NEWS 07-03-2024. Lecturete for 8th-Mar (Friday) *INDIA TODAY & IN THE NEXT 5 years* India today is a shining star, which in the next 5 to 7 yrs is going to be a world leader. There is a visible upward swing in all direction, led by its stable Govt. This Fastest Growing Economy, has a Powerful Military, Brilliant Scientist & A well established Agricultue capable of feeding the world single handedly. This most youthful nation is galloping towards growth with *Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam* as its philosophy. • *Economy*: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that India's economy will grow at an average rate of 7.2% per year, in the next 5 years. This would entail India become the 3rd largest economy from the present 5th ranking. This also means creation of a lot of job in the country. • *Diplomatic relations*: India's foreign policy has become much more matured & assertive today. It finds herself in the centre of all major grouping, be it a QUAD, I2U2, G20 or any other body. We are also friendly to opposing forces like America & Russia, Iran and Israel etc. • *Defense*: India is the world's 3rd largest spender on defense, after the United States and China. The country is currently in the process of manufacturing its own war like eqpt like Tejas, AMCA, INS Vikrant etc. We have also started selling weapons like Brahmos to other countries. • *Road construction*: India is constructing an average of 20,000 kilometers of National Highways per year. Improved connectivity reduces poverty. The new roads will boost trade and commerce, which will further drive the economic growth. • *Infrastructure*: India is investing heavily in other infrastructure projects, such as ports, airports, and railways. The country is currently building 100 new airports and expanding 50 existing airports. India is also building a new high-speed rail network that will connect major cities across the country like Vande Bharat, Japan - supported high speed rail corridor (HSRC) and many others. *Gender equality*: India has made significant progress in terms of gender equality in recent years. The country has introduced a number of policies like the *Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, 2 cr women Lakhpati* & a host of other initiatives will bolster the Nation's progress. • *Climate change*: India is one of the most vulnerable country to climate change. The country is already experiencing the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and droughts. India is also a major emitter of greenhouse gases. The country is taking steps to address climate change & has decided *zero emission policy 2070.* Hydrogen run rails, Electric run buses, cars 2 wheelers are soon going to reduce the climatic change. • *Education*: The govt is investing heavily in educating & skilling the large youth population of the country. No. of college & Universities have come up, including IITs & IIMs. Good education is resulting in top institutions being headed by Indians, as also a No. of them becoming Unicorns. *Technology*: India is a major hub for technology innovation. The country is home to a number of successful technology companies, such as Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services. India is also a major exporter of technology services. The country is well-positioned to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. • *Solar*: India is developing its own solar manufacturing industry. In 2022, India became the world's second-largest producer of solar cells and modules. India has installed over 50 gigawatts of solar power capacity, making it the fifth largest solar market in the world. The country is also home to a number of solar startups, such as Vikram Solar and Waaree Energies. • *Semiconductor*: India is also a major player in the semiconductor industry. The country is home to a number of semiconductor manufacturing companies, such as Intel and Samsung. India is also developing its own semiconductor design industry. In 2022, India announced a $10 billion plan to boost its semiconductor industry. Partnering with foreign companies such as Foxconn a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturing company. It has been expanding its presence in India in recent years, with plans to invest $600 million in new factories. Foxconn is looking to India as a major manufacturing hub for electronics, as the country has a large pool of skilled labor and a growing middle class. • *Lithium*: India has significant reserves of lithium, a key mineral for electric vehicles and batteries.In 2022, India announced a $3 billion plan to develop its lithium industry. India has estimated reserves of over 600,000 tonnes of lithium, making it the sixth largest lithium producer in the world. The country is also developing its lithium mining and processing industry, with companies such as Hindustan Salts and Laurus Labs. Lithium is a critical mineral for the production of electric vehicles and batteries, and the demand for lithium is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. < < Back