♦ The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan with a total outlay of Rs.79,156 crore, aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities on 18 September 2024. This initiative will focus on saturating tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts, covering approximately 63,000 villages and benefitting more than five crore tribal people across 30 states and union territories.

♦ The Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, which aims to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, followed by urban body and panchayat polls within 100 days. The proposal is based on the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which submitted a detailed report on the subject.

♦ The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of two umbrella schemes under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merging them into a unified initiative known as the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme. With a total outlay of Rs.9,197 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26, Bio-RIDE includes a new component called Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry, aimed at advancing India’s capabilities in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

♦ The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme, allocating Rs.35,000 crore for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26.

♦ The Union Cabinet has approved a significant expansion of India’s Gaganyaan program, marking a pivotal step in the country’s space exploration ambitions. This decision includes the development of the first unit of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and the integration of new technologies and missions to support the creation and operation of the BAS.