ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He likened India to an integrated circuit, emphasising its comprehensive ecosystem for the semiconductor industry. He highlighted the nation's design talent, noting that India contributes 20% to global semiconductor design, a figure that continues to grow. The PM also revealed plans to cultivate a semiconductor workforce of 85,000, comprising technicians, engineers and R&D specialists.

PM Modi also inaugurated the International Conference on Green Hydrogen 2024 in Delhi via video message, underscoring India's dedication to combating climate change. He emphasised the nation's early achievement of Paris Agreement goals and its focus on innovative solutions like green hydrogen. PM Modi outlined India's ambition to become a global hub for green hydrogen, highlighting the National Green Hydrogen Mission as a catalyst for innovation, infrastructure development, and industry growth in this sector. He positioned green hydrogen as a crucial element in decarbonising challenging industries such as refineries, fertilisers, steel, and heavy transportation.

PM Modi will participate in the Second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation today at 4 PM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering and announce the adoption of the "Delhi Declaration," a visionary plan aimed at boosting the region's aviation sector.

Kejriwal's custody extended in alleged liquor policy scam: A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal until the 25th of this month. Kejriwal, currently held in Tihar Jail, appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court via video conferencing following the expiration of his previous custody in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.

PM launches $1.3 billion scheme to promote electric mobility: The Union Cabinet, led by PM Modi, has approved the Ministry of Heavy Industries' 'PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE)' scheme. With an outlay of $1.3 billion over two years, the initiative aims to promote electric mobility. Key features include $442 million in subsidies for e-vehicles, supporting 2.48 million e-2Ws, 316,000 e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses, alongside emerging electric vehicles like e-ambulances and e-trucks.

Cabinet approves $240 million Mission Mausam: The Union Cabinet, led by PM Modi, has approved Mission Mausam with a $240 million budget over two years. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the initiative aims to improve India's weather and climate research, improving preparedness for extreme weather and climate change. It aims to build resilience across communities and sectors, equipping stakeholders with vital tools for long-term sustainability.

Earthquake jolts Delhi and neighbouring areas: A 5.8 magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre 415 km west of Amritsar in Pakistan, shook Delhi and nearby regions at 12:58 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the National Center for Seismology.

India prioritises border villages: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the government's commitment to developing border villages. Speaking at the Border Area Development Conclave, he stressed India's strategic need for robust border infrastructure. Over the past decade, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built over 8,500 km of roads and 400 bridges. 

India's digital gateway to global markets: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, launched the Trade Connect e-Platform in New Delhi, hailing it as a transformative single-window initiative for exporters. The platform aims to identify international opportunities, enabling businesses to access new markets and benefit from free trade agreements. Goyal emphasised its potential to boost India's global market share and reiterated his goal of achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030. The minister also highlighted the platform's ability to integrate with other digital commerce networks, enhancing competitiveness and market access for suppliers.

India and U.S. collaborate on critical minerals and supply chains: Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, announced that India and the U.S. are jointly working towards self-reliance in critical minerals, bolstering supply chains, and adopting advanced technologies. He shared these remarks at the U.S.-India Business Council's 49th Annual General Meeting.

India's aviation boom: Union Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, inaugurated the Second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, highlighting India's rapid airport expansion—from 74 operational airports in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with plans to reach 350-400 by 2047. Domestic air travel has doubled, with airlines growing their fleets and major airports such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai undergoing significant upgrades. The UDAN scheme has opened 583 new regional routes, boosting connectivity and making flying affordable. Naidu emphasised India’s focus on infrastructure, innovation, and integration, citing advancements like Digi Yatra for seamless travel and new regulations for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. He also discussed the country's leadership in drone technology through the Drone Didi Yojna, benefiting sectors such as healthcare and rural development.

Delhi Today: Clouds and sun with a thunderstorm or two in the afternoon.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain in Delhi until Friday, issuing a yellow alert. Heavy showers could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and disrupt traffic in parts of the city.

Rajya Sabha: Not in session.

Lok Sabha: Not in session.