Tag: Politics

National

PM Modi Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme at ESTIC 2025 to Power India’s Innovation Revolution

Tanisha Cardozo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking a historic moment for India’s scientific and innovation landscape. Addressing the gathering of over 3,000 participants, including Nobel Laureates, leading scientists, researchers, academics, policymakers, and industry representatives, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for collaboration in the twenty-first century’s fast-changing world of science and technology. “Today is a big day in the world of science and technology,” he said. “There was a great need for experts from around the world to come together to brainstorm on emerging science, technology, and innovation, and to show direction together. This need gave birth to the vision of this conclave.”

As part of the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Modi launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, a ₹1 lakh crore corpus designed to encourage private sector investment in research and development. The fund aims to create capital availability for projects that involve higher risk but carry the potential for large-scale impact. “This ₹1 lakh crore is for you. It is to increase your capabilities. It is to open new opportunities for you,” PM Modi declared, stressing the government’s commitment to promoting research and development within the private sector. He explained that for the first time, India is extending capital support to high-risk, high-impact ventures to accelerate technological breakthroughs.

He also announced the establishment of the *Anusandhan Research Foundation, a new institution that will strengthen research and innovation across universities, creating new pathways for academic and technological advancement. Reflecting on India’s recent scientific milestones, the Prime Minister pointed to the successful launch of *GSAT-7R, India’s heaviest communication satellite, congratulating ISRO scientists for their dedication and vision. He further cited India’s pandemic response, noting how the country developed an indigenous COVID-19 vaccine in record time and executed the world’s largest vaccination drive, enabled by its robust digital public infrastructure.

Alongside the fund launch, PM Modi released a coffee table book showcasing India’s scientific achievements and unveiled a vision document outlining the strategic direction for science and technology in the years ahead. ESTIC 2025 will run as a three-day conclave, featuring discussions across 11 thematic areas including advanced materials and manufacturing, artificial intelligence, bio-manufacturing, digital communications, quantum technologies, energy and climate solutions, and space sciences.

The event embodies India’s resolve to transform from a technology consumer into a global innovation powerhouse. With bold initiatives such as the RDI Fund and the Anusandhan Research Foundation, India is positioning itself to lead the world in deep-tech, research, and innovation — paving the way for a self-reliant, technologically advanced Bharat.

National

Remembering Indira Gandhi: 41 Years Since the Day That Shook India

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

National

INDIA MARITIME WEEK 2025: INDIA SETTING BENCHMARKS IN MARITIME GROWTH

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

Human Interest

GCCI Highlights Urgent Infrastructure and Safety Concerns to South Goa Collector

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken a proactive step toward addressing pressing civic and infrastructure concerns in South Goa by submitting a detailed representation to Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of South Goa. The initiative reflects GCCI’s growing involvement in ensuring smoother trade logistics, safer roads, and improved living and working conditions for the people of the region.

Led by Shri Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee, the delegation met with the Collector and outlined a series of critical issues impacting the region’s development. The meeting underscored GCCI’s commitment to public welfare, responsible business, and collaborative governance, with an emphasis on urgent interventions and sustainable solutions.

The representation began by acknowledging the reopening of the Goa–Belgaum Road via Anmod, which had previously caused significant delays and disruptions for trade and commuters. While the reopening was welcomed, GCCI pressed for the completion of the remaining three-kilometre stretch at Ramnagar, highlighting that this small section continues to hinder seamless connectivity.

Concerns around road safety were also strongly raised, particularly the increasing number of accidents at Verna Junction. GCCI requested the deployment of permanent traffic police personnel at the junction to ensure disciplined vehicle movement and prevent future mishaps. In line with improving traffic management, the representation called for better monitoring of heavy vehicles through speed checks, upgraded road signage, dedicated lanes for goods transport, and road safety awareness campaigns.

Infrastructure issues were not limited to roads. GCCI voiced its concern about the deteriorating state of the Old Borim Bridge and requested a status update on the construction of the new bridge. The Chamber also made a strong case for the urgent establishment of dedicated truck terminuses in both North and South Goa to eliminate the chaos of haphazard parking and reduce congestion on key transport routes.

Civic issues such as indiscriminate garbage dumping along Airport Road, Railway Station Road, and national highways were flagged as health and environmental hazards. GCCI stressed the need for regular garbage collection, better waste management protocols, and stricter enforcement against violators.

A special focus was placed on the fishing community’s safety, especially in the wake of a recent boat accident where a fisherman saved 27 lives. GCCI recommended mandatory safety checks for fishing vessels after the monsoon, timely dissemination of weather alerts, the provision of life-saving gear, and periodic mock drills involving all relevant agencies. They also requested that the brave fisherman who undertook the rescue operation be formally recognised and felicitated for his heroic efforts.

The South Goa Collector assured GCCI that these matters would be looked into with urgency and would be brought to the attention of the respective departments for action. She also expressed her appreciation for GCCI’s initiative in taking up civic concerns on behalf of the business community and the public.

GCCI reiterated its readiness to support and collaborate with the district administration and other stakeholders in finding feasible, time-bound solutions to the raised issues. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work towards inclusive development, where industry growth is matched with improved infrastructure and public well-being.

National

PM Modi Unveils ₹100 Coin and Stamp Honouring RSS Centenary; Bharat Mata Features on Currency for First Time

Tanisha Cardozo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the historic centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by unveiling a special ₹100 coin and a commemorative postal stamp in New Delhi. In a moment that blends symbolism with national sentiment, the coin features Bharat Mata seated on a lion in varad mudra, with swayamsevaks bowing before her — the first time Bharat Mata has been depicted on Indian currency since independence.

Speaking at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, PM Modi praised the RSS for its 100-year journey of selfless national service, discipline, and dedication. The commemorative stamp captures a significant historical moment — RSS swayamsevaks participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, showcasing their commitment to India’s unity and strength.

Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister spoke with urgency and conviction about emerging demographic challenges to India’s social harmony and security. He stated that infiltrators causing demographic shifts pose a significant threat to India’s internal cohesion. Recalling his recent address from the Red Fort, he reiterated the launch of the “Demographic Mission” to counteract this growing concern.

He emphasized, “Unity in diversity has always been India’s soul. If this strength is broken, India will weaken.” Stressing that the RSS’s foundation on Vijayadashami was no coincidence, PM Modi tied the organization’s origin to the festival’s deep-rooted symbolism — the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness.

The Prime Minister also paid homage to RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, calling him a visionary of national service whose ideals continue to guide generations. “It is the fortune of our generation that we witness the centenary year of the Sangh,” he said, congratulating millions of swayamsevaks for their commitment and sacrifices.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, the RSS was created as a volunteer-led organisation with a focus on cultural awareness, service, discipline, and social responsibility. Over the decades, it has grown into one of India’s most influential and widespread socio-cultural organisations.

The unveiling of the coin and stamp not only commemorates the legacy of the RSS but also reinforces the government’s emphasis on cultural identity, unity, and national service as central themes in the journey ahead. As India reflects on the past century, the message from the Prime Minister was clear: staying alert, united, and committed to the nation’s core values is the need of the hour.