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Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Kangana Ranaut on 11 years of Modi government: Keeping the promise
Narendra Modi, infrastructure development, national highways, rail connectivity, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link, Chenab Bridge, Anji Khad Bridge, urban transport, electric buses, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Saubhagya Scheme, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital India, UPI, Subhadra Yojana, environmental sustainability, National Education Policy 2020, PM SHRI schools, PM-Kisan, Polavaram project, defense modernization, G20, foreign policy, economic reforms, GST, corporate tax, Startup India, Stand-Up India, Atal Innovation Mission, Chandigarh-Manali highway tunnels, Chenab Rail Bridge, Vande Bharat trains, self-reliant India, inclusive growth, global leadership A political, economic, and social transformation has been underway in the past 11 years. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has emerged as a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally respected nation. The foundation of this transformation rests on infrastructure. Connectivity was a major concern when PM Modi assumed office in 2014. Today more than 146,000 km of national highways — as against 91,000 km in 2014 — bridge the gap between rural and urban, between aspiration and opportunity. The highways have been supplemented by a revolution in rail connectivity, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. The commissioning of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link and engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge mark the victory of human will over terrain. Urban transport has also undergone a green transformation with the introduction of electric buses, including in the national capital. The provision of housing has become a national mission. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is about providing dignity to the poorest — a rural family assigned a pucca house with electricity and toilets signals an end to generational poverty. The Saubhagya Scheme to provide electricity to nearly 3 crore unelectrified households has to be counted as a big public welfare success story. Electricity means security, education and economic activity for homes in rural India. Health sector reform, especially the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, has followed the path of inclusivity. Illness is no longer equated with bankruptcies. The Jan Dhan scheme has led to financial inclusion. Subsidies, scholarships, pensions, and relief funds are routed through such accounts, obviating the need for a middleman. The Digital India campaign is another success. UPI is today used by people across economic strata. Digital India is also about access and transparency — the two pillars of good governance. This revolution would not be complete without the recognition that Indian women should be at the forefront of this agenda. Subhadra Yojana is one such expression of this gender-sensitive policy approach. Environmental issues have received importance. Syncing development with ecology has been part of the Modi government's credo. The National Education Policy, 2020, has addressed the future — AI, innovation, interdisciplinary research — while remaining rooted in India's heritage. Government school upgradation under the PM SHRI scheme made sure that the policy was translated into action. Agriculture has undergone structural change. PM-Kisan provides income support to 11 crore farmers every year. Projects such as the Polavaram irrigation scheme tried to solve the problems of water availability. On defence, the government's message has been unequivocal — India will not ignore the strategic requirements at its frontiers. On the global stage, India found a more confident voice. From G20 summits to diplomatic dialogues, India emerged not just as a participant, but a shaper of global narratives. Our foreign policy reflects pride in our civilisational identity while adapting to 21st-century realities. The economy has remained resilient in the face of global uncertainties. Reforms ranging from GST to cutting corporate tax made India an investment hub. The country is among the world's fastest-growing economies. Job creation was facilitated by the sheer volume of infrastructure development. The welfare model has empowered people. From ending redundant laws to creating simplified tax systems, the effort has been to make government effective and citizen-friendly. The youth have been at the core of the government's initiatives. Startup India, Stand-Up India, and the Atal Innovation Mission empower a generation to be job creators. India has seen massive infrastructure transformation; two examples are the Chandigarh–Manali highway tunnels and the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, the road to Manali was riddled with traffic jams, landslides, and long travel hours. With the construction of more than 14 tunnels and multiple bypasses, the travel time has been cut by almost four hours. Equally remarkable is the Chenab Bridge. Connecting Katra to Srinagar through the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, this bridge is a lifeline for the people of J&K. With the launch of Vande Bharat trains on this route, the region is now more connected than ever. Modi government's 11 years have not merely been about numbers and schemes; they have been about fulfilling a vision. India is more secure, integrated, and future-ready. The writer is the BJP MP for Mandi
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
11 years of NDA governance marks Amrit Kaal for a Viksit Bharat
India before 2014 was in a state of despair. The economy was slowing down, and citizens suffered from a lack of quality education, employment, and livelihood opportunities. Corruption was rampant, law and order had deteriorated, horrific incidents like Nirbhaya had become too frequent, Naxalite violence was widespread, stone-pelting in Kashmir was common, uncertainty loomed over the nation, while bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh led to political and regional unrest. By 2025 India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy. It is home to world-class institutes in healthcare and technical education, attracting massive investments and industries. Corruption has declined significantly. Across the country, world-class infrastructure is emerging — engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge, resolution of long-standing issues in Kashmir and Ayodhya, the writing on the wall for Naxalism, and a bifurcated Andhra Pradesh is progressing on a developmental path. The transformation between 2014 and 2025 From a state of hopelessness and darkness, the country has been infused with life and brought into the light — and this was made possible by one powerful force: the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Today marks 11 years of NDA governance. After independence, due to the neglect of past governments, India — which had the potential to be a superpower — remained a poor nation. In the past 11 years, the NDA government has corrected the historic policy errors driven by vote-bank politics and is steering India towards global leadership. In Andhra Pradesh, under NDA rule from 2014–2018, the Polavaram Project witnessed unprecedented progress, reaching 72 per cent completion by 2019, thanks to the double-engine government. In contrast, under the YSRCP from 2019 to 2024, progress was only 3.84 per cent. In just one year of renewed double-engine governance, progress reached 5.93 per cent, exceeding the total of the previous five years. Not just Polavaram — Amaravati's development also regained momentum. Over ₹70,000 crore worth of works were initiated in just one year. This is the power of double-engine governance and the determination of development-driven leadership. The divided Andhra Pradesh is now progressing at jet speed. Progress visible in numbers When you water a plant every day, you don't notice how much it grows. But if you compare the sapling to the tree it has become, the growth is astounding. That's India's story in the last 11 years — from a sapling to a towering growth. While we may not see the change on an everyday basis, the world does — and acknowledges India as a rising superpower. In 2014, India's nominal GDP was around $2.1 trillion. By 2025–26, it is expected to nearly double at $4.3 trillion. India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy. According to IMF estimates, the GDP in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms will be $17.365 trillion in 2025, making it the third-largest economy after China and the USA — a huge leap from its 20th position just 11 years ago. India's global image skyrockets Operation Sindoor against Pakistan showcased India's strong foreign policy. Though countries like China and Turkey supported Pakistan, the rest of the world stood with India, condemning the attack and praising the response. Support for Pakistan stems from geopolitical insecurities or ideological extremism — not genuine solidarity. While some internal critics parrot enemy narratives, India under Modi's leadership is now recognised as the third-strongest global power. With the goal of a $5 trillion economy, Modi is committed to making India a developed nation. Internal development boosts image India is a union of states, and Modi's 'Team India' vision has ensured inclusive development across all states. Over 11 years, world-class infrastructure has been built. Through Bharatmala Pariyojana, economic corridors, inter-corridors, feeder routes, and border roads were developed. Over 50,000 km of national highways were constructed, with the daily pace increasing from 12 km to 33.8 km. In Phase-1 alone, ₹5.35 lakh crore was invested to build 34,800 km of roads, connecting 550 districts via 4-lane highways. Coastal infrastructure, new ports, and economic zones received heavy investments. By 2035, 610 projects worth ₹7.78 lakh crore are planned, with 241 completed and 234 under construction by 2023. Iconic projects like the 1,386-km Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and the Chenab Bridge are symbols of the country's engineering prowess. The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, aimed to transform 100 cities into sustainable, liveable urban spaces. By 2024, 6,753 out of 7,991 projects were completed at a cost of ₹1.64 lakh crore. Massive focus was placed on key projects like Navi Mumbai airport, Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, Polavaram, PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, and national highway expansion. From 2014 to 2025, India saw tremendous growth in transport, urban development, ports, and digital infrastructure. Under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), ₹111 lakh crore was allocated between 2020–2025, accelerating economic growth and paving the way for developed-nation status by 2047. Development is as crucial as welfare True welfare means empowering the vulnerable, not vote-bank politics. In 11 years, India achieved what others couldn't in 60 years earlier. Through PM Awas Yojana, three crore additional homes are being built, securing shelter for 25 crore poor. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan brought sanitation to over 10 crore households. Ayushman Bharat benefited over 10 crore families with health coverage. PM Ujjwala Yojana delivered 10+ crore LPG connections by 2024, freeing women from harmful cooking practices. PM-KISAN transferred over ₹2.5 lakh crore directly to 12+ crore farmers. Jal Jeevan Mission connected over 15.6 crore rural households with tap water. PM Mudra Yojana offered collateral-free loans to crores of small and micro-entrepreneurs, particularly women and SC/ST founders. Atal Pension Yojana supported unorganized sector workers with financial security. A visionary, decisive leadership that puts the nation first has achieved miracles in just 11 years. If this pace is consolidated and sustained, India will emerge as a developed nation and a true global leader in the coming decade. (The writer is Vice-President of BJP, Andhra Pradesh)
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First Post
09-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
From Operation Sindoor to infrastructural boost, report card of Modi 3.0's first year
Today, PM Narendra Modi completes 11 years in power and the first of his third term. It's been a year of big hits and outstanding achievements — the Modi 3.0 government saw the economy growing faster, the inauguration of big infra projects such as the Chenab Bridge and a new criminal justice system. But perhaps, the biggest achievement has been the resounding success of Operation Sindoor read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now completed 11 years in office. This is the first year of his third term -- he took the oath of office on June 9 last year. AFP Not five, not 10… Today (June 9) marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11 years in power — he was sworn in as prime minister for a record third time on June 9 last year in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. It's been a busy one year for PM Modi and his government; it has to contend with two wars, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, navigate a new government in the United States led by the rather unpredictable Donald Trump and chart a new normal with Pakistan, who continues to export terrorism, mainly across the borders into India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As we mark this occasion in our calendars, let's take a closer look at Modi 3.0's achievements in the past one year. Operation Sindoor Perhaps, PM Modi's biggest achievement in the first year of his third-term tenure would be Operation Sindoor and the huge damage that it caused to Pakistan. Launched on May 7 as a counter to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocents died, Operation Sindoor was India's coordinated military strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the days that followed, India and Pakistan reached the precipice of a full-blown war, as both sides engaged in a missile and drone war. However, India, under PM Modi, held its nerve. When Islamabad tried to intimidate the nation by raining down drones and launching Chinese-made missiles , a military — given a free rein by the PM Modi — responded in kind, deploying many ' made-in-India' weapons to extract its pound of flesh. At the end of Operation Sindoor, India came out on top . The country's military had eliminated more than 100 terrorists in Pakistan and PoK, including high value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed who were involved in the hijack of IC-814 and the Pulwama blast. Shopkeepers display a saree featuring Operation Sindoor at a store in Varanasi. AFP Moreover, the IAF struck Pakistani air bases, command centres, military infrastructure, and air defence systems across the entire Western Front in a coordinated and calibrated manner. Operation Satellite imagery revealed the extent of damage that Operation Sindoor had caused to Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Pakistan's Punjab province — the sole runway at the airbase had to be declared as non-operational for a week. But beyond causing damage and exhibiting a hegemony over Pakistan's military, which is largely dependent on China and Turkey, Operation Sindoor also signalled a doctrinal shift in India's strategy, establishing that state-sponsored terrorism would now invite targeted, visible, and proportional retaliation. It showed the world that India would no longer hesitate to punish terrorism — anytime, anywhere. It showed that terrorists and their masterminds have no place to hide. An economy to realise Viksit Bharat One of PM Modi's aims for India is a Viksit Bharat, turning India into a developed country by 2047. And to realise this dream, PM Modi and his government have been working tirelessly to ensure that the country's economy only surges forward. In his first year of his third term, he has taken many concrete steps to boost the country's economy. On June 10, just a day after he was sworn in as prime minister, he signed the release of Rs 20,000 crore to 93 million farmers under PM Kisan Nidhi Yojana. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The full budget presented on February 1, 2025 also gave significant income-tax relief to the middle class by ensuring that people earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh were outside the tax net. A man passes by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building on the day of Union Budget 2025-26 presentation, in Mumbai. File image/PTI In addition to this, he has also taken multiple measures to improve the ease of doing business in the country. For instance, his government announced the abolition of 31 per cent angel tax which it claimed had been burdening start-ups since 2012. The government also reduced corporate tax from 40 per cent to 35 per cent for foreign companies besides setting up a Rs 1000-crore venture capital fund for space sector start-ups. It is through PM Modi's policies that India is set to be the fourth largest economy in the world by the end of the current financial year. India's GDP grew 7.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024-25, leading to 6.5 per cent growth in FY25 despite severe global headwinds, including uncertainties in global trade because of the US' reciprocal tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Modi 3.0 tenure, India has also signed two major trade deals. The first being the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) free trade agreement. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are the four members of EFTA. The deal – the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) – is significant because it is expected to help India bridge a huge gap in the balance of trade, which is in favour of the European nations. The second was the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to double bilateral trade to over $120 billion by 2030. The other advantage of the deal is its impact on the India-European Union free trade negotiations. India is also negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US. A new criminal code for new India 'Tareekh pe tareekh (Date after date)' is a famous Hindi dialogue that is indicative of India's slow judicial process when it comes to dealing with criminals. However, Modi 3.0 introduced an overhaul of the criminal justice system in the country in July last year. Last July, the Modi government introduced three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) — which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. Representational image/PTI The Modi government introduced three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) — which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, respectively. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the change said, 'These laws are made by Indians, for Indians and by an Indian Parliament and marks the end of colonial criminal justice laws.' He added that the laws were not just about changing the nomenclature but bringing about a complete overhaul. 'Soul, body and spirit' of the new laws is Indian, he said. The change in laws also introduced a handful of new offences — as many as 21. One of the significant ones is penalising sexual intercourse through the employment of 'deceitful means'. The BNS also recognises murder on the ground of race, caste, or community as a separate offence. Moreover, organised crime and terror offences have been defined and covers a broad spectrum of activities. Infrastructure development With 'sabka vikas' in mind, PM Modi has laid special emphasis on infrastructural development in the country. And what better example than the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on June 6. The world's highest railway arch bridge, which is part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), finally connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country by rail for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Chenab Rail Bridge during the inauguration of the Kashmir rail link, in Reasi, in Jammu and Kashmir. AFP Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra's Palghar district last August. This project aims to create a state-of-the-art maritime gateway that is expected to enhance India's trade capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the Prime Minister's Rural Roads Scheme-4 (PMGSY-IV), approval was granted to the construction/upgradation of 62,500 km of roads and bridges to connect 25,000 unconnected villages, with central assistance of Rs 49,000 crore. Many of these unconnected villages have a population of less than 100. The government has also approved strengthening India's road network with an investment of Rs 50,600 crore. This includes a go-ahead for eight National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects spanning 936 kilometres. Elevating India on the global stage While Modi 3.0's first year's focus has largely been domestic policy, the government has ensured to bolster India's presence globally too. Shortly after becoming PM for a third time, Modi embarked on a visit to Italy where he attended the G7 Summit during which he also held bilateral meetings with the heads of the states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upon arrival at the Borgo Egnazia resort for the G7 Summit hosted by Italy in Apulia region. File image/AFP Later, in July, PM Modi embarked on a crucial two-day visit to Russia and Austria. The trip to Russia was the PM's first visit to the country after its invasion of Ukraine. During his Russia visit, PM Modi held the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Vladimir Putin. Significantly, PM Modi was conferred the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' award by President Putin for his contribution to fostering bilateral ties between the two countries. The Russian president also thanked PM Modi for trying to help find a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And Nearly six weeks after his visit to Russia, PM Modi visited Ukraine on the invitation by the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy where he held discussions on the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred the highest civilian award of Russian Federation, Order of St Andrew the Apostle, by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow. File image/PTI Then early in February, PM Modi visited France where he was the co-chair at the international summit on artificial intelligence. The PM was also among the first foreign leader to visit Donald Trump after he was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. During his February visit, Trump announced expanded US military sales to India from 2025, including F-35 jets, along with increased oil and gas exports to narrow the trade deficit. Both sides also agreed to negotiate a trade deal and finalise a new defence framework. He also confirmed that the US had approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a Chicago businessman accused of playing a role in the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Independent
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
India opens world's highest railway arch bridge built with 28,000 tonnes of steel
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge, the World 's tallest railway arch bridge at 359m above the Chenab River, 35m taller than the Eiffel Tower, connecting Kashmir to the rest of India via rail. The 1,315m bridge, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, was built with over 28,000 tonnes of Steel, designed to last 120 years, and can withstand high winds (up to 266kmph) and seismic activity (up to magnitude 8). Engineering challenges included stabilising slopes in the fractured Himalayan geology, with G Madhavi Latha from the Indian Institute of Science advising on slope stabilisation and foundation design, requiring real-time construction plan modifications based on geological data. Construction involved building 26km of new roads to transport heavy machinery to the remote site, with the USBRL project costing Rs437.8bn (£3.7bn) and the Chenab Bridge alone costing approximately Rs14.86bn (£128m). The Chenab Bridge, designed with contributions from Indian and international firms, including WSP Finland and Leonhardt Andrä und Partner, aims to significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to three hours via the Vande Bharat Express.
India.com
08-06-2025
- Science
- India.com
Meet Woman Who Played Important Role In Construction Of Chenab Bridge - IISc Professor, She Is...
photoDetails english Updated:Jun 08, 2025, 12:19 PM IST Chenab Bridge 1 / 13 The World's Highest Railway Bridge spans the Chenab River at a height of 359 m (1,178 ft) above the river, which is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. (Credit: ANI) Inauguration By PM Modi 2 / 13 PM Modi on Friday (June 6) inaugurated the Chenab Bridge. (Credit: ANI) The Woman Behind The Bridge 3 / 13 In a post on X, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, wrote, "We are proud of Prof Madhavi Latha & her team's contribution to the #ChenabBridge inaugurated by Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi." (Credit: @iiscbangalore/ X) Madhavi Latha's Contribution 4 / 13 IISc Bangalore further stated that Dr. Madhavi Latha's team worked on the stability of slopes, design and construction of foundations, "design of slope stabilisation systems, incl. rock anchors to withstand hazards," the post added. Madhavi Latha's Education 5 / 13 Dr. G Madhavi Latha, who played an important role in the Chenba Bridge Project, earned her in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in 1992. She concluded her in Geotechnical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal in 1995. Lastly, she got her Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras in 2000. (Credit: ANI) Gold Medal In... 6 / 13 Dr. G Madhavi Latha bagged the Gold Medal in Civil Engineering in her (Credit: ANI) Madhavi Latha's Awards 7 / 13 According to the official website of IISc Dr. G Madhavi Latha received "Best Paper Award for the paper "Geocell supported Embankments" in National Seminar on Ground Improvement Methods, NIT Warangal" in 1998. On the other hand, she was listed in the Top 75 Women in STEAM of India in 2022. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher by the Indian Geotechnical Society. (Credit: ANI) Role In World's Highest Bridge 8 / 13 Dr. G Madhavi Latha played a key role in the planning, design, and construction of the Chenab Bridge. She was the Geotechnical Consultant to the World's Highest Railway Bridge across the Chenab River. (Credit: ANI) Woman In Science 9 / 13 In a section named 'Women in Science', the IISc's Website mentions that the most fulfilling thing about a life in science, according to Dr. G Madhavi Latha, is "seeing your own innovative designs come to life and serve the society is the most fulfilling aspect of life in science. It makes life interesting, adventurous and worth the hardships." (Credit: ANI) Madhavi Latha At IISc 10 / 13 At present, Dr. G Madhavi Latha is a HAG professor at IISc and has been associated with the institute for many years. Previously, she was associated with IIT Guwahati as an Assistant Professor for over a year. (Credit: ANI) Madhavi Latha Wanted To Become... 11 / 13 In the 'Women in Science', Dr. G Madhavi Latha said, "My childhood dream was to become a doctor. I was not supported by my family to pursue that dream. During my B. Tech. days, I was told by all my teachers that I will become a good researcher. However, my true passion for scientific research was realized during my M. Tech. days." (Credit: ANI) Chenab Bridge Salient Feature 12 / 13 The arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is 1,178 feet above the riverbed, forming a crucial link from Katra to Banihal. It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). (Credit: ANI) Lifespan of Chenab Bridge 13 / 13 The Chenab Bridge will be able to withstand winds with speeds up to 260 kmph and will have a lifespan of 120 years. (Credit: ANI)
