PM Modi Reflects on His Journey and Humble Beginnings in Podcast Interview

PM Modi Reflects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that although the situation and his designation have changed but he is still the same person who once used to sit on the floor and that is the reality.

In a podcast with Zerodha Co-founder Nikhil Kamath, when asked about a photo of a swearing-in ceremony of Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel in 1995, where senior politicians were sitting on a chair while he was sitting on the floor, and what has changed in his life since then. PM Modi said, “My designations have changed, and situations have changed. The setup may have changed. Modi is the same person who once used to sit on the floor. This is reality. It makes no difference to me.”

PM Modi said that when he went to Abu Dhabi and asked the Crown Prince to allocate land for temple then the land was allocated without any delay.

PM Modi said, “I went to Abu Dhabi and said to the Crown Prince that if he could allocate a land for temple it would be great service. Without any delay, I got land and permission to build a temple in an Islamic country. Today millions of Hindus are filled with joy.”

When asked about other countries and his food preferences, he said that he is not a foodie.

PM Modi said, “I am not a foodie. Whatever is served to me in the country that I visit I relish it. But it is my bad luck that if you take me to a restaurant today and give me a menu and ask me to select then I won’t be able to do it. It has been years since I have visited any restaurant. Earlier when I was in the Sangathan, Arun Jaitley was very fond of eating. He knew what was best at which restaurant in which city across the country. He was like an encyclopedia. So when we used to travel together one meal at a restaurant was a certain thing.”

“But if someone hands over the menu to me to select food, I cannot do it. Because I am not aware of the names of the dishes and what they really are. As I don’t have the tendency. So I always told Arun Jaitley to order the food. My only preference was that I wanted to have vegetarian food,” he further said.

PM Modi said that often he is asked that since he is from Gujarat then how he is able to speak Hindi so well.

“Earlier when I used to work for Sangh, people used to think that I am from North India but I lived in Gujarat. The reason is that when we used to sell tea in the Railway Station, my village Mehsana, Meh means buffalo, so in my village when the buffaloes would start giving milk, they would be transported to Mumbai. People would sell milk in Mumbai. When buffaloes would stop giving milk there, they would be brought back to the village. The people who used to work in this business were from Uttar Pradesh. When they came they used to wait for the goods train. When they used to get the train they used to fill it with grass, and accommodate four buffaloes. 30 to 40 such people always used to stay at the platform. I used to sell tea and go to them. I used to talk to them and learnt Hindi during my childhood.” he said.

PM Modi further said that in the evening they used to sing devotional songs and order tea and from them he learnt Hindi. (ANI)

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inspects Key Railway Developments at Integral Coach Factory in Chennai

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai to inspect several key developments in India’s railway network, including the Vande Bharat rakes, Amrit Bharat train coaches, and the Vistadome dining car.

Speaking about the newly upgraded Amrit Bharat train, Vaishnaw emphasized its focus on providing quality travel options for ordinary citizens.

“This is the second version of the Amrit Bharat train. Amrit Bharat train has been made for ordinary citizens. The General coach has the same facilities as any premium coach. It has been made with the sense of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas and upliftment of all,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that the new design includes several passenger-friendly features such as improved seats, better fans, charging points, lumbar support in chairs, a pantry car, and newly designed toilets.

Vaishnaw added that continuous improvements are being made to the Vande Bharat trains as well, aiming to further elevate the passenger experience.

Vaishnaw also touched upon the improvements made to the Vistadome coaches, specifically the addition of a dining car.

“Many improvements have been made to Vistadome coaches like adding a dining car to it. This has been done keeping tourists in mind. Passengers can have dinner while looking at the panoramic views,” he explained.

The new coach, aimed at enhancing the tourism experience, is expected to be deployed in Jammu and Kashmir in the near future.

The minister also said that for the Jammu-Srinagar railway line, “A new Vande Bharat train has been designed for this railway line keeping in mind the sub-zero temperatures there. In the coming days, the dream of connecting Jammu and Srinagar by a railway line will be fulfilled.”

In terms of railway safety, Vaishnaw provided updates on significant progress. He revealed that 10,000 locomotives are being equipped with ‘KAVACH,’ a safety mechanism designed to prevent train collisions.

“10,000 locomotives are being installed with ‘KAVACH’ and 15,000 km of trackside fittings are being done. Telecom towers are being installed. Cameras are also being installed in front of locomotives,” he stated in a press conference.

Additionally, Vaishnaw confirmed that the Railway Board will decide on the fares for Amrit Bharat trains.

He also shared that, the progress of CapEx on railways is “very good”. He said, “By end of December and the first week of January, already 76% of the Capex has been utilised. And this was a record Capex which has never happened in the history.” (ANI)

12th Standard Student Apprehended for Issuing Bomb Threats to Delhi Schools: Delhi Police

Delhi Police

A student studying in 12th standard has been apprehended for his involvement in issuing bomb threats to multiple schools in Delhi via emails, police said.

According to the police, the last 23 threat emails received by different schools in the national capital were sent by the student, who admitted that he had sent such emails previously as well.

“The last 23 threat emails received by different schools in Delhi were sent by a 12th-class student. During interrogation, he admitted that he had sent threat emails earlier as well,” the police said.Several schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Wednesday, police said.

According to officials, the list includes Delhi Public School in Vasant Vihar and RK Puram, Blue Bells, and Tagore International. The emails claimed that a large amount of explosives had been planted on the school premises.

Authorities are investigating the threats, which are similar to previous hoax bomb threats sent to schools in the city.

The e-mail warned the school of “massive and highly dangerous explosives” on its premises. “Your lack of strict bag checks for students entering the school has provided us with the perfect opportunity to carry out our plan,” the e-mail, shared by police sources, read.

According to the mail, the sender of the mail knew about the exam schedule and the movement of students inside the school premises.

“During this time, everyone apart from the students writing the exam will either be standing outside on the field or wandering around the building. You will remain completely unaware of the devastating explosives that have already been planted in multiple key locations on your premises,” mentions the email. (ANI)

Delhi Assembly Polls: Rahul Gandhi to Address Election Rally in Delhi on January 13 Ahead of Assembly Polls

Rahul Gandhi

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi will address an election rally in Delhi on January 13 ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, said sources.

Notably, the Congress has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi polls.
Earlier, Congress announced ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’ in Delhi, promising to provide Rs 25 lakh health cover per family.

The announcement was made at a press conference by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here.

Gehlot termed the scheme a “game changer” in Delhi.

“We have given a lot of coverage to the health… ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’ of the Delhi government will be similar to ‘Chiranjeevi Yojana’ of the Rajasthan government…I am happy that I got the opportunity to launch this scheme here,” the senior congress leader told reporters later.

“The health insurance scheme of Rajasthan has been very successful and in Delhi, we will do the same. It provides benefit to all whereas Ayushman Bharat has its limitations…,” Gehlot added.

Aam Admi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that the Delhi assembly elections will be a direct contest between the AAP and the BJP and not an election of the INDIA alliance.

“Delhi assembly election is between AAP and the BJP.

It is not the election of the INDIA alliance. I wholeheartedly express my gratitude to all those parties for supporting us. Mamata Banerjee is supporting us. Akhilesh Yadav is supporting us. I have learnt through media that the (Uddhav) Thackeray ji’s party is supporting us,” Kejriwal told reporters.

The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. While last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, The AAP eyeing a third term will go to the public boosting its ‘performance’ in the education and the health sector.

AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eight seats. (ANI)

LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Implementation of Three New Criminal Laws in J&K

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of Three New Criminal Laws- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo; DGP, Shri Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary Home, Shri Chandraker Bharti; DGP Prisons Department, Shri Deepak Kumar; ADGP Hqrs/Coordination, Shri M.K Sinha; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; IGP Hqr PHQ, Shri Bhim Sen Tuti and IGP Crime, Dr Sunil Gupta.

The Lieutenant Governor took appraisal of the comprehensive measures taken for the capacity building and training of the Police personnel and officials of other line departments for effective implementation of the new criminal laws that came into force on 1st July, 2024.

He emphasised on dedicated efforts to strengthen the Criminal Justice System and increasing the rate of conviction especially in heinous crimes, anti-national activities and terror-related incidents.

We must ensure transparency in action taken by the police and meet the timelines set for speedy investigation and trial as underlined in the new criminal laws, the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor further directed for comparative study of pre and post era of new criminal laws, and preparing a calendar for the Public Awareness Camps in collaboration with various departments including Information, Education, Social Welfare and Legal Services Authority for increasing awareness among the public regarding the new criminal laws.

The meeting also discussed the progress achieved under various Technological interventions, notification of SoPs and Guidelines, translation of new laws in Dogri and Kashmiri languages, procurement of FSL vans and training of forensic experts, prison personnel and judicial officers.

Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Secretary, Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Achal Sethi; Director J&K Judicial Academy, Ms Sonia Gupta; SIO NIC, Shri Jaskaran Singh Modi and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

Security Forces Jointly Launches Search Operation in Qaimoh area of Kulgam One Suspect Arrested with one AK Rifle

indian army

Army said that a suspected person was held with weapons during a search operation in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.A spokesman said that the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police jointly launched a search operation in the Qaimoh area of Kulga.

“On 08 Jan 2025, based on specific intelligence input, a joint Cordon & Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice at Thokarpura mohallah, Qaimoh, Kulgam. During search, one suspected individual has been apprehended alongwith recovery of 01xAK Rifle, 04xAK Magazines, 120xAK Rounds, 02xHand Grenades & other war like stores. Further Investigation by Police is in progress,” said an army spokesman, in a post on X.

Shockwaves in Politics: Omar Abdullah Calls for INDIA Bloc’s Dissolution Over Leadership Chaos and Unclear Agenda!

Omar Abdullah

Asserting that there was no time limit attached to the INDIA bloc, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed dismay over the lack of clarity regarding its leadership and agenda, suggesting that the alliance should be wound up if it was meant only for the parliamentary elections.

Abdullah emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and other political parties on the ground will decide how to effectively compete with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He mentioned that after the Assembly elections in Delhi, all alliance members should convene for a meeting to determine the future of the alliance.

The National Conference leader responded to a question about an RJD leader’s statement that the INDIA bloc was meant only for Lok Sabha elections, stating that no time limit was set for the alliance and that no meetings are being convened. He highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the main leadership, party, or agenda for future strategy within the INDIA bloc.

Regarding the upcoming Delhi elections, Abdullah noted that AAP had succeeded twice previously and that the decision lies with the people of Delhi this time.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is convening an orientation programme for newly-elected legislators to familiarize them with parliamentary practices, procedures, and the conduct of business in the House. Abdullah emphasized the importance of understanding the new system and the powers of the Assembly to effectively represent the people and raise their issues.

New Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs Announced by Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju

M Nagaraju

Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju on Thursday said the government would soon launch a new credit guarantee scheme for the MSME sector covering loans up to Rs 100 crore.

  “We are likely to come up with a scheme, which was announced by Finance Minister in her last Budget, that could provide loans up to Rs 100 crore without guarantee, if they are already having the enterprise,” he said at the concluding day of Grameen Bharat Mahotsav.

The scheme is expected to be placed before the Union Cabinet soon for its approval.

“For facilitating term loans to MSMEs for purchase of machinery and equipment without collateral or third-party guarantee, a credit guarantee scheme will be introduced. The scheme will operate on pooling of credit risks of such MSMEs. A separately constituted self-financing guarantee fund will provide, to each applicant, guarantee cover up to Rs 100 crore, while the loan amount may be larger,” the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced in Budget 2024-25..

The borrower will have to provide an upfront guarantee fee and an annual guarantee fee on the reducing loan balance, she had said.Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector employs 50 million people, he said.

MSMEs exports have witnessed a remarkable rise, increasing from Rs 3.95 lakh crore in 2020-21 to Rs 12.39 lakh crore in 2024-25, underscoring their critical role in boosting India’s economy and strengthening global trade.

The MSME sector in India has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, significantly contributing to the nation’s GDP over the years. The Gross Value Added (GVA) by MSMEs in India’s GDP was 29.7 per cent in 2017-18, rising to 30.1 per cent in both 2022-23.

To promote entrepreneurship in rural India, Nagaraju said, the government is very keen to lend more to rural areas through its various schemes.

As the country surges ahead, he said, there is need to focus on four things, quality, linkages for exports, capacity building, and support to achieve the vision of Vikshit Bharat. (Agencies)

Farooq Abdullah Calls for Better Safety Measures at Religious Gatherings After Tirupati Stampede

Farooq Abdullah Calls for Better Safety

A day after six people were killed at a stampede at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah underlined the importance of religion in India and said that arrangements should be in place at religious gatherings to prevent loss of lives.
“People go (to religious places) not to die but to pray for their safety, nation and family.

The government should look into the way people were killed in the stampede. And take steps to oversee arrangements at such places thronged by a large number of people and to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” he told reporters in Jammu.“It is important as religion is considered of utmost importance in India,” he remarked.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi Inspires Youth at NCC Republic Day Camp

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi Inspires Youth at NCC Republic Day Camp

 Recalling his days as an NCC cadet, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday urged the youth to dream big and strive to become the “changemakers, innovators and leaders” of tomorrow.
Addressing a gathering of cadets and officers during his visit to the ongoing National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment, Gen Dwivedi also wished his best to an NCC expedition team that will attempt to scale Mount Everest later this year.
“Being part of NCC is a way of life. The formative years as a cadet will forge a unique identity for each one of you, and shall form the edifice of your achievements later in life,” the army chief said.
It is also encouraging to know that in 2024, 100 boy cadets and 10 girl cadets joined the army’s pre-commissioning training academies through NCC’s entry schemes, while more than 8,800 NCC cadets joined the force as Agniveers, Gen Dwivedi said.
The army chief was welcomed by the NCC cadets upon his arrival at the camp. Later, he also interacted with some of them in the flag area, and presented mementoes to those who delivered excellent briefings.
He was also treated to culture performances in the auditorium at the venue.
“Seeing all of you proudly donning your uniform makes me nostalgic as I recall my NCC enrolment number — 73727 — which I had for seven years, and the cherished days I spent as an NCC cadet,” he told the gathering.
Gen Dwivedi, an alumnus of Sainik School in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, also said he felt proud being part of the NCC Alumni Association.
“Dear cadets, as I look at you today, I see not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the custodians of our country’s heritage and future. As young citizens of this great nation, you are an integral part of India’s transformation and growth story,” he said in his address.
“Leadership roles in diverse fields shall soon come your way. Therefore, dream big, and strive to become the changemakers, innovators and leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
The army chief also urged the cadets to believe in themselves, equip themselves with determination and fortitude, and “let hardwork and dedication be your companion in your pursuit of excellence”.
Gen Dwivedi also praised the noble efforts of the cadets in community service, blood donation programmes, environment conservation, and spreading awareness on social issues, and urged them to “demonstrate the strength of youth towards making a tangible difference towards nation-building”.
“I know that a team of NCC cadets will attempt to scale Mount Everest this year, and I am happy to note that they are currently training at the Army Mountaineering Institute in the Siachen Base Camp. My best wishes are with the expedition team,” the army chief said, adding that he will eagerly look forward to “see a glimpse of the NCC summit flag atop Mt Everest”.
Stating that the Indian Army takes great pride in its association and support to the NCC, Gen Dwivedi said at one time, more than 12,500 army personnel stood posted as staff in the NCC.
As part of training support, more than 30,000 NCC cadets have done attachment training with army units thus far, including 4,000 cadets — boys and girls — undergoing attachments with military hospitals, the army chief said.
A total of 2,361 NCC cadets from around the country are taking part in the month-long Republic Day camp, which began on December 30 and will culminate with the PM Rally on January 27.
The annual event is also witnessing the participation of 917 girl cadets, the largest contingent so far. (PTI)