CM Omar Abdullah relies on humour to press for J&K statehood
KATRA: While praising the inaugural train service from Katra to Srinagar, CM
Omar Abdullah
on Friday humorously reminded PM Narendra Modi about restoring J&K's statehood, noting that he is now the CM of a Union Territory - a "demotion" from his previous role as CM of a state.
Speaking at a public event after PM flagged off two Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra with Srinagar, Abdullah said, "During my last tenure, as a matter of coincidence, the same four people were present here in 2014 when the Katra railway station was inaugurated... While then MoS (railways), Manoj Sinha, got promoted as J&K Lt Governor, I got demoted from CM of a state to CM of a UT. But things will get back to normal before we know it, and J&K will be given the status of a state by PM Modi," he said.
He said PM connected the Valley with the rest of India, a project that even the Britishers couldn't do. He also credited former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the project. CM said the train operation to Srinagar will benefit all and will also put an end to "loot" by airline operators.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Look forward to PM Modi's visit to Canada for G7: Former MP Chandra Arya
Former Canadian Member of Parliament, Chandra Arya, has expressed optimism ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 Summit scheduled for June 15-17. ADVERTISEMENT In a post on X, Arya highlighted the shared values between India and Canada and underscored how a deep relationship with India is imperative for Canadian interests. Taking to X, Arya said, "We look forward to the visit of @narendramodi to Canada for the G7 meeting during June I met @narendramodi last July, I emphasized that Canada and India are united by shared values--democracy, pluralism, and a rules-based international order." Calling India an "indispensable partner" for Canada, he highlighted its increasing influence as a global actor. "India, an increasingly influential global actor with growing strategic, economic, and demographic weight, is an indispensable partner for Canada--both in the Indo-Pacific region and globally," he wrote. He further added, "It is in Canada's national economic, strategic, and geopolitical interest to forge a deeper, more structured relationship with India--one that spans trade, investment, policy, and civil society." ADVERTISEMENT Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday (local time) that G7 countries will discuss important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. ADVERTISEMENT Carney said that India, being the fifth-largest economy and the most populous country in the world, must be at the seat."Let's put the two aspects in context- first is, we are in the role- Canada's in the role of the G7 chair and in those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world," he said. ADVERTISEMENT PM Modi had received a call from his Canadian counterpart who extended invitation to India for attending the G7 Summit."Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," PM Modi wrote in his post. ADVERTISEMENT The G7 Summit (Group of Seven) is an informal grouping of seven of the world's advanced economies and the European Union. Its members meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues, according to the G7's official website. The members of the G7 are France, the US, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and the UK. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Look forward to PM Modi's visit to Canada for G7: Former MP Chandra Arya
Former Canadian Member of Parliament, Chandra Arya, has expressed optimism ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 Summit scheduled for June 15-17. In a post on X, Arya highlighted the shared values between India and Canada and underscored how a deep relationship with India is imperative for Canadian interests. Taking to X, Arya said, "We look forward to the visit of @narendramodi to Canada for the G7 meeting during June I met @narendramodi last July, I emphasized that Canada and India are united by shared values--democracy, pluralism, and a rules-based international order." Calling India an "indispensable partner" for Canada, he highlighted its increasing influence as a global actor. "India, an increasingly influential global actor with growing strategic, economic, and demographic weight, is an indispensable partner for Canada--both in the Indo-Pacific region and globally," he wrote. Live Events He further added, "It is in Canada's national economic, strategic, and geopolitical interest to forge a deeper, more structured relationship with India--one that spans trade, investment, policy, and civil society." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday (local time) that G7 countries will discuss important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. Carney said that India, being the fifth-largest economy and the most populous country in the world, must be at the seat. "Let's put the two aspects in context- first is, we are in the role- Canada's in the role of the G7 chair and in those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world," he said. PM Modi had received a call from his Canadian counterpart who extended invitation to India for attending the G7 Summit. "Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," PM Modi wrote in his post. The G7 Summit (Group of Seven) is an informal grouping of seven of the world's advanced economies and the European Union. Its members meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues, according to the G7's official website. The members of the G7 are France, the US, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and the UK.
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Defence exports signal India's rise as regional security provider
Democracies are rightly subjected to a higher standard of scrutiny in the delivery of goods and services to the unserved and underserved. In India, that test is exacting. No slogan survives without substance, no claim without consequence. Real transformation must reach the last person because in our democracy Antyodaya casts a vote. That is why, one year into Modi 3.0, the resounding mandates in Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana are not just political milestones -they are a reaffirmation that in today's India delivery, not rhetoric, earns trust. Programmes anchored in the philosophy of 'Sarvodaya through Antyodaya' ensure that no Indian is left behind. More than 25 crore people have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) has disbursed over Rs 3.68 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers. The 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative has empowered over one crore rural women to achieve annual incomes exceeding Rs 1 lakh. Nearly 3 crore houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Jal Jeevan Mission has provided tap water connections to over 15.44 rural households. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been expanded to offer free health coverage of ₹5 lakh per year for all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. This is expected to benefit approximately 6 crore senior citizens, providing them with comprehensive healthcare access and financial protection. Additionally, the scheme has been extended to include frontline community health Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to zero tolerance policy against terrorists was evident in the swift response to the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists had targeted innocent tourists. The nation mourned the loss but stood united, executing Operation Sindoor with precision and dominance, reaffirming its resolve to combat terrorism and protect its citizens. The world witnessed Indian defence forces' technological and strategic superiority, backed by the strong and decisive leadership of the PM. The resolute political will is matched by strategic investment in self-reliance. India's swift precision during Operation Sindoor was enabled, in part, by years of steady focus on indigenising defence capacity. Post-2014, India's defence manufacturing has been rapidly modernised, with exports rising substantially. This transformation is not accidental. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, key reforms such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure, Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy and the opening of 100% FDI for certain sectors have enabled homegrown firms to thrive. The introduction of two dedicated PLI schemes for drones and components has further catalysed next-gen innovation. Today, Indian-designed missile systems, armoured vehicles and naval platforms are not only deployed in our forces but exported to over 80 countries, reinforcing India's image as a regional security provider at a time when global trust in reliable defence partners is at a is at the centre of this vision. India is making strides in the semiconductor sector, driven by major investments and government incentives. Tata Electronics is constructing a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor assembly and testing plant in Assam, expected to begin operations by mid-2025 and create around 27,000 jobs. Meanwhile, a ₹3,706 crore joint venture between HCL and Foxconn is set to establish a semiconductor unit in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on display driver chips, with production starting in is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with over 1.57 lakh recognised startups - including more than 100 unicorns and over 3,600 deep-tech ventures focused on AI, biotech and semiconductors. Our space sector alone has given rise to more than 200 startups, signalling the rise of a confident innovation economy. The startup ecosystem has already created more than 17.2 lakh direct jobs and ignited a new generation of problem-solvers and India has quietly emerged as the world's most connected democracy. With over 80 crore internet users and 136 crore Aadhaar enrolments, it hosts the largest digital identity programme on the planet. We now account for 46% of global digital payments, powered by platforms like UPI that have democratised financial transactions. These systems have not only empowered citizens but made governance smarter, faster and more budget for 2024-25 embodied the government's decisiveness. Total expenditure was pegged at ₹44.6 lakhcrore, with capital outlay raised to an unprecedented ₹10 lakhcrore. Tax exemptions were widened, middle-class rebates doubled, and the angel tax - long a concern for startups - was abolished. These reforms consolidate consumption, catalyse entrepreneurship and cement India's long-term growth year into Modi 3.0, the momentum is unmistakable. Roads, factories and solar panels are not just signs of progress, they are foundations for aspiration. In every sphere - economic, social and strategic. India is scripting a new chapter of national renewal. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the decisive decade is well underway. The Author is is Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas
