Priyanka calls for transparency from EC as SIR row looms over Monsoon Session
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India.com
a few seconds ago
- India.com
India's Pharma Exports Have Shot Up By 92% In Last 6 Years: Minister
New Delhi: Various schemes being implemented by the Centre to realise the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the pharmaceutical sector have resulted in India's exports of drugs and pharmaceuticals increasing by 92 per cent, from Rs 1,28,028 crore in FY2018-19 to Rs 2,45,962 crore in FY2024-25, the Parliament was informed on Friday. The schemes include the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, the PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs, Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks, and Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry scheme, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel told the Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question. The PRIP scheme has been launched with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore to transform India's Pharma MedTech sector from cost- to innovation-based growth by strengthening research and promoting industry-academia linkage for research and development in priority areas in drug discovery and development and medical devices. Under this scheme, seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been set up, she said. The PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals aims to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and contributing to product diversification to high-value goods in the pharmaceutical sector. The minister said that the scheme has enabled enhanced investment and production in eligible products. As of March 2025, the committed investment of Rs 17,275 crore targeted over the six-year period of the scheme stands substantially exceeded with a cumulative investment of Rs 37,306 crore made by the scheme's third year, and cumulative sales of approved products of Rs 2,66,528 crore have been made, including exports of Rs 1,70,807 crore. The PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs, which has a total budgetary outlay of Rs 6,940 crore, aims to avoid disruption in the supply of critical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used to make critical drugs for which there are no alternatives by reducing supply disruption risk due to excessive dependence on a single source. As of March 2025, the committed investment of Rs 3,938.5 crore under projects approved under the scheme for investment over the six-year production period of the scheme stands substantially exceeded with a cumulative investment of Rs 4,570 crore made by the scheme's third year, she further stated. The minister also highlighted that the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all. Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are opened across the country to provide medicines at prices that are about 50 per cent to 80 per cent lower than those of leading branded medicines in the market. Till June 6, 2025, a total of 16,912 JAKs have been opened, and on average, about 10 to 12 lakh persons visit these Kendras daily and avail of quality medicines at affordable prices. As many as 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables and devices are under the scheme product basket, covering all major therapeutic groups, such as cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines and nutraceuticals. As a result of the scheme, in the last 11 years, estimated savings of about Rs 38,000 crore have accrued to citizens in comparison to the prices of branded medicines. Further, the scheme has provided self-employment to over 16,000 persons, including over 6,800 women entrepreneurs, the minister added.
New Indian Express
a few seconds ago
- New Indian Express
TN CM Stalin slams SIR, vows to fight it with ‘democratic weapons'
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday came down heavily on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by charging that the revision is being misused to quietly remove voters from disadvantaged communities, thus tilting the balance in favour of the BJP. 'This is not about reform. It is about engineering outcomes,' Stalin said in his post on X handle. Stating that what happened in Bihar reveals 'the Delhi regime' knows the same electorate that once voted for it would vote it out, the chief minister said,'That is why it is trying to stop them from voting altogether. If you cannot defeat us, you seek to delete us. Don't play with fire. Any threat to our democracy will be met with firm resistance,' Stalin warned. The DMK president also said Tamil Nadu would raise its voice in full force and would fight this injustice with every democratic weapon at its disposal. Using the hashtags #BiharSIR and #QuitSIR, Stalin called upon every citizen who believes in the Constitution to rise against the SIR.
India.com
31 minutes ago
- India.com
Deep As Ocean: PM Modi, Muizzu Affirm Centuries-Old Maldives-India Relation Amidst Reset
New Delhi: In a powerful symbol of renewed cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the enduring bond between India and the Maldives during a state banquet in Malé on Friday, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. During the banquet, hosted in PM Modi's honour, President Muizzu reflected on the shared history between the two nations. 'This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, a milestone that reflects not only our shared history but also the depth and resilience of our partnership,' he said. 'Yet, the bond between our people predates diplomatic formalities. For centuries, the Indian Ocean has witnessed our exchanges as traders, travellers, and neighbours. Today, it continues to unite us with ties that no tide can break.' The banquet marked a significant moment in bilateral diplomacy, with PM Modi becoming the first state guest of President Muizzu's tenure. Modi was also present as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, an honour he described as 'deeply meaningful.' Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This relationship is not just about diplomacy; it's a bond of deep affinity.' He noted that this year also marks the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations, a symbolic and timely coincidence. Modi emphasised the historical and cultural links that continue to define the India-Maldives relationship. 'Our shared heritage is as old as the monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi,' he said, drawing a cultural connection. 'Several words in Dhivehi have come from Indian languages. Our tastes, though different, are remarkably similar.' Highlighting the growing people-to-people ties, Modi shared that the 1 millionth tourist to the Maldives this year was an Indian, underscoring the rising engagement between the citizens of both nations. President Muizzu praised Modi's leadership and congratulated him for becoming India's second-longest-serving Prime Minister. He also thanked the Indian government for its continued support in the Maldives' economic and development journey. 'India has been a true partner and co-passenger on every turn of the Maldives' development path,' Muizzu said, acknowledging India's support in infrastructure, capacity building, and regional security. Reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to building a dynamic, inclusive economy and ensuring regional peace, President Muizzu said India's role is pivotal in realising those aspirations. PM Modi echoed that sentiment. 'Our relationship thrives on goodwill and mutual trust,' he said. 'We are colleagues in the Global South. Today, we have reiterated our commitment to a bright future together, in trade, security, and sustainable development.' The official banquet was attended by top dignitaries from both nations, including Maldivian Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Special Envoy Mohamed Waheed Hassan, and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with senior officials from both governments. This visit marks Prime Minister Modi's first trip to the Maldives since beginning his third term in office.
