Inconvenient data brushed aside: Congress slams govt after World Bank says extreme poverty in India declined
The 2022-23 Consumption Expenditure Survey, conducted after an 11-year gap, came with a revised methodology -- making direct comparisons with the UPA-era data appear favourable, but statistically invalid, Khera said.
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Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Kashmir's rail revolution is a tribute to govt resolve and grit
On a clear June day, draped in marigold flowers and national pride, the Vande Bharat Express began its maiden journey from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar. Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the moment marked more than just the launch of a high-speed train. It was the culmination of a century-old dream—one forged in steel, vision, and unyielding resolve. The rail unification of Kashmir with the rest of India is that resolve. A train to Kashmir with an ultra-modern travel experience runs on the solid foundation of our engineers. Cutting the travel time short, Vande Bharat trains run twice a day, six times a week from both sides. They are not only bringing in the much-needed push for the local economic development in the valley but are emerging as a boon for tourists from all over. For decades, Kashmir's story has been told through the lens of conflict and remoteness. It's heartening to see it being rewritten in the language of infrastructure – bridges, tunnels, and rail lines threading their way through the mountains. Coming on the eve of the 11 years of Modi's governance at the Centre, the special trains and the connecting link are all set to change the destiny of locals in Kashmir. In its 172-year history of service to the nation, Indian Railways has crossed many important milestones. Generations of dedicated railway men and women have toiled to make connectivity and carriage an everyday reality. But to paraphrase a line from an iconic Indian advertisement: Indian Railways doesn't just build tracks—it also knits the fabric of national unity! From isolation to integration Historically, Kashmir's isolation was more than metaphorical—it was geographic and punishingly real. Tucked high in the Himalayas and routinely cut off by snow for days together, the region remained distant not just in reach but even experience. Roads were often treacherous, air travel limited, and full rail connectivity a mirage. A British-era proposal for a Kashmir rail link remained on the drawing board for decades, hindered by complex geopolitical challenges. After countless rounds of deliberations, feasibility studies, technical evaluations, and consultations with both domestic and international experts, the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) was officially sanctioned in 1994. While the northern and southern sections progressed steadily and were effectively completed within a decade, the central stretch—from Katra to Banihal—posed an engineering and security challenge of Himalayan proportions. For years, the rail line lingered as two disconnected segments—like outstretched hands reaching across a chasm of mountains. But that chasm symbolized more than just physical terrain. The final push to complete the USBRL project came when the government declared it a national priority. With a firm resolve and cutting-edge technology working in tandem, the project finally saw light at the end of the tunnel—quite literally. As Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw aptly remarked, this was far more than a transportation initiative; it was a nation-building effort. Where steel defies the sky The USBRL project may well be the most ambitious rail initiative since Independence. The 272-km stretch between Udhampur and Baramulla snakes through 40 tunnels and over 900 bridges. And at the center of it all is the record-breaking Chenab Bridge – the tallest railway bridge in the world, standing 359 meters above the riverbed. This engineering marvel is capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 260 kmph and tremors of seismic zone-V. Beside it stands the: Anji Khad Bridge, the country's first cable-stayed railway bridge, stretching asymmetrically across a valley, anchored by a single pylon and supported by 96 cables. Tunnels, including the 11-kilometer-long T-80 (Banihal - Qazigund) tunnel through the Pir Panjal range, have been carved through fragile rock with a mix of dynamite and human grit. Physical surveys were done on horseback, while drones and satellite imaging provided aerial support. Workers labored through harsh winters, sudden landslides, and the looming threat of Pak-sponsored terrorist attacks. Today, more than 190 km of tunnels and thousands of tons of steel later, the line stands complete – a feat that combines precision engineering with a certain audacity of vision, linking the valley to the rest of the nation in a way that is profoundly symbolic. A train called hope In many ways, the Vande Bharat Express is not just a train, it is a metaphor. It glides quietly through meadows and valleys, bridging distances both physical and psychological, proclaiming that Kashmir is no longer distant! It has reduced travel time between Srinagar and Katra to just over three hours, down from nearly six. What was once a treacherous road journey through landslide-prone hairpin bends and unpredictable weather, is now a smooth ride through tunnels and bridges that defy belief. It connects not only cities, but lives. Children in far-off villages are now talking about universities in Jammu and Delhi. Local artisans, apple growers, and carpet weavers now see their goods reaching markets beyond the valley – fresher, faster, further. 'Where there were checkpoints and delays. There is now the sound of a train. It feels like we're no longer waiting for the rest of the country to arrive, we are moving with it,' said a young shopkeeper in Srinagar. A new journey unfolds This is not to suggest that one train will solve Kashmir's complex problems. Infrastructure cannot erase history or immediately heal wounds – security concerns will need addressing yet. But it can open doors—both literally and symbolically. And it can lay the groundwork for integration that is economic, social, and, ultimately, emotional. What began as a dream on drawing boards in colonial offices has become a reality on steel rails blending with Himalayan rock. The rail line to Kashmir is the story of a country that refused to be daunted by terrain, terror, or time. From mountain shadows to sunlit stations, a new journey has begun! (The writer is former CEO and Chairman Railway Board)
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Modi at 11: Economy's good, but job creation, land & labour reforms need a push
There are two parameters that economists typically use to measure the economic performance of a country or any govt - growth rate and inflation. Going by GDP growth, the Indian economy expanded an average 6.8% during the UPA tenure, while averaging 6.2% between 2014-15 and 2024-25. But keeping 2020-21, when Covid resulted in economic contraction, and 2021-22, when the base effect resulted in a massive jump in growth, the average works out to 7.1%. On inflation too, the years of Modi govt have been better, averaging 8.1%, compared with 5% during the 10 years of Manmohan Singh (although based on different base years). While there is greater focus on managing food prices by ensuring improved supply and quicker responses, a big differentiator is crude oil, which has been kinder to Modi than Singh. On June 10, 2014, the Indian basket for refiners was $107 a barrel, translating into Rs 6,331 a barrel at the then exchange rate of Rs 59.26 to a dollar. Eleven years later, PPAC data for June pegs the Indian basket at $67.38 and at Tuesday's exchange rate of Rs 85.60 to a dollar, the cost works out to Rs 5,711 a barrel - almost 11% lower. "The economy delivered an average growth of 6.2% and an inflation rate of 5% over the last 11 years, despite the pandemic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The economy is currently in a healthy shape with inflation under control, corporates and banks having healthy balance sheets, a low current account deficit, and ample forex reserves. Rains and crude oil prices, which are luck factors, are expected to be favorable this year. We expect India's GDP to grow at 6.5% in fiscal 2026, with risks tilted to the downside due to weak global prospects amid heightened uncertainty," said Crisil chief economist DK Joshi. Economists concur that on most macro parameters, the Indian economy is healthy: India remains the fastest growing major economy, inflation is within RBI's comfort zone of under 4%, the fiscal numbers are transparent, bank and corporate balance sheets are not as fragile as 10 years ago, and the current account deficit remains within control. Apart from cleaning up its books, the Centre is seen to be prudent in fiscal management. "India demonstrated exemplary commitment to fiscal prudence and discipline over the last one decade despite the unprecedented Covid shock. Accordingly, India's public debt profile turns out to be a strong advantage today, much in contrast to the current global trend. Lower public debt, along with better anchored inflation and current account deficit, political stability and strong domestic demand amidst the current uncertain global economic environment, has enormously enhanced India's attractiveness as a preferred investor destination over the past decade," said Siddhartha Sanyal, chief economist and head of research at Bandhan Bank. What govt and economists are worried about is a pick-up in private investment as companies are not adding capacity that will create more jobs. Creating more jobs in the organised sector is seen to be the biggest challenge for govt. Technology and AI are making the task tougher. Experts have argued that govt now needs to move quickly on two critical reforms - land and labour. While it did try to fix land acquisition related issues soon after coming to office in 2014, protests prompted it to drop the plans, just as it retreated on farm law amendments. On labour, while govt managed to enact the four codes, it has been wary of notifying them, blaming the reluctance in some opposition-governed states. They are seen to be particularly crucial at a time when India is signing several free trade agreements, which will see it lower tariffs. With BJP dependent on coalition partners, strategic sale of public sector companies and asset monetisation, which would have helped generate resources for fresh capex are issues that are on the back burner. But the new found political confidence may help Modi move faster. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
5 hours ago
- Mint
‘Consensus reached on Geneva framework,' say US, China officials
The United States and China have reached a preliminary agreement on a framework to ease trade tensions, based on the consensus established during talks in Geneva, according to negotiators from both countries, Bloomberg reported. 'We have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus,' US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters in London. This comes after nearly 20 hours of talks held over two days in a Georgian-era mansion near Buckingham Palace, China's chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang stated that both the US and Chinese delegations will now present the proposed framework to their respective leaders for further consideration. 'Once the presidents approve it, we will then seek to implement it,' Lutnick added. Moreover, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said there were no other meetings scheduled, but added that the American and Chinese sides talk frequently and are able to do so whenever they need, according to a report by Bloomberg. Following nearly 20 hours of talks held over two days in a Georgian-era mansion near Buckingham Palace, China's chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang stated that both the US and Chinese delegations will now present the proposed framework to their respective leaders for further consideration. (With inputs from Bloomberg)
