Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday reiterated the party’s demand for a nationwide caste-based census and the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations. Speaking at the Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan for OBCs at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, Kharge launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of denying rights to backward communities and misleading the country, reported news agency ANI. Kharge expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout, stating, "I am happy that a large number of people have gathered here and they understand their rights. Conducting a caste-based census in the country and abolishing the 50 per cent reservation limit is our demand. Narendra Modi does not want to give reservations to those who are educationally backward, but we stand with them." He further emphasised that the voice of the OBC community will only be heard when their representatives are elected to power. "We must fight for our rights because even asking for them won’t get us anywhere. Sometimes we have to struggle, sometimes we have to show strength, and during elections, we need to choose someone who stands by their principles. The voice of the OBC will only be heard when OBC people are in elected office," he asserted. Kharge accused PM Modi of leveraging his OBC identity for political gain, claiming that Modi had his own community included in the OBC list only after becoming Gujarat Chief Minister. "Modi ji calls himself OBC; he was earlier in the upper caste, but after becoming Chief Minister, he got his community included in the OBC list. Then he started his cunning tactics, saying among OBC people, ‘Brothers and sisters, I am from the backward class, I am being oppressed.’ But... now he is oppressing everyone, and this won’t work anymore," Kharge stated. Furthermore, Kharge accused PM Modi of repeatedly misleading the public with false promises. "Narendra Modi jhhutho ke sardaar hai (leader of liars). Lying is his job. He lied to the country, saying that I will provide 2 crore jobs to the youth every year, I will bring back black money from abroad, give everyone Rs 15-15 lakh, I will give MSP to farmers, and I will increase the income of the backward class. He even lies in Parliament. Therefore, we should make people understand that Narendra Modi is misleading the country, and a lying Prime Minister cannot do good for the country or society," he said. He praised Rahul Gandhi for his "courage" in demanding a caste census and urged public support for this initiative, highlighting that the government has not taken strong steps for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women, whereas Rahul Gandhi stands with the backward and deprived sections. "RSS-BJP people spread poison. They work to divide people against each other, but we must remain united. We must support the Congress Party with courage. Just as people stood together during the time of independence, if you all support us in the same way, no one can shake the Congress Party. The OBC caste census should happen; this courage has been shown only by Rahul Gandhi ji. Therefore, we must all support Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi ji stands with the backward and deprived, supports them, and fights for their rights, so you should definitely support him. The Modi government has not taken any concrete steps for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women," he added. The Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan was inaugurated by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, with the concluding address delivered by Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reported ANI. Speaking at the event, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s failure to conduct a caste census was a mistake, and he is now determined to rectify it. He admitted he had not fully understood the issues of the OBC community earlier, unlike those of Dalits, tribals, and women, where he felt the Congress had performed commendably. "I think about my work, where I did well and where I fell short, and I see two to three things. Land Acquisition Bill, MNREGA, Right to Food, Tribal Bill, and Niyamgiri struggle — all these things I did well. As far as the issues of tribals, Dalits, and women are concerned, I should get good marks there. I did good work," he stated. "One shortcoming remained in the Congress Party and my work, I didn’t protect the OBC community the way I should have. The reason is that I didn’t deeply understand the OBC issues at that time. Ten to fifteen years ago, I understood the difficulties faced by Dalits. Their issues are visible, they are easily understood, but the problems of OBCs remain hidden. If I had known about your issues and problems at that time, I would have conducted a caste-based census right then. That was my mistake, which I am going to correct," he said, adding that in a way, it’s good that it happened, because if he had conducted a caste-based census back then, it wouldn’t have been like it is today. He further highlighted that Dalits, backward classes, tribals, and minorities collectively constitute approximately 90 per cent of India’s population, yet remain excluded from key decision-making processes, including the Union Budget, according to ANI. "In the country, the population of Dalits, backward classes, tribals, and minorities together constitutes about 90 per cent. But when the halwa was being distributed after the budget was prepared, there was no one from this 90 per cent population present. The 90 per cent population of the country is the productive force. You are the ones making the halwa, but they are the ones eating it. We are not saying that they shouldn’t eat the halwa, but at the very least, you should get some too," he articulated. Finally, Rahul Gandhi affirmed his full commitment to conducting a caste-based census, emphasising it as just the first step. His larger goal, he stated, is to ensure that people’s work receives respect and equal participation in the country. "You should ask my sister Priyanka whether, if Rahul has made up his mind for a task, will he let go of that matter or not? I am not going to let go. Caste-based census is just the first step; my goal is to ensure that your work gets respect and participation in India," he concluded. (With inputs from ANI)
25 July,2025 10:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe two-day celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 began on Friday at the Army Training Command headquarters in Shimla with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. The event marks 26 years since India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The celebrations were officially opened by Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command, according to an official statement, the PTI reported on Friday. A special ceremony was held to honour Kargil war veterans for their bravery and selfless service, which continues to inspire younger generations. Visitors were treated to various programmes, including a moving photo and video exhibition that highlighted the personal stories and courage of Kargil heroes. The Multi-Purpose Hall at Shimla’s iconic Gaiety Theatre filled with patriotic music, creating a strong sense of pride among the audience. Powerful video clips on Kargil Vijay Diwas and Operation Sindoor were shown, helping people understand the hardships, bravery, and success of Indian soldiers during the war. “These presentations were a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and spirit of our soldiers,” the statement noted. Many people attended the event, including senior army officials, veterans, students, NCC cadets, and members of the local community — all coming together to honour the Armed Forces. The celebrations served as a touching reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by Indian soldiers, who defended the country in harsh conditions and freezing temperatures on the steep heights of Kargil. Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha pays homage to fallen heroes on eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday paid homage to the fallen heroes on the eve of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, according to the PTI. In his message, the lieutenant governor recalled the heroism and spirit of sacrifice of the valiant jawans and officers of the armed forces in India's victory over Pakistan in 'Operation Vijay' in 1999, also known as the Kargil War. "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs and salute their bravery, courage and sacrifice. Our heroes fought in the most inhospitable terrain in the world and conquered the enemy. "The gallantry, valour and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers will inspire generations to come," Sinha said, the PTI reported. (with PTI inputs)
25 July,2025 10:22 PM IST | Shimla | mid-day online correspondentThe Centre has sanctioned a massive Rs 52,724 crore for improving Mumbai’s suburban railway infrastructure under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) phases II, III and IIIA, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday. The projects include vital new lines, station upgrades, and increased suburban capacity to meet the city’s growing commuter needs, he said. Vaishnaw shared that multiple projects under MUTP are in progress, including the 6th line between Mumbai Central and Borivali, extension of Harbour Line to Borivali, and the Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is executing key projects on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis with the Maharashtra government. “Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Mumbai’s suburban railway network through the implementation of MUTP projects. All necessary efforts are being consistently made to ensure satisfactory progress, with continued focus on commuter convenience, capacity enhancement, and long-term infrastructure sustainability," Vilas Sopan Wadekar, Chairman & Managing Director, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd. told mid-day. The railway minister further stated that significant progress is also being made on adding lines between Churchgate and Virar, and between CSMT and Panvel, aiming to ease congestion and improve travel times. 238 new 12-car rakes have been sanctioned under MUTP-III and IIIA at a cost of Rs 19,293 crore to enhance service capacity. Mumbai Metro integration efforts are also ongoing, with Andheri East and Ghatkopar stations already connected. Maharashtra has been allotted 132 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aimed at modernising and redeveloping key railway stations. Phase-I work is complete on 15 stations including Parel, Chinchpokli, Vadala Road, Matunga, and Shahad in Mumbai. As of April 2025, 38 railway projects covering 5,098 km and worth Rs 89,780 crore are under planning or execution in the state. Already, 2,360 km have been commissioned with Rs 39,407 crore spent. Between 2014 and 2025, an average of 208 km of new track was commissioned yearly -- over three times more than the previous five-year period. The budget outlay has also increased significantly. From Rs 1,171 crore annually during 2009-14, it has jumped to Rs 23,778 crore in 2025-26. The railway minister noted that factors like land acquisition, environmental clearances, and local conditions still influence project timelines.
25 July,2025 09:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarOver 10,500 Indian nationals are currently imprisoned in jails around the world, with 43 of them on death row, the Parliament was informed on Friday, reported the IANS. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs (MEA) Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the highest number of Indian prisoners -- 2,773. It is followed by Saudi Arabia - 2,379 and Nepal - 1,357, according to the IANS. Other countries with significant Indian inmate populations include -- Qatar - 795, Malaysia - 380, Kuwait - 342, United Kingdom - 323, Bahrain - 261, Pakistan - 246, China - 183. In contrast, several countries have only one Indian prisoner each, such as Angola, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Iraq, Jamaica, Mauritius, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Tajikistan, and Yemen. Out of the total 10,574 Indian prisoners, 43 are on death row across different countries with 21 in UAE, Saudi Arabia- 7, China- 4, Indonesia- 3, Kuwait- 2, USA, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Yemen one each, the IANS reported. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that due to stringent privacy laws in many countries, comprehensive details on imprisoned foreign nationals are not always available unless the individuals consent to disclosure. In response to the growing concern, the government has emphasised that Indian missions and consulates abroad closely monitor such cases and extend full legal and consular support, the news agency reported. However, Indian missions and consulates abroad are actively monitoring these cases, offering consular access, legal aid, and assistance in pursuing early release, repatriation, or amnesty through diplomatic and judicial channels, the news agency reported on Friday. Legal aid, consular access, and efforts toward early release or repatriation are undertaken through bilateral talks, judicial interventions, and, when needed, appeals for amnesty. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is being utilised to provide financial and legal aid in deserving cases, particularly to assist with legal representation and repatriation costs, reported the IANS. The government also confirmed that it is actively engaging with Sri Lanka for the release of 28 Indian fishermen -- 27 from Tamil Nadu and one from Puducherry -- currently held in Sri Lankan custody. (with IANS inputs)
25 July,2025 09:00 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn the wake of the June 12 Ahmedabad Plane Crash that claimed 260 lives, Air India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson said on Friday that the airline has significantly improved its training programmes, strengthened operational standards, and enhanced safety reporting mechanisms, reported PTI. Wilson acknowledged that intense scrutiny is expected after such a tragedy and emphasised the importance of responding to criticism with openness and a willingness to learn. “All commentary must be taken constructively, with grace and an open mind,” he told employees. The Tata Group-owned carrier has introduced a range of measures, including a temporary reduction in flight operations and comprehensive inspections of its Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft. Wilson confirmed that both inspections were completed without any irregularities found. Highlighting recent developments, Wilson noted that the airline has revised and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), introduced structured performance management, and adopted philosophies such as those advocated by aviation safety firm Baines-Simmons, focusing on learning and improvement. He added that Air India has made reporting—especially concerning safety—easier and more protected, and has encouraged a culture of transparency and accountability, reported PTI. The airline has also invested in digital systems to replace outdated paper-based processes, enabling better data access and integration. While acknowledging recent incidents involving Air India aircraft and show cause notices from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Wilson reiterated the airline’s commitment to improvement and compliance. “Sometimes scrutiny may misinterpret normal issues, but it can also reveal real areas where we need to improve. We must act on those insights,” he stated. In a positive development, Wilson also said that Air India’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), a key metric of customer satisfaction, reached an all-time high of +34 in July, marking a steady improvement from previous scores of -17 in FY23, -3 in FY24, and +16 last year. To enhance reliability, the airline is leveraging the additional ground time created by the ongoing ‘Safety Pause’—a strategic reduction in domestic and international flight operations. Partial service restoration is scheduled to begin on August 1, with full resumption targeted for October 1. The Safety Pause was introduced following the tragic Ahmedabad Plane Crash incident, when a London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 went down shortly after taking off, killing 141 people on board. Only one passenger survived the mishap. The plane had crashed into a medical hostel outside the Ahmedabad Airport perimeter, killing more people on ground. “We are taking every opportunity to improve and move forward,” Wilson affirmed. (With PTI inputs)
25 July,2025 08:54 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn Air India flight bound for Mumbai returned to Jaipur in Rajasthan shortly after take-off on Friday, after pilots suspected a technical fault in the aircraft, reported the IANS. The flight, which departed Jaipur at 2:01 pm, was scheduled to land in Mumbai at 3:35 pm, but returned after being airborne for only 18 minutes. “Flight AI612, operating from Jaipur to Mumbai on 25 July, returned to Jaipur shortly after take-off due to a suspected technical issue. After conducting troubleshooting checks, it was confirmed to be a false indication,” an Air India spokesperson said, according to the IANS. The aircraft was subsequently cleared for operations and resumed its journey to Mumbai. “We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused to our passengers. At Air India, passenger safety and well-being remain our utmost priority,” the spokesperson added, as per the news agency. The incident follows another safety concern involving Flight AI 315 from Hong Kong to Delhi, which experienced a fire in its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) after landing at Delhi airport on July 22. The fire broke out after the aircraft had parked at the gate, while passengers were disembarking. The APU was automatically shut down as designed. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe, though the aircraft sustained some damage and has been grounded for further investigation. The aviation regulator (DGCA) has been notified. "Flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on July 22, 2025, experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after it had landed and parked at the gate. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking, and the APU was automatically shut down as per system design," an airline spokesperson had said in a statement on July 22, according to the PTI. The spokesperson said there was some damage to the aircraft, while passengers and crew members disembarked normally and are safe. "The aircraft has been grounded for further investigations and the regulator has been duly notified," the spokesperson had stated earlier. Meanwhile, in response to recent concerns, Air India also completed precautionary inspections on the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) locking mechanisms of all Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft in its fleet. These checks were carried out in line with DGCA safety directives, following the tragic Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives. “No issues were found during these inspections,” the airline confirmed, as per the IANS. (with IANS and PTI inputs)
25 July,2025 08:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPresident Droupadi Murmu completed three years in office on Friday. Several initiatives were launched on the occasion, aiming at enhancing inclusivity and accessibility. President Murmu reiterated her commitment to connecting all sections of society—especially the underprivileged and backward classes—with the nation’s development journey. In brief remarks, President Murmu expressed satisfaction over growing citizen engagement with Rashtrapati Bhavan in recent years. “It is always our endeavour to effectively connect all sections of society, especially the underprivileged and backward classes, with the country’s development journey,” she said. Murmu, 67, was sworn in as India’s 15th President on July 25, 2022, becoming the first tribal leader to hold the country’s highest constitutional post. In her address, the President stated with pride that the Rashtrapati Bhavan has become more accessible to divyangjan (persons with disabilities). A statement from her office highlighted that the President’s Estate is now divyangjan-friendly, following the implementation of a 50-point recommendation by the Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities. “It is a matter of satisfaction that in the past three years, many decisions were taken and works were done which increased the engagement of citizens with Rashtrapati Bhavan,” she added. President Murmu also launched the process to transform Rashtrapati Bhavan into a ‘Net Zero’ campus by March 2027. The other initiatives unveiled included the expansion of the Rashtrapati Bhavan website – now accessible in 22 Indian languages – and the launch of ‘e-Upahaar Season 2’, an auction of over 250 gifts presented to the President and her predecessors. According to the statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, “All proceeds from the auction will be donated to initiatives supporting the welfare of children.” Enhancing visitor experience at presidential properties, Murmu inaugurated facilities such as a visitor facilitation centre at Rashtrapati Bhavan, 'Nilayam Nikunj' at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, a cafeteria and souvenir shop at Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra (Uttarakhand), and a renovated gym at the President’s Estate in Delhi, reported PTI. An e-book released on the occasion chronicled the President's third year in office. A section titled "Global Bonds" detailed her state visits to countries, including New Zealand, Fiji, Timor-Leste, Algeria, Mauritania, Malawi, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, and Rome. She became the first Indian head of state to visit Fiji, Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi. During her overseas trips, President Murmu received top honours in Fiji and Timor-Leste and was awarded honorary doctorates in Algeria and the Slovak Republic. The e-book also captured her domestic engagements, including her visit to the Siachen base camp, where she paid tribute at the Siachen War Memorial. The President of India is the supreme commander of the armed forces. President Murmu’s emphasis on inclusivity has been a hallmark of her presidency. She hosted a 'purple fest' to celebrate diversity and regularly invited divyangjans to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Amrit Udyan. Under the 'Tribal Connect' initiative, she met tribal leaders from across the country and actively engaged with women’s groups, especially those from self-help groups and tribal communities. She has delivered around 25 convocation addresses at prestigious institutions including AIIMS, the National Institute of Design, BIT Mesra, NALSAR, and the National Forensic Sciences University. Efforts to open Rashtrapati Bhavan to the public have also seen encouraging results. Over the past year, more than 11 lakh people visited Amrit Udyan, around 2.5 lakh toured Rashtrapati Bhavan, and 3.4 lakh explored the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, according to official figures. (With PTI inputs)
25 July,2025 08:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Friday upheld the conviction of a man in a sexual assault case involving a minor girl but adjusted his sentence to a life term instead of imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life, reported news agency PTI. Meanwhile, this decision of the SC comes as the court found that the amended provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act could not be applied to the case. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta found merit in the submission that, since the offence was committed in May 2019, the amended provision of Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act could not have been applied to his case, as Section 6 deals with punishment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault. According to PTI, the bench further noted that the amended provision of Section 6 of the Act came into force on 16 August 2019. Prior to the 2019 amendment, the court observed, Section 6 stipulated a minimum punishment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment along with a fine. Furthermore, referring to Article 20(1) of the Constitution, which addresses protection in respect of conviction for offences, the bench said, "The constitutional bar against retrospective imposition of a harsher penalty under Article 20(1) is clear and absolute." The trial court was observed to have applied the enhanced sentence introduced by the 2019 amendment to Section 6, effectively subjecting the convict to a punishment greater than what was permissible under the law at the time of the offence, PTI reported. "The sentence of ‘imprisonment for life, meaning remainder of natural life’, as per the amended provision, did not exist in the statutory framework on 20 May 2019, the date of the incident," the bench said. Under the unamended Section 6, the maximum punishment permissible was a life term in its conventional sense and not imprisonment until the remainder of natural life. "Accordingly, while we uphold the conviction of the appellant under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, we modify the sentence to that of rigorous imprisonment for life, as understood under the unamended statute, and set aside the sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of the natural life," the bench concluded. Moreover, the Rs 10,000 fine imposed on him was, however, upheld. Furthermore, the top court’s verdict came following the man’s appeal against a September 2023 order from the Chhattisgarh High Court, PTI reported. As the High Court had rejected his plea challenging a trial court verdict, which had convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life along with the fine. The man was initially booked in 2019 based on a complaint filed by the father of the minor survivor. (With inputs from PTI)
25 July,2025 07:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFormer Union minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju will be sworn in as the new governor of Goa on Saturday in a function at Raj Bhavan, an official said on Friday. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 11.30 am, and several dignitaries, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, are expected to be present, a state government spokesperson said. Raju (74), a veteran Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader from Andhra Pradesh, will succeed P S Sreedharan Pillai as the Goa Governor. He served as the civil aviation minister between May 27, 2014 and March 10, 2018, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has also held ministerial posts in the Andhra Pradesh government. Meanwhile, a warm farewell was accorded to the outgoing Governor Pillai on Thursday. Pillai attended a ceremony at the new Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan, during which he distributed financial aid from the discretionary funds to 38 cancer patients and those undergoing dialysis. Speaking on the occasion, Sawant said Pillai made the Raj Bhavan accessible to the people of Goa, and he thanked him for the support he extended to run the State effectively. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
25 July,2025 06:39 PM IST | Panaji | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday marked a major milestone in the country's history, becoming the second-longest-serving PM of India in consecutive terms, surpassing the record of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Notably, he is the first non-Congress Prime Minister to mark this achievement. Additionally, PM Modi is the first Prime Minister born after independence and the longest-serving from a non-Hindi state. Narendra Modi, 74, took oath as Prime Minister for the first time on May 26, 2014 and has served a total of 11 years and 60 days in office till date. The erstwhile Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had served for 11 years 59 days in office in consecutive terms. She held the highest office as Prime Minister of India from January 24, 1966 - March 24, 1977. Former and first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru holds the record of the longest-serving Prime Minister of India in consecutive terms for 16 years and 286 days, from August 15, 1947 to May 27, 1964. The first Prime Minister born after India's independence, Prime Minister Modi, has previously served as the Prime Minister of India from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2024. He also has the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat with his term spanning from October 2001 to May 2014 In the 2014 and 2019 Parliamentary elections, PM Modi led the Bharatiya Janata Party to record Lok Sabha wins, securing absolute majority on both occasions. The last time that a political party secured such an absolute majority was in the 1984 elections in which Congress secured a landslide vicotry. Prime Minister Modi-led government has also taken several notable decisions during his term, including the Abrogation of Article 370, the abolition of Triple Talaq, the construction of Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, the Waqf Amendment Act, etc. Inspired by the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas', Prime Minister Modi has ushered in a paradigm shift in governance that has led to inclusive, development-oriented and corruption-free governance. The Prime Minister has worked with speed and scale to realise the aim of Antyodaya, or ensuring last-mile delivery of schemes and services. Leading international agencies have noted that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India has been eliminating poverty at a record pace. According to the findings from NITI Aayog's latest report 'Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06', almost 25 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty in last nine years. The credit for this remarkable achievement goes to the significant initiatives of the government to address all dimensions of poverty. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
25 July,2025 06:37 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan said that the country has to nearly triple its number of satellites in space, from the current 55, within the next three years. He made the statement during 'The GP Birla Memorial Lecture on Indian Space Programme - Accomplishments, Challenges and Future Perspectives' on Friday in Hyderabad. Narayanan, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Space, received the prestigious GP Birla Memorial Award. During his address, he said in the next 15 years, India would be on par with any other country in terms of space technology, application area, and infrastructure, PTI reported. The ISRO Chairman also said that 12 launch vehicle missions have been planned by the space agency this year. The upcoming mission, NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is scheduled to be launched by India's GSLV F16 on July 30. "Now we are working on building our own space station. We are going to have our own Chandrayaan landing. Right now, 55 satellites are in orbit serving the common man in this country. And in another three years, this number has to become almost three times. The requirement is huge. The demand is so much that we have to build satellites. We are working towards that," he said. Later, talking to reporters, he said that in 2035 India will build a full space station, and the first module will be placed in orbit in the next three years. As far as space sector reforms are concerned, a lot of work is going on, he said, adding that ISRO's model of work used to be service-oriented, but now it wants to grab business opportunities, too. Following the success of Chandrayaan-3, Japan wanted to collaborate with India, and as a result, ISRO and JAXA, the Japanese space agency, decided to work towards the Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX mission, Narayanan said. "We are building the satellite together, and the launch will be done by Japan. Chandrayaan-3's lander mass was 1,600 kg and this will be 6,600 kg. We are working on that and you will hear great news in another two years," he stated, adding that the Indian space agency is in the process of launching a 6,500 kg communication satellite of the USA into orbit using indigenous rockets in the next three months. Narayanan further informed that the Centre has given its approval for setting up a third launch pad at Sriharikota with a budget of about Rs 4,000 crore. According to him, the ISRO expects the Gaganyaan mission to launch Indian astronauts into space only in the first quarter of 2027. ISRO has placed 433 satellites belonging to 34 countries which do not have space technology into orbit using Indian rockets. In the past 10 years, ISRO has launched 518 satellites, he added. (With PTI inputs)
25 July,2025 05:48 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1753446712616_d.png "Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Image/File Pic")
