Uttar Pradesh fostering pace under PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Uttar Pradesh is inching towards securing India's top position in the domestic rooftop solar installations under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

August 2026 performance has further strengthened the state's momentum.

As of August 2026, Uttar Pradesh has recorded 792,959 cumulative solar installations.

In August alone, the state carried out 73,716 installations.

During this period, Uttar Pradesh recorded an average daily installation pace of 2,378, which is among the fastest rates in the country's leading states.

With 792,959 cumulative installations, Uttar Pradesh currently ranks second.

If this pace continues, Uttar Pradesh is expected to achieve a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming the numero uno state in domestic rooftop solar installations by the second week of October 2026.

Uttar Pradesh, Germany exploring biz, investment ties

Uttar Pradesh today moved to turn its Frankfurt partnership with Germany into a concrete global growth platform, launching a structured Indo-German Gateway to prepare up to 20 MSMEs and startups for entry into German and wider European markets.

The initiative is expected to strengthen exports, investment, technology partnerships and supply-chain integration while positioning Uttar Pradesh as an increasingly competitive destination for global business.

A high-level German delegation comprising representatives of the German Indian Business Alliance (GIBA) and Innovation Hub RheinMain visited Lucknow to engage with the Yogi Adityanath government.

They sought to advance the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchanged between Invest UP and GIBA in Frankfurt on February 23, 2026, in the presence of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.

The delegation reviewed progress under the Frankfurt MoU and explored its implementation across MSMEs, startups, innovation, manufacturing, IT and electronics, civil aviation and other emerging sectors.

The delegation comprised Raunheim Mayor David Rendel, Innovation Hub RheinMain CEO Stephan Wittekind, GIBA CEO Nirmal Raman Kannaiyan and GIBA Chairman Selvakumar Periasamy.

Uttar Pradesh and the German Indian Business Alliance (GIBA) signed MoUs with the Directorate of Industries and Enterprise Promotion to expand global market access for MSMEs.

The Indo-German Gateway Programme establishes a structured framework to help export-ready enterprises build a credible presence in Germany and Europe.

An upcoming Indo German MSME and Export Facilitation Desk will guide local units on investment, technology collaboration, and business opportunities.

The partnership also supports modernising the Ghaziabad Common Facility Centre with German precision engineering expertise.

Joint workshops will cover EU trade rules, import standards, export documentation, and sustainability, aligning with state initiatives such as ODOP, MSME Policy 2022, and Market Development Assistance, while maximising opportunities from the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

The main development is the creation of a structured Indo-German mechanism designed to move the Frankfurt MoU beyond institutional cooperation and deliver direct market access, technology partnerships and business opportunities for enterprises from Uttar Pradesh.

UP Principal Secretary, MSME and Export Promotion, Shashi Lal Bhushan, said 2026 was a landmark year, marking 75 years of India-Germany diplomatic relations and 25 years of their Strategic Partnership.

Germany remains India's leading trading partner within the European Union, while more than 2,000 German companies operate in India, creating significant opportunities for enterprises from Uttar Pradesh.

“This MoU must now translate into practical business outcomes. Our focus is to prepare capable MSMEs and startups for international markets and build long-term commercial partnerships,” Bhushan said.

Under the proposed Indo-German GIFT Programme, a pilot cohort of 12 to 20 carefully selected enterprises will follow a structured 12-month pathway covering enterprise assessment, pre-entry preparation, German market validation, market establishment and post-entry support.

Enterprises will be selected on the basis of export readiness, potential in European markets, financial capacity, management commitment and regulatory preparedness.

Mayor David Rendel stressed the importance of a clear institutional framework, with Innovation Hub RheinMain serving as the German landing platform, GIBA coordinating industry engagement and Invest UP providing government facilitation and investor support.

Meanwhile, Maurya called for bilateral partnerships to translate into concrete projects, investments and measurable business outcomes.

He highlighted Uttar Pradesh's extensive industrial land bank, more than 36 sectoral policies and investor-friendly ecosystem, and urged deeper engagement by German companies across priority sectors.

During its meeting with UP IT & Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma, the German delegation explored opportunities in technology and manufacturing.

The Minister highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s rapid startup growth — from two incubators in 2017 to over 24,000 today — alongside expansion in electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.

UP MSME Minister Bhupendra Chaudhary highlighted the state's improving logistics network, investor incentives and the MSME Policy 2022. He assured the delegation of full government support through planned MSME parks and plotted factory infrastructure, along with transparent land allotment mechanisms through the GeM portal.

A separate meeting was also held with Nikhil Tikaram Funde, Special Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office and Director, Civil Aviation, where the German delegation engaged at Invest UP to explore aviation opportunities, future technology collaborations, and industry partnerships.

Nearly 14% of India's total MSMEs are based in Uttar Pradesh, and approximately 10 million MSME units are operating in the state.

After agriculture, the MSME sector is the largest generator of employment.

Today, the bilateral trade between India and Germany stands at roughly $31 billion.

Germany accounts for 19.8% of UP's total exports to the European Union.

Uttar Pradesh exports goods worth more than $404 million annually to Germany, with readymade garments, leather products, footwear, carpets and auto components being the major items.

UP's total exports have crossed $18.2 billion Euros, equivalent to around Rs 2 trillion, and the state has become the fifth-largest exporting state in India.

The Indo-German Gateway Program is a structured 12-month program being implemented in cooperation with Germany's Innovation Hub Rhein-Main and GIBA.

Under this program, selected MSMEs and startups will receive assistance in establishing legal companies in Germany, understanding the market there, and connecting directly with foreign buyers.

The delegation also discussed joint projects in areas such as precision engineering, automation, electric vehicles, solar energy, and recycling.

Meanwhile, Chaudhary invited German entrepreneurs to the 4th UP International Trade Show, to be held in Greater Noida during September 25 to 29.

He noted this partnership would provide a strong foundation for long-term cooperation in trade, technology, investment, and skills. In the first phase, units with the potential for global expansion will be identified.

UP okays food processing projects of Rs 200 crore

To link the agricultural sector directly with the market, the Uttar Pradesh government has cleared 14 food processing projects totalling more than Rs 200 crore.

The approved private projects encompass an array of farm segments including vegetables, horticulture, dairy, poultry etc.

These projects will be developed in major industrial and commercial hubs of Varanasi, Meerut, Kanpur, Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bareilly, Ayodhya, Rampur etc.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said food processing holds immense potential for augmenting the farm income and generating large-scale employment opportunities.

He has directed officials to create awareness about the subsidies being provided under the Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy 2023 so that more enterprises could be established.

The Yogi Adityanath is dexterously promoting food processing so that farmers receive better prices due to an enriched agricultural value chain.

The state has received food processing proposals pertaining to namkeen and sweets production; frozen vegetable processing; culinary herbs; milk powder, desi ghee, paneer, and whey powder production; spice units; ready-to-cook products (pre-mix dalia and khichdi); poultry feed units etc.

The approved processing units will procure raw materials from local farmers and livestock producers.

The investors are also mandated to submit a list of 100 farmers or dairy producers from whom raw materials will be purchased to qualify for the incentives.

The Yogi government envisions establishing 75,000 new food processing units in Uttar Pradesh, which currently has a network of roughly 65,000 food processing units across 75 districts.

With rising global demand, countries such as the US, Bangladesh, the UAE and Vietnam are increasingly importing Indian processed food items.

UP's agri economy has leaped three-folds in the last eight years. Compared to UP agricultural sector’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) of Rs 2 trillion in the financial year 2016-17, the corresponding GSVA jumped to Rs 7 trillion in 2024-25.

The Yogi government is targetting to propel the UP agriculture and allied activities to contribute $1 trillion to the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) by 2047.

UP to develop Singapore, Japan investment zones

Uttar Pradesh will develop exclusive investment zones in Greater Noida for big Singapore and Japan companies.

The state government is planning to acquire almost 1,000 acres of industrial land for big ticket investors from the two developed Asian economies.

The land acquisition would be done by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) near the upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA).

YEIDA has proposed to develop two dedicated investment enclaves titled 'Singapore City' and 'Japan City' across 500 acres each in Gautam Buddha Nagar district.

Each enclave will cater to investors from their respective countries in an array of industries and domains.

Earlier, YEIDA sent a formal proposal to the Uttar Pradesh government for the development of the two exlusive cities.

Last month, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led a high-level delegation to these Asian economic giants on a four-day official tour.

He spent two days each in Singapore and Japan, holding investor roadshows and confabulating with leading investors and industrial groups.

His tour fetched investment proposals to the tune of Rs 2.5 trillion from Singapore and Japan.

Moreover, Memorandum of understanding (MoUs) totalling Rs 1.5 trillion were also signed in the two countries, which is expected to boost UP's target to become India's first $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Key investment sectors spanned agricultural machinery, automobiles, semiconductors, data centers, green hydrogen, power-to-gas, compressed biogas, ESDM, logistics and warehousing.

In Japan, UP signed MoUs with Kubota Corporation, Spark Minda (in collaboration with Toyo Denso), Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Nagase & Co etc.

The UP government held meetings with Suzuki Motor Corporation, Honda, Konoike Transport Co, Mitsui & Co, Rapidus Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Sumitomo Realty & Development Co, MUFG Bank etc.

To promote green energy, a Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be set up in UP in collaboration with the University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi Hydrogen Company, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) and IIT BHU.

The 'Japan Desk' at 'Invest UP' will be strengthened, with direct monitoring by the UP Chief Minister’s Office.

Japan will support technology transfer, skill development, joint ventures and supply-chain integration in UP’s MSME sector.

By linking the globally significant Buddhist Circuit and Ramayana Circuit in UP, the spiritual, cultural and heritage tourism will be promoted.

Meanwhile, Yogi's Singapore visit resulted in pacts for cooperation in MRO, cargo hubs, semiconductors, data centers, logistics, skilling and fintech.

UP targets pulses crop area of 3 million hectares

Pursuing a farm strategy to augment production of cash crops, the Uttar Pradesh government is targetting to increase the pulses crop area by 20 percent to more than 3 million tonnes (MT).

Against the pulses’ acreage of 2.56 MT in 2024-25, the state is looking at an acreage of almost 3.1 MT in 2025-26.

The average productivity of pulses in Uttar Pradesh is more than 12 quintals (100 kg) per hectare, which is significantly higher than the national average of 9.26 quintals per hectare.

Uttar Pradesh is among the top pulses producers in India. It ranked 4th in 2024–25 with a production of 3.08 million tonnes (MT), which is roughly 12 percent of the country's aggregate pulses production of 25.68 MT.

India is among the world's largest producers and consumers of pulses, yet it imports 15 to 20 percent of its annual demand to overcome production shortfall.

In the financial year 2024-25, imports jumped to over 7 MT, primarily from Canada, Russia, Australia, Myanmar, Africa etc.

Meanwhile, the Yogi Adityanath government has accorded emphasis to the distribution of high-quality seeds under the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission.

In 2025–26, more than 105,000 quintals of certified seeds were distributed under different schemes.

Under the free seed minikit scheme, about 30,000 quintals of quality seeds were distributed in UP, which benefitted almost 300,000 farmers.

During the Rabi season of 2025-26, a special programme is being implemented to cultivate lentils over 40,000 hectares; and urad and moong over 1,00,000 hectares during the Zaid season.

India also imports more than 50 percent of its edible oil consumption.

As such, agri experts have suggested increasing the domestic production and productivity of oilseeds and pulses for self-reliance.

UP produces roughly 21 percent of the total food grains; 10.8 percent fruits; and 15.4 percent of the vegetables in India. The agricultural sector contributes over 25 percent to the Uttar Pradesh Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

Uttar Pradesh bullish on foreign investment

Uttar Pradesh is bullish on its potential as an investment destination not only for domestic but also global investors.

With its sight firmly on the $1 trillion economy goal, the Yogi Adityanath government has amended several industry related laws to improve its ease of doing business ecosystem.

In a clear indication of such changes beginning to deliver the goods, Uttar Pradesh has netted investment proposals of about Rs 20,300 crore worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Capital Investment (FCI).

The investment proposals came under the ‘Uttar Pradesh FDI/FCI, Fortune Global 500, and Fortune India 500 Company Investment Promotion Policy 2023’.

Of the 21 FDI/FCI proposals totalling Rs 20,300 crore, proposals of Rs 12,500 crore have been approved and issued with the Letter of Comfort (LoC) by the Yogi government.

The remaining lot of proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore are pending for approval by 'Invest UP' - the nodal agency for facilitating investments.

LoC is the state government's undertaking/guarantee to investors regarding incentives upon fulfilling investment conditions.

Meanwhile, under the UP Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy 2022, 85 proposals worth Rs 1.11 trillion have been approved, while 30 proposals worth Rs 1.10 trillion are in the pipeline.

Women leading startup bandwagon in Uttar Pradesh

Underlining equity in the business ecosystem, women-led startups have jumped 30 percent to nearly 9,600 in Uttar Pradesh.

From roughly 6,812 startups promoted by women a year back, the number of similar startups has now breached the 9,600 mark, indicating their march towards entrepreneurship.

At present, Uttar Pradesh is home to 19,000 startups recognised by the Central Government’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Thus, women-led startups today account for more than 50 percent of UP's current startup tally.

The Yogi Adityanath government has already constituted a Rs 1,000 crore 'UP Startup Fund' to convert ideas into business ventures by providing financial support at both the early and expansion stages.

So far, Rs 325 crore has been approved from this Fund for assistance to startups, which has fortified the state's startup ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the state's 'Start in UP' scheme is also emerging as a strong foundation for new entrepreneurs. Under this roadmap, more than 3,000 startups have been recognised.

Of these, over 900 startups are run by women leaders, thus marking a significant step toward women entrepreneurship.

Moreover, 2,100 startups have received incubation support, providing them with technical guidance, mentorship, and business support.

Since, new startups need capital and market access in the early stages, the Yogi government is offering seed capital and marketing assistance, benefitting 376 ventures with a financial support to the tune of Rs 26.43 crore.

Similarly, the state has benefitted 74 applicants with approval of Rs 3.55 crore for prototype development, which is a crucial stage in turning an idea into a successful business.

Currently, 76 recognised incubators are functioning in UP, providing technical, managerial, and strategic support to startups.

These incubators have received assistance of Rs 14.80 crore to foster the state's image as an amenable startup hub.

To handhold startups, UP has also implemented livelihood allowance and incentive schemes.

Under these, 115 livelihood allowance applications have been approved and sanctioned Rs 2.46 crore, which has reduced the initial risk for startups.

Noida, Lucknow, Ghaziabad and Kanpur are among the top cities in terms of the registered startups.

Some of the leading startups and unicorns incorporated in UP include Pine Labs, Spice Money, Paytm Payments Bank, Advisorymandi, OneCode, Wishfin, GramCover, Marquee Equity, Buddy4Study etc, IndiaMart, Info Edge, PhysicsWallah etc.

UP logs investment proposals of Rs 2.92 trillion at Davos

Expanding its wings for global investments, Uttar Pradesh has logged investment proposals to the tune of Rs 2.92 trillion at the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 during January 19–23 at Davos in Switzerland.

Led by UP finance minister Suresh Khanna, the state inked 31 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors viz. data centers, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI).

These partnerships align with UP’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy, Khanna told newspersons recently after arriving in Lucknow from Davos.

Discussions were held with global tech firms including Google, Uber, HCLTech, Tech Mahindra, Cisco, Deloitte, Google Cloud, Automation Anywhere, and SA Technologies.

“The focus areas covered Global Capability Centers (GCCs), AI, data centers, digital governance, skill development, and mobility solutions,” he added.

An MoU with AM Green Group pertained to the establishment of a 1 GW AI-focused data centre in Greater Noida, with a proposed investment kitty of nearly Rs 2.10 trillion by 2028.

Ride hailing service Uber evinced interest in expanding mobility partnerships, and in establishing a potential GCC in Noida.

Rashmi Metallurgical committed an investment of Rs 4,000 crore for a 1 MTPA integrated steel plant.

AB InBev, Godrej, Philip Morris International, Kübler Group, Schneider Electric etc discussed manufacturing, smart factories, Industry 4.0, supply chains etc.

Moreover, discussions were held with Grundfos, Ramky Group, and Schneider Electric on partnerships in water management, irrigation, solar pump solutions, sewage and waste management, microgrids, and smart villages.

Grundfos is exploring for the solarization of 50,000–60,000 pumps annually in Uttar Pradesh, and proposed pilot projects in Lucknow, Noida, and Varanasi.

Bayer Consumer Health and Agilent Technologies explored opportunities in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, research and development and life sciences.

Besides, engagements with BlackRock, Deloitte, Marsh McLennan, Adecco, and Wealthdoor focused on long-term capital investment, FDI/FPI, institutional capacity building, risk management, skill development, and global talent.

Adecco is keen to establish a centre in Lucknow to leverage Uttar Pradesh’s progressive services sector and employment ecosystem.

Khanna said the Yogi Adityanath government showcased UP’s development and investment potential through participation for the third consecutive year at the WEF.

“This participation reaffirmed the state’s commitment to accelerating economic transformation and positioning UP as a globally competitive investment hub,” he underscored.

Now, Invest UP will strengthen policy support, infrastructure, skilled human resources, regulatory facilitation, and inter-departmental coordination to translate investment intentions into outcomes.

UP invites entries for Best Tourism Village

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Tourism has announced the State Tourism Awards aimed at recognising villages, rural homestays and farm stays that are strengthening tourism through culture, community participation and responsible practices.

The awards invite entries under three categories viz. Best Tourism Village 2026, Best Homestay (Rural) and Best Farm Stay. Winners will be honoured in Gold, Silver and Bronze categories.

The initiative is designed from a people centric perspective, encouraging villages, families, farmers and rural hosts to step forward and showcase their work in creating authentic tourism experiences rooted in local culture, crafts, cuisine, agriculture and nature.

All eligible stakeholders can apply, including those who are not currently registered with Uttar Pradesh Tourism.

Speaking on the initiative, UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said Uttar Pradesh is steadily emerging as a national model for agri and rural tourism.

"We have already registered over 800 'rural' homestays with the Tourism Department, and our effort is now to bring many more villages, families and farm stay operators into this ecosystem," he added.

Regions such as Gorakhpur, Awadh and Braj are witnessing strong growth in rural tourism experiences, with visitors coming not only from across India but also from countries like Sri Lanka, Spain and Germany.

"Through these awards, we want to recognise those who are preserving local culture, creating livelihoods and offering meaningful hospitality,” he added.

Tourism is no longer about sightseeing, it is about soul seeing. Rural tourism is India’s ‘soft power’.

The Yogi Adityanath government aims to to connect travellers with rural life so their visit goes beyond a day or two at monuments and becomes a longer pause rooted in culture and simplicity.

Under the Best Tourism Village 2026 category, villages will be assessed on tourism assets such as heritage, nature, culture, festivals and unique experiences, along with community participation, sustainability measures, visitor facilities and overall readiness to host tourists.

The Best Homestay (Rural) category focuses on authentic rural living experiences, guest comfort, transparency of operations and actual tourist stays, while the Best Farm Stay category recognises farm based experiences that integrate agriculture, local produce, nature and professionally managed rural hospitality.

Applications are to be submitted online through category wise registration forms, and stakeholders can also apply by scanning the QR codes shared on official website of Uttar Pradesh Tourism. 

The last date for registration and submission is 20 January 2026.

Ashok Leyland's electric bus plant inaugurated in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Hinduja Group's flagship company Ashok Leyland has commissioned its integrated electric bus manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

The greenfield unit was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Heavy Industries minister D H Kumaraswamy on Friday (January 9).

On the occasion, Adityanath said the plant is a key milestone in the state's industrial development journey and commitment towards environment conservation.

"Today, Uttar Pradesh is not merely a state of 'unlimited potential' but a state converting potential into actual achievements," he said, adding that UP now tops the 'Industry First' and 'Investor First' matrices.

The CM noted that UP does not suffer from the erstwhile policy paralysis of the previous governments, but contributes to India's industrial growth story.

"UP accounts for 9.5 percent to India's GDP and the state's economy is expected to touch Rs 36 trillion by the end of the current financial year," he claimed.

Adityanath alleged while investors were fleeing the state during the earlier regimes, UP had logged investment proposals to the tune of Rs 45 trillion of which projects worth Rs 15 trillion had been launched in the groundbreaking ceremonies.

"Now, we are ready to launch projects worth Rs 6 trillion next month, while another basket of projects totalling Rs 5 trillion are in the pipeline," he added.

He maintained that UP had become a preferred destination for domestic and global investors, and the Ashok Leyland plant would further catalyse its investment ecosystem.

Ashok Leyland has committed to invest Rs 1,000 crore in the Lucknow plant, which has an initial capacity to produce 2,500 vehicles per annum. It would be ramped up to 5,000 vehicles per year in the next phase depending upon the market demand.

On September 15, 2023, an memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Ashok Leyland and the Uttar Pradesh government for the setting up of the Lucknow plant.

Therefore, the new plant has been commissioned in less than 16 months since the signing of the MoU.

The company has already announced plans to convert its entire fleet of diesel buses and commercial vehicles into electric and other alternative fuels in the coming years.

Interestingly, UP is among India's leading electric vehicles (EVs) market even as the UP State Roadways Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is keen to convert its fleet of nearly 12,000 buses to EVs in the coming years.

In his address, Rajnath Singh observed that the Ashok Leyland plant would bolster UP's economic and industrial development roadmap and provide mass employment opportunities.

UP is also emerging as a major defence industry hub with the UP Defence Corridor spread over 6 nodes including Lucknow, he added.

He said UP, which was once considered to be a BIMARU state, has emerged as a preferred investment destination owing to the proactive policies of the Yogi government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.

"The path to a developed India passes through a developed Uttar Pradesh," Rajnath Singh underlined.

Canadian entrepreneurs to invest in Uttar Pradesh

A 24-member delegation of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) today met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.

Led by the organisation’s Founder President, Naresh Kumar Chawda, the delegation expressed keen interest in investing in Uttar Pradesh in the MSME, religious tourism and hospitality sectors.

Yogi assured of all possible support from the state government even as he invited them to visit the religious sites in Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj.

He emphasised the need to promote new initiatives in trade, technology and tourism in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.

He said that 8–9 years ago, markets during festivals were flooded with Chinese products, but in 2018 the state promoted traditional enterprises through the One District–One Product initiative.

These products were provided with design support, technology and platforms, and are showcased at the UP International Trade Show held in September 2025.

The CM claimed Chinese products have now disappeared from the UP markets.

The UP government is supporting all 9.6 million MSME units in the state and ensuring social security for them, benefiting the livelihoods of around 25 million families.

Through One District–One Product (ODOP), these products have been branded and are now being presented as official gifts on major platforms.

Yogi informed the delegation that India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and also the fastest-growing major economy.

UP ranks among the top three states in terms of economic contribution and is home to the country’s largest population.

He acquainted the delegation with UP’s rapid progress, stating that the state offers immense opportunities with improved security, law and order, and a strong investment environment.

At the Global Investors Summit 2023, investment proposals worth Rs 40 trillion were received, of which projects worth Rs 15 trillion have already witnessed ground-breaking ceremonies.

Further, proposals worth Rs 5 trillion are being prepared for the next round of implementation.

He added that members of the Chambers can play a significant role in bringing investment, technology and FDI to UP. Separate policies have been framed for FDI and Fortune 500 companies.

The CM said Uttar Pradesh also represents India’s rich heritage. The world’s largest cultural and spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh, was organised in the state last year, witnessing participation of over 660 million devotees. He also highlighted the state’s abundant water resources and fertile land.

He said that special focus has been given to infrastructure development in recent years.

Uttar Pradesh accounts for 55 per cent of the country’s expressway network, with significantly improved connectivity, including greenfield expressways.

The state has the largest rail network, metro services in the highest number of cities, a rapid rail system, and the country’s first operational waterway.

Yogi noted that UP currently has 11 domestic and four international airports in operation, with Asia’s largest airport at Jewar set to become operational soon.

He said UP is a land of opportunities, with projects such as a film city and apparel park in Noida, logistics hubs, and the state emerging as a new data centre hub. Four data centres are currently operational, with six more in the pipeline.

He further said Uttar Pradesh has witnessed more than eight-and-a-half years of stable law and order. Mentioning the upcoming AI City in Lucknow, he highlighted the state’s potential in advanced technologies.

The CM said Canadian entrepreneurs and others could contribute to the export of agricultural produce grown by farmers in UP.

He said the most important sites associated with Buddha and Jain Tirthankars are also located in Uttar Pradesh, offering vast potential for tourism development.

The Chamber can play a major role in promoting these destinations globally and informing visitors about the best times to visit. He noted air and road connectivity to all major pilgrimage sites in UP is excellent.

Meanwhile, Chawda said while Invest India–Invest Canada is organised every year in Canada, in 2026 it will be held three times, with two events focused on Uttar Pradesh.

He informed the Chief Minister that his team will work in UP across MSMEs, religious tourism and hospitality sectors.

He said during July–August and December–January, children of the Indian diaspora born in Canada will be brought to Uttar Pradesh to visit major religious sites. In addition, the Chambers plan to establish a 50-bed hospital and senior citizen homes in the state.

UP to build sports colleges at divisional headquarters

Reaffirming his strong commitment to the promotion of sports and sportspersons, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today announced the government will build sports colleges at every divisional headquarters.

This will be in addition to developing playgrounds in every gram panchayat, mini stadiums at the block level, and large stadiums at the district level.

He was addressing the award distribution ceremony of the MLA Sports Competition 2025 for the Gorakhpur City Assembly constituency.

Speaking at the Veer Bahadur Singh Sports College, the CM said the government is strengthening the sports infrastructure.

An international stadium is coming up near Beliapar in Gorakhpur, while the regional stadium of Gorakhpur is undergoing renovation at a cost of Rs 63 crore.

A state-of-the-art stadium is also being developed at Veer Bahadur Singh Sports College.

In Meerut, the academic session has already commenced at the sports university named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, where world-class construction work is progressing rapidly.

Explaining the importance of sports, Yogi said when youth plays, the nation blossoms. He emphasised that success in life is possible only with a healthy body, which can be achieved through sports and yogic practices.

He said over the past 11 years, there has been a significant transformation in sports and sporting activities across the country.

The world now looks towards India in sports such as kabaddi, hockey, badminton, and athletics, the CM noted.

IIT Kanpur concludes phase-I placements for 2025-26

The Students’ Placement Office (SPO) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has successfully concluded Phase I of the campus placements for the 2025–26 graduating batch.

Continuing last year’s flexible approach, hiring was conducted in on-campus, virtual, and hybrid modes to maximize accessibility for recruiters and students.

This initial phase saw robust participation from over 250 organizations across diverse sectors, extending a total of 1,202 offers.

Students accepted 1,079 of these offers, which include Pre-Placement Offers. A notable highlight was 15 students securing international offers from companies based in Europe, Japan, Korea, and the United States.

The institute anticipates a further expansion of global opportunities in Phase II placements, which are scheduled to commence from mid-January 2026.

The phase featured leading domestic and international companies, including Accenture, Airbus, American Express, BlackRock, Boeing, Databricks, Deutsche Bank, ICICI Bank, Mastercard, Meesho, Navi, PwC, Qualcomm, Samsung, InMobi, and Square Point Capital, and many more.

Several Public Sector Undertakings, such as BPCL, BEL, MIDHANI, and EIL, also participated actively.

On the completion of Phase-I of the campus placements, Prof Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “The successful conclusion of Phase-I placements reflects the academic rigor, adaptability, and industry-readiness of our students, as well as the institute’s strong and enduring engagement with leading organizations in India and abroad.

I commend the Students’ Placement Office for efficiently managing a flexible and inclusive placement process.

We remain committed to nurturing talent that is capable of contributing meaningfully to global and national growth, and we look forward to continued success in the upcoming phases.”

Prof Ashwani Kumar Thakur, Chairperson, SPO, IIT Kanpur, said, “We sincerely thank all participating recruiters for their continued support and confidence in the talent pool of IIT Kanpur.

Their partnership plays a vital role in shaping the careers of our students. As the placement season unfolds, the SPO remains dedicated to guiding students toward promising and enduring professional pathways.”

Prof Manjesh Kumar Singh, Vice-Chairperson, SPO, IIT Kanpur, added, “The advancements we see today are a result of the dedicated efforts of the entire SPO team and the constant support of our faculty.

Our recruiting partners continue to be instrumental in nurturing the ambitions of our students, and we are truly grateful for this sustained collaboration.”

Building on the success of Phase I, IIT Kanpur looks forward to an even more productive Phase II, which begins next month, to provide opportunities for the remaining students.

UP top gears defence projects of Rs 23,000 crore

To put Uttar Pradesh firmly on India's defence manufacturing map, the Yogi Adityanath government is speeding up defence and military-ware projects totalling Rs 23,000 crore.

These 110 projects pertain to different categories of defence hardware such as drones, arms, ammunition, missiles, propellant systems, parachutes, defence textiles etc.

The mega Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) spans six nodes viz. Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Aligarh, Agra and Chitrakoot.

The UPDIC is a critical part of the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) themes to reduce the country's dependency on costly foreign defence imports.

So far, nodal agency UP Expressways Industrial Development Authority #UPEIDA has signed 197 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with leading defence and aerospace companies for setting up production units in the UPDIC nodes.

The UP Defense Corridor will not only transform UP’s industrial landscape but also position India as a global defence manufacturing hub.

Major investors in the UPDIC include Adani Defence and Aerospace, BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Technologies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) etc.

Lucknow-based BrahMos Aerospace is an Indo-Russia joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPOM to develop next generation supersonic missiles.

He said the UPDIC has been strategically aligned with major initiatives such as 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) and 'Make in UP'.

Interestingly, the Corridor is among the key projects of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who regularly monitors its progress to realise its full potential for industrial growth and job creation.

With the overarching objective of boosting India’s defence and aerospace self-reliance, about 62 UPDIC projects have so far been allotted 977 hectares of land.

These projects involve investments of almost Rs 12,000 crore. Together with additional 110 projects worth Rs 23,000 in the pipeline, the UPDIC has amassed investment proposals to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore with a job creation potential of over 52,000.

Meanwhile, UPEIDA has approved 2,100 hectares of land across the six nodes, while 1,600 hectares are currently available for allotment to industry.

Aligarh tops with the allotment of land to maximum 24 companies while Kanpur ranks first in total land allotment of 210 hectares allocated to five companies.

In Jhansi, 17 companies have been allotted 571 hectares; in Lucknow 16 companies have received 131 hectares of land. The allotment process will soon begin in Chitrakoot.

Yogi 2.0 tables Supplementary Budget of Rs 24k crore

The Yogi Adityanath government has tabled a Supplementary Budget of more than Rs 24,496 crore in the Uttar Pradesh assembly.

The Supplementary Budget was presented yesterday by UP finance minister Suresh Khanna in the state legislature for the current financial year 2025-26.

Since the UP Annual Budget 2025-26, which was tabled on February 20, 2025 amounted to Rs 8.08 trillion, the state's total Budget size for the current fiscal has now burgeoned to more than Rs 8.32 trillion.

In his address, Khanna said the Supplementary Budget would provide funds to all key sectors and departments including industrial development, energy, health, urban development, sugarcane etc.

The current Supplementary Budget comprises revenue and capital heads of Rs 18,369 crore and Rs 6,127 crore respectively.

It proposes Rs 4,874 crore and Rs 4,521 crore for industrial development and energy respectively.

Moreover, the state health sector and urban development have been allocated Rs 3,500 crore and Rs 1,758 crore respectively.

While technical education will receive a funding of almost Rs 640 crore, the women and child development head have been given Rs 535 crore.

Similarly, state green interface UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (NEDA) and medical education have been allocated Rs 500 crore and Rs 423 crore respectively in the Supplementary Budget.

The sugarcane and sugar sector have been given an additional budget of Rs 400 crore.

Meanwhile, the UP Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has been estimated at more than Rs 31 trillion.

Supplementary Budget is tabled to get legislative approval for additional or contingency expenses during the course of a financial year for ongoing as well as new projects.

In recent years, the Yogi government has been generously allocating funds for mega projects pertaining to infrastructure, agriculture, social sector, rural development, industry, tourism etc to propel its ambitious $1 trillion economy target.

The current winter session of the bicameral UP legislature, which has two houses viz. Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad, started on December 19 (Friday).

UP to fortify semiconductor ecosystem

Uttar Pradesh is fast evolving into a hub of cutting edge technologies and products including semiconductors.

Focusing on job creation in Uttar Pradesh, strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem is becoming a crucial part of the state's industrial policy.

The joint OSAT unit of HCL and Foxconn, to be established in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area, is being seen as a major achievement in this direction.

Consequently, with the expansion of the semiconductor ecosystem, the Yamuna Expressway region is rapidly emerging as a new employment hub for Uttar Pradesh.

This initiative will not only accelerate industrial development but will also provide new strength to the state's economy.

According to Roshni Malhotra, Chairperson of the HCL Group, the joint OSAT unit of HCL and Foxconn will give a new direction to job creation in UP.

The proposed project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct employment opportunities in the state. 

These jobs will include roles in engineering, technicians, production specialists, quality control and management.

This initiative is being seen as a strong foundation for high-tech employment in the state, giving young people the opportunity to connect directly with modern industry.

From an employment perspective, the impact of this project will not be limited to the factory premises.

Several ancillary industries related to packaging, logistics, raw material supply, equipment, maintenance, and service sectors will develop alongside the semiconductor unit.

This is expected to create thousands of indirect jobs. Local MSMEs will also receive opportunities for expansion and new business ventures, strengthening the regional economy.

Along with the semiconductor industry, the state government is placing special emphasis on skill development. Under the OSAT project, plans are underway to train young people in advanced technologies.

Special training programs will be launched in collaboration with industry and academic institutions to prepare the state's youth for future technological demands.

This will strengthen their employability in the long term and provide them with global opportunities.

This unit, which is being established near Jewar Airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area, is also considered crucial for regional development.

Owing to robust connectivity and modern industrial infrastructure, this area is rapidly emerging as a high-tech employment hub.

The increasing flow of investment will not only create more jobs but will also enable UP to play a significant role in the semiconductor-based economy.

UP to offer marketing assistance for service exports

Uttar Pradesh has become India's first state to offer marketing development assistance for service exports under the UP Export Promotion Policy 2025–30.

It is a major step to accelerate the growth of service sector exports from the landlocked state.

The scheme will provide financial support to help service exporters expand their footprint in international markets.

This will enhance the global competitiveness of service exporters from UP, strengthen their marketing capabilities, and improve service quality in line with international standards.

By promoting service exports, the scheme will strengthen the state’s export-oriented economy while generating new employment and investment opportunities.

The scheme will benefit service exporters registered with the UP Export Promotion Bureau (UPEPB) and the UP Export Promotion Council, who are engaged in exporting services under the 12 champion service sectors identified by the Government of India and are promoting services originating from Uttar Pradesh in global markets.

Under the policy, service exporters will be eligible for financial assistance of up to 75 percent, subject to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh, towards stall rental expenses for participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets held abroad.

Additionally, assistance of up to 75 percent, capped at Rs 1 lakh, will be provided towards economy class air travel for one participant.

For participation in international trade fairs held within the country, assistance of up to Rs 50,000 for stall rental and up to Rs 25,000 for travel expenses will be available.

Organising agencies conducting international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets abroad will be eligible for financial assistance covering up to 75 percent of the total expenditure, with a maximum limit of Rs 1 crore.

For similar international events held within the country, assistance of up to Rs 75 lakh will be provided. Participation by a minimum of 20 service-exporting units will be mandatory in this category.

In recent years, UP service sector has recorded strong growth in exports and currently contributes nearly 45 percent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), underscoring its vital role in achieving the state’s target of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

High-potential sectors include IT-ITES, fintech, tourism, health and wellness, logistics, transportation, supply chain services, and media and audiovisual services.

The entire application process under the scheme will be conducted online.

Exporting units must submit their applications within 120 days from the conclusion of the fair or event. Eligible claims will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with the approved assistance amount transferred directly to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

UP agri policy boosting rural economy

Uttar Pradesh has developed a robust and integrated agricultural value chain from seed to #market to enhance farmers’ income.

Over the past eight and a half years, major decisions have been taken to ensure that farmers have seamless access from cultivation to market.

As a result, a modern, farmer-centric model has taken shape in the landlocked state.

UP Chief Minister #YogiAdityanath has placed special emphasis on ensuring that farmers keep pace with the digital era.

Due to sustained UP government efforts, the state’s agricultural growth rate has risen from 8.6% in 2016–17 to 17.7% in 2024–25.

#UttarPradesh now ranks first in the country, producing 40 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually.

The Yogi government is not only focused on crop cultivation, but consistently introducing new income-generating opportunities for farmers.

Farmers are receiving free soil health cards through a mobile app, providing complete information about their land’s condition.

A major milestone has been the government’s regular revision of the Minimum Support Price #MSP

This year, the MSP for common #paddy has been fixed at ₹2,369 per quintal and for Grade A paddy at ₹2,389 per quintal, an increase of ₹69 from last year.

The price for early variety sugarcane has been raised to ₹400 per quintal, and for the normal variety to ₹390 per quintal. This has provided a significant boost to farm incomes.

UP AGREES Project has been launched to help farmers increase productivity, adopt modern agricultural methods, and create new sources of agriculture-based employment in rural areas.

Under the Chief Minister’s Krishi Samriddhi Yojana, farmers are being provided loans at affordable interest rates.

The scope of the Kisan Credit Card #KCC scheme has also been expanded, with a target of issuing 25 lakh new KCCs this year. Additionally, a 50% subsidy is being offered on tractors, harvesters, drones, and crop-residue management equipment.

The UP government is providing #farmers with free daily information on market prices and weather conditions.

More than 14.5 million Farmer Card IDs have been issued so far. Seedling production through women’s self-help groups is creating employment for nearly 60,000 women.

A Seed Park is also being developed in Lucknow at a cost of ₹251 crore, in honor of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.

The establishment of over 4,000 active procurement centers across the state is a transformative achievement of the Yogi government.

Notably, 35–40% of these centers were established in blocks where farmers had lacked permanent procurement facilities for decades.

Now, with procurement centers located closer to villages, farmers benefit from reduced transportation costs, quicker sales, and protection from market price fluctuations.

UP creates landbank of 800 acres in Gorakhpur

Making a pitch for industrial development in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, the state government has created a robust landbank of more than 800 acres in Gorakhpur.

The landbank has been amassed by the Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA), which has been gaining traction ever since #YogiAdityanath became the chief minister of UP in March 2017.

Gorakhpur is the traditional turf of Yogi Adityanath, since he is the chief of the much reverred Hindu monastic order of Gorakshnath Peeth, which has tens of millions of ardent followers across India.

In the last eight years, the GIDA has logged nearly 500 investments of more than Rs 11,600 crore across different sectors including food processing, beverages, dairy, industrial products, manufacturing etc.

The prominent investors include PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Ankur Udyog, Kyan Industries, India Auto Wheels, SD International, Tatva Plastics, Kapila Agro Industries, CP Milk and Foods etc.

The Reliance Group is also setting up a Campa unit in Dhuriyapar, Gorakhpur even as Plastic Park and Flatted Factory projects are also proposed in the region.

Recently, Yogi inaugurated and laid the foundation of 114 new development projects worth Rs 408 crore across sectors in GIDA.

The Authority also hosted a three-day UP State Trade Show to mark the occasion.

Between 1989 and 1998, industrial activity declined sharply in the GIDA jurisdiction, and Gorakhpur’s mega fertiliser plant was also shut down.