Page 16 - NIS English 16-28 Feb, 2026

PARLIAMENT | Budget Session-2026

Scan the QR code to watch
the President’s address.

WATERWAYS: Earlier, India had only five national wa-
terways, which have now crossed the mark of 100. With
this, states in Eastern India, including Uttar Pradesh,
Bengal, and Bihar, are emerging as logistics hubs.

PRAGATI: Providing benefits of schemes to each benefi-
ciary, the government launched a new initiative named
‘PRAGATI’. In December 2025, the historic milestone of
the 50th meeting of PRAGATI was also achieved. Over
the years, PRAGATI has accelerated projects worth over Metro Network
85 lakh crore rupees.
In 2025, India’s total metro network has
SAVINGS OF ONE LAKH CRORE RUPEES: GST reform crossed the historic mark of one thousand
kilometres. Now India has the third-largest
ensured savings of one lakh crore rupees for citizens. metro network in the world.
Following the reduction in GST, in 2025, registrations
of two-wheelers have crossed the mark of two crore,
which is a new record in itself.

INCOME TAX RELIEF: A historic decision has been taken SOLAR ENERGY: Apart from nuclear energy, India is ad-
to make income tax zero for incomes up to ₹12 lakh. vancing rapidly in the solar power sector. Through the
These reforms are providing unprecedented benefits to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, common consumers
poor and middle-class families. are now becoming producers of electricity. So far, nearly
20 lakh rooftop solar systems have been installed.
NEW LABOUR LAW: A new labour law has been im-
plemented in the country. This has made it easier for IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY TO BORDER AREAS: In the
workers to receive fair wages, allowances, and other last 11 years, over 7,200 KM of national highways have
welfare benefits. From these reforms, the country’s been constructed in the Northeast. This has made it
youth and women in particular will benefit significantly. easier to access remote, hilly, tribal, and border areas.

14 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || February 16-28, 2026