US President Donald Trump convened a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday (January 29) as his administration works to cool tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where two US citizens were fatally shot during encounters with immigration agents. The meeting comes amid growing concern that parts of the federal government could shutdown. Senate Democrats are opposing funding for the Department of Homeland Security, demanding reforms after the killing of Alex Pretti. Negotiators are now racing to restructure the funding package to prevent a lapse in government operations.&nbsp;Speaking at the meeting, Trump expressed confidence that lawmakers would reach an agreement in time. “We’re getting close,” he said, adding that he believes Democrats are also eager to avoid a shutdown. “We don’t want to shutdown, and I think we’ll work it out in a bipartisan way.” Trump also said he had a “very productive” phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, saying discussions focused on border security, drug trafficking, and trade relations. He praised Sheinbaum’s leadership and said additional talks and bilateral meetings are planned.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-designates-iran-s-revolutionary-guard-corps-as-terrorist-organisation-1769699319973">EU designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organisation</a>&nbsp;On Venezuela, Trump announced that US oil companies are preparing to re-enter the country to explore drilling opportunities. He said the move would benefit both countries economically. Trump also said that commercial airspace over Venezuela will be reopened and that American travelers will soon be permitted to fly there safely. Addressing West Asia, Trump claimed Hamas played a key role in facilitating the return of hostages and suggested the group may be moving toward disarmament, noting that recovering the final captives would be especially challenging. On the economy front, Trump said he plans to name a new Federal Reserve chair next week and argued that interest rates should be reduced by two to three percentage points.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-happens-if-an-asteroid-hits-the-moon-the-2032-earth-warning-1769705445810/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-happens-if-an-asteroid-hits-the-moon-the-2032-earth-warning-1769705445810/embed</a>

'We are opening all commercial airspace over Venezuela, says US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump convened a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday (January 29) as his administration works to cool tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where two US citizens were fatally shot during encounters with immigration agents. The meeting comes amid growing concern that parts of the federal government could shutdown. Senate Democrats are opposing funding for the Department of Homeland Security, demanding reforms after the killing of Alex Pretti. Negotiators are now racing to restructure the funding package to prevent a lapse in government operations. Speaking at the meeting, Trump expressed confidence that lawmakers would reach an agreement in time. “We’re getting close,” he said, adding that he believes Democrats are also eager to avoid a shutdown. “We don’t want to shutdown, and I think we’ll work it out in a bipartisan way.” Trump also said he had a “very productive” phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, saying discussions focused on border security, drug trafficking, and trade relations. He praised Sheinbaum’s leadership and said additional talks and bilateral meetings are planned. Also Read: EU designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organisation On Venezuela, Trump announced that US oil companies are preparing to re-enter the country to explore drilling opportunities. He said the move would benefit both countries economically. Trump also said that commercial airspace over Venezuela will be reopened and that American travelers will soon be permitted to fly there safely. Addressing West Asia, Trump claimed Hamas played a key role in facilitating the return of hostages and suggested the group may be moving toward disarmament, noting that recovering the final captives would be especially challenging. On the economy front, Trump said he plans to name a new Federal Reserve chair next week and argued that interest rates should be reduced by two to three percentage points. https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-happens-if-an-asteroid-hits-the-moon-the-2032-earth-warning-1769705445810/embed

Trump says a shutdown may be avoided, touts progress with Democrats, border talks with Mexico, oil plans for Venezuela, and hints at Fed leadership changes

'We are opening all commercial airspace over Venezuela', says US President Donald Trump

The Union government on Wednesday (Apr 30) announced that caste-based enumeration will be part of the next Census. The decision came following a cabinet committee on political affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
&ldquo;Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today (April 30, 2025) that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming Census. This demonstrates that our government is committed to the values and interests of our society and the country, like in the past, when our government had introduced 10% reservations for economically weaker sections of society,&rdquo; Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during the cabinet briefing on Wednesday.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-india-warns-pakistan-over-unprovoked-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-9019004">Pahalgam terror attack: India warns Pakistan over unprovoked ceasefire violations along LoC</a>
<h2>Union Minister slams Congress</h2>
Vaishnaw also slammed the Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties for using the caste census as a political tool.
&ldquo;Congress governments have always opposed caste census. Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since Independence. In 2010, then Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh ji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most of the political parties had recommended caste census. Despite this, Congress government decided to conduct merely a survey of caste instead of a caste census. That survey is known as SECC.,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-who-is-former-raw-chief-alok-joshi-new-chairman-of-national-security-advisory-board-9018816">Pahalgam terror attack: Who is former RAW chief Alok Joshi, made new Chairman of National Security Advisory Board?</a>
&ldquo;It is well understood that Congress and its INDI Alliance partners have used caste census only as a political tool. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the subject Census is listed at 69 in the Union list in the Seventh Schedule. According to Constitution of India, Census is a Union subject. Some States have conducted surveys to enumerate caste, some States have done this while some others have conducted such surveys purely from a political angle in a non-transparent way,&rdquo; the minister added.
Vaishnaw explained, &ldquo;Such surveys have created doubts in the society. Considering all these facts, and to ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the Census instead of surveys. This will strengthen the social and economic structure of our society, while the nation continues to progress.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twenty-two-indian-high-commission-members-exit-pakistan-via-attari-wagah-border-9018307">Twenty-two Indian High Commission members exit Pakistan via Attari-Wagah border</a>
<h2>'Committed to social justice'</h2>
"The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today," Home Minister Amit Shah said in an X post in Hindi.
"In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census," he added.
"The Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes, promote inclusion and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-ma3xv25e-vl564fr5-9dgwdus0">
सामाजिक न्याय के लिए संकल्पित मोदी सरकार ने आज एक ऐतिहासिक निर्णय लिया है। प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी के नेतृत्व में आज हुई CCPA की बैठक में, आगामी जनगणना में जातिगत गणना को शामिल करने का निर्णय लेकर सामाजिक समानता और हर वर्ग के अधिकारों के प्रति मजबूत प्रतिबद्धता का&hellip;
&mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1917555423835471945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Centre announces Shillong&ndash;Silchar highway project</h2>
Apart from the inclusion of caste data in the next Census, the centre also announced approval of the Shillong&ndash;Silchar four-lane corridor highway that will connect Meghalaya and Assam. The 166.8-kilometre-long highway project will have an outlay of Rs 22,864 crore.
&ldquo;This highway will provide connectivity to people of Manipur and Mizoram, this project will be considered under hybrid mode,&rdquo; he said.
Watch | India-Pak tensions: LeT proxy TRF responsible for killing 26 civilians in Phalgam
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/3004_ARJUN_UNSC_11AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3004_ARJUN_UNSC_11AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=265&amp;tags=india, pakistan, pahalgam , terrorism" title="India-Pak tensions: LeT proxy TRF responsible for killing 26 civilians in Phalgam" id="PL_iframe_block-ma3wre0n-vk6oiuww-ssvllljk"></iframe>

Vaishnaw also slammed the Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties for using the caste census as a political tool. India news

The Union government on Wednesday (Apr 30) announced that caste-based enumeration will be part of the next Census. The decision came following a cabinet committee on political affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today (April 30, 2025) that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming Census. This demonstrates that our government is committed to the values and interests of our society and the country, like in the past, when our government had introduced 10% reservations for economically weaker sections of society,” Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during the cabinet briefing on Wednesday. Also read | Pahalgam terror attack: India warns Pakistan over unprovoked ceasefire violations along LoC Union Minister slams Congress Vaishnaw also slammed the Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties for using the caste census as a political tool. “Congress governments have always opposed caste census. Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since Independence. In 2010, then Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh ji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most of the political parties had recommended caste census. Despite this, Congress government decided to conduct merely a survey of caste instead of a caste census. That survey is known as SECC.,” he said. Also read | Pahalgam terror attack: Who is former RAW chief Alok Joshi, made new Chairman of National Security Advisory Board? “It is well understood that Congress and its INDI Alliance partners have used caste census only as a political tool. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the subject Census is listed at 69 in the Union list in the Seventh Schedule. According to Constitution of India, Census is a Union subject. Some States have conducted surveys to enumerate caste, some States have done this while some others have conducted such surveys purely from a political angle in a non-transparent way,” the minister added. Vaishnaw explained, “Such surveys have created doubts in the society. Considering all these facts, and to ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the Census instead of surveys. This will strengthen the social and economic structure of our society, while the nation continues to progress.” Also read | Twenty-two Indian High Commission members exit Pakistan via Attari-Wagah border 'Committed to social justice' "The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today," Home Minister Amit Shah said in an X post in Hindi. "In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census," he added. "The Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes, promote inclusion and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived." सामाजिक न्याय के लिए संकल्पित मोदी सरकार ने आज एक ऐतिहासिक निर्णय लिया है। प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के नेतृत्व में आज हुई CCPA की बैठक में, आगामी जनगणना में जातिगत गणना को शामिल करने का निर्णय लेकर सामाजिक समानता और हर वर्ग के अधिकारों के प्रति मजबूत प्रतिबद्धता का… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 30, 2025 Centre announces Shillong–Silchar highway project Apart from the inclusion of caste data in the next Census, the centre also announced approval of the Shillong–Silchar four-lane corridor highway that will connect Meghalaya and Assam. The 166.8-kilometre-long highway project will have an outlay of Rs 22,864 crore. “This highway will provide connectivity to people of Manipur and Mizoram, this project will be considered under hybrid mode,” he said. Watch | India-Pak tensions: LeT proxy TRF responsible for killing 26 civilians in Phalgam

‘Committed to the values’: Centre announces caste enumeration to be part of next Census

The atmosphere inside the Cabinet Room of the White house was tense as US President Donald Trump silently watched a volley of attacks exchanged between billionaire advisor Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mr Musk accused Mr Rubio of not firing enough staff, while the latter laid out elaborate plans of reorganising the State Department, The New York Times reported.

Elon Musk vs Marco Rubio: What Happened In Explosive Cabinet Meeting | WION Pulse

The shadow housing secretary criticised the former prime minister over election blunders at the first shadow cabinet meeting. Kemi Badenoch "ripped into" Rishi Sunak over the Tory election campaign at the first shadow cabinet meeting today, according to reports.

UK: Rishi Sunak's first shadow cabinet meet descends into chaos

India suspense over portfolio allocations for India's newly elected government finally comes to an end. The list of cabinet Ministries and assigned leaders is out. The ruling BJP has retained key Ministries in its fold. Watch in for more details!

Modi 3.0 Cabinet Portfolio List Announced: BJP retains important ministries

Modi 3.0 Cabinet Portfolio list announced: Finance, home, defence remain in BJP fold

Modi 3.0 Cabinet Portfolio list announced: NDA allies get cabinet berths

Modi 3.0 Cabinet Portfolio list announced: NDA government releases portfolio list | Race To Power

The Modi government 3.0 is set to get on its way the day after Prime Minister Modi and 72 Ministers of his new coalition government took oath. All eyes are now on the distribution of portfolios in the new Modi cabinet. Reportedly, the cabinet is likely to meet this evening.

Modi 3.0 government: Cabinet meeting underway, suspense over portfolios continues

Modi 3.0 government: First meeting of the new cabinet today

Modi 3.0: Swearing-in done; all eyes on portfolios

As India prepares to exercise its electoral franchise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting on Sunday (Mar 17) where ministers were instructed to draft a roadmap for the first 100 days of the next term and the subsequent five years, reports said citing sources familiar with the matter.

The PM instructed ministers to engage with secretaries and officials from their ministries to discuss strategies for executing the agenda for the first 100 days, and for the next five years, as India's Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) follows a five-year electoral cycle.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India has already announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Reports said that the cabinet also initiated the process of notifying the dates of the seven-phase parliamentary elections by sending the Election Commission's recommendations to President Droupadi Murmu. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-urges-people-to-climb-down-from-light-tower-during-rally-in-andhra-pradesh-701217">PM Modi urges people to climb down from light tower during rally in Andhra Pradesh</a>

The electoral process will kick off with the issuance of the first notification on March 20. The first phase of polls, as per ECI, is scheduled for April 19. After the poll dates announcement by ECI, PM Modi wrote on X, "The biggest festival of democracy is here! EC has announced the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates. We, the BJP-NDA, are fully prepared for elections. We are going to the people on the basis of our track record of good governance and service delivery across sectors."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-property-dealer-shot-then-beaten-in-suspected-gang-rivalry-at-highway-eatery-near-pune-701215">Property dealer shot, then beaten in suspected gang rivalry at highway eatery near Pune</a>

As the tenure of the current Lok Sabha draws to a close on June 16, all eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a towering figure in Indian politics commanding both domestic and international acclaim, poised for yet another electoral battle as he seeks a third term in office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier in March, Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers engaged in discussions regarding the vision document for "Viksit Bharat: 2047". They drafted a comprehensive action plan for the upcoming five years. It also focused on a 100-day agenda for the new government.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-forest-fire-blazes-in-nilgiris-for-the-sixth-day-100s-of-acres-charred-701200">India: Forest fire blazes in Nilgiris for the sixth day, 100s of acres charred</a>

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"More than 2,700 meetings, workshops, and seminars were held at various levels. Suggestions of more than 20 lakh youths were received," an official reportedly said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As India prepares to exercise its electoral franchise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting on Sunday (Mar 17) where ministers were instructed to draft a roadmap for the first 100 days of the next term and the subsequent five years, reports said citing sources familiar with the matter.

As India prepares to exercise its electoral franchise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting on Sunday (Mar 17) where ministers were instructed to draft a roadmap for the first 100 days of the next term and the subsequent five years, reports said citing sources familiar with the matter. The PM instructed ministers to engage with secretaries and officials from their ministries to discuss strategies for executing the agenda for the first 100 days, and for the next five years, as India's Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) follows a five-year electoral cycle. The Election Commission of India has already announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Reports said that the cabinet also initiated the process of notifying the dates of the seven-phase parliamentary elections by sending the Election Commission's recommendations to President Droupadi Murmu. Also Read | PM Modi urges people to climb down from light tower during rally in Andhra Pradesh The electoral process will kick off with the issuance of the first notification on March 20. The first phase of polls, as per ECI, is scheduled for April 19. After the poll dates announcement by ECI, PM Modi wrote on X, "The biggest festival of democracy is here! EC has announced the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates. We, the BJP-NDA, are fully prepared for elections. We are going to the people on the basis of our track record of good governance and service delivery across sectors." Also Read | Property dealer shot, then beaten in suspected gang rivalry at highway eatery near Pune As the tenure of the current Lok Sabha draws to a close on June 16, all eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a towering figure in Indian politics commanding both domestic and international acclaim, poised for yet another electoral battle as he seeks a third term in office. Earlier in March, Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers engaged in discussions regarding the vision document for "Viksit Bharat: 2047". They drafted a comprehensive action plan for the upcoming five years. It also focused on a 100-day agenda for the new government. Watch | India: Forest fire blazes in Nilgiris for the sixth day, 100s of acres charred × "More than 2,700 meetings, workshops, and seminars were held at various levels. Suggestions of more than 20 lakh youths were received," an official reportedly said. (With inputs from agencies)

In cabinet meet, PM Modi asks ministers to chart roadmap for first 100 days of 3rd term

Indian Prime Minister has an ambition for India. PM Modi chaired the Council of Ministers meeting on March 3. In the meeting PM Modi chalked out a plan for the next five years to work on the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.

All about PM Modi's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision

The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the&nbsp;Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Additionally, the cabinet announced the launch of the PM e-Bus Seva Scheme and allotted billions to Indian Railways and for the Digital India initiative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During a briefing on Union Cabinet decisions, Railway Minister Ashiwini&nbsp;Vaishnaw said seven railway projects worth&nbsp;325 billion rupees ($3.91 billion) to improve connectivity and mobility across nine states had been approved.

Vaishnaw said the projects were the result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-modal&nbsp;connectivity. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have been included in it.&nbsp;

<h2>Vishwakarma Yojana approved&nbsp;</h2>

Additionally,&nbsp;Vaishnaw announced the approval of the&nbsp;Vishwakarma Yojana. The scheme is aimed&nbsp;at improving the grade, ranking and reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and incorporating them with the domestic and global value chain.

"The PM in Union Cabinet meeting today approved ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme to support people with traditional skills. Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided on liberal terms," informed the minister.&nbsp;

Notably,&nbsp;on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi said the scheme was directed towards&nbsp;skilled workers such as barbers, goldsmiths and washermen among others.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-launch-of-vishwakarma-yojana-for-those-with-traditional-skills-625611">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi announces launch of Vishwakarma Yojana for those with traditional skills</a>

<h2>Digital India initiative&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

As for the Digital India campaign, Vaishnaw said the cabinet had approved an outlay of $1.7 billion (Rs 14,903 crore) for five years.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister in the cabinet meeting has approved the Digital India programme with an outlay of Rs 14,903 crore," Vaishnaw said.

Under the expansion, 525,000 IT professionals will undergo upskilling while 265,000 people will be trained for cybersecurity. The mobile-based Umang application will get 540 more services, up from the current 1,700.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/independence-day-2023-indian-pm-addresses-the-nation-says-modi-reform-perform-transform-625538">Watch |&nbsp;Independence Day 2023: Indian PM addresses the nation, says ‘Modi reform, perform, transform’</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>PM e-Bus Seva announced</h2>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Union Minister Anurag Thakur conveyed the approval of the&nbsp;PM e-Bus Seva for which nearly $7 billion (Rs 57,613 crores) will be spent.&nbsp;

"PM e-Bus Seva has been given approval. Rs 57,613 crores will be spent on this. Around 10,000 new electric buses will be provided across the country," said Thakur.&nbsp;

"Out of Rs 57,613 crores, Rs 20,000 crores will be provided by the central government. The scheme will cover cities with population of 3 lakh&nbsp;and above," he added.&nbsp;

Notably, under the scheme, city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model will start. This scheme will support bus operations for 10 years.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Additionally, the cabinet announced the launch of the PM e-Bus Seva Scheme and allotted billions to Indian Railways and for the Digital India initiative. During a briefing on Union Cabinet decisions, Railway Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw said seven railway projects worth 325 billion rupees ($3.91 billion) to improve connectivity and mobility across nine states had been approved. Vaishnaw said the projects were the result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-modal connectivity. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have been included in it. Vishwakarma Yojana approved Additionally, Vaishnaw announced the approval of the Vishwakarma Yojana. The scheme is aimed at improving the grade, ranking and reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and incorporating them with the domestic and global value chain. "The PM in Union Cabinet meeting today approved ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme to support people with traditional skills. Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided on liberal terms," informed the minister. Notably, on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi said the scheme was directed towards skilled workers such as barbers, goldsmiths and washermen among others. Also read | PM Modi announces launch of Vishwakarma Yojana for those with traditional skills Digital India initiative As for the Digital India campaign, Vaishnaw said the cabinet had approved an outlay of $1.7 billion (Rs 14,903 crore) for five years. "The Prime Minister in the cabinet meeting has approved the Digital India programme with an outlay of Rs 14,903 crore," Vaishnaw said. Under the expansion, 525,000 IT professionals will undergo upskilling while 265,000 people will be trained for cybersecurity. The mobile-based Umang application will get 540 more services, up from the current 1,700. Watch | Independence Day 2023: Indian PM addresses the nation, says ‘Modi reform, perform, transform’ × PM e-Bus Seva announced Meanwhile, Union Minister Anurag Thakur conveyed the approval of the PM e-Bus Seva for which nearly $7 billion (Rs 57,613 crores) will be spent. "PM e-Bus Seva has been given approval. Rs 57,613 crores will be spent on this. Around 10,000 new electric buses will be provided across the country," said Thakur. "Out of Rs 57,613 crores, Rs 20,000 crores will be provided by the central government. The scheme will cover cities with population of 3 lakh and above," he added. Notably, under the scheme, city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model will start. This scheme will support bus operations for 10 years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Cabinet approves funding for railways, e-buses, Digital India. Key points

US President Joe Biden held his first in-person Cabinet meeting one day after announcing his massive infrastructure plan.

Biden, at the meeting on Thursday afternoon, tasked five members of his Cabinet to take the lead on selling the infrastructure proposal to the American people&nbsp;and Congress.

The US president, in brief remarks at the top of the meeting, announced that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would take on the additional responsibility.

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A Cabinet that looks like America. <a href="https://t.co/XZNOSTE2GJ">pic.twitter.com/XZNOSTE2GJ</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1377792787211505666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I want to thank them in advance for the role they're going to play with this added assignment I'm asking them to take on. And we'll be discussing that today, among other things," Biden said of the meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-outlines-far-reaching-plan-to-reengineer-us-infrastructure-374638">Also read |&nbsp;Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure</a>

Biden also issued a directive to his Cabinet members, asking them to follow through on the "Buy American" executive action he took back in January.

Vice President Kamala Harris and White House chief of staff Ron Klain, both members of the Cabinet, were in attendance. And so were the 15 confirmed head of departments, plus seven Cabinet-level department heads.

The full Cabinet did not meet in the room that bears its name, and instead assembled in the more spacious East Room to allow for social distancing. All attendees, including the president, wore masks.&nbsp;

The focus of the meeting remained on packaging the benefits of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that Biden signed into law in March.

US President Joe Biden held his first in-person Cabinet meeting one day after announcing his massive infrastructure plan. Biden, at the meeting on Thursday afternoon, tasked five members of his Cabinet to take the lead on selling the infrastructure proposal to the American people and Congress.

US President Joe Biden held his first in-person Cabinet meeting one day after announcing his massive infrastructure plan. Biden, at the meeting on Thursday afternoon, tasked five members of his Cabinet to take the lead on selling the infrastructure proposal to the American people and Congress. The US president, in brief remarks at the top of the meeting, announced that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would take on the additional responsibility. A Cabinet that looks like America. pic.twitter.com/XZNOSTE2GJ — President Biden (@POTUS) April 2, 2021 × "I want to thank them in advance for the role they're going to play with this added assignment I'm asking them to take on. And we'll be discussing that today, among other things," Biden said of the meeting. Also read | Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure Biden also issued a directive to his Cabinet members, asking them to follow through on the "Buy American" executive action he took back in January. Vice President Kamala Harris and White House chief of staff Ron Klain, both members of the Cabinet, were in attendance. And so were the 15 confirmed head of departments, plus seven Cabinet-level department heads. The full Cabinet did not meet in the room that bears its name, and instead assembled in the more spacious East Room to allow for social distancing. All attendees, including the president, wore masks. The focus of the meeting remained on packaging the benefits of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that Biden signed into law in March.

Biden holds first Cabinet meeting a day after proposing infrastructure plan

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Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats.

Javadekar was addressing the media at a cabinet briefing in Delhi.

"Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we took several important decisions today. One of the decision was to approve 75 new medical colleges. It will cost around Rs 24 thousand crores and create an additional 15 thousand new seats in MBBS," the union minister said.

He said that these institutes will be set up in under-served areas where there are no medical colleges.

"In the last five years, over 45 thousand new seats have been created in MBBS and PG. This is the biggest ever expansion of medical education facilities throughout the world," Javadekar said.&nbsp;
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Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats. Javadekar was addressing the media at a cabinet briefing in Delhi. "Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we took several important decisions today. One of the decision was to approve 75 new medical colleges. It will cost around Rs 24 thousand crores and create an additional 15 thousand new seats in MBBS," the union minister said. He said that these institutes will be set up in under-served areas where there are no medical colleges. "In the last five years, over 45 thousand new seats have been created in MBBS and PG. This is the biggest ever expansion of medical education facilities throughout the world," Javadekar said.

Cabinet approves 75 new medical colleges to be established by 2022

Amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-rebel-legislators-knock-supreme-courts-door-234523">political upheaval in Karnataka</a>, a meeting of the state Cabinet will be held on Thursday at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, the Cabinet meeting will have all the ministers as they have only submitted their resignations to their party presidents, not to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

The meeting comes a day after Karnataka Water Minister DK Shivakumar, who went to Mumbai to meet the rebel MLAs staying at a hotel there, was detained by Mumbai Police and not allowed to meet the rebel MLAs.

Shivakumar, who returned to Bengaluru late on Wednesday, said it was a "matter of shame" that he was "forcefully deported" back to Bengaluru.

"Mumbai is known for its hospitality. I had booked a room there and was on an official visit to meet my friends and colleagues, but BJP and officials misused their authority. It's a matter of shame," Shivakumar told ANI.

Soon after Shivakumar, rebel Karnataka Congress MLA ST Somashekar also returned to Bengaluru from Mumbai. Somashekhar, who is the Chairman of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), is expected to attend a meeting of the BDA scheduled to take place later today.

"I have come back. I will be here in Bengaluru; I am not going back to Mumbai. I have resigned, (but) I am in Congress party," Somashekar told ANI after returning to Bengaluru.

Somashekar, along with nine other MLAs of Congress and JDS, was staying at the Renaissance - Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel.

Shivakumar had reached the hotel in Mumbai on Wednesday morning to pacify the rebel MLAs.

He was, however, forced to sit outside the hotel after being denied entry.

Later, Mumbai Police detained Shivakumar, Milind Deora and other Congressmen and kept them at Kalinga University rest house.

The 13-month old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week. Congress'&nbsp;Roshan Baig and independent H Nagesh have also deserted the HD Kumaraswamy government.

The Congress has been accusing the BJP of conspiring to topple the coalition government in Karnataka.

The ruling alliance is making all efforts to protect its government which seems to have fallen short of a majority.

The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.&nbsp;

Amid the political upheaval in Karnataka, a meeting of the state Cabinet will be held on Thursday at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the Cabinet meeting will have all the ministers as they have only submitted their resignations to their party presidents, not to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

Amid the political upheaval in Karnataka, a meeting of the state Cabinet will be held on Thursday at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the Cabinet meeting will have all the ministers as they have only submitted their resignations to their party presidents, not to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. The meeting comes a day after Karnataka Water Minister DK Shivakumar, who went to Mumbai to meet the rebel MLAs staying at a hotel there, was detained by Mumbai Police and not allowed to meet the rebel MLAs. Shivakumar, who returned to Bengaluru late on Wednesday, said it was a "matter of shame" that he was "forcefully deported" back to Bengaluru. "Mumbai is known for its hospitality. I had booked a room there and was on an official visit to meet my friends and colleagues, but BJP and officials misused their authority. It's a matter of shame," Shivakumar told ANI. Soon after Shivakumar, rebel Karnataka Congress MLA ST Somashekar also returned to Bengaluru from Mumbai. Somashekhar, who is the Chairman of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), is expected to attend a meeting of the BDA scheduled to take place later today. "I have come back. I will be here in Bengaluru; I am not going back to Mumbai. I have resigned, (but) I am in Congress party," Somashekar told ANI after returning to Bengaluru. Somashekar, along with nine other MLAs of Congress and JDS, was staying at the Renaissance - Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel. Shivakumar had reached the hotel in Mumbai on Wednesday morning to pacify the rebel MLAs. He was, however, forced to sit outside the hotel after being denied entry. Later, Mumbai Police detained Shivakumar, Milind Deora and other Congressmen and kept them at Kalinga University rest house. The 13-month old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week. Congress' Roshan Baig and independent H Nagesh have also deserted the HD Kumaraswamy government. The Congress has been accusing the BJP of conspiring to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. The ruling alliance is making all efforts to protect its government which seems to have fallen short of a majority. The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.

Amidst crisis, Kumaraswamy to chair cabinet meeting today

The Government of India on Thursday announced the constitution of various Cabinet committees, Home Minister Amit Shah is part of all 8 panels. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Government announces 8 Cabinet panels, Amit Shah part of all

In a bid to spur investment and create new employment opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday set up two Cabinet committees to deal with the two crucial issues.

PM Modi forms two cabinet panels to spur investment and employment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/great-honour-to-be-part-of-govt-will-keep-away-this-time-arun-jaitley-in-letter-to-pm-222463">Finance Minister&nbsp;Arun Jaitley</a> at his residence&nbsp;today.

According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government.

Modi also enquired about Jaitley's health and well being, reports added.

Specific details about the meeting was not known immediately but the visit was possibly to convey a message that Jaitley is valued, appreciated and wanted by him and his government.

Earlier today, Jaitley has written a letter to Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;'Allow me reasonable time for myself', says Arun Jaitley

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arun-jaitley-allow-me-reasonable-time-for-myself-222472/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader.

A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government.

He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence today. According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence today. According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government. Modi also enquired about Jaitley's health and well being, reports added. Specific details about the meeting was not known immediately but the visit was possibly to convey a message that Jaitley is valued, appreciated and wanted by him and his government. Earlier today, Jaitley has written a letter to Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons. Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week. Watch: 'Allow me reasonable time for myself', says Arun Jaitley He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader. A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government. He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

PM Narendra Modi visits Arun Jaitley; urges him to reconsider opting out of government

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/dont-get-disheartened-by-lok-sabha-defeat-look-forward-to-assembly-polls-kejriwal-to-party-workers-221864">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Monday held a Cabinet meeting to review the ongoing developmental work in the national capital.

Present in the meeting were senior cabinet colleagues like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister Development, Labour &amp; Employment, General Administration Gopal Rai and others.

Kejriwal on Sunday motivated party workers and asked them not to get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year.

He urged the AAP volunteers to go to "people of Delhi and ask them if Delhi had elected a BJP state government four years ago, would schools have been transformed, would mohalla clinics have been made, would doorstep delivery be started?"

AAP got a massive jolt from the BJP and got decimated to zero in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. AAP, which is running the government in Delhi, slipped down to the third position with a vote share of a little over 18 per cent, while BJP got over 56 per cent and Congress over 22 per cent.

Three of AAP's candidates lost their deposits getting less than 16.66 per cent votes.

&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday held a Cabinet meeting to review the ongoing developmental work in the national capital. Present in the meeting were senior cabinet colleagues like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister Development, Labour & Employment, General Administration Gopal Rai and others.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday held a Cabinet meeting to review the ongoing developmental work in the national capital. Present in the meeting were senior cabinet colleagues like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister Development, Labour & Employment, General Administration Gopal Rai and others. Kejriwal on Sunday motivated party workers and asked them not to get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year. He urged the AAP volunteers to go to "people of Delhi and ask them if Delhi had elected a BJP state government four years ago, would schools have been transformed, would mohalla clinics have been made, would doorstep delivery be started?" AAP got a massive jolt from the BJP and got decimated to zero in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. AAP, which is running the government in Delhi, slipped down to the third position with a vote share of a little over 18 per cent, while BJP got over 56 per cent and Congress over 22 per cent. Three of AAP's candidates lost their deposits getting less than 16.66 per cent votes.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal holds cabinet meeting to review development work

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said.

Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations.

They had been urging the government to bring an ordinance to restore the 200-point roster taking college or university as a unit for reservation in teaching posts.

The University Grants Commission had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates, following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April 2017.

The Supreme Court had last month dismissed a review petition filed by the HRD Ministry after its special leave petition against the court order was rejected by the apex court. 
Javadekar had said in the Lok Sabha on February 11 that the government can "bring an ordinance if its review petition filed in the top court is rejected".&nbsp;

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said. Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations.

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said. Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations. They had been urging the government to bring an ordinance to restore the 200-point roster taking college or university as a unit for reservation in teaching posts. The University Grants Commission had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates, following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April 2017. The Supreme Court had last month dismissed a review petition filed by the HRD Ministry after its special leave petition against the court order was rejected by the apex court. Javadekar had said in the Lok Sabha on February 11 that the government can "bring an ordinance if its review petition filed in the top court is rejected".

Cabinet clears ordinance on reservation roster for faculty positions in varsities

India will sell a 10 per cent stake in state-controlled Housing &amp; Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) through an initial public offering, Telecoms Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting. 
 
The government wants to raise 565 billion rupees ($8.42 billion) from the sale of stakes in state-owned enterprises in the 2016/17 financial year. That is 19 per cent lower than last year&#39;s target, which the government failed to hit. 
(Reuters)

Partial privatisation to raise $8.42 billion

India will sell a 10 per cent stake in state-controlled Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) through an initial public offering, Telecoms Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting. The government wants to raise 565 billion rupees ($8.42 billion) from the sale of stakes in state-owned enterprises in the 2016/17 financial year. That is 19 per cent lower than last year's target, which the government failed to hit. (Reuters)

India to sell 10% of state-controlled Housing and Urban Development Corporation

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