Latest news with #IndustrialCorridor
India.com
13-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Speed of 3400 kmph, range of 400 km; who makes the BrahMos missile that rattled Pakistan?
New Delhi: The 'BrahMos' missile has become a symbol of India's defense strength. During 'Operation Sindoor', when BrahMos was launched, Pakistan had nowhere to hide. The destruction caused by BrahMos is all over the internet in the form of images. The Pakistanis are also astonished. They are searching for who manufactures the 'BrahMos' missile and where its production units are located. BrahMos is referred to as a force multiplier because it strikes the enemy accurately and swiftly. Its specialties include multi-role, multi-platform, and multi-target capabilities. This missile is now making waves in the international market. About BrahMos missile BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from land, sea, and air. It features a 'fire and forget' system which means that once the target is locked, it does not require further guidance. It is capable of operating day and night and in all weather conditions. So far, more than 100 successful tests have been conducted. Its range is between 290 and 400 kilometers and it can reach speeds of Mach 2.8 (about 3,430 km/h). Recently, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility. This state-of-the-art unit has been established under the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor, which spans six major nodes, Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot. Lucknow centre The new Integration and Testing Center in Lucknow will produce 80 to 100 supersonic BrahMos missiles each year. Later, this capacity can be increased to 100 to 150 next-generation BrahMos missiles. This unit covers an area of 80 hectares and was provided with land free of cost by the Uttar Pradesh government. Its total cost is approximately Rs 300 crore. The weight of the next-gen BrahMos will be just 1,290 kg, while it used to weigh up to 2,900 kg earlier. The advantage of this will be that Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI will now be able to carry three missiles simultaneously instead of one.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Rajnath Singh thanks armed forces for giving ‘befitting reply' to Pakistan
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday thanked armed forces for giving a befitting reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor after the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, and said India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. 'Through Operation Sindoor, India gave a clear message to the entire country of its willingness to respond to terrorist attacks,' Singh said while virtually inaugurating the BrahMos Missile complex in Uttar Pradesh. 'This is not the first time that India has responded to terrorist attacks. The Uri surgical strike, Balakot air strike and now after the Pahalgam attack, India has shown the world how it can respond to terrorist attacks,' Singh said. 'We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism... On behalf of everyone, I thank our arm forces for giving a befitting reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor,' he said. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 through which the Indian Air Force carried out air raids against nine targets in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Pakistan's Punjab province. Commenting on the BrahMos facility in Uttar Pradesh's state capital Lucknow, Singh said that now India is fast emerging as a Defence Industry hub. The BrahMos production unit has come up on 80 acres of land in Bhatgaon in Sarojini Nagar Tehsil in Lucknow, provided free of cost by the Yogi Adityanath government. Completed at a cost of ₹300 crore in three-and-a-half years, the facility will manufacture the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile—a joint India-Russia project with a range of 290 to 400 km and a top speed of Mach 2.8. The BrahMos can be launched from land, sea, or air and uses a 'fire and forget' system, making it highly precise and difficult to intercept. The project is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow on February 21, 2018, the corridor spans six strategic nodes—Kanpur, Jhansi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Agra, and Chitrakoot—under the supervision of the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). The six nodes in Uttar Pradesh's corridor are located near major expressways like the Purvanchal Expressway and the Ganga Expressway. This ensures smooth transport and logistics. Singh said that Kanpur, which was known as Manchester of East in the past, will regain its lost glory due to the Defence Corridor project. Singh pointed out that till date around ₹4,000 crore MOUs have been rolled out in the state under the Defence Corridor project. 'The inauguration of BrahMos today holds much importance as it was on this day on May 11 ,1998, India had carried out Nuclear tests at Pokhran range in Rajasthan,' Singh said. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy CMs Keshav Pradad Maurya, Brajesh Pathak and industrial development minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' and others were present at the event. Rajnath Singh joined the event virtually from New Delhi. 'The project has been completed in record 40 months due to the support of CM Yogi Adityanath for making available all resources,' said Singh. Earlier, addressing the gathering, Adityanath said, 'This is the same Uttar Pradesh which was once called a 'Bimaru' state. Today we are a revenue surplus state. Today, Uttar Pradesh has the largest network of expressways and metro in the country. Today the state has maximum airports, and four international airports are in operation. Soon, Asia's biggest airport (Noida Int'l airport) will be operational.' Adityanath said. On the Defence Corridor project, he said that work was in progress in all six nodes of the corridor.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
AP boosts electronics manufacturing unit
Vijayawada: The State government on Tuesday released the Andhra Pradesh Electronics Manufacturing policy aims to increase electronics production in the State to Rs.4.2 lakh crores by the end of the policy period from 2024 to 2029. The government is expecting investments worth Rs.84,000 crore in the electronics industry. Additionally, it aims to create 5 lakh first-time jobs in the electronics manufacturing sector during the policy period. Earlier, the State government established a detailed and structured workflow to facilitate the effective implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Electronics Manufacturing Policy for the period 2024–2029. This comprehensive framework outlines the procedures, roles, and responsibilities to ensure the successful execution of the policy's objectives. The government decided to launch campaign to attract investment to give big boost to the Electronics manufacturing industry. The state offers strategic advantages, including a coastal location, world-class infrastructure, and a strong industrial base. Key cities such as Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Nellore, Sricity, Kadapa, and Anantapur host dedicated electronics manufacturing clusters. The state's skilled workforce, competitive operational costs, and proactive government policies provide an attractive ecosystem for investors. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh's logistics network, featuring well-connected ports, airports, and the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), enhances its export potential, further solidifying its position as a leading electronics manufacturing hub. Information and Technology, Electronics, communications (Promotions) department issued the GOMs No. 13 in this regard on Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh Electronics Manufacturing Policy (4.0) 2024-29 aims to attract foreign direct investments, which bring heavy capital investments, add local value, and encourage companies to generate huge employment opportunities. This document serves as a comprehensive guide for investors, detailing the procedures for availing various incentives and the mechanisms for policy implementation. The department of IT and Electronics issued the guidelines on Electronics Manufacturing policy. Besides, the Consultative Committee for the Information Technology and Electronics Industry (CCITEI) is restructured to effectively implement policies and address issues related to IT, ITeS, electronics, and start- ups. The re-constituted committee will serve as a platform for policy discussions, regulatory support, and industry growth, ensuring alignment with broader economic and technological goals. It will also streamline proposal evaluations and oversee the efficient, timely, and transparent disbursement of incentives. The government has accorded approval for the Operating Guidelines for Andhra Pradesh Electronics Manufacturing Policy. The government has announced that the Global Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in technologies such as 5G, IoT, AI, and autonomous systems. The increasing demand for sophisticated electronic devices has spurred innovation and investment in design and manufacturing worldwide. Asia-Pacific continues to dominate the sector, with countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan leading in electronics production. The global semiconductor shortage has emphasized the need for resilient supply chains, prompting governments and companies to invest in local manufacturing. India is emerging as a key player in the global ESDM landscape, supported by initiatives like 'Make in India,' the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM). These policies have attracted significant investments, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. Now, the government is establishing itself as a premier destination for ESDM investments in India. This Policy shall be valid for 5 years and Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) shall be the nodal agency.
Asia Times
18-04-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Superpower chess: Is India the next pawn to fall?
Over years spent observing global events and decisions, it's become apparent that a trend has played out time and again in history. America embodies the spirit of action – swift and bold, often preceding thought. For better or worse, it is a nation of action, even if the action is miscalculated. From the Iraq invasion in 2003 to current tariff wars, the US moves first and figures it out later. India, on the other hand, is rich in ideas but tends to get stuck in analysis and debate, resulting in delayed or no action. Grand projects like Smart Cities , Industrial Corridor, Startup India and Make in India are unveiled with fanfare and then quietly buried under bureaucratic rubble. China, in contrast, thinks in decades. It builds slowly and strategically. Then, when it moves, it leaves the world stunned – whether it's turning Shenzhen into a tech mecca or building an AI app called DeepSeek, that shakes Wall Street and triggers a $1 trillion drop in US tech valuations overnight. In their differences lies a pattern, a deeper truth about how civilizations choose to engage with the world: through impulse, introspection or integration. America is known for taking The Bold Action, but never assesses At What Cost? India has tremendous potential and brainpower, but systemic inertia slows progress. China's ability to think and act in harmony provides it a strong edge. In the global balance of power, strength is often measured not just by military might or economic numbers but also by the willingness to stand firm under pressure. India showed such strength in 2008 with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's stance regarding the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. Despite leading a fragile coalition, Singh held his ground. Under immense international pressure to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, he secured a historic NSG waiver without compromising India's nuclear autonomy. Singh pushed the deal through the Indian Parliament amidst fierce domestic opposition, including a no-confidence motion, and simultaneously secured a historic waiver from the NSG in 2008 – without signing the NPT or compromising India's nuclear autonomy. The deal ended India's post-1998 isolation and showcased strategic clarity, political courage, and firm diplomacy. In the current period, Russia and China both have displayed boldness. When the US imposed sanctions on Russia, Moscow didn't flinch – it adapted, recalibrated its economy and adjusted its foreign policy to endure Western pressure. China, faced with aggressive tariffs under Trump, responded decisively – retaliating both economically and diplomatically, signaling it wouldn't be bullied into submission. India, meanwhile, charted a softer course marked by submission. Rather than assert its sovereign interests, it appeared to appease Washington. The Modi government's handling of Trump-era tariffs lacked both conviction and assertiveness. Even the basic level of strategic autonomy seen in 2008 now appears missing. India has shown the world that, despite its size and potential, it remains hesitant when boldness is most needed. In contrast to Russia and China, India's response to US pressure under Trump was marked by submission rather than strength. After winning the US presidential election, Trump invited Xi Jinping to his inauguration but snubbed Modi – despite Modi's repeatedly having called him a 'close friend.' Modi was eventually invited, in February, but the visit was a low-key, business-first affair, typical of a working visit. Trump, who often labeled India a 'tariff king' and a 'trade abuser,' continued his hardline stance. To appease him, the Modi government made several economic concessions ahead of the visit, including slashing customs duties on high-end motorcycles like Harley-Davidson from 50% to 30%, and reducing average tariffs from 13% to 11%. India also stepped back from its 2024 BRICS push for de-dollarization after Trump threatened penalties. Despite these overtures, Trump remained focused on narrowing the US trade deficit – claiming it was $100 billion, double the actual figure of $45.7 billion. Modi, notably, did not challenge this exaggeration during their joint press conference. In return, Trump announced expanded military sales, including F-35 jets, and increased oil and gas exports to India. Yet, the optics quickly soured. Just two days after Modi's U.S. visit, two American military aircraft carrying 228 deported Indians – including women, children, and infants – landed in Amritsar. Images of Indians in chains circulated widely, sparking outrage and highlighting two uncomfortable truths: India's economy is failing to generate sufficient jobs for its youth – 10 million annual new labor market entrants – and Washington offers no special treatment to its so-called allies. Trump's approach has been transactional and dismissive – imposing tariffs and pressing India on trade and immigration while giving little in return. The US treats India less like a strategic partner and more like a subordinate expected to comply. India was once seen as a rising global power – rich in democracy, resources and potential to rival China. But under Modi's decade-long leadership its global stature has declined. India's current trajectory, coupled with its international treatment, is beginning to resemble that of nations like Ukraine and Pakistan that struggled to convert their potential into real global influence. A critical aspect of India's fall from grace is the erosion of its democratic foundations. Over the last decade, the Modi government shifted towards authoritarianism. The very thing that made India unique – a vibrant democracy where mistakes could be made and corrected – has been destroyed. India never was destined to grow as fast as China, but its democratic model allowed for sustainable, steady progress. The strength of India's democracy was in its ability to adapt, to learn from mistakes and to evolve. In the last decade, however, this foundational strength has been compromised. The government's lack of accountability and its increasing centralization of power have stifled the growth of critical institutions. Today the public feels disconnected as the government fails to tackle core issues like unemployment, corruption and poverty. A common sentiment is that while China was preparing for the fourth industrial revolution and the era of artificial intelligence, India was busy finding ancient temples. India's foreign policy, once seen as wise and balanced, now appears misguided. The country has failed to assert its influence in key global negotiations. Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, India's decision to continue importing oil from Russia, despite Western sanctions, has sparked criticism. This decision, while financially pragmatic in the short term, has long-term consequences. The very things that made India unique – its democratic values and its non-aligned stance – have been compromised. India is increasingly perceived as trading principles for short-term gains, weakening the credibility of its foreign policy. Its growing dependence on Russian energy and its lack of alternative sources leave it vulnerable. President Trump's recent warning about potential secondary tariffs on Russian oil further complicates the situation, especially given Russia's role as a top crude supplier to India. This energy reliance opens India to external pressure, with global powers using its needs as a leverage. The challenge is critical. Modi's combination of strong rhetoric and weak results has pushed India to the edge. As the global order shifts, if India cannot assert itself as a strong, independent nation, it may soon find itself – like Ukraine – a pawn in a game it cannot control. The time for meaningful change is now—before the trajectory is set and irreversible.
