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Category: India

  • Centre approves railway doubling projects to boost connectivity in seven districts worth ₹6,405 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The first project involves doubling the Koderma–Barkakana line, spanning 133 kilometres through a key coal-producing region of Jharkhand. This route also serves as a vital rail link between Patna and Ranchi. The second project will double the 185-kilometre stretch between Ballari and Chikjajur, passing through Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. These routes are significant for the transportation of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
    According to the Ministry of Railways, the projects are designed to address capacity constraints by doubling existing single-line sections, thereby improving operational efficiency and reliability. The new infrastructure will also support increased passenger and freight traffic, particularly for critical commodities such as coal, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
    The projects are expected to generate direct employment for approximately 108 lakh human-days during construction. In terms of environmental and economic impact, the Railway Ministry projects that the additional freight capacity, estimated at 49 million tonnes per annum, will help reduce logistics costs and oil imports by approximately 52 crore litres. The projects are also expected to lower carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 264 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to the effect of planting 11 crore trees.
    The two lines will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,408 villages with a combined population of about 28.19 lakh. The Railway Ministry stated that the projects are in line with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to promote integrated and seamless multi-modal connectivity.

  • Om Birla pays floral tribute to former speaker K.S. Hegde on his birth anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today led a solemn ceremony at Samvidhan Sadan to pay floral tribute to former Speaker K. S. Hegde on his birth anniversary.

    Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1952, K. S. Hegde served until 1957, when he resigned to join the Mysore High Court as a judge. His illustrious judicial career saw him serve as Chief Justice of the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh High Court and later as a Supreme Court Judge from 1967 until his resignation in 1973. In 1977, Hegde was elected to the Sixth Lok Sabha from Bangalore South Constituency and became Lok Sabha Speaker on July 21, 1977, following Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy’s resignation. After stepping down as Speaker in January 1980, he settled in his native Karnataka, where he passed away on May 24, 1990.

    During the ceremony, a booklet highlighting Hegde’s life and contributions, published

  • Piyush Goyal concludes successful visit to Switzerland, begins economic diplomacy in Sweden

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a two-day official visit to Switzerland from June 9 to 10, and has commenced the Sweden leg of his European tour aimed at strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation-driven partnerships.

    The Switzerland visit focused on advancing India-Switzerland economic cooperation and operationalising the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed earlier this year between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Goyal held high-level meetings with Swiss government officials and industry leaders to chart a roadmap for TEPA implementation and explore new opportunities for trade and investment.

    During the visit, Goyal met with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, and State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda. Discussions centred on regulatory cooperation, skills development, innovation partnerships, and measures to facilitate faster investment decision-making.

    The minister also engaged with Swiss industry leaders across sectors including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, precision engineering, defence, and emerging technologies. In sectoral roundtables and bilateral meetings, Goyal highlighted India’s growing economic strength, policy stability, infrastructure expansion, and the government’s efforts to create a conducive ecosystem for global investors. Swiss companies welcomed India’s expanding domestic market and policy reforms, viewing the country as a key destination for growth and manufacturing.

    A key highlight was Goyal’s participation at the 18th Swissmem Industry Day held in Zurich, attended by over 1,000 delegates representing Switzerland’s mechanical, electrical, and metal industries. In his keynote address, the minister invited Swiss companies, including SMEs and deep-tech innovators, to scale up investments in India by leveraging TEPA. He emphasised India’s demographic advantage, engineering talent, and robust supply chains, encouraging Swiss industry to anchor research and development, establish manufacturing bases, and co-create technologies for emerging markets.

    An immediate outcome of the visit was the swift resolution of a facilitation request from Endress+Hauser, a global process automation firm with a presence in India. The company had raised concerns about land availability near its Maharashtra facility. The issue was resolved within hours through coordinated efforts by the minister and Indian authorities, demonstrating the government’s commitment to investor-friendly governance.

    Goyal also held one-on-one meetings with several Swiss companies exploring expansion strategies, localisation, talent development, and MSME linkages. Interest was especially strong in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, clean technology, and healthcare innovation.

    The minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Indian industry bodies including ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI, reflecting a whole-of-government and whole-of-industry approach to economic diplomacy. In a meeting with the Switzerland chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Goyal appreciated their contribution to enhancing India’s reputation for financial excellence.

    The visit concluded on a note of shared optimism, with Swiss stakeholders reaffirming confidence in India’s rise as a global economic powerhouse and welcoming the government’s collaborative and reform-oriented approach.

    Moving on to Sweden, Goyal will co-chair the 21st session of the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation with Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa.

    He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Benjamin Dousa and Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Minister of Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. These discussions aim to reinforce the strong economic relationship and identify new opportunities aligned with India’s long-term economic objectives.

    Key engagements will include an India-Sweden business leaders’ round table and meetings with leading Swedish companies such as Ericsson, Volvo Group, IKEA, Sandvik, Alfa Laval, and SAAB. The discussions will focus on sectors where Sweden excels, including advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and sustainable solutions.

    Goyal will also meet members of the Indian diaspora and address media interactions to strengthen people-to-people ties and communicate India’s vision for the bilateral partnership.

  • From Surgical Strikes to Operation SINDOOR: tracking 11 years of internal security measures

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s firm and clear-eyed approach to internal security and counter-terrorism over the last eleven years reflects the government’s unwavering resolve to prioritise national interest above all. From precision military strikes across borders to strategic dismantling of insurgent networks within, India has shed the hesitations of the past. A clear doctrine now guides action, swift, decisive and backed by intelligence. With the abrogation of Article 370, the campaign against Naxalism, and new capabilities in high-tech defence, India today stands more secure and self-reliant than ever before. Operation SINDOOR, India’s swift and precise military response to a terror attack in April 2025, further demonstrated this resolve. These successes are a result of political will, military strength and a deeply rooted belief in putting the country first.
     
    Surgical Strikes and Balakot Air Strikes
     
    In a bold departure from past restraint, India responded to the terrorist attack in Uri on 18 soldiers by conducting Surgical Strikes on 28-29 September 2016. These strikes inflicted heavy losses on terrorists and their protectors across the Line of Control. A few years later, on 14 February 2019, the Pulwama terror attack claimed 40 CRPF jawans. India’s response came swiftly. On 26 February 2019, in an intelligence-led operation, the Balakot airstrikes eliminated a large number of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, including senior commanders. The facility targeted was located far from civilian areas and headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar. These pre-emptive actions showed the world that India would no longer tolerate proxy war through terrorism.
     
    Operation SINDOOR
     
    In April 2025, following a brutal terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, India launched Operation SINDOOR, executing precise retaliatory strikes against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian military, acting on accurate intelligence, relied on drone strikes, loitering munitions, and layered air defence to neutralise key threats without crossing international boundaries. Key command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were destroyed, severely disrupting their operational capabilities. The strikes resulted in over 100 terrorists killed in action, including individuals linked to IC-814 hijack and Pulwama blast like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmad.
     
    When Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on 7–8 May against multiple Indian cities and bases, these were swiftly intercepted, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s net-centric warfare systems and integrated counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) grid.
     
    In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s firm policy on cross-border terrorism and its approach towards Pakistan. He underlined that national security is non-negotiable and outlined clear red lines regarding dialogue, deterrence, and defence. Key points from his address include:
     
    1. Firm response to terror attacks: Any terrorist attack on India will be met with a fitting and decisive response, regardless of where the perpetrators operate from.
     
    2. No tolerance for nuclear blackmail: India will not be deterred by nuclear threats and will continue to carry out precise strikes against terrorist hideouts.
     
    3. No distinction between terror elements: There will be no difference between the masterminds and the sponsors of terror, both will be held accountable.
     
    4. Terrorism first in any talks: Any engagement with Pakistan, if at all, will be focused only on terrorism or the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
     
    5. Zero compromise on sovereignty: The Prime Minister declared, “Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together,” firmly closing the door to normal relations amid terror threats.
     
     
    Counterterrorism Measures in Jammu and Kashmir
     
    On 5 August 2019, Parliament approved the removal of Article 370 and 35-A, marking a historic correction of a decades-old imbalance. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were brought at par with other regions, and over 890 Central laws were applied. As many as 205 state laws were repealed, and 130 modified to align with the Constitution of India.
     
    Since then, development in the region has accelerated. Marginalised groups like Valmikis, Dalits, and Gorkhas now enjoy full rights. Laws such as the Right to Education and Child Marriage Act now protect all citizens in the region. The impact is clear: terrorist-initiated incidents have dropped from 228 in 2018 to just 28 in 2024, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and peace. Additionally, stone-pelting incidents have recorded a 100% drop, marking a new era of peace.
     
    The successful conduct of the J&K Assembly Elections in 2024, held in three phases with a 63% voter turnout, further underscores the region’s embrace of democratic participation and stability, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and peace.
     
    Fight Against Naxalism
     
    The multi-pronged approach to Left Wing Extremism has delivered historic gains. From 126 affected districts in 2010, the number has come down to just 38 by April 2024. Most affected districts were reduced from 12 to 6, and the number of casualties is at a 30-year low. Violence has declined sharply from 1,936 incidents in 2010 to 374 in 2024, a drop of 81 percent. Deaths have reduced by 85 percent over the same period.
     
    In 2024 alone, 290 Naxals were neutralised, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Major recent operations in March 2025 saw 50 Naxals surrender in Bijapur, 16 neutralised in Sukma, and 22 killed in Kanker and Bijapur. Another landmark achievement came with Operation Black Forest in Chhattisgarh, where 27 dreaded Maoists, including Basavaraju, a general secretary ranked leader, the first such high ranking neutralisation in 30 years, were eliminated. Additionally, 54 Naxalites were arrested, and 84 surrendered in this operation.
     
    With continued support through Special Central Assistance and targeted development, the government is on track to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026.

  • PM Narendra Modi highlights 11 years of inclusive growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared an article by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting what he described as 11 years of inclusive growth — a phase marked by citizen empowerment, social upliftment, and national advancement.

    In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said:

    “Union Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw reflects on 11 years of inclusive growth, a journey that has benefited citizens in multiple ways and, more importantly, instilled a belief. A belief that empowers, uplifts, and propels the nation forward”, PM Modi said in his post.

    “An insightful read!”, he added.

    https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1932719914550493284

     

     

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Vodafone Idea Launches 5G Commercial Service in Bengaluru with Samsung’s Versatile Solutions

    Source: Samsung

     
    Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) today announced the commercial launch of 5G services by partnering with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Samsung) in Bengaluru region, one of the key telecom markets in India and a global IT hub known as the “Silicon Valley of India”. Since 2024, the companies have been working together to deploy a new generation, 5G network and modernize Vi’s legacy 2G and 4G networks with Samsung’s industry-leading solutions in major telecom circles of India including Bihar, Karnataka and Punjab.
     
    As part of this collaboration, Vi had already launched 5G commercial services in Chandigarh and Patna in April 2025. Vi has successfully deployed Samsung’s small form-factor, energy-efficient and high transmit power radios for enabling a seamless 5G experience across all the three circles. These solutions offer increased cell capacity and energy savings features to deliver better consumer experience with greener and more sustainable approaches for Vi’s customers.
     
    For this deployment, Samsung provided its wide range of radios supporting diverse spectrum bands, including 32T32R Massive MIMO radios, along with Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions that encompass baseband and software functions known as the virtualized Central Unit (vCU).
     
    The companies have also implemented the nation’s first virtualized Base Station Controller (vBSC), a key network element for 2G services, thereby modernizing its network with cutting-edge software solutions while still ensuring legacy technology and services are supported.
     
    Virtualization of network functionalities enable Vi to streamline network deployment and facilitate easier management, which results in greater efficiency, lower operational costs, better resource allocation control, and increased customer satisfaction. With this virtualization adoption, operators can build software-based and flexible networks more easily, gaining a competitive edge in bringing future networks.
     
    Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea said: “The launch of Vi’s 5G services in Bengaluru as well as Chandigarh and Patna, marks a key step in introducing Samsung as a new partner in our ecosystem and towards delivering seamless, highly reliable next-generation services to our customers. By partnering with Samsung, our endeavor is to offer the best customer experience and provide our customers with enhanced mobile broadband throughputs and high capacity required in today’s digitally connected world.”
     
    Woojune Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics said: “India, especially Bengaluru, stands at the forefront of the global digital transformation, and we are proud to accompany Vi’s innovative journey in delivering next-generation connectivity to its customers in one of the world’s most dynamic and advanced IT markets. Samsung always thinks a step ahead, anticipating future needs of mobile operators. Through this collaboration, Samsung is fully committed in supporting Vi to satisfy the demands of mobile users and boost enterprise growth with our innovative spirits.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • Sensex ends in green amid volatility, investors await key macroeconomic data

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market ended higher after a volatile session on Wednesday, with the Sensex rising 123.42 points, or 0.15 per cent, to close at 82,515.14. The Nifty also advanced 37.15 points, or 0.15 per cent, to settle at 25,141.40.

    Despite the gains in benchmark indices, selling pressure was observed in the broader market. The Nifty Midcap 100 index declined by 293.25 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 59,388.15, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index fell 101.05 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 18,798.75.

    Sectorally, IT, auto, pharma, realty, and energy stocks were the top gainers, whereas PSU banks, financial services, FMCG, metal, and media stocks closed in the red.

    Among the top gainers in the Sensex pack were HCL Tech, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Motors, Eternal (Zomato), ICICI Bank, UltraTech Cement, and Titan. On the losing side, Power Grid, IndusInd Bank, Nestle, HUL, and HDFC Bank were the major laggards.

    The Nifty index remained volatile through the day, reflecting investor caution ahead of key economic data releases.

    “Crucial support is placed at 24,850. As long as the index holds above this level, the trend is likely to remain positive, with potential to move towards 25,350 in the short term,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.

    According to market analysts, profit-booking continued in the broader markets due to elevated domestic valuations. However, resilience in large-cap stocks supported the benchmark indices, with institutional investors preferring companies with stable earnings outlooks.

    “The auto and IT sectors remain in focus — auto stocks are gaining on improved monthly sales, while IT is benefiting from optimism around a potential US-China trade resolution,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

    Following the recent rally, analysts noted that the market currently lacks a clear direction as investors await key macroeconomic indicators and updates on global trade developments.

    “US inflation data is expected to show a slight uptick, driven by recent tariff increases,” Nair added.

    Meanwhile, the Indian rupee traded stronger by 0.10, closing at 85.44 against the US dollar, supported by sustained buying activity from foreign and domestic institutional investors. The dollar index remained flat. Analysts expect the rupee to trade within the range of 85.25 to 85.85 in the near term.

    -IANS

  • Piyush Goyal bolsters economic ties with Switzerland and Sweden, advances TEPA implementation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal wrapped up a productive two-day visit to Switzerland on June 9-10, and began official engagements in Sweden on Tuesday, reinforcing India’s strategic economic partnerships with both nations.

    “The Switzerland leg of the visit focused on advancing India–Switzerland economic cooperation and operationalising the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed earlier this year between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA),” the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

    During the visit, Goyal held high-level talks with Swiss leaders, including Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research, and State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda. The discussions focused on a roadmap for TEPA implementation, prioritizing regulatory cooperation, skill development, and innovation to enhance trade and investment.

    In Zurich, Goyal addressed over 1,000 European industry leaders at the 18th Swissmem Industry Day. He invited Swiss firms, including SMEs and deep-tech innovators, to invest in India, highlighting India’s demographic dividend, engineering talent, and robust supply chains. He positioned India as a global hub for manufacturing and R&D.

    Engagements with Swiss industries covered biotech, pharma, precision engineering, defense, and emerging technologies. Goyal emphasized India’s stable policies and infrastructure growth, urging firms to establish local manufacturing and co-develop technologies for the Global South. A standout outcome was the rapid resolution of a land availability issue for Endress+Hauser in Maharashtra, resolved within hours through coordinated efforts, earning praise as a model of responsive governance.

    Accompanied by representatives from ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI, Goyal underscored India’s whole-of-government approach. He also met the Switzerland Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, commending their role in elevating India’s global financial reputation.

    In Sweden, Goyal is set to co-chair the 21st Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial, and Scientific Cooperation (JCEISC) with Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. The session aims to deepen ties in advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and sustainable solutions.

    Bilateral meetings with Dousa and Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, alongside an India-Sweden Business Leaders’ Round Table, focus on expanding partnerships with companies like Ericsson, Volvo Group, IKEA, Sandvik, Alfa Laval, and SAAB. Goyal will also engage with the Indian diaspora and media to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote the India-Sweden vision.

    Reflecting on his Switzerland visit, Goyal in a post on X, wrote, “Wrapping up a successful two-day visit to the beautiful city of Bern, with warmth, fond memories & new partnerships. Highly impressed with the curiosity, interest, and trust of industry leaders in India’s growth story. Exciting opportunities lie ahead.”

  • Centre approves railway doubling projects to boost connectivity in seven districts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved two railway multitracking projects with a combined length of 318 kilometres. These projects, spanning seven districts across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, are expected to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and improve freight movement across important rail corridors. The total cost of the projects is estimated at ₹6,405 crore.
     
    The first project involves doubling the Koderma–Barkakana line, spanning 133 kilometres through a key coal-producing region of Jharkhand. This route also serves as a vital rail link between Patna and Ranchi. The second project will double the 185-kilometre stretch between Ballari and Chikjajur, passing through Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. These routes are significant for the transportation of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
     
    According to the Ministry of Railways, the projects are designed to address capacity constraints by doubling existing single-line sections, thereby improving operational efficiency and reliability. The new infrastructure will also support increased passenger and freight traffic, particularly for critical commodities such as coal, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
     
    The projects are expected to generate direct employment for approximately 108 lakh human-days during construction. In terms of environmental and economic impact, the Railway Ministry projects that the additional freight capacity, estimated at 49 million tonnes per annum, will help reduce logistics costs and oil imports by approximately 52 crore litres. The projects are also expected to lower carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 264 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to the effect of planting 11 crore trees.
     
    The two lines will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,408 villages with a combined population of about 28.19 lakh. The Railway Ministry stated that the projects are in line with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to promote integrated and seamless multi-modal connectivity.
     

  • 11 years of Modi govt: India’s civil aviation sector soars to new heights

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s civil aviation sector has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 11 years, emerging as a vital pillar of the country’s infrastructure growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From just 74 operational airports in 2014, the number has more than doubled to 160 by March 2025, including 145 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes.

    A major thrust has been on regional connectivity and inclusive development. Under the UDAN scheme, 625 new air routes have been operationalised, connecting 88 unserved and underserved airports, benefiting over 1.51 crore passengers. The scheme has received over ₹5,000 crore in funding, targeting difficult terrains, including the Northeast, tribal belts, and hilly regions.

    Several greenfield airports have become operational during this period, including Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Kurnool, Kushinagar, Sindhudurg, Donyi Polo (Itanagar), and the MoPA Airport in Goa, significantly boosting regional tourism and trade.

    Digital reforms have been a key driver of efficiency. The eGCA platform has digitized nearly 300 aviation services, while Digi Yatra—adopted by over 5.2 crore passengers—has enabled seamless travel through facial recognition. Enhanced security measures like the biometric AEP and paperless e-BCAS system have further modernized airport operations.

    India’s drone ecosystem has seen rapid policy and industrial support, with over 32,000 drones registered and more than 26,000 remote pilot certificates issued. The government has also introduced the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 to modernize aviation laws and boost indigenous manufacturing under Make in India.

    Flagship schemes like Krishi UDAN, Lifeline UDAN (launched during COVID-19), and HEMS (India’s first air ambulance pilot project in Uttarakhand) are addressing agriculture, emergency response, and remote healthcare needs.

    Social inclusion has also been prioritized. India now leads globally in women pilots (15%) and aims to grow the women workforce in aviation to 25% by 2025. Passenger services have improved, with baggage turnaround times now under 30 minutes at major airports, and UDAN Yatri Cafés launched to offer affordable meals.

    Recent Cabinet decisions have cleared major expansion projects, including airport upgrades in Varanasi (₹2,869 crore), and new civil enclaves at Bihta (Patna) and Bagdogra, with investments exceeding ₹2,900 crore.

    India’s civil aviation sector is poised to be a key enabler in the country’s journey toward Viksit Bharat@2047, driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and strengthening national integration.

  • India’s social protection coverage soars from 19% to 64.3% in a decade; PM Modi lauds progress

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has achieved one of the fastest expansions in social protection coverage globally, with the share of its population covered by at least one welfare scheme rising to 64.3% in 2025, up from 19% in 2015, according to the latest data from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

    In a post on X, Union Labour & Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya shared: “Efforts of Modi Government recognised by ILO! Social Protection Coverage surges from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. In terms of beneficiary count, India now ranks second in the world, providing social protection coverage to more than 94 crore citizens.”

    Responding to Dr Mandaviya’s post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “This is a commendable rise, indicating our commitment towards welfare-driven development and ensuring our various pro-people schemes reach the maximum number of people.”

    Dr Mandaviya is currently leading the Indian delegation at the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC), being held from 10 to 12 June. Speaking in Geneva, he attributed the rise in social protection coverage to a series of labour welfare and pro-poor initiatives implemented by the Modi government over the past eleven years.

    “This marks a crucial step towards achieving the goal of Antyodaya—empowering the last mile,” the labour minister said, adding that the growth reflects India’s commitment to a rights-based, inclusive welfare system.

    According to the ILO, India’s current coverage figure stems from Phase I of a Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, carried out by the government in collaboration with the ILO. The first phase focused on central sector and women-centric schemes in eight states. With further data integration expected in Phase II, officials estimate that social protection coverage could surpass the 100-crore mark.

    The ILO’s criteria for counting coverage include schemes that are legislatively backed, cash-based, currently active, and supported by at least three years of verified data.

    Notably, India is also the first country globally to update its 2025 social protection statistics in the ILOSTAT dashboard, positioning itself as a leader in digital governance and welfare data transparency.

    On the sidelines of the conference, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo praised India’s focused policy approach and lauded the efforts made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to strengthen the country’s welfare infrastructure.

  • Health ministry issues advisory as Delhi sizzles, urges people to stay indoors during peak hours

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that daytime temperatures in Delhi may soar to 45 degrees Celsius, the Health Ministry on Wednesday urged people to stay indoors during peak hours, and stay hydrated.

    The IMD has issued an orange alert for the national capital on Wednesday.

    The IMD has warned that daytime temperatures in Delhi could reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius, with night-time lows hovering around 29 degrees Celsius. The ongoing weather conditions are part of a prolonged heatwave affecting large parts of northwestern India.

    “Extreme heat can be risky. Stay indoors during peak hours, eat lower-calorie food, drink safe fluids, and never leave kids or pets in parked cars,” the Health Ministry, said in a post on social media platform X.

    “Call 108/102 if someone shows signs of heatstroke,” it added.

    In an infographic shared along with the post, the Ministry urged people to avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm. It also urged citizens to avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon, cooking during peak summer hours, and to open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately.

    The Health Ministry advised citizens to avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar and importantly not to leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

    Call 108/102 immediately if you find someone with a high body temperature and is either unconscious or confused, the advisory said.

    “The heat is rising, but awareness can save lives! A heatwave isn’t just about soaring temperatures. It’s about knowing the risks, recognising the signs, and protecting each other. Let’s beat the heat together!” said the IMD on X.

    To protect from the heat, the IMD urged citizens to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing. Cover your head using a hat, umbrella, towel, and drink water frequently, it said.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 43.8 degrees Celsius, which is 3.6 degrees above the seasonal average, as per IMD data. According to the IMD, very hot weather and heat waves in Delhi will persist until at least June 12.

    Dr. Atul Kakar from the Department of Internal Medicine, at a leading city-based hospital, told IANS that several patients are presenting with heat exhaustion, heat stroke, severe dehydration, gastroenteritis, and jaundice.

    “Exposure to the sun should be the bare minimum. Wear full sleeve clothes, or take an umbrella or cover your head during that period when you are getting exposed to the sun,” Kakar said.

    Take more liquids which may include lassi, lemonade, orange juice, or fruits that contain more water like watermelon and melon,” the doctor told IANS. He also urged people to avoid eating outside.

    (IANS)

  • 193 contracts, ₹1.27 lakh crore production: a decade of defence transformation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government completes 11 years in office, India’s defence sector marks a decade-long shift towards self-reliance, driven by focused policy interventions, enhanced budget allocations, and institutional reforms.

    The defence budget has increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26. The sharp rise in allocations reflects a sustained push towards capacity building and indigenisation in the sector. Over the years, a strong emphasis has been placed on developing a domestic ecosystem that supports manufacturing, innovation, and exports.

    In 2023–24, India registered its highest-ever defence production, reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore. This marks a 174 percent increase over the ₹46,429 crore recorded in 2014–15. The growth is attributed to policies promoting indigenous manufacturing and procurement.

    The Ministry of Defence signed 193 contracts worth ₹2,09,050 crore in 2024–25, the highest recorded in a single financial year. Of these, 177 contracts were awarded to domestic industries, accounting for ₹1,68,922 crore. This aligns with the government’s priority for domestic procurement under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.

    To support defence manufacturing infrastructure, two dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. As of February 2025, these corridors have attracted investments worth ₹8,658 crore, with 253 Memorandums of Understanding signed. The total investment potential is estimated at ₹53,439 crore.

    The government has released five Positive Indigenisation Lists, covering over 5,500 items. As of February 2025, 3,000 of these items had been indigenised. The lists include key technologies such as artillery guns, assault rifles, radars, light combat helicopters, armoured platforms, and communication systems.

    Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), launched in April 2018, has played a central role in promoting innovation. Grants of up to ₹1.5 crore have been extended to startups, MSMEs, and research entities. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been published, with 430 contracts signed involving 619 participants. The armed forces have procured 43 items worth over ₹2,400 crore from iDEX-supported firms.

    For the financial year 2025–26, ₹449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX).

    Among infrastructure initiatives, the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) aims to support the creation of eight greenfield testing and certification facilities. Seven of these have already been approved, focusing on domains such as electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and communication technologies.

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector was liberalised in September 2020. The policy now permits up to 74 percent FDI through the automatic route and more than 74 percent through the government route. Since April 2000, the sector has received FDI worth ₹5,516.16 crore.

    The Tata Aircraft Complex, inaugurated in October 2024 in Vadodara, is manufacturing C-295 transport aircraft. Of the 56 aircraft under the programme, 40 are being built in India.

    Manthan, an annual innovation event held during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, has continued to provide a platform for collaboration among startups, academia, and defence stakeholders.

    For 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has allocated 75 percent of its modernisation budget—₹1,11,544 crore—for procurement from domestic sources, reinforcing its focus on building an indigenous defence industrial base.

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Toxic trend: Another malware threat targets DeepSeek

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Toxic trend: Another malware threat targets DeepSeek

    Introduction

    DeepSeek-R1 is one of the most popular LLMs right now. Users of all experience levels look for chatbot websites on search engines, and threat actors have started abusing the popularity of LLMs. We previously reported attacks with malware being spread under the guise of DeepSeek to attract victims. The malicious domains spread through X posts and general browsing.

    But lately, threat actors have begun using malvertising to exploit the demand for chatbots. For instance, we have recently discovered a new malicious campaign distributing previously unknown malware through a fake DeepSeek-R1 LLM environment installer. The malware is delivered via a phishing site that masquerades as the official DeepSeek homepage. The website was promoted in the search results via Google Ads. The attacks ultimately aim to install BrowserVenom, an implant that reconfigures all browsing instances to force traffic through a proxy controlled by the threat actors. This enables them to manipulate the victim’s network traffic and collect data.

    Phishing lure

    The infection was launched from a phishing site, located at https[:]//deepseek-platform[.]com. It was spread via malvertising, intentionally placed as the top result when a user searched for “deepseek r1”, thus taking advantage of the model’s popularity. Once the user reaches the site, a check is performed to identify the victim’s operating system. If the user is running Windows, they will be presented with only one active button, “Try now”. We have also seen layouts for other operating systems with slight changes in wording, but all mislead the user into clicking the button.

    Malicious website mimicking DeepSeek

    Clicking this button will take the user to a CAPTCHA anti-bot screen. The code for this screen is obfuscated JavaScript, which performs a series of checks to make sure that the user is not a bot. We found other scripts on the same malicious domain signaling that this is not the first iteration of such campaigns. After successfully solving the CAPTCHA, the user is redirected to the proxy1.php URL path with a “Download now” button. Clicking that results in downloading the malicious installer named AI_Launcher_1.21.exe from the following URL: https://r1deepseek-ai[.]com/gg/cc/AI_Launcher_1.21.exe.

    We examined the source code of both the phishing and distribution websites and discovered comments in Russian related to the websites’ functionality, which suggests that they are developed by Russian-speaking threat actors.

    Malicious installer

    The malicious installer AI_Launcher_1.21.exe is the launcher for the next-stage malware. Once this binary is executed, it opens a window that mimics a Cloudflare CAPTCHA.

    The second fake CAPTCHA

    This is another fake CAPTCHA that is loaded from https[:]//casoredkff[.]pro/captcha. After the checkbox is ticked, the URL is appended with /success, and the user is presented with the following screen, offering the options to download and install Ollama and LM Studio.

    Two options to install abused LLM frameworks

    Clicking either of the “Install” buttons effectively downloads and executes the respective installer, but with a caveat: another function runs concurrently: MLInstaller.Runner.Run(). This function triggers the infectious part of the implant.

    When the MLInstaller.Runner.Run() function is executed in a separate thread on the machine, the infection develops in the following three steps:

    1. First, the malicious function tries to exclude the user’s folder from Windows Defender’s protection by decrypting a buffer using the AES encryption algorithm.

      The AES encryption information is hardcoded in the implant:

      Type AES-256-CBC
      Key 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0a 0b 0c 0d 0e 0f 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1a 1b 1c 1d 1e 1f 20
      IV 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0a 0b 0c 0d 0e 0f 10

      The decrypted buffer contains a PowerShell command that performs the exclusion once executed by the malicious function.

      It should be noted that this command needs administrator privileges and will fail in case the user lacks them.

    2. After that, another PowerShell command runs, downloading an executable from a malicious domain whose name is derived with a simple domain generation algorithm (DGA). The downloaded executable is saved as %USERPROFILE%Music1.exe under the user’s profile and then executed.

      At the moment of our research, there was only one domain in existence: app-updater1[.]app. No binary can be downloaded from this domain as of now but we suspect that this might be another malicious implant, such as a backdoor for further access. So far, we have managed to obtain several malicious domain names associated with this threat; they are highlighted in the IoCs section.

    3. Then the MLInstaller.Runner.Run() function locates a hardcoded stage two payload in the class and variable ConfigFiles.load of the malicious installer’s buffer. This executable is decrypted with the same AES algorithm as before in order to be loaded into memory and run.

    Loaded implant: BrowserVenom

    We dubbed the next-stage implant BrowserVenom because it reconfigures all browsing instances to force traffic through a proxy controlled by the threat actors. This enables them to sniff sensitive data and monitor the victim’s browsing activity while decrypting their traffic.

    First, BrowserVenom checks if the current user has administrator rights – exiting if not – and installs a hardcoded certificate created by the threat actor:

    Then the malware adds a hardcoded proxy server address to all currently installed and running browsers. For Chromium-based instances (i.e., Chrome or Microsoft Edge), it adds the proxy-server argument and modifies all existent LNK files, whereas for Gecko-based browsers, such as Mozilla or Tor Browser, the implant modifies the current user’s profile preferences:

    The settings currently utilized by the malware are as follows:

    The variables Host and Port are the ones used as the proxy settings, and the ID and HWID are appended to the browser’s User-Agent, possibly as a way to keep track of the victim’s network traffic.

    Conclusion

    As we have been reporting, DeepSeek has been the perfect lure for attackers to attract new victims. Threat actors’ use of new malicious tooling, such as BrowserVenom, complicates the detection of their activities. This, combined with the use of Google Ads to reach more victims and look more plausible, makes such campaigns even more effective.

    At the time of our research, we detected multiple infections in Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, India, Nepal, South Africa, and Egypt. The nature of the bait and the geographic distribution of attacks indicate that campaigns like this continue to pose a global threat to unsuspecting users.

    To protect against these attacks, users are advised to confirm that the results of their searches are official websites, along with their URLs and certificates, to make sure that the site is the right place to download the legitimate software from. Taking these precautions can help avoid this type of infection.

    Kaspersky products detect this threat as HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic and Trojan.Win32.SelfDel.iwcv.

    Indicators of Compromise

    Hashes

    d435a9a303a27c98d4e7afa157ab47de  AI_Launcher_1.21.exe
    dc08e0a005d64cc9e5b2fdd201f97fd6

    Domains and IPs

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • US cities brace for more protests as parts of Los Angeles placed under curfew

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Several U.S. cities braced for protests on Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration raids, as parts of the country’s second largest city Los Angeles spent the night under curfew in an effort to quell five days of unrest.

    The Governor of Texas, Republican Greg Abbott, said he will deploy the National Guard this week, ahead of planned protests. Protesters and police in Austin clashed on Monday.

    Trump’s extraordinary measures of sending National Guard and Marines to quell protests in Los Angeles has sparked a national debate on the use of military on U.S. soil and pitted the Republican president against California’s Democrat governor.

    “This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk. That’s when the downward spiral began,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a video address on Tuesday.

    “He again chose escalation. He chose more force. He chose theatrics over public safety. … Democracy is under assault.”

    Newsom, widely seen as preparing for a presidential run in 2028, and the state of California sued Trump and the Defense Department on Monday, seeking to block the deployment of federal troops. Trump in turn has suggested Newsom should be arrested.

    Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday under orders from Trump, after he also ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard to the city. Marines and National Guard are to be used in the protection of government personnel and buildings and not in police action.

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the deployments were not necessary as police could manage the protest, the majority of which have been peaceful, and limited to about five streets.

    However, due to looting and violence at night she imposed a curfew over one square mile of the city’s downtown, starting Tuesday night. The curfew will last several days.

    Police said multiple groups stayed on the streets in some areas despite the curfew and “mass arrests” were initiated. Police earlier said that 197 people had already been arrested on Tuesday – more than double the total number of arrests to date.

    Democratic leaders have raised concerns over a national crisis in what has become the most intense flashpoint yet in the Trump administration’s efforts to deport migrants living in the country illegally, and then crack down on opponents who take to the streets in protest.

    Trump, voted back into office last year largely for his promise to deport undocumented immigrants, used a speech honoring soldiers on Tuesday to defend his decision.

    He told troops at the army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina: “Generations of army heroes did not shed their blood on distant shores only to watch our country be destroyed by invasion and third-world lawlessness.”

    ‘FULL-BLOWN ASSAULT’

    “What you’re witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and on national sovereignty, carried out by rioters bearing foreign flags,” Trump said, adding his administration would “liberate Los Angeles.”

    Demonstrators have waved the flags of Mexico and other countries in solidarity for the migrants rounded up in a series of intensifying raids.

    Homeland Security said on Monday its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division had arrested 2,000 immigration offenders per day recently, far above the 311 daily average in fiscal year 2024 under former President Joe Biden.

    Protests have also taken place in other cities including New York, Atlanta and Chicago, where demonstrators shouted at and scuffled with officers. Some protesters climbed onto the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, while others chanted that ICE should be abolished.

    Texas Governor Abbott said late on Tuesday that he will deploy the National Guard, which “will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.”

    “Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order. Peaceful protest is legal.

    Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest,” Abbott posted on X.

    South Texas organizations are expected to hold anti-ICE rallies on Wednesday and Saturday, CNN reported local media as saying.

    About 700 Marines were in a staging area in the Seal Beach area about 30 miles (50 km) south of Los Angeles on Tuesday, awaiting deployment to specific locations, a U.S. official said.

    California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Reuters the state was concerned about allowing federal troops to protect personnel, saying there was a risk that could violate an 1878 law that generally forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.

    “Protecting personnel likely means accompanying ICE agents into communities and neighborhoods, and protecting functions could mean protecting the ICE function of enforcing the immigration law,” Bonta said.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday posted photos on X of National Guard troops accompanying ICE officers on an immigration raid. Trump administration officials have vowed to redouble the immigration raids in response to the street protests.

    The last time the military was used for direct police action under the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when the California governor at the time asked President George H.W. Bush to help respond to Los Angeles riots over the acquittal of police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King.

    (Reuters)

  • Heatwave: Health Ministry issues advisory, asks people to stay indoors during peak hours

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that daytime temperatures in Delhi may soar to 45 degrees Celsius, the Health Ministry on Wednesday urged people to stay indoors during peak hours, and to drink safe fluids.

    The IMD has issued an orange alert for the national capital on Wednesday.

    The IMD has warned that daytime temperatures in Delhi could reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius, with night-time lows hovering around 29 degrees Celsius. The ongoing weather conditions are part of a prolonged heatwave affecting large parts of northwestern India.

    “Extreme heat can be risky. Stay indoors during peak hours, eat lower-calorie food, drink safe fluids, and never leave kids or pets in parked cars,” the Health Ministry, said in a post on social media platform X.

    “Call 108/102 if someone shows signs of heatstroke,” it added.

    In an infographic shared along with the post, the Ministry urged people to avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm. It also urged citizens to avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon, cooking during peak summer hours, and to open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately.

    The Health Ministry advised citizens to avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar and importantly not to leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

    Call 108/102 immediately if you find someone with a high body temperature and is either unconscious or confused, the advisory said.

    “The heat is rising, but awareness can save lives! A heatwave isn’t just about soaring temperatures. It’s about knowing the risks, recognising the signs, and protecting each other. Let’s beat the heat together!” said the IMD on X.

    To protect from the heat, the IMD urged citizens to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing. Cover your head using a hat, umbrella, towel, and drink water frequently, it said.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 43.8 degrees Celsius, which is 3.6 degrees above the seasonal average, as per IMD data. According to the IMD, very hot weather and heat waves in Delhi will persist until at least June 12.

    Dr. Atul Kakar from the Department of Internal Medicine, at a leading city-based hospital, told IANS that several patients are presenting with heat exhaustion, heat stroke, severe dehydration, gastroenteritis, and jaundice.

    “Exposure to the sun should be the bare minimum. Wear full sleeve clothes, or take an umbrella or cover your head during that period when you are getting exposed to the sun,” Kakar said.

    Take more liquids which may include lassi, lemonade, orange juice, or fruits that contain more water like watermelon and melon,” the doctor told IANS. He also urged people to avoid eating outside.

    (IANS)

  • 11 years of Modi govt: India’s metro and railway network sees historic expansion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s transport infrastructure, particularly in metro and railways, has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past 11 years under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government. From expanding metro rail networks to introducing world-class trains and implementing green and digital upgrades, the country is rapidly building the foundation for Viksit Bharat@2047.

    Metro rail services are now operational or under construction in 23 cities. As of May 2025, India’s metro network stands at 1,013 kilometres, a significant jump from just 248 kilometres in 2014. This marks an addition of 763 kilometres in just over a decade. Daily ridership has grown more than fourfold, rising from 28 lakh in 2013-14 to over 1.12 crore. The pace of metro line commissioning has increased nine times, and the annual budget for metro projects has expanded from ₹5,798 crore in 2013-14 to ₹34,807 crore in 2025-26. Further strengthening regional connectivity, the government introduced the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), with Namo Bharat trains already operational on the Delhi-Meerut corridor.

    Indian Railways has also seen record-breaking investments and capacity expansion. The overall capital outlay since 2014 stands at over ₹17 lakh crore, compared to ₹3.62 lakh crore between 2004 and 2014. More than 31,000 kilometres of new tracks have been laid, and over 45,000 kilometres renewed. A new generation of trains has transformed passenger experiences. The Vande Bharat trains, currently operating 136 services across 24 states and union territories, offer semi-high-speed travel with modern amenities. Plans are in place to manufacture 400 more such trains. The recently introduced Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains also reflect the push for affordable and efficient mobility, with 100 Amrit Bharat and 50 Namo Bharat trains to be added in the next few years.

    Indian Railways has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Over 98% of the broad-gauge network has been electrified. Solar panels have been installed at more than 2,000 railway stations, and 100% of stations and service buildings now use LED lighting. Accessibility and passenger convenience have been enhanced with the installation of 1,790 lifts and 1,602 escalators, while Wi-Fi connectivity is now available at over 6,000 stations.

    Technological advancements such as the indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection System, Kavach, have been deployed across 1,548 route kilometres. The system automatically applies brakes in case of overspeeding or non-response from the loco pilot, boosting passenger safety. The elimination of unmanned level crossings has been completed, with over 12,000 road over and under bridges constructed. In 2024-25 alone, 1,256 such bridges were built.

    Several engineering marvels have been added to India’s railway map. These include the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge, and the new vertical lift Pamban sea bridge connecting Rameswaram to mainland India. The Kosi Rail Mahasetu near the India-Nepal border is another strategically significant addition.

    Electrification has seen a massive push, with more than 45,000 route kilometres electrified between 2014 and 2025—compared to just 5,188 kilometres between 2004 and 2014. Electrification has already led to annual savings of nearly ₹3,000 crore. More than 6,600 stations have been equipped with electronic interlocking systems, reducing the risk of human error.

    Innovative schemes such as One Station One Product (OSOP) are helping promote local artisans, with over 2,200 outlets operational across nearly 2,000 stations. The scheme has recorded sales worth ₹107.89 crore as of March 2025. Freight movement has also surged, with total loading touching 14,200 million tonnes between 2014 and 2025, compared to 8,473 million tonnes in the preceding decade. In 2024-25, a record 1,617 million tonnes was loaded.

    The dedicated freight corridors (DFC), which had seen zero progress before 2014, are now more than 96% complete, with 2,843 kilometres commissioned. The Eastern DFC is fully operational, while the Western DFC is nearing completion. The government has also commissioned 100 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to reduce logistics costs and boost multimodal transport.

    More than 1,300 railway stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to introduce world-class amenities. PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras have also been set up at 68 railway stations to ensure the availability of affordable medicines.

    In recent decisions, the Union Cabinet approved several key railway projects in 2025. These include the ₹1,332 crore doubling of the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line, and four major projects worth ₹18,658 crore across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The Waltair railway division was also reorganized to form new divisions under the South Coast and East Coast Railways.

    India’s metro and rail sectors have become engines of growth, driving economic activity, job creation, and ease of living. The sustained investment, innovation, and political will over the past decade are positioning India as a global leader in transport infrastructure.

  • India sees radical change in transport infrastructure over the last decade

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ndia has witnessed an unprecedented scale of infrastructure development over the past decade, driven by the success of a holistic and integrated approach under major national initiatives like PRAGATI, PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN, according to an official report released on Wednesday.

    The report encapsulates the rapid transformation that has taken place in the country’s transport infrastructure across the highways, railways, maritime and civil aviation sectors of the economy on the back of massive investments made by the Central government in the last 10 years.

    The report highlights that PM GatiShakti unified planning across 44 ministries and 36 states/UTs on a GIS-based platform. Launched in 2021, the PM GatiShakti national master plan is a comprehensive initiative to improve multimodal infrastructure connectivity across India’s economic zones. Rs 100 lakh crore is being efficiently utilised through this integrated platform. Anchored on seven key sectors — railways, roads, ports, waterways, airports, mass transport, and logistics infrastructure — it promotes synchronised development across ministries and state governments.

    The length of India’s national highways network increased by 60 per cent from 91,287 km to 1,46,204 km during the last decade, with the pace of highway construction accelerating to 34 km/day from 11.6 km/day in 2014. There is an increase of 6.4 times in the Centre’s investment in road infrastructure between 2013-14 and 2024-25. The road transport and highway budget has shot up by 570 per cent from 2014 to 2023-24.

    The budget for Indian Railways has increased by more than nine times since 2014. The higher investment is reflected in the introduction of new Vande Bharat semi-high-speed trains covering 24 states/UTs along with 333 districts. A total of 68 Vande Bharat Trains are currently operational in the country, while another 400 world-class Vande Bharat trains are planned to be manufactured.

    More than 31,000 km of new tracks have been laid since 2014, and over 45,000 km of tracks have been renewed since 2014. The pace of electrification of the track network has jumped from 5,188 route km between 2004-14 to more than 45,000 route km being electrified in 2014-25. Electrification has enabled annual savings of Rs 2,960 crore for railways (up to February 2025), ensuring greater financial efficiency, the report states.

    It further highlights that the country’s port capacity has doubled to 2,762 MMTPA in the last 10 years, with the overall turnaround time for ships improving from 93 to 49 hours. As many as 277 projects have been completed under Sagarmala in the big push to port infrastructure.

    The report also lists major projects that have been completed in the ports sector, including the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport. Inaugurated on May 2, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this Rs 8,800 crore project is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port. Strategically located near international shipping routes, it can host the world’s largest cargo ships. The port significantly reduces India’s reliance on foreign ports and enhances economic activity in Kerala.

    The New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1,800 crore, with a length of 310 meters and a depth of 13 meters. It is capable of handling aircraft carriers of up to 70,000 tons. Besides, an international Ship Repair Facility has been set up in Cochin.

    India’s Inland waterways cargo has risen by 710 per cent (from 18 MMT to 146 MMT) in the last 10 years. Approval has also been given for Rs 5,370 crore investment to augment the capacity of National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Varanasi), this major inland navigation initiative enhances cargo movement on the Ganga River, the report points out.

    The report also highlights that new routes and new airports have been added to the civil aviation landscape of the country. The number of airports operational in India has gone from 74 in 2014 to 160 in 2025. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the revival and development of unserved and underserved airports at a total cost of Rs 4,500 crore. In addition, the Expenditure Finance Committee also approved an amount of Rs 1,000 crore for the development of 50 more airports, heliports and water aerodromes under the UDAN scheme. This flagship scheme, launched in June 2016 to create affordable, yet economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes, has been a big success with over 1.51 crore passengers having flown on these regional flights, the report added.

    (IANS)

  • India, Norway reaffirm commitment to sustainable ocean governance at UN conference in France

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh met with Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Ness, in Nice, France, on Wednesday to advance bilateral cooperation in sustainable fisheries and ocean governance. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

    During their bilateral and delegation-level discussions, the two Ministers reaffirmed their countries’ long-standing partnership in marine resource management and the broader blue economy. The talks focused on shared priorities, including the sustainable use of marine resources, data sharing, and joint efforts to address overfishing and marine pollution, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said in a statement.

    Both sides emphasized the importance of global cooperation under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), with a focus on knowledge exchange, technology sharing, and capacity building. They also discussed expanding existing collaborations aligned with the development of a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.

    The India-Norway dialogue is viewed as a key step toward reinforcing multilateral efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of global ocean resources, said the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

  • Musk says he regrets some posts he made about Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Billionaire Elon Musk said on Wednesday he regrets some of the posts he made last week about U.S President Donald Trump as they went “too far”.

    Trump and Musk began exchanging insults last week on social media, with the Tesla TSLA.O and SpaceX CEO describing the president’s sweeping tax and spending bill as a “disgusting abomination.”

    Trump said on Saturday their relationship was over but has since said that he would not have a problem if Musk called and wished him well.

    “I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far,” Musk wrote in a post on his social media platform X.

    He did not say which specific posts he was talking about.

    Tesla shares in Frankfurt were up 2.44% after Musk’s post.

    Since the dispute began, Musk has deleted some social media posts critical of Trump, including one signaling support for impeaching the president.

    Sources close to Musk had said his anger has started to subside, and that they believe he may want to repair his relationship with Trump.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic presented its initiatives to the rectors of BRICS countries at forums in Brazil

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Rio de Janeiro hosted large-scale events — the second forum of university rectors from Russia, Brazil and Belarus, as well as the second forum of university rectors from the BRICS countries. The events were organized by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro with the support of national rectors’ communities, including the Russian Union of Rectors. They became a powerful platform for strengthening academic ties and promoting joint initiatives. The forums were attended by more than 50 representatives of universities from Russia and Belarus, delegations from Iran, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia and more than 60 universities from Brazil.

    At the section on educational cooperation, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky emphasized the unique role of BRICS in the modern world: In the conditions of international turbulence, it is education and science that are becoming the most important tools for finding joint answers to global challenges. The BRICS association is one of the few international platforms where interaction is built on the principles of mutual respect and equality, where there are no main ones, where everyone is equal and is committed to working together for the sake of a common future. We see that this approach is of interest and response to many countries. The creation of a ranking of BRICS universities is especially relevant in the conditions of political commitment of the headquarters of international rating agencies. The new system for assessing the quality of education is in great demand.

    The Deputy Minister spoke in detail about the dynamic expansion of the association (the accession of new members: Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Indonesia) and the priorities of the educational agenda. This is the development of the BRICS Network University, recognition of qualifications, support for talented youth and the creation of its own BRICS university ranking.

    The key sections and plenary session were held at the Museum of Tomorrow. SPbPU was represented by a delegation consisting of Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade; Ekaterina Belyaevskaya, Head of the Department of International Interuniversity Cooperation; and Nikita Lukashevich and Olga Ergunova, associate professors at the Graduate School of Management and Management. Vladimir Shchepinin spoke at one of the sessions, presenting the Polytechnic University as a key player in the scientific and educational space of Russia in the field of technological development. He drew the attention of the rectors’ community to the potential of SPbPU in solving the problems of sustainable development of the BRICS countries.

    At the thematic session “Artificial Intelligence and Education in the BRICS Countries”, Olga Ergunova presented a report “AI Optimization of Human Resource Management in Smart Cities”, based on the results of a large-scale scientific project supported by the Russian Science Foundation (grant No. 25-28-01469). She described in detail the neural network model developed under the auspices of the RSF for forecasting and managing labor markets in the BRICS megacities (Shanghai, Bangalore, Moscow, Sao Paulo).

    Olga Ergunova drew the attention of those gathered to a successful example of comprehensive cooperation between the BRICS countries — the international competition for young researchers “SMART CITY 2030: Sustainable Development Management of BRICS Cities”. The event was first held in 2024 in pilot mode and generated considerable interest. In 2025, the co-organizers of the competition are SPbPU, the Russian Institute of Tsinghua University (China), Lovely Professional University (India) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The Rectors’ Forum provided an opportunity to announce the expansion of the competition and invite new representatives of the BRICS countries to participate.

    The SPbPU delegation held talks with existing partner universities in Brazil (these are nine leading universities in the country), and also met with new promising educational institutions and agencies. Among them are the Federal Agency for Technological Education, the Secretariat for Supervision and Development in Higher Education. Both agencies operate under the Ministry of Education of Brazil.

    Polytechnic University signed cooperation agreements with the Federal University of Fluminense and the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro.

    During working meetings and negotiations with rectors and representatives of university delegations, projects in the field of joint research, academic mobility, joint educational programs of double degrees and the organization of summer schools were discussed.

    In the context of changing global educational landscapes, Brazilian universities are becoming key centers for ensuring the scientific and technological sovereignty of the BRICS countries. Their competencies in the field of sustainable development, green economy, bioeconomy, agribusiness, artificial intelligence and other areas, supplemented by Russian fundamental science, form a unique ecosystem of cooperation, its integration into the BRICS educational space through the mechanisms of the BRICS Network University. They allow the creation of new formats of cooperation that combine academic mobility with applied research in areas that are strategic for the countries, noted Vladimir Shchepinin.

    A pleasant surprise was the delegation’s meeting with a 1988 Polytechnic graduate, Electo Eduardo Silva Lora. He is currently a professor and holds the post of head of the Scientific Institute at the Federal University of Itajuba, a leading university in the field of electric power and electrical engineering. Electo Silva Lora spoke excellent Russian and recalled his teachers, professors at the Polytechnic University, with great warmth. He expressed a desire to renew scientific and academic ties with his alma mater and is already interacting with colleagues from the Institute of Power Engineering.

    In addition, Olga Ergunova visited the leading business school of Latin America — FGV EBAPE (Getulio Vargas Foundation), holder of the prestigious “Triple Crown” of accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS). She held business negotiations with the director-dean of the school, Professor Flavio Carvalho de Vasconcelos and the head of the international department of Yuna Fontoura.

    Representatives of the school expressed interest in cooperation with SPbPU. During the negotiations, specific steps were outlined: organizing academic exchanges, joint research in the field of innovation management, technological development and sustainable production.

    For FGV EBAPE, it is always valuable to establish connections with leading universities in the world, such as SPbPU. We are interested in developing academic mobility and joint research initiatives, especially in areas related to technology and innovation, – emphasized Flavio Vasconcelos.

    Universities in Brazil represent a huge potential for partnership. Of course, everyone understands the difficulties and cost of logistics between our continents, but even this does not become an obstacle for such innovative projects as, for example, the Smart Cities competition. A number of government agencies support the mobility of Brazilian students, and these opportunities should be used. Brazil has created the strongest scientific centers and technology hubs in the field of research into renewable energy, artificial intelligence, agricultural and food technologies, oil and gas. Colleagues are interested in joint publications, the development of postgraduate programs, international grants for joint research. There is a lot of work to do to turn today’s agreements into real projects with the participation of the Polytechnic University, – Ekaterina Belyaevskaya summed up.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 20,000 malicious IPs and domains taken down in INTERPOL infostealer crackdown

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    11 June 2025

    SINGAPORE – More than 20,000 malicious IP addresses or domains linked to information stealers have been taken down in an INTERPOL-coordinated operation against cybercriminal infrastructure.

    During Operation Secure (January – April 2025) law enforcement agencies from 26 countries worked to locate servers, map physical networks and execute targeted takedowns.

    Ahead of the operation, INTERPOL cooperated with private-sector partners Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro to produce Cyber Activity Reports, sharing critical intelligence with cyber teams across Asia. These coordinated efforts resulted in the takedown of 79 per cent of identified suspicious IP addresses.

    Participating countries reported the seizure of 41 servers and over 100 GB of data, as well as the arrest of 32 suspects linked to illegal cyber activities.

    What are infostealers?

    Infostealer malware is a primary tool for gaining unauthorized access to organizational networks. This type of malicious software extracts sensitive data from infected devices, often referred to as bots. The stolen information typically includes browser credentials, passwords, cookies, credit card details and cryptocurrency wallet data.

    Additionally, logs harvested by infostealers are increasingly traded on the cybercriminal underground and are frequently used as a gateway for further attacks. These logs often enable initial access for ransomware deployments, data breaches, and cyber-enabled fraud schemes such as Business Email Compromise (BEC).

    Following the operation, authorities notified over 216,000 victims and potential victims so they could take immediate action – such as changing passwords, freezing accounts, or removing unauthorized access.

    Operational highlights

    Vietnamese police arrested 18 suspects, seizing devices from their homes and workplaces. The group’s leader was found with over VND 300 million (USD 11,500) in cash, SIM cards and business registration documents, pointing to a scheme to open and sell corporate accounts.

    As part of their respective enforcement efforts under Operation Secure, house raids were carried out by authorities in Sri Lanka and Nauru. These actions led to the arrest of 14 individuals – 12 in Sri Lanka and two in Nauru – as well as the identification of 40 victims.

    The Hong Kong Police analysed over 1,700 pieces of intelligence provided by INTERPOL and identified 117 command-and-control servers hosted across 89 internet service providers. These servers were used by cybercriminals as central hubs to launch and manage malicious campaigns, including phishing, online fraud and social media scams.

    Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, said:

    “INTERPOL continues to support practical, collaborative action against global cyber threats. Operation Secure has once again shown the power of intelligence sharing in disrupting malicious infrastructure and preventing large-scale harm to both individuals and businesses.”

    Notes to editors

    Operation Secure is a regional initiative organized under the Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations Against Cybercrime (ASPJOC) Project.

    Participating countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Korea (Rep of), Laos, Macau (China), Malaysia, Maldives, Nauru, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Indian Navy, Coast Guard praised for swift rescue after fire on MV Wan Hai 503

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Taiwan Government has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard for their prompt and professional response in rescuing crew members from the Singapore-flagged merchant vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire off the Kerala coast.

    In a statement posted on X, the Taiwan representative office in India said, “The Taiwan Government is grateful for the swift rescue operation provided by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to Wan Hai 503. We wish the missing crew members return safe and the injured recover soon.”

    The Indian Coast Guard continues to lead firefighting efforts on the container ship, which suffered an onboard explosion and blaze while en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva. As of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, visible flames had reduced, though thick smoke continued to emanate from the vessel, according to the Coast Guard.

    Out of the 22 crew members aboard, 18 have been rescued, while four remain missing. The rescued crew includes several individuals who sustained injuries in the incident.

    The incident occurred approximately 44 nautical miles off the coast of Azhikkal in Kerala. Following the explosion, the crew abandoned the ship due to escalating fire. The merchant vessel was carrying containerised cargo and had an international crew comprising eight Chinese, six Taiwanese, five Myanmarese, and three Indonesian nationals.

    The Chinese Embassy in India also expressed appreciation for the timely assistance provided by Indian authorities. Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing wrote on X, “Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue. We wish further search operations successful and the injured crew members a speedy recovery.”

    The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy continue coordinated efforts to control the fire and locate the missing crew members. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

    -ANI

  • India sees radical change in transport infrastructure over the last 10 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has witnessed an unprecedented scale of infrastructure development over the past decade, driven by the success of a holistic and integrated approach under major national initiatives like PRAGATI, PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN, according to an official report released on Wednesday.

    The report encapsulates the rapid transformation that has taken place in the country’s transport infrastructure across the highways, railways, maritime and civil aviation sectors of the economy on the back of massive investments made by the Central government in the last 10 years.

    The report highlights that PM GatiShakti unified planning across 44 ministries and 36 states/UTs on a GIS-based platform. Launched in 2021, the PM GatiShakti national master plan is a comprehensive initiative to improve multimodal infrastructure connectivity across India’s economic zones. Rs 100 lakh crore is being efficiently utilised through this integrated platform. Anchored on seven key sectors — railways, roads, ports, waterways, airports, mass transport, and logistics infrastructure — it promotes synchronised development across ministries and state governments.

    The length of India’s national highways network increased by 60 per cent from 91,287 km to 1,46,204 km during the last decade, with the pace of highway construction accelerating to 34 km/day from 11.6 km/day in 2014. There is an increase of 6.4 times in the Centre’s investment in road infrastructure between 2013-14 and 2024-25. The road transport and highway budget has shot up by 570 per cent from 2014 to 2023-24.

    The budget for Indian Railways has increased by more than nine times since 2014. The higher investment is reflected in the introduction of new Vande Bharat semi-high-speed trains covering 24 states/UTs along with 333 districts. A total of 68 Vande Bharat Trains are currently operational in the country, while another 400 world-class Vande Bharat trains are planned to be manufactured.

    More than 31,000 km of new tracks have been laid since 2014, and over 45,000 km of tracks have been renewed since 2014. The pace of electrification of the track network has jumped from 5,188 route km between 2004-14 to more than 45,000 route km being electrified in 2014-25. Electrification has enabled annual savings of Rs 2,960 crore for railways (up to February 2025), ensuring greater financial efficiency, the report states.

    It further highlights that the country’s port capacity has doubled to 2,762 MMTPA in the last 10 years, with the overall turnaround time for ships improving from 93 to 49 hours. As many as 277 projects have been completed under Sagarmala in the big push to port infrastructure.

    The report also lists major projects that have been completed in the ports sector, including the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport. Inaugurated on May 2, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this Rs 8,800 crore project is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port. Strategically located near international shipping routes, it can host the world’s largest cargo ships. The port significantly reduces India’s reliance on foreign ports and enhances economic activity in Kerala.

    The New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1,800 crore, with a length of 310 meters and a depth of 13 meters. It is capable of handling aircraft carriers of up to 70,000 tons. Besides, an international Ship Repair Facility has been set up in Cochin.

    India’s Inland waterways cargo has risen by 710 per cent (from 18 MMT to 146 MMT) in the last 10 years. Approval has also been given for Rs 5,370 crore investment to augment the capacity of National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Varanasi), this major inland navigation initiative enhances cargo movement on the Ganga River, the report points out.

    The report also highlights that new routes and new airports have been added to the civil aviation landscape of the country. The number of airports operational in India has gone from 74 in 2014 to 160 in 2025. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the revival and development of unserved and underserved airports at a total cost of Rs 4,500 crore. In addition, the Expenditure Finance Committee also approved an amount of Rs 1,000 crore for the development of 50 more airports, heliports and water aerodromes under the UDAN scheme. This flagship scheme, launched in June 2016 to create affordable, yet economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes, has been a big success with over 1.51 crore passengers having flown on these regional flights, the report added.

    (IANS)

  • From clay to spray: Nadal’s team leads electric charge on Adriatic waves

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Rafa Nadal gets used life after tennis, he has let go of his racquets to spend time on the Adriatic waves, steering his Team Rafa into electric powerboat racing’s E1 World Championship in Dubrovnik.

    Days after the retired 14-times Roland Garros champion was immortalised at the French Open with a permanent footprint on centre court’s famed red clay, the Spaniard’s racing team tops a tightly contested series heading into the Croatian round, following a dramatic victory last time out in Doha.

    Team Rafa  currently leads the standings following success in Doha, as the electric boat racing series begins its European leg on June 13-14 along Croatia’s coast.

    The tennis great’s boat is piloted by Spanish professional jet ski racer Cristina Lazarrage and Frenchman Tom Chiappe.

    The E1 World Championship is the first all-electric raceboat series sanctioned by powerboating’s global governing body, the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), and is designed to accelerate innovation in sustainable marine technology and coastal conservation.

    Teams featuring both male and female pilots compete in electric-powered RaceBird boats, racing through urban water circuits in iconic global cities.

    Celebrity owners include LeBron James, Tom Brady, Virat Kohli and Didier Drogba as well as 22-times Grand Slam champion Nadal.

    The championship continues to Lake Maggiore and Monaco before concluding in Miami, where “Champions of the Water” will be crowned on Nov. 8.

    -REUTERS

  • MIL-OSI China: Wang Zifei, Hu Kai continue golden runs at ISSF World Cup

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s Wang Zifei and Hu Kai extended their winning streaks in the women’s 10m air rifle and men’s 10m air pistol events respectively, each capturing their third individual gold medal of the season at the ISSF World Cup in Munich.

    At 18, world record holder Wang delivered a stunning qualification performance, breaking both the junior and overall qualification world records with a score of 637.9 to advance to the final.

    In the final, Wang stayed composed and consistent, delivering a series of high 10s. A decisive 10.9 shot near the end gave her a slim lead, allowing her to narrowly defeat South Korea’s Kwon Eun-ji by 0.1 point with a final score of 252.7. India’s Elavenil Valarivan claimed the bronze medal. Fellow Chinese shooter Han Jiayu secured sixth place.

    The win marked Wang’s third straight World Cup gold in the women’s 10m air rifle, keeping her unbeaten record in the event this season after victories in Buenos Aires and Lima. She currently holds all four individual women’s 10m air rifle records over senior and junior categories in this discipline.

    In the men’s 10m air pistol, 23-year-old Hu led qualification with 588 points, but faced stiff competition in the final from Kazakhstan’s Valeriy Rakhimzhan and Christian Reitz of Germany. Hu had a slow start in the final but regained momentum with a series of high-scoring shots, including several over 10.5, to move into medal contention.

    With two shots remaining, Hu responded with a 10.5 and a 10.4 to edge ahead. The Kazakh shooter, who had led most of the contest, closed with a 9.9 and had to settle for silver with 241.9. Reitz took bronze.

    The victory marked Hu’s third straight gold of the season in the event, keeping his unbeaten record in 2025. Another Chinese shooter, Olympic champion Xie Yu, finished fifth.

    With two gold medals on the first competition day, China leads the medal table in Munich, followed by Kazakhstan and South Korea.

    The ISSF World Cup will continue on Wednesday with the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final and the women’s 25m pistol final. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • PM Modi hails 11 years of infra revolution, calls it foundation for self-reliant India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the massive infrastructure transformation that has taken place over the past 11 years, calling it a cornerstone of India’s growth and self-reliance.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “It’s been 11 Years Of Infra Revolution, with outstanding infrastructure being added that has enhanced India’s growth trajectory. From railways to highways, ports to airports, India’s rapidly expanding infra network is boosting ‘Ease of Living’ and enhancing prosperity.”

    The prime minister added that the country’s focus on next-generation infrastructure is rooted in sustainability and long-term planning. “It is laying the foundations of a self-reliant India,” he said.

    The PM outlined key aspects of this transformation, including the development of modern highways and ropeways, the unlocking of India’s maritime potential, and affordable air travel under the UDAN scheme. He also pointed to major upgrades in the rail sector, such as the rollout of Vande Bharat trains, the launch of the Amrit Bharat Express, and the modernisation of stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme.

    The BJP-led NDA government has completed 11 years in office, with infrastructure projects being a key focus of its development agenda. PM Modi, who assumed office on May 26, 2014, has described this period as a “transformative decade of development.”

    In celebration of this milestone, the government has been highlighting achievements across sectors — with infrastructure at the forefront as a symbol of India’s march towards becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    IANS

  • India’s infrastructure sees rapid progress in last decade as capex surges: FM Sitharaman

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s infrastructure has seen rapid progress in the last decade, as capital expenditure surged from Rs 2 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 11.21 lakh crore in 2025-26 – a significant six times increase towards the ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday.

    “India’s Infrastructure has seen rapid progress in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Allocation for capital expenditure at its highest-ever at Rs 11.21 lakh crore during FY2026,” FM Sitharaman said in a post on X.

    “A leap of more than 860 per cent in budget allocation for road transport to Rs 3+ lakh crore. Four times surge in Metro Rail Network from just 248 KM in 2014 to 1011 KM in 2025,” she added.

    Finance Minister further stated that from Atal Tunnel to Chenab Bridge, India’s engineering feats are transforming its landscape.

    “These marvels exemplify PM Modi’s vision for a modern, connected and prosperous Bharat,” said FM Sitharaman.

    According to her, India’s push for next-gen infrastructure is powered by sustainability and long term vision.

    “It is laying the foundations of a self-reliant India,” said the Finance Minister.

    The government was poised to surpass its revised capital expenditure (capex) target of Rs 10.18 lakh crore for FY25 by a modest margin.

    The capex target was lowered to Rs 10.18 lakh crore (revised estimates) in the Union Budget 2025-26, from Rs 11.1 lakh crore. For current fiscal (FY26), a capex allocation of Rs 11.21 lakh crore has been set by the government.

    According to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Indian economy will continue to be the world’s fastest-growing economy backed by the increase in the government’s capital expenditure in the Budget for 2025-26 and rising consumption levels, especially in the rural areas.

    The effective capital expenditure works out to 4.3 per cent of the GDP in the Budget for 2025-26 while the fiscal deficit is 4.4 per cent.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India’s defence exports surge 34-fold in 11 years of Modi government

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past eleven years, with exports reaching a record high of ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25. This marks a 34-fold increase from ₹686 crore in 2013–14, underlining the Modi government’s commitment to making India self-reliant and globally competitive in defence manufacturing.

    The growth in defence exports has been the result of focused policy reforms, a clear strategic vision, and consistent efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities. Over the years, the government has taken several initiatives to ease export procedures, encourage private sector participation, and expand the range of products available for the international market.

    In the financial year 2024–25 alone, India granted 1,762 export authorisations, reflecting a 16.92 percent rise from the previous year. The number of defence exporters also saw an increase of 17.4 percent, pointing to the growing participation of Indian firms in the global defence supply chain.

    Defence exports from the private sector stood at ₹15,233 crore, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed ₹8,389 crore. In comparison, the previous year had seen exports worth ₹15,209 crore from private players and ₹5,874 crore from DPSUs. The 42.85 percent increase in DPSU exports is seen as a strong indication of growing international trust in Indian defence products and the deepening integration of Indian manufacturing into global supply chains.

    India’s export portfolio has diversified significantly over the last decade. Today, the country supplies bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, radars, and lightweight torpedoes to over 100 countries. The United States, France, and Armenia have emerged as key buyers, reflecting India’s growing reputation as a reliable defence partner.

    A landmark development came in January 2022, when BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited signed a $375 million deal with the Philippines for the supply of a Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System. The contract was a major step forward in India’s efforts to promote responsible defence exports and showcased the technological maturity of Indian systems.

    As the Modi government marks 11 years in office, the defence sector stands out as a clear success story. With a target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, India is steadily moving towards becoming a global hub for defence production.

  • US envoy says he does not think Palestinian state is US policy goal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Washington’s ambassador to Israel said he did not think an independent Palestinian state remains a U.S. foreign policy goal, prompting the State Department to say he spoke for himself while the White House referred to past comments from President Donald Trump expressing doubts about a two-state solution.

    “I don’t think so,” U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said in an interview with Bloomberg News published on Tuesday, when asked if a Palestinian state remains a goal of U.S. policy.

    Asked about Huckabee’s comments, the White House referred to remarks earlier this year by Trump when he proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, which was condemned globally by rights groups, Arab states, Palestinians and the U.N. as a proposal of “ethnic cleansing.”

    The White House also referred to remarks by Trump from last year before he won the 2024 election when he said: “I’m not sure a two-state solution anymore is going to work.”

    Asked whether Huckabee’s remarks represented a change in U.S. policy, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment on Tuesday, saying policy-making was a matter for Trump and the White House.

    “I’m not going to explain them or really comment on them at all. I think he certainly speaks for himself,” Bruce told reporters.

    Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, is a staunch pro-Israel conservative.

    “Unless there are some significant things that happen that change the culture, there’s no room for it,” Huckabee was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. Those probably won’t happen “in our lifetime,” he said.

    Trump, in his first term, was relatively tepid in his approach to a two-state solution, a longtime pillar of U.S. Middle East policy. Trump has given little sign of where he stands on the issue in his second term.

    Huckabee suggested a piece of land could be carved out of a Muslim country rather than asking Israel to make room. “Does it have to be in Judea and Samaria?” Huckabee said, using the biblical name the Israeli government favors for the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where some 3 million Palestinians live.

    Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, has been a vocal supporter of Israel throughout his political career and a longtime defender of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

    Trump has pursued strongly pro-Israel policies as president and his choice of Huckabee as ambassador signaled that they would continue.

    The United States has for decades backed a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians that would create a state for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza alongside Israel.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli allies.

    U.S. ally Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while internally displacing nearly Gaza’s entire population and causing a hunger crisis. The assault has also triggered accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.

    (Reuters)