MUMBAI, Jan 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner in the world.
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Speaking after the commissioning of three naval warships here, Modi said India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
A destroyer, a frigate and a submarine were commissioned together for the first time on Wednesday, he noted, adding that all the three are ‘Made in India’.
The ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative has made the country strong and self-reliant, the prime minister said.
“We should become a global partner in securing the sea from drugs, weapons and terrorism and make it safe and prosperous. India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner,” he said.
In the Indian Ocean region, India has emerged as the “first responder”, the prime minister noted.
Modi said India is going to play a major role in giving a direction to the global security, economy and geopolitical dynamics.
‘It is important to protect the territorial waters, freedom of navigation, and secure trade supply lines and sea routes,’ he said.
Modi further said India is working for development, and not expansionism.
He said 33 ships and seven submarines have been inducted into the Navy in the last 10 years.
India’s defence production has crossed Rs 1.25 lakh crore and defence equipment have been exported to more than 100 countries, he added.
Earlier in the morning, Indian Navy warships INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned at the Naval Dockyard here in the presence of PM Modi.
INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, represents a significant advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), it incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.
It features advanced stealth technology and reduced radar signatures. It is equipped with modern aviation facilities and can operate multiple helicopter types, including the newly inducted MH-60R.
INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-on to the Kolkata-class destroyers.
It incorporates improvements in design and capability, making it a critical addition to the Navy’s surface fleet.
Like INS Nilgiri, it has also been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed at the MDL.
INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75. It is a diesel-electric submarine designed for multiple roles, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering.
It features modular construction, enabling future upgrades such as air independent propulsion technology. (PTI)
India Becoming Major Maritime Power: PM Modi
AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi Dies in Tragic Incident
Aam Aadmi Party leader and Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi has passed away due to gunshot injuries in what police suspect might be a case of “accidental fire” from his own licensed pistol. The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Friday at Gogi’s residence.
Incident Details Joint Commissioner of Police Jaskaran Singh Teja stated that the bullet, fired from Gogi’s licensed pistol, pierced his temple. He was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where he was declared dead. According to family members, the shooting was accidental. The body is currently at the mortuary, and a post-mortem examination will provide further details.
Personal and Political Background Gogi (58) is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. He joined AAP in 2022 after a 22-year association with the Congress. Gogi served as municipal councillor twice in Ludhiana before becoming a legislator and was also the chairman of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation during the previous Congress regime. He gained attention in the 2022 assembly elections when he arrived on a scooter to file his nomination papers, ultimately defeating two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu.
Reactions to His Death Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow, describing Gogi as a “very good person.” In a post on X, Mann conveyed heartfelt condolences to Gogi’s family. Punjab AAP President Aman Arora also extended sympathies, praying for strength for the grieving family and eternal peace for Gogi’s soul.
Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed their grief, recognizing Gogi’s contributions to public service and his dedication to his constituency.
Recent Activities Hours before his death, Gogi attended a meeting with Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal to discuss the cleaning of the Buddha Nullah, a polluted drain. He also visited the Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir in BRS Nagar, where he assured justice following a recent theft.
Legacy and Achievements Gogi was known for his proactive approach to local issues, including the Buddha Nullah rejuvenation project, where he had demolished the foundation stone in protest against project delays. His wife, Sukhchain Kaur Gogi, recently contested municipal corporation elections. Gogi’s dedication to public welfare and his journey from a municipal councillor to a legislator have left a lasting impact on Ludhiana.
The tragic and untimely demise of Gurpreet Bassi Gogi marks a significant loss for the people of Ludhiana West and the Aam Aadmi Party.
Dense Fog Disrupts Train Operations in Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 11: A thick layer of fog enveloped the national capital on Saturday morning, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting train operations, officials reported. A total of 45 trains were delayed due to the adverse weather conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that Safdarjung recorded a minimum visibility of 50 meters between 12:30 am and 1:30 am. The visibility improved to 200 meters and remained so until 7:30 am. Several areas across Delhi experienced dense fog during the early morning hours.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 7.7 degrees Celsius, which is normal for this time of year. The IMD has also forecasted thunderstorms with rain during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 15 degrees Celsius.
Humidity levels were at 100% as of 8:30 am, further contributing to the foggy conditions.
Prominent Delegations Meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
Sham Lal Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly from Jammu North, met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today to discuss matters of public interest and development in the region.
In addition, Mahant Rohit Shastri, President of Shri Kailakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan Trust, also called on the Lieutenant Governor to deliberate on issues related to cultural and spiritual development.
Several other delegations met with the Lieutenant Governor, including:
- Dr. Nawang Tundup, President of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Society Paddar, who discussed initiatives for preserving and promoting the region’s Buddhist heritage.
- Gurmeet Singh Bajwa, President of the Border Welfare Committee R.S. Pura, who highlighted concerns of the border communities and sought support for welfare initiatives.
- A joint delegation from the Healthy and Drug-Free Youth Association and the All India Young Blood Organisation, which presented their proposals for youth empowerment and campaigns against drug abuse.
The meetings underscored the administration’s commitment to engaging with various stakeholders to address pressing concerns and foster inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir.
Orientation Program for Newly Elected MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir Continues
As part of the ongoing three-day orientation program for newly elected MLAs, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha N. K. Premachandran today shared his experiences with the legislators of Jammu and Kashmir. Premachandran emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding the rules governing legislative and financial business.
The program’s second day was attended by the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, along with various legislators and dignitaries. Discussions focused on the legislative process, including Private Members Bills and financial business topics such as the Demand for Grants. Premachandran provided a detailed explanation of the foundational concepts of the legislature.
Session Highlights
In the second session, Joint Secretary Santosh Kumar delivered a presentation on “Executive Accountability through Questions in Legislature.” He covered critical aspects, including:
- Question Hour in Lok Sabha
- Short Notice Questions (SNQ)
- Questions directed to Private Members
- Notice and Examination of Questions
Director of Lok Sabha, Partha Goswami, elaborated on the objectives of executive accountability through questions and other parliamentary devices. He also explained the Speaker’s role in maintaining order and facilitating the proceedings.
Director of PRIDE Lok Sabha Secretariat, P. K. Mallick, gave an insightful lecture on “Information Management in the Legislature.” He detailed the functions and responsibilities of information management, including:
- Information Resources and Knowledge Management
- Serving the Informational Needs of Parliamentarians
- Enhancing legislative efficiency through effective information systems
Interactive Sessions
The legislators actively participated in the sessions, raising queries about legislative procedures and processes. These queries sparked in-depth discussions, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to the newly elected representatives.
The orientation program continues to serve as a comprehensive platform for equipping MLAs with essential skills and knowledge to navigate their legislative responsibilities effectively.
GMC Doda Achieves Another Milestone with Advanced Eye Surgery
Dr. Farooq Runyal Leads GMC Doda to Another Milestone with Advanced Eye Surgery
Doda, January 10, 2025 – The Department of Ophthalmology at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda has successfully performed an advanced eye surgery known as Phakic Refractive Surgery for spectacle removal and correction of high Myopic Astigmatism. The groundbreaking procedure was conducted on a 23-year-old female patient with -8.50D Myopia and -4.5D Astigmatism, marking a significant achievement for the institution.
The surgery was skillfully performed by Dr. Farooq Runyal, Consultant Ophthalmology, and ably assisted by Dr. Kirandeep Kour Raina (Senior Resident), Dr. Asma Majid (Medical Officer), along with Mr. Yasir Butt and Mr. Ayub Lone.
Phakic Refractive Surgery involves the insertion of an implantable collamer lens (ICL/IPCL) inside the eye without removing the natural lens. This innovative procedure eliminates the need for spectacles and is recognized for being safe, reversible, successful, and painless. The surgery is performed under topical anesthesia, ensuring maximum comfort for the patient.
The patient expressed immense satisfaction and joy at being able to get rid of heavy spectacles, marking a transformative change in her life. With the success of this surgery, GMC Doda aims to perform similar procedures on a routine basis, further enhancing its capabilities in advanced ophthalmic care.
Dr. Farooq Runyal Leads GMC Doda to Another Milestone with Advanced Eye Surgery
Doda, January 10, 2025 – The Department of Ophthalmology at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda has successfully performed an advanced eye surgery known as Phakic Refractive Surgery for spectacle removal and correction of high Myopic Astigmatism. The groundbreaking procedure was conducted on a 23-year-old female patient with -8.50D Myopia and -4.5D Astigmatism, marking a significant achievement for the institution.
The surgery was skillfully performed by Dr. Farooq Runyal, Consultant Ophthalmology, and ably assisted by Dr. Kirandeep Kour Raina (Senior Resident), Dr. Asma Majid (Medical Officer), along with Mr. Yasir Butt and Mr. Ayub Lone.
Phakic Refractive Surgery involves the insertion of an implantable collamer lens (ICL/IPCL) inside the eye without removing the natural lens. This innovative procedure eliminates the need for spectacles and is recognized for being safe, reversible, successful, and painless. The surgery is performed under topical anesthesia, ensuring maximum comfort for the patient.
The patient expressed immense satisfaction and joy at being able to get rid of heavy spectacles, marking a transformative change in her life. With the success of this surgery, GMC Doda aims to perform similar procedures on a routine basis, further enhancing its capabilities in advanced ophthalmic care.
Rinku Singh’s Six Leaves Lasting Impact at St George’s Park
It has been over a year since Rinku Singh’s towering six shattered the press box’s glass window at St George’s Park during the second T20 International against South Africa in December 2023. The damaged glass, located in the Graeme Pollock Pavilion, remains unrepaired, standing as a testament to the Indian cricketer’s remarkable innings of 68 off 39 balls, despite India’s loss.
The iconic hit, which drew admiration from former South African pacer Dale Steyn as a “great shot,” has since weathered storms, including an August tempest that partially destroyed the stadium roof. Despite its cracked state, the glass has neither crumbled nor caused harm, prompting ground management to defer repairs due to logistical challenges and budgetary constraints.
Logistical Hurdles and Budgetary Challenges
Replacing the damaged glass presents significant challenges. According to a ground management official, repairs would require hoisting workers on a crane to access the specific height of the press box. However, financial limitations have prioritized more pressing maintenance issues, such as combating corrosion of metallic pillars and repairing the storm-damaged roof, which cost 400,000 rands.
“The glass hasn’t harmed anyone so far and doesn’t look like it will,” the official explained. “Maybe we can get it autographed by Rinku whenever he comes over here next.”
A Missed Opportunity
India’s visit to South Africa in November last year offered a chance to secure Rinku’s autograph on the cracked glass, but the opportunity was missed. The ground management remains hopeful for a future encounter, though India is not scheduled to tour South Africa in the near future.
Custodians of Heritage
The stadium, owned by the local municipality, relies on its management staff to act as custodians, focusing on maintaining the venue’s structural integrity and ensuring public satisfaction with their efforts. The official emphasized, “The public must feel that those in charge are doing a good job.”
While the cracked glass serves as a quirky reminder of Rinku’s heroics, the management’s priorities lie in addressing more urgent needs to preserve the historic venue. For now, the damaged pane stands as an enduring symbol of an unforgettable cricketing moment.
Hydrogen Train Engine by Indian Railways Sets Global Benchmark
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways has developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine, boasting a maximum horsepower of 1,200—double the output of similar engines manufactured globally. This achievement highlights India’s progress in adopting sustainable and indigenous technologies.
Speaking at a plenary session titled “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contribution to Sustainable Development” during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, Vaishnaw stated that only four countries produce such train engines, with their horsepower ranging between 500 and 600. The Indian innovation has set a new global standard.
The first hydrogen-powered train is slated for a trial run soon in Haryana on the Jind-Sonipat route. While the engine has been manufactured, its system integration is currently in progress. Vaishnaw emphasized that such technological achievements could lead to spin-off products, including power trains for trucks and tugboats, showcasing the adaptability of indigenous technologies.
“Indigenously developed technology provides a unique chance to create derivative technologies for various applications,” the minister said. He noted that these advancements bring confidence in achieving technological self-sufficiency and contribute to building critical parts of the value chain.
Panel Discusses Green Technology and Climate Change Challenges
During the session, Hambyarajen Narasinghaen, Mauritius’ Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the challenges posed by climate change in his country and sought India’s support in green technology solutions. Other notable participants included Rahul Fotedar, Founder & CTO of Morrow Batteries (Norway); Jagdish Nainwal, CEO of UPL for LATAM, Mexico; Indronil Sengupta, Swiss Biotech Association (Switzerland); Jitendra Kr. Sachdeva, Group President of SkipperSeil Ltd (Nigeria); and Kishore Reddy and Anju Virmani.
Odisha’s Transformation into an IT Hub
Outside the event, Vaishnaw revealed plans to transform Odisha into a major Information Technology hub within two to three years. Discussions on this initiative were held with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with implementation expected to commence in the coming months. Vaishnaw, also a Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha, emphasized youth training programs as part of these efforts.
The Railway Minister highlighted the Centre’s commitment to Odisha’s development, citing railway projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore announced for the state. Construction work on these projects has been expedited, with further talks held to enhance the state’s railway infrastructure.
Special Train for Maha Kumbh-2025
Vaishnaw also announced that the Railways will operate a special train from Odisha to Uttar Pradesh for the Maha Kumbh-2025 in Prayagraj, ensuring convenient travel for pilgrims.
District Administration Reviews Progress on MGNREGA Projects
In a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Udhampur, Saloni Rai, the progress of works executed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) convergence plan for the financial year 2024-25 was thoroughly reviewed. The meeting also laid the groundwork for formulating the convergence plan for 2025-26.
The DC emphasized the importance of expediting pending works while ensuring adherence to quality standards. She underscored the need for inter-departmental coordination to achieve significant and measurable outcomes under MGNREGA. Stressing the importance of proper documentation and regular monitoring, she directed officers to submit progress reports in a timely manner.
“Holistic development of the district is our priority,” stated DC Saloni Rai. “A well-drafted convergence plan for 2025-26 will pave the way for sustainable development and enhanced rural employment opportunities.”
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Rajinder Singh, Assistant Commissioner Development Dr. Ranjit Kotwal, and other senior officials from various departments. The officers deliberated on strategies to align departmental efforts under MGNREGA and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
DC Rai urged the departments to identify key areas where MGNREGA projects could be effectively integrated with other developmental schemes to maximize impact. She called for innovative approaches to address local challenges and uplift rural communities.
As part of the convergence plan for 2025-26, the DC instructed officers to draft a comprehensive framework that focuses on infrastructure development, livelihood enhancement, and ecological sustainability. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to achieving tangible outcomes through meticulous planning and execution.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on expediting ongoing projects and ensuring their completion within stipulated timelines. Officers were reminded to uphold transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.
The district administration remains dedicated to fostering rural development and improving the quality of life for its residents through effective governance and the optimal use of resources.