
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh demands that Pakistan hand over Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar - The Economic Times Video
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, currently deployed in the Arabian Sea. The visit came weeks after the Indian Navy's strategic Carrier Battle Group, led by INS Vikrant, played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor.During his visit, Singh reviewed operational outcomes of the mission and interacted with naval personnel who were part of the deployment. His visit is seen as a morale booster for the forces, following Operation Sindoor's success in exerting pressure on Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.
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Business Standard
42 minutes ago
- Business Standard
People of J-K stood against Pakistan's conspiracy: PM Modi in Katra
After unveiling several development projects in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the people of the region for standing firmly against what he called "Pakistan's conspiracy". Addressing a public gathering in Katra, the Prime Minister said the people's courage was not just a response to Pakistan, but also to the global mindset of terrorism. Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the Chenab and Anji Bridges and flagged off two Vande Bharat trains, marking the completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). Pahalgam attack targeted tourism, says PM Modi PM Modi said the recent terror attack in Pahalgam was aimed at undermining tourism and harming the livelihoods of the poor. 'We are creating new employment opportunities for our youth, and tourism is one of the key means to achieve this. Unfortunately, our neighbouring country is not only against humanity but also against tourism. It is a nation that actively works against the livelihoods of the poor. The Pahalgam incident was an attack on insaniyat and Kashmiriyat. The incident that occurred in Pahalgam on April 22 is a clear example of this,' he said. Operation Sindoor sends message to Pakistan Referring to the Indian response to terrorism, PM Modi said: 'Today is June 6. The night of May 6 proved to be doomsday for Pakistani terrorists. Whenever Pakistan hears about Operation Sindoor, it will recall its shameful defeat. The Pakistani army and terrorists would have never imagined that India would strike so deep inside their territory.' USBRL project to transform regional connectivity The ₹43,780 crore USBRL project includes 36 tunnels totalling 119 km and 943 bridges. It offers seamless, all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India and is expected to boost regional mobility and economic prospects. The 272-kilometre railway link was completed in phases: Qazigund–Baramulla (118 km) opened in October 2009 Banihal–Qazigund (18 km) in June 2013 Udhampur–Katra (25 km) in July 2014 Banihal–Sangaldan (48.1 km) in February 2024 Sangaldan–Katra (17 km) completed in December 2024 PM meets engineers at Chenab Bridge site During his visit, PM Modi met engineers and workers at a railway museum near the Chenab Bridge in Reasi district. The bridge is the world's highest railway arch, built over the Chenab River using steel arches. J-K LG hails landmark infrastructure Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called the day historic: 'What a momentous day! 06 June, 2025 will go down in history. Hon'ble PM Sh Narendra Modi Ji inaugurated Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and Anji bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, making the dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari a reality,' Sinha posted on X. Medical college for Reasi district PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, a project worth over ₹350 crore. The institute will be the first medical college in Reasi district and is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the region. (With agency inputs)


United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Pahalgam attack Pak design to hurt Kashmir's economy, but we foiled it: PM Modi
Katra, June 6 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Pakistan engineered Pahalgam terror attack to hurt Kashmir's economy and brotherhood in the country, but its evil designs failed and Indian Armed Forces hit the neighbouring country deep inside. 'Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. Its intention was to incite riots in India and disrupt the livelihoods of hardworking Kashmiris. By attacking tourists, Pakistan aimed to damage the region's economy and peace,' Modi said while addressing a massive gathering. Recalling the start of Operation Sindoor exactly a month back when the Indian Armed Forces targetted the terrorist dens in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Modi said Pakistan will forever remember its shameful defeat. "Today is June 6. Coincidentally, exactly one month ago on this very night, devastation was unleashed on Pakistan's terrorists. From now on, whenever Pakistan hears the name Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat," said the Prime Minister. Modi inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project by flagging off the first Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar from Katra railway station, marking a historic milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's development. Calling it a "symbol of a new, empowered J&K," the Prime Minister said the USBRL project represents India's growing strength and unity. 'Today's event is not just the launch of a train; it's a grand celebration of India's willpower and unity. With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, the Kashmir Valley is now linked to the rest of India through the rail network,' Modi said. Modi said whether it's the Chenab Bridge or the Anji Bridge, both will become means of prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. The Chenab Bridge is even taller than the Eiffel Tower, and it will draw many visitors to Kashmir, becoming a major tourist attraction in itself. The Anji Bridge, too, is a remarkable feat of engineering. Both these bridges are not just made of bricks, cement, or steel—they are a living testament to India's strength and determination on the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal mountains. He said today the dream of lakhs of people of Jammu and Kashmir has been fulfilled. "All the good work has been left for me. It is the good fortune of our government that this project gained momentum during our tenure, and we completed it," Modi said. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, 'Now Kashmir to Kanyakumari is not just a slogan. By inaugurating the project, the Prime Minister has connected the two ends of the country'. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said rail connectivity will not only help the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also help in transporting fruits and other items to the rest of the country. Abdullah also thanked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for granting the project of 'national importance' and increasing its budget. Earlier, Modi dedicated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation by flagging off the Vande Bharat train to Srinagar from Katra railway station in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. He also flagged off Vande Bharat in line with his commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region. The 272 km-long USBRL project, built with around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country aiming to transform regional mobility and driving socio-economic integration. This is the Prime Minister's first visit to J&K during ongoing Operation Sindoor and post April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, were killed. Of the total 272 km USBRL project, 209 km was commissioned in phases with the first one (118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section) commissioned in October 2009, followed by (18km) Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013, (25km) Udhampur-Katra in July 2014 and (48.1 km) Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February last year. The work on the 46 km Sangaldan-Reasi section was also completed in June last year, leaving a 17-km stretch between Reasi and Katra that was also completed in February-March this year. That led to the start of trial runs, including that of Vande Bharat. The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will have features like a heating system, anti-spall layers, and automatic doors. The train is designed to operate smoothly in cold weather, down to minus 20 degrees Celsius. The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat will run on the world's highest railway arch bridge and Anji Bridge built on the Chenab in Reasi district. UNI RBE VBH SSP


NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Kashmir To Kanyakumari Now A Reality For Rail Network Too: PM Modi
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The Chenab Bridge, India's tallest railway bridge, enhances connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. PM Modi inaugurated it alongside the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, promoting tourism and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. Katra: The Chenab bridge has become a new milestone in pan-India connectivity, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarking that the phrase 'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' has now become a reality even in the Indian railway network. "While walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, I lived the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers," the Prime Minister proudly said at a rally in Katra after inaugurating the two bridges. He also inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line and flagged off Vande Bharat services between Katra and Srinagar, which is expected to be a game-changer for tourism. "We have always invoked Maa Bharati with deep reverence, saying 'from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.' Today, this has become a reality even in our railway network," said PM Modi, referring to Jammu and Kashmir as the "crown jewel of India". The Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, is an engineering marvel built in the face of extreme weather and a challenging topography. At 359 metres, it is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 metres. "People visit France to see the Eiffel Tower, and this bridge is taller than that. This bridge will not just help you visit Kashmir, it will become a tourist destination itself," he said. PM Modi said the Chenab and Anji bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. "The Chenab and Anji bridges are a living symbol of India's power on the inaccessible hills of Pir Panjal. This is the roar of India's bright apples will be able to reach the big markets of the country at a low cost and on time," he said. The Prime Minister also called the 272-km USBRL project a symbol of an empowered Jammu and Kashmir and a resounding proclamation of India's growing strength. India won't bow to terrorism, PM Modi reiterated, vowing that his government would not let development stop in Jammu and Kashmir at any cost. "Jammu and Kashmir's development won't stop due to the Pahalgam attack. This is Modi's promise. I won't let development stop. No obstacle can stop the youth from achieving their dreams. Any obstacle must face Narendra Modi first," the prime minister assured the people of the Union territory. Tourism is one of the key means to generate employment opportunities, but Pakistan is trying to destabilise the region, he said, slamming the neighbouring country known for harbouring terrorists. "Our neighbouring country is not only against humanity but also against tourism. It is actively working against the livelihoods of the poor. The Pahalgam attack is a clear example of this. It was an attack on 'insaniyat (humanity) and Kashmiriyat'. It aimed at triggering riots in India. That is why they targeted the tourists," said the Prime Minister. At least 26 civilians, including a local horseman, died in the April 22 terror attack.