youth in registering themselves as ‘My Bharat Volunteer’ and said that it strengthens the resolve for a developed India. “All these volunteers will now move forward taking the mantra of Fit India”, the Prime Minister said as he urged them to prioritize four things, namely water, nutrition, exercise or fitness and lastly adequate sleep. “These four are very essential for a healthy body. If we pay attention to these four, our youth will be healthy and when our youth are healthy then the country will be healthy”, the Prime Minister exclaimed.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the oaths taken during this Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra should become life mantras. “Be it government employees, public representatives or citizens, everyone has to unite with full devotion. India will develop only with Sabka Prayas”, Shri Modi concluded.

Background

Thousands of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra beneficiaries from across the country virtually joined the program. More than 2,000 VBSY vans, thousands of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Common Service Centres (CSCs) from across the country were also connected during the program. A large number of Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs and local-level representatives also joined the programme.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the second edition of Infinity Forum, a global thought leadership platform on FinTech via video conferencing today. The 2nd Edition of Infinity Forum is being jointly organized by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and GIFT City, under the aegis of the Government of India, as a precursor event to Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. The theme of the 2nd edition of Infinity Forum is ‘GIFT-IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Services’

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled the pandemic-affected world marred by the uncertainty of the global economic situation during the organization of the first edition of the Infinity Forum in December 2021. Underlining that the worrisome situation has not yet passed completely, and mentioning the challenges of geopolitical tensions, high inflation and rising debt levels, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s emergence as a symbol of resilience and progress. In such a situation, the Prime Minister stated that the organization of such an event in the GIFT City is taking the pride of Gujarat to new heights. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate the people of Gujarat on the inclusion of ‘Garba’ under the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage tag. “Gujarat’s success is nation’s success”, he remarked.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated that India’s growth story is based on the government’s top priority to policy, good governance and the welfare of the citizens. He informed that India’s growth rate during the first six months of the Fiscal Year has been 7.7 percent. As mentioned by the IMF in September 2023, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s contribution to the global growth rate of 16 percent in the year 2023. He also quoted the World Bank and said, “Amid the global challenges, there are high hopes with the Indian Economy.” Shri Modi also acknowledged the Australian Prime Minister’s statement about India being primed to lead the Global South. He highlighted the World Economic Forum’s observation about the reduction of red tapeism in India creating better investment opportunities. The Prime Minister underlined that India being a ray of hope for the world is a result of its strengthening economy and the transformative reforms of the past 10 years. He credited India’s focus on long-term growth and economic capacity expansion at a time when the rest of the world focused on fiscal and monetary relief.

Emphasizing the goal of increasing integration with the global economy, the Prime Minister listed down the achievements of flexible FDI policy in many sectors, reduction in compliance burden, and mentioned the signing of 3 FTAs today. He said that GIFT IFSCA is part of a larger reform to integrate Indian and global financial markets. “GIFT City is envisioned as a dynamic ecosystem that will redefine the landscape of international finance”, Shri Modi remarked as he underlined that it will set new benchmarks of innovation, efficiency and global collaboration. He noted the important landmark of the establishment of the International Financial Services Centers Authority as a Unified Regulator in 2020. He informed that IFSCA has created 27 regulations and more than 10 frameworks opening up new avenues of investment during this period of economic turmoil. PM Modi expressed delight in mentioning that the suggestions received during the first edition of Infinity Forum have been initiated giving the example of Comprehensive Framework to Govern Fund Management Activities as notified by IFSCA in April 2022. The Prime Minister informed that 80 fund management entities are registered with IFSCA today which have set up funds worth more than 24 billion dollars, and 2 leading international universities have received approval to start their courses in GIFT IFSC in 2024. He also touched upon the Framework for Aircraft Leasing released by IFSCA in May 2022, where 26 units have started operations as of today.

Speaking about expanding the scope of IFSCA, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s efforts to take GIFT IFSCA beyond traditional finance and ventures. “We want to make GIFT City the Global Nerve Center of New Age Global Financial and Technology Services”, Shri Modi said as he expressed confidence that the products and services provided by GIFT City will help solve the challenges facing the world and the stakeholders will have a huge role to play.

Prime Minister Modi drew attention to the monumental challenge of climate change and underlined India’s concerns, being one of the largest economies in the world. He informed about India’s commitment during the recent COP28 Summit and said that adequate availability of cost-effective finance must be ensured to achieve the global targets of India and the world.  He reiterated the need to understand the need for sustainable finance to ensure global growth and stability, which was one of the priority areas during the G20 presidency. He said that it would promote the transition towards greener, more resilient and more inclusive societies and economies. According to some estimates, the Prime Minister said, India will also need at least 10 trillion dollars, where a certain amount of this investment will also have to be financed through global sources, to achieve the net zero target by 2070. He emphasized making IFSC a global hub of Sustainable Finance. “GIFT IFSC is an efficient channel for the necessary Green Capital Flow to make India a Low Carbon Economy. Development of financial products like Green Bonds, Sustainable Bonds, and Sustainability Linked Bonds will make the path of the whole world easier”, he said. He also informed about the ‘Global Green Credit Initiative’ by India as a pro-planet initiative in COP28. Shri Modi urged the industry leaders to put forward their ideas on developing a market mechanism for green credit.

“India is one of the fastest growing Fintech markets in the world today”, the Prime Minister said as he noted that India’s strength in Fintech is aligned with the vision of GIFT IFSC, and as a result, it is fast becoming an emerging hub of Fin-Tech. The Prime Minister listed the achievements of IFSCA releasing a Progressive Regulatory Framework for Fintech in 2022, and IFSCA’s Fintech Incentive Scheme which provides grants to Indian and foreign Fintechs to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The Prime Minister said that GIFT City has the potential to become the Gateway to the Global FinTech World and a Fintech Laboratory for the world. He also urged the investors to take maximum advantage of it.

Throwing light on GIFT-IFSC becoming a prominent gateway to the flow of global capital, the Prime Minister explained the concept of ‘tri-city’ i.e. located between the historic city of Ahmedabad and the capital Gandhinagar giving it exceptional connectivity. “GIFT IFSC’s cutting-edge digital infrastructure provides a platform that enables businesses to increase efficiency”, he remarked. The Prime Minister further added that GIFT IFSC has emerged as a magnet that attracts the brightest minds of the financial and technology world. He informed that today, IFSC houses 58 operational entities, 3 exchanges, including International Bullion Exchange, 25 banks, including 9 foreign banks, 29 insurance entities, 2 foreign universities, 50 plus professional services providers including consulting firms, law firms and CA firms. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that GIFT City will be one of the best International Financial Centers in the world in the next few years.

“India is a country with deep democratic values and a historical tradition of trade and commerce”, the Prime Minister underlined. Noting the existence of a diverse range of opportunities for every investor or company in India, the Prime Minister said that India’s vision regarding GIFT is linked to India’s growth story. Giving examples, the Prime Minister mentioned daily air traffic of 4 lakh air passengers, increase in the number of passenger aircraft from 400 in 2014 to more than 700 today, and the number of airports in India doubling in the last 9 years. “Our airlines are going to buy about 1000 aircraft in the coming years”, the Prime Minister informed as he highlighted various facilities provided by GIFT City to aircraft lessors. He also mentioned IFSCA’s Ship Leasing framework, large pool of IT talent, data protection laws and GIFT’s Data Embassy initiative providing secure facilities for digital continuity to all countries and businesses. “Thanks to India’s young talent, we have become the base for global capability centers of all big companies”, he added.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister stated that India will become the world’s third-largest economy in the next few years and a developed country by 2047. He emphasized the role of new forms of capital, digital technologies and new-age financial services in this journey. He said GIFT City is creating unmatched opportunities with its efficient regulations, plug-and-play infrastructure, access to the large Indian hinterland economy, beneficial cost of operations and talent advantage. “Let us move forward together with GIFT IFSC towards fulfilling global dreams. Vibrant Gujarat Summit is also going to be held very soon”, he said inviting all the investors. “Let us together explore and pursue innovative ideas to find solutions to the world’s serious issues”, Shri Modi concluded.

Background

The 2nd Edition of Infinity Forum is being jointly organized by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and GIFT City, under the aegis of the Government of India, as a precursor event to Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. The forum provides a platform, where progressive ideas, pressing problems, and innovative technologies from across the world get discovered, discussed and developed into solutions and opportunities.

The theme of the 2nd edition of Infinity Forum is ‘GIFT-IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Services’, which will be dovetailed through the following three tracks:

Plenary Track: Making of a New Age International Financial Centre

Green Track: Making a case for a “Green Stack”

Silver Track: Longevity Finance Hub at GIFT IFSC

Each track will comprise an Infinity Talk by a senior industry leader and a discussion by a panel of industry experts and practitioners from the financial sector in India and across the globe, providing practical insights and implementable solutions.

The Forum will witness the participation of 300+ CXOs with strong online participation from India and a global audience across 20+ countries including the USA, UK, Singapore, South Africa, UAE, Australia and Germany. The event will also be attended by Vice-Chancellors from foreign universities and representatives of foreign embassies.

India has emerged as a global growth engine and is providing a new direction to the world. This was stated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the 96^th Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi on December 09, 2023. He asserted that the Indian growth story is the result of the hard work and ability of more than one billion Indians under the guiding leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Raksha Mantri highlighted that the transformative policies and programmes of the Government have powered the Indian growth story, various facets of which are shaping up the world of today. “India has committed that its growth will not be at the cost of environmental degradation. We’ve chosen the path of green growth. We signed the Paris Agreement. We’ve formed the International Solar Alliance. We’ve taken initiatives to promote clean energy. We have also reduced the emission intensity of GDP,” he said.

Stressing that the economic growth must be gender neutral, Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the Government, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, has successfully changed the earlier narrative which credited the growth of the economy to the contribution made by men and men alone. “Empowering women has been our priority. We’ve ensured that India’s economic, political, and social development takes place not just on the strength of men, but Nari Shakti too,” he said.

Enumerating the steps taken by the Ministry of Defence to empower women, the Raksha Mantri said: “Girls are now studying in Sainik Schools, while women officers are being trained at the National Defence Academy. Women are now being appointed as fighter pilots, deployed on warships, and posted on forward posts across the border. In addition, a large number of young girls are joining the Armed Forces through Agnipath scheme.”

Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted another major aspect of India’s growth story and stated that the Government has created a growth web across the country by decentralising the activities and taking them to far-flung areas. Citing programmes like PM Gati Shakti Yojana, he said: “We have connected remote parts of the North-East & small towns with metro cities through infrastructure development and as a result, all the regions are developing together.”

The Raksha Mantri also listed out the initiatives and accomplishments undertaken by the Government in the field of infrastructure development. “We promoted infrastructure development in roads, airports and railways. Till 2014, India had 91,000 kilometres of national highways; today it has increased to about 1.5 lakh kilometres. While India had only 74 airports in 2014, today it has increased twofold. Through PM Gati Shakti Yojana and National Infrastructure Pipeline, we have planned infrastructure development worth up to Rs 100 lakh crore in the country,” he said.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards inclusive development, Shri Rajnath Singh said India’s growth story showcases that there is no irreconcilable trade-off between economic growth and distributive justice. “Our growth model shows that equal opportunities to everyone and the accelerated growth rate can be achieved simultaneously,” he stated.

The Raksha Mantri also emphasized on the significance of human resources in economic progress. He highlighted the numerous interventions made by the Government to promote the Indian economy, terming ‘strengthening of the country’s human resources’ as the most impactful. He pointed out that the new National Education Policy, the establishment of over 400 new universities, seven new IITs, and seven new IIMs, focus on skills by carving out a new Ministry of Skill Development underscore the transformative change brought about by the Government to boost human resources in the country.

Shri Rajnath Singh voiced the Government’s faith and confidence in the youth of the country to sustain this growth story. The youths are the future of the country, who will make India a developed nation, he said. The Raksha Mantri called upon the business leaders and all other stakeholders of the economy to collaborate further with the Government to make the 21^st century India’s century.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addressed the concluding session of Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit – 2023 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, today. Many dignitaries including Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami were present on this occasion.

In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that today’s program with MoUs worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore is the beginning of exploring the infinite possibilities for the new Uttarakhand. He said that now Uttarakhand will become a strong example for the world to connect with the industry in an eco-friendly manner. Shri Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi believes that the third decade of the 21st century will be the decade of Uttarakhand. He said that Uttarakhand is a place where divine power exists with development and Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami has combined performance with it.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that due to the able leadership of Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, 41 labourers trapped in the tunnel could be rescued safely. He said that the entire nation was worried and he himself was closely keeping a close watch on the entire incident and the Prime Minister Modi himself was monitoring it. He said that along with boosting the morale of the trapped labourers, Shri Dhami carried out the entire rescue operation very well and also addressed the people of Uttarakhand several times from there. Shri Shah said that there was an amazing peace and confidence on Shri Dhami’s face, which is a big trait of leadership.

Shri Amit Shah said that the purpose behind the establishment of Uttarakhand by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was that Uttarakhand was deprived of the development in such a big state of Uttar Pradesh. He said that today after a journey of two decades, we can say that Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had created Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Modi has transformed Uttarakhand and now under his leadership, the state is moving forward.

The Union Home Minister said that MoUs worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore were signed during the two-day Global Investors Summit and many new beginnings have also been made in the state opening up endless possibilities. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has progressed in every field in the last 10 years. He said that the reasons behind this progress are the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and his ability to follow up till the end. Shri Shah said that due to both these factors, today, the whole world is looking towards India with great hope and Prime Minister Modi has set the target before us that India should become fully developed nation and first in every field by 2047. He said that Shri Modi has kept all possibilities open for the youth of India to achieve this goal. He said that now the time has come for India to move ahead in the world. He said that under the leadership of Shri Modi, India will become a 5 trillion dollar economy by the end of 2025. In the 75 years of India’s independence, our economy has never taken such a big leap forward, like it has between 2014 and 2023.

Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is leading the climate change movement today, trying to boost the GDP of the entire world through Make in India and also leading the cause of making a terror-free world. He said that due to the visionary leadership of Shri Modi, many multidimensional changes have taken place in India. Shri Shah added that the Delhi Declaration during the G20 meeting is going to take India to new heights in the field of diplomacy which will be remembered for decades. He said that by making African Union a member, India has automatically become leader of the underdeveloped nations, that is the kind of visionary leadership has been shown by Shri Narendra Modi.

The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Modi government has brought 13.5 crore people out of poverty, succeeded in doubling India’s per capita income and brought the agricultural growth rate from minus 3 percent to 4.46 percent in the last 10 years. He said that in 2014 there were only 4 unicorn startups in India and today 110 Indian startups are included in the Unicorn Club and the youth of India have made India proud in the world. Shri Shah said that the highest ever FDI of $84.8 billion came in 2022. He said that under the leadership of Shri Modi, the changes which have taken place in the last 10 years are a reflection of the confidence of 140 crore Indians. He said that under the leadership of Shri Modi, work has been done simultaneously in both heritage and technology sectors in the country and many changes have also taken place in the administration. He said that in the last 10 years, the country has witnessed political stability, corruption-free governance, public welfare policies, investment-friendly agenda and peaceful environment.

Shri Amit Shah said that Shri Atal Ji had formed Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to speed up development and today the whole world is witnessing its results. He said that Uttarakhand has progressed the most under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi and Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami. He added that Uttarakhand has made progress in every field, be it taking new initiatives, stopping migration from border villages, providing smooth transportation and facilities for yatra, creating infrastructure or making investment friendly policy, Uttarakhand has become a policy-driven state by making more than 30 policies over a period of 6 years.

The Union Home Minister said that Uttarakhand has corruption-free governance which is very important for investment. He said that today under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the development has come at the grassroots level with transparency in many states. He said that Modi ji has taken strong steps against corruption and made it certain that no corrupt person will be spared. Shri Shah said that there are immense possibilities in every field in Uttarakhand. He said that Uttarakhand is the most peaceful and safe state in the entire country. He said that Uttarakhand has endless possibilities in the fields of tourism, services, MSME, logistics, customized packages, IT and AYUSH.

In the wake of the catastrophic floods caused by Cyclone Michaung, Union Minister of State for IT and Electronics and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, undertook a detailed inspection of the affected regions in Tamil Nadu. His visit encompassed areas including Mudichur in Chengalpattu, Varadharajapuram in Kanchipuram District, and West Mambalam in Chennai.

In West Mambalam, Shri Chandrasekhar took a hands-on approach in distributing relief materials to the families severely affected by the floods. During his visit, The Minister expressed grave concern for the residents of Chennai and the broader Tamil Nadu region. “We are very worried and concerned about the people of Chennai,” he stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

“I have come here to talk to the district administration and the state administration. They have given me their feedback on what the status is. I have also met many citizens who are very upset and told me about the negligence that has led to this, but I am not going to get into that today,” The Union Minister said. He emphasized the central government’s role in aiding the state, “Our main goal as government of India is to support the State government, support CM Stalin’s government to make sure the people of Tamil Nadu are safe. That is the first and foremost priority of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.”

The Minister also addressed the tragic loss of lives due to the floods. “17 people have died, and that is not a small number of people who died. Our first priority is to protect everybody. Our next priority should be to make sure this is not repeated, for which Hon’ble PM has sanctioned 500+ Crores to make sure that there is a long term planning, to make Chennai flood proof and more resilient to these types of natural disasters,” he remarked.

He further assured that the Government of India, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, is dedicated to supporting the rehabilitation of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. He sad “PM Narendra Modi ji’s government is completely focused on making sure that Chennai and Tamil Nadu get every support needed,”.

In addition to assessing the damage and overseeing the distribution of relief materials, The Minister urged for a thorough investigation into the flood’s aftermath. “Today, I am requesting the State Government to do an investigation on why it took four days for the water to run off, because that goes with a long-lasting effect on building integrity, on the structural integrity of the homes that have been surrounded by this water,” he urged.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 being held at Red Fort today. During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design’ at Red Fort and the student Biennale- Samunnati. He also launched a Commemorative Stamp. Shri Modi also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) will serve as an introduction to the Cultural Space in Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed everyone to the World Heritage Site of the Red Fort and highlighted the historical significance of its courtyards which remain unwavering and indelible even though multiple generations have passed before and after India’s independence.

The Prime Minister said that every nation is endowed with symbols of its own that introduce the world to the country’s past and its roots. He emphasized the role of art, culture and architecture in forging the connection with these symbols. Referring to the capital city of Delhi as a treasure trove of symbols that provide a glimpse of the rich architectural heritage of India, the Prime Minister said that the organization of Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) in Delhi makes it special in ways more than one. He praised the works displayed in the exhibition and said that it is an amalgamation of colors, creativity, culture and community connect. He congratulated the Ministry of Culture, its officers, the participating nations and everyone on the successful organization of IAADB. “Books act as windows of the world. Art is the great journey of the human mind”, the Prime Minister added.

Recalling the glorious past of India when its economic prosperity was discussed around the world, the Prime Minister said that its culture and heritage attract the tourists of the world even today. He reiterated the belief in moving forward by taking pride in one’s heritage as he noted the feeling of self-pride instilled in any work related to sectors of art and architecture. Shri Modi gave examples of developing the cultural centers of Kedarnath and Kashi, and the redevelopment of Mahakal Lok as he emphasized the government’s efforts in creating new dimensions in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal towards national heritage and culture. Underlining that IAADB is proving to be a new step in this direction, the Prime Minister highlighted the organization of the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and the Festival of Libraries in August 2023 with the aim to institutionalize global cultural initiatives in India with modernized systems. Prime Minister Modi expressed his desire to create a name for Indian cultural initiatives like IAADB along the likes of global initiatives such as Venice, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Sharjah Biennales, as well as Dubai and London Art Fairs. He emphasized the need for such organizations as it is art and culture that inculcate a way of life amidst the highs and lows of a heavily technology-dependent society. “Art and culture are essential to connecting the human mind with the inner self and recognizing its potential”, the Prime Minister remarked.

Speaking about the inauguration of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design, the Prime Minister said that it will provide a platform to promote unique and rare crafts of India while bringing together artisans and designers to help them innovate according to the market. “Artisans will also gain knowledge about design development as well as become proficient in digital marketing”, the Prime Minister said as he expressed confidence that with modern knowledge and resources, the Indian craftsmen can leave their mark on the whole world.

The Prime Minister underlined the creation of cultural spaces in 5 cities namely Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Varanasi as a historic step and said that it will further enrich these cities culturally. He informed that these centers will also put forward innovative ideas to enrich local art. Noting the 7 important themes for the next 7 days, the Prime Minister urged everyone to carry forward themes like ‘Deshaj Bharat Design: Indigenous Designs’ and ‘Samatva: Shaping the Built’ as a mission. He emphasized the importance of making indigenous design a part of study and research for the youth to further enrich it. Noting that the equality theme celebrates the participation of women in the field of architecture, he expressed confidence in the imagination and creativity of women to take this field to new heights.

“Art, taste and colors are considered synonymous with life in India”, the Prime Minister remarked. He reiterated the message of the ancestors that it is literature, music and art that acts as the main differentiator between humans and animals. “Art, literature and music add flavor to human life and make it special”, he emphasized. Touching upon the different needs and responsibilities of life that have been linked to Chatushashta Kala, i.e. 64 Arts, the Prime Minister mentioned specific arts like ‘Udak Vadyam’ or instrument based on water waves under musical instruments, dance and singing arts for songs, art of ‘Gandh Yukti’ for making scents or perfumes, art of ‘Takshakarma’ for enamel and carving, and art of ‘Suchivan Karmani’ in embroidery and weaving. He also touched upon the dexterity and craft of the ancient clothes made in India and gave the example of muslin cloth that could pass through a ring. He also noted the omnipresence of amazing artwork on war paraphernalia like swords, shields and spears.

The Prime Minister highlighted the indestructible culture of Kashi and said that the city has been the land of the immortal flow of literature, music and arts. “Kashi in its art, has established Lord Shiva who is spiritually considered the originator of arts,” he added.  “Art, Craft and Culture are like energy flow for human civilization. And energy is immortal, consciousness is indestructible. Therefore Kashi is also imperishable.” The Prime Minister highlighted the recently launched Ganga Vilas Cruises which took passengers from Kashi to Assam providing a tour of the many cities and areas situated on the banks of Ganga.

“Whatever may be the form of art, it is born close to nature. Therefore, Art is pro-nature, pro-environment and pro-climate”, the Prime Minister emphasized. Throwing light on the riverfront culture in the countries of the world, Shri Modi drew the analogy to the tradition of ghats on the banks of rivers for thousands of years in India. He said that many of India’s festivals and celebrations are associated with these ghats. Similarly, the Prime Minister highlighted the rich tradition of wells, ponds and step wells in our country and gave the example of Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat and several other places in Rajasthan and Delhi. The Prime Minister praised the design and architecture of these step wells and the forts of India. He also recalled his visit to Sindhudurg Fort a few days ago. Shri Modi touched upon the Patwa Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer which is a group of five mansions built in a way to work like natural air conditioning. “All this architecture was not only long-lasting but also environmentally sustainable” Shri Modi said as he underlined that the world has a lot to understand and learn from India’s art and culture.

“Art, architecture and culture have been sources of both diversity and unity for human civilization”, Shri Modi reiterated. He said that India is the most diverse nation in the world and the diversity binds us together. He credited the source of diversity to the democratic tradition of India as the Mother of Democracy. He noted that art, architecture and culture flourish only when there is freedom of thought in society and freedom to work in one’s own way. “With this tradition of debate and dialogue, diversity automatically flourishes. We welcome and support every kind of diversity”, the Prime Minister said as he highlighted the organization of G-20 in different states and cities of the country to showcase this diversity to the world.

The Prime Minister reiterated India’s belief in no discrimination as its people talk about the universe instead of self. Today, the Prime  Minister underlined that when India is emerging as the biggest economy in the world, everyone can see a better future for themselves in it. “India’s economic growth is linked to the progress of the entire world and its vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ brings new opportunities”, the Prime Minister remarked. Similarly, he noted that India’s revival in the field of art and architecture will also contribute to the nation’s cultural upliftment. Shri Modi also touched upon the heritage of Yoga Ayurveda and highlighted the new initiative of Mission LiFE for a sustainable lifestyle while keeping in mind India’s cultural values.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of interaction and cooperation for the prosperity of civilizations and thanked the participating countries for their partnership. He expressed confidence that more and more countries would come together and IAADB would prove to be an important beginning in this direction.

Union Minister for Culture, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Ministers of State for Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Smt Meenakshi Lekhi and Principal Architect at Diana Kellogg Architects, Ms Diana Kellogg were present on the occasion among others.

Background

It was the Prime Minister’s vision to develop and institutionalize a flagship Global Cultural Initiative in the country like the International Biennales at Venice, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Sharjah, among others.  In line with this vision, a nationwide campaign to reinvent, rebrand, renovate and re-house museums was launched. Further, the development of cultural spaces in five cities of India namely Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad & Varanasi was also announced. Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) will serve as an introduction to the Cultural Space in Delhi.

The IAADB is being organized from 9th to 15th December 2023 at Red Fort, New Delhi. It also follows key initiatives like the International Museum Expo (May 2023) and Festival of Libraries (August 2023) that were organized recently. IAADB is designed to initiate a holistic conversation between artists, architects, designers, photographers, collectors, art professionals and the public to strengthen the cultural dialogue.  It will also provide avenues and opportunities to expand and collaborate with the creators of art, architecture and design as part of the evolving economy.

IAADB will showcase different theme-based exhibitions on each day of the week:

Day 1: Pravesh- Rite of Passage: Doors of India

Day 2: Bagh e bahar: Gardens as Universe: Gardens of India

Day 3: Sampravah: Confluence of Communities: Baolis of India

Day 4: Sthapatya: Anti-fragile algorithm: Temples of India

Day 5: Vismaya: Creative Crossover: Architectural Wonders of Independent India

Day 6: Deshaj Bharat Design: Indigenous Designs

Day 7: Samatva: Shaping the Built:  Celebrating Women in Architecture

IAADB will include pavilions based on the above themes, panel discussions, art workshops, art bazaar, heritage walks and a parallel student biennale. The student biennale (Samunnati) at Lalit Kala Akademi will provide an opportunity for students to showcase their work, interact with peers & professionals, and gain valuable exposure within the architecture community through design competitions, display of heritage, installation designs, workshops etc. IAADB 23 is set to be a watershed moment for the country as it will herald India entering the Biennale landscape.

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of  ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design’ at Red Fort is being set up.  It will showcase the unique and indigenous crafts of India and provide a collaborative space between the karigars and the designers. Paving the way for a sustainable cultural economy, it will empower the artisan communities with new designs and innovations.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023’ being held at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand today. Shri Modi also took a walkthrough of the exhibition and unveiled the Ground Breaking Wall. Prime Minister Modi also launched a book Sashakt Uttarakhand and the brand House of Himalayas. The theme of the Summit is ‘Peace to Prosperity’.

Industry leaders also expressed their views on the occasion. Shri Pranav Adani, Director Adani Group and  Managing Director (Agro, Oil & Gas) said that Uttarakhand has become one the most attractive destinations for private sector investment because of the state’s approach to its growth and development in recent times with an unbeatable combination of single-point clearances, competitive land prices, affordable power and efficient distribution, highly skilled manpower and proximity to the national capital and a very stable law and order environment. Shri Adani elaborated on his plans to expand in the state and bring in more investment and jobs.  He thanked the Prime Minister for his constant backing of the state of Uttarakhand and said that the people of India have reposed unprecedented confidence and trust in him.

Shri Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director of JSW highlighted the Prime Minister’s connections with the state of Uttarakhand which Shri Jinal experienced during the development projects of Kedarnath and Badrinath. He praised the efforts of the Prime Minister for changing the face of the nation and mentioned the parameters of GDP growth and India soon to become the 3rd largest economy in the world. Shri Jinal thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership in India’s journey to becoming a global superpower. He also mentioned the government’s emphasis on improving the connectivity to pilgrimage sites around the country. He expanded on the company’s plan to bring in investment of roughly Rs 15,000 crores in Uttarakhand and also spoke about the ‘Clean Kedarnath Project’ initiated in November. He thanked the Government of Uttarakhand for their support and assured the Prime Minister of the continued support of the company in the development journey of India.

Shri Sanjiv Puri, Managing director of ITC, recalling the success of the G20 Summit, praised the Prime Minister’s global statesmanship and his advocacy for the cause of the Global South. He said that a slew of purposeful policy initiatives in the last few years has placed India favourably in a world faced with multi-dimensional challenges. Transformation of many sectors in the economy and GDP numbers speak for themselves, he said. The leadership has created a situation where globally, this decade and, some are saying, the century belongs to India.

Founder of Patanjali and Yoga Guru Shri Baba Ramdev referred to the Prime Minister as the visionary of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and a family member of the 140 crore citizens of India as well as the world. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s goal of achieving a 5 trillion dollar economy and mentioned the contributions of Patanjali in bringing in investments and creating employment opportunities. He assured the Prime Minister of future investments of more than Rs 10,000 crores and more than 10,000 jobs in the coming times. He praised the determination and willpower of the Prime Minister in the creation of a new India. He also praised the efforts of the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand in maintaining law and order in the states and urged the corporate houses to set up a unit in the state. He also applauded the development of tourism, health, education, agriculture, connectivity and infrastructure sectors of the state under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He appealed to the investors to strengthen the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a global economic powerhouse and accomplish the goal of a Viksit Bharat.

Shri Kalyan Chakrabarti, CEO of Emaar India thanked the Prime Minister for providing direction, vision and foresight for the development of the country. He conveyed the corporate world’s commitment to be a partner in the journey of India becoming a Viksit Rashtra. He also pointed out new vibrancy in the India-UAE relationship. Emaar’s headquarters is in the UAE. Shri Kalyan Chakrabarti also highlighted the positive change that has come in the global outlook towards India. He mentioned several policy reforms like GST and the fintech revolution that are creating new opportunities for the industrial world.

Shri R Dinesh, Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions reiterated the company’s commitment to the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister. He mentioned the contributions of the organization in Uttarakhand’s growth story and gave examples of manufacturing units of tyre and auto components, and services in the logistics and auto sector. He expanded on the company’s plans to further investments in the manufacturing sector and warehousing capacity, thereby creating more than 7,000 jobs across all family companies. He emphasized the company’s readiness to handhold partners in the auto market sector by providing financial support and upskilling in the digital and sustainability transformation due to the changing present world scenarios. As the President of CII, he committed to establishing 10 model career centers to provide counseling and support for more than 1 lakh people. He informed that Uttarakhand will be the first state to establish a Speciality Multi Skill Development Centre with a capacity to train 10,000 people covering hospitality, health care and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness for being in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and remembered his utterance about the third decade of the century being the decade of Uttrakhand.  Shri Modi said that it is a matter of satisfaction that the statement is being realized on the ground. The Prime Minister complimented the state government and all those involved in the successful rescue project of workers from the tunnel at Silkiyara.

Reiterating his close association with Uttrakhand, the Prime Minister said that Uttrakhand is a state where one feels divinity and development simultaneously. The Prime Minister recited one of his poems to further elaborate the feeling.

Referring to the investors present on the occasion as the heavyweights of the industry, the Prime Minister drew the analogy of a SWOT analysis carried out by the multinationals and emphasized performing this exercise on the nation. He highlighted that the results of the SWOT analysis will indicate an abundance of aspirations, hope, self-confidence, innovation and opportunities in the country. He also mentioned the indicators of policy-driven governance and the resolve of the citizens for political stability. “Aspirational India desires a stable government rather than instability”, the Prime Minister said as he threw light on the recently concluded Assembly Elections and underlined that the people voted based on good governance and its track record. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the country’s capability to move forward at a record pace irrespective of the COVID pandemic and the unstable geo-political scenario. “Be it Corona Vaccine or Economic Policies, India had trust in its capabilities and policies”, the  Prime Minister remarked. As a result, the Prime Minister said that India stands in a league of its own when compared to the other large economies of the world. He noted that every state in India including Uttarakhand is reaping the benefits of this strength.

The Prime Minister reiterated the benefits of a double-engine government whose double efforts are visible everywhere. While the state government is working keeping in mind the local realities, the Government of India is making unprecedented investments in Uttrakhand. Both levels of government are augmenting each other’s efforts. Referring to the work going from rural areas to Char Dham, the Prime Minister said that the day is not far when the distance between Delhi-Dehradun will be reduced to two and half hours worth of travel. Dehradun and Pantnagar airport extension will strengthen air connectivity. Heli-taxi services are being expanded in the state and rail connectivity is being strengthened.  All this is creating new opportunities for agriculture, industry, logistics, storage, tourism and hospitality.

Contradicting the approach of the previous governments which granted limited access to places located on the border areas, the Prime Minister underlined the double-engine government’s efforts to develop them as the first village of the country. He mentioned the Aspirational Districts and the Aspirational Blocks Program where the emphasis is being laid on villages and regions that lagged in development parameters. Shri Modi highlighted the untapped potential of Uttarakhand and urged the investors to make the most out of it.

Throwing light on the tourism sector of Uttarakhand which has reaped the benefits of the double-engine government, the Prime Minister noted the enthusiasm of people around the world as well as the country to visit India. He informed about the creation of theme-based tourist circuits intending to introduce tourists to nature as well as the heritage of India. The Prime Minister underlined that Uttarakhand which encompasses nature, culture and heritage is going to emerge as a brand. He stressed the investors to make it a priority to explore and create opportunities in the Yoga, Ayurveda, Teertha and adventure sports sectors. PM Modi appealed to the rich, the affluent and the youth of the country to initiate the movement ‘Wed in India’ along the lines of ‘Make in India’. He requested them to perform and organize at least one marriage ceremony in Uttarakhand in the next five years. “Even if 5000 weddings take place in 1 year in Uttarakhand, a new infrastructure will come into place and transform the state into a wedding destination for the world”, the Prime Minister said highlighting India’s potential to achieve any resolve that it takes.

The Prime Minister said that a strong wind of change is blowing in India. An aspirational India has been created in the last 10 years.  A large chunk of the previously deprived population is being connected to schemes and opportunities. Crores of people who have come out of poverty are giving new momentum to the economy. Both neo middle class and Middle class are spending more “We have to understand the potential of India’s middle class. This power of society in Uttarakhand is also creating a huge market for you”, Shri Modi added.

The Prime Minister congratulated the Uttarakhand Government for launching the House of Himalayas brand and called it an innovative effort to take the local products of Uttarakhand to foreign markets. “House of Himalayas further strengthens our concept of Vocal for Local and Local for Global”, Shri Modi said. He noted that products from every district and block of India have the potential to become global. He gave the example of expensive clay utensils being made and presented in special ways in foreign countries. Noting the skill and craft of the Vishwakarmas of India who traditionally make many such excellent products, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of exploring the global market for such local products and urged the investors to identify such products in different districts. He also urged them to explore possibilities of engaging with women’s self-help groups and FPOs. “This can be a wonderful partnership to make local-global”, he added. Highlighting the Lakhpati Didi Abhiyan, the Prime Minister underlined his resolve to create two crore Lakhpati Didis from the rural regions in the country and said that the initiative will gain momentum with the launch of the House of Himalaya’s brand. He also thanked the Uttarakhand government for the initiative.

Referring to his clarion call from the Red Fort about strengthening the National Character, the Prime Minister exhorted everyone, “Whatever we do, it should be the best in the world. Our standards should be followed by the world. Our manufacturing should be on the principle of zero impact, zero defect. We now have to focus on how to increase export-oriented manufacturing.” He said ambitious PLI campaigns display a resolution of creating an ecosystem for critical sectors. He emphasized the need for strengthening local supply chains and MSMEs by new investment.

The Prime Minister said that there is a need to come out of the mentality of cheap exports and prioritizing capacity building. He mentioned a Rs 15 lakh crore import bill for petroleum and a Rs 4 lakh crore import bill for coal. He elaborated on the efforts to reduce the import of pulses and oilseeds as even today India imports 15 thousand crore worth of pulses.

The Prime Minister cautioned against packaged food in the name of nutrition while India is so rich in nutritious food like millets. He highlighted the possibilities of Ayush-related organic food and the opportunities that they provide for the farmers and entrepreneurs of the state. Even in packaged food, he asked the gathering to help the local product to access global markets.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister remarked that the present is an unprecedented time for India, its companies and its investors. “India is going to become the third largest economy in the world in the next few years”, he stated as he credited the combination of stable government, a supportive policy system, mentality of reform and transform and confidence in development. “This is the time, the right time. This is India’s time”, the Prime Minister said as he appealed to the investors to walk with Uttarakhand and participate in its development journey.

Governor of Uttarakhand, Retd. Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh, and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami were present on the occasion among others.

Background

‘Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023’ is a step towards establishing Uttarakhand as a new investment destination. The two-day summit is being held on 8th and 9th December, 2023 with the theme –  “Peace to Prosperity”.

Thousands of investors and delegates will attend the summit from across the world. It will witness the participation of Union Ministers, Ambassadors of various countries along with leading industrialists, among others.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted the growing confidence in India’s potential and the nation’s rising stature on the global stage. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) witnessed a momentous address by Shri Piyush Goyal at its Annual Convention and 96th Annual General Meeting in New Delhi today, where he underlined the metamorphosis India is undergoing, transitioning from a land of immense possibilities to an ‘inevitable India,’ poised to power the world’s economy for decades to come.

Reflecting on India’s transformative journey, Shri Goyal highlighted the collective commitment exhibited by everyone present, emphasizing the pivotal role each individual holds in propelling India toward prosperity and global eminence. He reiterated the vision of an ‘Amrit Kaal,’ aiming to elevate India into a developed nation by 2047, marking a turning point in the country’s global positioning.

Outlining the roadmap for the next 25 years, Shri Goyal envisioned India as the world’s third-largest economy, fostering a robust manufacturing base, leading the forefront in technology and innovation, and nurturing a vibrant services sector powered by cutting-edge technologies. He stressed the collective commitment toward achieving a tenfold growth and the pivotal role played by business leaders, corporates, and the public in realizing this vision.

Citing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership and the significant economic reforms undertaken, Shri Goyal highlighted the strengthening of economic fundamentals, lower inflation, enhanced foreign exchange reserves, and initiatives to ensure equitable distribution of basic needs across India.

Underlining the government’s focus on empowering every individual and ensuring basic necessities, Shri Goyal highlighted the impact of schemes like Digital India, Swachh Bharat Mission, and financial inclusion programs, positively affecting millions across the country. He also emphasized the nation’s rapid progress in infrastructure development, reflecting on key projects like the Bharat Mandapam and the new Parliament building in Delhi.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth, Shri Goyal urged industry leaders to join the ‘Viksit Bharat’ program as envisioned by the Prime Minister, aligning their efforts towards a holistic and optimistic future for the nation. He encouraged them to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ Ambassadors and proudly become part of India’s development journey.

The Minister stressed the need for India to harness its strengths to attract global investments, underscoring the global interest in concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with India and the world’s increasing reliance on India for solutions to global challenges. Urging industry leaders to embrace electric mobility as a sustainable option, Shri Goyal called for a collaborative effort to transition toward 100% electric vehicles, thereby reducing dependence on crude oil imports and significantly impacting the economy and environment positively.

He extolled FICCI’s pivotal role in India’s progress. Shri Goyal congratulated Team FICCI for their unwavering dedication and service to the nation, lauding their remarkable contributions to India’s industrial landscape. He commended FICCI for its immense commitment to the nation’s growth, acknowledging the distinguished past presidents, committee members, and the indomitable women power within the organization.

In conclusion, Shri Piyush Goyal reiterated his confidence in India’s potential and urged everyone to adopt a proactive approach, converting every challenge into an opportunity and contributing collectively towards India’s transformative growth journey.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav has today said that India is not only focused on progress at home, but also on steering global commitments to build a sustainable world for the present and generations to come. This value is enshrined in the spirit of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ – One World, One Family, One Future that drives India’s actions towards climate. The Minister was speaking at an event marking the launch of Green Rising, aimed at fueling Youth-led Climate Actions and Solutions.

Speaking on the topic ‘The Green Rising: Powering Youth Action & Solutions for Climate’ at COP28 in Dubai, UAE, the Minister has said that the young are the most crucial key to attaining a sustainable world. He has said that the young people are among the most vulnerable groups impacted by climate change. While they bear the least responsibility for the climate crisis, they are suffering its worst consequences, he said.

However, the Minister added, there is also no denying that the youth are valuable contributors to climate action. They are agents of change as entrepreneurs, innovators, and environmentally conscious individuals with a will to drive positive change.

Shri Yadav credited the youth for using their agency to compel governments world over to bring sustainability to the center stage of governance. He added that It was our responsibility to equip them with the right knowledge and skills to usher in this change. This right knowledge must include a blend of technological prowess and environmental sense.

The Minister delved into the climate crisis and the blame rested on our disconnect with Nature. He further said that merely trying to restore balance for the limited purpose of fuelling economies is a self-defeating idea.

To that end, Shri Yadav emphasized that India is marching with the principle of ‘saving ecology and driving economy’ and he was glad that a global beginning is being made in that direction. It is important that joint initiatives, aimed at building the capacity of youth as future leaders and driving forces of the climate regime, are undertaken.

India’s traditional cultural practices are in harmony with modern practices and Shri Yadav exemplified this saying India’s National Mission for Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change, under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), has a focus on creating awareness and understanding regarding climate change issues, particularly among students and youths.

India is a champion of the idea that contribution to the fight against climate change must go beyond organisation and national level and to the individual and community level. The Minister said that the Green Credits Initiative launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP28 earlier, will incentivize voluntary pro-planet actions and facilitate global collaboration, cooperation and partnership through exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices in planning, implementation and monitoring of environment positive actions.

He encouraged businesses, both from the public and private sectors to join hands in the pursuit of sustainable lifestyles and actions.

Speaking about the Green Rising Global Initiative, Shri Yadav said that it creates pathways for at least 10 million children and youth, especially girls, in developing countries, to act, acquire green skills and contribute to countries’ ambitious National Action Plans on Climate Change alongside public, and private stakeholders. This resonates strongly with Government of India’s vision for sustainable progress of youth, nation and the world at large, he added.

Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited during his speech said “We can proactively address the challenges of a climate-changed world by scaling up climate education, promoting green skills, fostering green job opportunities and entrepreneurship, and ensuring meaningful participation of children and youth.”

UNICEF, Generation Unlimited and partners have launched the Green Rising initiative at Dubai Cares-hosted RewirEd Summit on the first-ever COP Youth, Children, Education and Skills Day in a major drive to mobilize world leaders to scale children- and youth-led grassroots climate action.

Green Rising aims to unite leaders across sectors at COP28 to spotlight commitments to integrate children and youth as partners, influence policymakers toward a more youth-centered perspective, and encourage organizations to contribute their resources and expertise. Prominent leaders are pledging support for the Green Rising in a significant crowding-in of global partners committed to this vision.

The Minister was accompanied by by Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Egypt, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment, Republic of Rwanda and Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited, UNICEF who were part of the launch of the initiative.