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Category: Government of India

  • “India and UAE Will Tackle Terrorism Together”: All-Party Delegation conveys message of zero tolerance in Abu Dhabi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A high-level Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, arrived in Abu Dhabi today, marking the first leg of a four-nation diplomatic mission aimed at rallying international support against terrorism. The visit comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and forms part of ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s strategic response to cross-border terrorism.

    During their visit, the delegation held a series of high-level meetings with UAE leadership and media officials to underscore India’s firm zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. The UAE had earlier emerged among the first countries to strongly condemn the Pahalgam attack, with President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally extending condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar via phone.

    Speaking on the visit, Dr. Shinde said, “The message we brought from India the voice of 1.4 billion Indians, was well received. This alliance is not just strategic, but deeply emotional, rooted in shared values and experiences. Both India and the UAE have suffered from terrorism. Our message to the world is clear , there must be no compromise on terrorism. We must unite globally and act as one.This mission goes beyond trade and diplomacy; it represents a shared commitment to peace and security. Both the UAE and India have suffered the devastating effects of terrorism, and both nations have adopted a firm stance of zero tolerance.

    Our Prime Minister’s message to the world is clear – there can be no compromise when it comes to terrorism. India has been a long-time victim of cross-border terrorism, especially from organisations operating out of Pakistan. As we travel globally, we are sharing these critical concerns.

    In Abu Dhabi, the group met with His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who reiterated the UAE’s solidarity with India, stating, “India and UAE will tackle terrorism together. The UAE will always stand by India.” The delegation highlighted Pakistan’s continued role in perpetrating cross-border terrorism and its attempts to destabilize India through sectarian disinformation.

    The team also held in-depth discussions with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, alongside other senior Emirati lawmakers. Stressing the precision and restraint of Operation Sindoor, the Indian side presented it as a calibrated, non-escalatory response to a barbaric attack on civilians in Kashmir. Dr. Nuaimi acknowledged the broader strategic nature of India-UAE ties, commenting, “The relationship goes beyond trade and culture and includes vital security cooperation. Terrorism is an assault on humanity, and the international community must act now.”

    Concerns over disinformation campaigns originating from Pakistan were raised in meetings with Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Director General of the UAE’s National Media Office. The Indian delegation shared factual documentation to counter Pakistan’s propaganda and highlighted the need for responsible media to combat extremist narratives.

    Dr. Shinde, in an interview with The National, UAE’s leading English-language daily, outlined India’s decades-long struggle with cross-border terrorism. He emphasized how Operation Sindoor marks a shift in India’s security posture and international messaging.

    In the evening, the delegation engaged with members of the Indian community in the UAE, commending their contributions and their role in promoting tolerance and pluralism. The delegation reaffirmed India’s commitment to its diaspora and their continued role in strengthening bilateral ties.

  • Fitch Ratings ups India’s growth potential to 6.4 pc over next 5 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Global rating agency Fitch Ratings on Thursday raised India’s GDP growth potential by 0.2 percentage points to 6.4 per cent over the next five years, on the back of a sharper rise in the country’s labour force participation rate in recent years.

    Fitch highlighted that the revised estimate for India shows a stronger contribution from labour inputs, mainly total employment, rather than labour productivity.

    At the same time, the global rating agency has scaled down China’s growth projection by 0.3 percentage points to 4.3 per cent from 4.6 per cent earlier.

    The changes are part of Fitch’s revised assessment of potential GDP growth for 10 emerging market economies over the next five years.

    Fitch said, “Our estimate of India’s trend growth is slightly higher at 6.4 per cent, compared with 6.2 per cent previously. We think TFP growth will slow from recent years to be in line with its long-run average of 1.5 per cent.”

    TFP, which stands for Total-factor productivity (TFP), also called multi-factor productivity, is usually measured as the ratio of aggregate output (GDP) to aggregate inputs. Under some simplifying assumptions about the production technology, growth in TFP becomes the portion of growth in output not explained by growth in traditionally measured inputs of labour and capital used in production.[

    Fitch highlighted that the revised estimate for India shows a stronger contribution from labour inputs, mainly total employment, rather than labour productivity.

    The rating agency has also made changes to its projections based on a revised assessment of labour force data. It noted that the contribution from the participation rate has been revised upwards, while the projected contribution of capital deepening has been lowered.

    “Our revised estimate implies that there is a stronger contribution from labour inputs (total employment) rather than labour productivity. India’s labour force participation rate has increased sharply in recent years; we expect it will continue to increase but at a slower pace,” Fitch Ratings noted.

    “Our update of potential growth in emerging markets is now 3.9 per cent, representing a further, albeit marginal drop from the 4 per cent estimate we published in November 2023. This mainly reflects lower potential growth in China,” said Robert Sierra, Director, Fitch Ratings.

    China’s lower potential, the global ratings agency, can be attributed to a weaker capital deepening and steeper fall in labour force participation, the rating agency said.

    India continues to remain the world’s fastest growing major economy and the only country expected to clock over 6 per cent growth in the next two years, according to an IMF report released last month. The IMF has trimmed the growth forecast for over 120 countries.

    (IANS)

  • Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visits Japan to deepen strategic ties and reaffirm joint stand against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri visited Japan on Wednesday. He held high-level meetings with senior Japanese officials and delivered a keynote address at the 2nd edition of the Raisina Tokyo Dialogue, reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan.

    Foreign Secretary Misri met with Japan’s Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi to review the full spectrum of India-Japan relations. The two sides discussed key areas of cooperation including political relations, defence and security, economic collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on pressing regional and international developments of mutual concern.

    Misri also held discussions with Japan’s National Security Advisor Masataka Okano and Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Hiroyuki Namazu. The meetings focused on shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of maintaining peace and stability through a rules-based international order.

    A highlight of the visit was Misri’s spotlight address at the Raisina Tokyo Dialogue, organized by the Observer Research Foundation, ORF America, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives). In his address, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the critical need for nations to come together in the global fight against terrorism and to dismantle the infrastructure supporting it.

    The visit also served as a moment to express gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their support and solidarity with India following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. India has launched a diplomatic and military response to the attack, including Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Health Minister J.P. Nadda chairs ‘Kayakalp Manthan’ to boost public participation and improve healthcare delivery

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday convened a high-level meeting, ‘Kayakalp Manthan’, bringing together senior officials, representatives from Central Government hospitals, NGOs, and healthcare experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The meeting aimed to enhance public healthcare delivery and promote deeper community engagement in improving the quality and accessibility of health services across the country.

    The discussion focused on reinvigorating the Kayakalp Scheme, a national initiative launched in 2015 to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control across public healthcare institutions. Over the last decade, the scheme has grown substantially—from 10 Central Government hospitals to 25, with extended implementation across State Government hospitals through the National Health Mission (NHM).

    Addressing the gathering, Nadda acknowledged the progress achieved under the scheme but emphasized the need for sustained efforts and innovation to further enhance healthcare delivery. He stated, “Evolving towards a patient-centric ecosystem is critical for meeting the ever-increasing expectations of public service delivery.”

    The Health Minister highlighted the importance of hospital environment and ambiance in improving patient experience. He noted that while clinical care is often commendable, gaps in communication and patient engagement often leave room for dissatisfaction. “Thousands visit government hospitals every day and receive quality treatment, yet their feedback often lacks positivity. This calls for deeper introspection and a more empathetic approach in healthcare delivery,” he added.

    Nadda stressed the need for continuous capacity building, regular reviews, and robust enforcement mechanisms to maintain high-quality standards across all healthcare institutions. He urged stakeholders to work on the image and perception of government hospitals by addressing infrastructure, cleanliness, staff behavior, and amenities.

    A key focus of the Manthan was Jan Bhagidari—the involvement of local communities in managing healthcare facilities. “Creating a sense of ownership and belonging among the people is crucial to improving service delivery under the Kayakalp Scheme. It must evolve into a nationwide movement,” the Minister asserted.

    In response to the increasing burden on premier institutions in Delhi and other metros, Nadda called for a stronger focus on grassroots-level facilities, including Sub-Health Centres. He emphasized the importance of training, capacity building, technological integration, and eco-friendly innovations to decentralize care and reduce strain on urban hospitals.

    “Kayakalp is not just a cleanliness initiative. It represents a transformation in how healthcare services are delivered, conceived, and executed,” the Health Minister added.

  • President Murmu confers Gallantry Awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu honored the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of India’s bravehearts by conferring six Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras to personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State/Union Territory Police at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025, held on Thursday, celebrated the heroism of these individuals who risked their lives in service to the nation, with a significant number of the awards bestowed posthumously to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

    The Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra rank among India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards, reserved for acts of raw courage, unparalleled bravery, and a selfless disregard for personal safety in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony spotlighted the valor of 39 personnel, including Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry and Major Manjit of the Punjab Regiment, both commended for their exceptional bravery. Four posthumous Kirti Chakras were awarded to Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Colonel Manpreet Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, and Naik Dilwar Khan, each recognized for their unmatched valor in counter-terror operations that safeguarded the nation.

    The Shaurya Chakra recipients, numbering 33 in total, included Major (now Lt Col) Vijay Verma of the Rajput Regiment, honored for his gallant actions on October 5, 2022, as well as Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar and Inspector/GD Jeffrey Hmingchullo of the CRPF, celebrated for their bravery on April 2, 2023. Seven of these awards were conferred posthumously, with Major Aashish Dhonchak and Captain Deepak Singh among those who laid down their lives during operations, their sacrifices immortalized through this recognition.

    These awardees distinguished themselves across a range of high-stakes missions, showcasing heroism in diverse and perilous circumstances. In counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East, personnel neutralized dreaded terrorists, apprehended insurgents, and recovered arms and ammunition, often under extreme duress. Notably, Colonel Manpreet Singh and Rifleman Ravi Kumar earned their posthumous honors for heroic efforts in Jammu and Kashmir on September 12-13, 2023, exemplifying the courage required in such volatile regions.

    The Indian Navy also shone brightly, with officers like Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal and Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav leading successful anti-piracy operations that forced the surrender of pirates and secured the rescue of hostages. Navy personnel further demonstrated their bravery during firefighting efforts aboard a burning oil tanker, risking their lives to avert disaster. Meanwhile, in the Indian Air Force, Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane and Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar exhibited remarkable courage in life-threatening situations, skillfully rescuing aircraft while ensuring no civilian casualties, a testament to their precision and valor.

    The CRPF’s relentless fight against Left-Wing Extremism was equally commendable, with officers such as Deputy Commandant Lakhveer and Constable/GD Pawan Kumar, the latter honored posthumously, recognized for apprehending Maoist insurgents and recovering weapons in affected areas. Their efforts underscored the critical role of the CAPF in maintaining internal security amidst persistent threats.

  • Nationwide mass mobilization campaign launched against plastic pollution

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Thursday announced the launch of a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign against plastic pollution in the lead-up to World Environment Day.

    The campaign, titled ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’, aims to raise awareness, drive behaviour change, and promote sustainable alternatives to plastic use across the country. It is part of the government’s larger Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which encourages citizens to adopt environmentally conscious practices.

    “”In the run-up to #WorldEnvironmentDay, @moefcc has launched a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign against plastic pollution today. The campaign ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’ aims to nudge citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives as envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji under Mission LiFE. Let’s move from awareness to action collectively by embracing sustainable living and #EndPlasticPollution,” Yadav posted on X.

    The key thrust areas of the campaign include spreading awareness about plastic pollution, reducing the use and generation of plastic waste, promoting efficient waste management, and encouraging the development and adoption of sustainable materials to replace single-use plastics.

    Activities under the campaign will take place across ministries, state and union territory governments, local bodies, schools, colleges, industries, civil society organisations, and community groups.

    Engagement efforts will span a variety of formats—from awareness drives on social media and street plays (nukkad nataks) to public pledges, poster and essay competitions, marathons, and cleanup drives at public places.

    Workshops, webinars, and educational activities on sustainable practices will also be organised to deepen understanding and support long-term change. Participating stakeholders have been urged to align their activities with the campaign’s goals and report them through the government’s ‘Meri LiFE’ portal.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Two galaxies seen in a ‘joust’ preceding a cosmic mega-merger

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Astronomers have observed two distant galaxies – both possessing roughly as many stars as our Milky Way – careening toward each other before their inevitable merger at a time when the universe was about a fifth its current age, a scene resembling two knights charging in a joust.

    The galaxies, observed using two Chile-based telescopes, were seen as they existed about 11.4 billion years ago, approximately 2.4 billion years after the Big Bang event that initiated the universe.

    At the heart of one of the galaxies resides a quasar, a highly luminous object powered by gas and other material falling into a supermassive black hole. The intense radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum unleashed by the quasar is seen disrupting clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, in the other galaxy.

    It is molecular clouds that give rise to stars. But the effects of the quasar’s radiation turned the clouds in the affected region into “only tiny dense cloudlets that are too small to form stars,” said astrophysicist Sergei Balashev of the Ioffe Institute in Saint Petersburg, Russia, co-lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

    This is the first time such a phenomenon has been observed, Balashev said.

    Stars form by the slow contraction under gravity of these clouds, with small centers taking shape that heat up and become new stars. But the galaxy affected by the quasar’s radiation was left with fewer regions that could serve as such stellar nurseries, undermining its star formation rate.

    The interaction between the two galaxies reminded the researchers of a medieval joust.

    “Much like jousting knights charging toward one another, these galaxies are rapidly approaching. One of them – the quasar host – emits a powerful beam of radiation that pierces the companion galaxy, like a lance. This radiation ‘wounds’ its ‘opponent’ as it disrupts the gas,” said astronomer and co-lead author Pasquier Noterdaeme of the Paris Institute of Astrophysics in France.

    Supermassive black holes are found at the heart of many galaxies, including the Milky Way. The researchers estimated the mass of the one that serves as the engine of the quasar studied in this research at about 200 million times that of our sun.

    The intense gravitational strength of the supermassive black hole pulls gas and other material toward it. As this stuff spirals inward at high speed, it heats up due to friction, forming a disk that emits extremely powerful radiation in two opposite directions, called biconical beams.

    The ultraviolet light from one of these beams is what played havoc with the gas in the companion galaxy.

    This supermassive black hole is much more massive than the one at the center of the Milky Way – called Sagittarius A*, or Sgr A* – which possesses roughly 4 million times the mass of the sun and is located about 26,000 light-years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

    The researchers used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, or ALMA, to characterize the two galaxies and used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope, or VLT, to probe the quasar as well as the gas in the companion galaxy.

    The configuration of the galaxies as viewed from the perspective of Earth enabled the researchers to observe the radiation from the quasar passing directly through the companion galaxy.

    Most galactic mergers that have been observed by astronomers occurred later in the history of the universe.

    “Galaxies are typically found in groups, and gravitational interactions naturally lead to mergers over cosmic time,” Noterdaeme said. “In line with current understanding, these two galaxies will eventually coalesce into a single larger galaxy. The quasar will fade as it exhausts the available fuel.”

    (Reuters)

  • VP calls for evidence-based validation, digitisation, translations, and cross-disciplinary studies of ancient texts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Focus on alternative medicine, says VP
    VP lauds global centre for traditional medicine in Jamnagar
    Belief that anything Indic or ancient is regressive has no place in modern India-VP
    VP commissions the statue of “Charaka -Father of Ayurveda” and Statue of “ Sushruta- Father of Surgery” at Raj Bhavan, Goa

    The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today called for focussing on alternative medicine and for evidence based validation of our ancient texts to make them accessible  and applicable to contemporary challenges. Speaking at an event in RajBhavan, Goa he said, “ We are a nation with a difference….We are rediscovering our roots, and we will get rooted in our roots. I strongly focus on alternative medicine because India is the home of alternative medicine. It is being practiced now very extensively….Let us not confine our ancient texts to libraries. They are not meant for shelf of library.  They are meant to be widely disseminated. Let us bring timeless ideas to life through research, innovation, and reinterpretation using modern scientific tools.  Let us pursue evidence-based validation, digitisation, translations,  and cross-disciplinary studies to make these treasures  accessible  and applicable to contemporary challenges….. am extremely happy that World Health Organisation has recognised it by establishing a global centre for traditional medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat. What a powerful recognition of universal relevance of our systems like Ayurveda.”

    “Time for us  to look back in our Vedas, in our Upanishads, in our Puranas, in our history and time to tell our children from birth about our civilizational depth of knowledge”, he added

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1925442859010036125

    Addressing the gathering after commissioning the statutes, Shri Dhankhar stated,   “We are celebrating today, those who epitomize knowledge — Charak. Charak was a royal physician in Kushan Kingdom. Charak is known as father of medicine and Charak author Charak Samhita, it is a foundational text for Ayurveda.  The other one, Sushrut, father of Surgery, then. I had the occasion to see what you had put in paintings. Surgical instruments during those days, so forward looking and we must always remember. Sushrut was a disciple of Dhanvantari, another celebrated name. ….Let the lives and works  of Charaka and Sushruta be a source of inspiration and motivation for all,  particularly our impressionable minds.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1925425566821621965

    Reflecting on the need to take pride in our ancient knowledge, Shri Dhankhar underscored, “ I wish to also focus on,  also highlight a particular cultural trait.  It is our cultural trait.  Within sections of our society, there is a belief.  Anything Indic or ancient is a regressive. This trait has no place in modern India. This trait has no place in our times. The world has realised our importance.  Time for us also to realise it. We cannot afford a situation to believe West is modern and progressive. Look at the current scenario  and you will find it is far from it. India is the center. International Monetary Fund was not wrong and must have said with great difficulty, we are center of excellence. We are a hot spot of golden opportunities, opportunity for investment. That being the situation, let us believe in Indic situations. West is far behind us.  In their own mind, they are learning from us.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1925445876149100705

    Underlining the ancient civilizational knowledge, the Vice-President said, “ The entire West will be stunned if we learn  more about our treasure of knowledge…. Charaka, Sushruta, Dhanvantri, Jivaka,  renowned Ayurvedic  physician. And he was  Buddha’s personal doctor…..When it comes to mathematics and astronomy,  Aryabhatta,  we have named our satellites after him,  a great name,  and during those times  we had Baudhayana, great mathematician, and we have Varahamihira…. He was there when Chandragupta  Vikramaditya court was there…..he was one of those.  He was having an observatory  at Ujjain during those times.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1925442964870111623

    “We are a unique civilisation….Long before we came to be abreast of the modern surgical situations, 300 surgical procedures, plastic surgery, fracture management, and even caesarean delivery. Just imagine. We need to take great pride in it.  At that point of time,  what we call super specialty hospitals. The things they transact  in medical science,  we had it already. And it is not only that. They put it in writing for academicians. Sushruta’s writings reflect  not just merely  anatomical knowledge,  but a profound scientific spirit  emphasising accuracy,  training, hygiene  and patient care”, he added

  • Philippines accuses China of aggressive tactics in South China Sea

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Philippines’ fisheries bureau said the lives of a civilian crew were put at risk when the Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannons and sideswiped one of its vessels while it conducted marine research around a disputed South China Sea reef.

    The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources condemned what it said was the “aggressive interference” of the Chinese Coast Guard against the Datu Sanday and a second ship in Wednesday’s incident, saying its vessels had not previously been subjected to water cannons in the area. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday’s statement by the bureau.

    Sandy Cay is close to Thitu Island, the largest and most strategically important of the nine features the Philippines occupies in the Spratly archipelago, where China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have a presence.

    Last month, China said its Coast Guard had landed on Sandy Cay as part of operations to exercise its sovereignty. The Philippines has denied Beijing has seized control of the disputed reef.

    China claims sovereignty over nearly all the South China Sea, including areas claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

    A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal found Beijing’s sweeping claims had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.

    (Reuters)

  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as ‘criminal’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A major accident occurred on Wednesday during the launch of a new North Korean warship while Kim Jong Un was attending the event, with the isolated state’s leader calling it a “criminal act” that could not be tolerated, state media KCNA reported.

    Kim, who witnessed the failed launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer, excoriated the accident as caused by “carelessness” that tarnished national dignity, and ordered the ship restored before a ruling party meeting in June, KCNA said on Thursday.

    The report did not say whether there were any casualties.

    The accident happened when the destroyer was being eased into the water in a so-called side launch, a manoeuvre that was risky for a ship that size given the technical and financial challenges the North faced, military analysts said.

    The mishap likely occurred in front of a large crowd at the northeastern port of Chongjin, increasing the public humiliation for Kim, they said.

    KCNA said the incident was caused by a loss of balance while the vessel was being launched and sections of the bottom of the warship were crushed, but did not give more details of damage sustained.

    “Kim Jong Un made stern assessment saying that it was a serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism … and could not be tolerated,” KCNA reported.

    The accident “brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse”, Kim said, adding an immediate restoration of the destroyer was “not merely a practical issue but a political issue directly related to the authority of the state.”

    South Korea’s military said the ship was now lying on its side in the water.

    The North fired multiple cruise missiles from an area south of the port around the time the accident was reported, Seoul’s military said.

    “DEEPLY HUMILIATING”

    The rare public disclosure of an accident follows a report of the launch of another destroyer of a similar size in April, also attended by Kim, at the west coast shipyard of Nampho.

    North Korea has previously experienced accidents such as a satellite launch failure and apartment building collapse that have been subsequently used to promote the role of the leadership in correcting the problems.

    The 5,000-ton destroyers launched by North Korea this year are the country’s largest warships yet, part of leader Kim’s push to upgrade its naval power with vessels capable of carrying and launching dozens of missiles.

    In a report last week on preparations for the latest launch, U.S.-based 38 North said it appeared the ship would be side-launched from the quay.

    Such a method has not been previously observed in launching warships in North Korea, but it was likely chosen because the shipyard did not have enough space or an incline to direct the vessel’s stern first into the water, military analysts said.

    The North also lacked floating or dry docks that are common in advanced shipbuilding states, with a stern launch normally requiring more sophisticated equipment, retired South Korean submarine commander Choi Il said.

    “Pushing from the side is the most basic, simplest and cheapest” if done right, he said.

    Yang Wuk, an Asan Institute for Policy Studies military expert, said the botched launch of the country’s largest warship was embarrassing for the country.

    “The fact that this kind of accident occurred and became public would be deeply humiliating for North Korea,” Yang said.

    Commercial satellite imagery of the shipyard the day before the launch showed the destroyer positioned on the quay with support vessels by its side and its missile tube magazines exposed.

    (Reuters)

  • Railways are part of our economy and our identity: MoS Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani has said that Indian Railways are not only integral to the country’s economy but also form a key part of its identity. He made these remarks during the virtual inauguration of the redeveloped Sullurupeta railway station in Andhra Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
     
    Dr. Pemmasani said that Indian Railways transport over two crore passengers daily and are among the largest employers in the world. Emphasising the changing role of infrastructure in modern India, he stated, “Infrastructure today is not just about convenience—it is about confidence.”
     
    The Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Railways have been central to the country’s development strategy. “The Prime Minister’s vision is focused on transforming railway infrastructure, enhancing the passenger experience, and aligning stations with broader urban renewal goals,” he said.
     
    Highlighting the redevelopment of Sullurupeta railway station, Dr. Pemmasani informed that the project was undertaken at a cost of ₹14.5 crore. The station holds special importance as it is located in the sacred district of Tirupati and serves as the nearest railhead to Sriharikota, India’s premier spaceport.
     
    The Minister also outlined the significant progress made in the railway sector in Andhra Pradesh over the past 11 years. He said that budgetary allocation for the state’s rail projects has increased to ₹9,417 crore in 2025–26, over ten times the amount allocated during 2009–14. During this period, the state saw the addition of 414 km of new railway lines, 1,217 km of track doubling, and 3,748 km of electrification.
     
    Dr. Pemmasani further added that 41 railway projects worth ₹34,700 crore have been sanctioned in Andhra Pradesh over the last 11 years. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme alone, 73 stations in the state are being redeveloped.
     

  • PM Modi inaugurates and lays foundation for Rs 26,000 crore development projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan, emphasizing transformative infrastructure growth and a resolute stance against terrorism. The event, attended by dignitaries including Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal, saw participation from 18 states and union territories, both in-person and online.

    Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the unprecedented pace of infrastructure development over the past 11 years, noting that India now invests six times more in infrastructure compared to previous years. He cited iconic projects like the Chenab Bridge, Sela Tunnel, Bogibeel Bridge, Atal Setu, and Pamban Bridge as symbols of India’s modernization drive. The Prime Minister also emphasized railway advancements, including the operation of Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains, the elimination of unmanned level crossings, and the modernization of over 1,300 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Over 100 such stations, reflecting local art and heritage, have been completed, with examples like Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Thawe in Bihar showcasing regional culture.

    PM Modi underscored that these infrastructure projects drive employment and economic growth, benefiting workers, farmers, and youth. In Rajasthan, Rs 70,000 crore has been invested in road infrastructure over the past decade, with Rs 10,000 crore allocated for railway development this year alone. He flagged off a new Bikaner-Mumbai train and highlighted projects in health, water, and electricity to boost urban and rural progress. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has benefited over 40,000 Rajasthan households, eliminating electricity bills and enabling income through solar power.

    The Prime Minister also praised Rajasthan’s industrial growth, driven by Chief Minister Sharma’s policies, positioning the state as a hub for petroleum and food processing industries. He noted the near-completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar economic corridor, which will enhance connectivity and industrial development.

    On water management, PM Modi recalled Maharaja Ganga Singh’s legacy and emphasized ongoing irrigation and river-linking projects like the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link, which will benefit multiple districts. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 25 state government projects, including 750 km of state highways, nursing colleges, and water supply initiatives under AMRUT 2.0.

    Addressing national security, PM Modi condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy. He detailed Operation Sindoor, a swift response that destroyed nine terrorist hideouts within 22 minutes, showcasing the armed forces’ “Chakravyuh” strategy that forced Pakistan to its knees. The Prime Minister outlined three principles: India’s response to terrorism will be decisive, nuclear threats will not intimidate, and no distinction will be made between terrorists and their state sponsors. He warned that Pakistan would face severe military and economic consequences for any further attacks, emphasizing that trade and talks would focus solely on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

  • “Desh nahi mitne dunga, desh nahi Jhukne dunga”: PM Modi hits out at Pakistan in first rally after Operation Sindoor

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a large gathering in Bikaner, hailing the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and launching a sharp attack on Pakistan.
     
    Recalling his 2019 statement after the Balakot airstrikes, the Prime Minister said, “Saugandh mujhe iss desh ki mitti ki, main desh nahi mitne dunga, main desh nahi jhukne dunga.” Referring to the recent military action, he added, “Those who came to erase sindoor, we have demolished them.”
     
    The Prime Minister invoked the spirit of Rajasthan, calling it “Veerbhoomi”, and said, “This brave land teaches us that nothing is greater than the nation and its citizens. On April 22, terrorists destroyed the vermilion from the foreheads of our sisters by questioning their religion. The bullets were fired in Pahalgam, but they pierced the hearts of 140 crore Indians. The nation resolved that the terrorists would face punishment beyond their imagination.”
     
    Highlighting a symbolic coincidence, PM Modi noted that his first rally after the Balakot airstrikes in 2019 was also held in Rajasthan. “It is a coincidence that after the country conducted the Balakot airstrikes five years ago, my first public meeting was on this very borderland of Rajasthan. Now again, after Operation Sindoor, I am holding my first rally here among you in Bikaner,” he said.
     
    Speaking about the military operation, PM Modi revealed that Indian forces destroyed nine major terrorist hideouts in just 22 minutes. “With your blessings and the valour of our armed forces, we have fulfilled our pledge. Our government gave full freedom to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Together, they created such a ‘Chakravyuh’ that Pakistan was forced to kneel,” the Prime Minister said.
     
    He continued, “The world and enemies of the country saw what happens when the sindoor of our sisters turns into gunpowder. In response to the April 22 attack, terrorist camps were destroyed within 22 minutes.”
     
    Shifting focus to development, PM Modi spoke about the government’s efforts to modernize India’s infrastructure. “Today, I come to you after seeking blessings from Karni Mata. Her grace strengthens our resolve for a Viksit Bharat. A grand effort is underway to create world-class infrastructure across the country. In the last 11 years, there has been a sixfold increase in infrastructure spending. Roads, airports, and railway stations are being rapidly modernized,” he said.
     
    (ANI)

  • India’s pharma sector powers ahead with growth, innovation and govt support

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s pharmaceutical sector is witnessing robust growth, driven by rising global demand, the introduction of innovative products, and strong policy support from the government.

    Having grown at over 10% annually for the past five years, the industry recorded a turnover of Rs 4,17,345 crore in 2023–24. According to India Ratings, a Fitch Group company, pharma sector revenue likely rose 7.8% year-on-year in April 2025.

    India now ranks third globally in pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value. It has become a major player in supplying affordable vaccines and generic medicines—accounting for 20% of the world’s generic drug supply. The country meets 55–60% of UNICEF’s vaccine requirements, supplies 99% of the WHO’s DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine demand, 52% of BCG vaccines, and 45% of measles vaccines.

    In 2023–24, the sector attracted Rs 12,822 crore in foreign direct investment. With 100% FDI permitted in medical devices and greenfield pharma projects, India continues to solidify its position as a global pharma hub.

    Much of this success is credited to targeted government schemes that promote affordability, boost local manufacturing, and strengthen supply chains.

    Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), 15,479 Jan Aushadhi Kendras now offer generic medicines at prices up to 80% lower than their branded counterparts. For instance, a heart medicine that once cost Rs 500 is now available for as little as Rs 100.

    The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals, with an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore, supports 55 projects aimed at producing high-end drugs, including treatments for cancer and diabetes.

    A separate PLI scheme worth Rs 6,940 crore focuses on the production of key raw materials such as Penicillin G, helping reduce India’s reliance on imports.

    Another PLI initiative, with Rs 3,420 crore allocated to medical devices, is boosting the domestic manufacturing of equipment like MRI machines and heart implants.

    The Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks scheme, backed by Rs 3,000 crore, is establishing major pharma manufacturing hubs in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh to enhance efficiency and lower production costs.

    Additionally, the Rs 500 crore Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme is helping upgrade labs and fund R&D, enabling Indian companies to compete more effectively in global markets.

    From affordable generic medicines to vital vaccines reaching the world’s most underserved regions, India’s pharmaceutical sector is not only saving lives but also building a healthier, more self-reliant future—both for the country and for the world.

  • Operation Sindoor is a new form of justice: PM Modi unveils 3-pronged counter-terror doctrine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that India’s armed forces avenged the April 22 terror attack within just 22 minutes, destroying nine terror hideouts across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.
     
    Describing the operation as a “new form of justice” for terrorists and their supporters, the Prime Minister also unveiled a three-pronged doctrine to combat terrorism.
     
    “If there is any terror attack on Indian territory, the enemy will be given a befitting response. Our armed forces will decide the target, timing, and the mode of response,” said PM Modi.
     
    Outlining the core of India’s new counter-terror approach, the Prime Minister stated:
     
    1. India will respond decisively to any terror attack on its soil.
     
    2. Nuclear blackmail will not deter India.
     
    3. Terrorists, their masters, and the governments that support them will be judged by the same yardstick.
     
    Taking direct aim at Pakistan, he added, “Pakistan’s game of distinguishing between state and non-state actors will no longer work as a pretext for its open support to terror.”
     
    Referring to the recent retaliation, PM Modi said:
     
    “Those who went after our sisters and tried to wipe their sindoor, we have razed them to the ground. This is a new form of justice — this is Operation Sindoor.”
     
    He stressed that the response to terrorism has fundamentally changed over the past decade.
     
    “Earlier, we struck inside their territory, but this time, we hit them at their heart. Those who thought India would remain silent are now shuddering in fear. Those who boasted about their weapons are now buried under the rubble.”
     
    The Prime Minister also said that the entire nation stands united following the Pahalgam terror attack, adding that the people of India — 140 crore strong — have resolved to punish terrorism beyond the enemy’s imagination.
     
    “Because of our armed forces, we have taught Pakistan a lesson. Our government gave full operational freedom to our forces, and they brought Pakistan to its knees,” he said.
     
    (ani)

  • Jaishankar meets Danish PM Frederiksen, discusses green partnership and anti-terror cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Denmark on Wednesday, aimed at deepening Indo-Danish ties and reinforcing strategic cooperation on key global challenges, including counter-terrorism and green partnerships.

    Jaishankar’s visit to Copenhagen is part of his ongoing three-nation tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. After concluding a successful two-day official visit to the Netherlands, where he engaged in bilateral discussions, Jaishankar reached Denmark to further India’s diplomatic outreach in Europe.

    Jaishankar was received by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, where the two leaders held discussions aimed at advancing the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. The talks highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable development and climate action. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Thank PM Mette Frederiksen for warmly receiving me in Copenhagen this evening. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Thank Denmark for its solidarity and support in combating terrorism.”

    A key highlight of the visit was Jaishankar’s meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. The two ministers discussed ways to further strengthen India-Denmark relations and exchanged views on key global developments. Jaishankar lauded Denmark’s consistent support for India’s stand against terrorism. “Delighted to meet FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Copenhagen this evening… Our wide-ranging conversation on bilateral ties and global issues testifies to the strength of our relationship,” he said on X.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar also met Morten Bodskov, Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. The meeting explored ways to enhance existing collaborations and identify new areas of economic cooperation between the two countries. “Pleased to meet Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bodskov in Copenhagen today. We discussed deepening existing areas of cooperation and exploring new possibilities,” Jaishankar said.

    The foreign minister also held talks with Soren Gade, Speaker of the Danish Parliament (Folketing). He expressed appreciation for Denmark’s consistent support and solidarity with India’s counter-terrorism efforts. “A very warm meeting with Speaker Soren Gade in Copenhagen today. Appreciate his solidarity as India resolutely combats terrorism. Also value his sustained support for building India-Denmark relations,” he said.

    Additionally, the external affairs minister interacted with members of the Indian community in Copenhagen. He lauded their role in strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing India’s image abroad. “Great to meet with Indian community representatives in Copenhagen. They hold the Indian flag high in Denmark and shape our positive image in this country,” he said.

  • PM Modi inaugurates Amrit Bharat Deshnoke Railway Station, flags off Bikaner-Mumbai train service

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Amrit Bharat Deshnoke Railway Station and flagged off the Bikaner-Mumbai train service in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district on Thursday. He also inspected an exhibition at the railway station and interacted with the students, who gifted him some paintings.

    Earlier, he landed at Nal Airbase in Bikaner and proceeded directly to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok. PM Modi offered prayers at the famous temple. Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Temple authorities welcomed him with a replica of the Karni Mata Temple, and he also offered ‘prasad’ and a donation at the sanctum.

    This is his first visit to Rajasthan following India’s attack on terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7. He will also address a large public meeting in Palana village near Bikaner.

    His total stay in Bikaner is scheduled for 3 hours and 25 minutes. This visit is reminiscent of his public address in Churu, delivered on the morning of the airstrikes following the Pulwama attack.

    The Prime Minister will depart for Palana village by road, a journey of about 8 kilometres. A massive crowd of over one lakh people is expected at the public meeting venue, where elaborate seating arrangements and a large pandal have been set up.

    During the event, PM Modi will inaugurate 103 Amrit Stations nationwide and lay the foundation stone for various development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore. These projects include 1,000 km of electrified railway tracks, seven major road projects, three vehicle underpasses, a PowerGrid transmission project and 900 km of national highways in Rajasthan. After the public meeting, the Prime Minister will return to Nal Airport by helicopter around 12.30 p.m. and depart for Delhi at around 1.15 p.m. (IANS)

  • Jitin Prasada urges innovation, new varieties to boost tea sales

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Commerce Minister Jitin Prasada on Thursday called for a renewed push to brand and market Indian teas, aiming to reassert India’s leadership in tea exports.

    Speaking at a convention in New Delhi to mark International Tea Day, Prasada emphasized the cultural and economic importance of tea in India and urged the industry to adopt innovation-driven strategies.

    Prasada called for developing new varieties of tea that appeal to younger and niche consumers. He stressed the need to ensure that all stakeholders — from growers to end consumers — benefit from better infrastructure and support.

    Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal underlined the need for enhanced “tea literacy” through awareness campaigns that showcase the unique attributes of Indian teas.

    The event featured several panel discussions on themes such as “Organic Teas: The Sustainable Way Ahead,” “Global Consumption Patterns – New Age Teas and Youth Connect,” and “India Teas – Looking Ahead.”

    In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce said the deliberations aimed at shaping “a brighter future for Indian tea through extensive branding and marketing initiatives in addition to quality control measures.”

    A highlight of the convention was the India Tea Appreciation Zone, where producers, exporters, small tea growers (STGs), farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and startups showcased a diverse range of teas. Offerings included premium single-origin teas from Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, and Sikkim, as well as innovative blends and flavoured teas — from classic masala chai to modern infusions — curated to appeal to evolving global tastes.

  • Indian All-Party Delegation Begins UAE Visit, Reaffirms Commitment to Counter-Terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Indian all-party delegation arrived in the United Arab Emirates early Thursday morning, marking a significant step in New Delhi’s diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor. The initiative aims to engage key international partners on counter-terrorism cooperation and regional security concerns.
     
    Leading the delegation is Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. The team comprises a diverse group of Indian parliamentarians, including BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, and Rajya Sabha member Manan Kumar Mishra, BJD’s Sasmit Patra, IUML MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer, senior BJP leader S.S. Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy. Their collective presence signals a unified national stance on the global fight against terrorism.
     
    During their two-day stay in the UAE, the delegation will participate in high-level meetings in Abu Dhabi, beginning with an interaction with Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. They are also scheduled to hold discussions at the Federal National Council with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuami and other senior council members.
     
    Additional meetings have been arranged with officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Media Office. The delegation will engage with local media through an interaction with The National newspaper and participate in a session with strategic political affairs analyst Amjad Taha.
     
    A significant component of the visit includes outreach to the Indian diaspora community, with an event planned at the Indian Embassy’s auditorium in Abu Dhabi. This engagement reflects India’s emphasis on maintaining strong connections with its overseas communities while advancing diplomatic objectives.

  • World is surprised seeing development in India, says PM Modi in Bikaner

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several major development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Rajasthan’s Bikaner on Thursday. 
     
    He also inaugurated 102 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of approximately Rs 1,100 crore.
     
    These include a mix of major and minor stations spread across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
     
    Addressing the public rally, PM Modi said, “Today, I came in front of you all after seeking the blessings of Karni Mata. Due to the blessings of Karni Mata, our resolution of Viksit Bharat is strengthening. Just a few minutes back, the inauguration and foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were laid. I congratulate the people of Rajasthan for this.”
     
    “To make a Viksit Bharat, today, an extensive campaign is ongoing to develop a modernised infrastructure in the country. To modernise the roads, highways, trains and railway stations, work has been done with an unprecedented pace in the last 11 years. Today, the amount spent by the nation on these infrastructural developments is six times what was used before,” he said.
     
    “Today, even the world is surprised seeing the developmental works being carried out by India,” PM Modi said, giving examples of Chenab Bridge, Arunachal Pradesh’s Sela Tunnel, Mumbai’s Atal Setu and Pamban Bridge in South India.
     
    The Prime Minister also said that today, India is “modernising” its train network by introducing trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, which shows the “new pace and progress of the country’s technology.”
     
    Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also offered prayers at the sacred Karni Mata Temple, followed by a visit to the newly redeveloped Deshnoke railway station.
     
    This station is one of the 103 stations revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
     
    PM Modi also flagged off the new Bikaner-Mumbai Express train.
     
    Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations across the country are being upgraded to offer enhanced passenger facilities, accessibility for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and culturally rich designs.
     
    A total of 103 stations, modernised for Rs 1,100 crore, were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. These include eight stations in Rajasthan — Fatehpur Shekhawati, Deshnok, Bundi, Mandalgarh, Gogamedi, Rajgarh, Govindgarh, and Mandawar-Mahua Road.
     
    The Deshnoke station, in particular, has been designed to reflect local architectural traditions, including temple-style arches and decorative pillars.
     
    As part of this vision, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the 58 km Churu-Sadulpur rail line and dedicated the electrification of key railway sections, including Suratgarh-Phalodi (336 km), Phulera-Degana (109 km), Udaipur–Himmatnagar (210 km), Phalodi–Jaisalmer (157 km), and Samdari–Barmer (129 km).
     
    In terms of road infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched projects aimed at both enhancing civilian connectivity and strengthening national security.
     
    This includes laying the foundation for three vehicular underpasses on NH-58 in Pushkar, as well as the widening of NH-11 and NH-70.
     
    Additionally, he dedicated seven major national highway projects worth Rs 4,850 crore, which are expected to improve military mobility and boost the regional economy.
     
    The Prime Minister’s visit also emphasised India’s commitment to clean energy. He laid the foundation stone for several solar power initiatives, including a 300 MW ground-mounted solar project by NEEPCO in Bikaner and a 100 MW project by SJVN in Nawa.
     
    Solar projects in Didwana and Kuchaman were also initiated. Transmission systems under Powergrid’s Sirohi and Mewar divisions were launched to enhance grid connectivity.
     
    Furthermore, he inaugurated three key power infrastructure projects — Power Grid Neemuch Transmission System, a power evacuation project in Bikaner, and capacity expansion of the Fatehgarh-II Power Station.
     
    Among other projects, the 500 MW Kalasar and 300 MW Shimbhu Ka Bhurj solar power plants will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s renewable energy framework, supported by indigenous solar PV modules under the “Make in India” mission.
     
    Strengthening regional connectivity further, the Prime Minister launched the upgradation and maintenance of 12 state highways covering 757 km under the Rajasthan State Highway Development Programme, with a total investment of Rs 3,240 crore.
     
    Prominent routes include Mangaliyawas-Padukalan (State Highway-102), Beawar-Tehla-Alniyawas (SH-59 and SH-104), and Dantiwada-Pipar-Merta City (SH-21).
     
    Plans are in place for the future upgradation of another 900 km of roadways, including the Gotan-Sathin Highway, linking industrial and border areas more efficiently.
     
    To bolster the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister also inaugurated four new nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur.
     
    These institutions will help strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to quality medical education across Rajasthan.
     
    In addition, two electrical substations — 132 kV GSS Rajpura in Bikaner and 132 kV GSS Sarda in Udaipur — will be inaugurated to improve power distribution in the region.
     
    These upgrades are a vital part of ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply across the state.
     
    –IANS

  • CAQM invokes Stage-I of GRAP in NCR to curb worsening air quality

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), as Delhi’s air quality continues to linger in the ‘Poor’ category with no significant signs of improvement.

    According to the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI on May 21 stood at 213—placing it in the ‘Poor’ category. Over the past two days, the AQI has been hovering slightly above the 200 mark, with only marginal improvements predicted by forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

    The poor air quality has been primarily attributed to variable wind conditions.

    In response, the Sub-Committee met to assess the situation and, based on current data and forecasts, decided to invoke all measures under Stage-I of GRAP across the NCR. The primary aim of this preemptive action is to prevent further deterioration of the region’s air quality and to avoid slipping into more severe air quality categories.

    Stage-I of GRAP includes a 27-point action plan to be implemented by various agencies including the Pollution Control Boards of the NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). These measures primarily focus on controlling dust from construction and demolition (C&D) activities, ensuring proper waste management, intensifying mechanized road cleaning, enforcing emission norms, and promoting cleaner fuels and transportation options.

    Some of the immediate steps include strict enforcement of dust mitigation at C&D sites, regular removal of municipal and industrial waste, increased use of anti-smog guns and water sprinkling on roads, prohibition of open waste burning, and stringent vehicle emission checks. Agencies have also been directed to regulate industrial emissions, ensure use of approved fuels, and penalize violations rigorously.

    To support these efforts, citizens have been urged to comply with the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter. This includes maintaining vehicle fitness and pollution control certificates, avoiding the use of outdated vehicles, refraining from open burning or the use of firecrackers, reporting pollution-related activities through mobile applications like 311 App, Green Delhi App, and SAMEER, and adopting eco-friendly habits such as tree plantation and unified commuting.

    Additionally, eateries and restaurants are required to switch to electricity or clean fuel-based appliances, avoiding the use of coal or firewood in tandoors. DISCOMs have been instructed to minimize power outages to reduce reliance on diesel generator sets.

    The CAQM has also called for widespread dissemination of information related to pollution levels, measures being taken, and avenues for public complaints through mobile apps, social media, and bulk SMS campaigns. Agencies have been asked to ensure swift redressal of complaints to bolster public participation in tackling the pollution crisis.

    The Commission emphasized that it would closely monitor the air quality situation and review the implementation of these measures. Depending on the evolving AQI trends and future forecasts, further stages of GRAP could be activated if necessary.

    With the air quality situation in a precarious state, the CAQM has reiterated the urgent need for collective responsibility, both from authorities and citizens, to ensure timely and effective action to safeguard public health and the environment in the National Capital Region.

  • Operation Sindoor: Indian parliamentary team in Tokyo to rally support against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A high-level all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, reached Tokyo on Thursday as part of a five-nation diplomatic outreach under ‘Operation Sindoor’. The initiative is aimed at highlighting India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

    “An All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Hon’ble MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has arrived in Tokyo and was welcomed by Ambassador Sibi George. India’s unwavering stand against cross-border terrorism, as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor, will be highlighted in all engagements,” the Indian Embassy in Japan said in a post on X.

    The nine-member delegation includes a diverse political representation with BJP MPs Dr. Hemang Joshi, Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, and Pradan Baruah; CPI(M) MP John Brittas; TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee; and Ambassador Mohan Kumar. The tour, which spans Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore, aims to brief international partners about India’s decisive response to terrorism and its broader anti-terror framework.

    The group was briefed at the Indian Embassy, where George provided a detailed overview of Japan’s stance and reaction to the recent terror attack. He noted that Japan was among the first nations to respond to the attack, underscoring Tokyo’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.

    “Our parliamentary delegation is here to strongly present India’s position on cross-border terrorism,” George said. “This engagement is crucial in setting the tone for strong international messaging against terrorism.”

    BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi expressed optimism about the outreach’s effectiveness, saying, “The visit started with an in-depth discussion at the Indian Embassy in Japan. We were briefed by Ambassador Sibi George on Japan’s perspective regarding the Pahalgam attack. This diplomatic outreach, initiated by Prime Minister Modi’s government, is a well-thought-out exercise to communicate India’s united stand to the global community.”

    Jha emphasized the need to expose what he called Pakistan’s state policy of sponsoring terrorism. “Terrorism is a part of Pakistan’s state policy. Operation Sindoor is a reflection of our resolve. We want the world to know that India will not tolerate terrorist activities supported and perpetrated by Pakistan. Enough is enough,” he said before departing from India.

    CPI(M) MP John Brittas, part of the delegation, noted that the initiative demonstrates national consensus on the issue of terrorism. “We are united as a nation in condemning terrorism in all forms. Our delegation’s purpose is to project that unity and resolve globally.”

    The delegation is set to hold discussions with senior Japanese government officials, including the Foreign Minister, and engage with key policymakers and diplomatic figures. Similar high-level meetings are scheduled throughout the other four countries on the tour.

    India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). In retaliation to subsequent Pakistani aggression, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Pakistani airbases. Following a call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart, both nations have agreed to halt further military actions.

    ANI

  • Indian economy shows resilience despite weak global growth: RBI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The global growth continues to face headwinds with persistent trade frictions, heightened policy uncertainty, and weak consumer sentiment weighing on the outlook. Despite this, the Indian economy is exhibiting resilience even after high trade and tariff-related concerns, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said.

    Persistent trade frictions, heightened policy uncertainty, and weak consumer sentiment continue to create headwinds for global growth. “Amidst these challenges, the Indian economy exhibited resilience. Various high frequency indicators of industrial and services sectors sustained their momentum in April,” according to the RBI Bulletin.

    A bumper rabi harvest and higher acreage for summer crops, coupled with favourable southwest monsoon forecasts for 2025, augur well for the agriculture sector.

    Headline CPI inflation fell for the sixth consecutive month to its lowest since July 2019, primarily driven by the sustained easing in food prices. Domestic financial market sentiments, which remained on edge in April, witnessed a turnaround since the third week of May, said the Bulletin.

    The year-on-year inflation rates based on the all-India consumer price index for agricultural labourers (CPI-AL) and rural labourers (CPI-RL) for April this year eased further to 3.48 per cent and 3.53 per cent, respectively, compared to 7.03 per cent and 6.96 per cent in April 2024, bringing respite to poor households.

    Also, the domestic equity market, which declined initially in response to the tariff announcements by the US, gained momentum in the second half of April in the wake of robust corporate earnings reports for Q4 by some banking and financial sector companies.

    Moreover, the growth rate in notes in circulation (NiC, in value terms) during 2014-2024 was significantly lower as compared to that in the previous two decades. The growth in NiC was noticeably higher than that in GDP during 1994 – 2004; the gap, however, has significantly reduced in the next two decades. There exists positive relationship between nightlights and taxes and also between nightlights and GDP. It means that formal economic activity reduces the use of banknotes, said the Bulletin. (IANS)

  • Aid trucks enter Gaza after delays, as pressure mounts on Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel allowed 100 aid trucks carrying flour, baby food and medical equipment into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Israeli military said, as UN officials reported that distribution issues had meant that no aid had so far reached people in need.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would be open to a temporary ceasefire to enable the return of hostages. But otherwise he said it would press ahead with a military campaign to gain total control of Gaza.

    After an 11-week blockade on supplies entering Gaza, the Israeli military said a total of 98 aid trucks entered on Monday and Tuesday. But even those minimal supplies have not made it to Gaza’s soup kitchens, bakeries, markets and hospitals, according to aid officials and local bakeries that were standing by to receive supplies of flour.

    “None of this aid – that is a very limited number of trucks – has reached the Gaza population,” said Antoine Renard, country director of the World Food Programme.

    The blockade has left Gazans in an increasingly desperate struggle for survival, despite growing international and domestic pressure on Israel’s government, which one opposition figure said risked turning the country into a “pariah state”.

    Thousands of tons of food and other vital supplies are waiting near crossing points into Gaza but until it can be safely distributed, around a quarter of the population remains at risk of famine, Renard said.

    “I’m here since eight in the morning, just to get one plate for six people while it is not enough for one person,” said Mahmoud al-Haw, who says he often waits for up to six hours a day hoping for some lentil soup to keep his children alive.

    U.N. officials said security issues had prevented the aid from moving out of the logistics hub at the Kerem Shalom crossing point but late on Wednesday there appeared some hope that supplies would move more freely.

    Nahid Shahaiber, a major transport company owner, said 75 trucks of flour and over a dozen more carrying nutritional supplements and sugar were inside the southern area of Rafah and witnesses said trucks carrying flour had been seen in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

    Israel imposed a blockade on all supplies entering Gaza in March, saying Hamas was seizing supplies meant for civilians – a charge the group denies.

    Under mounting international pressure, it has allowed aid deliveries by the U.N. and other aid groups to resume briefly until a new U.S.-backed distribution model using private contractors operating through so-called secure hubs is up and running by the end of the month. But the United Nations says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and it will not be involved.

    ‘PARIAH STATE’

    As people waited for supplies to arrive, air strikes and tank fire killed at least 50 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Palestinian health authorities said. The Israeli military said air strikes hit 115 targets, which it said included rocket launchers, tunnels and unspecified military infrastructure.

    Efforts to halt the fighting have faltered, with both Hamas, which insists on a final end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli forces, and Israel, which says Hamas must disarm and leave Gaza, sticking to positions the other side rejects.

    Netanyahu said an Israeli air strike this month had probably killed Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar and he reiterated his demand for the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the exile of Hamas leaders for the war to end.

    The resumption of the assault on Gaza since March, following a two-month ceasefire, has drawn condemnation from countries including Britain and Canada that have long been cautious about expressing open criticism of Israel. Even the United States, the country’s most important ally, has shown signs of losing patience with Netanyahu.

    Netanyahu said it was “a disgrace” that countries like Britain were sanctioning Israel instead of Hamas.

    There has been growing unease within Israel meanwhile at the continuation of the war while 58 hostages remain in Gaza.

    Left-wing opposition leader Yair Golan drew a furious response from the government and its supporters this week when he declared that “A sane country doesn’t kill babies as a hobby” and said Israel risked becoming a “pariah state among the nations.”

    Golan, a former deputy commander of the Israeli military who went single-handedly to rescue victims of the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023, leads the left-wing Democrats, a small party with little electoral clout.

    But his words, and similar comments by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an interview with the BBC, underscored the rift within Israel. Netanyahu dismissed the criticism, saying he was “appalled” by Golan’s comments.

    Opinion polls show widespread support for a ceasefire that would include the return of all the hostages, with a survey from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem this week showing 70% in favour of a deal.

    But hardliners in the cabinet, some of whom argue for the complete expulsion of all Palestinians from Gaza, have insisted on continuing the war until “final victory”, which would include disarming Hamas as well as the return of the hostages.

    Netanyahu, trailing in the opinion polls and facing trial at home on corruption charges, which he denies, as well as an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, has so far sided with the hardliners.

    Israel launched its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 people by Israeli tallies and saw 251 hostages abducted into Gaza.

    The campaign has killed more than 53,600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and devastated the coastal strip, where aid groups say signs of severe malnutrition are widespread.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi to inaugurate 103 Amrit Bharat railway stations today to boost modernisation of Railways

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate 103 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories on Thursday, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The initiative aims to further modernise the Indian Railways by transforming more than 1,300 stations nationwide into state-of-the-art transport hubs, featuring upgraded passenger amenities and designs inspired by local architecture.

    The 103 stations being inaugurated have been redeveloped at a cost of approximately ₹1,100 crore. These include a mix of major and minor stations spread across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

    On the same day, the Prime Minister will visit Rajasthan’s Bikaner, where he is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹26,000 crore. His visit will begin with prayers at the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, followed by a tour of the newly redeveloped Deshnoke railway station — one of the 103 stations inaugurated under the scheme. He will also flag off the Bikaner–Mumbai Express train. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will accompany him during the visit.

    Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations across India are being upgraded to provide better facilities, improved accessibility for persons with disabilities, and architectural designs that reflect the cultural heritage of each region. For instance, the Deshnoke station has been redesigned to include temple-style arches and decorative pillars, showcasing the traditional architectural identity of the region.

    The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the 58-km Churu–Sadulpur railway line and dedicate several electrification projects to the nation. These include the Suratgarh–Phalodi (336 km), Phulera–Degana (109 km), Udaipur–Himmatnagar (210 km), Phalodi–Jaisalmer (157 km), and Samdari–Barmer (129 km) railway sections, further contributing to Indian Railways’ goal of 100 per cent electrification.

    In addition to rail infrastructure, Modi’s visit will also focus on strengthening road connectivity. He will launch projects that include three vehicular underpasses on National Highway-58 in Pushkar, the widening of NH-11 and NH-70, and dedicate seven major highway projects worth ₹4,850 crore. These road projects aim to boost both civilian mobility and military logistics in the region.

    The visit will also underline India’s push towards clean energy. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for multiple solar power projects, including a 300 MW ground-mounted project by NEEPCO in Bikaner and a 100 MW project by SJVN in Nawa. Solar power initiatives will also be launched in Didwana and Kuchaman. In support of grid connectivity, transmission systems under Powergrid’s Sirohi and Mewar divisions will be unveiled.

    Three key power infrastructure projects will also be inaugurated: the Power Grid Neemuch Transmission System, a power evacuation project in Bikaner, and the capacity expansion of the Fatehgarh-II Power Station. Among other renewable energy initiatives, the 500 MW Kalasar and 300 MW Shimbhu Ka Bhurj solar plants — both using indigenous solar PV modules — are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s clean energy mission under the “Make in India” programme.

    To improve healthcare infrastructure in Rajasthan, the Prime Minister will inaugurate four new nursing colleges located in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur. These institutions are aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce and expanding access to quality medical education.

    In the road sector, the Prime Minister will launch the upgradation and maintenance of 12 state highways spanning 757 km, under the Rajasthan State Highway Development Programme, with an investment of ₹3,240 crore. Major routes include Mangaliyawas–Padukalan, Beawar–Tehla–Alniyawas, and Dantiwada–Pipar–Merta City. Plans are also in place for the future development of another 900 km of roadways, including the Gotan–Sathin Highway, to better connect industrial and border regions.

    Additionally, two 132 kV electrical substations — one in Rajpura (Bikaner) and the other in Sarda (Udaipur) — will be inaugurated to improve power distribution and ensure reliable energy supply across Rajasthan.

    (IANS)

  • Markets open lower; IT, auto stocks drag Sensex, Nifty

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened on a weaker note on Thursday, tracking negative global cues, with selling pressure observed in IT and auto sectors during early trade.

    At around 9:26 AM, the BSE Sensex was down 726.42 points or 0.89%, trading at 80,870.21. The NSE Nifty slipped 225 points or 0.91%, standing at 24,588.45.

    The Nifty Bank index declined 336.20 points or 0.61% to 54,738.90. Meanwhile, the Nifty Midcap 100 was down by 307.60 points or 0.54% at 56,312.00, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 dropped 39.50 points or 0.23%, trading at 17,509.10.

    According to analysts, the market is currently within a consolidation range, and a breakout above or below the recent inside bar pattern could determine the next directional move. On the downside, immediate support for the Nifty lies at 24,600, with stronger support near 24,500. A breach of these levels could trigger further selling and drag the index toward the 24,300–24,000 range.

    “On the upside, 24,900 serves as the first resistance level, with 25,000 acting as a key psychological barrier. A decisive move above this could spark a bullish rally toward the 25,200–25,500 zone,” said Mandar Bhojane, Equity Research Analyst at Choice Broking.

    Within the Sensex pack, Adani Ports and Tata Steel emerged as the top gainers in early trade. In contrast, IndusInd Bank, Tech Mahindra, Power Grid, HCL Tech, Nestle India, and Hindustan Unilever were among the top losers.

    Asian markets mirrored the weak sentiment, with indices in China, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, and Japan trading in the red. Jakarta was the sole outlier, showing gains.

    Global cues remained negative following a sharp sell-off on Wall Street in the previous session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 41,860.44, down 816.80 points or 1.91%. The S&P 500 shed 95.85 points or 1.61% to close at 5,844.61, while the Nasdaq fell 270.07 points or 1.41% to end at 18,872.64.

    Experts noted that although U.S. markets attempted to recover from early losses, they eventually fell back into negative territory, closing sharply lower amid mounting economic concerns.

    Despite the weak sentiment, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers on May 21, purchasing equities worth ₹2,201.79 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also remained positive, buying equities worth ₹683.77 crore.

    -IANS

  • PM Modi to visit Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, address rally in Bikaner

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ata-start=”212″ data-end=”438″>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the revered Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, located in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, on Thursday.

    This marks his first visit to Rajasthan following India’s strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.

    During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate 103 Amrit Stations across the country, including the newly developed Deshnok Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Yojana. He will also address a large public meeting in Palana village near Bikaner.

    His total stay in Bikaner is scheduled to last 3 hours and 25 minutes. The visit is reminiscent of his public address in Churu, delivered on the morning of the airstrikes following the Pulwama attack.

    Political observers anticipate that PM Modi may once again send a strong message to the global community, including Pakistan, especially as Thursday marks one month since the Pahalgam terror attack.

    According to official sources, the Prime Minister will arrive at Nal Airport at 9:50 a.m. by a special aircraft and then proceed to Deshnok via helicopter.

    He is scheduled to land at the Karni Mata Temple helipad at 10:30 a.m. and will spend approximately 15 minutes at the temple. Following the temple visit, he will inaugurate the Deshnok Railway Station and flag off the Bikaner–Mumbai Express train.

    He will be accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. At 11:15 a.m., the Prime Minister will depart for Palana village by road—a journey of about 8 kilometres. A massive crowd of over one lakh people is expected at the public meeting venue, where elaborate seating arrangements and a large pandal have been set up.

    During the rally, PM Modi will inaugurate 103 Amrit Stations nationwide and lay the foundation stone for various development projects worth ₹26,000 crore. These include 1,000 km of electrified railway tracks, seven major road projects, three vehicle underpasses, a PowerGrid transmission project, and 900 km of national highways in Rajasthan.

    After the public meeting, the Prime Minister will return to Nal Airport by helicopter at around 12:30 p.m. and is scheduled to depart for Delhi at approximately 1:15 p.m.

    — IANS

  • Gritty Spurs finally taste glory with scrappy Europa League triumph over Man Utd

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lass=”tr-story-p1″>Brennan Johnson’s bundled first-half goal helped Tottenham Hotspur win a scrappy Europa League final 1-0 against Manchester United on Wednesday as they cast aside their domestic woes to end a painful 17-year trophy drought.

    In a season where both clubs plummeted down the Premier League, Tottenham emerged from a dismal campaign with something to celebrate as well as a lucrative berth in next season’s Champions League.

    It was Spurs‘ first silverware since the 2008 League Cup and their first European trophy since their 1984 UEFA Cup success.

    Johnson scored in the 42nd minute when United’s defence crumbled as Pape Sarr swung in a cross while goalkeeper Andre Onana remained rooted to his line. Johnson and United defender Luke Shaw rushed in and the ball appeared to glance off both of them and in, past Onana’s desperate swipe.

    The goal was as scrappy as the game in a matchup of teams who have had wildly disappointing Premier League seasons, with United languishing in 16th and Spurs 17th.

    United’s Rasmus Hojlund had a terrific chance to equalise with a header midway through the second half, but Spurs‘ Micky van de Ven leapt for a stunning clearance off the line.

    United almost equalised at the death but Shaw’s header was saved by a diving Guglielmo Vicario, who had earlier denied an Alejandro Garnacho bullet strike from the edge of the box with a great reflex save.

    “Ever since I came here, it’s been ‘Tottenham are a good team but can never get it done’. We got it done,” goalscorer Johnson told TNT Sports.

    “Honestly, this is what it means. It means so much. All the fans get battered, we get battered, for not winning a trophy, for not winning anything. But we had to get the first one in a while today. I’m so happy.”

    POSTECOGLOU VINDICATION

    Tottenham’s win also offered vindication to embattled manager Ange Postecoglou, who had said throughout the campaign that he always wins trophies in his second season at a club.

    In a season defined by Premier League disappointment, their continental conquest represented a stunning reversal of fortunes.

    The victory also rewards Tottenham with Champions League qualification for next season, a remarkable achievement for a side languishing just above the Premier League relegation zone after an alarming 21 defeats.

    Their triumph may well serve as the crucial lifeline that their 59-year-old Greek-Australian manager Postecoglou needed to cement his future at the club.

    “I’m still kind of taking it all in,” the manager said.

    “I know what it means for this football club… I could sense some nervousness in everybody at the club, because they’ve been in the situation before. And until you take that monkey off your back, you never understand what it feels like.”

    For Manchester United, the defeat compounds a season of deep frustration.

    Mired near the bottom of the Premier League, the Red Devils now face the prospect of a campaign without European competition, leaving Ruben Amorim, United’s beleaguered coach, to rebuild at Old Trafford without the draw of European nights.

    The final presented a fascinating spectacle: two Premier League underachievers transformed into European contenders and it was Tottenham who proved that European football can provide unexpected redemption.

    Amorim’s side will be thoroughly sick of the sight of Spurs, who extended their unbeaten run against United to seven matches, completing an unprecedented seasonal sweep with four wins in four encounters, a first in their history against the Manchester club.

    As jubilant Spurs captain Son Heung-min lifted his first trophy with the club and celebrated with his teammates beneath cascading confetti in the balmy evening air of Bilbao, Tottenham’s long-suffering faithful rejoiced.

    After 41 years without European silverware and countless near-misses, they finally had a night to remember.

    -Reuters

  • PM Modi to visit Rajasthan today, unveil development projects worth over ₹26,000 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Rajasthan on Thursday, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a series of development projects worth over ₹26,000 crore. The visit will include a public address in Palana, Bikaner, and a darshan at the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke around 11:00 AM.

    Focus on Rail Infrastructure

    As part of the day’s events, PM Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Deshnoke Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and flag off the Bikaner-Mumbai express train. He will also launch 103 redeveloped Amrit Stations across 86 districts in 18 states and union territories, developed at a cost of over ₹1,100 crore. These stations integrate modern passenger amenities with regionally inspired architecture and improved accessibility, including facilities for Divyangjan.

    Reflecting India’s diverse cultural fabric, stations like Deshnoke, Thawe, and Begumpet are being redesigned to showcase traditional architectural styles and local art forms as part of a nationwide revamp covering over 1,300 railway stations.

    The Prime Minister will also dedicate six electrified rail lines across Rajasthan and lay the foundation stone for the Churu–Sadulpur rail line. These electrification projects, covering nearly 1,000 km, support Indian Railways’ goal of 100% electrification for enhanced operational efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

    Expansion of Road Network

    Significant investments in road infrastructure are also on the agenda, with PM Modi laying the foundation stone for three vehicle underpasses and several national highway upgrades. He will also dedicate seven major roadway projects in Rajasthan, collectively worth over ₹4,850 crore. These projects aim to improve connectivity to the Indo-Pak border, boosting both civilian mobility and national security.

    Push for Renewable Energy and Power Transmission

    The Prime Minister will further inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several power and renewable energy projects, including large-scale solar energy developments in Bikaner and Didwana Kuchaman. Projects under PowerGrid Mewar and Sirohi Transmission Ltd will bolster energy evacuation systems. The expansion of solar and transmission capacity is expected to provide clean energy and support India’s climate goals.

    State Projects: Roads, Health, and Water Supply

    A total of 25 state government projects will also be inaugurated or launched during the visit. These include improvements to over 750 km of state highways, with an additional 900 km planned under future phases, at a cost exceeding ₹3,240 crore. In the health sector, PM Modi will inaugurate nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur to enhance medical education and local healthcare capacity.

    Water infrastructure projects will also feature prominently. These include the Rural Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project in Jhunjhunu and the restructuring of urban water supply schemes in seven towns of Pali district under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.

    This visit comes as part of the government’s broader push to enhance infrastructure, connectivity, and clean energy development across India’s heartland, with Rajasthan at the centre of several strategic initiatives.

  • PM Modi praises security forces for neutralising 27 Maoists in Chhattisgarh operation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended the security forces for their decisive action in eliminating 27 Maoists, including top CPI (Maoist) leader Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, during a major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.
     
    In response to a post by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on X, PM Modi said, “Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people.”
     
    Earlier, Home Minister Shah had hailed the operation as a “landmark achievement” in India’s long-standing fight against Naxalism. “Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces neutralised 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju — the General Secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the backbone of the Naxal movement,” he wrote.
     
    “This is the first time in three decades of India’s battle against Naxalism that a General Secretary-ranked Maoist leader has been neutralised. I applaud our brave security forces and agencies for this major breakthrough,” Shah added. He also stated that with the completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Maoists have been arrested and 84 have surrendered across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The Modi government, he affirmed, is determined to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
     
    The encounter, which took place in the dense forests of Abujhmad in Narayanpur district, is being seen as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to curb left-wing extremism. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, joint teams of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon launched a coordinated offensive targeting senior Maoist leaders.
     
    As the forces moved through the rugged terrain, Maoists opened indiscriminate fire, leading to a fierce exchange. Security personnel responded swiftly, resulting in the death of 27 Maoists, including Basavaraju.
     
    A large cache of weapons was recovered from the site, including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles, carbines, and other arms and ammunition.
     
    Police officials confirmed that Basavaraju, around 70 years old and a native of Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, held several influential positions within the CPI (Maoist), including General Secretary, Chief of the Central Military Commission, Polit Bureau Member, and Central Committee Member. He was a key strategist and played a pivotal role in directing Maoist operations across multiple regions.
     
    One DRG jawan was martyred in the line of duty, and his body has been sent to the District Headquarters in Narayanpur. Several other personnel were injured during the encounter but are reported to be in stable condition after receiving prompt medical care.
     
    Despite the difficult terrain and operational challenges, security forces continue to comb the surrounding forest areas to locate any injured or absconding insurgents. Authorities have reiterated their unwavering commitment to eradicating Naxalism and restoring peace in the affected regions.
     
    —IANS