Latest news with #ViksitBharat
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
MoD slashed timelines for some processes in procurement cycle, saving about 69 weeks: Defence Secretary
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has significantly shortened timelines for key processes in the military equipment procurement cycle as part of sweeping reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and advancing India's goal of 'Aatmanirbharta' in the defence sector, as per an official release. Speaking at a defence conclave in the national capital on Friday, Singh stated that the decision will save an overall 69 weeks, noting that the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 is being revisited to reflect current realities, shifting from the traditional nomination-based cost-plus procurement to a competitive pricing model where both public and private sectors can vie for orders. This approach is already being implemented for shipbuilding and recently for the AMCA project, he added. Singh's remark followed serious concerns raised by the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh during his address at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 on Thursday over persistent delays in defence projects, the systemic issue of unrealistic timelines, and their impact on operational readiness. Air Chief Marshal pointed at the recurring pattern of delays in project execution and criticised the practice of committing to unachievable deadlines in the context of the reported ongoing challenges with projects like the delivery of the aircraft. Singh emphasised the critical role of self-reliance in preserving India's strategic autonomy and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat while urging private industries to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and capital equipment to strengthen the domestic defence ecosystem. Deliberating upon India's Defence Vision, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that it centres around Aatmanirbharta for preserving the strategic autonomy of the country. It is also critical in achieving the broader goal of Viksit Bharat, such as expanding our GDP from the current 4 Trillion Dollars to 32 Trillion Dollars by 2047, growing our manufacturing sector, enhancing India's start-up culture and widening our industrial base, generating employment and also its spin-off benefits that come from the dual use of technology. He underscored the impact of indigenisation over the past decade, stating that India has transitioned from being the top importer in 2015 to becoming one of the top 25 exporters today. Over 100 Indian companies are now exporting to 100-plus countries. The list of products includes missiles such as Brahmos, rocket launchers like Pinaka, simulators, armoured vehicles, the Dornier aircraft, different types of ships, offshore patrol vessels, etc. The upsurge in exports can be gauged from the fact that our exports have grown 30 times in the last ten years to Rs 23,622 crores in the last financial year. Our defence industry today includes 16 Defence PSUs, 430 licensed companies and approximately 16000 MSMEs. Domestic defence sales also increased from Rs 43746 crores in 2014 to Rs 127000 crores in 2023-24. Singh also highlighted record achievements in the financial year 2024-25, noting that the MoD has completely utilised the defence modernisation budget for the first time in the past five years and signed contracts worth a record Rs 2 lakh crores during the last financial year, which is the highest ever achieved and double that of the figures for 2023-24. This would ensure that the armed forces' modernisation process keeps pace. It would also help the Ministry demand a higher share in the union budget, leading to a minimum defence to GDP ratio of 2.5 per cent in five years as a first step and thereafter to 3 per cent in the medium term. (ANI)
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
AM/NS India launches world-class, patented colour-coated products Optigal® Prime and Optigal® Pinnacle to drive ‘Viksit Bharat'
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) today announced the launch of Optigal® Prime and Optigal® Pinnacle, two world-class, high-performance products in its premium colour-coated steel portfolio Optigal®. With this launch, AM/NS India ups its game in the colour-coated steel market in India, introducing for the first time European standard highly corrosion-resistant steel for use in large high-end infrastructure and construction projects such as state-of-the-art airports, railway stations, highways, large building projects. The company is pioneering a new market segment in high-quality C4 specialty steel previously unavailable in India, where it proudly stands as the sole domestic producer. The product will support the Prime Minister's call for accelerated development, which would be the key to achieving a 'Viksit Bharat'. AM/NS India targets a dominant market share in this segment and a 25% share in the overall colour-coated steel segment. The colour-coated steel segment in India, which is estimated to be 3.4 million tonnes market at present, is growing at a sustained pace of around 10 per cent annually. The addition of two new specialised Optigal® offerings will bring AM/NS India closer towards its goal of securing 25% within the next two to three years. Optigal® Prime is suited for urban and moderately corrosive environments, offering a 15-year warranty. Available in advanced finishes like Silicon Modified Polyester (SMP), Super Durable Polyester (SDP), and PVDF, it is an ideal choice for roofing, cladding, and a range of other construction needs. Optigal® Pinnacle is the top-tier variant, designed for harsh industrial and coastal conditions. Backed by a 25-year warranty, it features high-performance PU/PA coatings that offer superior resistance to moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures – making it suitable for demanding applications such as airports, warehouses, and marine-facing buildings. Ranjan Dhar, Director and Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), said: 'Launch of Optigal® Prime and Optigal® Pinnacle reflects our commitment to quality, durability, and sustainable innovation. As India's infrastructure and construction needs evolve on the path to 'Viksit Bharat', we are proud to offer world-class, high-performance steel solutions that address diverse climatic and industrial demands. This marks a significant step forward as we continue to strengthen our value-added product portfolio in line with our brand promise – Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures.' Six specialised variants of Optigal® Prime and Optigal® Pinnacle will be available – High Gloss, Anti-Dust, Anti-Graffiti, Anti-Static, Anti-Microbial, and Cool Roof – that will cater to diverse needs for high-performance steel solutions in rapidly expanding India's construction and infrastructure sectors. These variants have been developed using the advanced Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium technology to deliver superior protection from corrosion and weathering – up to three times compared to conventional coatings. As part of AM/NS India's commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative, these steel solutions have been designed with an eco-conscious approach – featuring low VOC emissions, no heavy metals or hexavalent chromium, and 100% recyclability, making them an excellent choice for sustainable and future-ready construction. Optigal® products are being manufactured at the company's state-of-the-art facility in Pune, Maharashtra. The company's colour-coated steel capacity currently stands at about 7 lakh tonnes annually, with plans to expand to one million tonnes soon, reinforcing its leadership in India's colour-coated steel segment.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
MoD slashed timelines for some processes in procurement cycle, saving about 69 weeks: Defence Secretary
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has significantly shortened timelines for key processes in the military equipment procurement cycle as part of sweeping reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and advancing India's goal of ' Aatmanirbharta ' in the defence sector, as per an official at a defence conclave in the national capital on Friday, Singh stated that the decision will save an overall 69 weeks, noting that the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 is being revisited to reflect current realities, shifting from the traditional nomination-based cost-plus procurement to a competitive pricing model where both public and private sectors can vie for approach is already being implemented for shipbuilding and recently for the AMCA project, he remark followed serious concerns raised by the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh during his address at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 on Thursday over persistent delays in defence projects, the systemic issue of unrealistic timelines, and their impact on operational Chief Marshal pointed at the recurring pattern of delays in project execution and criticised the practice of committing to unachievable deadlines in the context of the reported ongoing challenges with projects like the delivery of the emphasised the critical role of self-reliance in preserving India's strategic autonomy and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat while urging private industries to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and capital equipment to strengthen the domestic defence upon India's Defence Vision, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that it centres around Aatmanirbharta for preserving the strategic autonomy of the country. It is also critical in achieving the broader goal of Viksit Bharat, such as expanding our GDP from the current 4 Trillion Dollars to 32 Trillion Dollars by 2047, growing our manufacturing sector, enhancing India's start-up culture and widening our industrial base, generating employment and also its spin-off benefits that come from the dual use of underscored the impact of indigenisation over the past decade, stating that India has transitioned from being the top importer in 2015 to becoming one of the top 25 exporters today. Over 100 Indian companies are now exporting to 100-plus countries. The list of products includes missiles such as Brahmos, rocket launchers like Pinaka, simulators, armoured vehicles, the Dornier aircraft, different types of ships, offshore patrol vessels, etc. The upsurge in exports can be gauged from the fact that our exports have grown 30 times in the last ten years to Rs 23,622 crores in the last financial year. Our defence industry today includes 16 Defence PSUs, 430 licensed companies and approximately 16000 MSMEs. Domestic defence sales also increased from Rs 43746 crores in 2014 to Rs 127000 crores in also highlighted record achievements in the financial year 2024-25, noting that the MoD has completely utilised the defence modernisation budget for the first time in the past five years and signed contracts worth a record Rs 2 lakh crores during the last financial year, which is the highest ever achieved and double that of the figures for would ensure that the armed forces' modernisation process keeps pace. It would also help the Ministry demand a higher share in the union budget, leading to a minimum defence to GDP ratio of 2.5 per cent in five years as a first step and thereafter to 3 per cent in the medium term.
Hans India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan participates in 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' event in Jammu
Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has said that the Government will make farmers self-reliant and transform the agricultural landscape of India. The minister was addressing a convention of farmers organised under the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (VKSA) at R. S. Pura, Jammu, on Friday. He was accompanied by the Union Minister of State, Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh. The Union Minister paid homage to the brave soldiers stationed at the border areas and lauded the enduring resilience of farmers living under the constant shadow of cross-border threats. The Minister emphasised the government's dedication to national security and agricultural prosperity. The Minister upheld the valour of Indian soldiers and recognised the significance of Operation Sindoor, during which calculated strikes were conducted on terror infrastructure across the border. 'It was a necessary step; Pakistan's attempts to infiltrate with drones and missiles were dealt with decisively. This is a tribute to the strength of our armed forces and the will of the Indian people,' he said. The Minister highlighted the vital role of farmers living in border regions, describing them as the second line of defence. Terming the courage of farmers as unmatched, he said that despite facing constant danger, farmers continue to cultivate the land and feed the nation. He assured the local farming community that their concerns, particularly regarding land rights, security infrastructure, and access to government schemes, have been heard. 'The demand for more bunkers in vulnerable areas will be strongly raised in New Delhi. Your safety is our priority,' he affirmed. Underlining the government's vision of Viksit Bharat, he said that there can be no Viksit Bharat without Viksit Krishi, highlighting that the agricultural production has reached an all-time high this year, thanks to the hard work of the farmers and scientists. As part of an ongoing agricultural transformation, he revealed that research scientists will now visit villages, address farmers' queries, and provide hands-on guidance to tackle crop diseases and boost productivity. 'Maintain close contact with these scientists. They are your partners in progress,' he urged. The Minister thanked the Prime Minister, the state government, and the farmers of Jammu for their efforts and cooperation. He reiterated his mission to elevate the agriculture sector to new heights, ensuring that Jammu & Kashmir becomes a model agri-region for the nation. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has taken a resolve to transform the agriculture sector by incorporating the latest trends, technologies and modern research. Chouhan emphasised that his life is devoted to serving farmers, increasing agricultural output, lowering production costs and protecting the nation's food supply. He highlighted that a balanced use of fertilisers, a deep understanding of local conditions and access to high-quality seeds are key factors that can significantly boost the productivity of farmers. He said that the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, State Agriculture Ministry, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra and all agricultural institutes should work together as a team to realise this goal. Terming the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a result-driven initiative, he expressed confidence that its benefits, including higher crop yields and reduced input costs, would be evident as early as the upcoming Kharif season.
India Gazette
20 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Kashmir occupied by Pakistan due to Nehru's policies": Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 31 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday criticised the Congress party, stating that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is a consequence of Jawaharlal Nehru's policies. While speaking with ANI, the Union Minister said, 'Why was PoK formed? Who is responsible? Congress is responsible for the partition of India. Today, Kashmir is occupied by Pakistan because of the policies of Jawaharlal Nehru.' He further added, 'Had our forces had more time, they would have freed the region at that time only.' In addition to these remarks, Chouhan highlighted the government's initiatives to strengthen the agriculture sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat.' He said, 'A prosperous farmer is important for a Viksit Bharat. A 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' is underway throughout the country. Agricultural scientists have formed 2,170 teams and are visiting villages across the country, and speaking with farmers. To make farming profitable and increase production, the cost of production should be reduced.' On Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also took aim at Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, criticising his response to the Pahalgam terror attack and labelling him a 'casual leader and baalak buddhhi (childish mindset).' Speaking to ANI, Bhandari compared Rahul Gandhi's recent actions with his behaviour during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, claiming he was seen partying while the nation was grieving. Bhandari accused Gandhi of having questionable priorities, suggesting that he is more interested in partying and practising Jujutsu with Congress workers than addressing national concerns. He also criticised Gandhi for allegedly promoting narratives that favour Pakistan.' 'Rahul Gandhi has been exposed in front of the world again... When Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi were running the government through a remote control... after the 26/11 terror attack, Rahul Gandhi was found partying. Now that he is the Leader of Opposition (LoP), he was found practising Jujutsu with his party workers. This proves that: Rahul Gandhi is a casual leader; and his childish mentality continues,' Bhandari said. Bhandari questioned Rahul Gandhi's fitness for public life, stating that his actions and priorities make him unsuitable for leadership roles. He alleged that Gandhi's actions align with Pakistan's narrative, making him potentially more effective at promoting Pakistan's interests than Pakistan itself. 'His priorities are to bat for Pakistan, promote Congress as the B team of Pakistan and that is why he promotes Jairam Ramesh to Udit Raj and makes Sanjay Raut call Operation Sindoor a failure. He himself either parties or trains in Jujutsu. This only points towards one thing that Rahul Gandhi is not fit to be in public life. He is fit for one thing, if there is anyone capable of furthering Pakistan's narrative better than Pakistan - it is Rahul Gandhi...,' the BJP spokesperson added. (ANI)
