Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is India’s first indigenously developed semi-high-speed train, symbolising the country’s push towards modern and efficient rail travel. Introduced by Indian Railways, it offers a faster, more comfortable, and technologically advanced alternative to conventional trains.
Designed and manufactured in India, Vande Bharat trains can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between major cities. The train features a sleek, aerodynamic design along with world-class amenities such as automatic doors, comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, and improved safety features.
Passenger experience is a key highlight, with better hygiene, bio-vacuum toilets, and airline-style seating. The train also incorporates energy-efficient systems, making it more environmentally friendly compared to older models. Its smooth acceleration and reduced noise levels further enhance comfort during journeys.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Congress over the development of urban transport, comparing the pace of metro expansion under the previous regime with current infrastructure achievements. Highlighting the transformation, he stated that in 2014, India had only 248 kilometres of operational metro lines across five cities, whereas the network has expanded to 1,200 kilometres across 26 cities, catering to over one crore daily commuters. Raising questions over earlier development speeds, he noted that cities like Pune would have faced decades of waiting for metro connectivity if expansion had continued at the pre-2014 pace. Modi remarked that the impact of the rapid transit growth extends beyond statistics, providing citizens with reduced commuting time, enhanced family life, and improved productivity. The remarks follow the launch of a new metro line in Pune, alongside broader upgrades across Indian rail and road connectivity over the past 12 years.
Indian Railways has launched the Kashi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, marking the country's second Vande Bharat sleeper service. Equipped with modern amenities and an advanced safety system, the train connects Varanasi and New Delhi via Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad. Compared to the Shiv Ganga Express, it reduces travel time by 55 minutes from Varanasi to New Delhi and by 35 minutes on the return route. The service aims to provide faster overnight travel between key urban centres and pilgrimage destinations.
India marks Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to honour the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In New Delhi, dignitaries, including the President of India, Union Home Minister, and Delhi Chief Minister, paid floral tributes at Patel Chowk and flagged off the Run for Unity from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The marathon saw extensive participation from youth, students, and volunteers heading towards India Gate. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, to offer floral tributes at the Statue of Unity, inaugurate developmental projects worth around 400 crore rupees, and lead the Ekta Parv parade in the evening. This year's parade highlights national integration alongside key themes such as a Naxal-free India, 150 years of Vande Mataram, and anti-drug campaigns, featuring displays by paramilitary daredevils, state police, and regional cultural troupes.
Across India, celebrations for National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas are underway to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In New Delhi, the Run for Unity commenced from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, flagged off by Union Home Minister Amit Shah alongside local dignitaries. Events featuring students, NCC, and NSS volunteers were organised nationwide to bolster integration. In Kevadia, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at the 182-metre Statue of Unity and inaugurated development projects worth approximately 400 crore rupees for Ekta Nagar. The evening schedule includes an Ekta Parade showcasing paramilitary forces, Cobra Commandos, state police contingents, cultural tableaus, and bike rallies. A key theme of the parade highlights a Naxal-free India, featuring 2,000 youths from formerly affected districts in special performances alongside commemorative tributes marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Speaking in an interview, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed key national issues, including delimitation, women's reservation, parliamentary functioning, and ongoing protests. He affirmed the government's commitment to implementing thirty-three percent reservation for women in the 2029 elections and noted that necessary numbers in Parliament would be secured. Responding to political agitation and street demonstrations, Rijiju remarked that elections cannot be won through negative politics, asserting that a few thousand people cannot decide the country's future. He also warned against foreign elements seeking to hinder India's economic growth. Emphasizing constructive criticism, Rijiju advised film personalities and social media influencers to comment responsibly and with factual understanding of constitutional provisions. Speaking about his personal life and public persona, Rijiju described himself as a genuine individual who refuses to act merely to please others, stating that opposition criticism does not affect his routine of living naturally and embracing an active outdoor lifestyle.
In this India Today broadcast anchored by Gaurav Sawant, the programme reviews the completion of 25 years of Narendra Modi in public governance, encompassing 13 years as Chief Minister of Gujarat and 12 years as Prime Minister of India.
In an exclusive interaction at the Semiconductor India Summit at Yashobhoomi, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that India has successfully laid the groundwork for its semiconductor industry under the Semicon India initiative. Highlighting the expansion of domestic manufacturing, Vaishnaw stated, "We have 12 units. Out of that, five have started commercial production." He outlined the central government's long-term roadmap to advance from current manufacturing nodes to 7nm and 3nm technologies by 2035, driven by steady policies, talent cultivation, and strong political will. Discussing workforce development, he highlighted that the Chips to Startup programme has expanded across 400 universities nationwide and announced plans to train 1,00,000 technicians over the next three to four years. Vaishnaw also addressed critical supply chain requirements, identifying ultra-pure materials as the most complex challenge, while expressing strong confidence that the Semicon 2.0 phase will draw investments exceeding initial projections and establish 200 deep-tech chip design companies across the country.
A special broadcast reviews Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey as he turns 76, marking 25 years in public life and his tenure as India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. The report highlights India's economic ascent from the tenth to the fifth largest economy, structural reforms including the Goods and Services Tax, digital public infrastructure under the JAM trinity, and expansion in manufacturing through Production Linked Incentive schemes. Key welfare programs, such as the PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism, are detailed alongside rapid infrastructural growth spanning Vande Bharat trains, national highways, and aviation under the UDAN scheme. The bulletin examines India's foreign policy approach, space milestones including Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan, and traditional service-oriented birthday initiatives, culminating in the launch of healthcare programs in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, extended birthday greetings commending India's rising international profile.
In an exclusive interview, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed India's expanding semiconductor ecosystem and talent development initiatives. Vaishnaw highlighted that the Chips to Startup program now covers 400 universities across the country, giving students hands-on experience in chip design, tape-out, and testing. Speaking on the impact of the initiative on youth, Vaishnaw said, "It's life-changing because those students, when they go into the industry, like, there won't be many countries in the world where a student coming out of a university can say that I have taped out a chip." Responding to critics regarding India's focus on legacy nodes between 28 and 90 nanometers, he noted that this segment constitutes 70% of global semiconductor volume and powers essential electronics and automotive manufacturing. He outlined India's Semiconductor 2.0 blueprint, which includes upgrading B.Tech curricula to systems design and building five-year capabilities in advanced packaging, equipment manufacturing, and materials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 76th birthday, completing 25 years in public life as an elected leader. Taking office as Prime Minister in May 2014 after serving as Gujarat Chief Minister, his administration oversaw significant economic and policy transformations. India's economy expanded from tenth to fifth largest globally, supported by initiatives including the Goods and Services Tax, the JAM trinity, Unified Payments Interface, and production-linked incentives. Social welfare delivery expanded through direct benefit transfers alongside schemes such as PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat. In infrastructure, the government rolled out Vande Bharat trains, expanded airports under the UDAN scheme, and developed the PM GatiShakti platform. On foreign policy, India hosted the G20 presidency, advanced space exploration through the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions, and deepened ties across the Global South. Entering his third term, the administration addresses domestic coalition management, youth employment, and global trade dynamics while pursuing the Viksit Bharat framework.
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.
A comprehensive overview of governance achievements and nationwide outreach initiatives was presented during a media address. Key milestones highlighted include the lifting of millions out of multi-dimensional poverty, direct benefit transfers via bank accounts, tap water connections, free ration distribution, sanitation coverage, and housing initiatives. Significant progress in economic transformation was outlined, focusing on gross domestic product growth, digital public infrastructure, tax reforms, banking sector turnaround, and infrastructure expansion across railways, roadways, and aviation. Major policy decisions concerning national security, legislative representation for women, internal security improvements, and administrative reforms across several states were detailed. A series of community service programmes, outreach drives, innovation challenges, and governance dialogues spanning villages to representative assemblies were announced to connect with beneficiaries and promote citizen participation across the country.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dadri to JNPT has been completed and dedicated to the nation. The modern transformation of the railway network includes widespread upgrades across tracks, stations, overhead equipment, signalling, and operating systems. Key milestones achieved include the complete redevelopment of 280 stations, the construction of 36,000 kilometres of new tracks, and the nationwide rollout of the Kavach safety system. In addition, seven major railway corridors across the country are undergoing four-lining expansion to boost capacity and allow more trains to operate. Modern train services such as Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat are actively expanding, alongside the development of cargo variants. Furthermore, the construction of the high-speed rail corridor between Surat and Vapi is scheduled for completion this year, with initial testing of the bullet train set to commence next year.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and non-teaching staff took out a rally inside the Jadavpur University campus, chanting 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. The protest follows allegations made by the BJP and ABVP regarding anti-national graffiti and activities taking place within the university premises. The demonstration comes days after Shubendu Adhikari issued a stern message directed at the university students and Left Front unions over the issue.
The Bharatiya Janata Party passed a resolution during its office bearers meeting regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the national song Vande Mataram. The party criticized the Congress Party over its Working Committee resolution and stance on the national song, accusing it of engaging in appeasement politics and attempting to create division. The address highlighted historical contexts, referring to Mahatma Gandhi's description of Vande Mataram as an anti-imperialist battle cry of pure national spirit, as well as statements by former Constituent Assembly President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on giving equal respect to Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram. The presentation also cited the Prevention of Insult to National Honor Amendment Act 2026 passed during the monsoon session, emphasizing equal honor for national symbols. The resolution directs party workers across the country to campaign on the importance of Vande Mataram and counter political narratives surrounding the issue.
The Vande Bharat Express was seen crossing the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, offering a stunning view of the engineering marvel set against mist-covered mountains during the monsoon season.
This episode of 5 Live highlights the financial struggles of Rajasthan's medal-winning athletes, including Asian Games medallist Rakesh and national record holder Neeraj Kumar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, outlining a vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 while slamming the Congress party's historical governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with applause and accolades at the NDA parliamentary meeting on Tuesday following a landmark trade agreement between India and the US. The meeting, held at the Parliament complex, concluded with alliance MPs congratulating the Prime Minister for securing the deal, which promises immediate tariff relief for Indian exports. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking after the session, welcomed newly elected BJP president Nitin Nabin and noted the visible enthusiasm among MPs over the recent trade developments. Chants of “Jai Modi,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoed through the hall as party members praised Modi for the landmark agreement with US President Donald Trump.
Bands of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and paramilitary enthralled the audiences with an array of foot-tapping melodies, including 'Vande Mataram', 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja', 'Vijay Bharat', 'Sitare Hind' and 'Brave Warrior', at the Beating Retreat ceremony at Delhi's Vijay Chowk on Thursday.
