Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh at loggerheads over expansion of defence manufacturer HAL: ‘Inappropriate and worrying'
Exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain appeals to PM Modi, highlighting Muhajirs' alleged persecution in Pakistan. He urges international support, claiming systemic discrimination, violence, and state oppression against the Urdu-speaking migrant community since Partition.
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Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
My government committed to freeing India from colonial mindset: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: PM Modi asserted that his government is committed to freeing the nation from the colonial mindset and advancing it with equal emphasis on development and heritage, while safeguarding the enduring vitality of Indian languages. He was addressing the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan on Saturday. "We are promoting mother tongues in higher education. And that is why I said from the Red Fort that we must free the country from the mentality of colonialism. We must move forward with development and heritage together," he said countering opposition from some states to the Centre's three-language formula and accusation of Hindi imposition. Modi highlighted the govt's recent recognition of Prakrit as a classical language in Oct 2024, alongside efforts to digitise ancient Jain scriptures and promote mother tongues in higher education. On the occasion, the PM was conferred with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti', to which he said, "I do not consider myself worthy of it, but our tradition teaches us to accept what is given by saints as prasad. Therefore, I humbly accept this prasad of yours and dedicate it at the feet of Mother India." he also referred to the preceding speech of a Jain seer, noting that he was blessing " Operation Sindoor ". PM's mere mention of "Jo humein chhedega (those who trouble us)" brought massive cheers from the audience, but he did not dwell any further on the issue. Before Modi's address, Acharya Pragya Sagar Maharaj endorsed "Operation Sindoor", saying the PM demonstrated unprecedented leadership, conveying the message that India doesn't believe in conflicts but is capable of giving a befitting reply in case someone throws a challenge. Modi said Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj used to say, "life can become imbued with dharma only when life itself becomes service." "This thought is connected to the essence of Jain philosophy and India's consciousness. India prioritises service (and) humanity. When, for thousands of years, the world was trying to quell violence with violence, India taught the power of non-violence. We placed the spirit of serving humanity above all. "
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Railways face glitz or safety option
A fatal accident and a major project delay has reignited issues that have plagued the Indian Railways. Earlier this month, as many as 5 Mumbai commuters were killed when two overloaded trains travelling in opposite directions came dangerously close on a turn between two suburban stations. Those hanging out on footboards brushed each other and many fell off. In an unrelated development, three giant-sized tunnel boring machines (TBMs), on order to drill an underground route for a 21-kilometre stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, have been held up at a Chinese port. The ground breaking ceremony for the project was performed way back in September 2017 by Prime Minister Modi and then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. However, issues mainly related to land acquisition have slowed the project. Now, the TBMs have added to the delay. Built in Guangzhou, China by German tunnelling specialist Herrenknecht, they were to reach India by October 2024, but clearance from the Chinese authorities has not come. Meanwhile, project cost has almost doubled to Rs 1.08 lakh crore, and completion of the new rail corridor has been pushed back to 2029. The massive Mumbai suburban train accident, and the lack of funds for improving safety, on the one hand, while huge funds are allocated to what P Chidambaram called 'vanity projects' like the Bullet Train', is triggering serious debate. Mumbai's death trap It is indeed a scandal that Mumbai's rail network has become a death trap. Suburban rail accident figures show 51,802 people died in accidents over two decades from 2005 to 2024 – an unacceptable 7 deaths every day.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
'India appears truly grand from space': Shubhanshu Shukla tells PM Modi
'From space, one cannot see borders—there are no visible boundaries between nations. What stood out most was the sheer unity of the planet,' Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video interaction from the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday. 'When we look at maps, we compare the sizes of countries, including India, and often see a distorted picture because we're flattening a three-dimensional world onto paper,' he said. 'But from space, India appears truly grand—majestic in scale and spirit.' Shukla, the first Indian to reach the ISS, said this overwhelming sense of oneness aligns perfectly with India's civilisational motto of unity in diversity. 'From above, Earth looks like a single home shared by all, reminding humanity of the harmony and connection we inherently share.' PM Modi congratulated him for 'hoisting the flag of India in space' and said: 'Although you are the farthest from the Indian motherland, you are the closest to the hearts of all Indians.' He added, 'Today I can say with confidence that this is the first chapter of success of India's Gaganyaan mission . Your historic journey is not just limited to space—it will give speed and new vigour to our journey of Viksit Bharat.' Calling science and spirituality the twin strengths of India, the PM said, 'With the success of the Chandrayaan mission, there is renewed interest in science among children and youth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Install the Perfect Pool at Home – Start Here Backyard Pool | Search Ads Learn More Undo Now your historic journey is giving more power to this resolve.' In response, Shukla said, 'This is not just my personal journey—it reflects the direction in which India is advancing. Under your leadership, today's India enables the realisation of dreams that once seemed impossible.' He spoke of the challenges in adapting to microgravity. 'Even the smallest tasks are complex. I've strapped my feet down just to stay in place during this conversation!' he said, adding that one could sleep on the wall, ceiling or 'even on the forehead' since orientation is fluid in orbit. When asked whether meditation and mindfulness had helped, Shukla agreed: 'As you rightly said, science and spirituality are both our nation's strength. The calmer you are, the better your decisions. One cannot eat while running. In space, inner calm is crucial.' The astronaut also shared details of the scientific experiments he's carrying out. 'For the first time, Indian scientists have designed seven unique experiments for the space station,' he said. One experiment uses stem cells to study muscle loss in microgravity and could help the elderly on Earth. Another focuses on cultivating highly nutritious microalgae to support food security. 'Processes occur faster in space, which accelerates research,' Shukla said. PM Modi praised these efforts and said Shukla's journey would inspire young Indians. 'Today's children don't just look at the sky—they believe they can reach it. This mindset is the foundation of India's future missions.' The Prime Minister added that 'India must move forward with Mission Gaganyaan, build its own space station, and achieve the landing of an Indian astronaut on the Moon.' He also expressed confidence that Shukla was 'diligently recording his observations and learnings'. Shukla confirmed that he had been absorbing every detail 'like a sponge' and said his international colleagues had expressed interest in being part of Gaganyaan. 'I told them, 'Very soon,'' he said, promising to apply his learnings fully to accelerate India's upcoming missions. He closed by addressing India's youth: 'There's no one path to success, but if you never stop trying, it will come—sooner or later.' PM Modi concluded: 'India is opening new frontiers in space for the world… The sky is no longer the limit.'
