PM Narendra Modi Turns 76: 25 Years in Public Office, Global Impact & Vision for Viksit Bharat

The US administration is reportedly planning a 2.8 billion dollar arms sale to Israel involving highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs, including 20,000 Mark 84s, 20,000 BLU-117s, and 2,000 penetration warheads. The proposed transaction has raised concerns over civilian destruction in areas like Gaza, alongside criticism regarding the indirect use of American taxpayer funding. Israel maintains that its use of weapon systems is strictly for self-defence and safeguarding sovereignty. The deal is described as an effort by Donald Trump to reinforce ties between the United States and Israel following earlier strategic divergences during conflicts in the region.

The military conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia continues to escalate, with hundreds of attacks reported between both sides. The Houthis claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter aircraft and targeted multiple cities across Saudi Arabia, focusing on oil facilities and military sites. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported that a drone was intercepted heading towards Mecca, describing the holy city as an absolute red line. The ongoing hostilities have severely disrupted maritime traffic along the Red Sea coast, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Strait of Hormuz, causing mounting pressure on global crude oil prices despite US-mediated peace talks in Oman.

A Pakistani naval corvette, PNS Hunain, suffered external damage after colliding with a frontline Indian warship during an unprofessional and close approach in the Northern Arabian Sea on 15 September. The Indian vessel was carrying out a routine surveillance mission when the Pakistani ship came dangerously close. Following the incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan's chargé d'affaires in New Delhi and raised the issue in Islamabad, highlighting the violation of the 1991 bilateral agreement. While the Indian warship sustained no damage and continued its mission, PNS Hunain had to return to harbour for repairs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76, marking 25 years in public life and his tenure as the longest-serving elected prime minister. From his 2014 victory where the BJP secured 282 seats and the NDA won 336 seats, Modi pledged the Gujarat development model for the country under the vision of 'Bharat ki vijay. Achhe din aane wale hain.' Over his tenure, India expanded from the tenth to the fifth largest global economy. Significant policy reforms include the Goods and Services Tax, the JAM trinity, UPI, and the PM Jan Dhan Yojana bringing over 50 crore citizens into formal banking. Welfare initiatives like PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat alongside infrastructure drives like PM Gati Shakti, UDAN, and Vande Bharat trains spurred modernisation. Internationally, India showcased vaccine diplomacy, hosted the G20 presidency, and engaged at BRICS. Advances in space research include Chandrayaan and preparations for Gaganyaan with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.