MANIFESTO FOR INDIA: STEERING THE NATION TOWARD 2025

AS INDIA MARCHES toward its vision for 2047, the year 2025 is a critical fulcrum. It is not just another point on the timeline; it is the year that will shape the trajectory of the next two decades, carving the path for a nation that seeks to balance rapid economic growth with the challenges posed by climate change. Policy decisions henceforth will influence greatly whether India rises to the challenge of becoming a global powerhouse that leaves no one behind or whether it falters under the weight of unresolved inequalities and environmental threats. In this manifesto for India in 2025, we envision a nation that thrives in harmony with its people and the planet - an India where the future is as inclusive and green as it is prosperous.

- Amit Kapoor & Meenakshi Ajith

In 2024, India achieved significant milestones across various sectors, propelling its vision of sustainable growth and global leadership. The country's digital transformation continued to accelerate, processing 24,100 crore financial transactions and facilitating 17.95 crore course enrolments through DIKSHA, enhancing digital education accessibility.

India's renewable energy capacity expanded by 24.2 GW (13.5 per cent) to reach 203.18 GW, now accounting for over 46.3 per cent of the total energy capacity, demonstrating its commitment to clean energy. The Uttar Purva Transformative Industrialization Scheme, launched with an outlay of Rs 10,037 crore, aims to boost the Northeast region's industrial capacity.

Additionally, India made notable progress in electric mobility with the launch of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, a Rs 10,900 crore initiative to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development. In workforce inclusion, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women rose from 23.3 per cent to 41.7 per cent over six years, signalling positive trends in gender equality.

The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) space achievements, including the successful launch of the X-ray polarimeter satellite (XPoSat) and the Aditya L-1 spacecraft entering its final orbit, highlighted India's growing capabilities in space exploration. In 2024, India also made significant strides in enhancing its innovation ecosystem, securing the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index, up from 81st in 2015.