Category: NATIONAL

Ahmedabad / Somnath, January 10:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a three-day official visit to Gujarat, where he participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, highlighting India’s spiritual heritage and national unity. Modi took part in the Omkar Mantra chanting at the Somnath Temple on the evening of January 10, followed by a special drone show at the temple premises. The event, being observed from January 8 to 11, marks 1,000 years since the first attack on the historic shrine and celebrates its resilience and cultural significance across centuries. Modi reiterated the sacred site’s role in awakening the collective consciousness of the nation and emphasised its enduring symbolism of faith and courage.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the Shaurya Yatra and perform darshan and pooja at Somnath Temple on January 11, honouring warriors and citizens who defended the shrine through history. During this visit, he will also attend a public function in Somnath before proceeding to Rajkot and Ahmedabad, where he is expected to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region and meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on January 12. The itinerary reflects a blend of cultural, regional development, and international diplomacy initiatives under Modi’s leadership.

Visakhapatnam, January 10:
The third edition of the Indian Lighthouse Festival commenced on Friday at MGM Park in Visakhapatnam, drawing thousands of visitors and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage and coastal traditions. Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day event, which features a variety of cultural performances, traditional cuisine stalls, theatre shows, and exhibitions aimed at promoting lighthouse tourism and community development. The festival highlighted folk art, regional dances, and craft displays, attracting over 3,500 attendees on the opening day and emphasising the role of lighthouses as socio-economic and cultural hubs under the Maritime India Vision 2030.

Organisers noted the event also included stalls by more than 40 self-help groups (SHGs), promoting women-led enterprises and local products, helping strengthen livelihoods in coastal communities. Cultural performers from across the region, including a special Kuchipudi recital by Guru Sannidha Rajasagi, entertained audiences, while talks by dignitaries highlighted the strategic importance of lighthouse tourism in boosting local economies. Union Minister Sonowal and Naidu both underscored the festival’s contribution to sustainable coastal development and its alignment with broader efforts to make lighthouses focal points for cultural tourism and regional growth.

Vijayawada, January 10:
In a relief to commuters across Andhra Pradesh ahead of the busy Sankranti festival season, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and hire bus owners’ associations successfully resolved differences on Friday, leading to the withdrawal of a proposed strike that was set to begin on January 12. Representatives of the hire bus operators had raised concerns over reimbursement rates and operational issues with APSRTC officials during talks held at the RTC House in Vijayawada. After discussions led by APSRTC Vice-Chairman and MD Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, the associations agreed to call off the strike, with both sides committing to address their concerns by January 20 and ensure uninterrupted bus services during the festival rush.

Officials confirmed that hire buses will operate as usual during the Sankranti period, avoiding travel disruptions for passengers and festivalgoers. APSRTC management assured that issues such as cost adjustments and service improvements will be monitored closely, with follow-up meetings planned to finalise solutions. Senior transport executives, including KS Brahmananda Reddy and A Appalaraju, were present for the talks. The development has brought reassurance to residents and travellers, many of whom depend on hire buses for long-distance and inter-district travel during the festive season.

New Delhi, January 9:
The North-West District police in Delhi have successfully solved a theft case with the arrest of one accused, officials said on Thursday. Acting on specific inputs and technical surveillance, the police team traced and apprehended the suspect in connection with the theft.

According to police, stolen property has been recovered from the possession of the accused, and further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the individual was involved in other similar cases. Officials said sustained efforts by the district staff led to a quick breakthrough, helping bring relief to the complainant.

New Delhi, January 9:
The team of Nand Nagri Police Station in Delhi has successfully solved a burglary case with the arrest of two accused, officials said on Thursday. The arrests were made following sustained investigation and analysis of clues collected from the crime scene.

Police said stolen articles were recovered from the possession of the accused, and further questioning is underway to determine their involvement in other burglary cases in the area. Officials praised the prompt action of the police team, stating that such operations help strengthen public confidence and curb crime in the district.

Kolkata, January 9:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to lead a protest march in Kolkata against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following recent raids carried out by the central agency. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that the action is politically motivated and aimed at targeting opposition leaders.

According to party sources, the protest is intended to highlight what the TMC describes as the “misuse of central agencies” by the BJP-led Centre. Mamata Banerjee is expected to address party workers and supporters during the demonstration, accusing the Union government of intimidation tactics. The development is likely to intensify the ongoing political confrontation between the Centre and the West Bengal government.

New Delhi, January 9:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed a plea filed by alleged middleman Christian Michel challenging the legality of his extradition from the United Arab Emirates to India. The agencies submitted before the court that Michel’s extradition was carried out in accordance with due process and in line with the extradition treaty between India and the UAE, rejecting claims of any procedural irregularities.

Michel, an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, has argued that his extradition was unlawful and violated his rights. Countering this, the CBI and ED maintained that all legal safeguards were followed and asserted that the challenge was an attempt to delay the trial proceedings. The court has taken note of the submissions and is expected to hear further arguments before passing orders on the matter.

New Delhi, January 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to interact with emerging young leaders during the upcoming Vivekananda Youth Leadership Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026, scheduled around January 12, which coincides with National Youth Day commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. According to organisers, the event will bring together a dynamic cohort of youth leaders, innovators, and social entrepreneurs from across India to discuss leadership challenges, innovation, and solutions for societal transformation. Modi’s participation is expected to focus on inspiring young Indians to take on leadership roles in nation-building and outline opportunities for youth involvement in public service.

The dialogue will highlight key themes such as ethical leadership, digital innovation, sustainable development, and youth engagement in governance. Organisers said that the session aims to motivate participants to translate their ideas into actionable projects that address grassroots challenges, align with national priorities, and contribute to inclusive development. Modi’s engagement at VBYLD 2026 reinforces the government’s emphasis on empowering youth and fostering a culture of leadership, creativity and public spirit among India’s younger generations.

New Delhi / Somnath, January 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the nation on the commencement of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a significant moment to celebrate the millennia-old cultural resilience of the Somnath Temple. In a social media message, Modi highlighted the civilisational resolve that ensured the temple was repeatedly rebuilt despite repeated attacks over centuries, describing the anniversary as a reflection of India’s enduring faith and cultural unity. The Prime Minister also shared memories from his previous visits to the temple and invited citizens to commemorate the occasion by sharing their own experiences.

Modi is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11 to participate in the Swabhiman Parv celebrations, which will feature a host of spiritual and cultural programmes. He said the event honours countless Indians who upheld principles and values regardless of adversity and emphasised that Somnath’s legacy stands as a symbol of the civilisational spirit that has sustained India over centuries. The celebrations are expected to include cultural events, community programmes, and nationwide engagement activities aimed at fostering a sense of pride and continuity in India’s shared heritage.

New Delhi, January 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the latest forward-looking economic data showing India’s real GDP is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the financial year 2025–26, reinforcing the government’s optimism about the country’s growth trajectory. Modi said that India’s “Reform Express” continues to gain momentum, driven by comprehensive investment initiatives, demand-led policies, and structural reforms in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing and digital public goods. He credited the sustained economic push under the NDA government for reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Modi’s comments highlighted the importance of reform continuity, ease of doing business improvements, and policy measures that support job creation and industrial expansion as key drivers of the projected growth.

The Prime Minister also noted that the services sector, particularly financial and professional services, has recorded robust expansion, while manufacturing and agriculture showed consistent performance, contributing to broad-based growth. Modi’s remarks come at a time when global economic uncertainties persist, making India’s resilient growth outlook a positive signal for investors and policymakers. He underlined that continued reform efforts, including investment facilitation and public-private partnership initiatives, will be critical to sustaining momentum in the medium and long term.