Saturday, March 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel, initiating significant infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir to boost tourism and reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari outlined plans for highways, tunnels, and ropeways, focusing on major connectivity improvements. Key projects include ropeways for prominent temples and the 14-km Zojila tunnel, enhancing all-season connectivity and regional development.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the Indian Army's readiness along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, LoC in Pakistan, and Manipur. He highlighted operational preparedness, reconciliation efforts, and enhanced surveillance. Transformation into a self-reliant force by 2047 aligns with national development goals.
Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut urged Congress to take the lead in maintaining the INDIA-bloc alliance, emphasizing their elder brother role. He highlighted the alliance's success in the 2024 elections but pointed out the lack of post-election meetings and communication issues.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced that nearly 5,000 youths have left Naxalism in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, joined the mainstream, and many have found employment. He predicted the district will become the highest revenue generator in five years, emphasizing the need for addressing unemployment, malnutrition, and education for societal transformation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the youth in transforming India into a developed nation, highlighting Swami Vivekananda's faith in the younger generation. Speaking on National Youth Day, Modi underscored ambitious goals, including achieving 20% ethanol blending by 2030 and hosting the Olympics. He called for active citizen involvement in realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat.'
Tamil Nadu's governor criticized chief minister MK Stalin for calling his walkout 'childish,' after Ravi protested the omission of the National Anthem at the assembly's opening session. Stalin defended the state's tradition of playing the Tamil Anthem at the start and the National Anthem at the end.
