NewzIntel.com

Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI USA: LANCASTER CO. – Shapiro Administration to Announce Recipients of $10 Million Investments Through Nation’s First Agricultural Innovation Grant Program

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    January 03, 2025 – Mount Joy, PA

    ADVISORY – LANCASTER CO. – Shapiro Administration to Announce Recipients of $10 Million Investments Through Nation’s First Agricultural Innovation Grant Program

    Brubaker Farms in Mt. Joy, Lancaster County, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will announce the recipients of Governor Josh Shapiro’s $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. Grants will fund cutting-edge solutions and technologies that will shape the future of Pennsylvania agriculture and keep Pennsylvania a national leader.

    The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program was proposed as part of Governor Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget and passed with broad bipartisan support. The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program is a key element of Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy, which positions agriculture alongside life sciences, manufacturing, robotics, technology, and energy as vital drivers of Pennsylvania’s long-term economic success.

    WHO:
    Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    PA Department of Agriculture Director of Innovation Mike Roth
    State Representative Paul Takac
    PA Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman

    WHEN:
    Monday, February 3, 2025, 11 a.m.

    WHERE:
    Brubaker Farms
    492 Musser Road
    Mount Joy, PA 17552

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Poison baits were used on 1,400 feral cats, foxes and dingoes. We studied their fate to see what works

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pat Taggart, Adjunct Fellow in Ecology, University of Adelaide

    Bee Stephens, CC BY

    Poisoned baits are the main way land managers control foxes, feral cats and dingoes. Baiting is done to reduce livestock and economic losses, or pressure on endangered wildlife.

    Millions of baits are laid annually. But we still don’t understand how effective baiting actually is. Current evidence paints a mixed picture. That’s a problem, because baiting can have unintended consequences, such as killing native animals we don’t want to target. Some research suggests baiting can actually increase attacks on livestock, or that poisoning dingoes can increase feral cat and fox numbers and worsen the damage to native wildlife.

    We need better evidence on what baiting does and doesn’t do. Our new research draws on data from 34 previous studies assessing baiting effectiveness. In total, these largely Australian studies summarised the fate of more than 1,400 cats, foxes and dingoes. We used these data sets to conduct the most comprehensive analysis of baiting effectiveness to date.

    Biosecurity officers drying meat baits for a baiting program in Broken Hill in 2019.
    NSW Government, Local Land Services, Western Region, CC BY

    Baiting is ubiquitous

    Baits can be purchased commercially or produced in-house. In some states, land managers can bring meat baits to government authorities to have poison added free of charge. They are then distributed by vehicle along tracks and roads or dropped from aircraft across vast areas of Australia, New Zealand and islands worldwide.

    Single baiting programs can sometimes cover areas larger than 9,000 square kilometres – a land area similar to Puerto Rico or Cyprus.

    So how can we best undertake these baiting programs?

    1. Baiting does work

    Across the 34 studies, baiting cut predator survival in half (51.7%) – substantially higher than the death rate in unbaited areas (16%).

    This finding was broadly consistent regardless of whether baits were placed along tracks and roads or scattered over broader areas.

    In some cases, predator numbers can recover rapidly following baiting. Under favourable conditions, feral cat and fox populations can double in a year, while dingo populations can grow 50% annually. But, under average conditions, such high rates of population increase are likely uncommon.

    Predators from outside the control area can rapidly repopulate areas after a baiting program. For example, multiple studies have found no change in fox numbers even when baiting was conducted at monthly intervals. Similar results have been found after intensive fox shooting.

    But there are also examples where prolonged, broad-scale baiting has worked well. To protect the threatened yellow footed rock wallaby, researchers baited around wallaby populations in New South Wales and South Australia and largely eliminated foxes from large areas. Wallaby numbers then increased.

    2. Feral cats take baits too

    Feral cats are opportunistic ambush predators and hunt a wide range of prey. They’re visually driven and prefer fresh meat. For these reasons, it’s long been thought they are less likely to eat poisoned bait than foxes and dingoes.

    Feral cats are silent, stealthy hunters who prefer to hunt rather than scavenge.
    Vanessa Westcott, CC BY

    But our analysis doesn’t support this – feral cats appeared to be just as susceptible to baits as foxes and dingoes. That’s good news for wildlife.

    Significant and ongoing work has been put into designing better baits for feral cats to increase consumption rates. The most widely known of these baits is Eradicat, a sausage-style bait.

    While this bait is aimed at feral cats, our analysis didn’t provide strong evidence showing Eradicat actually killed more feral cats than other poison bait recipes. This suggests any bait is more effective than no bait when it comes to cat control.

    Eradicat baits have to be sweated to bring out the oils and make them more appealing.
    Luke Bayley, CC BY

    3. Blanket coverage works better

    In land manager circles, there’s a long-running debate over how best to bait. Some advocate putting out more baits over the same area, while others suggest more frequent baiting is better.

    So which is it? Our analysis shows more baits in an area is likely to equate to better control of predators, while distributing baits more frequently may not have the same effect.

    Why is this? Like people, animals are individuals, with their own behavioural tendencies. Wary animals may never take baits. Some foxes are known to store baits to eat later, by which time the baits may be less toxic, sickening rather than killing the animal.

    This is believed to lead to bait aversion, where foxes avoid baits in the future due to previous bad experiences – just as we might avoid foods which made us sick.

    A single, more intensive application of bait is likely to work better because susceptible predators eat the bait and die, and there is limited opportunity for bait aversion to develop. In contrast, more frequent baiting in a short period of time are of limited benefit because animals learn to avoid them.

    Dingoes have been routinely baited for decades.
    Ian Mayo, CC BY

    Fresh baits have long been believed to be eaten more readily than dry baits.

    But our analysis shows this may not always be true. Overall, the type of bait had little impact on whether or not it led to reduced predator survival.

    Optimising baiting

    More efficient control of predators will mean fewer baits are needed to achieve the same result. That, in turn, means less risk of harming other native animals, as well as reducing how much work and money it costs to control feral cats, foxes and dingoes.

    Our research shows baiting does indeed cut the number of predators prowling an area. But it also shows many factors we thought were important in making a baiting program effective may only have a limited effect.

    The goal of poison baiting is to reduce the damage predators do to livestock and wildlife. Baiting is an important and effective tool in reducing predator pressure on threatened species. But its efficacy – and the risk other animals could take the bait – means we have a responsibility to continually optimise its use and ensure its application is targeted.

    Pat Taggart receives funding from the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

    Daniel Noble receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Yong Zhi Foo receives funding from the the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Poison baits were used on 1,400 feral cats, foxes and dingoes. We studied their fate to see what works – https://theconversation.com/poison-baits-were-used-on-1-400-feral-cats-foxes-and-dingoes-we-studied-their-fate-to-see-what-works-246324

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boyle Statement on Trump Administration Implementing 25 Percent Tariffs on Mexico and Canada Tomorrow

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

    Philadelphia, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee and Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after the White House announced that the Administration will impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico starting tomorrow: 

    “Donald Trump and his Republican allies love to claim they’re fighting for the American worker, but their actions tell a different story. Slapping a reckless 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico won’t protect American jobs—it will drive up costs and make life more expensive for middle-class families. 

    These tariffs mean higher prices for everyday essentials. Families will pay more for fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. Manufacturers will face rising costs for parts and materials, putting good-paying American jobs at risk. 

    Let’s be clear: tariffs are taxes. Trump’s policies will squeeze farmers, workers, and small businesses while the wealthiest corporations and billionaires continue to cash in on massive tax breaks. 

    I stand with American workers, not phony populists who talk tough but sell them out at every turn. Democrats will keep fighting for real trade policies that protect jobs, keep prices fair, and strengthen our economy—without forcing the middle class to pay the price.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Launches Trade War That Will Raise Prices, Hurt Jobs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Trump Launches Trade War That Will Raise Prices, Hurt Jobs

    Bellevue, WA, February 1, 2025

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Don Beyer (VA-08) released the following statement after President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on some of our largest trading partners.

    “President Trump just started a trade war that will raise prices on American families and invite retaliation against American businesses, workers, and farmers. This is a tax on everyday goods that will hit the pocketbooks of middle-class families at the grocery store, the gas station, and the pharmacy counter. Trump says this is a negotiating tactic, but everyday Americans and small businesses will suffer while he and his billionaire friends are insulated from the economic pain this will cause.

    “This is a blatant abuse of executive power. No president should unilaterally be able to put in place these broad-based tariffs that will have far-reaching economic impacts in communities across the country – Red, Blue, and everything in between. Congress must reassert its authority by reining in this egregious misuse of the law.”

    Background

    • Today, Trump put 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, with a 10% tariff on Canadian oil exports. He also placed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods.
    • These tariffs are similar to the ones Trump proposed on the campaign trail and are estimated to directly raise prices on consumer goods by $2,600 to $4,000 a year for the average American family.
    • The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board called Trump’s tariffs, “The Dumbest Trade War in History.”
    • Sen. Rand Paul posted today, “Taxing trade will mean less trade and higher prices.”
    • In January, DelBene and Beyer reintroduced legislation that would prevent the President of the United States from imposing import tariffs under the guise of a national emergency without Congressional approval.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Reckless Trade War Will Hurt American Families, Businesses, and Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Trump’s Reckless Trade War Will Hurt American Families, Businesses, and Workers

    While noticeably going softer on China, Trump’s tariffs hurt key allies and top trading partners Mexico and Canada

    “Donald Trump has plunged our country into a dangerous trade war and the American people will bear the cost. Thanks to Trump, American businesses will be saddled with higher costs, which could lead to higher prices on goods Americans need. Prices will likely go up the grocery store, as people still feel squeezed at the checkout counter. The price of homes is expected to increase, as materials used to build homes become more expensive, which comes as homeownership remains unaffordable to many. 

    For millions of Americans still grappling with inflation, Trump’s tariffs will be a gut punch. History should inform us that another trade war could cause devastation again. The last time Trump picked a trade fight, Wisconsin dairy farms suffered the brunt, contributing to record-level family farm bankruptcies and billions in bailouts. Trump resorted to costly bailouts to cover for his failures and have left farmers weaker in the long term.  

    In his second term, Trump continues to use tariffs as a political scheme, this time against our top allies and trading partners. Tariffs can help American industries and support our workers if they are used deliberately and carefully, but Trump’s across the board tariffs are neither. As our allies impose retaliatory tariffs, the damage will get worse. Donald Trump hasn’t even been in office for a month, and he is already breaking his promise to lower the cost of living.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 29-2025: Scheduled Outage: Saturday 08 February 2025 – DAFF messaging, EXDOC, NEXDOC, SeaPest

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    03 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All users of the Seasonal Pests (SeaPest) system.

    All clients submitting the below declarations:

    • Full Import Declaration (FID)
    • Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
    • Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
    • Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
    • Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)

    All users of the department’s Export/Next Export Documentation systems (EXDOC/…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Admin. Poised to Rollback Environmental Protections, Congressman Maxwell Frost Introduces the Youth Climate Leadership Act to Ensure Young People Have a Seat at the Table to Fight the Climate Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    November 14, 2024

    Bicameral Bill Would Codify the Existence of the Youth Advisory Council at the EPA and Establish Youth Councils at Key Environmental Agencies

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) introduced a new bill in the House of Representatives, the Youth Climate Leadership Act, legislation to cement the existence of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to create more youth advisory councils at relevant federal agencies. Frost’s bill comes as President-Elect Donald Trump has vowed to gut and rollback climate protections once back in the White House.

    Under President Biden, EPA Administrator Regan created the Youth Advisory Council with the goal of ensuring the next generation of Americans had a seat at the table when it came to tackling the climate crisis and ensuring the U.S. is a global leader in the fight to protect our environment. Since then the council has been composed of young people from all over the country who are focused on putting forth comprehensive solutions that can be implemented at the federal level.

    The Youth Climate Leadership Act has already been introduced in the Senate by Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Ed Markey (D-MA). Frost’s introduction now means that both the Senate and the House could act swiftly to pass the legislation and ensure the President can sign it into law. 

    “By creating the Youth Advisory Council at the EPA, we ensured that for the first time ever, young people would be centered and heard in our fight to tackle the climate crisis. This is about leaving the planet a better place than we found it, for our present and for our future,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “The incoming Administration has made it clear that saving our environment is not a priority. The work the Youth Council and the EPA have done has changed our country for the better and put young people at the helm. We must act swiftly to do everything we can to protect the progress we have made.”

    “The decisions we make – or don’t make – today to address our climate crisis will have lifelong impacts on the youngest Americans. To prepare for the future, the next generation of leaders must take a seat at the table now,” said Senator Laphonza Butler. “The Youth Climate Leadership Act will make sure that the federal government listens to young people’s voices as we fight to achieve our nation’s climate goals.”

    The Youth Climate Leadership Act directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, and Interior, as well as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish Youth Advisory Councils made up of young people between the ages of 16 and 29 for the purpose of providing recommendations regarding environmental issues as they relate to youth, including:

    • Recommendations regarding programs to help local governments address environmental issues in disadvantaged communities;

    • Recommendations regarding performance measures to quantify the impact of climate change and other environmental harms that affect youth communities; and

    • Researching, writing reports on, and making recommendations with a focus on environmental justice, climate change mitigation and resilience, and pollution reduction.

    The bill provides $250,000 annually to each agency for the purposes of operating the Youth Advisory Councils, for total annual funding of $1.25 million.

    The legislation has also been endorsed by the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, Center for Biological Diversity, River Kidz, Florida Native Plant Society, Latino Outdoors, Moms Clean Air Force, California Environmental Voters.

    “Youth voices must be uplifted when it comes to climate policy,” said Jackie Ostfeld, Campaign Director of Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All. “Not only will this provide valuable experience to put our young people in a good position as the next generation of decision makers, these policy decisions have a direct impact on their futures. They deserve to play a part in deciding what that future is. We have already seen the ambition and drive young climate activists have. This is a wonderful move by Representative Frost to invest in the nation’s future and acknowledge the role that youth voices can have in shaping climate policy.”

    “It is so critically important that the voices of young people be heard, and given serious consideration, by our lawmakers. The future belongs to all of us, and the youngest among us have the most to gain – or lose – in the fight to address climate change. They will inherit the results of Congressional action – or inaction,” said Eugene Kelly, President of Florida Native Plant Society.

    “The River Kidz are youth advocates who are part of the Rivers Coalition and are dedicated to championing a safe, healthy, and ecologically balanced St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon. We proudly endorse the Youth Climate Leadership Act and recognize the critical importance of young voices in shaping environmental policy, ensuring a healthy environment for all to thrive. We thank Representative Frost for introducing this bill and look forward to seeing River Kidz and other passionate young leaders serve on these newly established Youth Advisory Councils,” said Casey Darling Kniffin and Kelli Doré, River Kidz Co-Leads.

    “It’s imperative that youth voices are centered in discussions of federal climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Young Americans face a future dominated by climate catastrophe because we’ve failed to rapidly and equitably transition away from fossil fuels,” said Camden Weber, climate and energy policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I’m thankful for Rep. Frost’s leadership on the Youth Climate Leadership Act, which will uplift and empower this generation of passionate climate leaders. Their role in sculpting this country’s climate plan is most needed in these perilous times.”

    “Uplifting often unheard voices is an important part of what we aim to do at Latino Outdoors. The Youth Climate Leadership Act would do precisely that for youth, particularly for those in disadvantaged communities,” said Luis Villa, Executive Director of Latino Outdoors. “It would help demonstrate to young people that their voices matter and that they belong in the conversation about our collective future. We are grateful to Congressman Frost for proposing this legislation and for the opportunity to voice our support.”

    “As a member of Gen Z, I believe youth advisory councils will serve a crucial role in providing young people a long-overdue voice in government decision-making and cultivating the intergenerational collaboration necessary to create equitable climate solutions,” said Sam Schmitz from Moms Clean Air Force. “Young people have already witnessed the dire impacts and injustices of climate change which has catalyzed us to be a generation full of passionate climate leaders eager to inform the decisions that will dictate our future. Moms Clean Air Force applauds this important step toward creating a healthy, prosperous, and equitable environment for my generation and all those to come.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has set regional quotas for corn exports in 2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Resolution of February 1, 2025 No. 78

    Document

    Resolution of February 1, 2025 No. 78

    The government has set regional tariff quotas for the export of corn from Russia outside the Eurasian Economic Union. They will be in effect from February 15 to June 30, 2025 inclusive and will affect producers from Primorsky Krai and Amur Oblast. A resolution on this has been signed.

    According to the document, agricultural producers from Primorsky Krai received the right to export 337 thousand tons of corn, and farmers from Amur Oblast – 200 thousand tons of corn.

    The decision was made taking into account the forecast balance of production and consumption of corn in the Far Eastern Federal District. It will help local producers sell their surplus products abroad in the absence of demand from neighboring regions.

    The grain export quota mechanism was approved by the Government in 2021. It allows maintaining an optimal balance between the domestic grain market and the supply of these products for export. Within the quota, grain exports are subject to a floating duty, depending on the price situation.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement? 

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic. 

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake? 

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time. 

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational? 

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community. 

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities. 

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore? 

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment. 

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place? 

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well. 

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet? 

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government. 

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues? 

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner. 

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice. 

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this. 

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people? 

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time. 

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement? 

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic. 

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake? 

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time. 

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational? 

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community. 

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities. 

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore? 

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment. 

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place? 

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well. 

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet? 

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government. 

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues? 

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner. 

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice. 

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this. 

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people? 

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time. 

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement?

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic.

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake?

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time.

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational?

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community.

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities.

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore?

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment.

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place?

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well.

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet?

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government.

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues?

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner.

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice.

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this.

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people?

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time.

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NEXT FIVE YEARS PRESENT A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE ‘SABKA VIKAS’; UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    NEXT FIVE YEARS PRESENT A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE ‘SABKA VIKAS’; UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    AGRICULTURE, MSME, INVESTMENT, AND EXPORTS TO BE FOUR POWERFUL ENGINES IN JOURNEY OF DEVELOPMENT

    FOCUS ON GARIB, YOUTH, ANNADATA AND NARI IN THE BUDGET

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Next five years is seen as a unique opportunity to realize ‘Sabka Vikas’, said the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today. In her budget speech, the Union Finance Minister emphasized on stimulating balanced growth of all regions.

    The Minister highlighted that our economy is the fastest-growing among all major global economies. Our development track record of the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention. Confidence in India’s capability and potential has only grown in this period, the Minister added.

    The Union Budget 2025-26 highlights Government’s efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investments, uplift household sentiments, and enhance spending power of India’s rising middle class.

    Specifying Agriculture, MSME, Investment, and Exports to be four powerful engines in journey of development, the Minister underlined that this budget aims to initiate transformative reforms across six domains. During the next five years, the domains of Taxation, Power Sector, Urban Development, Mining, Financial Sector and Regulatory Reforms will augment our growth potential and global competitiveness. The Finance Minister said that in the journey of development, “Our Reforms” is the fuel; where, “Inclusivity” is a guiding spirit; and the “Viksit Bharat” is the destination.

    Focussing on Garib, Youth, Annadata and Nari in her Union Budget 2025-26 speech, the Union Finance Minister underscored on proposed development measures spanning ten broad areas. These are namely, Spurring Agricultural Growth and Productivity; Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience; Taking Everyone Together on an Inclusive Growth path; Boosting Manufacturing and Furthering Make in India; Supporting MSMEs; Enabling Employment-led Development; Investing in people, economy and innovation; Securing Energy Supplies; Promoting Exports; and Nurturing Innovation.

    The Union Minister observed that “Viksit Bharat” encompasses zero-poverty; hundred per cent good quality school education; access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare; hundred per cent skilled labour with meaningful employment; seventy per cent women in economic activities; and farmers making our country the ‘food basket of the world’.

    ***

    NB/SB/RY

    (Release ID: 2098370) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HIGHLIGHTS OF UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:42PM by PIB Delhi

    PART A

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament today. The highlights of the budget are as follows:

    Budget Estimates 2025-26

    • The total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹ 34.96 lakh crore and ₹ 50.65 lakh crore respectively.
    • The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹ 28.37 lakh crore.
    • The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.
    • The gross market borrowings are estimated at ₹ 14.82 lakh crore.
    • Capex Expenditure of ₹11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) earmarked in FY2025-26.

    AGRICULTURE AS THE 1ST ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – Developing Agri Districts Programme

    • The programme to be launched in partnership with the states, covering 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters, to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.

    Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience

    • A comprehensive multi-sectoral programme to be launched in partnership with states to address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy.
    • Phase-1 to cover 100 developing agri-districts.

    Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

    • Government to launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor.
    • NAFED and NCCF to procure these pulses from farmers during the next 4 years.

    Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits

    • A comprehensive programme to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers to be launched in partnership with states.

    Makhana Board in Bihar

    • A Makhana Board to be established to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.

     

    National Mission on High Yielding Seeds

    • A National Mission on High Yielding Seeds to be launched aiming at strengthening the research ecosystem, targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, and commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties.

    Fisheries

    • Government to bring a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

    Mission for Cotton Productivity

    • A 5-year mission announced to facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties.

    Enhanced Credit through KCC

    • The loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme to be enhanced from ₹ 3 lakh to ₹ 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

    Urea Plant in Assam

    • A plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons to be set up at Namrup, Assam.

    MSMEs AS THE 2ND ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    Revision in classification criteria for MSMEs

    • The investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs to be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively.

    Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises

    • Customized Credit Cards with ₹ 5 lakh limit for micro enterprises registered on Udyam portal, 10 lakh cards to be issued in the first year.

    Fund of Funds for Startups

    • A new Fund of Funds, with expanded scope and a fresh contribution of ₹ 10,000 crore to be set up.

    Scheme for First-time Entrepreneurs

    • A new scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs to provide term-loans upto ₹ 2 crore in the next 5 years announced.

    Focus Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sectors

    • To enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector, a focus product scheme announced to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of ₹ 4 lakh crore and exports of over ₹ 1.1 lakh crore.

    Measures for the Toy Sector

    • A scheme to create high-quality, unique, innovative, and sustainable toys, making India a global hub for toys announced.

    Support for Food Processing

    • A National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management to be set up in Bihar.

    Manufacturing Mission – Furthering “Make in India”

    • A National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India” announced.

    INVESTMENT AS THE 3RD ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    1. Investing in People

    Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

    • The cost norms for the nutritional support to be enhanced appropriately.

    Atal Tinkering Labs

    • 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.

    Broadband Connectivity to Government Secondary Schools and PHCs

    • Broadband connectivity to be provided to all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.

    Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

    • Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme announced to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.

    National Centres of Excellence for Skilling

    • 5 National Centres of Excellence for skilling to be set up with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth with the skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.

    Expansion of Capacity in IITs

    • Additional infrastructure to be created in the 5 IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students.

    Centre of Excellence in AI for Education

    • A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education to be set up with a total outlay of ₹ 500 crore.

    Expansion of medical education

    • 10,000 additional seats to be added in medical colleges and hospitals next year, adding to 75000 seats in the next 5 years.

    Day Care Cancer Centres in all District Hospitals

    • Government to set up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years, 200 Centres  in 2025-26.

    Strengthening urban livelihoods

    • A scheme for socio-economic upliftment of urban workers to help them improve their incomes and have sustainable livelihoods announced.

    PM SVANidhi

    • Scheme to be revamped with enhanced loans from banks, UPI linked credit cards with ₹ 30,000 limit, and capacity building support.

    Social Security Scheme for Welfare of Online Platform Workers

    • Government to arrange for identity cards, registration on e-Shram portal and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojna, for gig-workers.

     

    1. Investing in the Economy

    Public Private Partnership in Infrastructure

    • Infrastructure-related ministries to come up with a 3-year pipeline of projects in PPP mode, States also encouraged.

    Support to States for Infrastructure

    • An outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore proposed for the 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure and incentives for reforms.

    Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30

    • Second Plan for 2025-30 to plough back capital of ₹ 10 lakh crore in new projects announced.

    Jal Jeevan Mission

    • Mission to be extended until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.

    Urban Challenge Fund

    • An Urban Challenge Fund of ₹ 1 lakh crore announced to implement the proposals for ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’, allocation of ₹ 10,000 crore proposed for 2025-26.

    Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat

    • Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to be taken up.
    • Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of ₹20,000 crore to be set up, 5 indigenously developed SMRs to be operational by 2033.

    Shipbuilding

    • The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy to be revamped.
    • Large ships above a specified size to be included in the infrastructure harmonized master list (HML).

    Maritime Development Fund

    • A Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of ₹ 25,000 crore to be set up, with up to 49 per cent contribution by the Government, and the balance from ports and private sector.

    UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme

    • A modified UDAN scheme announced to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.
    • Also to support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts.

    Greenfield Airport in Bihar

    • Greenfield airports announced in Bihar, in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta.

    Western Koshi Canal Project in Mithilanchal

    • Financial support for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project in Bihar.

    Mining Sector Reforms

    • A policy for recovery of critical minerals from tailings to be brought out.

    SWAMIH Fund 2

    • A fund of ₹ 15,000 crore aimed at expeditious completion of another 1 lakh dwelling units, with contribution from the Government, banks and private investors announced.

    Tourism for employment-led growth

    • Top 50 tourist destination sites in the country to be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode.

     

    1. Investing in Innovation

    Research, Development and Innovation

    • ₹20,000 crore to be allocated to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative announced in the July Budget.

    Deep Tech Fund of Funds

    • Deep Tech Fund of Funds to be explored to catalyze the next generation startups.

    PM Research Fellowship

    • 10,000 fellowships for technological research in IITs and IISc with enhanced financial support.

    Gene Bank for Crops Germplasm

    • 2nd Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines to be set up for future food and nutritional security.

    National Geospatial Mission

    • A National Geospatial Mission announced to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data.

    Gyan Bharatam Mission

    • A Gyan Bharatam Mission for survey, documentation and conservation of our manuscript heritage with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors to be undertaken to cover more than 1 crore manuscripts announced.

    EXPORTS AS THE 4TH ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    Export Promotion Mission

    • An Export Promotion Mission, with sectoral and ministerial targets, driven jointly by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance to be set up.

    BharatTradeNet

    • ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade to be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

    National Framework for GCC

    • A national framework to be formulated as guidance to states for promoting Global Capability Centres in emerging tier 2 cities.

    REFORMS AS FUEL: FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS AND DEVELOPMENT

    FDI in Insurance Sector

    • The FDI limit for the insurance sector to be raised from 74 to 100 per cent, for those companies which invest the entire premium in India.

    Credit Enhancement Facility by NaBFID

    • NaBFID to set up a ‘Partial Credit Enhancement Facility’ for corporate bonds for infrastructure.

    Grameen Credit Score

    • Public Sector Banks to develop ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of SHG members and people in rural areas.

    Pension Sector

    • A forum for regulatory coordination and development of pension products to be set up.

    High Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms

    • A High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms to be set up for a review of all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions.

    Investment Friendliness Index of States

    • An Investment Friendliness Index of States to be launched in 2025 to further the spirit of competitive cooperative federalism anounced.

    Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0

    • The Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to decriminalize more than 100 provisions in various laws.

     

    PART B

     

    DIRECT TAX

     

    • No personal income tax payable upto income of Rs 12 lakh (i.e. average income of Rs 1 lakh per month other than special rate income such as capital gains) under the new regime.
    • This limit will be Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried tax payers, due to standard deduction of Rs 75,000.
    • The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings and investment.
    • The new Income-Tax Bill to be clear and direct in text so as to make it simple to understand for taxpayers and tax administration, leading to tax certainty and reduced litigation.
    • Revenue of about ₹ 1 lakh crore in direct taxes will be forgone.

     

    • Revised tax rate structure

     

    • In the new tax regime, the revised tax rate structure will stand as follows:

     

    0-4 lakh rupees

    Nil

    4-8 lakh rupees

    5 percent

    8-12 lakh rupees

    10 percent

    12-16 lakh rupees

    15 percent

    16-20 lakh rupees

    20 percent

    20- 24 lakh rupees

    25 percent

    Above 24 lakh rupees

    30 percent

     

     

    • TDS/TCS rationalization for easing difficulties

     

    • Rationalization of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) by reducing number of rates and thresholds above which TDS is deducted.
    • The limit for tax deduction on interest for senior citizens doubled from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
    • The annual limit of Rs 2.40 lakh for TDS on rent increased to Rs 6 lakh.
    • The threshold to collect tax at source (TCS) on remittances under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) increased from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
    • The provisions of the higher TDS deduction will apply only in non-PAN cases.
    • Decriminalization for the cases of delay of payment of TCS up to the due date of filing statement.

     

     

    • Reducing Compliance Burden

     

    • Reduction of compliance burden for small charitable trusts/institutions by increasing their period of registration from 5 years to 10 years.

     

    • The benefit of claiming the annual value of self-occupied properties as nil will be extended for two such self-occupied properties without any condition.

     

    • Ease of Doing Business

     

    • Introduction of a scheme for determining arm’s length price of international transaction for a block period of three years.
    • Expansion of the scope of safe harbour rules to reduce litigation and provide certainty in international taxation.
    • Exemption of withdrawals made from National Savings Scheme (NSS) by individuals on or after the 29th of August, 2024.
    • Similar treatment to NPS Vatsalya accounts as is available to normal NPS accounts, subject to overall limits.

     

    • Employment and Investment

     

    Tax certainty for electronics manufacturing Schemes

     

    • Presumptive taxation regime for non-residents who provide services to a resident company that is establishing or operating an electronics manufacturing facility.
    • Introduction of a safe harbour for tax certainty for non-residents who store components for supply to specified electronics manufacturing units.

     

    Tonnage Tax Scheme for Inland Vessels

     

    The benefits of existing tonnage tax scheme to be extended to inland vessels registered  under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021 to promote inland water transport in the country.

     

     

    • Extension for incorporation of Start-Ups

    Extension of the period of incorporation by 5 years to allow the benefit available to start-ups incorporated before 1.4.2030.

     

     

    • Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs)

     

    Certainty of taxation on the gains from securities to Category I and Category II AIFs which are undertaking investments in infrastructure and other such sectors.

     

     

    • Extension of investment date for Sovereign and Pension Funds

     

    Extension of the date of making investments in Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds by five more years, to 31st March, 2030, to promote funding from them to the infrastructure sector.

     

     

    INDIRECT TAX

    Rationalisation of Customs Tariff Structure for Industrial Goods

    Union Budget 2025-26 proposes to:

    1. Remove seven tariff rates. This is over and above the seven tariff rates removed in 2023-24 budget. After this, there will be only eight remaining tariff rates including ‘zero’ rate.
    2. Apply appropriate cess to broadly maintain effective duty incidence except on a few items, where such incidence will reduce marginally.
    3. Levy not more than one cess or surcharge. Therefore Social Welfare Surcharge on 82 tariff lines that are subject to a cess, exempted.

    Revenue of about ₹ 2600 crore in indirect taxes will be forgone.

    Relief on import of Drugs/Medicines

    • 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
    • 6 lifesaving medicines to attract concessional customs duty of 5%.
    • Specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies fully exempted from BCD; 37 more medicines added along with 13 new patient assistance programmes.

    Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Value addition

    • Critical Minerals :
      • Cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals fully exempted from BCD.
    • Textiles:
      • Two more types of shuttle-less looms fully exempted textile machinery.
      • BCD rate on knitted fabrics revised from “10% or 20%” to “20% or ` 115 per kg, whichever is higher.
    • Electronic Goods:
      • BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) increased from 10% to 20% .
      • BCD reduced to 5% on Open Cell and other components.
      • BCD on parts of Open Cells exempted.
    • Lithium Ion Battery:
      • 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing exempted.
    •  Shipping Sector: 
      • Exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships extended for another ten years.
      • The same dispensation to continue for ship breaking.
    • Telecommunication: 
      • BCD reduced from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches.

    Export Promotion

    • Handicraft Goods:
      • Time period for export extended  from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required.
      • Nine items added to list of duty-free inputs.
    • Leather sector:         
      • BCD on Wet Blue leather fully exempted.
      • Crust leather exempted from 20% export duty.
    • Marine products:
      • BCD reduced from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) for manufacture and export of its analogue products.
      • BCD reduced from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.
    • Domestic MROs for Railway Goods: 
      • Railways MROs to benefit similar to the aircraft and ships MROs in terms of import of repair items.
      • Time limit extended for export of such items from 6 months to one year and made further extendable by one year.

    Trade facilitation

    • Time limit for Provisional Assessment: 
      • For finalising the provisional assessment, time-limit of two years fixed, extendable by a year.
    • Voluntary Compliance:
      • A new provision introduced to enable importers or exporters, after clearance of goods, to voluntarily declare material facts and pay duty with interest but without penalty.
    • Extended Time for End Use:
      • Time limit for the end-use of imported inputs in the relevant rules extended from six months to one year.
      • Such importers to file only quarterly statements instead of a monthly statement.

    *****

    NB/RC/VV/KS/CNAN/GS/SC/AG/NJ

    (Release ID: 2098353) Visitor Counter : 643

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SUMMARY OF UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:36PM by PIB Delhi

    NO INCOME TAX ON AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME OF UPTO RS 1 LAKH; TO BOOST MIDDLE CLASS HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS & CONSUMPTION

    SALARIED CLASS TO PAY NIL INCOME TAX UPTO ₹ 12.75 LAKH PER ANNUM IN NEW TAX REGIME

    UNION BUDGET RECOGNISES 4 ENGINES OF DEVELOPMENT – AGRICULTURE, MSME, INVESTMENT AND EXPORTS

    BENEFITTING 1.7 CRORE FARMERS, ‘PRIME MINISTER DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA’ TO COVER 100 LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY DISTRICTS

    “MISSION FOR AATMANIRBHARTA IN PULSES” WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON TUR, URAD AND MASOOR TO BE LAUNCHED

    LOANS UPTO Rs. 5 LAKHS THROUGH KCC UNDER MODIFIED INTEREST SUBVENTION SCHEME

    FY-25 ESTIMATED TO END WITH FISCAL DEFICIT OF 4.8%, TARGET TO BRING IT DOWN TO 4.4% IN FY-26

    SIGNIFICANT ENHANCEMENT OF CREDIT WITH GUARANTEE COVER TO MSMEs FROM ₹ 5 CR TO ₹ 10 CR

    A NATIONAL MANUFACTURING MISSION COVERING SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES FOR FURTHERING “MAKE IN INDIA”

    50,000 ATAL TINKERING LABS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN NEXT 5 YEARS

    CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR EDUCATION, WITH A TOTAL OUTLAY OF ₹ 500 CRORE

    PM SVANIDHI WITH ENHANCED LOANS FROM BANKS, AND UPI LINKED CREDIT CARDS WITH ₹ 30,000 LIMIT

    GIG WORKERS TO GET IDENTITY CARDS, REGISTRATION ON E-SHRAM PORTAL &  HEALTHCARE UNDER PM JAN AROGYA YOJANA

    ₹ 1 LAKH CRORE URBAN CHALLENGE FUND FOR ‘CITIES AS GROWTH HUBS’

    NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR R&D OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS WITH AN OUTLAY OF ₹ 20,000 CRORE

    MODIFIED UDAN SCHEME TO ENHANCE REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY TO 120 NEW DESTINATIONS

    ₹ 15,000 CRORE SWAMIH FUND TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR EXPEDITIOUS COMPLETION OF ANOTHER 1 LAKH STRESSED HOUSING UNITS

    ₹ 20,000 CRORE ALLOCATED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION INITIATIVES

    GYAN BHARATAM MISSION FOR SURVEYAND CONSERVATION OF MANUSCRIPTS TO COVER MORE THAN ONE CRORE MANUSCRIPTS

    FDI LIMIT ENHANCED FOR INSURANCE FROM 74 TO 100 PER CENT

    JAN VISHWAS BILL 2.0 TO BE INTRODUCED FOR DECRIMINALISING MORE THAN 100 PROVISIONS IN VARIOUS LAWS

    UPDATED INCOME TAX RETURNS TIME LIMIT INCREASED FROM TWO TO FOUR YEARS

    DELAY IN TCS PAYMENT DECRIMINALISED

    TDS ON RENT INCREASED FROM ₹ 2.4 LAKH TO ₹ 6 LAKH

    BCD EXEMPTED ON 36 LIFESAVING DRUGS AND MEDICINES FOR TREATING CANCER, RARE AND CHRONIC DISEASES

    BCD ON IFPD INCREASED TO 20% AND ON OPEN CELLS REDUCED TO 5%

    BCD ON PARTS OF OPEN CELLS EXEMPTED TO PROMOTE DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING

    TO BOOST BATTERY PRODUCTION, ADDITIONAL CAPITAL GOODS FOR EV AND MOBILE BATTERY MANUFACTURING EXEMPTED

    BCD EXEMPTED FOR 10 YEARS ON RAW MATERIALS & COMPONENTS USED FOR SHIP BUILDING

    BCD REDUCED FROM 30% TO 5% ON FROZEN FISH PASTE AND 15% TO 5% ON FISH HYDROLYSATE

     

    Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today. Here is the summary of her budget speech;

    PART A

     

    Quoting Telugu poet and playwright Shri Gurajada Appa Rao’s famous saying, ‘A country is not just its soil; a country is its people.’ – the Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2025-26 with the theme “Sabka Vikas” stimulating balanced growth of all regions.

    In line with this theme, the Finance Minister outlined the broad Principles of Viksit Bharat to encompass the following:

    a) Zero-poverty;

     b) Hundred per cent good quality school education;

    c) Access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare;

    d) Hundred per cent skilled labour with meaningful employment;

    e) Seventy per cent women in economic activities; and

    f) Farmers making our country the ‘food basket of the world’.

    The Union Budget 2025-2026 promises to continue Government’s efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investments, uplift household sentiments, and enhance spending power of India’s rising middle class. The Budget proposes development measures focusing on poor (Garib), Youth, farmer (Annadata) and women (Nari).

    The Budget aims to initiate transformative reforms in Taxation, Power Sector, Urban Development, Mining, Financial Sector, and Regulatory Reforms to augment India’s growth potential and global competitiveness.

    Union Budget highlights that Agriculture, MSME, Investment, and Exports are engines in the journey to Viksit Bharat using reforms as fuel, guided by the spirit of inclusivity.

     

    1st Engine: Agriculture

    Budget announced ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states covering 100 districts to increase productivity, adopt crop diversification, augment post-harvest storage, improve irrigation facilities, and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit.

    A comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in partnership with states to address underemployment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy. The goal is to generate ample opportunities in rural areas, with focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families.

    Union Finance Minister announced that Government will launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor. Central agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will be ready to procure these 3 pulses, as much as offered during the next 4 years from farmers.

    The Budget has outlined measures to Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits, National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, and a five year Mission for Cotton Productivity amongst other measures to promote agriculture and allied activities in a major way.

    Smt. Sitharaman announced the increase in loan limits from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through Kisan Credit Cards under modified interest subvention scheme.

     

    2nd Engine: MSMEs

    Finance Minister described MSMEs as the second power engine for development as they constitute for 45% of our exports. To help MSMEs achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital, the investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times, respectively. Further, steps to enhance credit availability with guarantee cover have also been announced.

    The Finance Minister also announced the launch of a new scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs. This will provide term loans up to Rs. 2 crore during the next 5 years.

    Smt. Sitharaman announced that the Government will also implement a scheme to make India a global hub for toys representing the ‘Made in India’ brand. She added that the Government will set up a National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India”.

    3rd Engine: Investment

    Defining Investment as the third engine of growth, the Union Minister prioritized investment in people, economy and innovation. 

    Under the investment in people, she announced that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.

    Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that broadband connectivity will be provided to all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.

    She said Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme will be implemented to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.

    Five National Centres of Excellence for skilling will be set up with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth with the skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.

    A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education will be set up with a total outlay of 500 crore.

    Budget announced that Government will arrange for Gig workers’ identity cards, their registration on the e-Shram portal and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

    Under the investment in Economy, Smt Sitharaman said Infrastructure-related ministries will come up with a 3-year pipeline of projects in PPP mode.

    She added that an outlay of Rs 1.5 lakh crore was proposed for the 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure and incentives for reforms.

    She also announced the second Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 to plough back capital of Rs 10 lakh crore in new projects.

    The Jal Jeevan Mission was extended till 2028 with focus on the quality of infrastructure and Operation & Maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes through “Jan Bhagidhari”.

    Government will set up an Urban Challenge Fund of Rs.1 lakh crore to implement the proposals for ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’.

    Under the investment in Innovation, an allocation of ₹20,000 crore is announced to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative.

    Finance Minister proposed National Geospatial Mission to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data which will benefit urban planning.

    Budget proposes Gyan Bharatam Mission, for survey, documentation and conservation of  more than 1 crore manuscripts with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors. A National Digital Repository of Indian knowledge systems for knowledge sharing is also proposed.

    4th Engine: Exports

    Smt. Sitharaman defined Exports as the fourth engine of growth and said that jointly driven by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance; Export Promotion Mission will help MSMEs tap into the export market. She added that a digital public infrastructure, ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade was proposed as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

    The Finance Minister mentioned that support will be provided to develop domestic manufacturing capacities for our economy’s integration with global supply chains. She also announced that government will support the domestic electronic equipment industry for leveraging the opportunities related to Industry 4.0. A National Framework has also been proposed for promoting Global Capability Centres in emerging tier 2 cities.

    The government will facilitate upgradation of infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo including high value perishable horticulture produce.

    Reforms as the Fuel

    Defining Reforms as the fuel to the engine, Smt. Sitharaman said that over the past 10 years, the Government had implemented several reforms for convenience of tax payers, such as faceless assessment, tax payers charter, faster returns, almost 99 per cent returns being on self-assessment, and Vivad se Vishwas scheme. Continuing with these efforts, she reaffirmed the commitment of the tax department to “trust first, scrutinize later”.

    Financial Sector Reforms and Development

    In a demonstrated steadfast commitment of the Government towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’, the Union Finance Minister proposed changes across the length and breadth of the financial landscape in India to ease compliance, expand services, build strong regulatory environment, promote international and domestic investment, and decriminalisation of archaic legal provisions.

    The Union Finance Minister proposed to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit for the insurance from 74 to 100 per cent, to be available for those companies that invest the entire premium in India.

    Smt. Sitharaman proposed a light-touch regulatory framework based on principles and trust to unleash productivity and employment. She proposed four specific measures to develop this modern, flexible, people-friendly, and trust-based regulatory framework for the 21st first century, viz.:

    1. High Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms
    • To review all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions.
    • To strengthen trust-based economic governance and take transformational measures to enhance ‘ease of doing business’, especially in matters of inspections and compliances
    • To make recommendations within a year
    • States will be encouraged to be onboarded

     

    1. Investment Friendliness Index of States
    • An Investment Friendliness Index of States will be launched in 2025 to further the spirit of competitive cooperative federalism.

     

    1. Mechanism under the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
    • Mechanism to evaluate impact of the current financial regulations and subsidiary instructions.
    • Formulate a framework to enhance their responsiveness and development of the financial sector.

     

    1. Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0
    • To decriminalise more than 100 provisions in various laws.

    Fiscal Consolidation

    Reiterating the commitment to stay the course for fiscal consolidation, the Union Finance Minister stated that the Government endeavours to keep the fiscal deficit each year such that the Central Government debt remains on a declining path as a percentage of the GDP and the detailed roadmap for the next 6 years has been detailed in the FRBM statement. Smt. Sitharaman stated that the Revised Estimate 2024-25 of fiscal deficit is 4.8 per cent of GDP, while the Budget Estimates 2025-26 is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.

    Revised Estimates 2024-25

    The Minister said that the Revised Estimate of the total receipts other than borrowings is ₹31.47 lakh crore, of which the net tax receipts are ₹25.57 lakh crore. She added that the Revised Estimate of the total expenditure is ₹47.16 lakh crore, of which the capital expenditure is about ₹10.18 lakh crore.

    Budget Estimates 2025-26

    For FY 2025-26, the Union Finance Minister stated that the total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹34.96 lakh crore and ₹50.65 lakh crore respectively. The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹28.37 lakh crore.

    PART B

    Reposing faith on middle class in nation building, the Union Budget 2025-26 proposes new direct tax slabs and rates under the new income tax regime so that no income tax is needed to be paid for total income upto ₹ 12 Lakh per annum, i.e. average income of Rs 1 Lakh per month, other than special rate income such as Capital Gain. Salaried individuals earning upto ₹ 12.75 Lakh per annum will pay NIL tax, due to standard deduction of ₹ 75,000. Towards the new tax structure and other direct tax proposals, Government is set to lose revenue of about ₹ 1 lakh crore.

    Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has taken steps to understand the needs voiced by the people. The direct tax proposals include personal income tax reform with special focus on middle class, TDS/TCS rationalization, encouragement to voluntary compliances along with reduction of compliance burden, ease of doing business and incentivizing employment and investment.

    The Budget proposes revised tax rate structure under the new tax regime as follows;

    Total Income per annum

    Rate of Tax

    ₹ 0 – 4 Lakh

    NIL

     ₹ 4 – 8 Lakh

    5%

    ₹ 8 – 12 Lakh

    10%

    ₹ 12 – 16 Lakh

    15%

    ₹ 16 – 20 Lakh

    20%

    ₹ 20 – 24 Lakh

    25%

    Above ₹ 24 Lakh

    30%

    To rationalize TDS/TCS, Budget doubles limit for tax deduction on interest earned by senior citizens from the present ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1 Lakh. Further, TDS threshold on rent has been increased to ₹ 6 Lakh from ₹ 2.4 Lakh per annum. Other measures include, increasing of threshold to collect TCS to ₹ 10 Lakh and continuing with higher TDS deductions only in non-PAN cases. After the decriminalization of delay in payment of TDS, delay in TCS payments has now been decriminalized.

    Encouraging voluntary compliance, Budget extends time-limit to file updated returns for any assessment year, from the current limit of two years, to four years. Over 90 Lakh taxpayers paid additional tax to update their income. Small charitable trusts/institutions have been given the benefit by increasing their period of registration from 5 to 10 years, reducing compliance burden. Further, tax payers can now claim annual value of two self-occupied properties as NIL, without any condition. Last budget’s Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme has received a great response, with nearly 33,000 tax payers having availed the scheme to settle their disputes. Giving benefits to senior and very senior citizens, withdrawals made from National Savings Scheme Accounts on or after 29th of August, 2024 have been exempted. NPS Vatsalya accounts also to get similar benefits.

    For ease of doing business, Budget introduces a scheme for determining arm’s length price of international transaction for a block period of three years. This is in line with global best practices. Further, self harbor rules are being expanded to provide certainty in international taxation.

    To promote employment and investment, a presumptive taxation regime is envisaged for non-residents who provide services to a resident company that is establishing or operating an electronics manufacturing facility. Further, benefits of existing tonnage tax scheme are proposed to be extended to inland vessels. To promote start-up ecosystem, period of incorporation has been extended for a period of 5 years. To promote investment in the infrastructure sector, Budget extends the date of making investment in Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds by five more years, to 31st March, 2030.

    As part of rationalization of Customs tariffs of industrial goods, Budget proposes to; (i) Remove seven tariffs, (ii) apply appropriate cess to maintain effective duty incidence, and (iii) levy not more than one cess or surcharge.

    As relief on import of Drugs/Medicines, 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines for treating cancer, rare diseases and chronic diseases have been fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD). Further, 37 medicines along with 13 new drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes have been exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), if supplied free to patients.

    To support Domestic Manufacturing and Value Addition, BCD on 25 critical minerals, that were not domestically available, were exempted in July 2024. The Budget 2025-26 fully exempts cobalt powder and waste, scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals. To promote domestic textile production, two more types of shuttle-less looms added to fully exempted textile machinery. Further, BCD on knitted fabrics covering nine tariff lines from “10% to 20%” revised to “20% or ₹ 115 kg, whichever is higher”.

    To rectify inverted duty structure and promote “Make in India”, BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) increased to 20% and on Open cells reduced to 5%. Further to promote manufacture of Open cells, BCD on parts of Open Cells stands exempted.

    To boost manufacturing of Lithion-ion battery in the country, 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing added to the list of exempted capital goods. Union Budget 2025-26 also continues exemption on BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for ship building for another ten years. Budget also reduced BCD from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches to make it at par with Non-Carrier Grade ethernet switches.

    For export promotion, Budget 2025-26 facilitates exports of handicrafts, fully exempts BCD on Wet Blue leather for value addition and employment, reduce BCD from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste and reduce BCD from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.

    Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that Democracy, Demography and Demand are key pillars of Viksit Bharat journey. She said that the middle class gives strength of India’s growth and the Government has periodically hiked the ‘Nil tax’ slab in recognition to their contribution. She said the proposed new tax structure will substantially boost consumption, savings and investment, by putting more money in the hands of the middle class.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Strengthening India’s Agricultural Backbone

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Strengthening India’s Agricultural Backbone

    Key Achievements and Government Initiatives

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 2:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Synopsis

    • The Government of India has significantly increased budget allocations, rising from ₹11,915.22 crore in 2008-09 to ₹1,22,528.77 crore in 2024-25, demonstrating its commitment to the sector.
    • Food grain production has surged from 204.6 million tonnes (2004-05) to an estimated 332.3 million tonnes (2023-24), with enhanced productivity and Minimum Support Price (MSP) revisions ensuring better farmer incomes.
    • The MSP for paddy and wheat has grown from ₹850 and ₹1,080 per quintal in 2008-09 to ₹2,300 and ₹2,425 per quintal in 2023-24 respectively. Additionally, the total MSP paid to farmers for paddy and wheat has surged from ₹4.40 lakh crore and ₹2.27 lakh crore in 2004-13 to ₹12.51 lakh crore and ₹5.44 lakh crore in 2014-24 respectively.
    • Key farmer-centric initiatives include PM-KISAN (₹3.46 lakh crore disbursed), PMFBY (₹1.65 lakh crore in claims), and e-NAM, which has integrated 1,400+ mandis for better market access. The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has sanctioned ₹52,738 crore for over 87,500 projects to improve post-harvest management.
    • The government’s millet promotion efforts have boosted production, while institutional credit expansion, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) growth, and agricultural R&D investments continue to transform the sector.

     

    Agriculture serves as the backbone of India’s economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, providing employment, and contributing to overall economic development. It supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population and remains vital to India’s socio-economic fabric. Recognizing its importance, the Government of India has implemented various initiatives and significantly increased budget allocations to strengthen the sector.

    Enhanced Budget Allocation

    The budget estimates for the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare was  ₹11,915.22 Crore in 2008-09. The budget forDepartment of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare  increased to ₹21,933.50 Crore in 2013-14 and further advanced to ₹1,22,528.77 Crore in 2024-25, reflecting the government’s commitment to agricultural development.

    Increased Food Grain Production

    India’s foodgrain production has seen a steady rise over the years, reflecting improvements in agricultural productivity and policy support. In 2004-05, total foodgrain production stood at 204.6 million tonnes. (4th advance estimates) This increased to 252 million tonnes in 2014-15 and further surged to an estimated 332.3 million tonnes in 2023-24.

    Gross Area Under Major Crops

    In 2004-05, the total area under foodgrain crops was 120.2 million hectares ( 4th advance estimates). This expanded to 124.3 million hectares in 2014-15 and reached 132.1 hectares in 2023-24

    Annual Growth Rate of Real Gross Value Added (GVA) at Basic Prices 

    The annual growth rate of real GVA in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector has shown fluctuations over the years. In 2004-05, it was recorded at 1.4%, slightly declining to 1.2% in 2014-15. However, the sector has gained momentum in recent years, with the growth rate rising to an estimated 2.1% in 2023-24. This reflects improved efficiency, mechanization, and diversification in agricultural activities.

    Real Gross Value Added (GVA) in Agriculture (₹ Crore at Constant Prices)

    The real GVA for agriculture, forestry, and fishing has demonstrated substantial growth, showcasing the sector’s increasing contribution to the economy. In 2004-05, the GVA stood at ₹13.85 lakh crore, which rose to ₹18.94 lakh crore in 2014-15 and further increased to an estimated ₹26.42 lakh crore in 2023-24( PE). This consistent rise highlights the sector’s resilience and its vital role in India’s economic development.

    Increase in productivity

    Comparison of yield between 2013-14 and 2023-24 (Kg/ha) reflects a substantial increase in productivity.

    Crop

    2013-14

    2023-24

    Absolute Difference

     (2023-24 over 2013-14)

    Difference

    (%)

    Rice

    2416

    2882

    466

    19.29

    Wheat

    3145

    3559

    414

    13.16

    Maize

    2676

    3351

    675

    25.22

    Coarse Cereals

    1717

    2945

    1228

    71.52

    Total Pulses

    763

    881

    118

    15.47

    Total Foodgrains

    2120

    2515

    395

    18.63

    Total Oilseeds

    1167

    1314

    147

    12.60

    Sugarcane

    70522

    78953

    8431

    11.96

    Jute

    2639

    2783

    144

    5.46

     

    Food Grain Procurement

    1. The decade from 2014-15 to 2023-24 witnessed an impressive 6900 LMT of paddy procurement, a substantial increase from the 4590 LMT procured in the preceding ten years (2004-05 to 2013-14).
    1. Similarly, wheat procurement has seen a substantial surge, thanks to proactive planning and meticulous execution. The procurement increased from 2140 LMT in 2004-05 to 2013-14 to 3072 LMT in 2014-23.

    Minimum Support Price (MSP) Enhancements

    1. Government has increased the MSP for all mandated Kharif, Rabi and other commercial crops with a return of at least 50 per cent over all India weighted average cost of production from 2018-19. 
    2. The MSP for paddy (common) has risen from ₹850 per quintal in 2008-09 (with an additional incentive of ₹50 per quintal) to ₹1,310 per quintal in 2013-14, and further to ₹2,300 per quintal in 2023-24.
    1. MSP for wheat has also seen consistent growth, rising from ₹1,080 per quintal in 2008-09 to ₹1,400 per quintal in 2013-14, and reaching ₹2,425 per quintal in 2023-24.
    1. The MSP paid to farmers for paddy also saw a threefold increase, from ₹4.40 lakh crore in 2004-13 to a staggering ₹12.51 lakh crore in 2014-24.
    2. The MSP paid to farmers for wheat procurement also saw a steep rise from ₹2.27 lakh crore in 2004-13 to ₹5.44 lakh crore in 2014-24, ensuring greater financial stability for wheat farmers across the country

     

    Income Support through PM-KISAN

    Launch of PM-KISAN in 2019 an income support scheme providing ₹ 6000 per year in 3 equal instalments. So far, more than  ₹ 3.46 lakh Crore has been disbursed to over 11 Crore farmers through 18 instalments.

    Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana

    PMKMY is a central sector scheme, is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for the entry age group of 18 to 40 years with a provision of  ₹ 3000/- monthly pension on attaining the age of 60 years, subject to exclusion criteria. Since the inception of the scheme, over 24.67 lacs small and marginal farmers have joined the PMKMY scheme.

    Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

    1. was launched in 2016 addressing problems of high premium rates for farmers and reduction in sum insured due to capping. In past 8 Years of implementation. In past 8 Years of implementation, 63.11 Crore farmer applications have been  enrolled and over 18.52 Crore (Provisional) farmer applicants have received claims of over ₹ 1,65,149 Crore. During this period nearly ₹ 32,482 Crore were paid by farmers as their share of premium against which claims over ₹ 1,65,149 Crore (Provisional) have been paid to them. Thus, for every ₹100 of premium paid by farmers, they have received about ₹ 508 as claims.

    Institutional credit for agriculture sector

    1. Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 1,285.37 lakh KCCs had been issued till 2012-13, which increased to 1,895.81 lakh by March 31, 2019 (PE). 
    1. In the last 10 years, Rs 1.44 lakh Crore of Interest Subsidy has been released on Kisan Credit Card loans. It has risen nearly 2.4 times, from ₹6,000 Crore in 2014-15 to ₹14,252 crore in 2023-24.

           

    1. Institutional credit flow to agriculture has risen nearly three times since 2014-15, rising from ₹ 8.5 lakh Crore to ₹ 25.48 lakh Crore in 2023-24. Short-term agriculture credit has more than doubled, increasing from ₹ 6.4 lakh Crore in 2014-15 to ₹ 15.07 lakh Crore in 2023-24.

                    

    1. The proportion of Small and Marginal Farmers accessing agriculture loans grew from 57% in 2014-15 to 76% in 2023-24.

     

    e-NAM

    The Department has integrated 1410 mandis with e-NAM since inception across 23 States & 4 UTs. As on 31st December 2024, 1.79 Crore farmers & 2.63 lakh traders have been registered on e-NAM portal. Total volume of 11.02 Crore MT & 42.89 Crore numbers (bamboo, betel leaves, coconut, lemon & sweet corn) collectively worth approximately Rs. 4.01 lakh Crore of trade has been recorded on e-NAM platform.

    Agricultural Infrastructure Fund

    A One Lakh Crore, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme was launched with an objective to mobilize a medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets through incentives and financial support in order to improve agriculture infrastructure in the country. As on  27.12.2024, ₹ 52,738 Crore have been sanctioned for 87,548 projects under AIF, out of this total sanctioned amount 39,959 Crore are covered under scheme benefits. These sanctioned projects have mobilized an investment of ₹ 86,798 Crore in agriculture sector.

    Millets: Superfood of India

    During the budget Announcement 2023-24, a “Global R&D Hub for millets in India” was announced with a total budget outlay of ₹ 250 Crore during 2023-24 to 2025-26. for making India a Global R&D Hub.

    Key Achievements

    1. Millet production has increased in the last 1 year, reaching 175.72 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 (Final Estimate) from 173.21 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
    2. Productivity has increased by 7% from 1248 Kg/ha to 1337 Kg/ha between 2019 and 2024 (Final Estimate).
    3. 25 seed hubs have been established in collaboration with ICAR, ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds of improved millet varieties.
    4. Procurement of 7.8 lakh tonnes of millets during the kharif marketing season of 2023-24

    These efforts have led to substantial improvements in food grain production, increased income for farmers, enhanced credit facilities, and better crop insurance. As a result, the agriculture sector continues to evolve and thrive, securing India’s position as a global leader in agricultural production and export.

     

    References

    Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090993

    https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/

    https://desagri.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MSP-14-06-12.pdf

    https://desagri.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pocket-2020-Final-web-file.pdf

    Click here to download PDF

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

    AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26

    MAKHANA BOARD TO BE ESTABLISHED IN BIHAR

    NATIONAL MISSION ON HIGH YIELDING SEEDS TO BE LAUNCHED

    SECOND GENE BANK WITH 10 LAKH GERMPLASM LINES TO BE SET UP

    FIVE- YEAR MISSION FOR COTTON PRODUCTIVITY ANNOUNCED

    KISAN CREDIT CARD LOAN LIMIT RAISED FROM Rs. 3 LAKH TO Rs. 5 LAKH

    12.7 LAKH METRIC TONS UREA PLANT TO BE SET UP AT NAMRUP, ASSAM

    ANDAMAN & NICOBAR AND LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS WILL BE THE SPECIAL FOCUS OF THE NEW FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE HARNESSING OF FISHERIES

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Emphasizing ‘Agriculture as the first engine’ for India’s development journey, Union Budget 2025-26 tabled in Parliament today by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a slew of measures to spur Agricultural Growth and Productivity, thereby benefitting the Annadata.

    Announcing the Government’s decision to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar, Smt. Sitharaman said it will improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana as well as support the people engaged in these activities to be organized into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). She added that the Board will provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant Government schemes.

    The Minister stated that a National Mission on High Yielding Seeds will be launched with an aim to strengthen the research ecosystem, targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, pest resistance and climate resilience, and commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties released since July 2024.

    To provide conservation support to both public and private sectors for genetic resources and ensure future food and nutritional security, the Minister said that the second Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines will be set up.

    Announcing the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’, Smt. Sitharaman highlighted that the five-year mission will facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties. She said the mission will benefit lakhs of cotton growing farmers as the best of science & technology support will be provided to farmers. Aligned with the Government’s integrated 5F vision for the textile sector, the Minister remarked that the mission will help in increasing incomes of the farmers as well as ensure a steady supply of quality cotton for rejuvenating India’s traditional textile sector.

    Noting the importance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) in facilitating short term loans for around 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, the Minister announced the enhancement of loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

    Smt. Sitharaman announced the setting up of Urea plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons at Namrup, Assam. This, she said will further augment urea supply and help to achieve Atmanirbharta in urea production, along with the recently reopened three dormant urea plants in the Eastern region.

    Highlighting that India ranks second-largest globally in fish production and aquaculture with the Seafood exports valued at Rs. 60 thousand crore, the Union Minister remarked that the Government will bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, which will unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRIME MINISTER DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA TO BE LAUNCHED IN 100 LOW CROP PRODUCTIVITY DISTRICTS, PROGRAMME WILL HELP 1.7 CRORE FARMERS TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, IMPROVE IRRIGATION FACILITIES AND FACILITATE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM CREDIT: UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

    PRIME MINISTER DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA TO BE LAUNCHED IN 100 LOW CROP PRODUCTIVITY DISTRICTS, PROGRAMME WILL HELP 1.7 CRORE FARMERS TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, IMPROVE IRRIGATION FACILITIES AND FACILITATE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM CREDIT: UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    RURAL PROSPERITY AND RESILIENCE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED TO ADDRESS UNDER-EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURE TRHOUGH SKILLING, INVESTMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND INVIGORATING RURAL ECONOMY

    6-YEAR “MISSION FOR AATMANIRBHARTA IN PULSES”; EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPING CLIMATE RESILIENT SEEDS, IMPROVING POST-HARVEST STORAGE, ASSURING REMUNERATIVE PRICES TO FARMERS

    UNION BUDGET PROPOSES COMPREHEMSIVE PROGRAMME FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS TO PROMOTE PRODUCTION, EFFICIENT SUPPLIES, PROCESSING AND REMUNERATIVE PRICES FOR FARMERS

    PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS TO DEVELOP ‘GRAMEEN CREDIT SCORE’ FRAMEWORK TO SERVE CREDIT NEEDS OF SHG MEMBERS AND RURAL POPULATION

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:23PM by PIB Delhi

    Spurring agricultural growth and productivity is one of the development measures proposed in the Union Budget 2025-26. Agriculture is one of the four powerful engines amongst MSME, Investment and Exports, stated Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, in the Parliament today.

    Specific proposals proposed in the Union Budget to strengthen productivity and resilience in agriculture are as follows:

    Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana–Developing Agri Districts Programme:

    The Union Finance Minister stated that motivated by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, the Government will undertake a ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states. Through the convergence of existing schemes and specialized measures, the programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters. The programme aims to enhance agricultural productivity; adopt crop diversification and sustainable agriculture practices; augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block level; improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. This programme is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.

     

    Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience:

    A comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in partnership with states, added the Union Finance Minister. This will address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy. The goal is to generate ample opportunities in rural areas so that migration is an option, but not a necessity. She further added that the programme will focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families. The programme aims in catalyzing enterprise development, employment and financial independence for rural women; accelerating creation of new employment and businesses for young farmers and rural youth; nurturing and modernizing agriculture for productivity improvement and warehousing, especially for marginal and small farmers and diversifying opportunities for landless families. The Union Finance Minister further highlighted that the global and domestic best practices will be incorporated and appropriate technical and financial assistance will be sought from multilateral development banks. In Phase-1, 100 developing agri-districts will be covered.

     

    Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:

    Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the Government is implementing the National Mission for Edible Oilseed for achieving atmanirbhrata in edible oils. The Government made concerted efforts and succeeded in achieving near self-sufficiency in pulses. Farmers responded to the need by increasing the cultivated area by 50 per cent and Government arranged for procurement and remunerative prices. Since then, with rising incomes and better affordability, consumption of pulses has increased significantly. She further emphasized that the Government will launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor. The Mission will place emphasis on development and commercial availability of climate resilient seeds; enhancing protein content; increasing productivity; improving post-harvest storage and management and assuring remunerative prices to the farmers. Central agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will be ready to procure these 3 pulses, as much as offered during the next 4 years from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.

     

    Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits:

    The Union Finance Minister said that it is encouraging that people are increasingly becoming aware of their nutritional needs. It is a sign of a society becoming healthier. With rising income levels, the consumption of vegetables, fruits and Shree-Anna is increasing significantly. A comprehensive programme to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers will be launched in partnership with states. She further added that appropriate institutional mechanisms for implementation and participation of farmer producer organizations and cooperatives will be set up.

     

    Grameen Credit Score:

    The Union Finance Minister stated that Public Sector Banks will develop ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of SHG members and people in rural areas.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “NATIONAL MANUFACTURING MISSION” TO COVER SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES FOR FURTHERING “MAKE IN INDIA” ANNOUNCED IN UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

    “NATIONAL MANUFACTURING MISSION” TO COVER SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES FOR FURTHERING “MAKE IN INDIA” ANNOUNCED IN UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    A NEW ‘FOCUS PRODUCT SCHEME’ FOR FOOTWEAR & LEATHER SECTORS, SCHEME TO GENERATE EMPLOYMENT FOR 22 LAKH PERSONS

    NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR TOYS TO MAKE INDIA A GLOBAL HUB FOR TOYS

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:19PM by PIB Delhi

    A “National Manufacturing Mission” to cover small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India” was announced by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs , Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today. This will provide policy support, execution roadmaps, governance and monitoring framework for central ministries and states.

    The National Manufacturing Mission will lay emphasis on five focal areas i.e. ease and cost of doing business; future ready workforce for in-demand jobs; a vibrant and dynamic MSME sector; availability of technology; and quality products.

    The Mission will also support Clean Tech manufacturing and aims to improve domestic value addition and build the ecosystem for solar PV cells, EV batteries, motors and controllers, electrolyzers, wind turbines, very high voltage transmission equipment and grid scale batteries, the Union Finance Minister added.

    The Finance Minister also outlined measures for Labour-Intensive Sectors, adding that Government will  undertake specific policy and facilitation measures to promote employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in labour-intensive sectors.

    The Union Minister specified that to enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector, a focus product scheme will be implemented. The Union Finance Minister further informed that the scheme will support design capacity, component manufacturing, and machinery required for production of non-leather quality footwear, besides the support for leather footwear and products. The scheme is expected to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of Rs. 4 lakh crore and exports of over Rs. 1.1 lakh crore.

    The Union Minister further proposed National Action Plan for Toys to be implemented to make India a global hub for toys. The scheme will focus on development of clusters, skills, and a manufacturing ecosystem that will create high-quality, unique, innovative, and sustainable toys that will represent the ‘Made in India’ brand, the Minister added.

    On the front of support for food processing, the Union Finance Minister reiterated Government’s commitment towards ‘Purvodaya’. The Union Minister proposed to establish a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar. The institute will provide a strong fillip to food processing activities in the entire Eastern region. This will result in enhanced income for the farmers through value addition to their produce, and skilling, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for the youth.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UNION BUDGET 2025-26: BOOST TO SHIPPING AND AVIATION SECTOR

    Source: Government of India (2)

    UNION BUDGET 2025-26: BOOST TO SHIPPING AND AVIATION SECTOR

    MARITIME DEVELOPMENT FUND OF Rs 25,000 CRORE PROPOSED

    MODIFIED UDAN SCHEME TO CONNECT 120 NEW DESTINATIONS AND CARRY 4 CRORE PASSENGERS IN NEXT 10 YEARS

    GREENFIELD AIRPORTS AND WESTERN KOSHI CANAL PROJECT FOR BIHAR

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:11PM by PIB Delhi

    For long-term financing for the maritime industry, the Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed to set up a Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore. Announcing this in her budget speech in the Parliament today, the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that this corpus will be for distributed support and promoting competition in the maritime industry. The fund will have up to 49 per cent contribution by the Government, and the balance will be mobilized from ports and private sector.

    The Finance Minister stated that the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy will be revamped to address cost disadvantages, which will also include Credit Notes for shipbreaking in Indian yards to promote the circular economy. Further, the large ships above a specified size are also proposed to be included in the infrastructure harmonized master list (HML). The Union Budget also proposes to facilitate ‘Shipbuilding Clusters’ in order to increase the range, categories and capacity of ships. This will include additional infrastructure facilities, skilling and technology to develop the entire ecosystem. Acknowledging that the shipbuilding has a long gestation period, the Finance Minister proposed to continue the exemption of Basic Customs Duty on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships for another ten years. She further proposed the same dispensation for ship breaking to make it more competitive.

    Praising the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said in her speech that UDAN has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class people to meet their aspirations for speedier travel. The scheme has connected 88 airports and operationalized 619 routes. Inspired by that success, a modified UDAN scheme which will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years and this scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts, stated the Finance Minister. She also informed the house that the government will facilitate upgradation of infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo including high value perishable horticulture produce. Cargo screening and customs protocols will also be streamlined and made user-friendly.

    Giving infrastructure fillip to the state of Bihar, the Union Finance Minster proposed that the Greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the State. These will be in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta. Financial support will also be provided for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project benefitting a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks on Union Budget 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks on Union Budget 2025-26

    Viksit Bharat Budget 2025-26 will fulfill the aspirations of 140 crore Indians: PM

    Viksit Bharat Budget 2025-26 is a force multiplier: PM

    Viksit Bharat Budget 2025-26 empowers every citizen: PM

    Viksit Bharat Budget 2025-26 will empower the agriculture sector and give boost to rural economy: PM

    Viksit Bharat Budget 2025-26 greatly benefits the middle class of our country: PM

    Viksit Bharat Budget 2025-26 has a 360-degree focus on manufacturing to empower entrepreneurs, MSMEs and small businesses: PM

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks on the Union Budget 2025-26 via video message today. Highlighting that today marked an important milestone in the journey of India’s development, Shri Modi remarked that this budget reflects the aspirations of 140 crore Indians and fulfills the dreams of every citizen. He highlighted that several sectors were opened up for the youth, and the common citizen will drive the mission of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The Prime Minister emphasized that this budget is a force multiplier which would increase the savings, investment, consumption, and growth. He congratulated the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and her team for this ‘People’s Budget’. 

    Prime Minister remarked that typically, the focus of the budget is on how to fill the Government’s treasury. However, he said this budget focused on how to fill the pockets of the citizens, increase their savings, and make them partners in the country’s development. He emphasized that this budget lays the foundation for these goals.

    “Significant steps have been taken towards reforms in this budget”, said Shri Modi and highlighted the historic decision to promote the private sector in nuclear energy. He added that civil nuclear energy will ensure a significant contribution to the country’s development in the future. He emphasized that all employment sectors were given priority in the budget. Pointing out two major reforms that will bring significant changes in the coming time, Shri Modi said that  granting infrastructure status to shipbuilding will boost the construction of large ships in India, accelerating the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan and including hotels at 50 tourist destinations under the infrastructure category will significantly boost tourism, providing new energy to the hospitality sector, which is the largest employment sector. The Prime Minister stated that the country was progressing with the mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development and Heritage). He mentioned that significant steps were taken in this budget to preserve one crore manuscripts through the launch of the Gyan Bharatam Mission. Additionally, a National Digital Repository inspired by Indian knowledge traditions will be created.

    Remarking that the announcements made in the budget for farmers will lay the foundation for a new revolution in the agricultural sector and the entire rural economy, Shri Modi highlighted that under the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, irrigation and infrastructure development will take place in 100 districts. He emphasized that increasing the limit of the Kisan Credit Card from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh will provide greater assistance to farmers.

    Highlighting that the budget has exempted income up to ₹12 lakh from tax, the Prime Minister said tax reductions were made for all income groups, which will greatly benefit the middle class and those who have been newly employed. 

    “The budget has a 360-degree focus on manufacturing to strengthen entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and small businesses, creating new jobs”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He highlighted that sectors like clean tech, leather, footwear, and the toy industry had received special support under the National Manufacturing Mission. He stressed that the goal was clear to ensure Indian products to shine in the global market.

    Pointing that the budget places special emphasis on creating a vibrant and competitive investment environment in the states, Shri Modi  highlighted the announcement to double the credit guarantee for MSMEs and startups. He mentioned the introduction of a scheme to provide loans up to ₹2 crore without guarantee for SC, ST, and women first- time entrepreneurs. He emphasized the significant announcement for gig workers, with their registration on the e-Shram portal for the first time, enabling them to access healthcare and other social security schemes. The Prime Minister stated that this reflects the Government’s commitment to the dignity of labor. He highlighted that regulatory and financial reforms, such as Jan Vishwas 2.0, will strengthen the commitment to minimum government and trust-based governance.

    Concluding his address, the Prime Minister remarked that this budget not only addresses the current needs of the country but also helps in preparing for the future. He highlighted the initiatives for startups, including the Deep Tech Fund, Geospatial Mission, and Nuclear Energy Mission. He extended his congratulations to all citizens for this historic budget.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Exports Reach Historic Heights

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 2:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Exports hit USD 778.21 billion in 2023-24, marking a 67% increase since 2013-14

     

    Introduction

    India’s exports have seen a historic rise, reaching USD 778.21 billion in 2023-24. This marks a 67% increase from USD 466.22 billion in 2013-14. The growth reflects India’s expanding role in global trade, driven by strong performances in both merchandise and services exports.

    In 2023-24, merchandise exports stood at USD 437.10 billion, while services exports contributed USD 341.11 billion, demonstrating a well-balanced expansion. Key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, iron ore, and textiles played a vital role in this surge. Strengthened by strategic policy measures, enhanced competitiveness, and broader market access, India’s export ecosystem is now more resilient and deeply integrated into the global economy.

    The momentum has continued into FY 2024-25, with cumulative exports during April-December 2024 estimated at USD 602.64 billion, a 6.03% increase from USD 568.36 billion in the same period of 2023. Strengthened by strategic policy measures, enhanced competitiveness, and broader market access, India’s export ecosystem is now more resilient and deeply integrated into the global economy.

     

    Export Classification and Growth Trends

    Merchandise exports have grown from USD 314 billion in 2013-14 to USD 437.10 billion in 2023-24, driven by a stronger manufacturing base and increased global demand.

     

     

    Service exports have expanded from USD 152 billion in 2013-14 to USD 341.11 billion in 2023-24, fueled by the rise of IT, financial, and business services.

     

    Leading Export Regions Over the Years

    In 2004-05, India’s exports were predominantly directed to regions like North America, the European Union, North-East Asia, West Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council, and ASEAN. By 2013-14, there was a marked increase in export values across these regions, with North America, the EU, and West Asia seeing notable growth. Fast forward to 2023-24, and the export landscape shows continued expansion, with North America leading as the largest destination. The EU, West Asia, and ASEAN also experienced robust growth, illustrating India’s diversified and strengthened global trade relationships over the years.

     

     

    Key Export Destinations in 2023-24

     

    1. In 2023-24, the top merchandise export destinations for India included the USA (17.90%), UAE (8.23%), Netherlands (5.16%), China (3.85%), Singapore (3.33%), UK (3.00%), Saudi Arabia (2.67%), Bangladesh (2.55%), Germany (2.27%), and Italy (2.02%).

     

    1. Together, these 10 countries made up 51% of India’s total merchandise export value in 2023-24.

     

    Sectoral Growth in India’s Exports

    1. Mobile Phone Exports Growth: Mobile phone exports reached US$ 15.6 billion in 2023-24 from USD 0.2 billion in 2014-15. Domestic production of mobile phones grew from 5.8 crore units in 2014-15 to 33 crore units in 2023-24, with imports dropping significantly.
    1. Pharmaceutical Exports Surge: India, ranked third globally in drug and pharmaceutical production by volume, saw its pharmaceutical exports rise from USD 15.07 billion in 2013-14 to USD 27.85 billion in FY 2023-24.
    1. Engineering Goods Exports: Engineering goods exports grew to USD 109.32 billion in FY 2023-24, up from USD 62.26 billion in FY 2013-14.
    1. Agricultural Exports Growth: Agricultural exports from India increased from USD 22.70 billion in 2013-14 to USD 48.15 billion in 2023-24.

     

    Key Government Initiatives to Strengthen India’s Export Landscape

     

    Foreign Trade & Export Promotion

    1. New Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023: Focuses on export incentives, ease of doing business, and emerging sectors like e-commerce and high-tech products. Introduced a one-time Amnesty Scheme to help exporters clear pending authorizations.
    2. Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES): It was extended until August 31, 2024, with a ₹12,788 crore allocation to provide concessional interest rates on export credit.
    3. RoDTEP & RoSCTL Schemes: Provide tax and duty reimbursements to exporters, benefiting sectors like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and steel.
    4. Districts as Export Hubs: Identifies high-potential products in each district and provides infrastructure and market linkages.
    5. Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) & Market Access Initiative (MAI): Support infrastructure development and marketing efforts for export growth.

    Infrastructure & Logistics

    1. National Logistics Policy (NLP) & PM GatiShakti: Aim to reduce logistics costs and enhance multimodal connectivity through GIS-based planning.
    2. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: With an outlay of ₹1.97 lakh crore, these schemes promote large-scale manufacturing in 14 key sectors to enhance exports. Over Rs. 1.47 lakh crore of investment has been reported till October 2024, which has led to production/sales of Rs. 13 lakh crore and employment generation (direct & indirect) of around 10 lakh. Exports have been boosted by Rs. 4.5 lakh crore.

     

    1. Bharat Mart in Dubai: Provides MSMEs with affordable access to GCC, African, and CIS markets.

     

    Ease of Doing Business & Digital Initiatives

    1. Compliance & Decriminalization Reforms: Over 42,000 compliances reduced and 3,800 provisions decriminalized to simplify business processes.
    2. National Single Window System (NSWS): Streamlines approvals, allowing businesses to apply for 277 Central approvals.
    3. Trade Connect e-Platform: Links over 6 lakh IEC holders with Indian missions and export councils for seamless trade facilitation.
    4. Enhanced Insurance Cover for MSME Exporters: Provides ₹20,000 crore in low-cost credit to 10,000 MSME exporters.

    E-Commerce & Digital Trade

    1. E-Commerce Export Hub (ECEH): Aims to boost e-commerce exports to $100 billion by 2030, connecting SMEs and artisans to global markets.
    2. ICEGATE Digital Platform: Modernizes customs processes with e-filing, real-time tracking, and seamless documentation.

    Agriculture & Organic Exports

    1. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Expected to benefit 20 lakh farmers, with organic exports targeted to exceed $1 billion by 2025-26.

     

    Conclusion

    India’s export sector has experienced extraordinary growth, driven by a combination of strategic policy measures, robust infrastructure development, and a strengthened manufacturing base. With exports touching new heights across both merchandise and services, the country has firmly established itself as a key player in global trade. The expansion of high-value sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and agriculture, coupled with innovations in e-commerce and digital trade, showcases India’s growing global influence. Supported by initiatives such as the National Logistics Policy, Production-Linked Incentive schemes, and enhanced market access, India is well on its way to further diversifying its export landscape. As the country continues to focus on improving business ease, fostering competitiveness, and tapping into emerging markets, it is poised to not only sustain but also accelerate its export momentum in the years to come.

     

    References:

    1. https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/dec/doc2024123463101.pdf

    v https://www.commerce.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Annual-Report-English-Lower-Resolution-1.pdf

    1. https://www.commerce.gov.in/trade-statistics/
    2. https://niryat.gov.in/
    3. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2093104

    Click here to download PDF

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Energy Security in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 2:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Advancing Renewable Energy and Sustainability through Key Government Initiatives

     

     

    India’s energy security is a cornerstone of its economic and environmental strategy, with a strong push toward renewable energy and self-reliance. As of January 2025, the country’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity has reached 217.62 GW. The CCDC Wind Initiative has significantly enhanced wind energy development, leading to 48.16 GW of installed capacity. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, is positioning India as a global leader in hydrogen energy with investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore. The National Solar Mission has propelled solar energy growth, with installed capacity rising from 9.01 GW in 2016 to 97.86 GW in 2025. Additionally, PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are accelerating solar adoption among farmers and households. These efforts, supported by substantial government funding and policy measures, highlight India’s commitment to achieving energy security while reducing carbon emissions. By leveraging technological advancements and strategic investments, India is on a path toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

     

    Introduction

     

    India’s energy security is a critical component of its economic growth and sustainability goals. The government has launched various schemes aimed at promoting renewable energy, enhancing grid stability, and reducing carbon emissions. Key initiatives such as the National Bio Energy Mission, National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, reflect the nation’s commitment to a cleaner and self-reliant energy future. As of January 2025, India’s total non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity has reached 217.62 GW.

     

    INSTALLED RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY (MW)

     

    Sector

    Cumulative Achievements (till 31.03.2014)

    2014-15

    2023-24

    2024-25 (01.04.2024 – 31.12.2024)

    Cumulative Achievements (till 31.12.2024)

    Wind Power

    21,042.58

    2,311.77

    3,253.38

    2,276.65

    48,163.16

    Solar Power

    2,821.91

    1,171.62

    15,033.24

    16,051.10

    97,864.72

    Small Hydro Power

    3,803.68

    251.68

    58.95

    97.30

    5,100.55

    Biomass (Bagasse) Cogeneration

    7,419.23

    295.67

    0.00

    372.86

    9,806.42

    Biomass (Non-bagasse) Cogeneration

    531.82

    60.05

    107.34

    0.00

    921.79

    Waste to Power

    90.58

    0.00

    1.60

    0.00

    249.74

    Waste to Energy (Off-grid)

    139.79

    9.71

    30.17

    34.13

    370.20

    Total

    35,849.59

    4,100.50

    18,484.68

    18,832.04

    162,476.58

     

    CCDC Wind Initiative

    About the Scheme:

    Launched in June 2020, the Centralized Data Collection and Coordination (CCDC) Wind Initiative aims to advance India’s wind energy development by improving wind resource assessment through accurate data collection and research. The initiative provides valuable insights for project developers, helping them identify the most promising locations for wind energy projects. It supports the efficient implementation of large-scale wind energy projects and encourages investments in the wind sector. The Government, through National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), has installed over 800 wind-monitoring stations all over country and issued wind potential maps at 50m, 80m and 100m above ground level. As on 30 January 2024, India’s cumulative wind power capacity stands at 48.16 GW.

    Objective:

    • Facilitate wind energy development through centralized data collection and research.
    • Provide accurate wind resource assessment for better site identification.
    • Promote private sector investments and public-private partnerships in wind energy projects.

     

     

    Key Achievements:

     

    • Enhanced wind resource mapping has contributed to the successful identification of over 50 potential wind energy sites nationwide.
    • Contributed to the development of over 10 GW of new wind energy capacity from 2020-2024, increasing India’s wind energy capacity by 30%.
    • Significant growth in wind energy capacity, from 1.86 GW in March 2004 and 21.04 GW in December 2014 to 48.16 GW in January 2025, reflecting the initiative’s impact.
    • In 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a Rs. 7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme to set up India’s first offshore wind energy projects. The scheme includes Rs. 6,853 crores for 1 GW of offshore wind capacity (500 MW each off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu) and Rs. 600 crores for port upgrades to support logistics for these projects.

    National Green Hydrogen Mission

    About the Scheme:

    Launched in January 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission is an ambitious initiative aimed at transitioning India towards a hydrogen-based economy. The scheme focuses on the development of indigenous technology for green hydrogen production, infrastructure for storage, transportation, and utilization. By promoting hydrogen as a clean energy source, the mission aims to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production and export, thereby driving sustainability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With over Rs. 8 lakh crores in total investments, green hydrogen capacity is expected to reach 5 million metric tons by 2030. This is expected to create 6 lakh jobs by 2030.

    Objective:

    • Making India a leading producer and supplier of Green Hydrogen in the world.
    • Creation of export opportunities for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
    • Reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock.
    • Development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
    • Attracting investment and business opportunities for the industry.
    • Creating opportunities for employment and economic development.
    • Supporting R&D projects.

     

     

    Key Achievements:

    • ₹19,744 crore allocated for the mission’s implementation, with a focus on infrastructure development and technology innovation. The Mission has an outlay of ₹600 crore for FY 2024-25.
    • Establishment of 3 hydrogen production hubs in key locations across the country.
    • Tenders awarded to companies for 4.12 lakh tonnes per annum green hydrogen production.
    • Development of key policies and financial incentives, with 50% subsidy on electrolyser manufacturing and hydrogen production. Selection of manufacturers for 1,500 MW electrolyser capacity was also conducted in 2024.
    • The International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH – 2023) took place in New Delhi from 5th to 7th July, 2023, featuring global participation from industry, academia, and government.
    • From 18th to 22nd March, 2024, India hosted the 41st International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) Meeting in New Delhi, fostering collaboration on clean hydrogen technologies.
    • From September 11-13, 2024, the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH) in New Delhi emphasized advancements in green hydrogen technology and India’s leadership in the sector.
    • The year 2024 also witnessed India’s innovative renewable energy solutions being showcased on international platforms such as the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

     

    National Solar Mission (NSM)

     

    About the Scheme:

    Launched in January 2010, NSM is a major initiative to promote ecological sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy security challenges. It is also a major contribution by India to the global effort to meet the challenges of climate change. In order to achieve the above target, Government of India have launched various schemes to encourage generation of solar power in the country like Solar Park Scheme, VGF Schemes, CPSU Scheme, Defence Scheme, Canal bank & Canal top Scheme, Bundling Scheme, Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme etc.

     

    Objectives:

    • Establish India as a global leader in solar energy by creating the policy conditions for solar technology diffusion across the country as quickly as possible.
    • Achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) target to achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources and to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 45 percent from 2005 level by 2030.

     

    Off-Grid Solar PV Programme:

    Off-grid Solar PV Applications Programme is one of the oldest programmes of the Ministry aimed at providing solar PV-based applications in areas where grid power is either not available or is unreliable. Applications such as solar home lighting systems, solar street lighting systems, solar power plants, solar pumps, solar lanterns and solar study lamps are covered under the programme.

     

    Solar Grid Connected Programme:

    Government of India have launched various schemes to encourage generation of solar power in the country like Solar Park Scheme, VGF Schemes, CPSU Scheme, Defence Scheme, Canal bank & Canal top Scheme, Bundling Scheme, Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme etc. Various policy measures are also undertaken to promote the grid connected solar power plants. By 2023, India achieved 5th rank in the world in solar power deployment.

     

    Key Achievements:

     

    Parameter

    2016

    (By March 2016)

    2024

    (By March 2024)

    Total Installed Solar Capacity

    9.01 GW

    *96.86 GW

    Number of Solar Parks

    34

    58

    Total Capacity of Solar Parks

    20 GW

    40 GW

    Rooftop Solar Capacity

    90.8 MV

    11,503 MV

    Number of Solar Home Lights

    13.96 lakh

    17.23 lakh

    Number of Solar Street Lights

    4.42 lakh

    9.44 lakh

    Installed Capacity of Power Plants

    172.45 GW

    216.86 GW

     

    • In March 2016, the total installed solar capacity was 9.01 GW and by March 2024, the total installed solar capacity stood at 81.81 GW. *As of 28 January 2025, the total installed solar capacity is 97.86 GW.
    • As of March 2024, the total estimated solar potential of the country stood at 748.98 GW.
    • As of March 2024, there are a total of 58 solar parks in India with a sanctioned capacity of 40 GW, in contrast to March 2016, when there were only 34 solar parks with 20 GW sanctioned capacity.
    • In March 2016, there was only 90.8 MV installed solar capacity under the Rooftop PV and Small Solar Power Generation Programme (RPSSGP). In March 2024, the total installed capacity has reached 11,503 MV.
    • In 2024, for off-grid projects, India has 17.23 lakh solar home lights, 84.59 solar lamps, 9.44 lakh solar street lights and an installed capacity of 216.86 GW from solar power plants. This has increased from 2016, when 13.96 lakh solar home lights, 4.42 lakh solar street lights and 172.45 GW of installed solar capacity from power plants.

    PM-KUSUM Scheme: (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan)

    About the Scheme:

    Launched in March 2019, the PM-KUSUM Scheme supports farmers by offering financial assistance for installing solar-powered irrigation systems, including solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants. By shifting to solar energy, the scheme also helps to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy access in rural agricultural areas. Under the Scheme, central government subsidy upto 30% or 50% of the total cost is given for the installation of standalone solar pumps and for the solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.

     

    Objective:

    • Promote solar energy adoption among farmers by subsidizing solar-powered irrigation.
    • Reduce dependency on diesel pumps, leading to lower fuel costs and improve energy access in rural agricultural areas.
    • Enhance income generation through surplus solar energy sales.

     

     

    Key Achievements:

     

    • Over 6.1 lakh solar pumps installed nationwide by December 2024, as compared to 3.3 lakh solar pumps installed by December 2021.
    • 35 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps solarized.
    • As of June 2024, more than 4 lakh farmers nationwide have benefited from the PM-KUSUM scheme.

     

     

    • Under Components B and C of PM-KUSUM: 30% CFA provided (or 50% for North Eastern/Hilly regions/Islands) for installing standalone agriculture pumps and solarizing grid-connected pumps.
    • About 11.34 GW of solar energy capacity has been installed during January to November 2024.

     

    PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

    About the Scheme:

    Launched in February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, is designed to promote rooftop solar energy adoption in residential areas. By providing financial incentives and subsidies for solar panel installation, the scheme enables households to generate their electricity, reducing their dependence on the national grid and lowering electricity bills. The initiative has a bold vision to supply solar power to one crore households by March 2027.

    Objective:

    • Encourage rooftop solar adoption in residential sectors.
    • Provide financial incentives and subsidies for solar panel installation.
    • Enable households to generate their own electricity, reducing dependency on the grid.
    • Reduce electricity bills by allowing households to generate and sell surplus solar energy to the grid.

     

    Key Achievements:

     

    • Increased participation in the distributed solar energy ecosystem, with over 1 lakh homes installing rooftop panels in the first year.

     

     

    • Households benefiting from 20-30% reduction in electricity bills due to self-generated solar power.
    • Within just 10 months of PMSGMBY, 7 lakh installations have been achieved—an average of 70,000 per month. This marks a ten-fold increase in monthly installations compared to the average of 7,000 per month prior to the launch of the scheme in February 2024.
    • States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have demonstrated exceptional progress, reflecting robust infrastructure and stakeholder collaboration.
    • Issuance of Operational Guidelines for the ‘Model Solar Village’ scheme, with a total outlay of ₹800 crore, granting ₹1 crore grant for the winning village in each district. It aims to promote solar energy adoption and make villages self-reliant in energy. Villages with populations over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special states) can compete based on their renewable energy capacity.

     

    References

    MNRE Annual Reports (2016-2024)

    https://npp.gov.in/dashBoard/cp-map-dashboard

    https://mnre.gov.in/en/year-wise-achievement/#

    https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/national-green-hydrogen-mission

    https://mnre.gov.in/en/national-green-hydrogen-mission/

    https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=151902

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2089056

    https://ccdcwind.gov.in/potential_of_wind_energy_in_india.html

    https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3716e1b8c6cd17b771da77391355749f3/uploads/2024/05/20240524405410771.pdf

    https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3716e1b8c6cd17b771da77391355749f3/uploads/2023/08/2023080324.pdf

    https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3716e1b8c6cd17b771da77391355749f3/uploads/2024/10/20241029512325464.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2094992

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1943905

    https://mnre.gov.in/en/bio-gas/

    https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in/

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2081250

    https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/

    https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2015/Union_Civil_Performance_Renewable_Energy_Report_34_2015_chap_8.pdf

    https://powermin.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/ar03_04.pdf

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget 2025-26 Proposes Framework For Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries from Indian EEZ and High Seas

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Budget 2025-26 Proposes Framework For Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries from Indian EEZ and High Seas

    Budget Announcement Targets Approx 2.5 Lakh Tonnes of Untapped Fisheries Potential in Andaman & Nicobar  and Lakshadweep Islands

    Basic Custom Duty reduced from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi); 15% to 5% on Fish Hydrolysate

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    In the Union Budget, tabled today in the Lok Sabha for the year 2025-2026, proposed the highest ever total annual budgetary support of Rs. 2,703.67 crores for the fisheries sector. This overall allocation for the financial year 2025-26 has increased by 3.3% in comparison to the allocation of Rs. 2,616.44 crore (BE) made during last year 2024-25. This includes the allocation of Rs. 2,465 crore for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana during the year 2025-26 that has increased by 4.8% in comparison to the allocation made for the scheme during the year 2024-25 (Rs. 2,352 crore). Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech, highlighted India’s achievement as a leader in aquaculture and seafood exports. The budget announcement strategically focuses on enhancing financial inclusion, reducing financial burden on farmers by reducing custom duties and furthering development of the marine fisheries.

    The Budget 2025-26 highlights enabling a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and High Seas with special focus on Lakshadweep and A&N Islands . This will ensure sustainable harnessing of the untapped potential of the marine fish resources in the Indian EEZ and adjacent High Seas for growth in the marine sector. As India has an EEZ of 20 lakh sq. km and a long coastline of 8,118 km with estimated marine potential of 53 lakh tonnes (2018) and dependence of 50 lakh people for their livelihoods on the marine fisheries sector. This offers an enormous scope and potential for harnessing of high valued tuna and tuna like species in the Indian EEZ, especially around the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Government will promote Deep Sea Fishing with capacity development and support acquisition of Resource-Specific Fishing Vessels.

    Development of fisheries in Andaman & Nicobar Islands will target harnessing of its EEZ area of 6.60 lakh sq. km (1/3rd of Indian EEZ) with marine fisheries potential of 1.48 lakh tonnes including potential of 60,000 tons for tuna fisheries. For this purpose, development of Tuna Cluster has been notified and activities such as establishment of on-board processing & freezing facilities in tuna fishing vessels, licensing for deep-sea tuna fishing vessels and single window clearances by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, harnessing opportunities in sea cage culture, seaweed, ornamental and pearl cultivation have been undertaken. The Development of Fisheries in Lakshadweep Islands will target harnessing of its EEZ area of 4 lakh sq. km (17% of Indian EEZ) and lagoon area of 4200 sq mt with potential of 1 lakh tonnes including potential of 4,200 tonnes for tuna fisheries. For this purpose, development of Seaweed Cluster has been notified and activities such as island-wise area allocation and leasing policy with end-to-end value chain by Lakshadweep Administration, formation of women Self Help Group (SHGs) and capacity building through ICAR Institution in collaboration with private entrepreneurs and Lakshadweep Administration, harnessing opportunities in tuna fishing and ornamental fish farming have been undertaken.

    In the Union Budget 2025, the Government of India increased the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) lending limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to enhance credit accessibility for fishers, farmers, processors and other fisheries’ stakeholder. This move aims at streamlining the flow of financial resources ensuring that necessary funds are easily accessible for fulfilling working capital requirements of the sector. Enhanced credit availability will support adoption of modern farming techniques and strengthen rural development and economic stability, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making institutional credit more inclusive and accessible.

    To enhance Indias competitiveness in global seafood market and to increase the share of value -added products in our export basket, Union Finance Minister proposed to reduce Basic Custom Duty (BCD) on frozen fish paste (surimi) from 30% to 5% for manufacturing and export of value-added seafood products like Imitation Crab Meat Sticks, Surimi Crab Claw Products, Shrimp analogue, lobster analogue and other surimi analogue or Imitation products etc. Further, to strengthen the Indian shrimp farming industry globally, import duty reduction from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate an important input for manufacturing of aquafeed has been announced. This is expected to lower production costs and increase revenue and profit margins for farmers, thereby improving and increasing exports. 

    Background

    Termed as one of the key ‘sunrise sectors’ of the Indian economy, the Indian Fisheries sector continues to make its mark and grow at a very healthy pace registering the highest average annual decadal growth of 9.08% in value of output (FY 2014-15 to 2022-23) amongst allied sectors under Agriculture (Niti Aayog Report 2024). This growth story is marked by India’s global ranking as 2nd largest fish producing country with ~8% share in global fish production and a record high fish production of 184.02 lakh tonnes (2023-24). India also stands 2nd in aquaculture production with 139.07 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 and is one of the top shrimp producing and seafood exporting nations in the world with a total export value of Rs 60,524 crore (2023-24). The sector provides sustainable livelihoods to over 30 million people within the marginalized and vulnerable communities. With the motto of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, Government  of India continues to prioritise the development of the fisheries sector as a key driver towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Empowering Tribes Towards Viksit Bharat: A Historic Boost for Tribal Welfare in Union Budget 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Empowering Tribes Towards Viksit Bharat: A Historic Boost for Tribal Welfare in Union Budget 2025

    Union Budget 2025: Transforming Vision into Mission for Tribal Development

    Government’s Commitment to Tribal Welfare: Budget Allocation Surges by 231.83% from ₹4,497.96 Cr in 2014-15 to ₹14,925.81 Cr in 2025-26

    Posted On: 02 FEB 2025 9:41AM by PIB Delhi

    India, home to over 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals—comprising 8.6% of the total population—boasts a rich and diverse tribal heritage. Spread across remote and often inaccessible regions, these communities have long been a focal point of the government’s development agenda. Under leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Budget 2025-26 reaffirms this commitment with a substantial increase in budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, ensuring holistic and sustainable development for tribal communities across the country.

    Unprecedented Budgetary Support for Tribal Welfare

    • The overall budget allocation for the development of Scheduled Tribes has risen from Rs 10,237.33 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 14,925.81 crore in 2025-26, marking an impressive 45.79% increase.
    • The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) has been expanded and subsumed under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) with an outlay of Rs 80,000 crore over five years.
    • The budget outlay for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has seen consistent growth, rising from Rs 7,511.64 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 10,237.33 crore in 2024-25, and now reaching Rs 14,925.81 crore in 2025-26.
    • A long-term perspective reveals significant progress: from Rs 4,497.96 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 7,411 crore in 2021-22, and now a 231.83% increase since 2014-15, demonstrating the government’s sustained focus on tribal welfare.

    Key Allocations and Flagship Initiatives

    • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Rs 7,088.60 crore, nearly double last year’s Rs 4,748 crore, to provide quality education to tribal students in remote areas.
    • Pradhan Mantri Jan Jatiya Vikas Mission: Rs 380.40 crore, up from Rs 152.32 crore, reinforcing efforts to create year-round income-generating opportunities for tribal communities.
    • Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): Allocation surged 163% to Rs 335.97 crore, focusing on bridging infrastructural gaps in education, healthcare, and employment.
    • Multi-Purpose Centers (MPC) under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Funding doubled from Rs 150 crore to Rs 300 crore, enhancing socio-economic support in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) dominated habitations.

    Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: A Game-Changer

    Building upon the success of PM-JANMAN, the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) aims to saturate infrastructural gaps in 63,843 villages with a budgetary outlay of Rs 79,156 crore over five years (Central Share: Rs 56,333 crore, State Share: Rs 22,823 crore). This initiative brings together 17 ministries through 25 targeted interventions, ensuring integrated tribal development in key areas such as health, education, livelihoods, and skill development.

    • The allocation for DAJGUA under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has quadrupled from Rs 500 crore to Rs 2,000 crore in 2025-26, reflecting the government’s commitment to uplifting tribal communities at the grassroots level.

    Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram:“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Budget 2025-26 is dedicated to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. This transformative budget prioritizes the holistic development of villages, the poor, farmers, youth, and women. Heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji for presenting this historic budget.”

    Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey:“This budget is a testament to our dedication to tribal welfare, with focused investments in education, livelihoods, and infrastructure, paving the way for a brighter future. Our Government is committed to tribal empowerment.”

    Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Vibhu Nayar:“The enhanced budget will enable us to implement transformative programs like PM-JANMAN ,Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, EMRS and other programs  creating long-term, sustainable impact for tribal communities across India.”

    Towards a Viksit Bharat with Inclusive Growth

    The Union Budget 2025 marks a paradigm shift in tribal development, with an emphasis on education, healthcare, skill development, and economic empowerment. By integrating targeted interventions across ministries, the government is fostering inclusive growth and paving the way for a Viksit Bharat, where tribal communities are not only beneficiaries but active contributors to the nation’s progress.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget announces Rs. 5272 crores for the Ministry of Textiles for the FY 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

     Budget announces Rs. 5272 crores for the Ministry of Textiles for the FY 2025-26

    Five year Cotton Mission to increase cotton productivity included in the Budget

    Budget adds 2 types of shuttle-less looms to the list of fully exempted textile machinery

    Budget announces reduction in Basic Custom Duty of knitted fabrics

    Nine items including wool polish materials, Sea shell, Mother of Pearl (MOP), Cattle horn etc. added to the list of duty-free inputs

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 8:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Budget 2025-26 was presented by the Union Finance Minister on February 1, 2025. The Budget announced an outlay of Rs. 5272 crores (Budget Estimates) for the Ministry of Textiles for 2025-26. This is an increase of 19 percent over budget estimates of 2024-25 (Rs. 4417.03 crore).

    To address the challenges of stagnant cotton productivity, Union Budget 2025-26 has announced a five year Cotton Mission to increase cotton productivity especially extra long staple varieties. Science & Technology support will be provided to farmers under this Mission. The Mission is in keeping with the 5 F principle and will increase income of the farmers and augment a steady supply of quality cotton. By boosting domestic productivity, this initiative will stabilise raw material availability, reduce import dependence and enhance the global competitiveness of India’s textile sector, where 80% of capacity is driven by MSMEs.

    To promote domestic production of technical textile products such as agro-textiles, medical textiles and geo textiles at competitive prices, two more types of shuttle-less looms added to the list of fully exempted textile machinery.  Duty on Shuttle less loom Rapier Looms (below 650 meters per minute) and Shuttle less loom Air jet Looms (below 1000 meters per minute) for use in textile industry has been made nil from the existing 7.5%. This provision will reduce the cost of high-quality imported looms thus facilitating modernisation and capacity enhancement initiatives in the weaving sector. This will also will boost Make in India in technical textile sector viz. agro textiles, medical textiles, and geo-textiles.

    Basic Custom Duty rate on knitted fabrics covered by nine tariff lines reduced from “10% or 20%” to “20% or Rs.115 per kg, whichever is higher” This will improve competitiveness of Indian knitted fabric manufacturers and curb cheap imports.

    To facilitate exports of handicrafts, time period for export extended from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required Handicraft exports will benefit from this provision extending the list of items and the time period for conversion of duty free raw material imports meant for export production. Nine items including wool polish materials, Sea shell, Mother of Pearl (MOP), Cattle horn etc. added to the list of duty-free inputs.

    80% of India’s textile sector is in MSME. Budget thrust on export, enhanced credit and coverage will uplift textile MSMEs. Other announcements like creation of National Manufacturing Mission, Export Promotion Mission, creating the Bharat Trade Net, Fund of Funds, Measures for Labour-Intensive Sectors to promote employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, revision in classification criteria for MSMEs and others will create conducive environment for the textile sector.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget announced Rs. 5272 crores for the Ministry of Textiles for the FY 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

     Budget announced Rs. 5272 crores for the Ministry of Textiles for the FY 2025-26

    Five year Cotton Mission to increase cotton productivity included in the Budget

    Budget adds 2 types of shuttle-less looms to the list of fully exempted textile machinery

    Budget announces reduction in Basic Custom Duty of knitted fabrics

    Nine items including wool polish materials, Sea shell, Mother of Pearl (MOP), Cattle horn etc. added to the list of duty-free inputs

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 8:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Budget 2025-26 was presented by the Union Finance Minister on February 1, 2025. The Budget announced an outlay of Rs. 5272 crores (Budget Estimates) for the Ministry of Textiles for 2025-26. This is an increase of 19 percent over budget estimates of 2024-25 (Rs. 4417.03 crore).

    To address the challenges of stagnant cotton productivity, Union Budget 2025-26 has announced a five year Cotton Mission to increase cotton productivity especially extra long staple varieties. Science & Technology support will be provided to farmers under this Mission. The Mission is in keeping with the 5 F principle and will increase income of the farmers and augment a steady supply of quality cotton. By boosting domestic productivity, this initiative will stabilise raw material availability, reduce import dependence and enhance the global competitiveness of India’s textile sector, where 80% of capacity is driven by MSMEs.

    To promote domestic production of technical textile products such as agro-textiles, medical textiles and geo textiles at competitive prices, two more types of shuttle-less looms added to the list of fully exempted textile machinery.  Duty on Shuttle less loom Rapier Looms (below 650 meters per minute) and Shuttle less loom Air jet Looms (below 1000 meters per minute) for use in textile industry has been made nil from the existing 7.5%. This provision will reduce the cost of high-quality imported looms thus facilitating modernisation and capacity enhancement initiatives in the weaving sector. This will also will boost Make in India in technical textile sector viz. agro textiles, medical textiles, and geo-textiles.

    Basic Custom Duty rate on knitted fabrics covered by nine tariff lines reduced from “10% or 20%” to “20% or Rs.115 per kg, whichever is higher” This will improve competitiveness of Indian knitted fabric manufacturers and curb cheap imports.

    To facilitate exports of handicrafts, time period for export extended from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required Handicraft exports will benefit from this provision extending the list of items and the time period for conversion of duty free raw material imports meant for export production. Nine items including wool polish materials, Sea shell, Mother of Pearl (MOP), Cattle horn etc. added to the list of duty-free inputs.

    80% of India’s textile sector is in MSME. Budget thrust on export, enhanced credit and coverage will uplift textile MSMEs. Other announcements like creation of National Manufacturing Mission, Export Promotion Mission, creating the Bharat Trade Net, Fund of Funds, Measures for Labour-Intensive Sectors to promote employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, revision in classification criteria for MSMEs and others will create conducive environment for the textile sector.

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    Dhanya Sanal K

    Director (M&C)

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails Budget 2025 as a blueprint for the Modi government’s vision for building a developed and premier India in every sector

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails Budget 2025 as a blueprint for the Modi government’s vision for building a developed and premier India in every sector

    The middle class is always in PM Modi’s heart

    Now, no tax will have to be paid on income upto Rs.12 lakhs

    This budget, encompassing every sector from farmers, poor, middle class to education of women and children, nutrition, and health, as well as startups, innovation and investment, is the roadmap for Modi Ji’s vision of an AatmaNirbhar Bharat

    The budget is a reflection of the Modi government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers

    Budget-2025 gives wings to the dreams and aspirations of the youth

    Budget 2025 breathes new energy into life and development in cities through the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund

    Budget 2025 is a new opportunity and means for the prosperity of gig workers,Now, they will not only receive an identity card by registering on the e-Shram portal, but also get benefits of health facilities

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation congratulates Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji for the inclusive and farsighted budget

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 7:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hailed Union Budget 2025 as a blueprint for the Modi government’s vision for building a developed and premier India in every sector.Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah congratulated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for this inclusive and farsighted budget.

    In a series of posts on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that Union Budget 2025 as a blueprint for the Modi government’s vision for building a developed and premier India in every sector. He said that this budget, encompassing every sector from farmers, poor, middle class to education of women and children, nutrition, and health, as well as startups, innovation and investment, is the roadmap for Modi Ji’s vision of an AatmaNirbhar Bharat.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, the middle class is always in PM Modi’s heart. The Budget announcedzero income tax till ₹12 Lakh Income. The proposed tax exemption will go a long way in enhancing the financial well-being of the middle class, he added.

    Shri Amit Shah said, the budget reflects the Modi government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers. He said, the announcement of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana aims at increasing production capacity in the 100 lowest crop productivity districts, benefiting nearly 1.7 crore farmers. Additionally, Pulses Self-Reliance Mission and Cotton Productivity Mission will promote the prosperity of farmers and enhance nutritional security.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, from budget to the Cabinet, farmers are at the core of the Modi government’s schemes and policies. He said, in order to achieve self-reliance in urea production, the government has decided to set up a urea plant in Assam with a capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons in Budget 2025. Along with this, the decision to increase the loan amount under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh will provide significant relief to farmers.

    Shri Amit Shah congratulated MSME sector for the doubling of the credit guarantee cover, adding ₹1.5 lakh crore. He said this will scale up start-ups and foster manufacturing hubs. Shri Shah said that the budget’s focus on footwear, leather and toy manufacturing industries will spur jobs in the grassroots, advancing PM Modi Ji’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.

    Union Home Minister said, the UDAN scheme is proving to be beneficial in providing air connectivity to new cities and promoting affordable transportation. Shri Shah said, in Budget2025, the scheme will be expanded with 120 new airports to be developed across the country. He said that this will increase the capacity to accommodate an additional 4 crore air passengers and further enhance transportation in remote areas.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, PM Shri Narendra Modi gives new wings to the dreams and aspirations of our youth in the Union Budget 2025. He said that the goal to add 75,000 medical seats in five years, accommodate 6,500 more students in 5 IITs, and grant 10,000 research fellowships through IITs and IISc will refuel the growth engine of our nation with the technological prowess of our youth.

    Shri Amit Shah saidthat in order to further enrich the scientific mindset and aspirations for research among the youth of the country,Budget 2025 is extremely significant. Home Minister said that the decision to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools over the next five years will promote innovation among the new generation. He said that the announcement to set up 5 National Centres of Excellence for skill enhancement of the youth is commendable.

    Union Home Minister said,in Budget 2025, the Modi government has given important gifts to the people of Bihar. Shri Shah said, the establishment of the Makhana Board, the Western Koshi Canal Project in Mithilanchal, the expansion of IIT Patna, the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, and decisions related to the greenfield airport will make Bihar a hub for education, business, connectivity, farmer welfare, and employment in the coming years.

    Shri Amit Shah said, in Budget 2025, the announcement of making books available in digital format in Indian languages through the ‘Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Yojana’ will breathe new life into Indian languages. This decision will prove to be crucial in connecting the new generation with Indian languages and making education more inclusive.

    Union Home Minister said, the Union Budget 2025 breathes new energy into life and development in cities through the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund. While the fund will revitalise our cities as the cradles of growth and quality life, the announcement of ₹1.5 lakh crore 50-year interest-free loans to states and a ploughback of capital of ₹10 lakh crore will further strengthen the purpose, he added.

    Shri Amit Shah said, the Budget 2025 unleashes Bharat’s gigantic strength in the power sector by announcing a mammoth ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission. He said, the mission will impel Bharat to produce 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 while developing 5 indigenous small modular reactors. Also, the amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will revitalise the industry with private sector investments.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, Budget 2025 equips our maritime and shipping industries with the winning edge. He said, with the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund and the extension of the exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables, or parts for the manufacturing of ships for another ten years, these sectors are poised to dominate the competition in the global markets.

    Shri Amit Shah said, the Budget 2025 brings the healing touch to the lives of the ailing by providing full exemption from Basic Customs Duty on 36 lifesaving drugs & medicines and proposing day care cancer centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years and 200 of them in 2025-26 alone.

    Union Home Minister said, Budget 2025 is also a new opportunity and means for the prosperity of gig workers. He said, now, gig workers will not only receive an identity card by registering on the e-Shram portal, but they will also get benefitsof health facilities. He said that with the expansion of the PM Svanidhi Yojana, street vendors will be able to link with UPI and avail credit cards up to ₹30,000, as well as receive more loans from banks.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described Budget 2025 as a futuristic budget with a revolutionary and far reaching announcement to involve private players in the Nuclear sector

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described Budget 2025 as a futuristic budget with a revolutionary and far reaching announcement to involve private players in the Nuclear sector

    Union Budget 2025-26 reflects sensitivity of the Government, futuristic vision of PM and gives a quantum stride towards realizing Viksit Bharat @2047, says Union S&T Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Nuclear Energy Mission envisaged by Hon’ble PM is not only going to add value to India’s vibrant economy but also giving us a lead in this arena ahead of several other countries: Dr. Singh

    It Is a paradigm shift in global perspective for the country as we target to generate 100 Gigawatt nuclear energy by 2047 which sends a huge message across the world: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 6:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described Budget 2025 as a futuristic budget with a revolutionary and far reaching announcement to involve private players in the Nuclear sector. This announcement is going to startle the world, he said, and reflects the same  courage of conviction which PM Modi had demonstrated when he opened the Space sector to private sector and the outcomes were miraculous within a few years.

    Speaking to a series of media channels here today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Union Budget 2025-25 reflects sensitivity of the Government at the Centre and also the futuristic vision of  Prime Minister Narendra Modi . While its  sensitivity is reflected in the middle class relief to taxpayer and other measures like Duty exemption on certain life saving drugs, its long term futuristic  vision is reflected in provisions like Nuclear Mission, Small Modular Reactors, Green Tech Mission , Centre of Excellence for AI, etc, he said.

    It Is going to be a definitive  stride towards realizing Viksit Bharat @2047 and also going to raise India’s esteem in the global arena, the Minister said.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the Budget with its sensitivity to ease of living because of it’s a middle class-focused with a lot of tax-relieved and ease of business as well. Terming the Budget citizen-centric, the Union Minister said, it is comprehensively encompassing the synergy of technology and tradition.

    The Minister referred to the Union Budget as very revolutionary with the bringing about an amendment in Atomic Energy Act in order to involve the private sector players something the Hon’ble Prime Minister had done a few years ago in the space sector. Dr. Singh further said, the Nuclear Energy Mission envisaged by the Prime Minister and announced by the Finance Minister is not only going to add value to India’s vibrant economy, not only carry onward a storehouse of green energy but also going to give us a lead ahead of several other countries in this arena. He, however, said, some of these aspects won’t give immediate dividends but will gradually percolate down our minds and in fact going to affect the entire world which are never per se expected from India.

    Appreciating the Union Budget for stimulating a paradigm shift in the global perspective of the country in the arena of nuclear energy, Dr. Singh said, we are also laying the target of generating 100 Gigawatt nuclear energy by 2047 which sends a huge message across the world that India is no longer a follower and we are giving lead and paving the way for others to follow. He also said, even the farming sector is giving the edge of technology with Rs. 20,000 Crore allocation for Small Modular Reactors(SMRs) and commitment to realize a minimum of five(5) SMRs by 2033 and the initiative itself is again a futuristic area with scientific and technological support to the farmers.

    The Union Minister said, additional Increase in startup support (Fund of Funds for startup FFS) by Rs. 10,000 Crore, provisions to install 50,000 more Atal Tinkering Labs in Government schools in the next five(5) years, to boost Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of Rs. 25,000 Crore and allocation of Rs. 20,000 Crore to boost Research and Development as well as  innovation will provide impetus to technology-led development for realization of Viksit Bharat@2047.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh further said, PM Research Fellowship scheme which will provide an ecosystem of 10,000 fellowships over the next five years at top notch institutions like IITs and IISc. He said, the ⁠setting up of National Geospatial Mission will lead to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data. He also said, the government will use PM Gati Shakti to facilitate modernisation of land records, urban planning and design of infrastructure projects. He said, the ⁠Second Gene bank with 10 lakhs germ plasma lines will be set up for future Food and Nutritional Security and conservation support from genetic resources in both public and private sectors.

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers calls for doubling of QEII Trust funding

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to double its funding for the QEII National Trust to ensure it can continue to meet demand from farmers.
    “The QEII Trust has a stellar track record of working with landowners to permanently protect special areas of bush, wetland and biodiversity,” Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst says.
    “It’s an utter disgrace that QEII’s base government funding has remained unchanged at $4.3 million for a decade, despite rising demand for its help.
    “In real terms, that’s a huge cut in funding.”
    The QEII National Trust was established in 1977, with Federated Farmers dairy chair (the late) Gordon Stephenson a key instigator.
    Its core function is to encourage protection of natural and cultural features on private land. The trust partners with landowners who voluntarily protect their land without selling or donating it.
    Covenants ensure threatened species and special areas of bush and wetland are protected for future generations, in perpetuity. Subsequent landowners can’t alter this protection.
    Covenants now cover 187,774 hectares – the vast majority on farms. That is an area of land over double the size of Tongariro National Park.
    The QEII Trust celebrated its 4000 th covenant in 2014/15. Now, nearly 10 years later, it has 5,200 covenants to be managed and monitored – a 28% increase in demand, with no change in government base funding.
    For comparison, the Department of Conservation’s funding went from $470m to $718m over that same 10-year period.
    “With that big hike in the amount of covenanted land, there is clearly huge buy-in from farmers,” Hurst says.
    “Voluntary initiatives like the QEII Trust have huge support in rural communities and are a far better approach than heavy-handed and impractical SNA rules.”
    The trust leverages outside funding and bequests, and works with district and regional councils. In 2021 it also secured $8m of Jobs for Nature funding, spread over four years.
    But that runs out in June this year and the trust is warning it will have to scale back the number of new covenants it can support.
    A 2017 study by Waikato University’s Institute for Business Research found that covenanting landowners together spend an estimated $25 million of their own money every year to protect native species and special areas in their QEII covenants
    Loss of potential income from other alternative uses of land under covenant was estimated to be between $443-$638 million between 1977 and 2017.
    Farmers and other landowners pitch in with environmentalists, volunteers and council staff to carry out planting, pest control, fencing and other work on covenanted sites.
    “It represents farmer commitment, and great bang for buck, on conservation.
    “The Government needs to step up its contribution to keep up the pace,” Hurst says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Regional Australia to get 10 new University Study Hubs

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Labor Government today announced the locations of 10 new Regional University Study Hubs across the country, bringing university closer to students living in the regions.

    This comes as new data shows a 32 per cent increase in the past year of students using the existing 43 Study Hubs across the country.

    The new 10 new Regional University Study Hubs are:

    • Clermont and Moranbah, QLD
    • Hughenden, QLD 
    • Hay, NSW
    • Tumut, NSW
    • Northam, WA
    • Kununurra, WA
    • Kangaroo Island, SA
    • Hamilton, VIC
    • St Helens, TAS 
    • Burnt Pine, Norfolk Island.

    The 10 new Hubs are expected to be operational from mid-2025. 

    Once these open, there will be 56 Regional University Study Hubs located across the country. 

    43 of these Hubs are open and another 3 expected to open by Semester 1, 2025. There are also 10 Suburban University Study Hubs that are expected to be operational by mid-2025.

    Study Hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are doing a university degree without having to leave their community. 

    The evidence shows that where they are, university participation increases. 

    The current 43 Hubs support over 5,200 students, with the most popular courses among students at Regional University Study Hubs are in areas of skills need such as health (34 per cent) and education (17 per cent).

    These 10 new Hubs are part of the Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment to double the number of University Study Hubs across Australia.

    This announcement builds on the first round of new Regional University Study Hubs announced last year, which are located in:

    • East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
    • Victor Harbor, South Australia
    • Warwick, Queensland
    • Chinchilla, Queensland
    • Innisfail, Queensland
    • King Island, Tasmania
    • Katanning, Western Australia
    • The Pilbara (Tom Price and Onslow), Western Australia
    • Central Western Queensland (Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Winton, Boulia, Bedourie, Birdsville and Jundah)
    • East Gippsland (Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, Heyfield and Yarram), Victoria

    The Government also provided additional funding to two existing Regional University Study Hubs located in:

    • Cowra, New South Wales
    • Mudgee, New South Wales

    The new University Study Hubs are part of the Government’s response to the Universities Accord.

    For more information: Regional University Study Hubs – Department of Education, Australian Government

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “Today, almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia. 

    “That’s why we are doubling the number of University Study Hubs, to bring university closer to them.

    “We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni degree. 

    “Bringing university closer to where you live will encourage more people who otherwise might decide not to go to university at all to give it a crack.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development Anthony Chisholm:

    “Each time we open a new hub in a regional, rural or remote community, we’re removing an educational barrier that can stop people from getting a tertiary qualification.

    “These 10 new locations will mean more young people in the regions have the opportunity to stay in their communities and near their support networks while studying a tertiary qualification.”

    MIL OSI News –