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The Hindu
18 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Rajnath hails Operation Sindoor as model of precision, self-reliance on eve of Independence Day
On the eve of India's 79th Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Operation Sindoor as a 'precise and balanced' military response that highlighted India's 'new vision'. In his message to the armed forces on Thursday (August 14, 2025), he said the operation showcased India's new vision, technological advances, self-reliance, use of drones, layered air defence, electronic warfare, and network-centric operations. He said without crossing the Line of Control or harming civilians, the armed forces destroyed nine major terror camps, including those of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, within minutes. Follow President Murmu's speech on the eve of Independence Day 2025 'It was a clear message from India that we are tolerant, but when it comes to the safety of our people and the dignity of our country, we unite and face every challenge boldly. Operation Sindoor is a part of India's new policy, a clear message that no matter how deep the roots of terrorism are, its complete destruction will be ensured. This operation will continue until the goal of complete destruction of terrorism is achieved,' he said. Mr. Singh said the action avenged the April 22 Pahalgam attack as well as past terror attacks, such as those on the Parliament, Mumbai's Taj hotel, and Amarnath pilgrims. He praised the more recent 'Operation Mahadev' for neutralising key LeT commanders, and recalled earlier surgical and air strikes after the Pathankot and Pulwama terror incidents. Highlighting Aatmanirbharta, he said India now manufactures 65% of its defence needs, with the defence budget rising from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26. Defence production has grown from ₹46,000 crore to ₹1.51 lakh crore, and exports from ₹1,900 crore to ₹23,622 crore, with targets of ₹3 lakh crore production and ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029. Mr. Singh highlighted platforms such as the INS Arihant nuclear-powered submarine, Rafale-Marine jets, AMCA jets, and Prachand helicopters that would add firepower to the forces, and cited the government's welfare measures such as the One Rank One Pension scheme. He also lauded the forces' role in disaster relief and global evacuations such as 'Operation Sindhu'. He thanked soldiers, veterans, and their families. He also mentioned major border projects, including the world's highest tunnel at Shinkun La in Ladakh, and women's growing role in the country's defence, marked by historic naval voyages and the graduation of the first batch of 17 women from the National Defence Academy. Mr. Singh urged citizens, especially youth, to contribute actively to building a strong, self-reliant, and united India.
Mint
18 minutes ago
- Mint
India was fastest fastest-growing economy in world with 6.5% growth; Op Sindoor was a symbol of unity: President Murmu
New Delhi: In her fourth Independence Day eve address to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu underscored India's economic resilience, defence self-reliance, and unity in the face of global challenges, calling the country the fastest-growing major economy with a GDP growth rate of 6.5% in the last fiscal. "With a GDP growth rate of 6.5% in the last fiscal, India is the fastest growing among the major economies in the world. Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising. All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health," President Murmu said. The President said India's progress in self-reliance in the defence sector had aided Operation Sindoor, India's response to the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April. Operation Sindoor, as well as the diplomatic visits undertaken by the all-party parliamentary groups in the wake of the conflict, reflected the unity within the country, she said. "Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border," she said. Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector, she said. 'The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements," she added. She also noted the progress made in developing crucial infrastructure such as roads and railways, especially in operating railways in the Kashmir valley. India has expanded and strengthened the National Highway network under the Bharatmala programme, which targets building nearly 50,000 km of new national highways in the country. "The Railways too have innovated, introducing new types of trains and coaches equipped with the latest technologies. The inauguration of the rail link in the Kashmir valley is a major accomplishment," she said. Murmu also stated that India's growth in digital payment infrastructure and the IT sector had propelled growth. The next stage of growth is Artificial Intelligence, she said. "Nearly all villages have 4G mobile connectivity, and the remaining few thousand will be covered soon. This has made possible large-scale adoption of digital payment technologies, in which India has become a world leader in a short span," she said. Murmu said India's increased spending on social sector schemes reflected the government's commitment to uplifting marginalised communities and the poor. She also called on the country's citizens to buy local products to promote 'Swadeshi' and help India become self-reliant. The President noted India's strong position in sports and the space sector. The President's annual Independence Day eve address came at a time of geoeconomic fragmentation and global trade wars between some of the world's biggest economies. Earlier, US President Donald Trump referred to India as a 'dead economy' in his imposition of sanctions against the world's most populous country for importing Russian oil. The Chinese export control order on rare earth magnets has impacted crucial sectors such as electronics, automobiles, and renewable energy generation. India is huddling with other nations, including the US, to counter such supply chain disruptions. The statements also come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation meeting, which starts on 31 August.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Top cos keen to bid for BMC's 2nd Versova desalination plant project
Mumbai: Leading companies have expressed interest in the BMC's plan to develop a second 200 MLD sea water reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant at Versova. Meanwhile, the submission deadline for bids for the Rs 3,200 crore Manori desalination plant, a 200 MLD facility, has been extended to Aug 19. This project had attracted interest from 20 bidders. The BMC has sought expression of interest (EOI) for setting up its second desalination plant at Versova and aims to implement the project on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis and has set a deadline of Sept 6 for submissions of the EOIs. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai According to sources, L&T, Adani group, Va Tech Wabag, IDE Technologies, Suez, and Megha Engineering have shown interest, and officials representing them have visited the project site. The EOIs submitted by the companies are expected to include techno-economic feasibility reports detailing aspects such as the technology and financing options the companies will adopt, as well as a tentative cost of the project. Subsequently, a consultant appointed by the BMC will assess the best solutions, including technology and financing options, and recommend the most suitable option. Accordingly, the civic body is expected to issue a tender document, followed by a standard bidding process. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2024 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo Under the DBFOT model, the BMC will not incur upfront expenditure for setting up the desalination plant, as the capital costs are expected to be covered by the company establishing the plant. Instead, the civic body will purchase water from the firm on a per kilolitre basis. The desalination plant is being developed over a seven-acre area encompassing three lagoons at Versova. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
