Latest news with #AK-203
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘UP emerges as backbone of India's defence sector'
Lucknow: Crediting the Modi-Yogi leadership for transforming the state into a hub of military manufacturing and exports, Sarojininagar MLA Rajeshwar Singh on Sunday said that Uttar Pradesh is emerging as the backbone of India's defence sector. Sharing insights on platform X, Singh said, "From rifles to rockets, UP is forging India's defence future. Our state is now a symbol of self-reliance, innovation, and global impact." The state hosts seven ordnance factories, three HAL units, and two Indo-Russian ventures — the AK-203 rifle unit in Amethi and the BrahMos missile facility in Lucknow. Six Defence Corridor nodes, three testing beds, South Asia's largest arms complex (Adani Defence, Kanpur), and the country's first strategic materials complex (PTC Industries, Lucknow) further underline UP's strategic importance. Global players like MKU Limited and Lohia Aerospace from Kanpur export to over 100 countries, reinforcing UP's position in the international defence supply chain. Singh hailed this as a hallmark of Aatmanirbhar Bharat , saying, "Under PM Modi and CM Yogi, UP is not only securing India but also generating jobs, driving innovation, and placing the state on the global defence map."
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Operation Sindoor not over yet: PM Modi outlines India's bold anti-terror strategy
Delivering a strong message on national security, the Prime Minister stated, 'India has made its position clear, every terrorist attack will be avenged.' 'Our armed forces will decide the timing and method of the response,' he asserted. Rejecting the threat of nuclear retaliation as a deterrent, Modi said, 'Today's India does not fear the atomic bomb, nor will it base its decisions on such threats.' He added that India would no longer accept the excuse of state and non-state actors behind terrorism and that the masterminds and the regimes supporting them would be treated alike. Referring to India's strong military response through Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said the entire world had witnessed the anger of the country's daughters and sisters through the operation. 'Our forces entered deep into Pakistan and destroyed terrorist hideouts. The Indian Army's valour forced the Pakistani military to come on its knees and plead for a ceasefire.' He added that Operation Sindoor had not ended, it had only paused. Earlier in the day, PM Modi had an emotional interaction with the bereaved family of Shubham Dwivedi at the Kanpur airport. He met Shubham's widow Aishanya, mother Seema, and father Sanjay Dwivedi. Focusing on the importance of self-reliance in the defence sector, Modi said that India's weapons and missiles had caused devastation in the enemy country. He emphasised that achieving self-reliance was crucial not only for the economy but also for national pride. He recalled that India once heavily depended on other countries for its military needs. 'That is why we launched the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan', to free the country from this dependence,' he said. The Prime Minister credited India's growing defence capabilities to the resolve of a self-reliant nation, which played a key role in the success of recent military operations. He claimed that Uttar Pradesh was playing a vital role in making the country self-reliant in the defence sector. The PM highlighted that the UP Defence Corridor was attracting major investment, Kanpur's ordnance factories had been given commercial status, Amethi's Korba ordnance factory was manufacturing AK-203 rifles, and BrahMos missiles, used effectively during Operation Sindoor, were set to be manufactured in Lucknow. 'UP is going to be the front runner in defence export in the days to come,' said the PM.
News18
27-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Ghar Vaapsi: Smriti Irani's Visit To Amethi Ahead Of Panchayat Polls 'Sets Tone For 2029'
Last Updated: Political analysts described Irani's comeback as 'a strategic move to re-engage with the grassroots, test public sentiment, and reset political equations ahead of 2029 polls.' ' Amethi ki Didi thi, hoon aur rahoongi (I am Amethi's sister and will remain so)" – these words defined former union minister Smriti Irani's return to Amethi, her first visit to the constituency after a long time, following her defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the occasion coincided with the birth anniversary of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the political symbolism of her visit extended far beyond the commemorative event. Political analysts in Uttar Pradesh described Irani's comeback as 'a strategic move to re-engage with the grassroots, test public sentiment, and reset political equations ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls", especially after her loss on a seat she had once turned into a BJP stronghold. Experts also said that her timely visit served as a morale booster for party workers gearing up for the upcoming panchayat elections and the crucial 2027 Assembly Polls. Addressing a gathering at Rananjay Inter College grounds in Gauriganj, Irani struck an emotional and combative note. 'I am a labourer. What do I have to do with the settlements of the rich?" she declared, reciting verses from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's iconic poem to underscore her commitment to grassroots politics and laborious public service – ' Main mazdoor hoon, mujhe devon ki basti se kya! Ganitwar dhara par main swarg banaoon…" The Political Weight of Her Visit Political analyst and veteran commentator Sheetla Prasad Mishra sees Irani's return as more than a mere courtesy call. 'Smriti Irani's comeback is not accidental or emotional; it is strategic," said Mishra. 'After her defeat to Kishori Lal Sharma of Congress, many believed she would abandon Amethi like other parachute politicians. But by returning on this symbolic day – May 26, the same day Modi took oath as PM in 2014 – she is reclaiming political legitimacy in the eyes of her supporters," added Mishra. 'Her statement—'Now I live next to your house'—was not casual," said Mishra. He said it was a reassurance that her political presence will persist despite the electoral setback. From 'Guest' to 'Sister' Irani was introduced at the event as a 'guest", but in her speech she redefined her identity. 'My relationship with Amethi is not of blood, but of struggle, sweat, and respect. In 2014, I was given only 22 days to contest here. Even then, the people called me 'Didi'. Eleven years later, they no longer see me as a former MP but as a sister." The crowd responded warmly, suggesting that despite the electoral loss, Irani has retained a significant emotional connect in the constituency. Legacy and Achievements In her address, Irani listed key achievements from her tenure as MP: the AK-203 rifle factory, Coca-Cola bottling plant, a medical college, a Sainik School, and the development of an industrial corridor. She also mentioned that she has donated her MP pension to the National Defence Fund, a gesture to support the families of martyrs. She painted a picture of a 'new Amethi" – transformed from a neglected Congress stronghold into a symbol of development. 'Amethi today is a land of industries and opportunities," she said, emphasising how women-led Self Help Groups and strengthened Panchayati Raj institutions have brought about grassroots change. Criticism Cloaked in Sentiment While her speech was largely conciliatory, she could not hide her disappointment over the election result. Using metaphor, she remarked: 'Sisters build homes, brothers protect them," – a subtle yet loaded statement implying a lack of protective solidarity from her party workers or perhaps the broader electorate. She also reminded the audience that when she first arrived in 2014, the BJP wasn't in power, yet she continued her work. 'We don't calculate gains, we earn virtue," she said, reinforcing her image as a selfless worker. A Litmus Test for 2029 The return of Smriti Irani to Amethi might be seen by some as a routine visit, but the layers beneath suggest a deeper political recalibration. According to Sheetla Mishra, 'This visit could be a litmus test for 2029. If she rebuilds her base and stays in close touch, she might attempt a comeback with a stronger narrative." Irani ended her one-day visit by meeting local BJP workers and reminding them of their foundational values—dedication, discipline, and trust. Her visit also acted as a morale booster for the party cadre, especially ahead of upcoming Panchayati Elections and 2027 State Assembly Polls, added Mishra. Irani Consoles Grieving Family in Jagdishpur Before addressing the public in Gauriganj, Smriti Irani made an emotional and unscheduled stop at a residence in Jagdishpur, where a family was mourning the tragic drowning of three of its members in the Ganga River a day earlier. The moment was heavy with grief as she entered the modest home, surrounded by stunned silence and tearful eyes. Irani sat with the bereaved family, offering quiet condolences and holding the hands of the grieving. The most poignant moment came when the young daughter of one of the deceased saw Irani and burst into tears. The former minister, visibly moved, embraced the girl tightly as she sobbed, offering comfort in silence rather than words. This gesture – raw, humane, and unfiltered – spoke volumes, cutting across political lines. Irani didn't issue any official statement during the visit; she simply listened, comforted, and stood in solidarity with the family in their moment of unimaginable loss. For the locals, this wasn't a politician visiting for optics, it was 'Didi" coming home. This brief but heartfelt stop illustrated the deeply personal connection Irani still holds with segments of the Amethi electorate, reminding everyone that beyond political equations, moments of shared humanity often leave the deepest impact. In an age where electoral losses often mean political exits, Smriti Irani's re-entry into Amethi is an exception. Whether it results in political revival remains to be seen, but for now, she has reasserted her emotional and symbolic claim on the land she once conquered. She left for Delhi via Lucknow by Monday evening, but not before leaving a clear message: that her political journey in Amethi is far from over. tags : amethi smriti irani Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 13:31 IST News politics Ghar Vaapsi: Smriti Irani's Visit To Amethi Ahead Of Panchayat Polls 'Sets Tone For 2029'
New Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Rahul Gandhi reaches Rae Bareli on two-day visit to UP
LUCKNOW: Former Congress president and Rae Bareli MP Rahul Gandhi arrived on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency on Tuesday morning. He commenced his visit by distributing over a dozen solar-powered carts donated by an NGO to the underprivileged. While winding up his two-day visit to Rae Bareli and Amethi, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, is slated to visit the family members of Kanpur's Shubham Dwivedi who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) also inaugurated 2 MW Atom Solar Roof Plant and the Atom Electric Charging Station at Visaka Industries Limited, Kundanganj. On the way to the inauguration venue, the Congress leader stopped at many places to greet his supporters. He also unveiled a statue of Subhash Chandra Bose at Civil Lines and then headed to the Bachat Bhawan (district collectorate) to attend the DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee) meeting along with local leaders and public representatives. During the meeting he raised questions over the Jal Jeevan Mission, claiming that a sample survey showed that the potable water schemes had not reached people so far. At some places, leakage in the pipeline was spotted, and many households had not received the connection yet. He said that a committee comprising of officers and public representatives should be set up to check the authenticity of potable water schemes. He expressed disappointment over central schemes, claiming that of the 25 trainees of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Rural Skill Programme, only three could get placement. He called the programme a total flop. Rahul Gandhi also visited the Railway Coach factory. Rahul Gandhi's visit to Rae Bareli on Tuesday will conclude in Amethi on Wednesday, thus, he will be keeping one of the promises he made during the 2024 general election that he would give equal treatment to both the Lok Sabha constituencies. Both Rae Bareli and Amethi were considered to be the strongholds of the Nehru-Gandhi family till Rahul Gandhi lost Amethi to Smriti Irani in 2019. As Rahul Gandhi, who has represented Amethi Lok Sabha seat thrice in 2004, 2009 and 2014, decided to shift to Rae Bareli, and he was replaced by family loyalist KL Sharma against then Union minister Smriti Irani in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In Amethi, besides visiting the ordnance factory project at Korwa, Amethi, Rahul Gandhi is likely to inaugurate an open-heart surgery operation theatre at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, Munshiganj. The ordnance factory project facility is for the production of AK-203 assault rifles, a Kalashnikov variant, as part of an Indo-Russian joint venture. Rahul Gandhi is proposed to pay a visit to Indira Gandhi Nursing College at Munshiganj in the constituency. Earlier, on Tuesday, upon arriving at Lucknow airport, he was received by state Congress chief Ajay Rai, Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, and other local leaders. Meanwhile, after winning from Rae Bareli in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, this has been the fifth visit of the Congress MP to his constituency. However, after the DISHA meeting, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dinesh Pratap Singh, who was also present at the meeting, addressed the media and made critical remarks about the Congress leader's intentions. Singh accused Rahul Gandhi of attending the meeting merely to register his presence for media attention. "He comes just to make headlines. On the way, he might stop to eat jalebi or sit at a cobbler's shop because it gets him media coverage," said the minister.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
A poll promise that Rae Bareli MP will keep with his Amethi visit
When Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi begins his visit to Rae Bareli and Amethi on Tuesday, he will probably be keeping one of the promises he made in the 2024 general election that he will give equal treatment to both the Lok Sabha constituencies. Rahul Gandhi proposes to visit Amethi on Wednesday after winding up his visit to Rae Bareli beginning Tuesday. Both Rae Bareli and Amethi were considered the bastions of Nehru-Gandhi family till he lost Amethi to Smriti Irani in 2019. As Rahul Gandhi, who has represented Amethi Lok Sabha seat thrice in 2004, 2009 and 2014, decided to shift to Rae Bareli and field family loyalist KL Sharma from Amethi against then Union minister Smriti Irani in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he promised that he will treat both Rae Bareli and Amethi Lok Sabha seats alike. The Congress won both the seats in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 'Yes, Rahul Gandhi is giving equal treatment to both the Lok Sabha seats. When he came to Rae Bareli on a thanksgiving visit, he thanked the people of both the constituencies. He has been meeting the people of both the constituencies alike during his visits to Rae Bareli in the past and this time he is visiting Amethi too,' said Congress MLC Deepak Singh. The Amethi Congress is also equally enthused as preparations are afoot for Rahul Gandhi's visit. 'This is the first visit of Rahul Gandhi to Amethi after 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He will be attending two programmes in Amethi this time,' said Amethi District Congress Committee president Pradeep Singhal. 'Amethi MP KL Sharma has already reached the constituency,' he added. Besides visiting ordnance factory project at Korwa, Amethi, Rahul Gandhi proposes to inaugurate an open-heart surgery operation theatre at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, Munshiganj, Amethi. The ordnance factory project facility is for production of AK-203 assault rifles, a Kalashnikov variant, as part of Indo-Russian joint venture. Rahul Gandhi will also pay a visit to Indira Gandhi Nursing College at Munshiganj in the constituency. In Rae Bareli, he will be inaugurating a solar roof plant and electric charging station on Tuesday. The Congress MP will unveil a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose at Civil Lines, Rae Bareli, and attend a meeting of District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at Bachat Bhawan, Rae Bareli. He will also visit the rail coach factory at Lalganj, Rae Bareli. On Wednesday, before leaving for Amethi, he will meet Congress workers at Bhuemau Guest House.
