All posts tagged: strengthens

Nearly 100 pc electrification of Indian Railways strengthens energy security amid West Asia crisis: Report| India News

Nearly 100 pc electrification of Indian Railways strengthens energy security amid West Asia crisis: Report| India News

New Delhi, While geopolitical tensions in West Asia once again threaten to disrupt global fuel supply chain, Indian Railways has achieved a milestone with 99.4 per cent of its broad gauge network electrified as of January 2026, according to a note by “Riding Sunbeams”, a UK-based organisation that works towards electrification of railways. Nearly 100 pc electrification of Indian Railways strengthens energy security amid West Asia crisis: Report “Electrification of Indian Railways has led to cuts in diesel consumption by 178 crore litres in 2024-25, achieving a 62 per cent reduction since 2016-17,” the note said, also pointing out that India relies on the Strait of Hormuz for nearly 40 per cent of its crude oil imports and over 20 per cent of its LNG supply. The note said India is at the forefront of rail electrification worldwide and far ahead of major rail economies including China and the United Kingdom in terms of network electrification share. “Very few countries have achieved fully electrified railways, and Indian Railways’ network is thirteen times the size of …

With Congress’s Rajya Sabha picks from Telangana, Revanth Reddy strengthen’s his grip

With Congress’s Rajya Sabha picks from Telangana, Revanth Reddy strengthen’s his grip

Vem Narender Reddy is seen as Telangana Chief Minister Raventh Reddy’s trusted aide. | Photo Credit: Mohammed Yousuf The All India Congress Committee announced on Thursday morning (March 5, 2026) the names of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and party strategist Vem Narender Reddy as its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha vacancies from Telangana, ending days of speculation within the state unit. Though as many as 16 aspirants were reportedly in the race, with many banking on social arithmetic, seniority, and claims of representation, the nomination of the two leaders was widely anticipated in political circles. The announcement underscores both organisational calculations at the national level and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s growing influence within the party. What Narender Reddy’s elevation means? Mr. Narender Reddy, Mr. Revanth Reddy’s trusted political aide, is signalling a state-level consolidation of power with his nomination. Currently serving as an advisor to the Telangana government, Mr. Narender Reddy handles key political aspects of governance as well as sensitive party matters, earning the reputation of being the “eyes and ears” …

Corporate investment push strengthens, Rs 4.35 lakh crore lined up in FY26: RBI article | Business News

Corporate investment push strengthens, Rs 4.35 lakh crore lined up in FY26: RBI article | Business News

The domestic economy has entered the new year on a firm footing, displaying resilience and renewed momentum, especially in investment intentions by corporates, amid a turbulent global backdrop, according to the ‘State of the economy’ article in the Reserve Bank of India’s monthly bulletin. The total flow of financial resources to the commercial sector, meanwhile, rose by 35.29%, supported by credit from both bank and non-bank sources in FY26, according to the article. Investment intentions by the private corporate sector rose to Rs 4.35 lakh crore during FY26, out of which banks and financial institutions sanctioned Rs 3.45 lakh crore. External commercial borrowings and IPOs — for capital expenditure purposes — accounted for another Rs 85,800 crore, as per the data provided in the article authored by a panel of researchers. It was below Rs 4 lakh crore in the previous year. Views expressed in the article do not reflect those of the central bank, it stated. Corporate capex push Although the total cost of capex projects sanctioned by select banks and financial institutions (FIs) …

PM Modi launches India–Seychelles joint vision, strengthens maritime ties

PM Modi launches India–Seychelles joint vision, strengthens maritime ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed Seychelles as a full-time member of the Colombo Security Conclave, describing defence and maritime cooperation as key pillars of the relationship between the two countries. He also said India and Seychelles would expand cooperation in renewable energy, climate resilience and climate-adaptive solutions. PM Modi made these remarks during a joint press conference with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in New Delhi. Before the joint press meet, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting.  President Herminie is on a six-day visit to India and has arrived in the national capital, New Delhi after touring Chennai and Mumbai. This is his first visit since assuming office in October 2025 and coincides with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. During his visit, President Herminie also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. The Ministry of External Affairs said Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring principles continue to guide and inspire the India–Seychelles partnership. Maritime, Defence and Climate Cooperation Calling India and Seychelles maritime neighbours, Prime Minister Modi said the …

From Kutch To Communities: Southern Command Strengthens Defence And Human Connect | India News

From Kutch To Communities: Southern Command Strengthens Defence And Human Connect | India News

Last Updated:February 08, 2026, 22:27 IST Senior officers said the drill reaffirmed Southern Command’s ability to protect national interests across Gujarat’s diverse operational domains. The Army Commander conducted an extensive operational review with special focus on the Creek and Kutch sectors. The Indian Army’s Southern Command reinforced both its operational preparedness and people-centric approach during a comprehensive visit to Gujarat led by Lt. Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command. The Army Commander conducted an extensive operational review with special focus on the Creek and Kutch sectors, regions that demand constant vigilance due to their complex terrain and strategic importance. As part of the visit, he oversaw the large-scale Defence of Gujarat Exercise, designed to test readiness across varied operational scenarios. The exercise validated coordination between multiple agencies, swift decision-making and rapid response capabilities in demanding environments. Senior officers said the drill reaffirmed Southern Command’s ability to protect national interests across Gujarat’s diverse operational domains. At Bhuj Military Station, Lt Gen Seth inaugurated a mega Surgical Eye Camp Outreach Programme, organised with support from …

PM Modi: Trade agreement strengthens Make in India, create jobs

PM Modi: Trade agreement strengthens Make in India, create jobs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the interim trade agreement with the US will strengthen `Make in India` by opening up new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, and create jobs for women and youngsters. The prime minister also thanked US President Donald Trump for his personal commitment to robust ties between India and the US. “Great news for India and USA! We have agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement between our two great nations,” Modi said in a post on X. He said this framework reflected the growing depth, trust and dynamism of the India-US partnership. “It strengthens `Make in India` by opening new opportunities for India`s hardworking farmers, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, StartUp innovators, fishermen and more. It will generate large-scale employment for women and youngsters,” the prime minister said. Modi said India and the United States share a commitment to promoting innovation, and this framework will further deepen investment and technology partnerships between the two countries. He said this framework will also strengthen resilient and trusted supply chains and contribute to …

FTA with EU strengthens India domestically, regionally and globally

FTA with EU strengthens India domestically, regionally and globally

On January 27, India signed a free trade agreement with the European Union. Under its aegis, over 90 per cent of goods and services will be exempt from tariffs. It is worth noting that the accord was reached after two decades of torturous negotiations. Many observers of EU-India relations within the EU, in fact, had, for all practical purposes, abandoned hope that such an agreement would ever come to fruition. What explains this sudden breakthrough, which was celebrated with considerable fanfare right after Republic Day? Was European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement that this was beyond “the mother of all deals” mere hyperbole? The answer to the first question, though based on inference and attribution, is straightforward: In all likelihood, the accord was reached because of the extraordinary economic pressures that India had faced from the Trump administration before Delhi and Washington themselves arrived at a deal this week. Trump, as is his wont, lost no time in congratulating himself and his trade policies, asserting they helped precipitate this free trade agreement. In …

‘Pakistan’s decision could fracture and weaken international cricket, as franchise cricket advances and strengthens’ – Michael Atherton

‘Pakistan’s decision could fracture and weaken international cricket, as franchise cricket advances and strengthens’ – Michael Atherton

The ripple effect of Pakistan boycotting its India fixture at the T20 World Cup, could be felt by all of international cricket, beyond the two feeding countries. Linking the possibly cancelled game with broadcast money that it yields, Michael Atherton predicted grim tidings for the sport, writing in The Times. While India and Pakistan are tangled deeply in political turmoil, it is the financial consequences that could cause a domino destructive effect on all of cricket. “The game and the players are being used for political ends,” former England captain Michael Atherton told The Times. “The financial consequences for the broadcasters, and, therefore, in turn, for the game will be substantial in the immediate term as the India v Pakistan game is the most lucrative of any in world cricket,” he further continued. Atherton’s fears surrounded the pegging down on future broadcast deals. “JioStar is likely to use the leverage of all this uncertainty to push down prices in the future, which will hit the less financially secure countries (basically all but India, England and …

Arizona strengthens hold on No. 1 in AP Top 25; Vanderbilt cracks top 10

Arizona strengthens hold on No. 1 in AP Top 25; Vanderbilt cracks top 10

Arizona tightened its hold on the top spot in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll on Monday while Vanderbilt’s unbeaten season has landed the Commodores in the top 10. HT Image A week ago, Arizona led then-No. 2 Michigan by a single point for the top spot to barely avoid what would have been only the second-ever tie at No. 1 in the poll’s 78-year history. But with Wisconsin handing the Wolverines their first loss, the Wildcats became the easy choice at the top by earning 60 of 61 first-place votes in the latest poll. Iowa State got the other first-place vote and moved up one spot to No. 2, followed by UConn. Michigan fell two spots to No. 4, though the metrics analysts still prefer Michigan. The Wolverines held the top spot in a 1-2 pairing with the Wildcats in analytics rankings by KenPom, Bart Torvik and Evan Miyakawa on Monday afternoon. No. 5 Purdue, No. 6 Duke and No. 7 Houston held their spots from last week, followed by the …

Commissioning of Samudra Pratap strengthens self-reliance: PM Modi

Commissioning of Samudra Pratap strengthens self-reliance: PM Modi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends the Commissioning Ceremony of Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel built by Goa Shipyard Limited, on Monday. Goa CM Pramod Sawant also present. | Photo Credit: ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) praised the commissioning of home-built pollution control ship Samudra Pratap and said it has strengthened the vision of self-reliance and reflected the commitment to sustainability. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap on Monday. It is the first of two indigenously built pollution control vessel for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the largest ship in their fleet so far. The commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap is noteworthy for numerous reasons, the Prime Minister said in a post on X, stating that it “adds strength to our vision of self-reliance, boosts our security apparatus and reflects a commitment to sustainability, among others.” The indigenous vessel was built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and is equipped with advanced pollution …