Development Watch – Week #1 July’25

Development News

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Training and Market Access to rural women SHGs

Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship has partnered with the Ministry of Rural Development through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The two ministries will work to boost skills and entrepreneurship among women in SHGs. The goal is to integrate them into the global workplace. This collaboration focuses on demand-driven training and entrepreneurship development. It aims to empower women to become successful entrepreneurs. It will strengthen livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

PACS cooperative stack to integrate all rural schemes

The government is developing a comprehensive ‘cooperative stack’ by integrating various schemes through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) . It will create a unified system for dispensing benefits in rural areas. PACS will be the primary vehicle for delivering government benefits. This marks a significant shift from the current fragmented approach, where different schemes operate through separate channels. There are now about 1.08 lakh PACS having 13 crore members across the country. Of which, around 63,000 PACS are in the advanced stage of computerization. The cooperative credit societies are the oldest institutions that were set up in the 1900s. After the cooperation ministry was formed on July 6, 2021, the focus was on computerizing and strengthening the PACS. The government is targeting to computerize 80,000 PACS.

Rs. 50,000 Crores ZOHO fund for rural India’s talent

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu champions the untapped potential of rural India, advocating for nurturing raw talent beyond traditional academic paths. He emphasizes investing in individuals with a strong eagerness to learn, regardless of prior experience. Vembu’s approach sparks a conversation about recognizing and cultivating brilliance in modest settings, offering a radical rethinking of where future tech pioneers may emerge. a vast section of Bharat remains unconcerned with prestigious degrees, fluent English, early coaching for JEE or NEET, or the ups and downs of the stock market. He believes this segment of the population holds immense untapped creative energy crucial for the country’s development.

Exemptions from US tariff on Steel

With effect from June 4, the US has raised import duty on derivatives, products, and components made from steel and aluminum from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. The US’s increased 50% tariff on iron and steel products threatens India’s engineering exports. This will potentially impact $20 billion worth of goods. Exporters are urging the Indian government to seek an exemption to protect outbound shipments and jobs, especially within MSMEs and large firms involved in global value chains. Finished engineering goods are vital for US sectors like automotive, construction, and infrastructure. Here Indian companies have invested significant capacity to serve long-term demand. Many Indian engineering firms are key players in Global Value Chains (GVCs) for multinational corporations. This tariff hike risks order losses, plant closures, and job cuts across over 25,000 MSMEs and large firms in India. Active trade talks between India and the US are underway to address reciprocal tariffs and proactive intervention.

Dharavi redevelopment to house next prime business district

Dharavi’s redevelopment will feature a commercial business district. This aims to attract diverse companies. The district includes offices, retail spaces, and hotels. It will boost Dharavi’s economy and fund the project. The project will rehabilitate residents and businesses. Integration with transport will enhance the commercial hub. This could transform Dharavi into a mixed-use urban precinct. It will be the most complex urban transformation efforts globally. Dharavi sits on nearly 600 acres of prime land in the heart Mumbai. It will be earmarked for commercial development, to create a CBD to attract companies from various sectors.

CIDCO’s Strategy to meet Navi Mumbai water demand

CIDCO is implementing a multi-source water supply strategy to meet Navi Mumbai’s growing water demands. It is driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure projects. This includes leveraging existing sources and developing new reservoirs like Balganga and Kondhane dams. The initiatives aim to ensure a sustainable and resilient water infrastructure for the region’s future. CIDCO has devised a comprehensive roadmap. It addresses the projected demand of 1275 MLD by 2050.

India’s first AI-based traffic system on Dwarka Expressway

India has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) on Delhi’s Dwarka Expressway. The system has been developed by the Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (IHMCL) and implemented under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It aims to improve highway safety and law enforcement. The project also covers a 28-kilometre stretch of NH-48 from Shiv Murti to Kherki Daula, forming a 56.46-kilometre digital traffic management corridor. The ATMS uses high-resolution PTZ cameras and sensors for real-time monitoring. It can detect 14 types of violations such as speeding, triple riding and not wearing seatbelts. These are directly sent to enforcement agencies through the NIC e-Challan portal.