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Bhupesh Baghel addresses Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023
Mumbai: India’s premium broadcast network, Times Network, is hosting edition 9 of its annual signature event, India Economic Conclave (IEC) scheduled on 1 & 2 June 2023 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. A distinguished global platform, India Economic Conclave has been instrumental in shaping a national discourse on the country’s economic growth. Driving the theme, “India: The Emerging Third Superpower”, IEC 2023 will lead critical conversations with eminent policymakers, global visionaries, and iconic leaders from India Inc on India’s growth as a leading global superpower.
Speaking at Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel emphasised the importance of providing maximum minimum support price (MSP) to farmers, highlighting that the marketing federation and state government play a significant role in guaranteeing loans and purchasing agricultural produce. Specifically, the marketing federation has purchased rice/paddy worth 22,000 crores from farmers, with the state government providing the guarantee. The interest on the loans taken from banks is covered by the marketing federation, ultimately supported by the state government.
Regarding GST compensation, Bhagel expressed concern about the existing GST rules, which he believes are biased against producing states. He mentioned that consumer states benefit more from GST as they receive a higher share of the revenue. He highlighted the need for compensation, as discussed by the Indian government for a period of five years. However, he expressed disappointment with the central government’s lack of action on this matter, indicating a perceived lack of willingness to provide assistance.
When discussing the issue of conducting a caste census for other backward classes (OBC), Bhagel emphasised the need for data-driven decision-making. He mentioned that after 75 years of independence, there are still castes within SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and even the upper class that has been left behind. Bhagel argued that without accurate data, it is challenging to develop effective schemes and policies to address these disparities, hence the importance of conducting a caste census. producing 30 lakh tons of bitumen domestically.”
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WITT Summit 2026 concludes in New Delhi
Babar Azam’s comical diving attempt goes viral as league introduces anti-dew measures.
MUMBAI: The WITT Summit just wrapped up with enough big ideas to fill a policy playbook because when India’s leaders, thinkers and icons gather under one roof, even the conversations hit sixes. The eighth edition of TV9 Network’s flagship What India Thinks Today (WITT) Summit 2026 concluded on Saturday after two days of dynamic discussions at its New Delhi venue. India’s largest multi-domain public policy and culture summit brought together political leaders, policymakers, sports icons, artists and technology innovators to examine the forces shaping contemporary India and its global standing.
Prime minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address on the theme “India and the World” for the third consecutive year. In a wide-ranging speech, he addressed the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling for restraint and compassion while highlighting India’s continued development trajectory despite global turmoil.
The summit featured candid conversations with state leaders. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy articulated a people-first governance model and contrasted it with other development approaches. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared that Left-wing extremism had been effectively eliminated in his state and highlighted preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended his government’s record, citing the closure of 19 toll plazas and creation of the Sadak Suraksha Force. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed confidence in Congress prospects in Assam and addressed recent allegations against him.
On geopolitics and national security, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia outlined India’s ambition to become a builder of trusted digital infrastructure for the world, citing the rapid 5G rollout and village-level 4G connectivity.
Cricket received significant attention. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly praised player freedom and trust as hallmarks of great leadership and named MS Dhoni as the greatest captain due to his World Cup successes. India women’s team bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi credited the BCCI and Women’s Premier League for building a pipeline of world-class talent behind the team’s recent ODI World Cup triumph.
The summit also hosted the inaugural AI² Awards 2026, celebrating the convergence of human creativity and machine intelligence in storytelling and content creation. Poet and kathavachak Kumar Vishwas delivered a nuanced take on India’s concept of Dharma and criticised the recent arrest of an 80-year-old Shankaracharya. Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan and storyteller Neelesh Misra reflected on changing music trends and artistic responsibility in the wake of a recent controversy involving Nora Fatehi.
In a country where conversations often run as deep as the Ganges, the WITT Summit proved once again that when leaders, thinkers and storytellers come together, the real winner is public discourse lively, layered and refreshingly unafraid to tackle the big questions shaping India’s tomorrow.
