Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election', Chandrayaan-4, Venus Mission, and Key Schemes for Farmers, Tribals, and AVGC Sector

Tags: National News

On September 19, the Union Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Chandrayaan-4, Venus mission and major initiatives for farmers, tribals and the AVGC sector.

An Overview of the News

One Nation, One Election Proposal:

• The Union Cabinet accepted recommendations from the High-Level Committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

• The plan is to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the first phase.

• Local body elections (panchayats, municipalities) to follow within 100 days of general elections.

Chandrayaan-4 Mission:

• Approved by the government to advance space technologies.

• It focuses on successfully landing on the moon and returning to Earth.

Venus Orbiter Mission:

• Mission to Venus approved for scientific exploration of its atmosphere.

• Scheduled launch: March 2028, with a total budget of ₹1,236 crore.

Nutrient-Based Subsidy (Rabi 2024-25):

• Subsidy for phosphatic and potassium fertilizers approved.

• Estimated financial implication: ₹24,000 crore.

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA):

• Continuation approved to ensure stable prices for farmers.

• Total financial outlay: ₹35,000 crore, promoting self-sufficiency in essential commodities.

Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gramme Abhiyan:

• Scheme to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.

• Outlay: ₹79,156 crore, benefiting 63,000 villages and over 5 crore tribal people.

National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR:

• Approved for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR).

• Aims to boost India’s global soft power and attract foreign investment.

Bio-RIDE Scheme:

• Unified Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development scheme approved.

• New component: Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry, with an outlay of ₹9,197 crore.