Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah launched 'Bharat Taxi' in Gujarat, a cooperative-based mobility platform. The initiative aims to empower 'Sarathis' (drivers) by providing them with ownership stake, respect, security, and prosperity, countering the exploitation often faced in private app-based services. Bharat Taxi seeks to establish a fair and transparent system in the mobility sector, drawing inspiration from successful cooperative models like Amul, IFFCO, and KRIBHCO. It is supported by leading cooperative institutions and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of 'Sahakar Se Samriddhi' (Cooperation for Prosperity). The platform plans to expand to over 500 cities and towns across India.
The article details the 11-year journey and impact of the Digital India Programme, highlighting its role in transforming public service delivery, financial inclusion, healthcare, education, agriculture, and commerce. It outlines the nine pillars of Digital India, key flagship initiatives like the JAM Trinity, UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, eSanjeevani, CoWIN, GeM, ONDC, UMANG, GSTN, PM GatiShakti, AgriStack, DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and IndiaAI Mission. The article emphasizes India's emergence as a global leader in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its efforts to promote inclusive, citizen-centric, and technology-driven development, both domestically and internationally.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Goa's new Captain of Ports Terminal Building, a modern waterfront facility aimed at strengthening maritime administration and supporting sustainable maritime development. The article highlights India's significant progress in the maritime sector under the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030, including increased port capacity, reduced turnaround times, and expansion of National Waterways. It also details Goa's leadership in maritime reforms, such as implementing the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and the prioritization of the Goa Water Metro project, alongside the development of Mormugao Port as India's first Green Port.
The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, presided over the 'MSME Day 2026–Udyami Bharat' event, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering a resilient and technology-driven MSME ecosystem. Key initiatives launched included various digital platforms (PMEGP 2.0, SAMADHAAN 2.0, PMS, MSME Global Mart 2.0, MSME Testing Portal, MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0) and multilingual access for MSME services. The event also saw the felicitation of NSIC for its upgradation to a Schedule 'A' CPSE, the release of books on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund, and the launch of eco-friendly products by KVIC. Speakers emphasized the MSME sector's role as an engine of growth for the Indian economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's commitment, under its upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026, to position the Global South at the core of a secure, resilient, equitable, and sustainable global energy future. This vision, articulated by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, emphasizes the crucial role of both strong domestic policies and robust international partnerships in building resilient energy systems.
Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived in Baltimore, USA, as part of the transoceanic expedition 'Lokayan 26'. The visit, following participation in 'Sail250 Virginia' celebrations, aims to highlight India's maritime heritage and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Indian and United States Navies, embodying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda launched several digital initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to strengthen India's digital health ecosystem. Key launches include Aarogya Setu 2.0 (a comprehensive Personal Health Record application), an enhanced Ayushman App and Ayushman Sarathi (WhatsApp chatbot) for PM-JAY beneficiaries, National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) for standardized claims processing, Unified Health Interface (UHI) for provider discovery, e-Sushrut Clinic for digital clinic management, and registries/standards like Drug Registry, Common LOINC Codes for India (CLCI), and Bharat Health Terminology Service (BHTS) for interoperability. These initiatives, developed by NHA and NRCeS, aim to expand healthcare access, improve efficiency, and standardize health information exchange.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will host the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) in New Delhi. Chaired by the Union Health Minister, the conference will bring together health ministers from States/UTs, MPs, and officials to discuss key policy priorities and strengthen Centre-State collaboration in the health sector. The thematic sessions will focus on 'National Health Mission (NHM) – SDG Goals & Priorities,' 'Food & Drug Reforms,' and 'Allied Health Services.' The CCHFW, constituted under Article 263 of the Constitution, is the apex advisory body for health and family welfare, fostering cooperative federalism.
