&w=3840&q=100)
'Historic' FTA with Britain shows world's trust in India: PM Modi
Press Trust of India Tuticorin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as 'historic,' highlighting it as a symbol of the world's growing trust in India and a boost to the vision of a developed Bharat and Tamil Nadu.
Speaking after inaugurating projects worth ₹4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu, Modi said the FTA with Britain will accelerate progress towards a Viksit Bharat and Viksit Tamil Nadu.
He said the government's focus on these sectors over the past 11 years reflects a strong commitment to Tamil Nadu's growth.
The projects inaugurated include the new state-of-the-art Tuticorin airport terminal, railway electrification of the 90 km Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line, doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil Town-Kanniyakumari section, and strategic highway projects such as the 4-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36 and the 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of railways as the lifeline of industrial growth and underlined how the NDA government's infrastructure projects like Atal Sethu, Sonmarg Tunnel, and Bogibeel Bridge have created thousands of jobs nationwide.
Regarding national security, Modi praised weapons manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative for their significant role during Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military offensive, stating these weapons helped destroy enemy targets and caused great concern among adversaries.
The event saw participation from Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of State L Murugan, TN Social Welfare Minister P Geetha Jeevan, and other dignitaries.
Modi also paid tribute to legendary freedom fighters from the region, including V O Chidambaram Pillai, King Veerapandia Kattabomman, and chieftain Veeran Azhagu Muthukon.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Madhya Pradesh minister Shah faces house heat over remarks on Col. Qureshi; Congress says he must quit
Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Vijay Shah faced calls for resignation in the assembly from the opposition Congress over his controversial remarks on Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi as he rose to reply to a question in the house. The house was briefly adjourned after Congress members created a ruckus during the Question Hour and demanded the resignation of Mr. Shah, who holds the Bhopal gas tragedy relief and rehabilitation, public assets management and tribal affairs portfolios in the BJP government. As soon as the BJP minister rose to reply to a query of Congress MLA Arif Masood regarding the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, opposition members were up on their feet, demanding the resignation or sacking of Mr. Shah for disrespecting a woman Army officer. They trooped into the well of the house and shouted, Vijay Shah 'istifa do (resign), Vijay Shah ko 'barkhaast karo' (sack him). Speaker Narendra Tomar asked Congress MLAs to maintain calm and take their seats, but the opposition members ignored his advice and continued with their protest. Treasury benches comprising ruling BJP members also raised slogans against the opposition, saying they have disrespected the Army. As accusations flew thick and fast between Treasury and opposition benches, the Speaker tried to maintain order in the House. But when the opposition members did relent, Mr. Tomar adjourned the house briefly amid deafening sloganeering. On Monday (July 28, 2025), the Supreme Court pulled Mr. Shah for not issuing a public apology over his remarks against Col. Qureshi, saying he is testing the court's patience. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the conduct of the minister was making the court doubt his intentions and bonafide. Senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, appearing for the BJP minister, said he had issued an apology, which was online, and would be placed on the court's record. The bench asked the special investigation team (SIT) constituted to probe the statements made by the minister to submit its report by August 13. Mr. Shah came under fire after a widely circulated video showed him allegedly making objectionable remarks against Col. Qureshi, who gained nationwide prominence along with another woman officer, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, during the media briefings on 'Operation Sindoor', India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in May. Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court rebuked Mr. Shah for passing 'scurrilous' remarks and using 'language of the gutters' against Col. Qureshi and ordered police to file an FIR against him on the charge of promoting enmity and hatred. After drawing severe condemnation, Mr. Shah expressed regret and said that he respects Col. Qureshi more than his sister. The top court on Monday (July 28, 2025) also questioned the apology issued by the minister and said that the word 'apology' has a meaning. The court refused to accept the apology and ordered the state government to form an SIT to investigate the matter.
Indian Express
2 minutes ago
- Indian Express
India responds to Trump's tariff attack, says ties with US have weathered ‘many challenges'
India on Friday responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks calling the Indian economy 'dead' and his imposition of a 25% tariff, stating that the bilateral partnership remains resilient and forward-looking. 'India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties,' said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly press briefing. 'This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges,' he said, adding, 'We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward.' VIDEO | Delhi: Responding to a media query on progress in India-US ties, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) says, 'There is a comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and US. This partnership is based on our national interest and democratic values. This… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 1, 2025 The comments came a day after Trump, in a post on Truth Social, announced new trade tariffs and described India's economy as 'dead' and accused it of exploiting trade benefits. Responding to questions on defence ties, Jaiswal emphasised, 'The two countries have a strong defence partnership which has been strengthened over the last several years. There is potential for this partnership to grow further.' On the matter of India's energy procurement strategies amid shifting global dynamics, Jaiswal clarified, 'In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by the prevailing global circumstances.' 'Ties with any country, and all the ties that we have with various countries, stand on their own merit and shouldn't be seen through the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership…,' he said when polled about Trump's remark regarding India-Russia relations.
Hans India
2 minutes ago
- Hans India
CM Sai calls on PM Modi, extends invitation for Chhattisgarh's silver jubilee celebrations
New Delhi: In a significant engagement at Parliament House on Friday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending a formal invitation to grace the upcoming 'Amrit Rajat Mahotsav' in Raipur on November 1. The event marks the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh's formation and is being celebrated as the Silver Jubilee Year. During the meeting, Chief Minister Sai briefed Prime Minister Modi on the state's developmental roadmap, highlighting key priorities and public welfare initiatives. He emphasised that the Prime Minister's presence would lend historic gravitas to the celebrations and serve as a source of inspiration for the people of Chhattisgarh. CM Sai also presented the state's long-term strategic blueprint - Anjor Vision @ 2047 - which outlines Chhattisgarh's roadmap toward sustainable growth in alignment with the national goal of a developed India. The document proposes sectoral reforms across education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, innovation, and environmental sustainability. Drawing from the Centre's Jan Vishwas Act 2023, the Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister about the passage of Chhattisgarh's own Jan Vishwas Bill 2025, aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility in the justice system. Urban development featured prominently in the discussion, with CM Sai detailing the formation of the Chhattisgarh State Capital Region Development Authority (SCRDA). This body is tasked with transforming 'Nava Raipur' (new Raipur) into a smart, modern urban hub through planned infrastructure and governance. On the economic front, the Chief Minister reported robust momentum in industrial investment and job creation, catalysed by the state's Industrial Policy 2024-30. He noted that the policy's single-window clearance system and targeted incentives, especially for enterprises employing over 1,000 workers, have significantly boosted investor confidence. Between November 2024 and July 2025, Chhattisgarh received investment proposals worth Rs 6.65 lakh crore from 84 companies. Among the marquee developments is the foundation of India's first semiconductor unit in Nava Raipur, alongside the launch of construction for an AI data centre. The state is also prioritising sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, and IT services to position itself as a technological and industrial powerhouse. Turning to education, CM Sai underscored efforts to rationalise schools and deploy trained teachers in tribal and remote regions. The integration of digital tools is central to the state's push for equitable and effective learning outcomes. Two flagship projects - Medicity and Edu City - are underway to bolster healthcare and education infrastructure. The Medicity in Raipur is envisioned as a cutting-edge medical hub, expected to generate substantial employment and elevate Chhattisgarh's profile in the health sector. The Chief Minister also briefed Prime Minister Modi on rehabilitation and confidence-building measures in the Maoist-affected areas. He credited the state's sensitive and forward-looking policies for encouraging large-scale surrenders and reintegration of former Maoists.
