The Union Cabinet has approved the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to support market-driven and reform-based urban infrastructure development. The scheme aims to mobilise about ₹4 lakh crore over five years by focusing on cities as growth hubs, urban redevelopment, and improved water and sanitation, with special emphasis on sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Click to View MoreIndia Semiconductor Mission 2.0, announced in Budget 2026–27 with an allocation of ₹1,000 crore, aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, develop indigenous equipment and materials, promote full-stack chip design, and build a skilled workforce. Building on the progress of earlier initiatives, the mission focuses on advanced manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and industry-led innovation. With a rapidly growing domestic market expected to reach $100–110 billion by 2030, ISM 2.0 seeks to reduce import dependence, meet 70–75% of India’s chip demand by 2029, and position the country as a trusted global semiconductor hub.
Click to View MoreIndia is facing a growing mental health crisis marked by a high burden of depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicides, with nearly 70–92% treatment gap and a severe shortage of professionals. The Union Budget 2026 has focused on institutional expansion, including a second campus of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, upgradation of regional institutes, and continued support for digital services like Tele MANAS. However, mental health spending remains below 2% of the health budget, and challenges such as stigma, limited community-level services, workforce shortages, and rising youth and digital-age stress persist. Addressing the crisis requires greater funding, community-based care, preventive strategies, and stronger primary healthcare integration to ensure accessible and affordable mental health services for all.
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