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Informist, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

 

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--Opposition makes noise during President's address to Parliament 
--President: Govt has worked for prevention of life-threatening diseases 
--CONTEXT: President Murmu addresses joint session of Parliament 
--President: Youth working towards India 2047 developed econ goal 
--President: India has become largest exporter of rice 
--President: India smartphone exports have topped INR 1 tln 
--President: India has built over 18,000 km of rural roads 
--President: Vande Bharat sleeper trains shows progress of Indian railways 
--President: India improved its goal of keeping inflation under check 
--President: India-EU FTA to benefit India's svcs, mfg sector 
--President: India-EU FTA to boost India's youth employment 
--President: Govt working towards making India green growth powerhouse 
--President: Day not far when Indian semiconductors will be global lifeline 
--Opposition creates ruckus during President's mention of rural jobs scheme 
--President: Operation Sindoor showed any terror attack will be responded to 
--President: Defence production topped INR 1.5 tln 
--President: Govt working to make India self-reliant in shipping sector 
--President: Govt preparing industry-ready workforce for tech sector 
--President: India econ doing well despite geopolitical uncertainties 
--President: India has raised global south's voice on global stage

 

NEW DELHI – President Droupadi Murmu Wednesday addressed a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session. Highlighting various achievements and programmes of the government, Murmu said that India was becoming self-reliant, stronger, and prosperous. She said youth of the country were working towards the goal of making India a developed economy by 2047.

 

She said that the recently concluded trade agreement between India and the European Union was going to benefit India's services and manufacturing sector and give a fillip to youth employment.

 

As the president mentioned the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission, called G Ram G law, and which has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guarantee Scheme, the Opposition created ruckus in the house. The Opposition criticised the Narendra Modi government for removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the flagship rural employment scheme and placing the financial burden for its implementation on states.

 

The President said despite geopolitical instabilities, India is marching ahead on the path of progress, thanks to its balanced foreign policy. India has also amplified the voice of the Global South. She said that India is chairing the BRICS this year and it is being seen as a positive development.

 

Referring to Operation Sindoor--India's airstrikes against terrorists' bases inside Pakistani territory in May--Murmu said it showed that India will respond firmly to any terror attack against it. 

 

Last year, India achieved a record production of over 350 million tonnes of food grains, the president said. "With a production of 150 million tonnes, India has become the largest rice-producing country in the world. Our country has also become the second-largest fish-producer globally. It reflects the nation's success in the blue economy," she said.

 

Speaking about the country's manufacturing sector, she said that India has now become the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. "In the first five months of 2025–26, India's smartphone export has crossed INR 1 trillion. This year, India has also started exporting electric vehicles to more than 100 countries," Murmu said.

 

She said in 2025, India's defence production surpassed INR 1.5 trillion, and defence exports have crossed record INR 230 billion. "After Operation Sindoor, confidence in made-in-India defence platforms has grown stronger," Murmu said. She said her government was engaged in making India a "powerhouse of green growth and modern technology". Investments are increasing in the rapidly growing digital economy, artificial intelligence, and data centers.

 

The President said the government was focusing on preparing an industry-ready workforce for modern technology. "So far, 60,000 people have been trained for the semiconductor industry and 1 million younth are being trained in the field of artificial intelligence," she said.

 

She said India's share in global investment and exports has been increasing steadily, and over the past 11 years, India has received foreign direct investment of about $750 billion. "Self-reliance in making microchip is essential for modern manufacturing and future technologies. In 2025, four more semiconductor manufacturing units have been sanctioned. A total of 10 such factories are going to commence their operations in the near future. India is taking concrete steps for nano-chip manufacturing also," the President said.

 

She said India has kept inflation under control, which is benefiting poor and middle class. While the goods and services tax rejig has ensured savings of INR 1 trillion for consumers, the income tax exemption for incomes up to INR 1.2 million has helped citizens shore up savings and their purchasing power has also improved, she said.

 

The President said the Indian Railways is rapidly moving towards achieving the target of 100% electrification. More than 150 Vande Bharat trains are running across the length and breadth of the country. Recently, a new generation of Vande Bharat trains has been introduced.

 

She said the government has sanctioned about INR 700 billion for the shipping sector and old maritime laws are being revamped to meet current requirements.

 

 

The President said that the government is trying to provide improved healthcare facilities to the people and has set up 180,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country for needy patients. The government is also fighting "a decisive battle" against major diseases such as sickle cell anaemia Japanese encephalitis, and trachoma.

 

 

"Today, India stands at an important stage in its journey towards the future. The impact of the decisions being taken today will be seen in the years to come," she said.  End

 

US$1 = INR 91.74

 

Reported by Asim Khan

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

 

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