Latest news with #SHAKTI


Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Centre revises coal sale policies to boost transparency, Telangana to benefit: Kishan
Hyderabad: Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said the Centre is implementing a range of coal sale and distribution policies aimed at promoting fair trade, ease of doing business, and equitable coal allocation across industries. A revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy-2025 now governs all new coal linkages in the power sector, he said. Responding to questions in the Lok Sabha from Warangal Congress MP Kadiyam Kavya, who sought clarity on Singareni Collieries Company Limited's coal sale policies for public and private sectors, the minister elaborated on the measures adopted to ensure transparency and equitable benefit for Telangana. Kishan Reddy said that SCCL follows several key policy frameworks, including the SHAKTI Policy, the non-regulated sector linkage auction policy, the new coal distribution policy, and the bridge linkage policy. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad He told the House that these policies have boosted transparency, spurred industrial activity, created jobs, and significantly increased royalty and tax revenues—all contributing to Telangana's economic development.


Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Majhi calls for stronger regional cooperation at EZC meeting
Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday emphasised the need for stronger inter-state and Centre-state ties at the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting in Ranchi during which he presented a comprehensive overview of Odisha's development initiatives, focusing on women's empowerment, health, education and power. "Odisha, along with the other states of this zone — West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand — shares not only geographical boundaries but also intertwined histories, cultures, economies and challenges. Our collective progress, therefore, hinges on how well we collaborate and support each other through this council," Majhi said while addressing the meeting chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah. Majhi expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an open forum for meaningful consultations on zonal matters while strengthening Centre-state relations in the spirit of cooperative federalism. The chief minister highlighted Odisha's commitment to the holistic empowerment of women and children through transformative initiatives in health, nutrition, protection, education and empowerment. Highlighting that Odisha has been focusing on speedy trials in crimes against women, Majhi said guidelines have been issued for timely investigation of sexual offences, with mandatory timelines for registration and investigation. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola In 2024, out of 3,511 registered sexual assault cases in the state, 2,393 cases saw chargesheets submitted within two months. The state also launched the SHAKTI mobile app for quick support to women facing violence. Speaking about Odisha's power sector achievements, Majhi noted the state's readiness to supply surplus electricity to neighbouring states and its commitment to renewable energy. The chief minister said the state has initiated small hydro projects and wind resource assessments and welcomes regional collaboration for shared studies and development. A Renewable Research Institute is being established to promote renewable energy across the eastern region, he said. Majhi mentioned that Odisha has also proposed the establishment of a Regional Research and Testing Laboratory of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in Bhubaneswar to serve the eastern zone's technical needs. Majhi highlighted that out of 6,794 gram panchayats (GP)s in Odisha, only 2,421 have bank branches, leaving 4,373 panchayats without such facilities. He sought the govt's intervention to open branches in unbanked GPs in Odisha. He also asked for steps to address internet connectivity issues at the GP level to encourage banks to open branches. In education, Odisha is aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, implementing initiatives like the NIPUN Odisha Mission and the Aitihya Vidyalaya Scheme to enhance educational infrastructure and preserve the state's historical legacy. The state plans to upgrade 51 heritage schools with a budget of Rs 60 crore in 2025-26. The state is also focusing on teacher welfare and recruitment to improve the pupil-teacher ratio and learning outcomes, the CM said.


Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India and France wrap up SHAKTI 2025, strengthening military interoperability and strategic defence partnership
The 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13th DBLE) hosted the eighth edition of the Indo-French Army exercise SHAKTI from 18 June to 1 July 2025 in France, according to a release by the Embassy of France in India. The exercise involved more than 500 legionnaires and military personnel from various units of the French Army, the Foreign Legion, as well as the French Air and Space Force, and the French Navy. The Indian contingent of 90 personnel primarily comprised a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, besides personnel from other arms and services. About 50 armoured and tactical vehicles and fighter jets have been deployed in this exercise. The joint drills were held in two phases. The first, which took place from 18 to 21 June in Aveyron, Monclar district, focused on ramping up joint training on shooting, issuing orders, and combining units. The second phase, from 22 to 26 June in Herault, involved the deployment of the Monclar Combined Arms Tactical Group (GTIA) as part of an open-field exercise in semi-urban combat training during both day and night, the release said. Live Events The legionnaires of the 13th DBLE had earlier participated in the SHAKTI 2024 exercise in India and were determined to continue developing this strategic partnership with a view to enhancing interoperability, refining and sharing best practices in tactical drills, and training with contemporary military technologies. Exercise SHAKTI was a vital opportunity for Indian and French military personnel to boost joint operational preparedness for facing the toughest combat situations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in a realistic semi-urban terrain, while strengthening ties with a strategic partner. Serving as an effective platform for exchanging best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPS), Exercise SHAKTI will pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the French and the Indian armed forces, as well as significantly reinforcing the Indo-French defence partnership , the Embassy of France in India noted in its release. Indo-French defence exercises such as Exercise GARUDA between the air forces, Exercise VARUNA between the navies, and Exercise SHAKTI between the armies are held regularly and have grown in scope and complexity over the years. They attest to the shared commitment of both nations towards peace, stability, and global security. In this context, the Indo-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII continues to strengthen operational interoperability and mutual cooperation between the Indian and French Armies. Held at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in Southern France, the exercise features the participation of 90 personnel, primarily from the Indian Army's Jammu and Kashmir Rifles battalion, alongside the French Army's 13e Demi-Brigade de Legion Etrangere. In an official statement, the Army said, "The Indian Army contingent has departed today for France to participate in the 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, taking place in La Cavalerie, France, from 18 June to 01 July 2025. The exercise will foster synergy and interoperability in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain." Exercise SHAKTI is an annual military training engagement conducted alternately in India and France. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )


India Gazette
01-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India and France wrap up SHAKTI 2025, strengthening military interoperability and strategic defence partnership
Paris [France], July 1 (ANI): The 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13th DBLE) hosted the eighth edition of the Indo-French Army exercise SHAKTI from 18 June to 1 July 2025 in France, according to a release by the Embassy of France in India. The exercise involved more than 500 legionnaires and military personnel from various units of the French Army, the Foreign Legion, as well as the French Air and Space Force, and the French Navy. The Indian contingent of 90 personnel primarily comprised a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, besides personnel from other arms and services. About 50 armoured and tactical vehicles and fighter jets have been deployed in this exercise. The joint drills were held in two phases. The first, which took place from 18 to 21 June in Aveyron, Monclar district, focused on ramping up joint training on shooting, issuing orders, and combining units. The second phase, from 22 to 26 June in Herault, involved the deployment of the Monclar Combined Arms Tactical Group (GTIA) as part of an open-field exercise in semi-urban combat training during both day and night, the release said. The legionnaires of the 13th DBLE had earlier participated in the SHAKTI 2024 exercise in India and were determined to continue developing this strategic partnership with a view to enhancing interoperability, refining and sharing best practices in tactical drills, and training with contemporary military technologies. Exercise SHAKTI was a vital opportunity for Indian and French military personnel to boost joint operational preparedness for facing the toughest combat situations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in a realistic semi-urban terrain, while strengthening ties with a strategic partner. Serving as an effective platform for exchanging best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPS), Exercise SHAKTI will pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the French and the Indian armed forces, as well as significantly reinforcing the Indo-French defence partnership, the Embassy of France in India noted in its release. Indo-French defence exercises such as Exercise GARUDA between the air forces, Exercise VARUNA between the navies, and Exercise SHAKTI between the armies are held regularly and have grown in scope and complexity over the years. They attest to the shared commitment of both nations towards peace, stability, and global security. In this context, the Indo-French Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII continues to strengthen operational interoperability and mutual cooperation between the Indian and French Armies. Held at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in Southern France, the exercise features the participation of 90 personnel, primarily from the Indian Army's Jammu and Kashmir Rifles battalion, alongside the French Army's 13e Demi-Brigade de Legion Etrangre. In an official statement, the Army said, 'The Indian Army contingent has departed today for France to participate in the 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, taking place in La Cavalerie, France, from 18 June to 01 July 2025. The exercise will foster synergy and interoperability in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain.' Exercise SHAKTI is an annual military training engagement conducted alternately in India and France. (ANI)


Hans India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Rajahmundry will be in world tourism map in two years, says Shekhawat
Rajamahendravaram: Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, state tourism minister Kandula Durgesh, and Rajamahendravaram MP Daggubati Purandeswari laid the foundation stone for the prestigious Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project at Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram on Thursday. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 94.44 crore, aims to transform the region into a world-class tourism destination. Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Shekhawat said that the project will create over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract 35 lakh tourists annually by 2035. He stated that the Centre had sanctioned over Rs 450 crore for various tourism projects in Andhra Pradesh through flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, SHAKTI, and Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD). Stressing the significance of Akhanda Godavari, Shekhawat noted that the project would elevate Rajamahendravaram to global tourism prominence by 2027, in time for the next Godavari Pushkaralu. He appreciated the combined efforts of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and minister Kandula Durgesh in shaping innovative tourism strategies. The funds under the SHAKTI scheme will be used to revamp heritage sites like the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, developing it into a multi-functional tourist hub with theme parks along its 1.2 km span. Other initiatives include light and sound shows at Puttaparthi and Araku, cruise and cargo terminals at Vizag Port, and the modernization of Tirupati Railway Station. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan noted Rajamahendravaram's cultural richness, naming iconic figures like Dokka Seethamma and poet Nannayya as its legacy. He stated that revamping the Havelock Bridge into a tourism site was a long-cherished dream of the people. He added that the coalition government is committed to the holistic development of Andhra Pradesh, and tourism is a major driver, with the potential to generate around 4 lakh jobs. MP Purandeswari promised efforts in Parliament to designate Rajamahendravaram as a Heritage Cultural Capital and ensure existing monuments are preserved during the riverfront development. She underlined the city's importance in India's tourism growth. Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh said the Akhanda Godavari project would include attractions such as the Havelock Bridge, Bridge Lanka, Picchuka Lanka, Pushkar Ghat, Kadiyam nurseries, Nidadavolu Kota Sattemma Temple, and the Godavari Canal, all to be developed as a single tourism circuit. District in-charge minister Dr Nimmala Ramanaidu criticised the previous government for stalling development and said the present coalition government is steering the state from destruction to reconstruction. MLAs Adireddy Srinivas, Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, MLC Somu Veerraju, collector P Prasanthi and others participated. Later, the foundation was laid for a new permanent building at the AP State Forest Academy at Diwancheruvu. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan said a permanent building would be built with the ₹18 crore for the AP State Forest Academy. He said that the state government's mission to increase green cover to 23 per cent, as envisioned by CM Chandrababu Naidu. Minister Kandula Durgesh, MLAs Battula Balaramakrishna, RUDA Chairman Boddu Venkata Ramana Chowdary, SP D. Narasimha Kishore, and APFDC MD Dr R P Khajuria also attended the event.