Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan formally announced in the state assembly on November 1, coinciding with Kerala Formation Day, that the state has eradicated extreme poverty. The LDF government claims Kerala is the first state in India to achieve this milestone, a feat accomplished through the four-year-long Extreme Poverty Alleviation Project launched in 2021.
The program identified 64,006 families, comprising 1,03,099 individuals, as extremely poor through extensive ground-level surveys. Indicators such as access to food, health, housing, and livelihood were used to determine eligibility, ensuring assistance reached those in greatest need.
MB Rajesh, minister for local self-governments, explained that the project’s success stems from targeted support and a clear understanding of the needs of even the smallest population segment. A NITI Aayog study previously highlighted that Kerala already had the lowest poverty rate in India at 0.7%, making the eradication of extreme poverty a feasible, focused objective.
However, the announcement was met with protest from the Congress-led UDF opposition, who staged a walkout from the assembly and called the government’s claim “pure fraud.” Opposition leader V D Satheesan stated that the announcement was in contempt of House rules.
Responding to the protest, CM Vijayan remarked that the government only claims what it can implement, and this milestone reflects tangible results of the dedicated program. The Extreme Poverty Alleviation Project has now officially marked a historic achievement for Kerala, highlighting the state’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.
Forty-one years ago, on this day — October 31, 1984 — India was stunned into silence. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the nation’s first and only woman Prime Minister, was assassinated as she stepped out of her 1, Safdarjung Road residence in New Delhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh.
That morning began like any other. Indira Gandhi, known as the “Iron Lady of India,” was preparing for an interview with an Irish television crew led by British actor and filmmaker Peter Ustinov. As she walked along the garden path connecting her Safdarjung Road residence to the adjoining bungalow at 1, Akbar Road, her guards opened fire without warning. More than 30 bullets struck her before nearby security personnel could intervene.
Sonia Gandhi, hearing the commotion, rushed out of her home and found Indira Gandhi lying motionless. She held her in her lap as they sped toward AIIMS Hospital, just three kilometers away. Doctors worked for hours to revive her, performing continuous blood transfusions, but she was declared dead soon after arrival.
The assassins were immediately confronted — Beant Singh was killed on the spot, while Satwant Singh was captured alive, later tried, and executed in 1989.
Indira Gandhi’s assassination came in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, a military operation she had ordered in June 1984 to remove militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, and her killing was seen as an act of revenge.
What followed was one of the darkest chapters in Indian history — violent anti-Sikh riots erupted across the country, especially in Delhi, claiming the lives of over a thousand innocent Sikhs in just a few days.
Indira’s son, Rajiv Gandhi, was sworn in as Prime Minister hours later, as the nation reeled in grief.
Indira Gandhi had been both admired and criticized throughout her career. She led India to victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, strengthened India’s nuclear program, and drove the Green Revolution, which transformed India from a food-deficient to a self-sufficient nation. Her political will, charisma, and leadership defined an era.
On this solemn day, India remembers Indira Gandhi not only for the tragedy that claimed her life but for the indomitable spirit with which she led the nation through war, reform, and change. Her legacy endures — as a symbol of courage, determination, and national pride.
India paid a heartfelt tribute to one of its most revered leaders, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary. To mark the momentous day, a special commemorative coin and postal stamp were unveiled in honor of the Iron Man of India, symbolizing his monumental role in the unification and strengthening of the nation.
The commemorative releases serve as a reminder of Patel’s leadership in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union, ensuring that India emerged as a united, independent nation after 1947. His vision of “Ek Bharat” continues to inspire generations, reflected in the government’s ongoing initiatives that promote unity, integrity, and development.
The event saw participation from dignitaries, historians, and citizens who paid their respects to Patel’s unparalleled contribution to India’s political and social foundation. Speeches highlighted his firm belief in administrative efficiency, national cohesion, and empowerment of the common people.
The release of the special coin and postal stamp stands not only as a tribute but also as a reminder of Patel’s timeless ideals — courage, unity, and unwavering service to the nation.
As India celebrates this milestone, the 150th Jayanti of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel reaffirms his place as one of the greatest architects of modern India.
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Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, marking the start of the world’s largest maritime gathering. Held under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision,” the five-day event brings together over 100,000 participants from 85 countries, including 500 exhibitors, 350 speakers, and 12 concurrent conferences and exhibitions.
IMW 2025 highlights India’s maritime resurgence and its vision of transforming the nation into a global maritime leader by 2047. In his inaugural address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the maritime sector represents India’s strength, stability, and sustainability. “This is India’s maritime moment — one that is transforming the Gateway of India into the Gateway of the World,” he declared. Shah noted that India’s strategic location, 11,000 kilometres of coastline, 13 coastal states, and 23.7 lakh square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone provide unparalleled maritime advantages. “Around 60 percent of our GDP is contributed by coastal states, and nearly 800 million people depend on the sea for their livelihood,” he added.
Highlighting India’s growing leadership in the Indo-Pacific, Shah said, “Leveraging its maritime position, democratic stability, and naval capability, India is acting as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and the Global South, fostering development, security, and environmental progress.” He emphasised that the government’s maritime policy, rooted in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aims to strengthen India’s role as a global maritime hub. “India’s maritime strength lies not in competition but in cooperation. Our goal is to build a green maritime future that accelerates growth while maintaining harmony with nature.”
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described IMW 2025 as “a turning point in India’s maritime journey,” highlighting policy reform, digital transformation, and record investments. He noted India currently handles 10 percent of global seaborne trade and aims to triple this by 2047, supported by a fourfold increase in port capacity and development of deep-draft mega ports. India’s port capacity has nearly doubled to 2,700 MTPA, cargo handled has risen to 1,640 MMT, and inland waterways cargo has grown from 6.9 MMT to over 145 MMT in the last decade. The number of Indian seafarers has surged by 200 percent, reaching 3.2 lakh.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, emphasised India’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and human resource development, noting that India is building a smart, globally competitive maritime ecosystem that empowers industry, protects the environment, and connects Bharat to the world.
The inaugural day featured ministerial plenaries, bilateral meetings, and state-led sessions focused on innovation, sustainability, and investment. Bilateral sessions with Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia explored collaboration in shipbuilding, green ports, and maritime logistics. At the Plenary Session, global maritime leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Liberia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea emphasised cooperation, sustainable innovation, and shared responsibility in advancing a resilient blue economy.
Maritime-rich states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands showcased port-led industrial projects, blue economy initiatives, and maritime cluster development plans aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” provided a platform for diplomats, strategists, and experts to discuss connectivity, sustainability, and ocean governance.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Bhupendrabhai Patel (Gujarat), Dr. Pramod Sawant (Goa), Mohan Saran Majhi (Odisha), Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, alongside global delegates, industry captains, senior officials, and maritime students.
India Maritime Week 2025 continues through October 31, featuring over 100 thematic sessions, CEO roundtables, and ministerial dialogues. The event reflects India’s civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — as it connects global partners through shared maritime aspirations, cementing India’s position as a rising global maritime power.
Olympic gold medalist and India’s javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra was officially appointed as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army during a grand ceremony held in Delhi. The event was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who conferred the prestigious rank upon Neeraj in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to the nation’s sporting glory.
Neeraj Chopra has been a symbol of national pride ever since he clinched India’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics. His journey from a small town to global stardom has inspired millions across the country. The honorary rank is not only a recognition of his sportsmanship but also reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring exceptional talent representing the country on international platforms.
The ceremony was made even more special with the presence of Neeraj’s parents, who have stood by him throughout his journey. The conferment of this honorary military rank marks a significant milestone in Neeraj’s career, symbolizing the bond between Indian sports and the armed forces.
Neeraj Chopra now joins a distinguished list of athletes who have been honored with honorary ranks by the Indian military, celebrating their role as ambassadors of India’s sporting excellence and patriotism.
