One of the key initiatives is the Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd (HURL) Sindri Fertiliser Plant, developed at a cost of over ₹8,900 crore. This plant will significantly contribute to the country’s urea production, benefiting farmers across the nation. It is the third fertilizer plant to be revived under the leadership of PM Modi, following the successful revival of plants in Gorakhpur and Ramagundam.

In addition to the fertilizer plant, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several rail projects worth more than ₹17,600 crore. These projects, including the expansion of rail services and the construction of new rail lines, will improve connectivity and promote socio-economic development in Jharkhand.

The Prime Minister also flagged off three trains during the program, further enhancing transportation infrastructure in the state. These include the Deoghar-Dibrugarh train service, the MEMU train service between Tatanagar and Badampahar, and a long-haul freight train from Shivpur station.

Furthermore, PM Modi dedicated important power projects in Jharkhand, including Unit 1 (660 MW) of the North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) in Chatra. This project, developed at a cost of over ₹7,500 crore, will improve power supply in the region and contribute to employment generation and socio-economic development.

The Prime Minister also dedicated projects related to the coal sector in Jharkhand, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy sources.

PM Modi’s visit to Jharkhand is part of a larger two-day tour that also includes visits to West Bengal and Bihar. During his visit, he will participate in a public program in Arambagh, Hooghly, where he will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than ₹7,200 crore.

PM Modi’s initiatives in Jharkhand underscore the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life for citizens across the country.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three groundbreaking space infrastructure projects: the SLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; the new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri; and the ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. These projects represent a quantum leap in India’s space capabilities and underscore the country’s growing prowess in space technology.

The PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre is poised to revolutionize India’s space launch capabilities. With this state-of-the-art facility, the frequency of PSLV launches is set to increase from 6 to 15 per year. Moreover, the PIF can also accommodate launches of SSLV and other small launch vehicles developed by private space companies, paving the way for a more diverse and dynamic space ecosystem.

The ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri heralds a new era in propulsion technology. Equipped with advanced testing infrastructure, this facility will enable the development of semi-cryogenic engines and stages, enhancing the payload capability of India’s launch vehicles. The facility’s capability to test engines up to 200 tons of thrust demonstrates India’s strides towards achieving self-reliance in space propulsion technology.

Meanwhile, the inauguration of the ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram, underscores India’s commitment to cutting-edge aerospace research and development. This sophisticated facility will play a crucial role in aerodynamic testing, essential for characterizing rockets and aircraft during flight in the atmospheric regime. The Trisonic Wind Tunnel will serve as a cornerstone for India’s future technology development needs, facilitating innovations in aerospace engineering and design.

In addition to inaugurating these transformative projects, Prime Minister Modi also reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program. During the visit, he bestowed ‘astronaut wings’ upon the four astronaut-designates, symbolizing India’s leap into the realm of manned space exploration. The Prime Minister’s unwavering support for the Gaganyaan Mission reflects India’s determination to join the league of nations with human spaceflight capabilities.

His vision to reform India’s space sector and enhance technical capabilities has received a significant boost with the inauguration of these landmark projects. As India embarks on its journey towards the Moon, Mars, and beyond, these infrastructure developments serve as a testament to the country’s indomitable spirit and quest for scientific advancement.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

Nirmala Sitharaman, currently serving as the Finance Minister, and S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, have been members of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament, for a considerable period. However, they have not yet faced popular elections.

Joshi, who holds the Coal and Mines portfolio, disclosed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contemplating their electoral debut in the Lok Sabha elections this year. Media reports suggest that Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar are likely to contest the Lok Sabha elections.

Although Nirmala Sitharaman is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka and S Jaishankar represents Gujarat, their Lok Sabha constituencies are yet to be finalized. Sitharaman, who joined the BJP in 2008, served as the national spokesperson of the party until 2014. She became a junior minister after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India. The same year, she became a member of the Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh. Sitharaman has also served as the Defence Minister of the country between 2017 and 2019.

On the other hand, S Jaishankar is a career diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary in 2015. In 2019, he was inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet and was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Over the years, he has gained popularity on social media due to his staunch defense of Indian foreign policy on international forums.

The potential electoral debut of Sitharaman and Jaishankar in the Lok Sabha elections is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape. Both ministers have been instrumental in shaping key policies and initiatives of the Modi government, and their entry into electoral politics is likely to generate significant interest among voters.

As the BJP gears up for the upcoming elections, the inclusion of Sitharaman and Jaishankar in the candidate list could be seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s position in Karnataka and other states. Their extensive experience in governance and diplomacy could also serve as a valuable asset in addressing critical issues facing the country.

The Lok Sabha elections are crucial for the BJP as it seeks to retain power and continue its agenda of development and reforms. The potential candidature of Sitharaman and Jaishankar is expected to energize the party’s campaign and attract support from various sections of society.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi began his visit by participating in scuba diving off the Arabian Sea coast at Panchkui beach. This unique activity was followed by offering prayers at the site believed to be the submerged ancient city of Dwarka, which holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and history. Dwarka, known for its grandeur and prosperity, continues to captivate imaginations with its rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Modi paid homage to Dwarka, offering peacock feathers as tribute underwater.

Later that day, Modi visited Gujarat’s renowned Lord Krishna temple, Dwarkadish. Situated at the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, the majestic Dwarkadhish Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, especially for Vaishnavites and Lord Krishna devotees.It is among the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites.. The temple’s main deity is Lord Krishna, also known as Dwarkadhish, or King of Dwarka. During his visit, Modi was presented with an idol of Lord Krishna by the temple priests.

The following day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Sudarshan Setu, India’s longest cable-stayed bridge. The bridge, spanning approximately 2.32 km, connects the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka, an island near the Okha port, located about 30 km from Dwarka town, where the famous Dwarkadhish temple is situated. Previously known as the ‘Signature Bridge,’ the structure has been renamed ‘Sudarshan Setu’ or Sudarshan Bridge. The bridge, built at an estimated cost of ₹979 crore, boasts a four-lane road that is 27.20 meters wide, with 2.50-meter wide footpaths on both sides.

The inauguration of Sudarshan Setu marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development, providing a crucial link between the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka. The bridge is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother transportation for the residents and visitors of the region.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also offered prayers at the Beyt Dwarka Temple, further emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the region. The temple, located on the island of Beyt Dwarka, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a revered deity in Hinduism.

Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Gujarat was a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and infrastructural development. His participation in scuba diving, offering prayers at ancient sites, and inaugurating the Sudarshan Setu bridge highlighted the diverse aspects of Gujarat’s identity and its ongoing progress.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

Born on December 2, 1937, in the coastal Konkan region of Maharashtra, Joshi was a civil engineer by profession. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) in Mumbai. His political journey began in 1967 when he entered politics after a stint as a teacher. He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later joined the Shiv Sena, where he emerged as a key leader known for his organizational skills.

In 1995, Joshi made history by becoming the first leader from the undivided Shiv Sena to serve as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He held this position until 1999, during which he made significant contributions to the state’s development. He was known for his commitment to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra and his efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure.

Joshi’s contributions to Indian politics extended beyond Maharashtra. In 1999, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Mumbai North-Central Lok Sabha Constituency as a Shiv Sena candidate. He later served as the Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

Throughout his political career, Joshi was known for his diligence as a legislator and his commitment to upholding parliamentary traditions. He was widely admired across the political spectrum for his dedication to public service and his efforts to make the parliamentary processes more vibrant and participative. Joshi’s passing has been mourned by leaders from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Joshi as a “veteran leader who spent years in public service and held various responsibilities at the municipal, state, and national level.” Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called Joshi an “astute leader” who was widely admired for his commitment to upholding parliamentary traditions. 

Former Union Minister and NCP founder Sharad Pawar remembered Joshi as a straightforward leader who was dedicated to accomplishing his goals. He highlighted Joshi’s role in getting the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed on the Parliament premises, underscoring his commitment to preserving and promoting Marathi culture and history. Former CM Ashok Chavan praised Joshi’s multifaceted personality, noting his interest in art and culture despite his busy political schedule. He acknowledged Joshi’s ability to balance his political responsibilities with his personal interests, which made him a well-rounded and respected leader.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray described Joshi as a trusted aide of Sena founder Bal Thackeray and a champion of Marathi rights. He highlighted Joshi’s unwavering commitment to the cause of the Marathi people, which earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.

Manohar Joshi will always be remembered for how he helped Maharashtra grow and served the public tirelessly. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew and worked with him. His passing marks the end of a special time in Maharashtra’s politics, but his work will keep inspiring future leaders.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

In his address, PM Modi emphasized the welfare of small farmers, highlighting the crucial role played by organizations like Amul in empowering them. He stated, “Our focus is on the welfare of small farmers,” acknowledging the power of organization and cooperation in the dairy sector.

PM Modi also praised the success of India’s dairy sector, noting that it is growing at a rate of 6% compared to the global average of 2%. He highlighted that eight crore people are directly associated with India’s dairy sector, and in the last decade, milk production in India has increased by about 60%. Additionally, per capita milk availability has increased by about 40% in the same period.

The Prime Minister attributed the success of the dairy sector to the “women’s power,” emphasizing the significant role played by women in the sector. He stated that Amul’s success is a testament to the power of women-led development and serves as an inspiration for India’s broader development goals.

As Amul celebrated its 50th anniversary, PM Modi inspected an exhibition showcasing the dairy firm’s achievements. He praised Amul, stating, “Amul jaisa koi nahi (No one is like Amul),” and highlighted its role as a symbol of trust, development, public participation, and farmer empowerment.

PM Modi also set an ambitious target for GCMMF, the owner of the Amul brand, to become the number one dairy company globally, aiming to move from its current eighth position.

Established in 1973 with an annual turnover of ₹20 crore, GCMMF has emerged as the country’s leading FMCG organization over the last 50 years. The Amul brand is set to achieve a turnover of ₹80,000 crore, and GCMMF is expected to achieve a turnover of ₹61,000 crore in the current financial year.

During the event, PM Modi virtually inaugurated several dairy plants, including a UHT milk plant, cheese plant expansions, and new dairy plants in various locations across India. These initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to enhance the economic power of farmers and promote the dairy sector’s growth.

PM Modi’s participation in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Amul highlights the government’s commitment to the welfare of small farmers and the development of the dairy sector. 

BY – KASHISH JAIN

The visit marked the Prime Minister’s first since the Supreme Court, in December, upheld the abrogation of Article 370. The court also ordered the restoration of statehood and instructed the Centre to hold Assembly elections by September 2024. The party convened the inaugural meeting of its state election committee in the Union Territory and conducted a workshop on its nationwide “Gaon Chalo Abhiyan”.

He urged people to support the BJP and NDA in elections, emphasizing the need for a strong mandate to continue the region’s progress. On Tuesday, the PM inaugurated AIIMS, Jammu; the world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab; and north India’s first river rejuvenation project — the Devika River project — in Udhampur. The 1.3 km-long rail bridge, located 359 meters above the Chenab, is 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and forms a crucial link in the 111-km Katra–Banihal stretch.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated his commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that a developed Jammu & Kashmir is essential for achieving a developed India. During a ‘Viksit Bharat’ programme, he expressed that his relationship with the region spans over 40 years, highlighting the central government’s numerous developmental projects dedicated to transforming this vision into reality.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for transformative projects worth ₹32,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. Among the key projects inaugurated was the commissioning of the  Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, which features the usage of Ballast Less Track (BLT) all along the route, providing a better riding experience to the passengers. Additionally, the prime minister flagged off the first Electric Train in the valley and also the train service between Sangaldan station and Baramulla station.

PM Modi also handed out appointment orders to approximately 1500 newly recruited government officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to job creation and economic development in the region.

In his address, PM Modi expressed unwavering confidence in the potential of Jammu and Kashmir, vowing to fulfill the dreams of its people with the vision of ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir’. He highlighted the significant reduction in incidents of terrorism, citing a 75% decrease, and the end of appeasement politics, which has empowered marginalized communities.

In a significant boost to the railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi is set to lay the foundation for 550 ‘Amrit Bharat’ stations. Additionally, during a virtual event spanning over 2,000 railway stations, he will also initiate the groundwork for approximately 1,500 road overbridges and underbridges across various states. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and infrastructure development, marking a crucial step in the country’s transportation progress.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union minister Jitendra Singh were also present at the event, lauding the remarkable reduction in incidents of terrorism and the end of appeasement politics, respectively.The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the importance of a developed Jammu & Kashmir in achieving a developed India, and the government’s dedication to realizing this vision.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

The event was organized by the Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust, chaired by Acharya Pramod Krishnam, who had been expelled from the Congress for six years due to anti-party remarks. Krishnam, who emphasized the significance of ‘Ram’ and ‘Rashtra’, had earlier expressed his willingness to endure a 14-year expulsion, drawing a parallel to Lord Rama’s exile.

The Prime Minister inaugurated 14,000 projects in Uttar Pradesh, collectively valued at over ₹10-lakh crore. These projects, which span various sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy, information technology, food processing, housing, and real estate, among others, were proposed during the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 .

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill the unfinished tasks left by his predecessors. He also highlighted the significance of the day, which coincided with the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, making the event even more sacred and inspiring.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister attended a ground-breaking ceremony in Lucknow, where he unveiled development projects valued over ₹10 lakh crore.These projects are expected to create 33.5 lakh job opportunities in the state, with a primary focus on sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, information technology, housing, and real estate.

These initiatives are based on Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the UP Global Investors Summit held last year, which saw investment proposals totaling ₹40 lakh crore.

“The investments are spread across regions, with Paschimanchal (west) getting the maximum 52% followed by Poorvanchal (east) 29%, Madhyanchal (central) 14% and Bundelkhand 5%,” said Uttar Pradesh industrial and infrastructure development minister Nand Gopal Gupta.

By – Kashish Jain

The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to India, his second since February 2019, initially coincided with his presence at the G20 Summit. However, he extended his stay to engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. These extended deliberations laid the foundation for further collaboration between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction with the productive talks, emphasizing the substantial scope for cooperation in various sectors. “His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and I had very productive talks. We reviewed our trade ties and are confident that the commercial linkages between our nations will grow even further in the times to come. The scope for cooperation in grid connectivity, renewable energy, food security, semiconductors, and supply chains is immense,” noted PM Modi.

The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit began with a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tradition reserved for foreign leaders visiting the presidential complex. President Droupadi Murmu, along with Prime Minister Modi and other ministers, warmly received him. In his remarks, the Saudi Crown Prince congratulated India for successfully hosting the G20 Summit and expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening ties between the two countries. “I am very glad to be here in India. A lot of announcements have been made that will benefit G20 countries and the world. We will work together to create a great future for both countries,” he affirmed.

Subsequently, the leaders convened at the historic Hyderabad House, known for its association with diplomacy and the deepening of ties with various nations. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials, the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit underscored the importance both nations attached to their growing partnership.

Later in the evening, the Saudi Crown Prince was received by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, providing an additional platform for dialogue reaffirming mutual interests and discussions on regional and international matters affecting both countries.

The significance of the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit is underscored by the notable milestone in economic cooperation. Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $52.75 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. India and Saudi Arabia have emerged as prominent trading partners for each other, with Riyadh holding the position of New Delhi’s fourth-largest trading partner and vice versa. This robust economic engagement serves as a testament to the growing synergies between the two nations.

Moreover, against the backdrop of the G20 Summit, Saudi Arabia collaborated with several countries, including India, to initiate a substantial railway and port project. This ambitious undertaking aims to streamline the flow of commerce, energy, and data from India across the Middle East to Europe, further solidifying the strategic importance of India-Saudi Arabia relations.

Energy security emerged as a key focus area during the Leaders’ Meeting. Both countries are keen to enhance their energy cooperation, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy sources. This aligns with India’s push towards clean energy solutions and Saudi Arabia’s interest in diversifying its energy portfolio.

Trade and investment were also central to the discussions, given the impressive growth in bilateral trade. Exploring opportunities for increased investment and trade facilitation measures promises to bolster economic ties.

Defense and security cooperation featured prominently in the dialogue, reflecting the shared concerns and interests of both nations in the face of evolving regional and global security challenges.

Healthcare and food security discussions addressed critical issues, particularly in light of the ongoing global pandemic and the need to ensure food sufficiency for growing populations.

September 4, 2023 – In a significant development, the Congress Election Committee met for a three-hour marathon session on Sunday to discuss the impending Chhattisgarh (CG) Election 2023. During this crucial meeting, it was decided by the officials that the names of the Congress candidates would be officially unveiled in the presence of Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. The first list of 35 to 40 candidates is scheduled to be announced on September 9.

The Election Committee, led by Chairman Mohd. Akbar brought together key figures, including Kumari Selja, the State in charge, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and State President Deepak Baij, to deliberate on candidate selection. While the names of the potential candidates have been sealed in envelopes, in-depth discussions regarding their suitability are yet to take place.

This election holds paramount importance for the Congress party in Chhattisgarh, and the meticulous selection of candidates is viewed as a critical step towards securing electoral success. As part of the strategy, it was decided that the first phase of candidate announcements would include seats held by current state government ministers and the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha. Subsequently, the names of candidates for other constituencies will be disclosed.

The Election Committee’s next meeting is slated to take place at the residence of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday. The second-phase discussions will involve State President Deepak Baij, State In-charge Kumari Selja, Deputy Chief Minister TS Singhdev, and Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant. Divisional in-charges may also be consulted, if necessary.

Looking ahead, the Congress Screening Committee is set to convene on September 8, following the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami. In this pivotal meeting, the final list of candidates will be meticulously crafted and solidified. The Election Committee meeting saw the participation of several key leaders, including cabinet ministers Tamradhwaj Sahu, Ravindra Choubey, Mohammad Akbar, Anila Bhediya, Jaisingh Aggarwal, Mohan Markam, Rudraguru, and Shiv Dahria.

Also present were State Congress Committee co-incharge Vijay Jangid, Secretary in-charge Chandan Yadav, MLA Dhanendra Sahu, and Satyanarayan Sharma. As the political landscape in Chhattisgarh heats up in anticipation of the upcoming elections, the unveiling of Congress’s candidate list on September 9 is expected to be a critical moment in shaping the state’s political future.