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PM Modi Confident of BJP’s Victory in Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls, Eyes Third Term

News on Government 5 ArdorComm Media Group PM Modi Confident of BJP’s Victory in Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls, Eyes Third Term

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed unwavering confidence on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would secure victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, paving the way for the commencement of his government’s third term in June. During the launch event of more than 2,000 railway infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 41,000 crore, PM Modi highlighted the rapid pace of development projects initiated across the nation under his administration. He emphasized the transformative changes witnessed in the railways, including the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, symbolizing the progress made by India in the past decade. PM Modi’s optimism about the BJP’s electoral prospects was palpable as he reiterated his earlier prediction of winning a significant number of seats in the Lok Sabha. He projected that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure over 400 seats, with the BJP alone clinching at least 370 seats. PM Modi underscored that his government’s third term would witness significant decisions and lay the foundation for India’s prosperity over the next millennium. Addressing the youth directly, PM Modi assured them that their aspirations were integral to his vision for the nation. He emphasized that India now aspires for greatness and tirelessly strives to realize its ambitions, with the synergy of the youth’s dreams and hard work alongside his unwavering determination, ensuring a prosperous future for the country. In his speech, PM Modi painted a picture of a resurgent India poised for remarkable economic growth, firmly asserting that his tenure would usher in an era where India emerges as the world’s third-largest economic power. He reaffirmed his commitment to building a developed India, asserting that the aspirations of the nation’s citizens would be met under his leadership.

Concerns Rise as Centre Slashes Education Budget in Interim Budget; UGC Funding Takes a Hit

News on Education 1 ArdorComm Media Group Concerns Rise as Centre Slashes Education Budget in Interim Budget; UGC Funding Takes a Hit

The interim budget for education in India has sparked concerns as the government announced a 7% reduction in allocations, significantly impacting higher education funding. The University Grants Commission (UGC) faced the largest-ever cut of 61% in the last five years, raising apprehensions about the potential repercussions on universities and students. The budget for schools experienced a marginal dip, while central universities witnessed a 28% increase in grants. However, support for Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) was trimmed for the second consecutive year. The interim budget, presented on Thursday, allocated ₹1.2 lakh crore for education, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to the revised estimate for 2023-24. The UGC, responsible for higher education, bore the brunt of funding cuts, with its allocation reduced from ₹6,409 crore in 2023-24 to ₹2,500 crore in 2024-25. Despite the challenges, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming education through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The focus is on empowering the youth during the “Amrit Kaal,” the 25 years leading to 2047. Experts raised concerns over the impact of the drastic UGC budget cut, fearing it might encourage universities to rely on self-financing courses, burdening students and increasing dependence on loans. UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar reassured a commitment to quality higher education and efficient fund utilization. While the budget for central universities saw a notable increase of 28%, support for IIMs faced a reduction for the second consecutive year, dropping from ₹608.23 crore in 2022-23 to ₹212.21 crore in 2024-25. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the budget as a stepping stone towards a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) and highlighted the “Jai Anusandhan” scheme with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus fund as a significant announcement.