PM Modi to inaugurate Bairabi-Sairang railway line in Mizoram
This was discussed by chief minister Lalduhoma during his meeting with Modi at the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi on Monday.
The construction of the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway line spanned two decades, culminating in its successful commissioning by the Commissioner of Railway Safety in June this year.
Officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway said that the line features 48 tunnels extending over 12.85 km, along with 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and nine road underbridges. Notably, one of the bridges, numbered 196, reaches a height of 104 meters.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister, chief minister Lalduhoma also discussed the Thenzawl Peace City Project, the Aizawl to Thenzawl National Highway, the Hand Holding Policy, and the recent conflict in Myanmar's Chin Hills and its implications for Mizoram.
The ongoing IGGL's ₹9,265 crore Gas Pipeline Project, which aims to provide Aizawl residents with piped gas connections without the need for gas cylinders, was also discussed.
The Prime Minister recommended that the district collector of Mamit District expedite official procedures to accelerate the pipeline's construction, said the government release.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
25 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
India secures freer access to UK market in landmark deal
Indian professionals will gain freer access to the UK and British exporters secure easier entry to India's vast market through dramatic tariff cuts under a comprehensive trade deal signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday, hailed by both as a landmark partnership for shared prosperity. Jonathan Reynolds, UK business and trade secretary, Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, Keir Starmer, UK prime minister, and Piyush Goyal, India's commerce and industry secretary, left to right, during a news conference after signing a free trade agreement at Chequers near Aylesbury, UK, on Thursday. (Bloomberg) The pact will boost two-way commerce by $35 billion in the long run and the two sides also unveiled plans to negotiate a Double Contribution Convention (DCC) that exempts employers of Indian workers from paying social security contributions in the UK for three years in what is expected to particularly help finance and technology sector workers. They will also work on a Defence Industrial Roadmap for closer cooperation on military hardware. The DCC will come into force alongside the trade deal. In London, Modi described the deal as 'not just an economic partnership, but a plan for shared prosperity' that will benefit India's youth, farmers, fishermen and MSME sector. Starmer said the agreement is the 'biggest and most economically significant trade deal' concluded by the UK since leaving the European Union (EU) in 2020 and also 'one of the most comprehensive deals' by India. India and Britain finalised the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in May after more than three years of negotiations, and the pact was signed by commerce minister Piyush Goyal and his UK counterpart Jonathan Reynolds during Modi's visit to Britain. With the economic turmoil unleashed by US President Donald Trump's tariffs as the backdrop, both sides overcame long-standing differences on issues such as levies on British alcohol and automobiles, which are set to drop. Duties on British whisky imports drop from 150% to 75% immediately, falling to 40% over 10 years. UK automotive exports will see tariffs reduced from up to 110% to 10% under quota arrangements. The gains for both sides, however, are much broader with the UK eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports (up from roughly 65% that previously enjoyed zero or near-zero duties). Speaking at a media interaction with Starmer, Modi said: 'On the one hand, Indian textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood and engineering goods will get better market access in the UK. New opportunities will be created in the UK market for India's agricultural produce and processed food industry.' He added, 'On the other hand, products made in the UK, such as medical devices and aerospace parts, will be available to the people and industry of India at accessible and affordable rates.' The DCC, Modi said, will give new energy to the services sectors of both sides by boosting the ease of doing business. 'Along with this, the UK economy will get Indian skilled talent,' he said. He added that the deal between two democratic countries and major economies will strengthen global stability and prosperity. Starmer said that apart from benefiting whisky distillers in Scotland and the services sector in London, Manchester and Leeds, the deal will bring down prices on Indian goods such as clothes, shoes and food. 'It will add about £4.8 billion to the UK economy every year and £2.2 billion to wages and hundreds of millions of pounds to regions and nations up and down the UK,' he added. The India-UK Vision 2035, aimed at renewing the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, will serve as a roadmap for a reliable partnership in technology, defence, climate, education and people-to-people connect, Modi said. The two sides will also work to strengthen their Technology Security Initiative, launched a year ago to drive cooperation in telecom, critical minerals, IA, semiconductors, quantum computing and biotech. Key beneficiaries of the deal announced on Thursday include India's textiles and clothing sector, where complete tariff elimination from the current 12% level will enhance competitiveness against Bangladesh and Vietnam. Processed food exporters will see duties fall from as high as 70% to zero on 99.7% of tariff lines, while marine products will enjoy zero duties down from 20%. In the services sector, Indian service providers are expected to benefit from opportunities in the UK, especially in management consultancy, computer-related services and education services. The deal also eases mobility for Indian professionals, including contractual service suppliers working on projects in the UK, yoga instructors and chefs. 'Along with this, the UK economy will get Indian skilled talent,' Modi added. The inclusion of a first-of-its-kind trade and gender chapter in the trade deal is aimed at empowering Indian women and ensuring gender inclusion, with targeted support for women-led enterprises and workers. The FTA excludes India's most sensitive agricultural segments, with no tariff concessions on dairy products, apples, oats and edible oils. These exclusions, the officials said, reflect India's calibrated trade strategy that prioritises food security, domestic price stability and protection of vulnerable farmers. The deal's sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures will help Indian exporters meet British standards and reduce rejections, the officials said. In return, India has reduced average tariffs on UK exports from 15% to 3%. 'Products made in the UK, such as medical devices and aerospace parts, will be available to the people and industry of India at accessible and affordable rates,' Modi said. India-UK trade in goods and services was worth $57.8 billion in 2024, an increase of 8.3% from 2023, with India ranking as Britain's 11th largest trading partner. India's imports from the UK amounted to £17.1 billion while exports to the UK were worth £25.5 billion. Total bilateral trade in goods was worth £17.8 billion, while services trade amounted to £24.8 billion, with India accounting for 2.4% of the UK's total trade. The deal is projected to see India's agricultural exports rise by 20% in the next three years. Officials said the benefits for Indian farmers in UK markets will match or exceed those enjoyed by exporters from Germany, the Netherlands and other EU members. 'This agreement establishes a modern, forward-looking partnership that will stimulate innovation, ease market access and foster investment,' said Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of Bharti Enterprises and co-chair of the India-UK CEO Forum, who led a 16-member Indian business delegation.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Trade pact, UPI and more: How PM Modi's visit will reset ties with Maldives
India and Maldives are looking to reset ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to Male today (July 25). Modi's trip comes on the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. But what do we know about the PM's two-day trip? What can we expect? read more India and Maldives are looking to reset ties. The development comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the Maldives today (July 25) after a trip the UK. India and the UK signed a landmark free trade agreement in the backdrop of Modi's visit. Modi's trip to Maldives is his first since the new Mohamed Muizzu administration took charge in November 2023. But what do we know about Modi's trip? And what can we expect from it? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look: What do we know about the trip? Modi will be in Maldives today (July 25) and tomorrow (July 26). Modi will be the guest of honour as Maldives celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence. Modi's trip also comes as India and Maldives mark six decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations. It is Modi's third visit to the island nation since coming to power in 2014. India was among the first to recognise the Maldives and establish diplomatic relations after it gained independence in 1965. The prime minister will hold a bilateral meeting with President Muizzu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip comes after India and the UK signed a landmark free trade agreement. Image courtesy: X His trip is the first state visit Muizzu is hosting since taking power in late 2023. He will also meet other senior political leaders. Modi is also set to inaugurate some infrastructure projects. 'I will join the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,' PM Modi said in his pre-departure statement. What can we expect? India is reportedly set to launch its UPI services in Maldives. The two countries are also slated to begin discussions on a free trade agreement (FTA) 2025. The two countries previously signed a trade agreement in 1981. Bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at around $548 million as of 2023. It has more than doubled since 2020 when bilateral trade was valued at around $245 million. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India mainly imports scrap metals from the Maldives. It exports engineering and industrial products such as drugs and pharmaceuticals, radars, cement, agricultural produce such as rice, spices, fruits, vegetables and poultry produce. This gains significance in light of the fact that Male earlier signed an FTA with China – which came into effect on January 1. A possible announcement regarding Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) building is also in the offing. Modi and Muizzu will also review the 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' the two countries agreed to in October 2024. India is reportedly set to launch its UPI services in Maldives. 'The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024,' said MEA. According to officials, this partnership has become the 'guiding framework' for the relationship. The two countries are likely to announce steps to combat drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This includes stepping up cooperating in defence and maritime security including sharing of intelligence. Muizzu has described drugs as a national scourge and vowed to make rooting it out a priority in his administration. A number of MoUs on infrastructure and capacity building that will deepen cooperation and economic ties are also likely to be signed. Step to mend relations Modi's visit is yet another step towards resetting relations between the two countries. Muizzu, who is known to be pro-China, came to power on an 'India Out' campaign. Muizzu, remember, had demanded that Indian military personnel in the Maldives leave the island. Modi, regardless, was the first world leader to congratulate Muizzu on his victory. India and Maldives' ties nosedived further in January 2024 after three deputy ministers in the then cabinet made derogatory remarks about Modi. This nadir resulted in many in India carrying out a boycott campaign that badly hit Madives' tourism. The island nation is hugely dependent on tourism to fill its coffers. However, ties between the two countries slowly began to mend. Muizzu late last year arrived in India for a state visit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the time, the two countries took began efforts at rebuilding the relationship. 'Patience has its benefits; it helps if you don't give in to the compulsion and expectation to retaliate against each provocation,' a senior government source told The Times of India. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri pointed to these developments in his remarks on Tuesday. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned the help India had provided Maldives during tough times. PTI Misri said Maldives has been an extremely important partner in India's Neighbourhood First policy and Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) vision. 'There will always be events that impact or try to intrude on the relationship. But this is testimony to the kind of attention paid to the relationship, including at the highest levels. We've continued to work at it, and the results are visible. We've also had close discussions with our partners in the Maldives to provide clarity and assurances about our bilateral intentions, and the results are evident', Misri said. India and Maldives may also decide to establish a Rs 30-billion swap line. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This comes after Male has spent most of the $400 million comprising the first two currency swap agreements with New Delhi. India's outreach to Maldives Misri mentioned the help India had provided Maldives during tough times. 'Our recent assistance has improved the foreign exchange position of the Maldives, which has been cited by international financial organisations, including the IMF, as a positive factor that has helped the Maldives avoid difficult outcomes. My understanding is that the $400 million swap line has been almost completely utilised, and now the 30 billion rupee Indian swap line might also be drawn upon," Misri added. New Delhi is also financing several projects in Male via concessional credit and buyer's credit facilities. This includes the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which will link four islands. India in May 2024 had announced that it would let a $50 million loan roll over. This came after US ratings agency Fitch downgraded Maldives' credit rating to 'junk' status. India over the years has provided the Maldives' with over a billion dollars in assistance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Muizzu himself acknowledged India's role during his visit last year. 'India is a key partner in the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the Maldives, and has stood by the Maldives during our times of need.' Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed said, 'Maldives is positioned across some of the most navigable waters of the region of the Indian Ocean. It stretches 1,000 kilometres from north to south and another 600 kilometres from east to west. Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Maldives reaffirms the strategic importance India places on its long-standing relationship with us'. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives will boost Indian exports and promote regional stability in the Indian Ocean region. FIEO president SC Ralhan said that this visit comes at a pivotal moment of Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations reaching the final stages. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
PM Narendra Modi Becomes 2nd Longest Serving Prime Minister In India
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, completed 4,078 days in office, surpassing former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi's record of 4,077 consecutive days as Prime Minister of the country from January 24, 1966, to March 24, 1977. This means, a single and uninterrupted tenure as the Prime Minister of India. With this milestone, PM Modi becomes the second longest consecutively serving Prime Minister in India's history, behind only the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. As PM Narendra Modi marks 4,078 consecutive days in office on July 25, 2025, he also holds several historic distinctions. PM Modi is the first and only Prime Minister born after Independence, the longest-serving non-Congress PM, and the longest-serving Prime Minister from a non-Hindi-speaking state. He is also the first and only non-Congress leader to have completed two full terms and to be re-elected twice with a majority, making him the only non-Congress Prime Minister to secure a majority on his own in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, he is the first sitting Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi in 1971 to return to power with a full majority. PM Modi is the only Prime Minister, apart from late Jawaharlal Nehru, to win three consecutive elections as leader of a political party in India. He is the only leader in India, among all Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers, to win six consecutive elections as the leader of a party -- Gujarat (2002, 2007, 2012), Lok Sabha polls (2014, 2019, 2024). This will be another milestone in PM Modi's almost 24 years as head of a democratically-elected government, either in the state or Centre. The record for the unbroken stint is held by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. PM Modi has matched Nehru in leading their respective parties to victory in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections. Born into a modest family in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Narendra Modi helped his father sell tea at a railway station before rising through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for his grassroots connect and strong communication style, PM Modi served as Gujarat's chief minister for over a decade before leading the BJP to a historic national victory in 2014. Since then, he has positioned himself as a key global leader, projecting India as a confident, assertive voice on the world stage.
