Tuesday, October 7, 2025
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PM Modi marks 25 years in public service, thanks citizens for their trust
Technology

PM Modi marks 25 years in public service, thanks citizens for their trust

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday marked 25 years of public service and expressed gratitude to citizens for their "continuous trust and affection", vowing to work with renewed determination to fulfil the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "On this day in 2001, I took oath as Gujarat's Chief Minister for the first time. Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of the Government. My gratitude to the people of India. Through all these years, it has been my constant endeavour to improve the lives of our people and contribute to the progress of this great nation that has nurtured us all." Reflecting on his early days in office, PM Modi recalled that the BJP had entrusted him with the responsibility of leading Gujarat in "very testing circumstances". "The state was suffering due to a massive earthquake in the same year. The preceding years had witnessed a super cyclone, successive droughts and political instability. Those challenges strengthened the resolve to serve people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope," he said. He also remembered the words of his late mother on the day he took the oath. "When I took oath as Chief Minister, I remember my mother telling me -- I do not have much understanding of your work, but I only seek two things. First, you will always work for the poor and second, you will never take a bribe," he said. "I also told people that whatever I do will be with the best intent and will be inspired by a vision to serve the very last person in the queue," he added. The Prime Minister said his 25 years of service had been "filled with many experiences", during which India made "remarkable strides". Talking about his tenure as Gujarat CM, he said, "When I took over, it was believed that Gujarat could never rise again. Common citizens, including farmers, complained about a lack of power and water. Agriculture was in the doldrums, and industrial growth was stagnant. From there, we all worked collectively to make Gujarat a powerhouse of good governance." He said Gujarat, once a drought-prone state, became a top performer in agriculture and industry. "The culture of trading expanded into robust industrial and manufacturing capacities. Regular curfews became a thing of the past. Social and physical infrastructure received a boost. It was very satisfying to be able to work with the people to achieve these outcomes," he said. Reminiscing the year 2013, when he was declared the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, PM Modi said, "Those days, the nation was witnessing a crisis of trust and governance. The then UPA Government was synonymous with the worst form of corruption, cronyism and policy paralysis." He further said that during the UPA tenure, India was seen as a "weak link" in the global order; however, the people gave the NDA a thumping majority, ensuring that the alliance got an absolute majority, a first after three long decades. Highlighting his government's achievements over the past 11 years, PM Modi said, "We, The People of India, have worked together and achieved many transformations. Our path-breaking efforts have empowered people from all across India, especially our Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti and hardworking Annadatas. Over 25 crore people have been removed from the clutches of poverty." Underscoring India's global standing, he said, "Today, India is seen as a bright spot among major global economies. We are home to one of the largest healthcare and social security schemes in the world. Our farmers are innovating and ensuring that our nation is self-reliant." Reiterating his call to adopt 'Swadeshi', the Prime Minister said, "We have undertaken extensive reforms, and the popular sentiment is to make India Aatmanirbhar across all sectors, reflecting in the clarion call of 'Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai'." Concluding his post, PM Modi said that he is committed to the people. "I once again thank the people of India for their continuous trust and affection. To serve our beloved nation is the highest honour, a duty that fills me with gratitude and purpose. With the values of our Constitution as my constant guide, I will work even harder in the times to come to realise our collective dream of a Viksit Bharat," he said.

Gold hits record high on MCX amid US economic uncertainty
Technology

Gold hits record high on MCX amid US economic uncertainty

Mumbai: Gold prices hit fresh record highs in morning trade on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Tuesday, as investors turned to the precious metal amid growing global uncertainties and expectations of more rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. MCX Gold December futures touched an all-time high of Rs 1,20,769 per 10 grams. Around 9:15 am, gold was trading 0.43 per cent higher at Rs 1,20,769 per 10 grams, while MCX Silver December futures were up 0.12 per cent at Rs 1,47,701 per kg. In the international market, gold prices also surged to record highs as investors sought safe-haven assets due to rising economic and political tensions in the United States. Expectations that the US Fed may cut interest rates further have added to the positive sentiment around the yellow metal. The ongoing US government shutdown has deepened worries about the country’s economic stability. The deadlock, which has now entered its seventh day, has frozen about $1.7 trillion in funds for federal agencies -- roughly one-fourth of the total annual budget -- and could lead to more job losses, according to reports. Market analysts said traders are now watching key upcoming events, including the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes, a speech by the Fed Chair, China’s market reopening after the holiday, and developments around the US shutdown. “Gold prices rose to an all-time high, extending gains to a third session on US economic and political uncertainties and expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve,” experts said. “White House backed off President Donald Trump's assertion that government employees were already being laid off due to the shutdown, but warned job losses could result as the standoff looked set to stretch into a seventh day,” market analysts added. As per the experts, the focus this week will be on FOMC meeting minutes, Fed chair’s speech, China’s re-opening after holiday and updates regarding US shutdown.

Delhi Police nab 10 transgender Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in city
Technology

Delhi Police nab 10 transgender Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in city

New Delhi: Ten transgender Bangladeshi nationals, residing illegally in Delhi, have been apprehended by the Delhi Police in three separate operations, officials said on Tuesday. The operations were carried out by the Foreigner Cell of the North-West District Police, with eight individuals detained in the jurisdiction of Police Station Shalimar Bagh and two in the jurisdiction of Police Station Mahendra Park. According to officials, during verification, it was discovered that the individuals were living in India without valid documents and were involved in begging during the day while engaging in objectionable activities at night. "Recently, information was received regarding the movement of some suspected Bangladeshi nationals near Haiderpur Metro Station and New Subzi Mandi, Mahendra Park. Acting on this input, regular surveillance and area domination exercises were conducted in the said localities," the officials stated. Based on the gathered intelligence, a dedicated team comprising Sub-Inspector Sapan, Sub-Inspector Shyambir, Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajender, Head Constables Vikram, Kapil Kumar, Vikash Yadav, Parveen, Tika Ram, and Kapil, along with Women Head Constables Poonam and Deepak, Constables Nishant Mattoo, Hawa Singh, and Deepak Bangar, was constituted under the close supervision of Inspector Chaitanya Abhijit, in-charge of the Foreigner Cell, and overall supervision of Rajeev Kumar, ACP, Foreigners Cell. Acting on actionable intelligence gathered during routine checks, the team conducted raids with the help of informers. During these operations, eight suspicious individuals were intercepted near Haiderpur Metro Station within Shalimar Bagh jurisdiction, while two others were caught near New Subzi Mandi in the Mahendra Park area. The authorities further stated that during initial questioning, the suspects claimed to be Indian citizens, but their inconsistent responses and nervous behaviour raised doubts about their claims. A detailed investigation involving document verification, analysis of digital footprints, and examination of photographic evidence later revealed strong links to Bangladesh. "Corroborating indicators, such as online connections with Bangladeshi entities, confirmed their identity as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants," the police said. During further inquiry, photographs recovered from their mobile phones and Instagram accounts depicted locations in Bangladesh. On sustained interrogation, the accused admitted their Bangladeshi nationality and even produced their Bangladeshi National ID cards. "It was further revealed that they had undergone Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS) to alter their physical appearance and resemble women. To conceal their identity, they regularly used heavy makeup, sarees or salwar suits, wigs, and other feminine accessories. They had also modified their voice and body language to imitate female mannerisms," the police statement said. The investigation confirmed that all ten individuals were Bangladeshi nationals living in Delhi without valid travel documents, visas, or permits, in clear violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and other relevant immigration laws.

Trump open to talks with Democrats as US shutdown drags on
Technology

Trump open to talks with Democrats as US shutdown drags on

Washington: The US government shutdown entered its sixth day, with President Donald Trump indicating he’s ready to negotiate with Democrats. In a Truth Social Post, Trump said, “I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open.” Earlier in the day, while speaking to the media, Trump asserted that said “negotiations on health care are underway with Democrats.” “We are speaking with the Democrats, and some very good things could happen with respect to healthcare,” he added. The Republicans have accused Democrats of demanding healthcare subsidies for illegal immigrants, which the Democrats reject as a lie peddled by the Trump administration. Democrats say they are asking to reverse the healthcare cuts for American citizens in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was passed earlier this year. Meanwhile, a vote in the Senate was defeated again on Monday as both sides continued to blame each other for the prolonged crisis. While the Republicans control both the Senate and the House of Representatives, they are eight votes short in the Senate, as the funding bill requires 60 votes to pass. The White House continued to threaten the firing of federal workers while walking back on US President Donald Trump’s statement on Sunday that the administration had already started removing federal employees. Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, said on Monday that the “Office of Management and Budget is continuing to work with agencies on who, unfortunately, is going to have to be laid off if this shutdown continues.” In a post on Truth Social last week, Trump called the shutdown an “unprecedented opportunity.” About 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed, while many others have been forced to work without pay. Since the beginning of the shutdown, the administration has frozen $26 billion for 16 Democratic-leaning states, including $18 billion for transit projects in New York. About 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed, while many others have been forced to work without pay. Essential services such as border protection, law enforcement and air-traffic control continue to function for now, while food assistance programmes, government-funded pre-school, food inspectors and operations at national parks could be adversely affected soon. Military and civilian staff are not being paid during the shutdown, as around 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay. The DoT has halted additional activities like hiring and training of air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Monday that a federal program to subsidise air travel to rural areas would run out of funds by the end of the week if the shutdown persists. “There are many small communities across the country that will now no longer have the resources to make sure they have air service in their communities,” Duffy said. If the shutdown is extended over a long period, air travel could face challenges as many of those workers would be forced to work without pay and may not report for duty. Around two-thirds of the employees of the National Park Service, the federal agency that manages national parks, have been furloughed during the shutdown, affecting tourist sites such as caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and White Sands National Park in New Mexico. In Washington, DC, the Library of Congress, the National Archives Museum, the Washington Monument and the National Arboretum have been shut, and tours of the Capitol Building and the Pentagon have been suspended. The Smithsonian Institution’s museums and National Zoo in Washington announced last week that they would remain open to the public until October 11. This is the first US government shutdown in seven years, as the last one happened under Trump 1.0 and lasted for 35 days – the longest in history.

India reminds world of Pakistan’s ‘genocidal mass rape’ in Bangladesh as it tries to obfuscate record
Technology

India reminds world of Pakistan’s ‘genocidal mass rape’ in Bangladesh as it tries to obfuscate record

United Nations: India has reminded the world of Pakistan’s campaign of “genocidal mass rape” of women in Bangladesh during its Independence struggle as Islamabad tried to divert attention from its record through “misdirection and hyperbole”. “This is a country that conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army”, India’s Permanent Representative P Harish told the Security Council on Monday, reacting to Pakistan’s attempt to bring up Kashmir during a debate on Women, Peace and Security. “The world sees through Pakistan’s propaganda”, he said. The reminder of Pakistan's atrocities in Bangladesh came as the Dakha regime led by Mohammad Yunus responded to Islamabad's overtures. Harsh said that Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikar Ahmad's criticism of India was a “delusional tirade” bringing in Jammu and Kashmir, “the Indian territory they covet”. “A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole”, Harish said. Pakistan inserts its view of Kashmir into almost every discussion at the UN, regardless of the topic, even though none of the other 192 countries take up its Kashmiri cause. Although Ahmad accused India of repression in Pakistan, his country’s security forces killed at least 12 people last week in the part of Kashmir it occupies during Islamabad’s campaign to brutally crush demands for government reform. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to the landmark resolution adopted by the Security Council 25 years ago this month that elevated women’s role in preventing conflicts, and in peace negotiations and peace-building. He said that there has been progress since then and women have "led local mediation, shaped new laws, and advanced justice for survivors of gender-based violence”. The number of women peacekeepers has doubled, and gender provisions in peace agreements have become more common, he said. “But gains are fragile and – very worryingly – going in reverse”, he said. “Around the globe, we see troubling trends in military spending, more armed conflicts, and more shocking brutality against women and girls”, he added. Harish called the adoption of the Council resolution a “transformative moment that fundamentally reshaped our understanding of peace and security -- recognising that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full and equal participation of women”. He said that India’s commitment to the principles behind the resolution predated its adoption by several decades. Indian medical officers pioneered in women's participation in peacekeeping, joining the UN operations in Congo in 1960. And in 2007, India contributed the first all-female Formed Police Unit in the UN’s history, he said. Deployed in Liberia, the unit “catalysed a transformation in Liberian society, inspiring local women to join law enforcement and participate actively in rebuilding their nation”. Kiran Bedi, who was the first woman officer of the Indian Police Service, also made history at the UN as its first female Police Advisor and head of the United Nations Police Division in 2003, he said. “It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping; rather, it is whether peacekeeping can do without women”, Harish said. India has invested in building up women’s leadership in peacekeeping through the Indian Army’s Center for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi, he said. The Center launched a special course in 2016 for women military officers, and officers from dozens of countries have participated in it, he said.

UN chief regrets lack of progress in women, peace and security agenda
Technology

UN chief regrets lack of progress in women, peace and security agenda

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regretted the lack of progress in the women, peace and security agenda. "Too often, we gather in rooms like this one -- full of conviction and commitment -- only to fall short when it comes to real change in the lives of women and girls caught in conflict," he told an annual open debate of the Security Council on women, peace and security, Xinhua news agency reported. "We speak of inclusion, yet far too frequently women remain absent from negotiating tables. We speak of protection, yet sexual violence persists with impunity. We speak of leadership, yet women peacebuilders are underfunded, under threat, and under-recognized," he said. "And we all lose -- women and men, girls and boys." Twenty-five years since Security Council Resolution 1325 on the women, peace and security agenda was adopted, gains are fragile and -- very worryingly -- going in reverse, he warned. Around the globe, there are troubling trends in military spending, more armed conflicts, and more shocking brutality against women and girls, he noted. Last year, 676 million women lived within 50 km of deadly conflict events, the highest number in decades. Sexual violence surged, with documented incidents against girls rising by 35 percent. In some places, alarmingly, girls accounted for nearly half of all victims. Maternal mortality is rising in crisis zones. Girls are being pulled from school. Women in public life -- politicians, journalists, human rights defenders -- are targeted with violence and harassment, he said. While women's organizations remain lifelines for millions in crisis, they are being starved of resources. In a survey conducted by UN Women just a few months ago, 90 percent of local women-led groups in conflict settings reported financial distress. Nearly half expected to shut down within six months, said Guterres. The women, peace and security agenda must deliver measurable change: more women shaping peace agreements, security reforms and recovery plans; more survivors accessing services and justice; more communities drawing from the vitality and strength of all their people, he said. "Resolution 1325 is clear: women are leaders of peace for all. The world does not need more reminders of that truth -- it needs more results that reflect it," said Guterres.

CM Nitish Kumar flags off Patna Metro, city enters new era of urban transport
Technology

CM Nitish Kumar flags off Patna Metro, city enters new era of urban transport

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday flagged off the Patna Metro, the state’s first metro service. Nitish Kumar also initiated the construction of the underground metro from Rukunpura to Patna Junction. The flag-off ceremony was held at the ISBT Metro Station. After the inauguration, Kumar personally took part in its maiden ride from the ISBT Depot metro station to Bhoothnath metro station. Several state ministers and senior officials accompanied him during the ceremony, which drew enthusiastic crowds eager to witness the landmark moment. In its first phase, the metro will operate on a 4.3 km stretch between New ISBT -- Zero Mile -- Bhootnath stations, with services open to the public immediately after the inauguration. It will be further extended to Khemnichak and Malahi Pakadi later this year. The three-coach rake, designed to carry up to 945 passengers per trip, will provide a modern, convenient transport option for the residents of Patna. According to the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited, the fare structure has been set at Rs 15 from ISBT to Zero Mile and Rs 30 from ISBT to Bhootnath Metro Station. The metro will run from 8 am to 10 pm, and it will be available at a frequency of every 20 minutes. The metro will cover 40-42 trips daily. Each coach can seat 147 passengers and accommodate additional standing travellers. Twelve seats per coach have been reserved for women and the differently-abled. Speaking at the event, Nitish Kumar said the project marks the beginning of a new era of urban mobility in Patna, easing congestion and offering residents a faster, more reliable mode of daily commute. The total cost of this ambitious project is estimated at Rs 13,365 crore. Once fully completed, the metro network will expand to 24 stations across 32.5 km in Patna, marking a major leap in the city’s public transport infrastructure. The maximum operating speed in the initial phase will be 40 km per hour, with the train equipped with advanced passenger safety systems. Each coach will feature 360-degree CCTV cameras, emergency buttons, and microphones that connect directly to the train driver, ensuring real-time safety responses.

Rajnath Singh to inaugurate defence manufacturing conference in Delhi
Technology

Rajnath Singh to inaugurate defence manufacturing conference in Delhi

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate a national-level conference on ‘Opportunities in Defence Manufacturing in the Country’ at Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday. The conference, organised under the aegis of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, will provide a focused platform to strengthen coordination between the Ministry and governments of all the States and Union Territories, to align regional industrial policies and infrastructure development with the national goal of achieving self-reliance in Defence manufacturing, according to an official statement issued on Monday. During the event, the Defence Minister Singh will launch the new ‘Defence Exim Portal’, designed to streamline the process of issuing export and import authorisations, as well as the Srijan DEEP (Defence Establishments and Entrepreneurs Platform) portal, a digital repository mapping the capabilities and products of Indian Defence industries. Two key publications, ‘Aerospace & Defence Sector Policy Compendium of States and Union Territories’ and the iDEX Coffee Table Book ‘Shared Horizons of Innovation’ will also be released on the occasion, the statement said. The conference aims to bring together senior officials from the Departments of Industries of all States and Union Territories to discuss their crucial role in advancing India’s Defence manufacturing ecosystem. It will also highlight ongoing national efforts to boost indigenisation, enhance Defence exports, and promote investment in the sector, the statement added. India’s Defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports increasing to a record Rs 24,000 crore in 2024-25, official figures show. “Our Defence production, which was only Rs 43,000 crore 10 to 11 years ago, has now crossed a record figure of Rs 1,46,000 crore, with the private sector’s contribution of over Rs 32,000 crore. Our Defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore 10 years ago, have surpassed a record figure of Rs 24,000 crore,” the Defence Minister said recently. He described 'Make-in-India' as crucial for security and prosperity, stating that the use of indigenous systems during 'Operation Sindoor' has proved that India has the power to penetrate any armour of the enemy.