India fastest growing economy: PM
The Prime Minister's comments come days after US President Donald Trump's 'India a dead economy,' jibe.
Modi said that during the past 11 years, India's economy has grown from the 10th position to the top 5 globally and is rapidly progressing towards becoming one of the top three economies.
Laying the foundation stone for Bangalore Metro Phase-3 project here and after flagging off 3 Vande Bharat Express trains and inaugurating the Metro Rail Yellow line, the Prime Minister in his address outlined growth across sectors and said such achievements strengthened the resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
'We are moving fast to become one of the top three economies of the world. How we got this speed? We got it through the spirit of reform, perform and transform,' he said adding the speed was achieved through clear intention and honest efforts.
On infrastructure growth, the Prime Minister said in 2014, Metro Rail services were confined to just five cities. Today, Metro Rail networks span over 1,000 km across 24 cities, making India the third-largest metro network globally.
Since independence, till 2014, only 20,000 km rail network had been electrified. During 11 years alone, from 2014 to 2025, it has increased to 40,000 km.
Similarly, from 74 airports in 2014, the nation today has more than 160 and likewise, the national waterways has gone up to 30 from only 3.
Batting for focused efforts to lead in emerging fields, Modi stressed the need to strengthen Bengaluru and Karnataka's presence in 'Make in India' and the manufacturing sector. He urged that India's products must adhere to the 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect' standard, meaning they should be flawless in quality and have no negative impact on the environment. He expressed confidence that Karnataka's talent will lead the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The journey towards 'Viksit Bharat' would move ahead alongside Digital India. By way of initiatives like the India AI Mission, India is advancing towards global AI leadership. 'India is moving to assume the role of global leadership in the domain of Artificial Intelligence. Semiconductor mission is also gaining pace. India will soon get Made in India chip,' he said. As regards space missions, he said India has become an example of 'low-cost hi-tech space missions', which means that India is moving ahead in areas of futuristic technologies. The specialty of such advancement is empowerment of poor and digitisation has reached every village. Through UPI, India accounts for over 50 per cent of the world's real-time transactions, he underlined.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Ministers Manohar Lal, H D Kumaraswamy, Ashwini Vaishnaw, V Somanna, Shobha Karandlaje were present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
28 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Yashobhoomi convention centre in Delhi's Dwarka wins International Architecture Award 2024
New Delhi It was inaugurated in September 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (HT Archive) The Yashobhoomi Convention and Exhibition Centre in Dwarka, southwest Delhi, has won the International Architecture Award 2024 under the 'Civic Centre' category, which will be presented next month at the historic Acropolis in Athens, Greece, a globally recognised landmark in architecture. The prize is awarded by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, and The European Centre for Architecture Art, Design and Urban Studies. Dikshu C Kukreja, managing principal of CP Kukreja Architects, which designed the centre, said: 'Yashobhoomi embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of positioning India as a leading global hub.' Designed in collaboration with IDOM (Spain), Yashobhoomi spans 225 acres and has a built-up area of 2.2 million square feet. It was inaugurated in September 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The venue, built at a cost of ₹5,400 crore, features multiple exhibition halls, auditoriums and conference rooms to host trade and diplomatic events. Kukreja said the Union ministry of commerce selected them for the global competition. The firm is renowned for designing the Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Ambadeep Towers in Delhi. It was recently internationally recognised for designing the Madhya Pradesh state secretariat and Gautam Buddha University. Recalling that the project's conceptualisation involved close collaboration with retired IAS officer Amitabh Kant, who was also the G20 Sherpa, to ensure the facility could host high-profile gatherings, such as the G20 Summit. After the award was announced, Kant thanked the Prime Minister on the social media platform X, 'for the vision and opportunity to conceptualise and drive it as Secretary DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion)'. What sets Yashobhoomi apart, Kukreja said, is its fusion of modern technology with traditional Indian identity. 'It's easy to copy global examples from Germany, Korea, or the US; but for me, it was essential to root the design in India's ethos—through stepwell-inspired forms, jali screens, aangan-like light courts, and interiors steeped in Indian art and motifs.' He said the exhibition hall spans an area equivalent to four football fields. The venue features a 100-metre column-free span and the world's largest LED facade. 'The venue is also India's first to incorporate retractable seating that can transform a 6,000-seater hall into a flat-floored multi-purpose space at the touch of a button,' he said. Large venues like this often turn into 'white elephants' due to a lack of versatility. 'So, we ensured that the hall can have multiple uses,' he said. Kukreja said sustainability was a core design priority, and this secured the Indian Green Building Council's platinum rating. 'Steel was chosen to minimise localised pollution. This ensured durability and lower carbon impact, while featuring recycled materials, locally sourced granite and marble, and off-site fabricated glass-reinforced concrete,' he said. Kukreja said the award was more than personal recognition. 'This is about India creating architecture the world talks about and respects.'
India.com
42 minutes ago
- India.com
Operation Sindoor Women Soldiers On KBC: PR Stunt Or Patriotism? Netizens Left Red-Faced
New Delhi: Kaun Banega Crorepati's Independence Day episode is drawing fire even before it airs. The upcoming show will see host Amitabh Bachchan welcoming three decorated women officers, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. A promotional clip released by Sony Liv shows the officers walking onto the set to loud applause. The broadcast is scheduled for August 15. In the episode, they share accounts from Operation Sindoor, India's cross-border military offensive in response to that followed the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam. The presence of serving officers on a popular reality quiz show has set off a storm online. Some users accuse the government of using the military for political branding. 'This is unbelievable. Operation Sindoor heroes appearing on national TV just because one party wants votes?' read a post on X. This is just unbelievable Operation Sindoor heroes appearing on national TV show KBC Just because one "nationalist" party wants to milk some votes? — Amock_ (@Amockx2022) August 12, 2025 Another said, 'How is this even allowed? Our forces are not props for hyper-nationalism.' Criticism has also centred on the timing. Both Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh had briefed the press while the operation was underway. Now, their appearance on an entertainment programme is being called unprecedented. 'Our Army was sacrosanct, above politics, beyond PR. Today, it's a political tool,' one post read. Our Army was sacrosanct, above politics, beyond PR. Today, Modi govt parades serving soldiers on shows like KBC for image building. Even our Army has been made a political tool for Modi's PR. Our forces are to defend the nation, not a politician's — Mayank Saxena (@mayank_sxn) August 12, 2025 Questions have been raised about whether armed forces protocol allows such public appearances. 'The Indian Armed Forces have protocol and dignity. Politicians are ruining it for personal gain,' a user wrote. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi linked the show to commercial interests. She said that Sony Pictures Networks India, which owns the channel airing KBC, also holds broadcast rights for the Asia Cup until 2031. 'Yes, the same channel that profits from India vs Pakistan matches. Now join the dots,' she posted on X. Our heroic women in Uniform who went on to become the face of Operation Sindoor have been invited by a private entertainment channel on their show. This private entertainment channel's parent company Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has also bagged the broadcasting rights of… — Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) August 13, 2025 The government and defence ministry have not responded to the criticism. Military rules discourage wearing uniforms in public social settings such as restaurants, hotels or shops unless attending official events in the Officers' Mess. Caps must be removed indoors. Uniforms are allowed at certain military social gatherings, including dances or formal receptions within the Mess. The controversy has now shifted attention from KBC's quiz questions to a different question: should serving officers take part in televised entertainment, especially after an active operation?
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
JK Super Cement Being Launched in Kashmir, Strengthening Presence in Northern Markets
NewsVoir Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 13: Saifco Cements Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of JK Cement Ltd - one of the leading cement companies of India, today announced the launch of JK Super Cement brand in Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in the journey ahead. This move signals the operational rollout of JK Cement's recent acquisition in the region and aligns with its broader ambition to support infrastructure and economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir. JK Super Cement, the company's flagship grey cement brand known for its superior strength and durability, will now be manufactured and made available across key districts of Kashmir, to improve the availability for local infrastructure projects and consumers. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement Ltd said "JK Super Cement's entry into the Kashmir market is a natural extension of our long-term strategy in the North. With the region witnessing a surge in public infrastructure projects and housing development, local production allows us to serve this demand efficiently. Further, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director and CEO, JK Cement Ltd, added. "More importantly, it allows us to translate our vision of sustainable and inclusive growth into tangible action. By investing in local manufacturing capabilities, building skills, and creating employment opportunities, we're ensuring that the benefits of this launch extend well beyond cement supply. This is about strengthening the local economy, empowering communities, and building the kind of self-reliant ecosystem that will support Kashmir's growth for decades to come." Saifco Cements will begin full-scale distribution in key districts including Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipore, Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian & Pulwama of Kashmir. With plans for deeper market penetration through a strong channel partner network and direct engagement with builders, contractors, and public sector stakeholders, the on-ground team has also been ramped up to provide technical support, quality assurance, and training to local builders and contractors to ensure smooth adoption. By producing and distributing locally, the company is creating new employment opportunities across the value chain. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Suhail Manzoor Guna, Director, Saifco Cements Pvt. Ltd said, "This is a proud moment for us. Launching JK Super Cement brand in Kashmir is not just a business move--it's a step towards demonstrating our commitment to building a stronger, more self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir." Further, Mr. Dawood Altaf Guna, Director, Saifco Cements Pvt Ltd, added, "We are committed to supplying top-quality cement to support the region's growing construction and infrastructure needs while also generating meaningful employment and contributing to local economic development." Aligned with the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision of the Government, JK Cement's investment in local manufacturing reflects its deep commitment to building self-reliant infrastructure capabilities. The launch of JK Super Cement in Kashmir builds on JK Cement's ongoing efforts to expand across India, following recent market entries in Bihar and capacity enhancements in several other states. The company now boasts of a growing presence in various markets of India, reinforcing its position as a leading force in the country's cement and construction ecosystem. JK Cement Ltd. is among India's top manufacturers of Grey and White Cement, and home-building solutions globally. For over five decades, JKCement has contributed to India's infrastructure through product quality, customer focus, and technology leadership, beginning with its flagship grey cement unit in Nimbahera, Rajasthan, in May 1975. The Company's Grey Cement capacity is 25.26 MTPA, making it a leading manufacturer with a strong presence across 15 states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. With a total White Cement and Wall Putty Capacity of 3.05 MTPA, JK White Cement is sold in 36 countries around the globe. The Company has a strong international presence with two subsidiaries, JK Cement Works Fujairah FZC and JK White Cement (Africa) Ltd. In 2023, JKCement launched JKMaxx Paints, offering wall, wood, and metal finishes. In the same year, JKCement expanded into construction chemicals with JK Profix, a waterproofing line, and also entered the Ready-Mix Concrete segment with JK Super Concrete, serving Delhi NCR and set for nationwide growth.
