Cabinet Approvals Announced on January 16, 2025.
National
On January 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the following proposals: the construction of a ₹3,984.86 crore Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Set to be completed in 4 years, it will support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), enhancing India's capacity to launch spacecraft up to 30,000 tonnes into low Earth orbit.
- The Cabinet approved forming the 8th Pay Commission to revise salaries and pensions of 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners. The minimum basic salary will rise from ₹18,000 to ₹40,000, with an expected salary hike of 25–30%. The commission will take effect after the conclusion of the 7th Pay Commission term in December 2025.
- A ₹2 lakh crore initiative to refarm 687 MHz of spectrum from government ministries and ISRO was approved. This will address growing telecom spectrum demand, with 328 MHz released immediately and the rest by 2030, increasing total available spectrum to 1,587 MHz.
- A ₹11,440 crore revival plan was approved for the Visakhapatnam-based Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited. This includes ₹10,300 crore equity infusion and ₹1,140 crore loan conversion. The plan aims for full production capacity by August 2025, aligned with the National Steel Policy and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
Main Point :- (i) The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the creation of two new Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) reserve battalions, each comprising 1,025 personnel, increasing CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and creating 2,050 new posts to meet rising security demands.
(ii) The TLP will support India's ambitious space missions, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and crewed lunar exploration, marking a significant step in advancing India's space program.
(iii) The refarming of spectrum reallocates resources from ISRO, the Ministry of Defence, and other government bodies to the Department of Telecommunications, strengthening India's position in global telecom advancements and ensuring readiness for future 6G technologies.
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