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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Defence exports signal India's rise as regional security provider
Under Modi 3.0, India emphasizes delivery over rhetoric, evident in mandates and initiatives like PM-KISAN and Ayushman Bharat. Operation Sindoor showcased India's defense capabilities, bolstered by the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and rising defense exports. The nation's startup ecosystem thrives, alongside advancements in digital infrastructure and strategic investments, paving the way for economic growth and national renewal. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) 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 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 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 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 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 Author is is Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas


Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Northeast to get 4 aquaparks, region has huge potential for fish production: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh
Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Sunday announced that four aquaparks will be set up in the Northeast. These four aquaparks would come up in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Nagaland. After inaugurating a fish festival in Agartala and virtually laying the foundation stone for the integrated aquapark in Tripura, the minister said, 'The northeastern states and Tripura have the potential to increase fish production, and they also have huge demands for fish. Both the Central and state governments have undertaken efforts jointly to hike the production of fish in the country.' The integrated aquapark in Tripura would come up in the Unakoti district. Tripura Animal Resource Development Department Minister Sudhangshu Das, among others, was present at the event. 'The project, having an investment of Rs 42.4 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), would act as the backbone for upgradation of infrastructure required for production of fish, processing, and marketing in the state,' said a senior official. The aquapark would offer services of hatcheries, feed mills, and cold storage, among others, under one roof, as per an official statement. The park would further serve as a hub-and-spoke model for addressing regional fish requirements. At present, Tripura has an annual per capita fish consumption rate of 29 kg. The Union minister inaugurated a 40 TLPD milk plant at Bamutia in West Tripura district on Saturday. The newly launched milk processing unit has a capacity of handling 40,000 litres of milk per day, of which 10,000 litres would be processed into curd and buttermilk. The milk processing unit has been set up to achieve self-reliance in milk production, an official said.


India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan kickstarts Northeast tour
Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 15 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in Guwahati to kickstart his visit to the Northeast. 'Shivraj Singh Chouhan has come for a 4-day visit and will be attending programs in the entire Northeast, including Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam,' State Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass told ANI. He further stated that there was a possibility of allocation of 3.8 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) amid the visit. 'Amid this, there is a possibility of allocation of houses left under PM Awas Yojna... Up till now, over 25 lakh houses have been made and 3.8 lakh are left... Survey is ongoing in Assam and under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, we are trying to allocate the rest of the houses...' he further stated. Chouhan was greeted by Assam Minister and Asom Gana Parishad (AGS) leader Atul Bora at the Guwahati Airport. Taking to social media X, Bora in a post wrote, 'It was a pleasure to extend a warm welcome to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri@ChouhanShivrajJi, his esteemed spouse Smt. Sadhana Singh Chouhan Ji & other family members upon their arrival at Kanchanjuri in Nagaon district. Wished them a pleasant and memorable stay amidst the natural beauty and rich culture of Assam. Hon'ble Kaziranga Lok Sabha MP Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and several distinguished personalities were also present.' Meanwhile, an exhibition on Operation Sindoor was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in honour of the Indian armed forces at the BJP headquarters in Guwahati. 'After the Pahalgam terror attack, how our armed forces, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, displayed great valour and destroyed the terror infrastructure of Pakistan. Our missile systems, our defence infrastructure, and the exemplary courage of our forces destroyed the terror infrastructure of Pakistan. To show this to everyone, we have put up an exhibition,' the Assam CM told reporters. He also urged people to come see the exhibition and join the Tiranga Yatra organised by the party in the city. 'I urge the people to come and see the exhibition and also join the Tiranga yatra in the state,' CM Sarma added. (ANI)


Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chief minister launches Rs 644 crore development projects in Panchmahal on Gujarat Gaurav Divas
Gandhinagar: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel launched Gujarat Gaurav Divas celebrations in Panchmahal on Thursday, by unveiling Rs 644.72 crore in development projects. Highlighting Gujarat's progress post-2001 under Narendra Modi's leadership, Patel emphasised the state's holistic development plan. From Godhra, he virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 85 projects. He also inaugurated the newly constructed office of the Inspector General of Police in Godhra, built at a cost of over Rs 5.05 crore, and visited the arms exhibition organised as part of the Gujarat Police Expo 2025. Patel highlighted that the scale of development projects being inaugurated on Thursday was equivalent to what once constituted an entire year's district development budget. . Robust systems have been established across the state in key areas such as healthcare, education, drinking water, roads, and electricity, he said. He mentioned the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana's impact on eastern tribal areas, , from Ambaji to Umargam. A 100-bed sub-district hospital will be established at Morva Hadaf in Panchmahal district, ensuring better healthcare access for rural communities, he added. The CM said that 4.77 crore citizens have also been registered under Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). He also spoke about the upgradation of 12 roads to Garvi Gujarat high-speed corridors, including the Santarampur–Morva Hadaf road, which will be built for Rs 676 crore to improve connectivity for 3 lakh residents in the region and provide faster access to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Mangadh Hill, and the Statue of Unity. Additionally, Rs 110 crore has been approved to extend the Kalol Bypass into a four-lane road. Furthermore, Rs 250 crore has been approved for resurfacing of 171 roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in tribal areas. Irrigation water from Panam dam will reach 9 Panchmahal villages (rs 31 crore), benefiting 1,250 hectares.