Month: March 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday engaged in a boardroom-style discussion with Lakhpati Didis in Navsari, similar to his interactions with corporate CEOs.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil accompanied the Prime Minister during the occasion on International Women’s Day.

With a notepad and pencil in hand, PM was focussed on noting the key points from the discussion.

Most women said that they have managed to become Lakhpati Didis due to PM Modi, his policies, and the motivation he has given them.

Hearing the positive experiences and progress of Lakhpati Didis, PM Modi said that the 3 crore Lakhpati Didi target may soon be surpassed, and even the 5 crore target may be attained in due course.

Women exuded confidence that, under PM Modi’s leadership, within a few years, instead of the Lakhpati Didi programme, they may be participating in the Crorepati Didi programme.

A Drone Pilot said that while she could not fly a plane, she has had the opportunity to become one due to PM Modi. She said that instead of being referred to as Bhabhi, she is called “Pilot in her home and village.”

In response to her, PM Modi said that “there is an own identity of Drone Didi.”

Discussing the business expansion plan, the PM suggested to the Lakhpati Didis that they bring their business online for greater market access.

“Women like them in rural areas will lead the path to Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi said.

Lauding the PM’s initiative to promote millets, a woman said that her Khakhra of Gujarat has attained popularity.

PM said that due to such efforts, Khakhra is no more limited to Gujarat but has attained national fame.

A woman said that receiving an invite for the interaction was a very proud moment for her. Some neighbours even requested, in a lighter vein, that they not complain about them during the meeting.

A Lakhpati Didi is a Self-Help Group member who earns an annual household income of Rs 1,00,000 or more. This income is calculated for at least four agricultural seasons and/or business cycles, and the average monthly income exceeds Rs 10,000, so it is sustainable.

The Lakhpati initiative facilitates diversified livelihood activities by ensuring convergence across all Government departments/ Ministries, the Private sector, and Market players. The strategy includes focused planning, implementation, and monitoring at all levels.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to ‘Nari Shakti,’ recognizing the strength and contributions of women on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

“We bow to our Nari Shakti on #WomensDay! Our Government has always worked to empower women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes. Today, as promised, my social media properties will be taken over by women who are making a mark in diverse fields!” the Prime Minister posted on X. (ANI)

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who never misses a chance to win hearts with his charming looks, has once again proved that he is “aging like a fine wine” with his latest post.

SRK’s manager, Pooja Dadlani, took to her Instagram to share a new picture of the Pathaan actor dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit. The actor is currently in Jaipur for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2025.

Along with the picture, Dadlani added a caption that read, “Hi Jaipur, see you all tomorrow at @iifa.”

Soon after she dropped the picture, fans quickly flooded the comment section with love for the Bollywood icon. One fan wrote, “Aging like fine wine,” while another said, “Omg, so handsome.”

On Friday, SRK was spotted arriving at Jaipur Airport, where a large crowd of fans had gathered to see him. The actor was surrounded by tight security as he made his way through the airport.

The 25th edition of IIFA will take place on March 8 and 9 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event will also feature a special celebration of the iconic film Sholay on its 50th anniversary, with an exclusive screening at the famous Raj Mandir Cinema. Legendary MMA fighter and combat sports trailblazer Anthony Pettis will also make a special appearance.

This year, the audience will see Kartik Aaryan as the host of the IIFA Awards.

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set to attend the 25th edition of IIFA as a performer this March, and she will pay tribute to her grandfather and legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor at the awards show. (ANI)

Addressing the ‘Space-Tech for Good Governance’ Conclave organized by the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh projected the space sector to surge to USD 44 billion in the near future, marking a nearly fivefold growth.

According to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Dr Singh pointed to the National Space Innovation and Applications (NSIL) and In-SPACe, which have fostered collaboration between government and non-government entities, driving India’s space economy to USD 8 billion.

Addressing India’s growing stature in global space exploration, Dr Jitendra Singh remarked, “Gone are the days when we used to take the lead from others. Now, India sets the cue for others to follow.”

Dr Jitendra Singh shared a testament to the government’s commitment to space development: India’s space budget has tripled from 5,615 crores in 2013-14 to 13,416 crores in the recent budget, a staggering 138.93 per cent increase. Additionally, ISRO recently celebrated its 100th satellite launch with the NAVIC satellite, a key milestone in India’s space journey.

The number of startups has grown from one to more than 300, positioning India as a key revenue generator in the global space market. India has launched 433 foreign satellites, 396 of which have been launched since 2014 under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, generating USD 192 million and Euro 272 million in revenue.

Turning the spotlight to future space missions, Dr Singh shared India’s roadmap for space exploration. He announced that trials for the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human spaceflight mission, are set to begin with the ROBO Mission by the end of 2025.

Four astronauts have been identified for the mission, with one already invited by the US to visit the International Space Station. By 2035, India aims to establish the Bharat Antariksh Station, and Dr Singh boldly declared India’s goal to send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

Dr Singh has said that India’s Space technology is no longer confined only to rocket launches but is also playing a major role in revolutionising governance by supplementing transparency, grievance redressal, and citizen participation.

He added that in the process, the scope of corrupt practices is reduced, there is more discipline in observing timelines, and there is less so-called red tape.

Emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr Jitendra Singh explained how space technology is playing a pivotal role in bringing ease of living for common citizens through good governance.

The Minister also emphasised space technology’s role in India’s agricultural sector–one of the major pillars of the economy–stating that it has become an invaluable force multiplier in improving decision-making, weather forecasting, communication, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, urban planning, and security.

Dr Jitendra Singh proudly noted that India’s neighbouring countries increasingly depend on India’s satellite systems, further strengthening India’s position as a regional space leader. (ANI)

After the Delhi government approved ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’ to provide Rs 2500 to women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the committee has been formed and registration for the scheme will begin soon.

“Today is Women’s Day. We had our cabinet meeting today, and our cabinet has approved the scheme – the promise that we made during the Delhi elections to provide Rs 2500 to the women. We made a provision of Rs 5100 crores in the Delhi budget for the implementation of the scheme. We have formed the committee, which will be led by me and the registration for the scheme will begin soon – a portal will be launched soon,” Gupta told reporters.

Earlier today, Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda launched the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, a direct cash transfer scheme for Delhi’s women.

Addressing a public event on the occasion of International Women’s Day in the national capital, Nadda said that the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, to give Rs 2500 to women in Delhi, has been approved today.

Today, I am happy, and I congratulate CM Rekha Gupta and others on allocating Rs 5100 crore to implement the Mahila Samriddhi Yojan in Delhi,” Nadda further said.

“On Women’s Day, I salute women empowerment and thank the women of Delhi for making a huge contribution in forming the BJP government in Delhi. This victory has been possible only with the blessings and support of women,” he added.

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said, “Rs 5100 crore has been sanctioned for one year to implement this scheme. Now, we will start registration, and this scheme will be implemented.”

In the run-up to the Delhi assembly polls, which concluded earlier this year, the BJP had vowed to transfer 2500 rupees to women in Delhi. (ANI)

Bollywood fans were in for a surprise at the IIFA 2025 press conference in Jaipur on Saturday, as former co-stars and ex-lovers Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor were spotted sharing a warm moment.

The two stars, who were once one of Bollywood’s most loved couples, were seen hugging and chatting as paparazzi captured the rare interaction.

Bebo and Shahid were in a relationship in the 2000s and starred together in several films, including Fida, Chup Chup Ke, and Jab We Met. Their on-screen chemistry made them a fan favorite; however, the two parted ways just before Jab We Met was filmed. Years later, Kareena married Saif Ali Khan and had two sons, while Shahid tied the knot with Mira Rajput and now has a son and a daughter.

The 25th edition of IIFA is set to take place on March 8 and 9 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event will also feature a special celebration of the iconic film Sholay on its 50th anniversary, with an exclusive screening at the famous Raj Mandir Cinema. Legendary MMA fighter and combat sports trailblazer Anthony Pettis will also make a special appearance.

This year, the audience will see Kartik Aaryan as the host of the IIFA Awards. Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set to attend the 25th edition of IIFA as a performer this March, and she will pay tribute to her grandfather and legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor at the awards show. (ANI)

Union Minister for Railways, Electronics, IT and Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday laid the foundation stone for four manufacturing units at the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Divitipally, Mahabubnagar District in Telangana.

According to Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, as part of the ceremony, foundation stone was laid for upcoming Giga Factory-1 of Amara Raja company, ground-breaking ceremony was held for critical minerals refining and battery recycling of Lohum company, ground-breaking ceremony was held by Scell Energy for its cell casing manufacturing, and Altmin laid the foundation stone for its first LFP-CAM Giga Factory.

Addressing the gathering at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Electric mobility remains a focus area for the government and we are committed to developing the right infrastructure and ecosystem for the promotion and adoption of EVs. We welcome Indian innovation and manufacturing initiatives and look forward to the success of this endeavor.”

As part of its objective to strengthen the electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India and give boost to EV manufacturing along with its supply chain; the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) notified Modified Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) Scheme under which it had accorded approval last year for establishment of Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) project over an area of 377.65 acres at Divtipally Village, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana.

M/s Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies (ARACT), is acting as Anchor unit and is establishing its Giga factory over 262 acres of land with 16 GW Cell Manufacturing and 5 GW battery pack plant in this EMC with projected investment of Rs 9,500 crores over a period of 5 years.

Once operational, the Amara Raja Giga Corridor is expected to create direct employment for 4,500 people and a similar number of indirect jobs in the State, making significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the region.

The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster is fully occupied with allotment of 307.47 acres of land to 4 companies (i.e., M/s AMARA Raja, M/s Altmin, M/s Loham Material and M/s Scell Energy) with their projected investment of Rs 10,574 crore and committed to provide employment to 19,164 (Direct- 5,864 & Indirect-13,300) persons.

Jayadev Galla, Chairman & Managing Director, Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Ltd. expressed his enthusiasm and said, “The Foundation Stone laying ceremony is a big step forward for our Company and the Group. We are grateful to the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the Minister Aswini Vaishnaw for being proactive and pro-industry.

The event saw the participation of Minister for IT, Electronics, Industries and Commerce, Legislative Affairs of Telangana Government, D Sridhar Babu, Member of Parliament from Mahbubnagar Constituency Aruna D K, and the Member of Legislative Assembly Y Srinivas Reddy. Senior officials from the State government and industry representatives were also present. (ANI)

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over Donald Trump’s statement on India agreeing to ‘reduce’ tariffs and expressed concern over the reported deal.

Noting Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Washington, Ramesh questioned whether the government is “compromising” the interest of Indian farmers and manufacturers.

“The Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington DC to talk trade with the Americans. Meanwhile, President Trump says this. What has the Modi Government agreed to? Are the interests of Indian farmers and of Indian manufacturing being compromised? The PM must take Parliament into confidence when it resumes on March 10th,” Ramesh wrote on social media X.

The Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington DC to talk trade with the Americans. Meanwhile President Trump says this. What has the Modi Government agreed to? Are the interests of Indian farmers and of Indian manufacturing being compromised? The PM must take Parliament… pic.twitter.com/K625e8vGrM

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 8, 2025

Additionally, the Congress also criticised the Indian government over this reported deal to ‘slash’ tariffs on the US and Donald Trump’s remarks, calling it an “insult” to India.

“The US President says that he is exposing India. This is an insult to India. Trump also said that Narendra Modi reduced the tariffs because of fear of him. Narendra Modi should tell what compromises were made to please Trump? Why was the nation’s honour mortgaged?” Congress wrote on X.

Congress further demanded an answer from the BJP government and said that the party will organise all-party meeting to discuss this issue.

“This is a very serious matter. The Modi government should give an answer to the country on this. Along with this, an all-party meeting should be called to discuss all the issues related to this so that it can be ensured that national interest is paramount,” Congress wrote on X

Earlier US President Donald Trump attacked India’s tariffs, saying it is next to impossible to sell anything to India because of the “high tariffs.” In a nationally televised address, Trump focused on the tariffs his administration will be putting in effect soon.

Trump also revealed that India has agreed to slash its tariffs significantly, allegedly because “somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done.”

Speaking from the White House, Trump stated, “India charges us massive tariffs. Massive. You can’t even sell anything in India…They have agreed, by the way; they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done.”

This development comes as the US prepares to introduce reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose high levies on American goods.

The reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, will mark a significant shift in the US trade policy. Trump has emphasised that the US will no longer tolerate being taken advantage of by other nations, particularly those with high-tariff regimes, including India. (ANI)

Actor Esha Deol spoke about returning to the big screen after a long gap in Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Tumko Meri Kasam’.

Although she has been working and was seen in web series like ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’ and ‘Hunter: Tootega Nahi Todega’, she is finally returning to the big screen with Vikram Bhatt’s project after a long gap, and Esha expressed her happiness about it.

In a conversation with ANI, she shared, “I am coming on the big screen after a long time. I have been working for the past four or five years and doing web series and short films, but ‘Tumko Meri Kasam’ is very special to me as, after a long time, I am looking at myself on the big screen and doing from where I started my career.”

Directed by Vikram Bhatt, ‘Tumko Meri Kasam’, features actors Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma and Esha Deol in key roles. The film is loosely inspired by the life of Dr Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF, a nationwide chain of fertility clinics.

While talking about the film, Esha added, “It is a human drama, and it is split in two timelines. One portion is of me and Anupam ji (Kher); another is of Adah and Ishwak, so past and present. Vikram ji has directed it in an interesting way, so the story continuously switches between present and past, so it keeps you completely glued to the screen.”

“It is a courtroom drama, and it is the first time I am playing a defence lawyer, which is a challenging role, and I have to do it with subtle intensity,” she said while throwing light on her character.

On working with Vikram Bhatt with whom she also worked in the 2006 film ‘Ankahee’, she said, “We have worked earlier and when Vikram (Bhatt) approached me with the project, he said, ‘it is based on true story and you have to play a lawyer’, I said yes…he is a kind of director ‘jo actor ko samaye dekar unse performance nikalvane ki puri koshish karte hai ‘. He never gets distracted, and he is a multitasker.”

The makers of the film recently unveiled the trailer, which starts with Anupam Kher facing murder charges and trying to clear his name. It also shows how Adah supports her husband’s dream of starting an IVF clinic while facing societal judgement and comments. The role is played by Iswak. Esha also plays a prominent role in the movie.

Interestingly, the movie also marks the debut of Vikram Bhatt as a lyricist.

‘Tumko Meri Kasam’ is presented by Mahesh Bhatt, Indira Entertainment, Produced by Indira Entertainment, Shwetambari Bhatt and Krishna Bhatt Sarda are the Project Directors. It features actors Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma and Esha Deol in key roles. Music is by Prateek Walia. The lyrics are by Vikram Bhatt and Shweta Bothra. The music is with Zee. The film will be released on March 21.

The daughter of veteran actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini has featured in several big films like ‘Dhoom’, ‘Dus’, and ‘No Entry’.

Talking about the kind of projects she is willing to do, she said, “I am willing to do more challenging role that suits my age, and if I get such stories, definitely, I would love to be part of it.” (ANI)

India’s rising batting sensation Shubman Gill is keen on channelling experience from the 2023 World Cup heartbreak and implementing it against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, the ICC Cricket website reported.

Over a year ago, just one victory separated India from relieving the 2011 heroics achieved under ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni. However, a blitz from Travis Head robbed the Men In Blue from realising their ultimate dream.

Tears and melancholy reverberated from Ahmedabad as Australia outwitted the hosts with a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad.

It was almost a flawless tournament for the Rohit-led side, winning all nine group-stage games and dominating the Kiwis in the semi-final.

With another final on India’s radar, the number one-ranked ODI batter will try to ensure India’s batting can remain on track in the early stages.

If he can exhibit his sublime batting skills, Gill could release some of the pressure on their middle order, a factor which can become an overwhelming burden in a tournament decider.

“Obviously, some nerves in that match. (I learned) a lot of things. It was my first ICC Final … I was very excited,” Gill said, as quoted from the ICC.

Gill hinted that he’ll draw on the experience of the past setback to ensure he approaches with more patience, and not rush into things.

“(It felt like) I was losing time to dominate in that game. I think in big ICC knockout matches, you can give yourself a little bit more time than you think. We lost (the World Cup Final) in ’23 and then won the T20 World Cup (in 2024). So I think we have got good momentum going with us in this tournament,” he said.

“It’s going to be a really exciting game for us, and definitely, if we are able to win this one, I think it would be a great way to end this format this year. It’s a very big opportunity for us, and in general, in any ICC tournament or any ICC event that happens, we have a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure from our fans. And the last two ICC tournaments that we have played, we went on to (make the Final),” he added. (ANI)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the country is “continuously” working with its partners, including the US and Saudi Arabia, to ensure peace and strengthen security.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that “a lot of work” will be done with its partners to “accelerate” peace with Russia.

“We continue working with partners who seek peace just as we do, focusing on the necessary steps. Next week, there will be a lot of work here in Europe, with the U.S., and in Saudi Arabia – we are preparing a meeting to accelerate peace and strengthen the foundations of security.” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

“Today, intense work with President Trump’s team has been ongoing at various levels – numerous calls. The topic is clear – peace as soon as possible, security as reliably as possible. Ukraine is fully committed to a constructive approach,” he added.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he is “strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs” on Russia until a “ceasefire and a final peace settlement agreement” with Ukraine is reached.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump wrote, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely “pounding” Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”

“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera, Ukraine and the United States have indicated they will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a framework for ending Russia’s war.

Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before bilateral talks with US officials.

US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed he would meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, signalling that he would discuss an “initial ceasefire” and a “framework” for a longer agreement, as per Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the talks would take place in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

Notably, after a fiery exchange with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on March 1, Trump suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Trump used some strong words during his media interaction with Zelenskyy, telling the visiting leader that he “does not have the cards” and is not “acting thankful” for the support the United States has provided to Ukraine in its war with Russia, which began in February 2022. (ANI)