June 2023 - Kartavya Blogs

Revival of India’s Civilizational Heritage: A Transformative Journey in the past 9 years.

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

India, with its rich cultural heritage and uninterrupted recorded history, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest repository of UNESCO world heritage sites, surpassing 400,000 in number. Unlike other ancient civilizations where heritage is preserved in monuments and museums, India’s living heritage is ingrained in daily life through temples, festivals, customs, and sacred pilgrimage sites being an non-abrahamic religion.

Despite the efforts of visionary leaders like Tilak, Aurobindo, Tagore, and Vivekananda to revive and share India’s rich civilizational heritage after independence, political and educational forces of Congress influenced by colonial and Marxist ideologies frequently disregarded and undermined the profound wisdom of ancient India.

With a new hope under PM Modi’s leadership, India experiences a cultural resurgence, with initiatives to preserve monuments, establish conservation institutes, and construct significant landmarks. The approach combines development with heritage preservation, instilling a deeper sense of history in the younger generation. This renewed focus cultivates an appreciation for India’s civilizational heritage, fostering a transformative shift in society.

The government’s focus on revitalizing historical sites has yielded tangible outcomes, such as hosting the G20 summit in Kashmir with 56 international delegates. In Kupwara, a Mata Sharda temple and a Gurudwara were opened near the Line of Control, thanks to the support of local Kashmiris, leading to a revival of tourism in the region. Numerous heritage sites across India have been revived and redeveloped, including the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and projects in Varanasi, with an investment of Rs 800 crores. The ongoing reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, the Ujjain Mahakal Corridor, and the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are other notable examples of preserving our spiritual heritage. More than Rs 1000 crores have been spent on monument conservation, preservation, and maintenance in the past three years. Prime Minister Modi’s visionary PRASAD project aims to link major pilgrimage sites in the Northeast and has a budget of Rs 193 crores. The Kamakhya temple in Assam is receiving a significant facelift, alongside efforts for economic and infrastructural development in the region. Initiatives like the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini further showcase the government’s commitment to rejuvenating diverse cultural and religious sites. Additionally, the construction of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi highlights the international reach of India’s heritage initiatives.

Modi’s leadership has promoted India’s ancient wellness systems, including the global initiative of the International Day of Yoga.Furthermore, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian healthcare system, has been revitalized and promoted, gaining international recognition as a holistic medical alternative. Previously undervalued, Ayurveda now boasts over 500 institutions in India alone.

Celebrations of Indian festivals abroad, initiatives like the International Day of Vesak, and promoting Indian art and music have enhanced India’s soft power and appreciation for its civilizational roots. Repatriation efforts have brought back over 230 antiquities since 2014, with a total of 244 invaluable artefacts being returned. Discussions with global leaders have led to countries voluntarily returning stolen antiquities. India has seen an increase in UNESCO World Heritage sites, with 10 new inscriptions in the past 9 years and a rise in the Tentative List from 15 to 52 from 2014 to 2022.

The PM has shown reverence to neglected national heroes like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo, and Veer Savarkar. Notable tributes include the monumental statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat and the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose in Delhi. Under Congress rule it was a constant matter of shame for Indians that the statue of British King George stood on the canopy of India Gate for 75 years even after Independence. Modi Ji also corrected an historical blunder by redesigning the flag of the Indian navy by removing the British Cross and putting the symbol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Additionally, the PM has honoured great gurus such as Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Buddha, Mahavira, and Guru Nanak, acknowledging India’s dharmic roots by erecting their statues across the length and breadth of India.

Keeping in mind the historical significance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island in 2018 whereas the Neil and Havelock islands have been named as Shaheed and Swaraj Dweep respectively. While other 21 islands were renamed after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. Projects such as the revitalization of Varanasi and Mathura have breathed new life into these historic cities, restoring their architectural splendour and enhancing their cultural value. The “Namami Gange” initiative aims to clean and rejuvenate the sacred Ganges River, an essential part of India’s civilizational heritage.

Under Modi’s leadership, The 900 km Char Dham road project ensures all-weather connectivity to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. The Swadesh Darshan scheme, with an outlay of Rs 5,399 crore, reboots tourism infrastructure across 76 projects, with 50 already completed. This includes theme-based pilgrim trains like the Ramayana circuit train. These initiatives enhance connectivity, provide easy access to cultural and religious sites, boost tourism, and promote a deeper understanding of India’s heritage.

Modi’s government prioritizes India’s civilizational heritage in education. The New Education Policy emphasizes regional language instruction and aims to rediscover the nation’s old glory. NEP 2020 fosters economic growth, social justice, and scientific advancement, equipping the younger generation with a comprehensive understanding of their cultural roots. It is with the aim that an informed and ideological future will remain firm on its roots and lead the world towards peace. Modi established institutions like the National Institute of Ayurveda and the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation, and Museology to promote the study and research of India’s civilizational heritage.

The creation of Central Vista will be transformational in itself as the temple of democracy will let the entire world see how India is the true mother of democracy by showcasing references from Rigveda suggesting words like Sansad and samiti. While the installation of sengol will continue as a symbol of our culture forever. Modi’s Digital India campaign digitizes historical records, manuscripts, and artefacts, preserving India’s cultural heritage. The promotion of traditional industries like handloom and handicrafts through the Make in India campaign revives age-old practices and empowers artisans

Modi’s unwavering dedication and profound understanding of India’s civilizational roots have breathed new life into the sacred geography of this land, honouring every region from the Himalayas to Tamil Nadu, and from Kashmir to the Northeast. This remarkable work has not only revitalized our cultural heritage but also brought about unprecedented economic growth, empowering millions of people. On the global stage, Modi’s leadership shines bright as he fosters enduring friendships with leaders worldwide, solidifying India’s position as a ‘Vishvaguru’. The nation’s respect and admiration have soared, showcasing the abundance of our civilizational heritage to the world.

In conclusion, the decline and loss of culture and traditions in various parts of the world have become evident. However, Modi’s efforts have successfully reestablished the bond between modern India, ancient India, and the India of the future. By elevating India’s standing as a global power across diplomatic, economic, military, and cultural realms, he has brought forth a renewed sense of pride in Indian heritage. Importantly, his appeal extends beyond the ideologies, as people from all walks of life in India are embracing and celebrating the richness of their culture, moving away from radical ideologies and joining the mainstream. This revival of cultural appreciation and unity marks a significant milestone for India’s journey towards a brighter future.

9 government policies that empowered the Indian Farmer in the past 9 years.

Posted on June 22, 2023August 29, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

Agriculture has played a significant role in Indian society, both culturally and economically, for millennia. Farmers referred to as ‘Annadattas’ have played an important role in making India self-sufficient in foodgrain production since Independence. This can be derived from the fact that around 54.6% of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. This makes the growth of the sector imperative as it supports more than half of the population of the country. The Government under Prime Minister Modi has delivered towards this intent since its incoming and the results have been encouraging. In the last 9 years, the agricultural budget allocation has seen a manifold increase from ERs. 30,223.88 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1.25 lakh crore in 2023. Under this financial umbrella, a lot of steps and policies have been taken up to boost the farmers income and their endeavours, encouraging the usage of technology and innovation in daily agri-practices, augmenting farm-related infrastructure and fostering agricultural research and education leading to upliftment and empowerment of farmers. An array of policies and programs have been launched in the past 9 years to administer the above deliverables efficiently.

In 2015, in order to signify the farmers’ welfare as the standard for the development of agriculture, the designation of Ministry of Agriculture was changed to Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Post this, the thrust for awareness with messaging like ‘Per Drop, More Crop’, ‘Beej Se Bazar Tak’, etc. citing the intent towards creating sustainable systems leading the agricultural activities towards productivity and prosperity. Right from taking care of soil health to providing easier access to national markets, policies have taken up a comprehensive approach to fill the gaps in the virtuous farming cycle. These include:

Soil Health Card Scheme: Aligning with the government’s serious approach towards soil health, this scheme was introduced in 2015. A soil testing kit was developed for quick soil sample analysis to rationalize the use of fertilisers and supplied at more than 730 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). In the last 8 years since its launch, nearly 23 crore have been distributed to farmers. This initiative has been critical because soil health is imperative to plan health which in turn to human health.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): To chase away the irrigation woes of the country, in 2016, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched with twin objectives of ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ ensuring water availability to field and ‘Per Drop More Crop’ bringing in efficiency towards water usage in agriculture. The scheme has positively impacted agricultural productivity and water conservation with improved access to irrigation facilities, augmentation of water distribution and storage infrastructure and availability of information on the usage of micro-irrigation techniques.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) : One of the facets of empowerment is providing security in the face of uncertainty. With agriculture being prone to unfortunate events like natural calamities, in 2016, this scheme was launched to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure or damages due to natural disasters. As of 2022, more than 36 crore farmers, 85% being small and marginal, have been insured with around 1,07,059 crores of claims have already been paid under PMFBY. It has assured much needed financial security and stability among the farming community, securing their livelihoods.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Credit Card (PM-KCC): The access to credit to foster growth of farmers is crucial to empower them. The PM-KCC was reoriented to strengthen and expand its coverage, by the current administration to ease out the access of capital through formal channels, making it an attractive option and thereby encouraging them to invest in advanced farming operations and increased productivity. According to the latest data from the agriculture ministry, in 2022, there are more than 71 million KCC holders in the country.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan): Initiated in 2019, The Government of India pays Rs. 6000 per year to small and marginal farmers, through direct benefit transfers (DBT) ensuring money reaches the end user.PM-Kisan has provided farmers with a financial cushion during the trying times of pandemic. As of 2023, approximately 11 crore farmers have benefited through this scheme, with more than 2.24 lakh crore being released in their accounts.

E-NAM (National Agriculture Market): Launched in 2016, E-National Agriculture Market (NAM) to fill the gap of an e-trading platform furnishing a unified market for agricultural commodities, by networking the existing APMC mandis.. It brings forth healthy competition and better price realization to farmers in accordance to the quality of their yield, bringing in potential buyers and sellers on one single platform from across the nation. The platform has advanced the agricultural trade by eliminating intermediaries and has ensured transparency.

Kisan Rail Scheme: To facilitate the easy movement of perishable agri produce from one part of the country to another, in a cost effective manner-, in 2020,Kisan Rail Scheme was initiated, in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways. Special trains are operationalised to transport fruits, vegetables, fish, dairy, poultry etc from production areas to consumption areas to ensure speedy delivery with minimum damage. As of 2023-2359 Kisan Rail Services have been operated and have transported more than 7.9 lakh perishable goods, since its launch in 2020. The opening of this freight corridor showcases the Government’s commitment towards welfare and development of farmers.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Indian agriculture has suffered for a long time with lack of proper post harvest infrastructure facilities in place due to lack of investment and finance. However, the government in 2020, approved the allocation of 1 lakh crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. It aims to provide debt financing facilities for post harvest investment projects like godowns, cold storages, sorting and grading units, primary processing units etc, for farmers, FPOs, SHGs and many others. As of early 2023, the AIF team has mobilized approx 30000 crore for projects in the agri- infrastructure sector with a sanctioned amount of Rs. 15000 crore under AIF.

Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) scheme:- To ensure the advantages of economies of scale among farmers, Government of India, in the Union Budget 2019-20, announced the formation of 10000 Farmer Producer Organisations with a budgetary provision of nearly 5000 crore for 5 years. The primary objectives to develop agriculture entrepreneurship skills through effective capacity building. Since the launch, more than 16000 FPOs have registered in the last 3 years.The formation of FPOs has benefitted farmers in enhancing their collective strength for better access to quality input and technology, availing of credit facilities and better marketing access through economies of scale leading to profit maximization and better income generation.

The above initiatives and many more such have provided a strong support system to farmers towards making the practices more secure, sustainable and remunerative in the long term. The access to credit, markets, inputs and technology has become much easier and smoother for farmers in the last 9 years than it was before. To complement the above initiatives, the Government is also focusing on diversifying their income sources by encouraging livestock breeding, and rearing, fish farming with missions like Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), apiculture, beekeeping, sector at all levels.

The second term of the Government has focused more on invigorating the entrepreneurship spirit among the rural youth engaged in agriculture. Today India is home to more than 3000 Agri-startups with more than 85% are tech-based positively working towards modernizing the Indian Agricultural scenario. To support them, the provision of Accelerator Funds to provide viable funding avenues have been set up for young entrepreneurs to move forwards and achieve their objectives in the farming sector.

2023 has been declared as the International Year of Millets with objectives to promote the consumption of millets on a large scale while supporting and encouraging small farmers to engage in its farming and production increasingly. Budget provisions for investments and subsidies are being provided to farmers and start-ups for establishing post harvest infrastructure and processing units up to Rs. 2 crore inorder to increase the production of the ‘Shri Anna’, as millets are called, on a large scale.

The increasing focus on improving the agriculture infrastructure and encouraging economies of scale in agri-production will aid India towards building a self-sustainable agricultural sector and a self-reliant India. As we move towards AmritKaal, a multifaceted approach in developing agriculture will be the true empowerment of farmers!

Decoding 9 years of Modi administration in revolutionizing education

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

Achieving one’s full potential, creating a just and equitable society, and advancing global development all depend on education. Providing universal access to quality education is the key to India’s continued ascent. As India aspires and inches towards becoming a global power, manufacturing-cum-tech hub, provision of quality education becomes crucial. In pursuance of this mission, the Modi government, since coming to power in May 2014 has been committed to transforming the education sector of India. Prior educational policies have been implemented with a strong emphasis on concerns of Access and Equity. While the past endeavours have focused on accessibility, reforms now are centred around quality of education as well. Viewed closely, the current policy framework stands on 3 guiding pillars, in addition to the ones noted above. These are: Quality, Affordability and Accountability to equip our youth to face the various national and international problems of the present and the future. Each one of them is a factor in driving the policy initiatives of the current government.

This piece is intended to provide a peripheral view of what has happened in these nine years, drawing attention to these pillars of guidance, albeit not in a chronological fashion. It is an attempt to decode the last 9 years of reforms in the education sector of the nation. 

Accessibility and Equity

To begin with, it is difficult to quarrel with the view that there has been significant progress in terms of both quantity and quality. The number of universities has increased by 70 during 2020-21, to 1,113 in 2020-21 from 1,043 in 2019-20 and 723 in 2013 with one university being set up-every week since 2014. Total enrolment in higher education has increased to nearly 4.13 crore in 2020-21 from 3.85 crore in 2019-20 (increase of 28.80 Lakh) and 3. 45 crore in 2015-16. Likewise, Pre-primary through higher secondary schools in the UDISE+ system had a combined enrollment of almost 26.52 billion students in 2021–22. Much work is being done to bridge the demand-supply gap. School enrolment has grown at the upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels, demonstrating an improvement in the system’s capacity to hold onto more kids in the educational system over time.

Accessibility was also a major concern during the pandemic. The Covid experience placed a strong emphasis on the creation of high-quality alternative educational platforms wherever traditional modes are impractical. New conditions and realities warrant new initiatives. Say what you will, in the period when India was balancing multiple concerns, what sustained its education sector was undoubtedly, the concerted efforts that had been put towards digitalization of education. The National Education Policy 2020 acknowledges the significance of utilizing technology’s benefits while also noting its possible risks and perils in this area.  In the course of this digitalization, the establishment of National Digital Education Architecture is notable. Launched in 2022, it strives to create a unified digital infrastructure, wherein projects like DIKSHA (national infrastructure platform for school education), Vidya Samiksha Kendras (institutional setup that enable data-based decision making by key stakeholders), energized textbooks, Vidya Daan (program to source high quality content in a controlled manner) have been rolled out. Undoubtedly, digitalization of education has been imperative to achieve greater inclusivity and accessibility.

While these show the government’s commitment towards ensuring accessibility, considerable efforts are being made to improve the quality of education as well.

Quality

The foundation for knowledge creation and innovation must be education, which will support a developing national economy. Therefore, the goal of quality education goes beyond the development of mere chances for individual employment. Thus, in the current framework, infrastructural strength has received much-needed attention. To speak of some statistics, the percentage of schools having drinking water facilities has increased from 95.8% in 2018-19 to 98.2% in 2021-22, while the percentage of schools having ramps has increased from 63.7% in 2018-19 to 71.8% in 2021-22. According to the UDISE +2021-22 data, all of the key infrastructure facilities saw an increase in the year 2021–2022. Not to forget, the Swachch Vidyalaya campaign was launched in 2014 with much vigor. These infrastructural developments make for an inclusive environment for students across the divide. Apart from infrastructural progress, the administration is consciously striving at improving the quality, availability and training of teachers as well. The extensive NISHTHA 1.0 (National Initiatives for School Heads and Teacher’s Holistic Advancement) teacher professional development curriculum for elementary grades was introduced online during the covid pandemic through DIKSHA. The emphasis of NISHTHA 2.0 and 3.0 is on foundational and secondary literacy and numeracy. Several States/UTs have created their own capacity building programmes in addition to NISHTHA. In-service training, continuous professional development opportunities and robust merit-based structure of tenure and salary structure have been put forth, strategically altering the approach so far. The future of our students, and thus, the future of our country, is actually shaped by their teachers. This understanding is crucial. As in the words of the Prime Minister Modi “a small change by the teachers can bring about monumental changes in the lives of young students”.

The National Education Policy 2020, a phenomenal document and a much-awaited policy intervention, revamps the hitherto education system to incorporate a 5+3+3+4 design, consisting of the Foundational Stage, Preparatory Stage, Middle Stage and Secondary Stage. The policy intends to make an education system that is inclusive, forward-looking and holistic. What has significantly changed in these few years is the structural change in approach towards providing a holistic and multidisciplinary education to students.  We see a cross-curricular pedagogical approach. One can see the change in attitude towards the stakeholders; not considering them to be mere human resources in terms of their economic value but as human beings capable of excellence and working towards a holistic development. Manodarpan, for instance, has been initiated to monitor, promote and address the mental health issues and concerns of students and teachers, in addition to sensitizing and advising all the stakeholders regarding the same, while programme such as Fit India, has been initiated to sensitize students, create awareness and adopt ways to remain fit including healthy flood habits, also revamping Higher Educational Institutions to have fitness programmes as Co-Curricular or Extracurricular activities. Intent is to make learning both enjoyable and engaging. Interestingly enough, early childhood care and education which was till now sidelined, has now very rightly received much attention with the government coming up with the National Curriculum Framework in 2022.

Affordability

Coming to the question of affordability, efforts are being made in forms of scholarships and schemes. Initiatives such as the “National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme” (NMMSS) and Vidya Lakshmi Portal must be mentioned. The former is a scheme that offers scholarships to deserving students in grades IX through XII. The program’s goal is to provide scholarships to deserving students from economically disadvantaged areas in order to prevent their dropout. The latter serves as a single-window platform for students, enabling them to gather information and submit applications for Educational Loans and Government Scholarships. This is done with the intention of enabling all poor and middle-class students to pursue higher education of their choice without being constrained by financial issues. Based on several parameters, the monitoring assists the government in deciding how many scholarships to offer the following year. Rightly recognizing the importance of data, the government seeks to ease and channelise the process of data collection, retention and availability, be it the case of the said portal or by initiatives such as Vidya Samiksha Kendras.

Concluding Remarks

The scourge of Indian education, rote learning, is finally being banished in favour of competency-based learning and student development, which assesses higher-order abilities like analysis, critical thinking, and conceptual clarity. Creating inclusive education should now dominate our attention, specifically for children with special needs. Implementation is the key. What may be different about these last nine years and these reforms is that attempts are now being made at developing the ecosystem as a whole and making it sustainable. Towards realigning education with global trends and standards and realizing the five pillars. Towards an inclusive and forward-looking system, mindful of all the stakeholders; teachers, students, and the businesses. Towards strategic partnership. A lot is yet to be done, rather, can be done. Be that as it may, the balance sheet for India’s education sector today shows a positive hope.

How New India’s Highways Have Become Pavements to Prosperity In The Past 9 Years?

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

Anthony Foxx, former US secretary of transportation said “ Great roads don’t make America great, but America is great because of great roads”. Roads and highways are what make a nation great. The New India has understood that very evidently and has strived to go ahead and bring it to life.

India’s government is investing heavily in road construction. In the past 9 years, the government has spent over Rs. 10 trillion on road construction.

PM Narendra Modi, with his able minister Nitin Gadkari, from day 1 back since 2014 had started marching to build great roads in India on mission mode.

During 2017 this was all structured and brought under a project/program called Bharatmala Pariyojana. The Bharatmala Pariyojana is divided into five components:

Economic Corridors: These are high-traffic corridors that will be upgraded to expressway standards.

Inter Corridors: These are roads that connect economic corridors.

Feeder Routes: These are roads that connect rural areas to economic corridors.

Border Roads: These are roads that connect India to its neighboring countries.

Coastal Roads: These are roads that connect India’s coastline.

The Bharatmala Pariyojana is expected to boost economic growth, improve connectivity, and reduce logistics costs. It is also expected to create millions of jobs.

Impact

The Bharatmala Pariyojana project is expected to generate 10 million jobs by 2025.

The construction of these highways has created jobs in a variety of sectors, including engineering, construction, and transportation.

The increased trade and commerce that has resulted from these highways has created jobs in the manufacturing and service sectors.

Let’s do a quick comparison of numbers and stats from before 2014 to a period of the last 9 years between 2014 to 2023:

Highway construction:
67 years after independence India built : 97,380 Kms of highway
In the last 9 years India built: 47,325 Kms
The total length of national highways has increased by 47.85% since 2014.

Safety (fatality rate on National highways):
In 2014: 1.2 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled 
In 2023: 0.7 deaths per 100 million VMT

Direct Employment:
In 2014: 2.5M people were working in the highways sector
In 2023: 4M people work in the highways sector.
This is a rise of 60% in the direct employment in the sector.

Indirect Employment:
Hotels In india on highways as of 2014: 12,000
Hotels in India on highways as of 2023: 21,000

In the process of all this, India created many records too. Some of the recent records:

Longest stretch of road laid continuously: In 2022, India created a Guinness World Record for laying a 75-kilometer stretch of road in a single lane in under five days. The road was built on the NH-53 section between Amravati and Akola in Maharashtra.

Widest road in the world: The recently inaugurated 8-lane, 10-kilometer long Dwarka Expressway in Delhi is the widest road in the world. The road has a total width of 150 meters and is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

Largest single-day toll collection: In 2021, India collected a record of ₹1,100 crore (US$140 million) in tolls on a single day. The record was set on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which is one of the busiest highways in the country.

Highest number of kilometers of roads constructed in a year: In 2020, India constructed a record of 11,000 kilometers of roads. This was the highest number of kilometers of roads constructed in a year by any country in the world.

Longest continuously laid bituminous lane: In 2023, NHAI laid a 75-kilometer, single-lane bituminous concrete road on NH-53 between Amravati and Akola in Maharashtra in 105 hours and 33 minutes. This set a Guinness World Record for the longest continuously laid bituminous lane.

Fastest road construction in a day: In 2021, NHAI constructed a 2.5-kilometer, four-lane concrete road in Solapur, India in 24 hours. This set a Guinness World Record for the fastest road construction in a day.

Largest solar-powered road: In 2022, NHAI inaugurated the world’s largest solar-powered road in Gurugram, Haryana. The road is 750 meters long and has 2,300 solar panels that generate 310 kilowatts of electricity.

Smartest highway: In 2023, NHAI inaugurated the country’s first “smart highway” in Delhi. The highway is equipped with sensors, cameras, and other technology that collect data on traffic conditions, weather, and other factors. This data is used to improve traffic flow, safety, and efficiency.

Detractors of the government have alleged that the government cut a lot of trees to build these highways. On the contrary the government has always tried to implement transplantation of trees instead of cutting them. The government’s initiatives to plant trees have also worked a lot!

The green cover in highways in India has increased significantly since 2014. The government has launched a number of initiatives to promote greening of highways, including the Green Highways Policy, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), and the National Green Corps (NGC).

These initiatives have led to the planting of millions of trees along highways across the country. As a result, the green cover in highways has increased by an estimated 20% since 2014.

One of the noteworthy points in India’s campaign to build highways is that we have focused majorly in areas where highways were very less in number and connectivity was extremely poor. Biggest example of that was India’s north eastern region. Some of the numbers before and after 2014 show India’;s commitment to connect all regions of India.

The investment in road infrastructure in North Eastern India has increased by a staggering 1200% since 2014.

Between 1947 & 2014 India had built 12,000 Kms of highways in the Northeastern region. In the last 9 years we built 6,000 Kms of highways in the same region.This has directly boosted economic activity, connectivity and brought properity to the region and showcased the spirit of sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas statement of out honorable prime minister Narendra Modi,

Prime Minister Modi has a clear vision for the highway sector. He wants to make India a global leader in road infrastructure, and he has set ambitious targets for road construction.

The government plans to spend Rs. 20 trillion on road construction by 2024.

The government plans to use innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data to improve the efficiency of road construction and maintenance.

The government plans to make roads safer by reducing the number of accidents and fatalities.

I am confident that India’s highway sector will continue to grow and improve in the years to come. This will have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of Indians.

Tracking India’s rise as global torch bearer for environment & biodiversity in the past 9 years.

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

Over the past nine years, India has emerged as a global torchbearer for environment and biodiversity conservation. Under the leadership of the present Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several significant initiatives have been undertaken to address environmental challenges, promote sustainability, and protect the country’s rich biodiversity. This remarkable transformation stands in stark contrast to the below average performance of India in this area before 2014.

Before 2014, India faced numerous environmental and biodiversity-related challenges with lack of effective policies that had led to significant environmental degradation. Air and water pollution were rampant, deforestation was widespread, and endangered species were facing severe threats. India’s international reputation on environmental issues was marred by its high carbon emissions and inadequate efforts to mitigate climate change.

International Solar Alliance:

However, the scenario began to change after 2014 when the Indian government launched several ambitious programs and initiatives to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainability. One of the most notable achievements is the International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched in 2015, which aims to mobilise USD 1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030 while delivering energy access to 1,000 million people using clean energy solutions and resulting in the installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity. This would help mitigate global solar emissions to the tune of 1,000 million tonnes of CO2 every year.

Renewable Energy Installation:

India’s efforts to increase its renewable energy capacity have been commendable. The country has witnessed a tremendous surge in renewable energy installations, particularly solar and wind power i.e. 24x and 18x increase respectively since 2014. As of 2023, India has become the fourth-largest country in the world in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. It has set a target of achieving 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, which demonstrates its commitment to transitioning towards a greener and sustainable energy future.

Countering Air Pollution:

Additionally, the Indian government has taken significant steps to address air pollution, particularly in urban areas. The introduction of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in 2019, which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024, highlights the government’s commitment to improving air quality. This is India’s first national policy to curb air pollution due to which air quality has improved in only 49 out of 131 cities in FY 21-22, compared to the previous year.

The PM Ujjwala scheme has resulted in significant increase in the number of LPG users in the past 9 years i.e. whooping 31.36 crores in 2023 from just 14.52 crores in 2016. It has resulted in 13% reduction in deaths due to air pollution. This has largely played a vital role in decreasing the air pollution as well as reduced the consumption of wood and so cutting down of trees largely.

Preserving Biodiversity & Wildlife

India’s efforts to preserve biodiversity have also been noteworthy. The country has significantly expanded its protected area network from 4.90% to 5.03% of the country’s total geographical area, with the inclusion of new national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The forest and tree cover has increased by 16000 square kilometres over the past four years. The community reserves have increased from just 43 in 2014 to over 100 in 2019. Eco-bridges and viaducts are constructed to avoid highway passing through the forest areas providing safe passages for the wildlife species along with infrastructural development. There has been a significant increase in the number of tigers, lions and leopards from 2226, 593 & 7910 in 2014 to 3167, 674 and 12852 in 2022 respectively.

Protecting Rivers:

The Indian government has also launched initiatives like the Green India Mission and the National Mission for Clean Ganga, which aim to restore and rejuvenate degraded ecosystems, conserve forests, and protect river systems. 48 sewage management projects are under implementation and 99 sewage projects have been completed. cadre of volunteers (Ganga Praharis) have been developed and trained to support conservation actions in the field, floating interpretation centre “Ganga Tarini” and interpretation centre “Ganga Darpan” have been established for developing awareness on biodiversity conservation and Ganga rejuvenation, key ecosystem services of Ganga river have been identified and an assessment framework developed to strengthen the environmental services in the river basin.

Energy Efficiency:

The Ujala scheme launched in 2015 transformed India’s approach in the field of being energy efficient. It was the world’s largest zero subsidy domestic lighting program under which 36.78 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across the country which saved 48 B kWh energy every year. Due to this scheme, 9,565 MW of peak demand has been avoided and along with that, it has resulted in reducing 3,86 crore tonnes of CO2 emissions.

FAME has been the masterstroke by the Government of India in promoting E-vehicles across the country due to which over 55.5 million litres of fuel have been saved so far and over 138.3 million kilos of carbon dioxide emissions have been avoided since the implementation of this program.

Sanitation:

Under the Swachh Bharat mission led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over 11 crore toilets were constructed post 2014 and on 2nd October 2019, all the villages across all the states and union territories in India were declared open defecation free. This has been a major leap in changing the scenario in this sector.

At Global Platforms:

Furthermore, India has made significant strides in international environmental diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi’s 5 promises ‘Panchamrut’ at COP26 committed in Glasgow and their implementation in the country have been highly acknowledged globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been awarded with UN’s highest environmental honour – Champions of the Earth Award in 2018. Apart from that, in 2019 India also set up a solar roof project at UN headquarters.

In conclusion, India’s rise as a global torchbearer for environment and biodiversity conservation in the past nine years has been remarkable. The government’s proactive measures to tackle environmental challenges, promote renewable energy, address air pollution, and protect biodiversity have earned international recognition. While challenges remain, India’s commitment to sustainable development and its proactive approach make it a promising player in global efforts to combat climate change and preserve the planet’s biodiversity during its Amrit Kaal.

Unlocking the last mile delivery: The paradigm shift in Indian governance over the past 9 years.

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

This is exactly what the Modi government did from the first day of coming into power. They’ve thought of the last man and ensured that he gets food, water, electricity, gas, a house, a livelihood, healthcare, and above all, a dignified life. The transformative vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas” has laid the foundation for policies aimed at uplifting the lives of the underprivileged. Initiatives such as the PM Ujjwala Yojana, the PM Sannidhi Scheme, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have played a pivotal role in providing essential amenities and improving the quality of life for the impoverished.

Food

Prior to 2014, the Congress government’s management of the Public Distribution System (PDS) faced criticism for inefficiencies and challenges in last mile delivery. Reports highlighted issues such as corruption, leakages, inadequate storage facilities, and mismanagement, leading to searing discrepancies in providing subsidized food grains to the intended beneficiaries. When the Modi government came into power, it implemented a more targeted approach to identify beneficiaries who were in need of subsidized food grains. This has been done through the use of Aadhaar to eliminate duplicate or ineligible beneficiaries and ensure that food reaches the intended recipients. The PDS system was digitized to reduce corruption, discrepancies, and leakage. The use of technology, such as electronic point of sale (ePOS) machines and mobile applications, has been encouraged to enable real-time tracking of food distribution and prevent diversion of food grains. The scope of this refurbished PDS system increased gradually through the introduction of initiatives like the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which now aims to provide subsidized food grains to around two-thirds of the country’s population. Other initiatives, like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) having over 3.31 crore beneficiaries and the National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan) having over 10.02 crore beneficiaries, focus on improving the health and nutrition of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. Amidst the COVID pandemic, the government fed 80 crore hungry mouths with free food grains under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

Water

Gone are the days of walking long distances to fetch water for daily use, as households across the country are being equipped with private tap water connections through the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. The government has achieved the seemingly impossible by installing more than 9.08 crore tap water connections in a very short span of time.

Electricity

In the year 2015, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) was launched to focus on providing round-the-clock electricity supply to rural areas and strengthening the power infrastructure in villages. Further, in 2017, the Saubhagya Yojana was launched to provide electricity connections to all unelectrified households in both rural and urban areas. These schemes facilitated the last mile delivery of electricity by extending the power grid and providing free electricity connections to households, thereby improving the quality of life for millions.

Gas

Even after 65 years of independence, many households in India relied on traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, cow dung, and other biomass-based fuels. It led to indoor air pollution as these fuels produced high levels of smoke, soot, and toxic gases when burned, not neglecting that prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution causes respiratory diseases, eye problems, lung disorders, and other health issues among women and children. It also required more time and effort, caused an economic burden, harmed the environment, and had several safety hazards. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in 2016 with the objective of providing free LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections to women from economically disadvantaged households. By replacing traditional cooking fuels with clean LPG, the scheme improved health, reduced indoor air pollution, and made cooking safer. The last mile delivery of LPG connections was facilitated through a targeted approach, ensuring that the benefits reached the intended beneficiaries effectively. 9.58 crore LPG connections are given under this scheme.

House

According to housing and urban affairs ministry data, around 13.45 lakh houses were approved during UPA I and II under two schemes – Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY). Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): PMAY, launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. The scheme provided financial assistance, interest subsidies, and the use of technology for transparent and efficient implementation. Since 2014, over 3 crore urban and rural houses have been constructed and allocated under the PM Awas Yojana. This is a staggering 55x increase in houses sanctioned.

This March, I participated in the United Nations Water Conference. There was a special sub-event dedicated to the Indian government. Our nation was highly appreciated at the UN for its Jal Jeevan Mission and Swacch Bharat Mission. The government achieved the otherwise impossible feat by constructing 11.5 crore toilets in not 20 or 30 years but in 7. There was a time when India had its lowest point at the mention of open defecation. But today, our nation holds its head high amidst thunderous applause at the United Nations as 32 states/union territories, and to support these well deserved laudations, the fact that over 6.5 lakh villages are declared open-defecation free is backed up proof.

Livelihood

In 2005, Congress introduced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to provide guaranteed wage employment to rural households. While the program aimed to create job opportunities and alleviate poverty, its implementation faced issues relating to corruption, delayed payments, and inadequate monitoring. These challenges affected the timely delivery of wages and the overall effectiveness of the program. Reports highlighted instances of ghost beneficiaries, misappropriation of funds, and a lack of accountability. The government also faced the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam, involving allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The scam highlighted instances of financial irregularities, fake bills, and inadequate monitoring, compromising the last mile delivery of healthcare services to rural communities.

In recent years, the present government has launched a plethora of schemes and policies to ensure a dignified livelihood for all. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides financial assistance to small and micro enterprises and has sanctioned loans worth more than Rs. 18.32 lakh crore, benefiting millions of entrepreneurs and promoting self-employment. Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) incentivizes employers to generate new employment by reimbursing the employer’s contribution to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) for new employees. PMRPY has resulted in the addition of over 1.1 crore employees to the formal workforce as of September 2021. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) focuses on providing skill training and placement opportunities to rural youth from poor families. Further, the Skill India Mission focuses on enhancing the skills of the Indian workforce to make them more employable and self-reliant through vocational training.

Banking and finance

The Modi government leaves no stone unturned for the growth of its people. And in this regard, it has ensured banking and finance for all. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has been launched to provide universal access to banking services for all households, especially those in remote and underserved areas. The scheme succeeded in bringing millions of previously unbanked individuals into the formal banking system, enabling them to access financial services and government subsidies directly. Over 49.03 crore bank accounts are opened under this scheme. The government has promoted various digital payment initiatives, such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and BHIM app, to encourage cashless transactions, financial inclusion, and more convenient digital payments across the country. UPI is projected to cross 10 billion transactions in June 2023. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is an insurance scheme for farmers aimed at protecting them against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases. The scheme provides financial support to farmers, ensuring their economic stability and safeguarding their livelihoods.

Healthcare

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched by Congress to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to rural areas. While the program made efforts to improve the last-mile delivery of healthcare, challenges such as a shortage of trained medical staff, poor infrastructure, and inadequate monitoring hampered its success. These factors limited the reach and quality of healthcare services in rural areas.

On the other hand, Ayushman Bharat, – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): PMJAY, was a national health insurance scheme to provide financial protection to vulnerable households by offering cashless healthcare services. The direct transfers and transparent system, unlike the previous government, have ensured that the public has genuinely received good quality services. It is the first and world and only healthcare scheme in the world that gives health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh to 80 crore people. Over 5.08 crore free treatments have been done under this scheme so far.

Infrastructure

Reaching the last mile also involves the remotest of areas in India. The Congress government faced criticism for the slow progress in infrastructure development, which affected the efficient delivery of goods and services to remote areas. Poor road conditions, inadequate connectivity, and insufficient investment in infrastructure were some of the issues raised. However, under the Modi government, 13,400 kilometers of highways have been awarded for construction under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Over 15.85 lakh kilometers of rural roads have been constructed, connecting more than 1.78 lakh eligible habitations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This project is expected to generate nearly 22 million jobs and 100 million man days of employment as a result of the increased economic activity across India.

New India’s journey from fragile five to fastest growing economy of the world.

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

The new India in its Amrit Kaal is the fastest growing economy among top 5 economies of the world in the first quarter of 2023. It has taken a stride of 5 positions from being 10th in the year 2014 and is projected to reach at 3rd position by the year 2029. It shows India’s amazing growth trajectory in the past 9 years which is directly proportional to the policies and leadership of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Back in 2013, As per a report published in The New York Times a term was coined as ‘Fragile Five’ by an analyst at Morgan Stanley. It identified Turkey, Brazil, India, South Africa and Indonesia as economies which have become too dependent on skittish foreign investment to finance their growth ambitions.

Now in 2023 almost after a decade, the same Morgan Stanley has published an analysis report on India’s economic transformations between the years 2013 to 2022. Their purpose was to analyse the economic transformations during the 9 years of Prime Minister Modi’s government. In which they stated that India’s economic recovery has gained significant momentum, positioning the country as a key contributor to global GDP growth and also assertively added that “India will contribute 16% to Global GDP growth over 2023-24”. Apart from it, the report also stated that, “In a short span of 10 years, India has gained positions in the world order with significant positive consequences for the macro and market outlook and it will emerge as a key driver for Asia and global growth.”

In their report they highlighted 10 major changes in India during the previous decade ranging from supply side reforms, formalisation of the economy, digitalising social transfers, flexible inflation targeting, focus on FDI to insolvency and bankruptcy code, India’s 401(k) moment, government support for corporate profits, MNC sentiments at multi year high and Real estate regulation act. This isn’t just an analysis report but a specimen of new India’s economic growth on fundamental pillars. It narrates the transitional change that transformed the economic scenario of India in the past 9 years.

Five key highlights cited from the report are:-

Only 15% corporate tax for the manufacturing companies commencing operations before March 2024 which is lowest among its peer countries.
Comparing India’s infrastructural development between 2006-2014 and 2015-2022: 11x increase in the national highway network, 27x increase in renewable energy capacity, 121x increase in broadband subscriber base, 62x increase in railway route electrification.
76.1% digital transactions as a percentage of GDP in FY 2022-23 as compared to just 4.4% in FY 2016.
Coming down from a peak in 2017-18, the impaired loan ratio reached a 12 year low due to insolvency and bankruptcy code.

12% decrease in corporate debt as a percentage of GDP in 2023 as compared to 2015.

Back in 2013, India slipped one position from 15th to 16th in the foreign direct investments inflow which rose to 7th position in the year 2022. With 57x increase in the FDI inflow from 45.15 billion USD in 2014 to 71 billion USD in 2022-23 India is emerging as the first choice for the investment for the foreign companies. India received the highest ever FDI inflow of 84.8 billion USD in FY 22 which shows how confident the world is to invest in India’s increasing growth trajectory today.

Back in 2014, India’s exports were 312.35 billion USD which has increased to 770 billion USD witnessing a 146% increase in the past 9 years which is the highest ever in the history of independent India. Recently, India has outlined its foreign trade policy aiming at 2 trillion USD exports by 2030 which describes the vision of the Indian government as well as their confidence in the potential of Indian manufacturing industries through government’s policies.

During these 9 years, India reduced 39000+ business compliances to ensure ease of doing business based on which India jumped from 142nd position in 2014 to 63rd in 2014. According to a report by EIU, out of 17 countries surveyed, India stands at 10th position in terms of business environment for the period of 2023-27 which is four positions ahead since the last report for 2018-22. Today, the new India is the manufacturing hub for the world and Indian companies. Now, India ranks 3rd in the startup ecosystem globally with over 100 startups becoming unicorns. Interestingly, India is the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world and along with that it has achieved many other milestones in the manufacturing sector which shows the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative taken in the past 9 years.

Recently, 18 countries across the world agreed to trade in Indian National Rupee instead of US dollar including countries like Germany, UK, Singapore, Kenya, Sri Lanka and others. It will reduce India’s trade deficit and also reduce the exchange rate risks for the traders in the international market. It reflects the strong position of India’s economy among the top world countries which was nowhere assumed a decade ago.

Now, when India enters its Amrit Kaal, it sets a target to achieve a 47 trillion USD economy in 2047 when it completes its 100 years of independence. It is possible today because India tremendously transformed its economic development approach in the past 9 years. In this Amrit Kaal, the Indian economy is so strong due to its unique governance of which no one would have ever imagined a decade ago. I believe,what changed, is the leadership approach in the past 9 years.

India’s Transformation: A New Era of Security, Prosperity, and Global Influence in the Past 9 Years.

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

The recent G20 summit in Srinagar, Kashmir, stands as a remarkable milestone in the security evolution of India. The event, held in a region once considered too volatile due to prevailing security concerns, symbolizes the tremendous strides India has made in recent years. A decade ago, such an international gathering in the region would have been unthinkable. However, India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the decisive Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, has relentlessly confronted its security challenges, resulting in a much-improved situation that allowed Srinagar to host global dignitaries.

Chang Jae-Bok, the South Korean Ambassador to India, captured the sentiment of many attendees with his words, “It was a fantastic and memorable visit. I love being in Srinagar. I hope people come and enjoy the scenic beauty and film tourism that prosper in Kashmir.” His statement not only reflects the significant progress that India has made in fostering peace and security in the region but also hopes for the prosperity of the region through tourism.

India’s approach to its internal and external security has undergone considerable changes over the past nine years. This transformation has been influenced by a range of factors, including India’s growing strategic partnership with the West, its geopolitical position as the dominant country in South Asia, and its responses to a variety of complex internal and regional security challenges.

The Maoist insurgency has been one of these key internal security challenges, especially prevalent in the most impoverished and poorly governed regions of the country. This long-standing issue, while not holding or administering any significant territories, represented a considerable threat to India’s internal security. Despite their disruptive capacities, the Maoists have faced decisive responses from the government that have forced them into retreat. Furthermore, India’s security landscape has been burdened by the menace of drug trafficking and associated organized criminal activities, particularly from the Golden Crescent areas. This has been a long-standing challenge, with drug money from these areas historically funding terrorism against India. Despite the complexity of this issue, the government has demonstrated a commendable commitment to actively tackling this problem, enhancing law and order within the country’s borders. This proactive stance against drug trafficking has contributed to a decline in the associated threat, ultimately improving the safety and overall health and wellbeing of Indian citizens.

The concerns about the LTTE regrouping in Tamil Nadu, although minimal, have nevertheless created diplomatic challenges in Indo-Sri Lankan relations. Despite the sympathies for the LTTE in the state and the presence of surviving elements of the group, there is a low likelihood of Tamil Nadu serving as a base for an armed regrouping. The government has been vigilant, ensuring any potential threat is swiftly addressed, demonstrating the effectiveness of its security measures.

On the international front, India continues to adeptly navigate the evolving regional and global dynamics. The strategic partnership with the West, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and ongoing tensions with neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China are all factors that add to the complexity of India’s geopolitical landscape. However, India has shown itself to be a strategic player, adeptly managing these dynamics. This strategic prowess is a testament to the vision and diplomatic acumen of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, further bolstering India’s standing in the global arena.

Furthermore, India’s success in improving its security situation has not only fostered a conducive environment for economic growth but also enhanced its international standing. Today, India is not only seen as a rapidly developing economy but also a secure and reliable partner in international relations. This dual identity has opened up numerous opportunities for India to play a more significant role in shaping global policies and norms. The fact that India could host the G20 summit in Srinagar sends a strong message to the world – India is ready and capable of maintaining peace and security within its borders. It also speaks volumes about the progress the country has made over the years in ensuring the safety and security of its people and guests. The G20 summit, hence, goes beyond being just a diplomatic event. It signifies a new era for India – an era marked by improved security, economic prosperity, and greater international influence.

India’s journey to enhanced security has been a challenging one, fraught with numerous obstacles. However, the resolve and tenacity exhibited by its leadership and the indomitable spirit of its people have made this journey a successful one. As India moves forward, it continues to learn, adapt, and improve, steadfastly marching towards a future that holds immense promise and potential.

India’s Evolution as a Global Leader: A Decade of Transformation In The Past 9 Years.

Posted on June 22, 2023September 1, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

On June 22, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the US Congress twice. This meeting comes at the Backdrop of India’s rising Global stature as well as a signal of deepening cooperation between USA and India. Over the past nine years, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emerged as a formidable global leader in the realm of geopolitics and foreign policy. The Modi government’s proactive approach, strategic vision, and emphasis on building strong regional partnerships have catapulted India onto the world stage. From being a country, which used to take a back seat in world politics, India is now the foremost party of engagement on international forums from hosting the G20 Summit to becoming the voice for Global south. This article explores India’s journey towards global leadership, focusing on the Act East policy, engagement with neighbouring countries, comparative analysis of diplomatic policies, and recognition through prestigious awards received by Prime Minister Modi.

Central to India’s foreign policy under the Modi government has been the Act East policy, aimed at deepening economic, political, and cultural ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This policy shift has led to increased engagements with nations like Japan, Australia, and the ASEAN countries. Under the Act East policy, India has actively participated in regional forums such as the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN-India Summit, asserting its commitment to a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law. These engagements have elevated India’s stature in the region, paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. India is a party state to various strategic groupings from the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), BRICS as well as G20 and an important outreach member.

India’s engagement with its neighbours has witnessed a transformative shift during the Modi government’s tenure. The neighbourhood-first policy has strengthened ties with countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, fostering regional stability and economic cooperation. Initiatives like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement and the South Asian Satellite project have facilitated greater connectivity and cooperation among South Asian countries. Prime minister Modi also became the first Head of state from India to visit Fiji and Papua New Guinea to host a key summit between India and 14 Pacific Island countries to boost bilateral ties and shape India’s leadership role as the voice of the Global South. For the Global south, almost the majority of its history has been rooted in exploitation by Western colonial powers in the past, the bipolar Cold War system, and the desire of the Global North to perpetuate its hegemonic dominance in global geopolitics in recent years. In such conditions, the Global South requires alternative narratives to establish an equitable world order. India’s leadership is vital for such a reshaping of the status quo of the Global South movement. Apart from that India enjoys respectable relationships with conflicting parties in today’s world including the United States and Russia. Israel and various Arab Nations including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman etc. This well Balancing Act shows India’s strong Independence when it comes to foreign policy and Modi adept understanding of geopolitics.

Comparing India’s diplomatic policies prior to 2014 with the changes observed under Prime Minister Modi reveals a significant transformation in the nation’s foreign relations. The Modi government has displayed a proactive and assertive approach, moving away from passive diplomacy towards actively shaping global affairs.

Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic initiatives have garnered international recognition and praise. Heads of state and global organisations have bestowed prestigious awards upon him, acknowledging his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering strong bilateral relationships. Noteworthy among these awards is the Legion of Merit, the highest civilian honour of the United States, which Modi received from former President Barack Obama in 2016. This recognition underscored the strengthening of the India-US strategic partnership.

Similarly, Modi has received accolades such as the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudi Arabia, the Order of Zayed from the United Arab Emirates, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle from Russia, and the Seoul Peace Prize, The order of Companion from Fiji in May 2023, among others. These awards highlight his efforts in promoting bilateral relations, regional stability, and global cooperation.

Under the Modi government, India’s foreign policy has shifted from a reactive stance to proactive engagement, positioning the nation as a global leader. This transformation is reflected in the strengthening of regional partnerships, increased participation in international forums, and pursuit of strategic objectives. With Foreign Affairs helmed by Dr. S Jaishankar, fresh impetus has been squeezed in to the foreign policy and representation of India’s view of a Multilateral world on various forums with hawk eye focus on stating India’s position on various issues and its independence when it comes to major foreign policy decisions.

The Act East policy has propelled India’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region, opening avenues for economic growth, security cooperation, and cultural exchanges. By deepening ties with neighbouring countries, India has fostered stability, connectivity, and regional integration.

Moreover, Prime Minister Modi’s adept diplomacy has earned him recognition from heads of state and global organisations, showcasing India’s growing influence on the global stage. Comparatively, the Modi government’s diplomatic policies have demonstrated a shift towards proactive engagement and strategic assertiveness. The recognition received through various awards underscores India’s growing influence and Modi’s ability to foster strong bilateral relationships. His Bonhomie with world leaders’ personal rapport with world leaders also played a pivotal role in shaping India’s image on the global stage. In a gesture that will be remembered for years to come, PM Marape praised PM Modi, when visited his country after Japan and welcomed him by touching his feet at the airport during the Forum for India-Pacific Islands `Cooperation Summit while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during a cultural event that was held in Sydney as part of PM Modi’s visit to the country, called PM Modi ‘Boss’ while 20000 people from the Indian Diaspora chanted slogans of Modi, Modi which was unbelievable to the Australian leaders from both sides of Bi-Partisan lines.

As India continues its journey as a global leader, it is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitics of the 21st century. The Modi government’s visionary approach to foreign policy and emphasis on building strong regional partnerships have set the stage for India’s emergence as a key player in the ever-changing global landscape. From its Zero tolerance policy on terror to its strong stands on various geopolitical issues, India is well positioned to set the narrative of the issues of the 21^st century. From hunger to war in Ukraine and its efforts in acting against climate change to providing free vaccines to the world India has put itself on the Map as a reliable party for the disgruntled and unheard voices which Forums like the United Nations have Failed to address. Under the Strong leadership of Prime minister visionary leadership and commitment to building strong international relationships India is set to be a key player in shaping global affairs and securing its place as a global leader in the 21st century.

From Infrastructure to Innovation: How Indian Railways have fortified in last 9 Years

Posted on June 22, 2023August 31, 2023 by kartavya_blogs_v2

Indian railways have always been a lifeline for the nation due to its vast population, diverse lands, and cheap service. After the triumphant takeover of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government in the country, the fate of Indian Railways has seen ambitious heights. From Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) manufacturing to innovations and technology adopted by Indian railways, the sector has bolstered significantly under the orchestration of the Modi government. “The Indian Railways will become the growth engine of the nation’s vikas yatra,” vowed Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Indian Railways has transformed in the previous decade and registered record revenue of Rs. 2.40 Lakh Cr. for FY 2022-23. This is nearly Rs 49000 Cr. more than previous year, reflecting 25% growth. Freight revenue has also leapfrogged to Rs. 1.62 lakh Cr, a growth of nearly 15%. Passenger revenues registered an all time high growth of 61% to reach Rs 63,300 Cr.

Prime Minister Modi’s farsightedness can be easily justified by watching this video.

During the Mint Mobility Conclave in 2022, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, revealed a comprehensive five-element transformation plan aimed at facilitating the safe and sustainable transportation of one billion people by the Indian Railways in the future. These five elements have been identified with a long-term target of 2047, coinciding with India’s centennial Independence Day.

After 2014, India embarked on an ambitious journey into the transformation of the Indian Railways into a modern, efficient, and customer-centric sector. The Indian Railways has witnessed a transformational leap in the span of nine years, between 2014 and 2022, under the Modi government’s leadership.

Fueling innovation and upgradation

In recent years, the Indian Railways has witnessed a significant transformation in terms of innovation and upgradation. The introduction of advanced trains like fully indigenous Vande Bharat and Tejas, Hum Safar has revolutionised the locomotive travel industry. Additionally, the Central government’s efforts in redesigning and redeveloping railway platforms have brought about a notable change in their appearance. Since 2014, nearly 400 railway stations have been redeveloped and now under the Amrit Bharat station scheme, redevelopment of 1275 stations have been taken up after the announcement in budget 2023. Out of these 1275, work is already under progress on 125+ stations and around 1155 are in various stages of planning.

Indian Railways and Atmanirbhar Bharat

According to a government report, all coaches manufactured in production units are completely indigenous except for the forged wheel and axle. Efforts are being made to indigenize them as well. 97% of electric locomotive equipment is indigenously sourced. Most of the track machines (around 87%) are manufactured in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for self-reliance in India has led to several notable developments in the railway sector. For instance, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project aims to provide regional connectivity with domestically manufactured coaches featuring transverse seating. The RRTS also incorporates ballastless tracks, reducing maintenance costs. Additionally, indigenous platform screen doors (PSDs) are being manufactured for various rail projects to improve safety and crowd management. The focus on indigenously developed signalling technology, such as the Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, demonstrates a commitment to the “Make in India ” initiative.

Mission Raftaar

In 2016, the Indian Railways launched “Mission Raftaar” to enhance the speed of trains and reduce travel time. The aim was to increase the average speed of freight trains to 50 km/hr and passenger trains to 80 km/hr. As a part of this, Indian railways proliferated Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches which have higher speed potential, converting passenger trains operating with conventional coaches into MEMU services (which have higher acceleration/deceleration owing to distrusted power). As a part of “Mission Raftaar” and during the period 2015-16 and 2021-22, 414 passenger train services have been converted into MEMU services. During the financial year 2016-17 to financial year 2020-21, Average speed of freight trains has increased from 23.7 kms/hr to 41.2 kms/hr.

Vande Bharat Trains

Vande Bharat Trains are the testimony of ‘Make in India’ initiative as it is fully manufactured at the IFC, Chennai. It is designed to achieve the maximum speed of 180 kmph which makes it the first semi-high speed train of India. As of now it covers 22 states across India with 18 routes and 36 train services.

Bullet Train

The on-going Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, popularly known as the Bullet Train project, is India’s first high-speed project to be completed by 2026 of which 30.15% physical construction work is completed till 31st March 2023. With technical assistance from Japan, the project aims to connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad through a state-of-the-art high-speed rail network – The 508.17 kms route. The fact that this erection was completed using Made in India Full Span girder launcher is also notable. The 1,100MT full-span launching apparatus was designed and produced domestically by M/s Larsen & Toubro at Kanchipuram, Chennai. It is created in collaboration with 55 Micro-Small Medium Enterprises (MSME). India has joined the exclusive club of nations that design and produce such equipment as Italy, Norway, Korea, and China.

Dedicated Freight Corridor

Indian Railway is constructing more than 3000 Km of Dedicated Freight Corridor(DFC), which would enable freight trains to run at speed of 100 kmph. The Eastern dedicated freight corridor starts from Sahnewal (Ludhiana) in Punjab and ends at Dankuni in West Bengal. Due to this project the 351 km ‘New Bhaupur-New Khurja section’ will decongest the existing Kanpur-Delhi main line & double the speed of freight trains from 25 km/h to 75 km/h. The Western dedicated freight corridor starts from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai. Around 70% of the freight trains currently running on the Indian Railway network are slated to shift to the freight corridors, leaving the paths open for more passenger trains.

Focus on safety

Safety has remained a top priority for the Indian Railways. The installation of advanced signalling systems, the elimination of unmanned level crossings, and the introduction of the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), popularly known as KAVACH, and the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) in certain sections are a few examples. KAVACH will now be installed on 34000 RKM at a cost of 13000 Cr while the first phase on Delhi – Mumbai & Delhi – Howrah route will be operational next year. In the last 9 years, 1.78 lakh crore Safety expenditure has been done including 1.09 lakh crore on track renewal due to which Railway accidents have reduced from 0.10 to 0.03 per million train kilometres as compared to the year 2014. 90% CRS recommendations have also been accepted by the Ministry of Railways in the last 5 years. Apart from that, 2.5 times more expenditure on railway safety has been done between 2014 – 2023 as compared to 2004-2014.

A stride towards sustainability

Before 2014, a total of 21,000 km of Railway lines were electrified whereas in the last 9 years only, this number stands at a whopping 37,000 km. In order to embark on eco-friendly transportation, the Central Railway, which is now fully electrified on all broad gauge routes, has helped reduce carbon footprints by 5.204 lakh tonnes every year and also saves Rs. 1670 crore annually. The Indian Railway is working in mission mode to become the largest green railway in the world and is moving towards becoming a “net zero carbon emitter” before 2030. Central Railway has achieved 100% Railway Electrification on all broad gauge routes (3825 route kilometres).

Railway bridges touching the sky

In an article penned by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, he writes, “The near completion of the world’s highest rail arch bridge, the Chenab bridge, and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, are adding to India’s glory. The successful train trial through India’s first underwater railway tunnel and station under the Hooghly River in Kolkata adds to these engineering marvels.”

I believe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the tireless railway ministry served as catalysts for #9YearsofSeva for the citizens of India. These nine years, 2014–2022, are the years of transformation, innovation, and revolution in the Indian railway sector.

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