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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s Father Daulal Vaishnaw Passes Away in Jodhpur

July 8, 2025, 2:30 pm

Daulal Vaishnaw, the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s father, died on Tuesday morning, July 8, at AIIMS Jodhpur. He passed away at 11:52 am following critical care for the last few days.

In confirmation of the news, AIIMS Jodhpur released an official statement conveying condolences, “It is with profound grief that we regret to inform that Shri Daulal Vaishnav Ji, father of Hon’ble Railway Minister, expired today on 08th July 2025 at 11:52 AM at AIIMS Jodhpur. He had been critically ill for the past few days and was under treatment at AIIMS Jodhpur. In spite of the strenuous efforts on the part of the medical team, unfortunately, he could not be saved. The AIIMS Jodhpur family wishes the departed soul peace and condoles deeply with the grieving family.”

प्रेस नोट

दिनांक: 08.07.2025 | समय: पूर्वाह्न 11:52 बजे

यह अत्यंत दुःख के साथ सूचित किया जाता है कि माननीय रेल मंत्री श्री अश्विनी वैष्णव जी के पिता श्री दाउ लाल वैष्णव जी (81 वर्ष), का आज दिनांक 08 जुलाई 2025 को पूर्वाह्न 11:52 बजे AIIMS जोधपुर में निधन हो गया।

वह पिछले कुछ…

— AIIMS Jodhpur (@aiims_jodhpur) July 8, 2025

Daulal Vaishnaw was ill for a few days and was taken to AIIMS Jodhpur after his condition weakened. Till Tuesday, he could not be saved by constant efforts from doctors.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Visuals from the residence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s father, Daulal Vaishnaw, who passed away this morning. Relatives have started arriving at their Ratanada residence, where the mortal remains will be brought shortly. The last rites will be… pic.twitter.com/ppsNaNdtT1

— IANS (@ians_india) July 8, 2025

Daulal Vaishnaw’s Legacy: A Lawyer, Consultant, and Grassroots Leader

Daulal Vaishnaw was a villager from Jivand Kala in the Pali district of Rajasthan. He later shifted to Jodhpur along with his family. Daulal Vaishnaw was a renowned lawyer and income tax consultant in legal circles. He had practiced law in Jodhpur for more than three decades.

Aside from his career ambitions, Daulal Vaishnaw was also a prominent figure in rural politics. Prior to being elected as a member of the state assembly, he was also the sarpanch of his native village, Jivand Kala, evidence of his strong involvement in community leadership and grassroots development.

Colleagues and villagers have described him as a man of virtue and intelligence, well-respected for both his legal expertise and public service.

Condolences Pour In

Leaders and politicians from all political and administrative spheres have sent condolences to Ashwini Vaishnaw and his family. The Railway Minister has not made a personal statement yet, but family sources had a confirmation that last rites are likely to be done in Jodhpur.

Pune-Nashik Railway Realignment Nears Completion, Vaishnaw Confirms

May 4, 2025, 1:35 pm

Union Railway Minister of India Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured that the Pune-Nashik high-speed rail corridor is near final realignment. The project, which previously suffered delays due to scientific objections, will now proceed once the Maharashtra government provides its approval. The original rail line alignment had evoked fierce protests from scientists as it cut through a sensitive 15-km area close to the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad, roughly 60 km from Pune.

The new alignment steers clear of the restricted zone, clearing the path for construction work to start. Ashwini Vaishnaw also unveiled proposals to develop Pune railway station and talked about expanding regional rail connectivity, such as the idea of a Vande Bharat train between Nagpur and Pune.

Scientists’ Objection Forces Route Correction

The initial link of the Pune-Nashik corridor had gone through a radio silence area surrounding the GMRT. Scientists issued warnings that transit trains would impair the GMRT’s capacity for identifying faint cosmic signals. The GMRT, situated almost 80 km away from Pune, is among the most sensitive of radio astronomy institutes globally. The GMRT has 30 antennae, which are 45 metres wide, and listens on frequencies ranging between 150 MHz to 1420 MHz.

Ashwini Vaishnaw met these objections head-on. “The GMRT is of huge scientific significance. Constructed with the assistance of 23 nations, it should not be impacted. We have finalized a new alignment that will not cause interference,” he said.

Pune Railway Station Set for Major Overhaul

The Railway Minister also addressed the redevelopment of Pune station as a world-class facility. Four new platforms would be added to deal with increasing traffic and provide passenger convenience. He emphasized Pune’s position as a significant historical and industrial hub.

Station Redevelopment and New Train Services

He gave updates on the redevelopment projects of stations in Pune. He confirmed that proposals for six stations — Alandi, Pune, Khadki, Uruli Kanchan, and Shivajinagar — are at the final stages. These stations will be equipped with new facilities under the broader infrastructure revamp.

He also inaugurated two new express trains from Hadapsar: the MGR Chennai Central–Bhagat Ki Kothi Express and the Hadapsar–Jodhpur Express. These new routes will enhance long-distance connectivity.

Vande Bharat Between Nagpur and Pune in Pipeline

The minister also informed that there is a discussion underway with Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis regarding starting a Vande Bharat train between Pune and Nagpur. The high-speed train would revolutionize intra-state travel and aid economic activity between the two cities.

The decision to realign indicates a powerful message — that infrastructure expansion should take into account scientific assets. India cannot build irresponsibly at the cost of institutions such as the GMRT that provide to the world. The Pune-Nashik railway project is now back on track, but it has taken rational scientific discourse and political resolve to get to this point.

Centre Confirms Caste Census to Be Included in Upcoming National Census

April 30, 2025, 5:15 pm

The Union government on Wednesday made it official that caste census will be included in the coming National Census. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, as per an ANI report, affirmed that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has approved the inclusion of caste-based data in the all-India census.

Modi Government Takes a Step Towards Transparency

Talking to the media, Vaishnaw stated, “Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census.” He did not give a date as to when the census would begin.

#WATCH | Delhi | “Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census,” says Union Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw on Union Cabinet decisions. pic.twitter.com/0FtK0lg9q7

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025

Vaishnaw made it clear that the census is purely within the purview of the Centre. He lashed out at some opposition-governed states for organizing separate caste surveys and stated these exercises were non-transparent.

“Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, some others conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Such surveys created doubts in society. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys,” Vaishnaw said.

Vaishnaw Alleges Congress of Politicizing Caste Statistics

The Union Minister, meanwhile, made a stinging criticism of the Congress party and its constituents in the INDI alliance, alleging that they have consistently politicised the census process.

“Congress governments have always opposed the caste census. In 2010, the late Dr Manmohan Singh said that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject,” he observed.

He further said, “All the political parties have suggested a caste enumeration. Despite this, the Congress government had resolved to conduct a caste survey or a caste census. Congress and its allies in the INDI coalition are well known to have employed the caste enumeration purely as a political weapon.”

The decennial population census, initially planned for 2021, was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical issues. With the Centre’s renewed initiative, caste counting will now, therefore, become a formal and integral component of the national enumeration, aiming to promote transparency and, moreover, foster social harmony..

Ashwini Vaishnaw Shares Video of India’s Hyperloop Tube, Set to Become World’s Longest | Watch

March 17, 2025, 4:30 pm

Union Minister of Railways, Communications, and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw has recently paid a visit to the Hyperloop test tunnel at IIT Madras, where he made an official declaration that the Hyperloop test tube under construction will become the world’s longest at 410 meters shortly. At present, the 410-meter-long Hyperloop test facility at IIT Madras is the longest in Asia.

First conceptualized by Elon Musk in 2013, Hyperloop technology is a groundbreaking high-speed transport system that propels pods above empty-sealed tubes at speeds surpassing 1,000 km/h. This visionary mode of travel is intended to make transit more carbon-neutral, more effective, and fast.

India’s drive for indigenous hyperloop technology

Ashwini Vaishnaw underlined during his visit plans to produce electronic parts for the Hyperloop at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory, hence strengthening India’s promise to create native technology. He posted a live presentation on his Instagram profile together with “Longest Hyperloop tube in Asia (410 m)… soon to be the world’s longest.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ashwini Vaishnaw (@ashwini.vaishnaw)

Earlier in May 2022, the Ministry of Railways had given IIT Madras Rs 8.34 crore to help with local development and validation of Hyperloop technology. Pointing to encouraging early findings from ongoing tests, the Union Minister said he believed India was well equipped to embrace this next-generation transportation system.

He also stressed the ground-breaking accomplishments of youth innovators and noted that the whole Hyperloop testing system at IIT Madras has been created with indigenous technologies.

Ashwini Vaishnaw said, congratulating IIT Madras on their cutting-edge work, “This place is so full of so much energy that I cannot describe it. I’m so happy to see young, energetic engineers working on this new technology and doing new experiments. We are providing only small help. I think that this will really lead us to some good solutions for the country, for our people, for our start-ups and for the world of technology as well.”

Hyperloop Research at IIT Madras

Over the last seven years, IIT Madras has been in the vanguard of Hyperloop studies and has made notable progress in the area. Supporting cutting-edge research, Discovery Campus at the institute features a 422-meter-long operational Hyperloop test tube and track that is state-of-the art.

IIT Madras organized Asia’s first Global Hyperloop Competition earlier this year supported by the Ministry of Railways, therefore underlining India’s part in defining Hyperloop technology’s future.

Moreover based in IIT Madras, TuTr Hyperloop, a deep-tech incubated startup, next month will introduce the first commercial Hyperloop technology-based initiative worldwide in India. This advance is a big milestone for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, direction India’s drive toward technological self-reliance and creativity.

The Hyperloop: The Next Generation of Quick Transport

Fifth mode of travel, Hyperloop technology offers fast, low-energy, and environmentally friendly trips. Hyperloop capsules can attain velocities well above 1,000 km/h by strongly lowering air resistance, therefore transforming contemporary travel. This technology is set to revolutionize mobility by cutting commuting time and improving connectivity throughout areas.

The next longest Hyperloop test tube in the world at IIT Madras attests to India’s increasing technical might and aspiration to overhaul the future of transportation, given the country’s fast progress in Hyperloop development.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Clarifies Remarks on India’s AI Capabilities

February 5, 2025, 12:42 pm

CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman dealt on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, with earlier remarks about India’s possible development of fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) models. Altman set the record straight in a discussion with Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during his India trip about his earlier remarks having been taken out of context.

Explanation of Earlier Observations

During his 2023 trip to India, Altman noted that the high cost made constructing basic AI models a difficult project. He clarified that his remarks pertained exactly to that period and the then level of artificial intelligence advancement. “The comment I made in India a few years ago about the cost of building foundational AI models, was taken out of context. That was a certain time of scaling AI, and I still think that pre-trained foundational AI models are expensive,” said Altman.

He stressed that developments in AI model distillation have since rendered it more possible for nations like India to create their models. We have done a great deal with small models, and reasoning models today are not inexpensive but still workable. This could result in a burst of creativity, with India leading by example.”

India’s Increasing Relevance in AI

Altman emphasized India’s important contribution to the artificial intelligence industry and mentioned it has become OpenAI’s second-largest market. “India is an incredibly important market for AI in general. For OpenAI, it is our second biggest market, and we’ve tripled the number of users here over the past year,” he said. He commended the creative output of Indian developers and startups working at several levels of the AI stack—chips, models, and apps. According to Altman, “India should be doing everything, and should be one of the global leaders of the AI revolution.”

Government Programs and Corporate Changes

Minister Vaishnaw discussed the India AI Mission, which aims to build the country’s fundamental AI models and establish support systems for a wide AI environment. This project coincides with Altman’s idea of the market and highlights India’s dedication to improving its artificial intelligence capabilities.

Altman’s arrival coincides with OpenAI’s growing competition with other technological companies. DeepSeek, a Chinese startup, just announced the development of its fundamental AI model R1 at a fraction of the cost OpenAI had, and companies like Meta have open-sourced some of their AI work. These trends emphasize the quickly changing scene of artificial intelligence technology as well as the increasing affordability of AI model construction.

Future of Technical Learning

Altman admitted the normal march toward lower expenditures in artificial intelligence research and hence viewed India’s role via its startups and developers as fundamental to this process. He observed that staying at the front of AI development is expensive, but the falling cost of intelligence units might promote more creativity and invention. “At the same time, the cost of a unit of intelligence will drop by 10x in one year. Moore’s Law changed the world with a 2x increase in performance. Now, what’s happening with AI is extraordinary” Altman noted.

He stressed that this trend does not suggest a lower requirement for AI hardware but rather the power to do more with the same resources. “This doesn’t mean that the world will need less AI hardware, but that we can now do more things with the same amount of hardware, so the total amount of dollars invested will go up” he added.

‘Bharat’s First Hyperloop Test Track’: Ashwini Vaishnaw Shares Video | WATCH

December 6, 2024, 9:26 am

The Union Railway Minister shared a path-breaking update on X (formerly Twitter) on December 5 about completing India’s first 410-meter Hyperloop test track. This has a big significance to how much the country has advanced with regards to high-speed transportation and aspires to lead in futuristic transit technologies.

This is a test track situated at IIT Madras‘ Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, which was developed in collaboration with Indian Railways, IIT Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr Hyperloop, a startup incubated at the institute. The minister commended the team, writing, “Bharat’s first Hyperloop test track (410 meters) completed.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF HYPERLOOP TEST TRACK:

Watch: Bharat’s first Hyperloop test track (410 meters) completed.

? Team Railways, IIT-Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team and TuTr (incubated startup)

?At IIT-M discovery campus, Thaiyur pic.twitter.com/jjMxkTdvAd

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) December 5, 2024

Thumbs up to Team Railways, IIT-Madras‘ Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr.”

Hyperloop: A Step Towards the Future of Transportation

The Hyperloop test track serves as a base to enhance and further improve high-speed, cost-effective, and sustainable modes of transit solutions. On its maiden run on the test track, the vehicle accelerated up to 100 km/h; soon it is intended to achieve speeds of up to 600 km/h over a more extended length.

The Ministry of Railways is one of the other key partners for this project. It has been actively contributing to the Hyperloop initiative at IIT Madras. India, in fact, commits to innovation and sustainable development in transportation.

Impact on Urban Transit

If it is successfully implemented, Hyperloop technology may change the face of urban mobility by supplementing or complementing the existing metro rail systems. It promises fast, reliable, and efficient travel, changing the way cities function by reducing travel time and congestion while being sustainable.

This milestone is expected to put India on the global Hyperloop race map, ushering in a new era in its transportation landscape.

‘Rail? Nehhh Reel Minister’: Ashwini Vaishnaw Trolled After Viral Clip | WATCH

November 4, 2024, 2:21 pm

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw found himself at the center of online ridicule after a video surfaced showing him waving at train passengers who did not respond. The clip, which was filmed during a station inspection in Aluva, Kozhikode, quickly went viral, leading to a flurry of reactions from netizens. Many users mocked the minister, suggesting that his efforts to engage with the public were met with indifference. Comments ranged from sarcastic remarks about his role as a “Real Minister solving people’s problems through reel” to playful jabs dubbing him the “Reel Minister.”

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO OF ASHWINI VAISHNAW:

Window trailing and station inspection.

?️ Aluva – Kozhikode, Kerala pic.twitter.com/QBj3Fn9hxk

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 3, 2024

The video sparked a conversation about the effectiveness of public engagement from politicians, particularly in an era dominated by social media. While some users defended Ashwini Vaishnaw, arguing that he should not be insulted for attempting to connect with the public, the overwhelming sentiment was one of criticism. This incident reflects the growing scrutiny public figures face on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where every action is subject to immediate commentary and interpretation.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Explores AI Collaboration With Meta’s Chief Scientist Yann LeCun

October 26, 2024, 6:08 pm

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun on Saturday as part of discussions for opportunities to collaborate on AI. Taking to X, he reflected on the success of India’s AI mission, speaking to the imperative of how all sectors – industry, government and academia-need to come together. “Met @ylecun (Yann LeCun) of Meta to discuss Bharat’s AI potential. Our AI mission is moving forward with strong collaborations between industry, government and academia: GenAI CoE with IIT Jodhpur and Meta. YuvAI Skilling with AICTE and Meta to train 1,00,000 students on LLM,” he shared.

On October 25, IndiaAI and Meta announced that they are going to jointly launch at IIT Jodhpur the Center for Generative AI, Srijan, which along with a launch of the “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” was joined in by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The coordination targets towards fulfilling the objective of supporting towards open-source AI, promoting indigenous AI innovation, and making progress in training even more competent and skilled AI-related professionals in India that would make it push towards being called as technology sovereignty and tailored AI solutions for the country.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT said Meta will support the Centre for Generative AI, Srijan at IIT Jodhpur (“GenAI CoE”) with the aim to promote responsible AI technologies and open science in this field. The centre will make advances in AI research while encouraging accountable development in AI and providing policy advice. It will equip future researchers, students, and practitioners with the tools required to develop responsible GenAI.

Meta has also collaborated with MeitY and AICTE to launch “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building”, which will bridge India’s AI talent gap. The initiative aims at skilling and reskilling 1,00,000 developers between the age group of 18 to 30 years in three years with open-source large language models (LLMs). Therefore, this initiative will speed up the skill building for AI in health, education, agriculture, smart cities, and financial inclusion sectors.

YuvAI will include a Gen AI Resource Hub, which comprises courses, case studies, and open datasets; the Meta-designed LLM for Young Developers Course; and foundational AI Master Training Workshops. The Unleash LLM Hackathons will challenge students to propose AI solutions for real-world problems while offering successful ideas mentorship, seed funding, and access to markets. In addition, the AI Innovation Accelerator will fund 10 student-led startups experimenting with open-source AI models and will provide incubation and more visibility.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Captures Spectacular Aerial Shot Of Iconic Chenab Bridge | Watch

September 27, 2024, 12:54 pm

Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently shared a mesmerizing video showcasing the majestic Chenab Railway Bridge, which connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. Posting the video on X, the Railway Minister wrote, “Helicopter shot – Chenab bridge,” offering viewers a bird’s-eye view of the engineering marvel.

The Chenab Rail Bridge: A Feat of Engineering Excellence

The Chenab Rail Bridge, located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, stands as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess. Made from steel and concrete, the bridge spans the Chenab River and rises 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, making it the world’s highest rail bridge and the highest arch bridge globally.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Helicopter shot ? – Chenab bridge pic.twitter.com/IGkJ3uZM7u

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 26, 2024

The construction of this single-track railway bridge began with the completion of its base supports in November 2017, enabling the construction of the main arch. The arch was completed in April 2021, while the entire bridge was finished by August 2022.

Official Launch of USBRL Project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project on February 20, 2024. The USBRL project also includes the 48.1-kilometer Banihal-Sangaldan section, a crucial step toward enhancing connectivity in the region.

Successful Trial Run on the World’s Highest Railway Bridge

On June 20, 2024, Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of an eight-coach MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train on the newly constructed Chenab Bridge. This trial was a major milestone, marking the beginning of potential rail services between Reasi and Baramulla in Kashmir.

The Railways issued a statement after the successful trial, stating, “After an extensive inspection of the newly constructed Chenab Bridge by senior officers from the Railway Board, Northern Railway, and Konkan Railway, a trial run was conducted on a 46-km-long electrified section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi at a speed of 40 kmph.”

A New Era of Connectivity for Kashmir

The Chenab Rail Bridge, which will soon begin regular services, is expected to greatly enhance connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. This engineering marvel not only stands as a testament to India’s technological advancements but also promises to bring significant economic and social benefits to the region, transforming travel and trade in the years to come.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inspects Vande Sleeper Coach at BEML

September 1, 2024, 5:16 pm

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a significant inspection of the Vande Sleeper Coach at BEML in Bengaluru on Sunday. Vaishnaw announced that passenger operations for the Vande Sleeper Coach are expected to commence within three months. “This new Vande Sleeper Coach is a full sleeper version,” he informed reporters following the inspection.

Vaishnaw highlighted that the manufacturing of the Vande Sleeper Coach is complete, with the first units set to leave the BEML factory in the coming days. He emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting, “Following the success of the Vande Bharat chair-car, the development of the Vande Sleeper Coach was highly anticipated. We are now at the exciting stage where manufacturing is complete, and the Vande Sleeper Coach will soon be operational.”

The Minister praised the complex design process involved in creating the Vande Sleeper, which incorporates numerous new features. He also mentioned that the Vande Bharat chair-car, Vande Sleeper, Vande Metro, and Amrit Bharat projects will revolutionize travel in India.

“This reflects the aspirational vision of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” Vaishnaw added. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for a new hangar dedicated to the manufacturing of standard and broad gauge rolling stock at BEML. Following the BEML program, Vaishnaw is scheduled to interact with trainees and staff at the Multi-disciplinary Divisional Training Institute (MDDTI) in Bengaluru.

Centre Greenlights 8 High-Speed Road Corridor Projects Valued at Over ₹50,000 Crore

August 3, 2024, 1:29 am

On Friday, the Narendra Modi government approved eight major National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects spanning a total of 936 kilometers, with an investment of ₹50,655 crore. This initiative aims to enhance logistics efficiency, alleviate congestion, and improve connectivity across India.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced, “The Cabinet has given the green light to eight key National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects, totaling over ₹50,000 crore. This investment will significantly boost logistics efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen nationwide connectivity.”

The approved projects include the six-lane Agra-Gwalior Corridor, the four-lane Kharagpur-Moregram Corridor, the six-lane Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad Corridor, the four-lane Ayodhya Ring Road, a five-lane segment of the Raipur-Ranchi Corridor between Pathalgaon and Gumla, the six-lane Kanpur Ring Road, the four-lane Northern Guwahati Bypass and its widening, and an eight-lane elevated corridor near Pune from Nashik Phata to Khed.

Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, stating, “The 140 crore Indians gave Prime Minister Modi a historic mandate, leading to a third consecutive term for the government. Following this, ₹76,000 crore will be invested in Vadhavan Port.”

The government emphasized that infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth and improving citizens’ quality of life. It noted that every rupee invested in infrastructure has a multiplier effect of 2.5-3.0 times on GDP. Additionally, capital investment in National Highways, including private contributions, has surged from ₹50,000 crore in 2013-14 to approximately ₹3.1 lakh crore in 2023-24. The government also adopted a corridor-based approach to highway development, aiming for consistent standards and improved logistics efficiency, as opposed to the previous project-based approach focused on local congestion.

‘Derailment Minister’: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi Takes Jibe at Ashwini Vaishnaw

August 1, 2024, 4:07 pm

Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday criticised Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for not taking moral responsibility for train accidents, dubbing him the “derailment minister.”

Gogoi alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party ministers have been blaming historical issues instead of taking responsibility for recent incidents in the country.

“In the last two months, at least four goods trains have derailed and four people died in July. Ten people were killed in June due to the collision of the Kanchanjunga Express, in addition to thousands being injured. Despite all this, the railway minister has not taken any responsibility,” said Gaurav Gogoi.

At least ten passengers died, and 41 others were injured when three rear coaches of the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed on June 17 after a goods train collided with it from the rear in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.

Gogoi also alleged that the railway minister was busy accusing Opposition members and threatening them instead of addressing railway safety. “In 2023 in Odisha, at least 300 people were killed. Who is going to take responsibility for that? In the last year and a half, train accidents have been rising, and the minister is busy with manufacturing. He is not a railway minister, he is a derailment minister,” Gogoi said.

On June 2, 2023, the Coromandel Express collided with a stationary iron ore-laden goods train at Bahanaga Bazar station. Some of its derailed coaches then crashed into the Yeshwantpur-Howrah Express, resulting in India’s worst railway disaster in three decades, killing 293 passengers and injuring 1,100 others.

Gogoi added that the minister’s response in the House was unsatisfactory and avoided accountability, leading the I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties to stage a walkout.

On July 24, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Railway Ministry has allocated Rs 1,112.57 crore to install the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach, for the financial year 2024-25. Kavach is an indigenously developed ATP system that is highly technology-intensive and requires the highest level of safety certification.

Kumari Selja urges Railway Minister to improve Dabwali Station facilities

July 23, 2024, 1:25 am

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Member of Parliament from Sirsa, Kumari Selja, has written a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighting the lack of passenger facilities and the need for the expansion of train services at Dabwali Model Railway Station in Sirsa district. She emphasizes that the expansion of passenger train services would benefit not only Haryana but also the bordering regions of Punjab and Rajasthan, particularly the traders.

In her letter, Kumari Selja points out that Mandi Dabwali is a significant subdivision of Punjab-Haryana-Rajasthan, and its railway station is a model railway station. Despite its significance and connectivity to distant parts of the country, Dabwali lacks sufficient passenger facilities. She requests the introduction of direct rail services from Dabwali to Ludhiana and Amritsar, suggesting the availability of a rail service from Bikaner to Ludhiana or Amritsar. Previously, a passenger train ran from Barmer to Kalka, which was later extended to Haridwar-Rishikesh, affecting the connectivity of Dabwali residents to Chandigarh and Kalka. She urges the resumption of this train service.

Additionally, she proposes extending train number 20483/20484, which runs between Jodhpur and Mumbai Bhagat Ki Kothi, to Ferozepur. This would save passengers approximately 300 kilometers of travel as it avoids the Delhi route, providing convenience to the public and benefiting the railways. This extension can be coordinated between the North Western Railway and Northern Railways Ferozepur Division.

Kumari Selja also requests the extension of trains number 13413/13414 and 13483/13484, which currently run between Bathinda and Ballor Bhat, to Hanumangarh, benefiting the general public. With the initiation of a washing line at Hanumangarh Railway Station, space is available for train halts. She further suggests extending train number 12555/12556 (Gorakhdham Express), running between Bathinda and Gorakhpur, to Hanumangarh, which would benefit the public and the railways.

She emphasized the need for direct train services from Mandi Dabwali to Ludhiana, Amritsar, Kalka, Chandigarh, and Delhi, and the extension of the aforementioned trains to Hanumangarh. Moreover, she calls for a new DMU train service between Bathinda and Hanumangarh.

Kumari Selja also mentioned the pending railway line project from Mandi Dabwali to Kalanwali, planned by the railway department in 2011-12. Despite completing the survey, no work has commenced yet. She urges the construction of a railway line from Mandi Dabwali to Narwana via Kalanwali-Rodi Sardulgarh-Ratia, benefiting the people of Sirsa Lok Sabha constituency. This connection would link the region to three railway lines: Bathinda-Hisar-Delhi and Bathinda to Delhi via Jakhal-Narwana-Jind, bringing significant advantages to the area and proving beneficial for the railways. She also advocates for the doubling of the Bathinda-Bikaner section.

Kumari Selja noted that Dabwali was an engine partnering station during the steam engine era on the Bathinda-Suratgarh line, with three underground tanks built by the railway, now unused and flooded during the rainy season. At the public’s request, one tank has been closed; she requests the closure of the remaining two. Furthermore, she suggests building community toilets for passengers in the railway circulating area of the Mandi Dabwali region and filling the unused railway tanks with soil.

Railway Minister Announces Production of 2,500 Coaches with Approval for Additional 10,000

July 5, 2024, 2:20 pm

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a special initiative to manufacture around 2,500 new general passenger train coaches, with approval granted for an additional 10,000 coaches. This effort aims to bolster railway infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking in New Delhi at an event, the Union Minister highlighted the commencement of manufacturing for 50 new Amrit Bharat trains. These trains, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year from Maldah and Darbhanga, are set to expand with another 150 in production.

The Amrit Bharat trains, equipped with LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) push-pull technology for enhanced acceleration, are part of the government’s strategy to improve rail services. Minister Vaishnaw noted the operation of over 10,000 special trains this summer to manage high passenger demand, emphasizing their focus on service quality, safety, and cleanliness.

Regarding infrastructure development, he mentioned the addition of 5,300 kilometers of railway tracks last year, with 800 kilometers added so far this year. He also highlighted the rapid rollout of the Kavach system, designed to enhance safety by automatically applying brakes in case of emergencies and adverse weather conditions.

Vaishnaw addressed criticisms against railway employees, accusing the Opposition of demotivating them with outdated videos and exaggerated claims. He reassured that the railway workforce remains committed to maintaining high standards and refuting negative narratives.

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaches Bagdogra airport

June 17, 2024, 4:10 pm

Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reached the Bagdogra airport in West Bengal. He will soon leave for the Kanchenjunga Express site in Darjeeling district, reports ANI.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaches Bagdogra airport.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will visit the Kanchenjunga Express train accident site in Darjeeling district shortly. pic.twitter.com/T4lRIXiVtZ

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

At least 15 passengers lost their lives, and 60 others sustained injuries when three rear coaches of the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed on Monday morning following a collision with a goods train from behind in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. The incident occurred around 8:30am, approximately 11 km from New Jalpaiguri station, a key hub in the Northeast Frontier Railway zone serving eastern and northeastern India.

Authorities are concerned that the casualty count may increase as multiple state and central agencies collaborate on the rescue operation, with fears that some passengers may still be trapped inside. Visuals from the scene depicted one of the train carriages hanging suspended in mid-air.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation measures, including ₹10 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased victim, ₹2.5 lakh for those with grievous injuries, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.

Railway officials indicated in a preliminary investigation that the accident resulted from the goods train’s loco pilot allegedly disregarding a signal. Tragically, both the loco pilot of the goods train and the guard of the passenger train were among those who lost their lives in the incident.

Subsequently, 19 trains have been cancelled thus far along the New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Bagdogra, and Aluabari Road routes due to the significant impact of the train accident. The incident led to the blockage of both Up and Down lines, disrupting train services in the region and affecting long-distance travel connections from north Bengal and the northeastern states.

Strategic Approaches To Train Accidents : PM Modi’s Railway Ministers Tenure vs. Ex-Railway Minister Lalu Yadav

June 17, 2024, 3:49 pm

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, there has been a distinct focus on enhancing railway safety and modernizing infrastructure to prevent accidents. Modi’s government introduced new technologies such as the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety. Response to accidents under Modi has been characterized by swift rescue operations and enhanced compensation measures, reflecting a proactive approach to crisis management. This shift in focus from financial reforms to safety improvements under Modi’s administration has contributed to a contrasting perception and management of railway accidents.

Here is the list of Railway Ministers of PM Modi’s tenure since 2014

Suresh Prabhu	10 November 2014	BJP	Narendra Modi
D.V. Sadananda Gowda	26 May 2014 to 9 November 2014	BJP	Narendra Modi
Suresh Prabhu	10 November 2014	BJP	Narendra Modi
Piyush Goyal	4 September 2017 to 7 July 2021	BJP	Narendra Modi
Ashwini Vaishnaw	July 2021 to present	BJP	Narendra Modi

Railway Accidents occurred under Railway Ministers of PM Modi’s leadership Since 2014

Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, several significant rail accidents have occurred in India, each accompanied by rescue operations and ex gratia payments to victims. Here are details of some notable incidents:

Kanchanjungha Express and Goods Train Collision (2024)

Date: June 17, 2024
Location: Near New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

The Kanchanjungha Express was traveling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata when it was hit from behind by a goods train near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri. Rescue Operation is under going.Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw increased the compensation to Rs 10 lakh for the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

Coromandel Express Train Accident (2023):

Date: June 2, 2023
Location: Balasore district, Odisha
Details: The Coromandel Express collided with a stationary goods train near the Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district. The collision caused a significant derailment of the Coromandel Express, leading to a major disaster. Several coaches were severely damaged, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. The accident was one of the deadliest in recent years. Rescue operations were launched immediately by local authorities, railway officials, and disaster response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force

Kannur-Ernakulam Intercity Express Derailment (2022):

Date: October 8, 2022
Location: Alappuzha district, Kerala
Details: The Kannur-Ernakulam Intercity Express derailed near Alappuzha district in Kerala, leading to injuries among passengers. The derailment occurred due to heavy rainfall and suspected track failure. Prompt rescue operations were conducted by railway authorities and local emergency services to evacuate passengers and provide medical assistance. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of railway infrastructure during adverse weather conditions and underscored the ongoing challenges in maintaining track safety. Authorities initiated investigations to determine the cause of the derailment and implement measures to enhance railway safety across the country.

Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express Derailment (2021):

Date: March 25, 2021
Location: Udalguri district, Assam
Details: The Dibrugarh-bound Rajdhani Express derailed near Udalguri district in Assam, causing disruption and injuries to passengers. The incident occurred due to suspected track issues. Prompt rescue efforts were initiated by railway authorities and local emergency services to assist the affected passengers and restore railway services. This accident highlighted ongoing challenges in railway safety and infrastructure maintenance, prompting authorities to review safety protocols and ensure enhanced monitoring of track conditions to prevent future accidents.

Vizag Gas Leak and Shramik Special Train Accident (2020):

Date: May 7, 2020
Location: Vizag, Andhra Pradesh and Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Details: This year witnessed two major incidents involving railways. First, a tragic gas leak occurred near a chemical plant in Vizag, affecting nearby railway workers and residents. Second, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, a Shramik Special train carrying migrant workers collided with a goods train, resulting in casualties. Both incidents prompted swift rescue operations and government responses to provide relief and support to the affected individuals and families. These incidents underscored the challenges in ensuring safety across India’s vast railway network, especially during crises and emergencies.

Vaishali Express Derailment (2019):

Date: February 3, 2019
Location: Near Hajipur, Bihar
Details: The Vaishali Express derailed near Hajipur, Bihar, causing significant disruption and damage. Several coaches of the train went off the tracks due to suspected rail fracture. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, but passengers sustained injuries. Rescue operations were promptly initiated, and affected passengers were provided medical assistance.

Amritsar train accident (2018)

Date: October 19, 2018
Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Details: A tragic incident occurred during Dussehra celebrations when a train ran over people gathered near railway tracks. The accident resulted in a high number of casualties. Immediate rescue efforts were launched, with local authorities and railway officials evacuating injured individuals to hospitals. Prime Minister Modi sanctioned ex gratia payments and visited the injured in hospitals.

Utkal Express derailment (2017):

Date: August 19, 2017
Location: Khatauli, Uttar Pradesh
Details: The Utkal Express derailed, resulting in over 20 deaths and numerous injuries. Rescue operations were promptly initiated, involving railway personnel, NDRF teams, and local authorities. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and announced ex gratia payments of ₹2 lakh to the families of deceased and ₹50,000 to the injure

Mumbai suburban train stampede (2017):

Date: September 29, 2017
Location: Elphinstone Road station (now Prabhadevi station), Mumbai, Maharashtra
Details: A stampede occurred on a footbridge connecting two local train stations during rush hour, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Prompt rescue efforts were undertaken by railway staff, local police, and medical teams. PM Modi announced ex gratia payments for the victims’ families and measures to enhance railway infrastructure and safety in Mumbai.

Kalinga Utkal Express derailment (2017):

Date: August 23, 2017
Location: Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Details: The Kalinga Utkal Express derailed, leading to casualties and injuries among passengers. Rescue operations involved rapid response from NDRF, railway authorities, and medical teams. PM Modi directed officials to provide necessary assistance to the affected and announced ex gratia payments.

Indore-Patna Express derailment (2016):

Date: November 20, 2016
Location: Pukhrayan, Uttar Pradesh
Details: The Indore-Patna Express derailed, causing one of the deadliest rail accidents in recent years with over 150 fatalities. Rescue operations were challenging due to the severity of the incident, involving massive efforts by NDRF, local administration, and railway personnel. PM Modi expressed grief and announced ex gratia payments for the families of deceased passengers.

These incidents underscored the challenges and safety concerns within India’s railway network, prompting the government under PM Modi to prioritize safety enhancements, infrastructure upgrades, and crisis response measures to prevent future accidents and minimize casualties.

In contrast, Railway Administration During Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009

During Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009, Indian Railways faced a period marked by frequent accidents, highlighting significant challenges in infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. Despite implementing financial reforms that improved the financial health of the railways, the response to accidents under his leadership often drew criticism for delays in rescue operations and inadequate compensation to victims and their families. During Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009, Indian Railways witnessed several significant accidents that drew attention due to their severity and impact on passengers and infrastructure.

Here are details of some notable incidents:

Gyaneshwari Express derailment (2009):

Date: May 28, 2009
Location: Near Jhargram, West Bengal
Details: The Gyaneshwari Express, traveling from Kolkata to Mumbai, derailed after Maoists sabotaged the tracks by removing fishplates and placing explosives. The derailment resulted in over 140 deaths and left numerous passengers injured. This incident highlighted security vulnerabilities along railway tracks passing through Naxal-affected areas.

Sainthia train collision (2010):

Date: July 19, 2010
Location: Sainthia station, West Bengal
Details: Two passenger trains, the Vananchal Express and the Uttar Banga Express, collided at Sainthia station. The collision occurred due to a signal error, leading to the death of over 60 passengers and injuring many others. It raised concerns about railway signaling and communication systems.

Kanpur train derailment (2007):

Date: June 21, 2007
Location: Near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Details: The Lucknow-bound Shram Shakti Express derailed, causing several coaches to overturn. The derailment resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries among passengers. Investigations pointed to track defects and maintenance issues as contributing factors.

Farakka Express derailment (2004):

Date: June 22, 2004
Location: Near Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
Details: The Farakka Express derailed on its journey, leading to casualties and injuries among passengers. The derailment was attributed to a combination of track conditions and operational issues.

Mumbai train blasts (2006):

Date: July 11, 2006
Location: Mumbai suburban trains
Details: Coordinated bombings targeted several suburban trains during the evening rush hour. Explosions occurred in seven train compartments, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuring hundreds of passengers. This tragic incident was a terrorist attack that severely impacted Mumbai’s local train network and raised security concerns.

These accidents during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure highlighted various safety and security challenges within the Indian Railways, including infrastructure maintenance, signaling systems, and vulnerabilities to external threats like terrorism. Each incident prompted inquiries and reforms aimed at enhancing safety measures and improving crisis response capabilities within the railway network.

Comparing the railway administrations during Lalu Yadav’s tenure and PM Modi’s tenure involves examining their respective approaches, achievements, and challenges:

Financial Management: Lalu Yadav focused on financial turnaround through revenue enhancement and cost-cutting, whereas PM Modi’s tenure has seen increased investment in infrastructure and safety measures.
Safety and Efficiency: PM Modi’s administration has prioritized safety and modernization, introducing technological advancements and focusing on reducing accidents.
Infrastructure Development: Both administrations have emphasized infrastructure development, but PM Modi’s tenure has seen larger-scale projects aimed at modernizing and expanding the railway network.

In conclusion, while Lalu Yadav’s tenure focused on financial reforms and profitability, PM Modi’s tenure has emphasized safety, modernization, and infrastructure development to meet the growing demands of India’s railway system. Each tenure has its unique challenges and achievements based on the priorities and strategies of the respective administrations.

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Toll Rises To 8; Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Rs 10 Lakh Ex-Gratia For Kin Of Deceased

June 17, 2024, 11:26 am

Death troll increased, now 8 dead and more than 60 injured when the Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train near Jalpaiguri in West Bengal around 9 am on Monday.

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw increased the compensation to Rs 10 lakh for the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

“The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train on June 17 morning near New Jalpaiguri,” stated a senior North Frontier Railway (NFR) official.

“Five passengers have died, and 20-25 are injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into the Kanchanjungha Express,” said Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Darjeeling Police.

#WATCH | "Five passengers have died, 20-25 injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express," says Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Darjeeling Police. pic.twitter.com/5YQM8LdzLo

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X, “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site.”

Two coaches of the Kanchanjungha Express derailed in the crash, as reported.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that doctors and disaster response teams have been dispatched to the scene.

The Kanchanjungha Express was traveling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata when it was hit from behind by a goods train near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri.

“Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, and medical assistance. Action on war footing initiated,” the CM posted on X.

Helpline numbers:

Kolkata: 033-23508794, 033-23833326
Guwahati: 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622, 0361-2731623

Ashwini Vaishnaw Holds High-Level Meeting Amid Rising Concerns Over Overcrowding in Trains

June 14, 2024, 10:55 pm

Amid concerns over overcrowding in trains and instances of ticketless passengers occupying reserved coaches, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaffirmed the paramount importance of passenger safety. In a high-level meeting chaired by him, Vaishnaw directed officials to take stringent measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. The focus of the discussions centered on identifying busy routes and introducing special trains to alleviate overcrowding. Additionally, measures to enhance services and maintain punctuality were deliberated upon.

A senior railway official, who participated in the meeting, highlighted the emphasis placed on ensuring the regular functioning of essential amenities such as air conditioning, fans, and water coolers, especially during peak summer seasons. The minister stressed the interconnectedness of punctual train operations with passenger safety and comfort, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted services.

Addressing concerns regarding train delays, Vaishnaw urged officials to delve into the root causes behind such detentions on specific stretches. These delays not only impact punctuality but also inconvenience passengers. The minister underscored the importance of strict monitoring to improve overall punctuality across the railway network.

Recent incidents of ticketless passengers occupying reserved compartments showcased widely on social media platforms, have drawn attention to the need for stringent enforcement of ticketing regulations. A viral video depicting ticketless travellers aboard a premium Vande Bharat Express service prompted swift action from Indian Railways officials. The passengers were identified and removed from the train by railway authorities and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) before its departure from Lucknow Junction to Dehradun. Such incidents underscore the ongoing efforts to uphold safety and integrity within the railway system.

Ahead of visit to India, Musk’s Starlink gets preliminary approval

April 16, 2024, 10:40 am

Elon Musk’s satellite venture, Starlink, has received preliminary approval from the Telecom ministry after a wait of over three and a half years. However, it still awaits security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ahead of Musk’s upcoming visit to India later this month.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is scheduled to visit India on April 21 and 22 for discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit is anticipated to involve significant announcements, including the debut of Starlink and potential investments ranging from $2 billion to $3 billion in India.

According to sources, the commercial aspects of Starlink’s application, such as foreign investment and net worth, have been thoroughly examined and found to align with official guidelines, leading to its approval. Additionally, technical requirements have been reviewed in accordance with licensing conditions, and the company has provided a declaration regarding its ownership.

Government concerns primarily revolved around Starlink‘s ownership, particularly ensuring the absence of stakeholders from countries sharing a land border with India. This issue has been addressed following Starlink’s submission of a declaration regarding its ownership structure.

Presently, the file awaits final review by Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, pending clearance from the home ministry on certain security matters. Upon approval by Vaishnaw, Starlink will be granted a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services license, a prerequisite for offering satellite communication services in India. Other companies, such as OneWeb (backed by Bharti Airtel’s Sunil Mittal) and Jio (in partnership with Luxembourg-based SES) have already obtained GMPCS licenses, although spectrum allocation and pricing details are yet to be finalized by the regulator Trai.

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, offers high-speed internet connectivity globally. With a GMPCS license and trial spectrum in hand, Starlink could conduct a pilot of its services in the retail consumer space. However, permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, law enforcement, and security agencies is also required due to security concerns raised by the Modi government.

Previously, Starlink had provided clarification on its shareholding pattern to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), citing US regulations as the reason for its inability to disclose all ownership details.

Google restores 10 Indian apps in playstore after IT Minister Vaishnaw’s intervention

March 2, 2024, 4:43 pm

Google on Saturday restored the Indian apps it had removed from its playstore on Friday after the intervention of IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Government sources stated that the tech giant took the decision to remove 10 Indian apps following an alleged disagreement over service fee payments.

Taking cognizance of the matter, Vaishnaw asked the Google officials based in India to meet him on Monday to find the details and sort out the issue. The meeting was called to discuss a disagreement between the internet giant and certain Indian enterprises regarding non-compliance with billing standards.

Matrimony services like Bharat Matrimony and the job search app Naukri were among the impacted apps, which escalated Indian entrepreneurs’ long-standing complaints over Google’s policies, which included in-app fee charges.

Earlier, Vaishnaw expressed hope for a speedy conclusion, saying, “I hope Google would take a sensible approach. We need to safeguard the interests of our vast and expanding startup community.”

In response to an order from antitrust authorities to deconstruct the previous charge structure of 15 to 30 percent, the issue centers on attempts by Indian entrepreneurs to oppose Google’s imposition of a fee ranging from 11 to 26 percent on in-app payments. According to Google, the Play Store and Android app ecosystems are developed and promoted in part by the money it charges.

IT Minister Vaishnaw to meet Google team after Indian apps removed from playstore

March 2, 2024, 4:02 pm

Google representatives have been asked by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to come for a meeting on Monday to discuss a disagreement between the internet giant and certain Indian enterprises regarding non-compliance with billing standards. Ten Indian companies had their apps disabled by Google on Friday due to disagreements over service fee payments.

Vaishnaw expressed hope for a speedy conclusion, saying, “I hope Google would take a sensible approach. We need to safeguard the interests of our vast and expanding startup community.”

Despite two court rulings in January and February that appear to have given Google the go-ahead to impose the additional price or delete apps, Indian firms are still fighting this imposition.

The creator of Bharat Matrimony, Christian Matrimony, Muslim Matrimony, and Jodii, Matrimony.com, expressed shock over their removal from the Google Play Store.

In defense of its actions, Alphabet Inc. subsidiary Google stated that ten Indian businesses had chosen to forego paying for the “immense value they receive on Google Play” for an extended length of time.

“After giving these developers more than three years to prepare, including three weeks after the Supreme Court’s order, we are taking necessary steps to ensure our policies are applied consistently across the ecosystem, as we do for any form of policy violation globally,” Google stated in a statement.

Deepfake Video Of Cricket Star Virat Kohli Surfing Around The Web

February 20, 2024, 4:00 pm

Since the progress of artificial intelligence, countless deepfake films of celebrities have appeared on social media. A few weeks ago, the famous Sachin Tendulkar called for severe action after a false video of him promoting a betting app went viral.

The same has happened to Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team’s standout hitter. A video of Kohli advertising a better app has left social media astonished. In the video, the cricketer is seen talking about an app that allows individuals to generate quick money.

Someone used artificial intelligence to produce a false video of @anjanaomkashyap ji and @imVkohli bhai to trick people into downloading an app.Deepfake #AI #ViratKohli February 19, 2024.

Not only Kohli but also the newscaster in the video were made using artificial intelligence.

“Social Media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints. Swift action from their end is crucial to stopping the spread of misinformation and deepfakes,” Sachin posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Indian government is apparently contemplating new legislation that could impose penalties on both creators and platforms hosting deepfakes in an effort to crack down on what IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called as “a threat to democracy”.

Following reports of celebrities’ faces being altered onto another video, new protection standards are being discussed, which will include features such as watermarking AI-generated content, deepfake detection, data bias guidelines, privacy, and concentration safeguards.

“Deepfakes have emerged as a new threat to democracy. These (can) weaken trust in society and its institutions,” Vaishnaw had said after meeting with various stakeholders, including social media platforms, Nasscom and other professors from the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates Gopinathpur Nilgiri-Balasore rail line, flags off MEMU train service

January 14, 2024, 12:44 pm

The Gopinathpur Nilgiri-Balasore passenger railway line was officially opened on Saturday by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He also announced the launch of a recently launched MEMU train service. Three pairs of MEMU trains will travel this route every day, according to an official statement. Starting on Sunday, all MEMU trains will operate on a regular schedule, with a stop at Sutei Badagan station along the way. The railway minister commended the Gopinathpur Nilgiri community for achieving the first-ever passenger train connectivity to Balasore. He said that in order to expand the railway network in Odisha, Indian Railways has built the new passenger line, the new station building, and the new MEMU service for the region.

MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi and MLA Sukanta Kumar Naya were present at the occasion.
Later, at a function, Ashwini Vaishnaw laid the foundation stone for Subway at Betnoti station. The subway will be constructed as part of providing more passenger amenities. It will ensure smooth entry and exit of passengers and free movement of local people, as per the statement.
The official press release further stated that he also inaugurated the new PRS counter at Betnoti Station, “which will provide a convenient and time-saving ticket booking facility for residents”.
Anil Kumar Mishra, General Manager, South Eastern Railway, welcomed the Railway Minister and other guests at both the functions held at Gopinathpur Nilgiri and Betnoti. KR Chaudhary, Divisional Railway Manager, Kharagpur and other principal officers of South Eastern Railway were also present.

Ethics Panel report on TMC MP Mahua Moitra to be tabled in Lok Sabha

December 8, 2023, 12:27 pm

The report of the Ethics Committee on Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in an alleged “cash-for-query” case will be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Friday as the Parliament meets on Day 5 of the current Winter Session.

“Chairperson Vinod Kumar Sonkar and Aparajita Sarangi to lay on the Table the First Report (Hindi and English versions) of the Committee on Ethics,” the agenda released by Lok Sabha read.

The report was included in the Lok Sabha’s list of items for discussion on the first day of the current Winter Session of Parliament. It could not, however, be pursued. Following a 500-page report that examined the charges brought forth by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, the Ethics Committee recommended on November 9 that Moitra be removed from the 17th Lok Sabha due to her “highly objectionable, unethical, heinous and criminal conduct.”

In the panel last month, the draft report was approved by a vote of 6:4. Sources claim that Mahua Moitra visited the United Arab Emirates four times between 2019 and 2023, during which time her login was accessed multiple times, as documented in the draft report on her cash-for-questions case.

“On 47 occasions, her member portal login credentials were accessed from Dubai,” sources said citing the draft report of the ethics committee.
The TMC has demanded that the MP Mahua Moitra be given a chance to put forth her defence. TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, “I spoke with the Speaker, and he said that this committee report along with other reports will be tabled. I said that TMC MP Mahua Moitra should be given a chance to speak…”

Union Communication Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will move the Post Office Bill, 2023 for consideration and passage in the Lower House as part of the legislative business agenda in the interim. The Rajya Sabha has previously passed the bill.

Also, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama will introduce a Bill to authorize payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2023-2024.

Ashwini Vaishnaw: 40,000 km of railway tracks electrified in last 9.5 years

November 24, 2023, 5:12 pm

Under Prime Minister Narendra’s direction since he assumed office in 2014, 40,000 km of railway electrification have occurred, according to Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement on Friday.

“To achieve the vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, we will have to do more transportation by using our energy resources. This became possible after electrifying the entire railway. Modi ji took up the work of electrification in 2014. There has been 40,000 KM of electrification in 9.5 years. When electricity is made in our country and is used in railways, it reduces the cost of importing oil. In this way, Modi ji’s far-sighted thinking is reflected. Therefore, there is a need for the country to shift more and more transport towards railways,” said Ashwini Vaishnaw while addressing the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) Conference.

He went on to say that everyone was wondering why this had not happened sooner in relation to the rolling block system in railroads, which was implemented approximately a year ago. Indian Railways uses a concept called the rolling block system to schedule replacement, maintenance, and repair work two weeks in advance. After that, the work is carried out as planned. The following 26-week schedule is always known thanks to the rolling block program.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw orchestrates unprecedented offensive against Deepfakes

November 23, 2023, 4:15 pm

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology and Communications, organized a meeting with important stakeholders, including social media companies, government representatives, and cybersecurity specialists, in response to the growing threat posed by deepfake technology.

Minister Vaishnaw said, “We need to take very urgent steps as far as possible either legal, regulatory or technological. We need to take all kinds of steps. We had a detailed meeting with all the social media platforms today. Everybody has accepted the seriousness of this threat. Deepfake has emerged as a huge social threat today. We had long and very candid discussions”.

The urgent high-level talks focused on developing a comprehensive plan to address the problems caused by deepfake content. Vaishnaw stated, “We need to concentrate on four areas: deepfake detection, prevention, reporting mechanisms, and raising awareness. There will be new regulations introduced, and efforts will be made to finish the drafting of regulations in the upcoming weeks.” Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the need for quick action during the meeting and disclosed that all parties involved were in agreement.

He also mentioned that the next meeting on the issue of ‘Deepfake’ will be held in the first week of December.
Focusing on four pillars- Detection, Prevention, Strengthening the Mechanism and Awareness.

IT Minister on ‘state-sponsored’ hacking allegations: “Opposition indulging in destructive politics”

October 31, 2023, 4:25 pm

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to opposition leaders’ claims on Tuesday that they had received a warning from Apple about “state-sponsored attackers” that might target their iPhones and other devices by saying that those who are unable to see the country’s progress are engaging in divisive politics. These warnings, according to the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, have been issued to citizens of 150 nations.

“From the mail sent from Apple, it can be understood that they have no clear information, they have sent alerts on the basis of an estimate. This is vague. Apple has released a clarification that the allegations by compulsive critics are not true. Such advisories have been sent to people in 150 countries. The people who cannot see the growth of the country are doing destructive politics,” Vaishnaw said in a press briefing.
The minister further said that this is a falsehood that some compulsive critics are trying to spread.

“Whenever these compulsive critics do not have any major issue, the only thing they say is surveillance. They tried this a few years back as well, we conducted a proper investigation, and the matter was supervised by the judiciary also but nothing came out of that including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who said that her two children’s phones were hacked but nothing of that sort happened. This is a falsehood that some compulsive critics are trying to spread,” he said.

Earlier in the day, a number of opposition politicians from various political parties, including Asaduddin Owaisi, Raghav Chadha, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Shashi Tharoor, claimed that their Apple devices had been hacked. The leaders released allegedly taken screenshots from their Apple devices showing the warning.

India to become leader in global mobile phone market: Ashwini Vaishnaw

April 13, 2023, 10:50 am

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the country is on its way to becoming a global leader in the mobile device segment, with smartphone exports from India more than doubling to more than USD 11 billion. “With the doubling of exports of smartphones to more than USD 11 billion, India is well on its way to become a leader in the mobile device market of the world and play a major role in India’s electronic exports. This is a major win for PM Modiji’s Make in India programme,” Vaishnaw said in a statement on Wednesday. According to the industry body India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), mobile phone exports from India reached close to USD 11.12 billion with iPhone maker Apple accounting for around half of the total exports. Mobile phones exported from India have doubled to surpass Rs 90,000 crore, which is about USD 11.12 billion in the financial year (FY) 2022-23 from Rs 45,000 crore in 2021-22. According to the ICEA, Apple led mobile phone exports in 2022-23, with the top exporting destinations including the UAE, the US, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
“”Without large exports, no economy or sector of the economy can become a great and vibrant global economy,” ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said, adding, “The mobile phone export juggernaut continues.” On the back of a 100% increase in mobile phone exports, which have surpassed Rs 90,000 crore for FY 2022-23, electronics exports have increased by 58% to Rs 1,85,000 crore. It is extremely satisfying that we have exceeded our annual target of Rs 75,000 crore.”

Ashwini Vaishnaw thanks the Maharashtra government for apprehending the suspect in the Kerala train fire

April 5, 2023, 12:34 pm

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday that the suspect in the arson attack inside a train in Kerala had been apprehended in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district.”The person who committed this heinous crime has been apprehended in Ratnagiri of Maharashtra. I thank the Maharashtra government, their police and RPF and the NIA who have apprehended him this quickly,” Vaishnaw told outside Parliament here today. A joint team of personnel from Central Intelligence agencies and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Maharashtra nabbed from Ratnagiri, the suspected perpetrator who had been absconding after the April 2 incident on the Alappuzha-Kannur Express when it was passing through Elathur in Kozhikode district of Kerala.
“A team of Kerala police has also reached Ratnagiri and the accused will be handed over to them soon,” said an official of the Maharashtra ATS.
Kerala Police had formed an SIT and launched a hunt for the suspect identified as Sharukh Saifi, who is accused of pouring an inflammable liquid on a fellow passenger and setting fire inside the D1 compartment of the Alappuzha-Kannur Main Executive Express train near Elathur. The manhunt was based on a sketch prepared by Kerala Police on details provided by an eyewitness.
Police also said that three persons, including a child and a woman, were found dead on the tracks near Elathur railway station hours after the incident.
Three persons who sustained burns in the fire were admitted to a nearby private hospital and five persons were admitted to the Kozhikode Medical College. At least three of the injured are women. According to the officials, the man set fire to a passenger allegedly after an argument. According to one of the injured, the unidentified assailant sprayed a flammable substance, possibly petrol or kerosene, on his fellow passenger, causing the fire to spread to other seats and luggage, engulfing the coach in flames.