Month: June 2025

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved Phase‑2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project—comprising two elevated extensions of the existing Line‑2 (Vanaz–Ramwadi).   The estimated project cost is Rs.3626.24 crore, to be equally shared by the Government of India, Government of Maharashtra, and external bilateral/multilateral agencies. This strategic proposal is a logical extension of the existing Corridor-2 and aligns with the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), which envisions a continuous Chandani Chowk to Wagholi Metro corridor to strengthen East–West mass transit in Pune.   This phase…

Read More

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a proposal from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to establish International Potato Centre (CIP)’s South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) at Agra, Uttar Pradesh.  The major objective of this investment is to increase food and nutrition security, farmers income, and job creation by improving potato and sweetpotato productivity, post-harvest management and value-addition. The potato sector in India has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities in production sector, processing sector, packaging, transportation, marketing, value chain, etc.  Hence,…

Read More

The Union Government has approved the establishment of an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) worth ₹417 crore in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” and “Digital India” campaigns.   According to officials, the cluster is expected to attract major investments and create approximately 15,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. The EMC will offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and industrial facilities to electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) units.   The approval of the EMC in Gautam…

Read More

In a breakthrough for climate-resilient agriculture, scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-based gene-switch that enables plants to activate their natural defense mechanisms only when exposed to heat stress or disease, significantly improving their chances of survival while preserving energy during normal conditions.   This smart genetic tool is built on a modified form of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, using a deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) enzyme fused to a heat-sensitive tether derived from tomato plants. Under regular temperatures, this tether prevents the gene-editing complex from entering the cell nucleus. However, in high temperatures…

Read More

India’s recent launch of a dedicated portal under the Special Purpose Mechanism for Promoting Electric Vehicles and Components Parts in India (SPMEPCI) marks a significant stride towards accelerating the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) transition.  This initiative signals a clear intent to attract global EV manufacturers, streamlining the investment process and fostering a conducive environment for the establishment of EV production hubs.   By opening its doors to international players, India aims to leverage global expertise and technological advancements, thereby boosting domestic EV production, reducing import dependence, and stimulating economic growth.…

Read More

The Indian Railways’ implementation of silo loading has demonstrably improved the coal supply chain, culminating in a record coal stock of 58.25 million tonnes at thermal power plants. Over the years, there has been a notable increase in the share of coal loaded through silos—from 18.8% in 2022–23 to 29% in 2025–26 (till date)—demonstrating a clear and sustained push towards improving coal logistics.   The Ministers reviewed ongoing and proposed projects aimed at expanding silo infrastructure across key coalfields. The meeting also underscored the need for enhanced inter-ministerial coordination to…

Read More

In a major step towards advancing sustainable energy solutions and fostering Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has announced its support to BatX Energies Pvt. Ltd. for the commercialisation of an indigenous battery recycling technology.   This strategic partnership aims to scale up BatX Energies’ cutting-edge process for recycling lithium-ion batteries, a critical need in the wake of India’s rapid transition to electric mobility and renewable energy storage systems. BatX Energies has developed an environmentally friendly, efficient, and…

Read More

In a significant breakthrough toward solving global water scarcity, a team of innovators has unveiled a new water purification system that combines sunlight, vibration, and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver clean drinking water in a biodegradable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way. The new technology is designed to operate efficiently without the need for conventional electricity or harmful chemicals. By harnessing solar energy, the system runs independently in off-grid or rural locations, making it ideal for areas with limited infrastructure.   According to developers, the system introduces vibration-enhanced purification, which uses subtle…

Read More

In a significant move towards empowering young women and promoting inclusive development, the Government of India today launched ‘NAVYA’, a new skilling initiative aimed at adolescent girls. The scheme, launched under the Viksit Bharat@2047 mission, is designed to equip girls aged 14 to 18 years with future-ready skills in high-growth, non-traditional sectors.   The initiative was unveiled jointly by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), with support from training partners under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0).   Pilot…

Read More