Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in the future of India’s textile sector on Sunday, stating that he is optimistic that the country will achieve its goal of Rs 9 lakh crore in textile exports ahead of the 2030 target.

Speaking at the Bharat Tex 2025, the country’s largest textile event being held in New Delhi, Modi noted that India is currently the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel globally, with exports valued at approximately Rs 3 lakh crore. He set a target to triple this figure and achieve exports worth Rs 9 lakh crore in the near future, underlining the substantial progress made in the sector due to consistent policies and hard work over the past decade.

“The mood I saw today at the exhibition gives me confidence that we may achieve these figures earlier than 2030,” Modi said, expressing optimism about the growth trajectory of India’s textile industry.

Modi highlighted that the success of India’s textile sector is attributed to consistent policy support, which has helped double foreign investment in the sector. He also pointed to the impressive 7% growth in textile and apparel exports, a sector that contributes 11% to the manufacturing sector and is a significant job creator.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to focus on sustainability and the future of the textile industry, particularly in tackling fashion waste. He pointed out that by 2030, fashion waste is expected to reach 148 million tonnes, with a quarter of textile waste currently not being recycled. He urged the industry to transform this challenge into an opportunity, promoting efficient use of resources and minimal waste generation.

Regarding the new Cotton Mission announced in the General Budget 2025, Modi stated that it will play a pivotal role in enhancing cotton productivity, particularly extra-long staple cotton, ensuring a reliable cotton supply, and making Indian cotton globally competitive. He highlighted the mission’s importance in strengthening the value chain of the textile industry.

Additionally, Modi projected that India’s textile recycling market could reach USD 400 million in the coming years, while the global recycled textile market is estimated to reach USD 7.5 billion. He called on the textile industry to capitalize on this growing market share with the right direction.

The Prime Minister also urged the banking sector to recognize the unique needs of the textile industry, particularly in financing small textile units that employ large numbers of people. “One textile unit may need an investment of just Rs 75 crore but can employ up to 2,000 people,” he said.

Modi outlined his 5F vision for the textile sector – Farm to Fibre; Fibre to Factory; Factory to Fashion; Fashion to Foreign – a strategy aimed at creating new opportunities for farmers, weavers, designers, and traders, and promoting Indian textiles globally.

Addressing the future of the textile industry, Modi emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration. He called on the textile sector to work with reputed institutions like IITs to develop new tools and technologies. He also pointed out that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to forecast trends and create new styles in the textile market.

Modi praised the significant role that Bharat Tex is playing in boosting investment, exports, and growth in the textile industry, highlighting that over 120 countries are participating in the event. The exhibition provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to expand their businesses from local to global markets.

The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts to promote the handloom sector, citing the success of geographical indication (GI) tagging, which has benefited handloom brands by increasing their recognition and market value. He called for the fusion of traditional and modern techniques to develop new products that appeal to youth both in India and internationally.

On sustainability, Modi announced that the textile ministry had signed an MoU with the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises and e-Marketplace to promote upcycling in the industry. He revealed that pilot projects for door-to-door collection of textile waste are being conducted in cities like Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru.

In closing, Modi expressed his vision for India’s textile industry to combine traditional sustainable techniques with cutting-edge technologies, benefiting artisans, weavers, and millions of women associated with the sector.

Bharat Tex 2025, taking place from February 14-17, continues to serve as a strong platform for global collaboration, investment, and innovation in the textile industry

Early on Monday, strong tremors from a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the national capital and adjoining regions. The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Jheel Park area of Dhaula Kuan. The tremors were felt widely, causing people in high-rise buildings across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush out of their homes in panic. However, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to reassure residents. In a post on X, he urged everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, while remaining alert for possible aftershocks. “Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation,” Modi wrote.

According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake struck at a focal depth of 5 kilometers at 5:36 am. Shallow earthquakes, originating from depths of 5 to 10 kilometers, are typically more intense and can cause more damage than deeper quakes.

The Jheel Park region has experienced several smaller earthquakes over the years, including a 3.3 magnitude tremor in 2015. There were also reports of a loud sound being heard as the ground shook, adding to the anxiety of the residents.

The Delhi Police reassured citizens, tweeting, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” and urged residents to use the emergency 112 helpline for any assistance. Several locals took to social media to share their experiences. A woman on a morning walk in Noida Sector 20 mentioned, “We were walking in the park, so we didn’t feel it strongly. But it was quite strong. People came rushing out.”

Naresh Kumar, a resident of West Delhi, said it was the first time he had experienced such a strong tremor. Meanwhile, Ratanlal Sharma, who was waiting at New Delhi railway station, described the sudden jolt as “like a train suddenly coming to a screeching halt.”

The earthquake prompted widespread fear, with residents from across Delhi-NCR rushing out of their homes, some fearing possible aftershocks. A resident in Ghaziabad described how everyone in their high-rise building rushed downstairs in panic due to the intensity of the tremors.

AAP leaders also expressed concern. “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray to God that everyone is safe,” said AAP leader Atishi in a post on X, which was later shared by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who also prayed for everyone’s safety.

The National Capital Region (NCR) is situated around 250 kilometers from the seismically active Himalayan collision zone, which is prone to frequent tremors from both far- and near-field earthquakes. Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV in India’s seismic zoning map, making it one of the more seismically vulnerable regions in the country.

The earthquake has left many in Delhi and surrounding areas on edge, as residents remain vigilant for any potential aftershocks. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

• Start of Board Exams:

  • The CBSE board exams for Class 10 and 12 commenced on Saturday, with more than 42 lakh students registered to appear at over 7,800 centres both in India and abroad.

• Exam Participation:

  • A total of 24.12 lakh students are appearing for Class 10 exams in 84 subjects, while 17.88 lakh students are set to take the Class 12 exams across 120 subjects.

• Exam Centres:

  • The exams are being conducted at 7,842 centres across India and 26 centres abroad.

• First Day of Exams:

  • On the first day, Class 10 students appeared for English (Communicative) and English (Language and Literature) papers, while Class 12 students took the Entrepreneurship exam.

• Exam Dates:

  • Class 10 exams will conclude on March 18, while Class 12 exams will finish on April 4.

• Counselling Service for Students:

  • To support students and reduce exam-related stress, CBSE has launched its annual counselling service. A team of 66 trained professionals, including principals, counsellors, special educators, and psychologists, will provide voluntary assistance to students.
  • The service is available Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
  • Additionally, 51 counsellors are based in India, and 15 will connect with students from Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE.

1. Attacks on Women’s Safety:

   • Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of failing to protect women, citing incidents in Sandeshkhali and RG Kar Hospital as examples of atrocities against women.
   • Malviya questioned the effectiveness of the state’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, which provides financial assistance to women, accusing the government of not truly prioritizing women’s welfare.

2. Shielding Perpetrators of Atrocities:

   • Referring to the Sandeshkhali sexual abuse case, Malviya claimed the TMC government protected the perpetrators, including Shahjahan Sheikh, despite the public outrage.
   • He also condemned the state’s handling of the rape and murder of a female medic at R G Kar Medical College, accusing the chief minister of attempting to shield those responsible, undermining her claims of supporting women’s empowerment.

3. Corruption in the TMC Government:

   • Malviya targeted the TMC government for its involvement in corruption, specifically alleging that ruling party members were engaged in syndicates and mafias, intimidating the common people.
   • He criticized the culture of “cut money” in state projects, accusing TMC MPs and MLAs of taking bribes. Malviya asserted that the people of West Bengal would vote out the corrupt government in 2026.

4. Economic Decline in West Bengal:

   • Malviya highlighted the closure of around 4,000 industrial units and the migration of 1.5 lakh labourers from West Bengal due to lack of job opportunities.
   • He criticized the state government for failing to revive industrial growth and present any concrete plan for the revival of industries, noting that the state’s budget showed no strategy for industrial development.

5. BJP’s Vision for Good Governance:

   • Malviya emphasized that the BJP’s governance would prioritize tackling corruption, improving law and order, and creating a safer environment for women.
   • He promised that once in power, the BJP would foster investment opportunities by improving the state’s infrastructure and security.

6. TMC’s Opposition to BJP and RSS Events:

   • Malviya condemned Mamata Banerjee for obstructing political activities of opposition parties, including the BJP and RSS, citing a recent case where the Calcutta High Court had to intervene to allow the RSS to hold a rally in Purba Bardhaman.
   • He accused Banerjee of trying to suppress alternative voices and warned that such tactics would not be tolerated going forward.

7. Concerns Over Electoral Integrity:

   • Malviya dismissed Mamata Banerjee’s concerns about bogus names on electoral rolls, calling them a false narrative rooted in her fear of losing the 2026 elections. He claimed that the Election Commission would prevent any manipulation of the polls.

This article covers Amit Malviya’s criticism of the Mamata Banerjee government, highlighting issues related to women’s safety, corruption, economic decline, and the political climate in West Bengal.