Tag: national

New Delhi [India], November 20: India’s defence atmanirbharta isn’t a slogan anymore; it’s a scoreboard. And the numbers this year punch harder than ever.

India’s push for defence atmanirbharta has shifted from intent to impact. The country posted its highest-ever defence production of ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024-25. That’s not just a milestone. It’s a loud, confident announcement that India is no longer content playing catch-up in global defence manufacturing.

The backbone of this shift is indigenous production, which hit ₹1,27,434 crore in FY 2023-24. Compare that to ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15, and the leap becomes staggering. A 174 per cent surge in a decade. Call it a turnaround or a transformation, but one thing’s clear: Atmanirbharta is no longer a policy pitch; it’s a movement.

The New Defence Economy

What’s powering this rise? A defence budget that has grown from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26. That kind of commitment isn’t pocket change. A structural investment.

Public sector undertakings still anchor most production with a 77 per cent share, but the real story is the private sector’s growing confidence. From 21 per cent in FY 2023-24 to 2 per cent in FY 2024-25, the trajectory is unmistakable. India now exports to over 100 countries. When the United States, France, and Armenia appear on your client list, you know you’re not the junior in the room anymore.

Exports alone climbed to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, up 12 per cent from the previous year. The government’s target is ₹50,000 crore by 2029. If current momentum holds, that isn’t ambition. It’sa projection.

What Held India Back Before

Before these reforms, India’s defence sector felt like a test match stuck in the first session. Slow procurement. Heavy import dependence. The private sector was sitting on the bench because access to technology was limited and policies were restrictive.

Exports were tiny, ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14. That’s smaller than the annual budget of many mid-sized global firms. India was basically a buyer, not a seller.

The draft Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) flipped the script. It built a holistic roadmap, R&D incentives, innovation rewards, academia linkages, MSME support, and export intent all stitched together. Suddenly, the sector had clarity and velocity.

The Engine of Reform

The reforms powering this transformation rest on three core pillars: faster procurement, indigenous push, and expanded exports.

The Defence Acquisition Procedures (DAP) streamlined approvals. The Positive Indigenisation Lists forced the industry to build, not buy. FDI norms opened the gates. And the ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme created a playground where DPSUs, private firms, MSMEs, and startups can co-build the next generation of defence tech.

India even declared 2025 as the Year of Reforms, and for once, the hype matched the outcome.

DAP 2020 and DPM 2025: A One-Two Punch

DAP 2020 was the first big swing. It gave priority to Indian-IDDM products, embedded transparency, embraced digital procurement, and brought AI, robotics, cyber, and space tech into the defence conversation.

DPM 2025 followed up with a clean, business-friendly manual for revenue procurement. Effective from November 2025, it standardised processes, reduced liquidated damages for indigenous projects, removed outdated NOCs, and integrated digital workflows across procurement cycles.

Together, DAP 2020 and DPM 2025 form a unified procurement architecture that’s modern, fast, predictable, and innovation-driven. Think of it as the Indian defence sector finally switching to a T20 mindset, quick decisions, aggressive play, and no dead overs.

Manufacturing Power-Up

India’s defence production is entering its high-growth phase. FY 2024-25’s record ₹1.54 lakh crore production isn’t an end; it’s a beginning.

The Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are now major investment magnets. With over ₹9,145 crore invested and 289 MoUs unlocking over ₹66,000 crore in opportunities, these clusters are becoming the factories of India’s future arsenal.

DRDO, meanwhile, has doubled down on innovation. With a new ₹500 crore deep-tech fund, 15 Defence Industry-Academia centres, and a sharper focus on IP creation, India is finally building a defence ecosystem that’s more Silicon Valley and less old-school bureaucracy.

And then there’s the private sector. Once sidelined, now essential. From drones to avionics and smart electronics, companies across India, from major conglomerates to garage-born startups, are stepping into the game. Around 16,000 MSMEs have already become indispensable cogs in this machine. They’re not just suppliers. They’re the spark plugs.

Investment Boom

With 788 industrial licences issued to 462 companies, the investment pipeline is loaded. The fully digital portal for defence export authorisations processed 1,762 approvals in FY 2024-25, marking 17.4 per cent growth in exporters.

The Ministry of Defence also signed a record 193 contracts worth ₹2,09,050 crore in 2024-25. Notably, 177 of those, ₹1,68,922 crore worth, went to Indian firms. That’s how you build self-reliance by buying from India first.

Acquisition That Builds Capability

India is finally acquiring at the pace of its ambitions. The DAC’s decisions in 2025 alone cleared over ₹3 lakh crore worth of indigenous acquisitions, from AEW&C systems to MALE RPAs, from torpedoes to mountain radars.

Every approval strengthens three things at once: the Indian military, the Indian manufacturer, and India’s strategic autonomy.

Exporting Strength, Not Just Products

This is where the defence atmanirbharta story really flexes. Exports hit ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25. DPSUs jumped their export figures by over 42 per cent. The private sector stayed strong with ₹15,233 crore.

India’s export basket today includes bulletproof jackets, interceptor boats, torpedoes, helicopters, radars, spares, ammunition, and sub-systems. These are going to around 80 countries. That’s not just business. It’s diplomacy with gear.

Export reforms, OGEL, digital authorisation, simplified SOPs, have sliced red tape, making exporting as close to plug-and-play as defence can get.

The Road Ahead

India wants ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029. Looking at the current momentum, you’d bet on those targets comfortably.

The combination of reforms, confidence, money, and ambition has created a defence ecosystem that refuses to go back to the old normal. Atmanirbharta isn’t just reshaping Indian defence. It’s reshaping India’s global posture.

The story isn’t about catching up anymore. It’s about taking the lead.

Also Read: SEBI Warning on Digital Gold

A.Ni.S. honours the real heroes of police force with ‘Karm Bhushan Award 2025’ in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Union Minister CR Patil.

Surat (Gujarat) [India], November 18: The ‘Karm Bhushan Award 2025’ ceremony, an initiative of Apmrutyu Nivaran Sahay (A.Ni.S.), was held with great splendour on Sunday at the Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium in Pal. The event was dedicated to honouring the dedication, service, and invaluable contribution of Surat’s police personnel. The presence of citizens, police officials, and distinguished guests created an atmosphere filled with patriotism and pride.

This marked the third consecutive year that A.Ni.S. has presented these awards. Brave officers and personnel from the Surat City Police were honoured for their exceptional work in ensuring the safety of children, women, and the general public, as well as for their contributions to social welfare.

Attending as the chief guest, Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay (PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Padma Shri), the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force, praised the commitment and bravery of the police force, saying, “Behind every uniform is an unsung hero. Today, Surat has given due recognition to their contributions.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister CR Patil, and Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut also graced the awards ceremony and congratulated the award recipients. Commissioner Gahlaut remarked that honouring Surat Police through such awards boosts the morale and energy of the personnel.

The success of the event reflected the dedication of A.Ni.S. Chairperson Geeta Shroff, and the team led by Kamlesh Joshi and Niyati Vij.

In her address, Ms. Shroff said, “Today, the people of Surat have proved that they wholeheartedly respect their police family. This award is not just recognition, but a celebration of gratitude.”

The auditorium resounded with applause as the “Karm Bhushan” awardees were honoured. The entire ceremony was a tribute to human service, dedication, and duty.

PNN Lifestyle

Muddenahalli (Karnataka) [India], November 18: Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, witnessed an inspiring occasion as His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, the 7th President of the Republic of Fiji, and Madam Emily Lalabalavu, the First Lady of Fiji, graced the 93rd day of the One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025. The day celebrated the culture, reverence, and fraternity of Fiji and seven South Pacific island nations, reflecting the deep and enduring friendship between India and Fiji.

The event marked the culmination of 100 countries uniting at the Festival under the universal message of “One World, One Family,” embodying the values of oneness, unity, faith, and shared humanity. His Excellency described the gathering at Sathya Sai Grama as an unprecedented expression of harmony, love, and service, exemplifying what the world needs today.

The President extended his deep appreciation for the humanitarian initiatives being carried out in India, through the Sai Prema Foundation, and at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Fiji, led by Dr Krupali Tappoo, Mr Sumeet Tappoo, and the Tappoo Family. Since 2016, these efforts have transformed lives through 421 free paediatric cardiac surgeries, serving 4.59 million meals, and providing free heart screenings and medical services that have benefited over 150,000 people.

Speaking of the “de-commercialisation of healthcare,” he observed that the model established at Sathya Sai Grama, completely free, compassionate, and world-class healthcare, represents one of the most outstanding services to humanity. He noted that what is happening in Muddenahalli is truly unprecedented and could serve as a model for developing nations, capable of uplifting millions of lives.

His Excellency also reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s firm commitment to the Mission’s work, assuring that whatever support Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai required, the Government of Fiji would extend its fullest cooperation. He emphasised that the collaboration between Fiji and the One World One Family Mission would continue for the benefit of the people of Fiji and the wider Pacific region.

Earlier this year, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder of the One World One Family Mission, received the Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF), the nation’s highest civilian honour, for his exemplary contribution to humanitarian service. He joins the ranks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, the only other Indian recipients of this distinction.

Expressing gratitude, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai reaffirmed that the Mission remains committed to serving the people of Fiji, the Pacific Islands, and the world at large, reiterating that ‘One World, One Family’ is not merely a statement but a living reality demonstrated through collective action.

The day’s proceedings featured a traditional iTaukei ceremonial welcome and a captivating cultural performance by Fiji’s Primanavia Group, celebrating the lasting bond and shared heritage between India and Fiji.

His Excellency will remain in India at Sathya Sai Grama through 23 November 2025 to participate in the 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

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Daantrai (Rajasthan) [India], November 15: India’s war on synthetic drugs just landed a heavy punch. A hidden Mephedrone lab buried in rural Rajasthan is gone, its mastermind is in cuffs, and crores worth of chemical stock is off the streets.

The Crackdown India Needed

The PM Modi government’s zero-tolerance approach to narcotics isn’t just political noise. It’s playing out on the ground. And the latest joint action by the Narcotics Control Bureau and Rajasthan Police shows exactly how it should be done.

A clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing lab was busted in Sirohi district, far from the usual crime corridors. What officers found was staggering: hundreds of kilograms of precursor chemicals, enough to churn out roughly 100 kilograms of Mephedrone. On the street, that’s a Rs 40 crore problem avoided.

The operation used the red-flag system NCB has been pushing hard through monthly NCORD meetings. Simple alerts. Sharp observation. Fast escalation. It worked.

How the Trap Was Sprung?

Before the raid, NCB had trained district police across India to identify odd signs: blacked-out windows, excessive ducting, chemical smells, random drums, unusual equipment. If a farmhouse looks more like a chemistry lab than a home, someone should ask questions.

On November 6, Sirohi Police noticed exactly that in Daantrai village. Drums. Packets. Lab gear. Something felt off. They immediately contacted NCB’s Jodhpur unit.

NCB arrived and saw the classic fingerprints of a synthetic drug setup. The National Forensic Science University team later confirmed precursor chemicals used for Mephedrone.

The game was up.

Inside the Syndicate

The mastermind, Vala Ram from Jalore, wasn’t a street criminal. He was a graduate who’d taken multiple competitive exams, failed them, got frustrated, and plunged into quick-profit crime. Darknet tutorials replaced textbooks. Virtual SIMs replaced coaching classes. Chemicals were sourced from Ankleshwar, Gujarat.

He leased the farmhouse under an associate’s name. The syndicate had already manufactured around 8 kilograms of Mephedrone. Two of those kilograms had been seized in a previous case by the Central Bureau of Narcotics.

The vehicle used for chemical transport was seized. Arrests were carried out across Rajasthan and Gujarat. And the entire operation wrapped up in just five days.

A Joint Operation Done Right

This case shines because every link in the chain worked. Local police spotted the anomaly. NCB acted instantly. Forensics reinforced the evidence. Arrests followed across states. In five days, a functioning synthetic drug plant was reduced to rubble.

For a country chasing the goal of a Drug Free Bharat, these wins matter. One lab can fuel addiction in three states. Stop it early and you stop the slide.

It’s like dismissing a dangerous batsman in the first over. You change the game.

What Citizens Should Know

NCB wants the public to stay alert. Chemical smells, unusual drums, improvised ventilation, farmhouses used like labs, strange equipment popping up at odd hours—these aren’t harmless quirks.

Report suspicious activity to local police or call MANAS Helpline 1933.

A two-minute call can keep synthetic drugs out of someone’s hands.

PNN News

New Delhi [India], November 14: Bihar didn’t just vote. It transformed the political rhythm of the state. As the NDA races ahead with BJP at 90 and JD(U) at 84, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp, confident message: the Bihar once known for fear, booth violence, and looted ballots is gone. This Bihar votes with pride. And today’s mandate shows it.

The NDA Wave: Strong, Steady, and Rising

The Bihar election results 2025 point to a clear direction, a decisive tilt toward the NDA.

Current standings:

• BJP: 90 (76 won, 14 leading)
• JD(U): 84 (60 won, 25 leading)
• LJP(RV): 19
• HAMS: 5
• Others aligned: gaining

The Mahagathbandhan, meanwhile, is shrinking:

• RJD: 25
• Congress: 6
• AIMIM: 5
• Left and independents: small pockets

The NDA isn’t just leading. It’s moving toward the symbolic 200-seat mark with a confidence that’s hard to miss.

PM Modi’s First Strike: A Reminder of What Bihar Has Overcome

PM Modi opened his reaction by drawing a stark contrast between the past and the present.

He spoke of a Bihar where:

• Maoist threat forced voting to end by mid-afternoon
• Polling teams operated under fear
• Ballot boxes were stolen
• Violence defined the election day

Then he turned to 2025, where Bihar delivered one of its most peaceful and enthusiastic elections ever, voters lining up like they were attending a festival, not a tense political exercise.

His point was simple: Bihar has outgrown fear. And today’s verdict reflects that maturity.

A Victory for Democracy, PM Modi’s Larger Message

PM Modi framed this election as not just a political win, but a democratic triumph.

He praised:

• The Election Commission for building trust through clean, efficient processes
• Marginalised and poor voters for participating in record numbers
• Youth for energising the mandate
• Women for driving unprecedented turnout

He said Bihar strengthened global confidence in India’s electoral system, not by rhetoric, but by action.

And it’s true. This wasn’t a routine election. It was a statement.

Coalition Discipline: The NDA’s Finest Move

Bihar’s political landscape is famously complex, but this year the NDA treated it like a flowchart, not a battlefield.

Seat-sharing discipline was immaculate:

• BJP and JD(U) split 101 seats each
• LJP(RV), HAMS, and RLM were placed strategically
• Internal friction was nonexistent

No public spats. No backroom sulking. No ego collisions.

On the ground, it translated to smoother booth management, stronger messaging, and zero vote-split drama, the very weaknesses that cost NDA earlier cycles.

This time, the coalition acted like a coalition. Voters rewarded that.

The Caste Equation Got Rewritten, WE Replaced MY

For decades, the MY (Muslim–Yadav) axis powered RJD.
In 2025, the NDA unveiled a new axis: WE, Women + EBCs.

This shift changed the map:

• EBCs (36 per cent of Bihar) leaned decisively toward the NDA
• Women outvoted men across dozens of constituencies
• Upper castes consolidated behind the BJP
• Kurmi–Koeri groups stayed with JD(U)
• Dalit votes strengthened through LJP(RV) and HAMS

RJD’s MY model didn’t collapse; it simply got overshadowed by a larger, more diverse coalition.

The numbers tell the story better than adjectives can.

The Women’s Vote Became the Game-Changer

If there’s one decisive force in this election, it is women.

Not quietly. Not symbolically. But structurally.

Women’s turnout soared, often beating male turnout by double digits. Behind them stood a silent organisational force: 1.8 lakh Jeevika didis, mobilising voters, spreading awareness, and ensuring participation.

Nitish Kumar’s long-term focus on women’s empowerment, from livelihoods to safety, matured into political capital.

When Bihar’s women vote with intent, they redraw the map. 2025 was that moment.

Nitish Kumar, Still the Axis Around Which Bihar Balances

Nitish Kumar has been politically underestimated for years. But the numbers don’t lie: JD(U)’s 84-seat standing in trends shows Bihar still trusts him as the state’s most stable administrator.

PM Modi publicly credited Nitish for strong leadership. And it wasn’t ceremonial.

Nitish remains:

• A bridge between castes
• A stabilising force in coalition politics
• A trusted face in rural governance
• A leader with deep grassroots credibility

His slogan may have joked that the “tiger is still alive,” but the results show it’s not a joke at all.

Bihar Shattered Records, And PM Modi Owned the Moment

PM Modi reminded voters that he had urged Bihar to deliver record turnout. And Bihar answered.

The state broke multiple voting records:

• Women participated in historic numbers
• Rural turnout shot up
• First-time voters arrived with clarity

This wasn’t an election. It was a turnout movement.

The Opposition Misread the Mood Entirely

While the NDA focused on governance, stability, and delivery, the opposition drifted toward:

• SIR allegations
• Conspiracy narratives
• Nostalgia-driven appeals
• Fragmented messaging

RJD’s 25 seats and Congress’s 6 tell their own story. AIMIM’s performance in pockets only highlighted the vacuum.

The problem wasn’t just strategy.

It was a disconnection from Bihar’s real priorities.

The Final Tally Will Take Its Time, But the Verdict Is Already Clear

BJP at 90, JD(U) at 84.

Allies rising. Opposition shrinking.

Even if the NDA stops short of 200, the direction is undeniable:

Bihar voted for stability.

Bihar voted for security.

Bihar voted for growth.

And Bihar voted for the NDA.

PNN News

Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], November 13: The cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara, is gearing up to host a landmark event dedicated to health, community spirit, and sustainability. Prime Cooperative Bank Ltd. (PCBL) proudly announces its inaugural Cyclothon, set to take place on Sunday, November 16th.

Aligned with the national vision of the Fit India Movement, the event’s theme is a resounding call to action: ‘Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz’ (A Dose of Fitness, Half an Hour Daily). PCBL aims to promote cycling not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle change that benefits both personal health and the environment.

A Commitment Beyond Banking
For Prime Cooperative Bank Ltd., this initiative is a direct extension of its commitment to community well-being.

“We believe a healthy community is the foundation of a strong economy,” says Adil Gandhi, MD, Prime Bank.

“The Cyclothon is our way of giving back, encouraging citizens to pedal their way to a fitter future, and supporting the government’s push for a healthier nation.”

Cycling is celebrated as a low-impact, high-benefit activity that reduces the risk of chronic diseases and significantly decreases one’s carbon footprint, making it the perfect vehicle for the ‘Fit India’ message in the urban environment of Vadodara.

Event Details
The 15 KM Cyclothon is designed to include participants from the ages of 10 to 75 years. This is an event of its kind in Vadodara, initiated by Prime Cooperative Bank Ltd. Has received strong support from local partners like Anand Vidya Vihar School, Bicycle Mayor Vadodara, Pedalling 4 Fitness & Adicura (Medical Partner) to make this event a grand success.

The 15 KM ride will commence promptly at 6:00 AM from Anand Vidya Vihar School, Harinagar Crossing and pass through Ellora park Crossing, Arunachal Crossing, Jhansi Rani Chowk, Gotri Main Road, D’Mart Circle. proceeding along a carefully managed route through the city’s wide avenues and concluding back at the starting point to Anand Vidya Vihar School. All registered participants will receive a specialised T-shirt, certificate and a finishing medal. Apart from water & refreshments, comprehensive safety measures, including medical assistance and route marshals, will be deployed throughout the course.

Registrations!
The response from the Vadodarians has been overwhelming as nearly 850 enthusiasts have already confirmed their participation. Due to the unexpected rush, online registrations have been closed, but those who have missed out can do a spot registration on the day of the event.

Join Prime Cooperative Bank Ltd. on November 16th, 2025. Let’s make this Cyclothon a powerful symbol of Vadodara’s dedication to health and fitness. Get your cycle ready, embrace the spirit of Fit India, and pedal towards a healthier you!

Vadodara Cyclothon 2025

Join us on Sunday, 16th November, at 6:00 AM from Anand Vidya Vihar School for a 15 km fun ride on the occasion of Children’s Day!

Open for all aged 11 years & above

Let’s ride together for fitness, fun, and a greener Vadodara! https://forms.gle/6hVYwRZdDBU7qj5z5

New Delhi [India], November 13: The Centre just pulled off one of the biggest clean-up drives in the agriculture sector. The government’s fertiliser crackdown has crushed black marketing, shut down hoarders, and restored farmer trust; all before the Rabi season hits full swing.

The Operation That Shook the Market: Fertiliser Crackdown

In a joint move, the Department of Fertilisers (DoF) and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) executed a nationwide operation to protect farmers and safeguard India’s fertiliser supply chain. This drive, rolled out between April and November 2025, was anything but symbolic.

Across the country, district authorities conducted 3,17,054 inspections and raids. The result: thousands of show-cause notices, cancelled licenses, and FIRs that sent a clear signal; India’s fertiliser market would no longer be a playground for profiteers.

Numbers That Speak Volumes

Let’s look at the hard data.

• 5,119 show-cause notices were issued for black marketing.

• 3,645 licenses were cancelled or suspended.

• 418 FIRs were filed under the Essential Commodities Act and the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO).

The anti-hoarding drive brought 667 notices, 202 license suspensions, and 37 FIRs. To stop diversion, authorities issued 2,991 notices, suspended 451 licenses, and registered 92 FIRs.

This wasn’t bureaucracy at work — it was enforcement in action.

State Powerhouses Lead the Way

Uttar Pradesh set the pace. The state launched 28,273 inspections, issued 1,957 show-cause notices, and suspended or cancelled 2,730 licenses, with 157 FIRs filed.

Maharashtra followed with an even larger sweep: 42,566 inspections and over 1,000 license cancellations tied to diversion. Rajasthan came in strong with 11,253 inspections, while Bihar carried out nearly 14,000 checks and 500-plus suspensions.

Other states like Haryana, Punjab, Odisha, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh weren’t far behind. Each pushed coordinated teams, rapid testing, and legal measures to make sure fertilisers flowed to farmers, not middlemen.

This all-out state-led operation prevented artificial shortages and stopped the market from being manipulated at the expense of farmers.

Zero Tolerance for Sub-Standard Fertilisers

The crackdown wasn’t just about hoarding and black marketing; quality was front and centre. Authorities conducted 3,544 show-cause notices for sub-standard fertilisers, leading to 1,316 license suspensions or cancellations and 60 FIRs.

Routine sampling and testing ensured that only fertilisers meeting prescribed standards made it to the fields. Sub-standard supplies were rooted out before they could harm crop yields or farmer confidence.

Digital Eyes on the Supply Chain

Technology played its part too. States used digital dashboards for real-time stock monitoring. Any suspicious movement triggered instant alerts. Seized or hoarded fertilisers were swiftly redirected to cooperative societies, ensuring they reached the right hands.

Complaints from farmers were handled with speed, transparency, and accountability; no red tape, no delay.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting the Indian Farmer

This campaign wasn’t just enforcement. It was reassurance; a message that the government stands with farmers, not middlemen.

The Department of Fertilisers praised the state and district administrations, agriculture officers, and law enforcement for their relentless ground work. Their vigilance ensured that fertiliser supplies remained smooth during the Kharif and Rabi seasons, the lifeline of Indian agriculture.

Farmers, dealers, and citizens have been urged to stay alert and report irregularities. Transparency and cooperation are now seen as part of India’s agricultural DNA.

A Model of Coordination and Accountability

This scale of action marks a turning point. Never before have state and central agencies worked this seamlessly to secure something as fundamental as fertiliser distribution.

The operation demonstrated that when digital tracking, strict enforcement, and transparent governance converge, corruption doesn’t stand a chance.

PNN News

With support to 551 more girls, the initiative has now benefited 1,102 students, and assistance of Rs. 7,500 each has also been extended to 7,500 farmers affected by unseasonal rains.

Surat (Gujarat) [India], November 13: Surat-based industrialist Piyush Desai’s educational initiative ‘Hiraba No Khumkar’, aimed at promoting the education of the girl child, has evolved into a broader social movement with additional financial support for farmers affected by unseasonal rainfall.

Launched on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the initiative initially supported 551 girls from economically disadvantaged families through educational assistance of Rs. 7,500 each, covering school fees and related expenses.

At an event today, support was extended to an additional 551 students, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,102. So far, assistance amounting to Rs. 41,32,500 has been disbursed.

Speaking on the occasion, Piyush Desai said, “Educating a daughter is the most effective way to strengthen the nation’s future. With the blessings of Hiraba, it is my resolve to continue this mission and reach many more families in the years ahead.”

He announced that the goal is to assist 21,000 girls through educational grants totalling Rs. 15 crore and 75 lakhs. In addition, he also announced financial assistance of Rs. 7,500 for 7,500 farmers to help mitigate the losses caused by unseasonal rains.

The event was attended by students, parents, social workers, and industrialists, who commended the initiative and described it as an inspiration for the wider business community.

Originally belonging to Nanota village in Banaskantha, Piyush Desai has emerged as a successful entrepreneur with business interests in textiles, real estate, and finance. Despite his success, he considers the “Hiraba No Khumkar” campaign, launched with a strong sense of social responsibility, as one of the most meaningful endeavours of his life.

The initiative, named in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother, Hiraba, was launched on September 17, 2025, marking the PM’s 75th birthday.

The airline carried out its first organ transfer flight from Jamnagar to Ahmedabad last week.

Surat (Gujarat) [India], November 11: When most airlines chase passengers, Ventura Airconnect decided to chase purpose. The Gujarat-based regional carrier just added a life-saving chapter to Indian aviation — an air service dedicated to organ transfer.

From Passenger Flights to Life Flights

Surat-headquartered Ventura Airconnect — already known for connecting smaller Gujarat cities by air — has now expanded its wings into something far greater: humanity. The airline recently received formal approval to transport human organs for donation across cities, ensuring time-sensitive deliveries that could quite literally decide between life and death.

Within days of the clearance, the airline executed its first successful organ transfer flight from Jamnagar to Ahmedabad, marking the beginning of what could become a defining public-private collaboration in emergency healthcare logistics.

Ventura’s newly repurposed aircraft — a VT-DEV — now proudly carries a mission beyond passengers or parcels. Aptly named “Dev”, it’s being hailed as the “Devdoot” (divine messenger) of the skies — flying not for profit, but for people.

A Vision That Took Flight Long Before the Organs Did

To understand Ventura’s new humanitarian stride, it helps to remember where it came from. The airline was founded in 2014 by three Surat-based industrialists — Govindbhai Dholakia, Savjibhai Dholakia, and Lavjibhai Badshah — at a time when Surat itself didn’t even have a full-fledged airport.

Their motive was simple yet audacious: bring intra-state air connectivity to Gujarat, bridging smaller cities like Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Amreli, and Surat through affordable flights. What began as a niche initiative for convenience gradually evolved into a reliable lifeline for regional travellers — business owners, families, and medical patients alike.

Today, Ventura Airconnect operates daily scheduled flights between key urban centres and rural pockets, transforming Gujarat’s air network from an afterthought into an example of what focused entrepreneurship can achieve.

Turning Business Wings into Angel Wings

The new Organ Transfer Air Service is Ventura’s next logical leap — and perhaps its most meaningful one yet.

Every minute counts when an organ needs to be transplanted. Traditional ground routes or commercial airline schedules often fail to match the urgency. Ventura’s compact fleet and flexible operations allow swift mobilisation, meaning a liver, kidney, or heart can reach its destination in precious minutes instead of lost hours.

In an age where “corporate social responsibility” is often confined to PowerPoint slides, Ventura’s move feels refreshingly authentic. The airline isn’t branding this as charity — it’s branding it as “civic service fused with purpose.”

And yes, the service comes at nominal rates, proving that profit and compassion aren’t mutually exclusive.

When the Private Sector Becomes Public Spirit

Let’s face it — it’s not every day that an airline gets described as a “devdoot.” But Ventura’s initiative deserves the title.

This isn’t about flashy press releases or political ribbon-cuttings. It’s about industrialists-turned-aviators using their network, capital, and persistence to fill a critical gap in the system.

India’s organ donation framework has long faced challenges — from logistics to cold storage to bureaucracy. Timely organ transfer remains one of the biggest pain points in the chain. With Ventura stepping in, Gujarat now gets a practical model for state-level organ logistics — one that could easily be replicated nationwide.

The message is clear: you don’t have to be the biggest airline in India to make the biggest impact.

A Symbolic Aircraft — and a Real Change

The symbolism of the aircraft registration — VT-DEV (“Dev”) — is poetic but grounded in purpose. It’s not just a name; it’s a narrative. Each flight that “Dev” undertakes could mean another heartbeat continues, another family gets a miracle, another surgeon gets the time they need.

Ventura Airconnect has effectively blurred the line between aviation and altruism. The company’s eleven-year journey — from filling regional gaps to saving lives — is a rare success story where private initiative meets public value.

The Broader Picture: Gujarat Leading by Example

In a nation as vast and populous as India, infrastructure often decides outcomes — especially in healthcare. Gujarat’s private players have long been known for their entrepreneurial flair, and Ventura Airconnect’s move adds a humanitarian halo to that reputation.

This could well set the tone for state-level organ air corridors, reducing dependency on congested metros and enabling tier-2 hospitals to coordinate transplants faster.

It’s not just about wings. It’s about will.

In the End, Purpose Flies Higher Than Planes

Ventura Airconnect’s evolution from a regional connector to a humanitarian enabler is a story worth bookmarking — and benchmarking.

The company has shown that aviation doesn’t always need to chase market share; sometimes, it can chase miracles. And in a country where thousands die each year waiting for an organ, this initiative might just turn “waiting” into “living.”

After all, when business meets benevolence, even the skies salute.

PNN National

SBI CME Soldierathon 3.0 united soldiers and civilians in Pune, promoting fitness, patriotism, and support for wounded heroes through the Fit India Movement.

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 11: The third edition of the SBI CME Soldierathon 3.0 concluded on a historic note, uniting runners, serving soldiers, veterans, wounded heroes, families and fitness enthusiasts from across India under one tricolour spirit of fitness and patriotism.

Organised by Fitistan – Ek Fit Bharat in collaboration with the CME of the Indian Army, the event stood as a powerful testament to the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement, blending discipline, purpose and national pride on one grand platform.

This year’s Soldierathon witnessed an overwhelming participation of 8,720 runners across four categories:

• 21 km Half Marathon
• 10 km Run
• 5 km Run
• Cheer Buddy Category

Saluting the Brave-Giving Back to Our Heroes

In line with Soldierathon’s enduring mission to support the nation’s wounded warriors, a generous contribution of ₹5,00,000 was made to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), Kirkee, to aid the rehabilitation and welfare of injured soldiers.

Launch of SENA, A Movement Beyond Fashion

A major highlight of this edition was the official launch of SENA, A purpose-driven lifestyle initiative born from the spirit of Soldierathon.

SENA aims to empower wounded soldiers, support soldier families and create a sustainable wellness community that promotes fitness as a shared way of life for both civilians and the armed forces.

National Half Marathon Championship at SBI CME Soldierathon 3.0

This year also marked the hosting of the prestigious National Half Marathon Championship, where elite runners shared the track with defence personnel and citizens, showcasing competitive spirit & camaraderie through fitness.

In a thrilling finish, CTW CME Pune emerged as the Team Championship Winner, lifting the National Half Marathon Trophy with an impressive average team time of 1 hour, 22 minutes, and 19 seconds.

The winning team was awarded the Championship Trophy and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. CME Commandant Lt General Ramesh Felicitated winners of SBI CME Soldierathon and applauded their winning efforts.

Speaking at the event, Shri G. S. Rana, Deputy Managing Director, SBI, lauded the seamless organisation, enthusiastic participation and Soldierathon’s strong message of unity, service and the Fit India Movement.

The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Team CME, all volunteers, defence personnel, sponsors, ambassadors, pacers and partners whose combined efforts made Soldierathon 3.0 a resounding success.

As the sun set on another glorious edition of Soldierathon, every participant carried home memories of courage, camaraderie and the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldier continuing the mission of “Run for Soldiers. Run with Soldiers.”

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