Make in India very important if India has to emerge as manufacturing hub: Sanjiv Goenka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message celebrating India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth, attributing the milestone to the collective strength and hard work of 140 crore citizens despite global crises, supply chain disruptions, and conflicts. Hitting out at the opposition, he stated that the nation has overcome those spreading despair and an echo of falsehoods. The Prime Minister also emphasised a push for self-reliance through the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Make in India' initiatives, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign travel and imports. Reacting to the statement, Congress leader Manickam Tagore questioned the ground reality of the economic figures, alleging widespread unemployment and paper leak issues among youngsters. Tagore claimed that the reported growth primarily reflects the wealth accumulation of major corporate conglomerates rather than the universal welfare and employment prospects of the common public.

Dairy farm milk prices in Mumbai have been increased by nine rupees per litre starting today, dealing an inflationary blow to citizens ahead of the festive season. City milk producers decided to hike the rate of milk sourced from city dairy farms. Following the price revision, farm milk in Mumbai will now be sold at one hundred two rupees per litre, up from the earlier rate of ninety-three rupees per litre.

India has recorded a gross domestic product growth rate of 7.8 percent despite ongoing global supply chain disruptions, international conflicts, and economic instability persisting since 2020. A renewed push has been made for self reliance through the Swadeshi and Made in India initiatives, alongside the vocal for local campaign. Citizens are encouraged to prioritise domestic products, choose domestic venues over destination weddings abroad, avoid international leisure travel, and limit gold purchases unless necessary. The expansion reflects collective national effort to overcome pessimism and achieve the vision of a developed nation by the centenary of independence. The focus remains on maintaining high growth momentum through clear policies, unified national effort, and strengthening indigenous industry to support economic stability and future generations.

Rescue operations in Nepal are facing major obstacles as the Nepal Army struggles to navigate debris-filled and flooded tunnels. Rescuers are seen crawling through closed hydropower tunnels, while excavators and controlled blasts are being deployed to clear blockages. Multiple bodies are being recovered from mud, debris, and building rooftops. Nearly one thousand people have died and over four thousand individuals remain missing as emergency rescue efforts continue.