Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his one-day visit to war-torn Ukraine on Friday (Aug 23). This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Modi's visit also comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine rages on.

PM Modi's Ukraine visit: Zelensky addresses his condemnation of 'Modi-Putin' hug

After the Modi-Putin hug in Moscow, Modi-Zelensky embrace in Kyiv

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 23) presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita &amp; Maitri) Cubes during a one-day visit to the war-torn nation, hailed as historic by observers. The cubes are designed to help expedite treatment for injured and are expected to help Ukrainians as they battle out Russian forces.

<h2>What are BHISHM cubes?</h2>

The BHISHM stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita &amp; Maitri, which roughly translates to India’s spirit of cooperation and friendship.

The BHISHM cubes are compact, portable and intended to provide first-line care in emergencies. These can prove to be critical assets in times of war-related situations and medical emergencies, especially in Ukraine which witnesses fatal attacks from Russia almost every day.

Also read:&nbsp;Indian PM in Ukraine: PM Modi gets rousing welcome from Indian diaspora

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The cubes are equipped with modern medical equipment, essential medicines and health materials. All supplies required to treat injuries such as trauma, bleeding, burns, and fractures are stocked in abundance, making them a preferred destination for wounded troopers on the front lines.

Thanks to these facilities, one BHISHM cube can accommodate 10-15 surgeries per day, helping doctors conduct right from minor operations to more complex surgeries. One such cube can handle more than 200 cases every day, especially in remote areas where medical facilities are not available readily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwid0Ju_zIuIAxVkePUHHa7YKd4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-begins-his-one-day-visit-to-war-torn-ukraine-752618" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-begins-his-one-day-visit-to-war-torn-ukraine-752618&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid0Ju_zIuIAxVkePUHHa7YKd4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Indian PM Narendra Modi visits war-torn Ukraine, meets Zelensky</a>

These cubes are designed to function even when the external power source is not available as they have the ability to generate power as well. In extreme cases, these cubes can also be used to generate limited oxygen for medical use.

To help Ukraine&nbsp;use these cubes effectively, India has deployed a team of experts to the war-torn nation. The team will impart necessary training to Ukrainian personnel, helping them save the lives of injured soldiers and medics.

India’s Ministry for External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said the move to provide Ukraine with four BHISHM cubes “underscores India’s continued commitment to provide humanitarian assistance.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 23) presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes during a one-day visit to the war-torn nation, hailed as historic by observers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 23) presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes during a one-day visit to the war-torn nation, hailed as historic by observers. The cubes are designed to help expedite treatment for injured and are expected to help Ukrainians as they battle out Russian forces. What are BHISHM cubes? The BHISHM stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri, which roughly translates to India’s spirit of cooperation and friendship. The BHISHM cubes are compact, portable and intended to provide first-line care in emergencies. These can prove to be critical assets in times of war-related situations and medical emergencies, especially in Ukraine which witnesses fatal attacks from Russia almost every day. Also read: Indian PM in Ukraine: PM Modi gets rousing welcome from Indian diaspora × The cubes are equipped with modern medical equipment, essential medicines and health materials. All supplies required to treat injuries such as trauma, bleeding, burns, and fractures are stocked in abundance, making them a preferred destination for wounded troopers on the front lines. Thanks to these facilities, one BHISHM cube can accommodate 10-15 surgeries per day, helping doctors conduct right from minor operations to more complex surgeries. One such cube can handle more than 200 cases every day, especially in remote areas where medical facilities are not available readily. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi visits war-torn Ukraine, meets Zelensky These cubes are designed to function even when the external power source is not available as they have the ability to generate power as well. In extreme cases, these cubes can also be used to generate limited oxygen for medical use. To help Ukraine use these cubes effectively, India has deployed a team of experts to the war-torn nation. The team will impart necessary training to Ukrainian personnel, helping them save the lives of injured soldiers and medics. India’s Ministry for External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said the move to provide Ukraine with four BHISHM cubes “underscores India’s continued commitment to provide humanitarian assistance.” (With inputs from agencies)

What are BHISHM cubes, gifted by PM Modi to Ukraine during historic Kyiv visit?

PM Modi in Ukraine: PM Modi meets Zelensky in Kyiv amid war, sign 4 pacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's stand of "dialogue and diplomacy" to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said today. The Prime Minister, Mr Jaishankar, stressed "India's willingness to contribute in all ways possible". The two leaders also discussed PM Modi's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Moscow in July, he added.

Indian PM in Ukraine: EAM Jaishankar speaks about PM Modi's Kyiv visit

Indian PM in Ukraine: EAM Jaishankar pushes for peace in Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, arrived in Warsaw Poland on what is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years. During his visit, PM Modi will hold meetings with his Polish counterpart and the President, and will also engage with the Indian community.

PM Modi In Poland: PM Modi meets PM Tusk, holds bilateral talks

PM Modi In Poland: Post Poland, PM Modi to head to Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said no conflict could be resolved on a battlefield as he spoke in Poland on the eve of his historic visit to war-torn Ukraine.&nbsp;

Modi will be the first Indian premier to make a Ukraine trip and is the first in 45 years to visit Poland, Kyiv's loyal ally that is a key transit for foreign leaders heading to its war-torn neighbour.&nbsp;

The Indian government has avoided explicit condemnations of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, instead urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.&nbsp;

"It is India's strong belief that no problem can be resolved on a battlefield," Modi said in Warsaw, adding his country supports "dialogue and diplomacy for restoration of peace and stability as soon as possible".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-an-era-of-war-pm-modi-sets-ukraine-peace-pitch-from-polands-warsaw-752083">Also read:&nbsp;'Not an era of war': PM Modi repeats Ukraine peace pitch from Poland's Warsaw</a>

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed Modi and his delegation at the seat of government, with flags of both countries hoisted outside the building and their anthems played by the military band.&nbsp;

"History has taught our nations the importance of respecting the rules, respecting borders, territorial integrity," Tusk said as he spoke to reporters alongside the Indian leader.&nbsp;

Tusk also added that Modi "reaffirmed his willingness to commit himself personally to a peaceful, just, quick end to the war".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;PM Modi in Poland: Why the visit is so significant

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After the talks, Modi will lay a wreath at a war memorial in central Warsaw before heading for talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda.&nbsp;

Later on Thursday, the Indian leader is expected to leave the Polish capital to travel to neighbouring Ukraine for his first visit to the country fighting to stave off the Russian invasion.&nbsp;

Modi has trodden a delicate balance between maintaining India's historically warm ties with Russia while courting closer security partnerships with Western nations as a bulwark against regional rival China.&nbsp;

"As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region," Modi said in a statement published Wednesday before his departure for Poland. In Kyiv, Modi will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and "share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict," the statement added.&nbsp;

<h2>Drastic expansion</h2>

On Wednesday, Modi commemorated an Indian maharaja who sheltered Polish children during World War II, laying flowers at the marble lotus-crowned monument erected in Warsaw in honour of the maharaja.&nbsp;

In a little-known story linking the two nations, the maharaja hosted Polish children in what is now Gujarat, Modi's home state where he was chief minister before launching his national political career.&nbsp;

The Indian leader announced a youth exchange programme named after the maharaja, under which 20 Polish young people would be invited to India each year.&nbsp;

"We are finally starting to have the right level of political and diplomatic relations," Polish deputy foreign minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski said about the visit.&nbsp;

He said Warsaw was counting on cooperation with India "in the agricultural sector, in the IT sector, in the security sector, in the new technology sector, especially green technology".&nbsp;

Modi on Wednesday delivered a speech in Hindi to the Indian community in Warsaw, promising "a drastic expansion of Indian economy in coming years".&nbsp;

He is expected to meet with Leszek Balcerowicz, a former Polish finance minister and free market pioneer who steered Poland's economic transition from communism to capitalism in the early 1990s.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Embassy, Modi will also meet captains of kabaddi teams,&nbsp;a tag-meets-rugby contact team sport rooted in Indian mythology and said to date back 5,000 years.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said no conflict could be resolved on a battlefield as he spoke in Poland on the eve of his historic visit to war-torn Ukraine.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said no conflict could be resolved on a battlefield as he spoke in Poland on the eve of his historic visit to war-torn Ukraine. Modi will be the first Indian premier to make a Ukraine trip and is the first in 45 years to visit Poland, Kyiv's loyal ally that is a key transit for foreign leaders heading to its war-torn neighbour. The Indian government has avoided explicit condemnations of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, instead urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue. "It is India's strong belief that no problem can be resolved on a battlefield," Modi said in Warsaw, adding his country supports "dialogue and diplomacy for restoration of peace and stability as soon as possible". Also read: 'Not an era of war': PM Modi repeats Ukraine peace pitch from Poland's Warsaw Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed Modi and his delegation at the seat of government, with flags of both countries hoisted outside the building and their anthems played by the military band. "History has taught our nations the importance of respecting the rules, respecting borders, territorial integrity," Tusk said as he spoke to reporters alongside the Indian leader. Tusk also added that Modi "reaffirmed his willingness to commit himself personally to a peaceful, just, quick end to the war". Watch | PM Modi in Poland: Why the visit is so significant × After the talks, Modi will lay a wreath at a war memorial in central Warsaw before heading for talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda. Later on Thursday, the Indian leader is expected to leave the Polish capital to travel to neighbouring Ukraine for his first visit to the country fighting to stave off the Russian invasion. Modi has trodden a delicate balance between maintaining India's historically warm ties with Russia while courting closer security partnerships with Western nations as a bulwark against regional rival China. "As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region," Modi said in a statement published Wednesday before his departure for Poland. In Kyiv, Modi will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and "share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict," the statement added. Drastic expansion On Wednesday, Modi commemorated an Indian maharaja who sheltered Polish children during World War II, laying flowers at the marble lotus-crowned monument erected in Warsaw in honour of the maharaja. In a little-known story linking the two nations, the maharaja hosted Polish children in what is now Gujarat, Modi's home state where he was chief minister before launching his national political career. The Indian leader announced a youth exchange programme named after the maharaja, under which 20 Polish young people would be invited to India each year. "We are finally starting to have the right level of political and diplomatic relations," Polish deputy foreign minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski said about the visit. He said Warsaw was counting on cooperation with India "in the agricultural sector, in the IT sector, in the security sector, in the new technology sector, especially green technology". Modi on Wednesday delivered a speech in Hindi to the Indian community in Warsaw, promising "a drastic expansion of Indian economy in coming years". He is expected to meet with Leszek Balcerowicz, a former Polish finance minister and free market pioneer who steered Poland's economic transition from communism to capitalism in the early 1990s. According to the Indian Embassy, Modi will also meet captains of kabaddi teams, a tag-meets-rugby contact team sport rooted in Indian mythology and said to date back 5,000 years. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'No problem can be resolved on battlefield': PM Modi urges peace ahead of Ukraine visit

Top Indian business man of Ukraine Rajeev Gupta described the ongoing situation in the country. Rajeev played a role in terms of evacuation of Indian students when war broke down in 2022, including by providing them food, water. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kyiv, he said, 'along with MEA, first humanitarian aid' was given to Ukraine. He also spoke on mental toll of war, and how he has helped the Ukrainians.

PM Modi to visit Ukraine: Indian Businessman in Ukraine talks about the situation in country

Ukraine MP, Mariia Mezentseva-Fedorenko has been upbeat on PM Modi's Kyiv visit, terming it as 'historic'. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, she said, 'we very much anticipating this visit'. She added, India Ukraine relationship can be taken forward with a joint plan. The Ukraine MP is from Kharkhiv.

PM Modi to visit Ukraine: Kharkhiv MP Mariia upbeat on PM Modi's visit

Ukrainian lawmaker Vadym Halaichuck has termed PM Modi's visit 'symbolic' & something 'they did not expected'. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kyiv, he said Ukraine can help find an 'efficient solution', adding ' war don't resolve problem'.

PM Modi to visit Ukraine: Ukrainian lawmaker Vadym Halaichuck welcomes PM Modi's Kyiv visit

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Poland, following which the Prime Minister will travel to Ukraine. What is the visit's agenda? What is expected from the PM's visit to Ukraine? Gravitas brings you the latest.

PM Modi in Poland: Why the visit is so significant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, arrived in Warsaw Poland on what is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years. During his visit, PM Modi will hold meetings with his Polish counterpart and the President, and will also engage with the Indian community. Watch in for more details!

PM Modi’s Poland Visit: Talks will focus on defence, trade & culture

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, embarked on a visit to Poland and Ukraine. In his departure statement ahead of the visit, PM Modi said that India and Poland are marking 70 years of diplomatic relations. Watch in for more details!

PM Modi’s Poland Visit: First visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will board the train from Poland to travel to Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday (Aug 23). Watch WION's Ground report; Inside visuals of Ukrainian train ahead of PM Modi's visit.

PM Modi’s Ukraine Visit: Poland is India's largest trade partner in central Europe

The top Polish diplomat in Delhi, Dr Sebastian Domżalski has expressed his optimism on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to his country.This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European country in 45 years, the last being in 1979 by Morarji Desai. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "We see the growing importance of India in Asia, world and in global affairs. We want to work with India, closer...I hope PM Modi's visit will not only be a new chapter in our relations, hopefully we will be able to write a new book" PM Modi will be in Poland on 21st and 22nd of August. During the visit PM will be paying tributes at the "Good Maharaja Square". The square in the Polish National Capital is to honor the Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, Gujarat who in 1942 gave refuge to Polish children fleeing persecution after Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia.

PM Modi's visit to forge new chapter in India-Poland Ties: Top Polish Diplomat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 14 August, the day of Partition Remembrance Day, acknowledges the terror faced by the country and its citizens and offers his tribute to the sufferers.

Partition Horror Remembrance Day, This day not only led to the division of the country, claimed millions of lives, and also created the history of the largest migration of mass population. 
"On#PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay, we recall the countless people who were impacted and greatly suffered due to the horrors of Partition. It is also a day to pay tributes to their courage, which illustrates the power of human migration" said Modi.

Partition Day, where horror and violence were in the atmosphere of the country, leaving India with deep scars to recover from.&nbsp; 
Modi sworn to protect the bond and unity of the country "A lot of those impacted by Partition went on to rebuild their lives and attain immense success. Today, we also reiterate our commitment to always protect the bonds of unity and brotherhood in our nation" he said.

Modi, emphasizing the significance of remembering the tragedy of 1947, along with netizens, also paid their respects to those who lost their lives and families in the Hindu-Muslim riots, presenting their honor. 
One of the X users wrote, ‘A black day where countless people suffered. Many were left with nothing, so they restarted their lives and built everything again.’ Another user wrote, recalling the horror the country went through, ‘Millions of Hindus were killed, thousands of Hindu women were raped, trains coming from Pakistan used to be full of dead bodies. There was no BJP then, only Congress led by Nehru and the Muslim League led by Jinnah."

The Partition continues to impact the social and political status of both India and Pakistan. The initiation of Partition Remembrance Day puts light on the historical neglect of the tragedy with the purpose of understanding and learning from the mistakes made in the past. As India observes this day, it shows that we dare to learn from our failures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 14 August, the day of Partition Remembrance Day, acknowledges the terror faced by the country and its citizens and offers his tribute to the sufferers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 14 August, the day of Partition Remembrance Day, acknowledges the terror faced by the country and its citizens and offers his tribute to the sufferers. Partition Horror Remembrance Day, This day not only led to the division of the country, claimed millions of lives, and also created the history of the largest migration of mass population. "On#PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay, we recall the countless people who were impacted and greatly suffered due to the horrors of Partition. It is also a day to pay tributes to their courage, which illustrates the power of human migration" said Modi. Partition Day, where horror and violence were in the atmosphere of the country, leaving India with deep scars to recover from. Modi sworn to protect the bond and unity of the country "A lot of those impacted by Partition went on to rebuild their lives and attain immense success. Today, we also reiterate our commitment to always protect the bonds of unity and brotherhood in our nation" he said. Modi, emphasizing the significance of remembering the tragedy of 1947, along with netizens, also paid their respects to those who lost their lives and families in the Hindu-Muslim riots, presenting their honor. One of the X users wrote, ‘A black day where countless people suffered. Many were left with nothing, so they restarted their lives and built everything again.’ Another user wrote, recalling the horror the country went through, ‘Millions of Hindus were killed, thousands of Hindu women were raped, trains coming from Pakistan used to be full of dead bodies. There was no BJP then, only Congress led by Nehru and the Muslim League led by Jinnah." The Partition continues to impact the social and political status of both India and Pakistan. The initiation of Partition Remembrance Day puts light on the historical neglect of the tragedy with the purpose of understanding and learning from the mistakes made in the past. As India observes this day, it shows that we dare to learn from our failures.

Modi honors partition victims " It is a day to pay tributes to their courage"

PM Modi welcomed his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh. PM Pham Minh Chinh received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He is on a State visit to India from July 30 to August. India's offered a $300 million loan to strengthen Vietnam's Maritime security with both countries pledging to double their trade and Investments within 5 years.

Vietnam to bolster ties with India, sign six MoUs in various fields

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Kyiv in August, which will be his first visit to the war-torn country since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Watch to know more.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine in August

The first post-election Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s budget, due on Tuesday, will lay out a fiscal strategy that delicately balances voter expectations and coalition demands with fiscal prudence.&nbsp;

"This budget will decide the direction of our work for the next five years and this will lay the foundation of fulfilling our objective to make India a developed country by 2047," Modi said on Monday ahead of the budget, due to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party did not win an absolute majority in the recent election and is dependent upon allies for governance. It hopes to use the budget to advance middle-class tax relief, distressed rural areas, and financial demands made by coalition partners like Andhra Pradesh's Telugu Desam Party and Bihar's Janata Dal United.

"Weaker political capital, uneven growth story with tepid consumption, and missing vigour in private capex and the rural sector form the backdrop of the upcoming Budget," Madhavi Arora, an economist at Emkay, said.

A resurgent opposition has attacked the Modi government on everything from a lack of jobs to high living costs and rising income inequality. As per a report by the World Inequality Lab, the concentration of wealth among the richest 1 per cent of India's population is now at a six-decade high, while youth unemployment tops 17 per cent.

The government has pegged this year's economic growth at 6.5 per cent-7 per cent, slightly lower than the consensus estimates. But on the back of a $25 billion surplus transfer from the Reserve Bank of India, it has the financial cover to meet demands for tax cuts, rural aid and funding coalition partners.

The key focus is on infrastructure spending—plans are afoot to spend 11 trillion rupees this year alone, nearing almost double the money spent on long-term projects in the last three years. Moreover, it may further incentivise domestic and foreign firms to scale up production in areas like electronics, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.

The economic survey cautioned about the risks from the surging equity market, luring retail investors to risky derivative trading. Possible measures suggested by economists to discourage such investments include hiking capital gains tax on long-term equity holdings, but that may end up being a negative for Indian equities. As Jefferies has remarked, a hike in the transaction tax on derivatives would be an unpleasant surprise.

The budget will be presented by Finance Minister Sitharaman at 0530 GMT. The upcoming budget would turn out to be a make-or-break exercise at a time when Asia's third-largest economy is facing a number of challenges, even as political compulsions have already set the markers for India's growth trajectory over the next few years.

The first post-election Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s budget, due on Tuesday, will lay out a fiscal strategy that delicately balances voter expectations and coalition demands with fiscal prudence.

The first post-election Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s budget, due on Tuesday, will lay out a fiscal strategy that delicately balances voter expectations and coalition demands with fiscal prudence. "This budget will decide the direction of our work for the next five years and this will lay the foundation of fulfilling our objective to make India a developed country by 2047," Modi said on Monday ahead of the budget, due to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party did not win an absolute majority in the recent election and is dependent upon allies for governance. It hopes to use the budget to advance middle-class tax relief, distressed rural areas, and financial demands made by coalition partners like Andhra Pradesh's Telugu Desam Party and Bihar's Janata Dal United. "Weaker political capital, uneven growth story with tepid consumption, and missing vigour in private capex and the rural sector form the backdrop of the upcoming Budget," Madhavi Arora, an economist at Emkay, said. A resurgent opposition has attacked the Modi government on everything from a lack of jobs to high living costs and rising income inequality. As per a report by the World Inequality Lab, the concentration of wealth among the richest 1 per cent of India's population is now at a six-decade high, while youth unemployment tops 17 per cent. The government has pegged this year's economic growth at 6.5 per cent-7 per cent, slightly lower than the consensus estimates. But on the back of a $25 billion surplus transfer from the Reserve Bank of India, it has the financial cover to meet demands for tax cuts, rural aid and funding coalition partners. The key focus is on infrastructure spending—plans are afoot to spend 11 trillion rupees this year alone, nearing almost double the money spent on long-term projects in the last three years. Moreover, it may further incentivise domestic and foreign firms to scale up production in areas like electronics, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. The economic survey cautioned about the risks from the surging equity market, luring retail investors to risky derivative trading. Possible measures suggested by economists to discourage such investments include hiking capital gains tax on long-term equity holdings, but that may end up being a negative for Indian equities. As Jefferies has remarked, a hike in the transaction tax on derivatives would be an unpleasant surprise. The budget will be presented by Finance Minister Sitharaman at 0530 GMT. The upcoming budget would turn out to be a make-or-break exercise at a time when Asia's third-largest economy is facing a number of challenges, even as political compulsions have already set the markers for India's growth trajectory over the next few years.

Modi's fiscal blueprint: Reconciling political realities and economic ambitions

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament. FM Sitharaman said that the budget's focus is on employment, skilling, MSME & the middle class. This budget promises significant changes across various sectors, from infrastructure to social welfare. Among the key announcements, Sitharaman revealed substantial reductions in customs duties on several items. Here’s a look at a list of what will get costlier and cheaper in this Financial Year .

India Budget 2024: What gets cheaper, what gets costlier?

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget to Lok Sabha. The budget is considered the action plan for the Modi 3.0 govt to outline a roadmap towards India's development in the next five years.

Budget 2024: PM Modi shares his thoughts about the Union budget

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) in her Budget speech announced that the Centre will come up with an economic policy framework that would steer next-generation reforms aimed at speeding up the economic expansion.

"We will formulate an economic policy framework to delineate an overarching approach to economic development and set the scope of next-generation reforms for facilitating employment opportunities and for sustaining high growth," Sitharaman said.

She said that the government will initiate and incentivise&nbsp;reforms to improve productivity of factors of production and facilitate markets and sectors to become more efficient.

The next-generation reforms are set to cover aspects related to the factors of production, including land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship and technology as facilitators of refining the total factor productivity and traversing inequality.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-sitharaman-allocates-rs-148-lakh-crore-for-education-employment-skilling-743355">India Budget 2024: Sitharaman allocates Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, &amp; skilling</a>

<h2>Next Generation Reforms&nbsp;</h2>

- Technology to speed up the digitalisation of the economy.

- Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to improve Ease of Doing Business.

- States to be incentivised to implement Business Reforms Action Plans and digitalisation.

- Sectoral database for improving data governance and management.

- Committee to review New Pension Scheme to evolve solution which addresses relevant issues while maintaining fiscal prudence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2024-govt-announces-five-schemes-for-employment-skilling-allocates-rs2-lakh-crores-743337">Union Budget 2024: Govt announces five schemes for employment, skilling, allocates Rs2 lakh crores</a>

<h2>Nine priority areas of Union Budget</h2>

FM Sitharaman listed nine priorities while presenting the Budget 2024-25 aimed at generating ample opportunities for all.

1. Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture

2. Employment and Skilling

3. Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice

4. Manufacturing and Services

5. Urban Development

6. Energy Security

7. Infrastructure

8. Innovation, Research, and Development

9. Next Generation Reforms

"This Budget envisages sustained efforts on the following nine priorities for generating ample opportunities for all - Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling, Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice, Manufacturing and Service, Urban Development, Energy Security, Infrastructure, Innovation, Research and Development and Next Generation Reforms. Subsequent budgets will build on these and add more priorities and actions," the finance minister&nbsp;said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) in her Budget speech announced that the Centre will come up with an economic policy framework that would steer next-generation reforms aimed at speeding up the economic expansion.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) in her Budget speech announced that the Centre will come up with an economic policy framework that would steer next-generation reforms aimed at speeding up the economic expansion. "We will formulate an economic policy framework to delineate an overarching approach to economic development and set the scope of next-generation reforms for facilitating employment opportunities and for sustaining high growth," Sitharaman said. She said that the government will initiate and incentivise reforms to improve productivity of factors of production and facilitate markets and sectors to become more efficient. The next-generation reforms are set to cover aspects related to the factors of production, including land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship and technology as facilitators of refining the total factor productivity and traversing inequality. Also read: India Budget 2024: Sitharaman allocates Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, & skilling Next Generation Reforms - Technology to speed up the digitalisation of the economy. - Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to improve Ease of Doing Business. - States to be incentivised to implement Business Reforms Action Plans and digitalisation. - Sectoral database for improving data governance and management. - Committee to review New Pension Scheme to evolve solution which addresses relevant issues while maintaining fiscal prudence. Also read: Union Budget 2024: Govt announces five schemes for employment, skilling, allocates Rs2 lakh crores Nine priority areas of Union Budget FM Sitharaman listed nine priorities while presenting the Budget 2024-25 aimed at generating ample opportunities for all. 1. Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture 2. Employment and Skilling 3. Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice 4. Manufacturing and Services 5. Urban Development 6. Energy Security 7. Infrastructure 8. Innovation, Research, and Development 9. Next Generation Reforms "This Budget envisages sustained efforts on the following nine priorities for generating ample opportunities for all - Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling, Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice, Manufacturing and Service, Urban Development, Energy Security, Infrastructure, Innovation, Research and Development and Next Generation Reforms. Subsequent budgets will build on these and add more priorities and actions," the finance minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: FM Sitharaman announces economic policy framework for next-gen reforms to boost economic growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vienna on Tuesday from Moscow on a two-day visit to Austria during which the two nations will explore ways to further deepen their bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges.

PM Modi's Austria visit: Indian PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora in Vienna

PM Modi's Austria visit: PM Modi holds talks with Austrian counterpart

PM Modi's Austria visit: PM Modi holds talks with Austrian President

PM Modi's Austria visit: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Austria visit

PM Modi's Austria visit: PM Modi to meet President Van Der Bellen

PM Modi's Austria visit: PM Modi welcomed with guard of honour

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first bilateral trip to Russia since the Ukraine war started has the U.S. worried. Speaking to reporters on Monday, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed Washington's 'concerns' about India's relationship with Russia. It begs the question, why should the U.S. get upset about India's ties with Russia? Like any other sovereign country, India can make and follow its foreign policy, while maintaining good relations with both the U.S. and Russia. Why, then, is Washington upset?

Gravitas | Modi-Putin Bonhomie in Russia Makes U.S. Anxious | Washington Expresses 'Concern'

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