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How NISAR, world’s most advanced radar satellite by ISRO and NASA, will help in climate change and infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, agricultural management and others

Chandrani Das
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How NISAR, world’s most advanced radar satellite by ISRO and NASA, will help in climate change and infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, agricultural management and others

The historic collaboration between the United States and India in space science is finally set to launch its mission on July 30. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, also known as NISAR, will be the first ever Earth-observing satellite built in partnership of NASA and ISRO. This mission will mark a huge game-changing moment for India as it can fight climate change.

NISAR is scheduled to launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 17:40 IST, on a GSLV Mark II rocket. The launch vehicle will take the satellite to low earth orbit. The NISAR satellite will scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days to measure changes in the planet’s ecosystems, growth and retreat of its land and sea ice, and deformation of its crust. Information provided by NISAR will help with such tasks as infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, biomass assessment, and agricultural management.

To provide more comprehensive earth surface data, it carries both L-band (24 cm wavelength) radar by NASA and S-band (≈9 cm wavelength) radar by ISRO, enabling dual-frequency imaging. It is a first-of-a-kind dual-band radar satellite that will measure land deformation from earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes, producing data for science and disaster response.

Each instrument can collect measurements day and night and see through clouds that can obstruct the view of optical instruments. The L-band instrument will also be able to penetrate dense vegetation to measure ground motion. This capability will be especially useful in areas surrounding volcanoes or faults that are obscured by vegetation.

With its SweepSAR technology, NISAR will be able to capture a wide swath of 240 Km across with 5-10 m resolution. The technology will allow for scanning nearly all land and ice surfaces every 12 days or roughly every 6 days with combined ascending and descending passes.

Another key objectives of this is it can effortlessly detect deformation on earth’s surface of just a few millimeters. This will make it invaluable for monitoring earthquakes, landslides and volcanic activity, in day or night, through clouds and vegetation.

The mission will also track melting glaciers, changes in ice sheets and sea ice, and monitor shifts in forests, wetlands, and agricultural biomass, offering insights into climate change and carbon cycles. It will track how much glaciers and ice sheets are advancing or retreating and it will monitor growth and loss of forests and wetlands for insights on the global carbon cycle.

NISAR will measure changes in planet’s surfaces, which takes place all the time, with each pixel capturing an area about half the size of a tennis court. Taking imagery of nearly all Earth’s land and ice surfaces this frequently and at such a small scale — down to the centimetre — will help scientists put the pieces together into one coherent picture to create a story about the planet as a living system.

As magma shifts below Earth’s surface, the land can bulge or sink. The NISAR satellite will help provide a fuller picture for why a volcano deforms and whether that movement signals an eruption.

Together with complementary measurements from other satellites and instruments, NISAR’s data will provide a more complete picture of how Earth’s surface moves horizontally and vertically. The information will be crucial to better understanding everything from the mechanics of Earth’s crust to which parts of the world are prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It could even help resolve whether sections of a levee are damaged or if a hillside is starting to move in a landslide.

Data from the satellite will give researchers insight into which parts of a fault slowly move without producing earthquakes and which sections are locked together and might suddenly slip. In parts of the world that aren’t monitored regularly, NISAR measurements could reveal new earthquake-prone areas.

Not just natural features, the NISAR will also measure movements of man-made structures like levees, aqueducts, dams etc, using continuous measurements over years. For example, it will able to tell if a dam has changed after an earthquake.

NISAR’s data will be freely available to the public, typically within one to two days of collection, and within hours during emergencies, helping global research and policymaking. With a total estimated cost of $1.5 billion, including a major $1.118 billion investment from the US, it is the most expensive Earth-imaging project ever and reflects growing space collaboration between India and the US. The mission is planned for three years, though it carries supplies for up to five. NISAR will enhance our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems, ground changes, and ice systems, focusing strongly on disaster readiness and climate research.

Featuring dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR), it can collect consistent data in any weather or lighting conditions. This will revolutionize how scientists and policymakers track climate change, infrastructure stability, agricultural conditions, and natural disaster risks. By making its data openly accessible worldwide, the mission empowers researchers and communities across the globe.

Jharkhand govt removes name of Atal Bihari Vajpayee from mohalla clinics, rechristens it after Mother Teresa: Know about the dark history of the Catholic missionary

Dibakar Dutta
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Jharkhand govt removes name of Atal Bihari Vajpayee from mohalla clinics, rechristens it after Mother Teresa: Know about the dark history of the Catholic missionary

On Thursday (24th July), the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand stirred the hornet’s nest by renaming the Atal Mohalla Clinics as ‘Mother Teresa Advanced Health Clinics.’

For the unversed, Atal Mohalla Clinics are primary healthcare facilities that provide free and comprehensive healthcare services to people in the State.

They offer basic medical services like treatment for common diseases, basic lab tests, free medications and helped brige the gap in healthcare access.

The Hemant Soren government has now decided to rechristen the Atal Mohalla Clinics after the controversial Catholic nun, Mother Teresa.

“The Jharkhand Cabinet gave its approval to change the name of Atal Mohalla Clinic, being operated under the ongoing scheme under the State Plan, to Mother Teresa Advanced Health Clinic,” confirmed Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel.

The BJP has slammed the decision by the Hemant Soren government. Party spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo remarked, “You are removing the name of the person who helped create the State of Jharkhand and replacing it with that of Mother Teresa, whose organisation had been under the scanner for forced religious conversions and anti-constitutional activities.”

The truth about Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa established the ‘Missionaries of Charity’ in 1950. Within 2 years, she founded the ‘House of the Dying’ in Kalighat, Kolkata. The purpose was to take dying people off the streets and accommodate them in this facility.

When Dr Fox from the world-renowned medical journal, The Lancet, visited Mother Teresa’s Charity home in 1994, he was taken aback by the grim and deplorable conditions of the facility.

Medical negligence was rampant at the facility. Painkillers were seldom administered to the patients suffering in pain. Dr Fox narrated –

“On a short visit, I could not judge the power of their spiritual approach, but I was disturbed to learn that the formulary includes no strong anal­gesics. Along with the neglect of diagnosis, the lack of good analgesia marks Mother Teresa’s approach as clearly separate from the hospice movement. I know which I prefer.

Investigations, I was told, are seldom permissible. How about simple algorithms that might help the sisters and volunteers distinguish the curable from the incurable? Again no. Such systematic approaches are alien to the ethos of the home.“

And Mr Fox isn’t the only witness to harrowing tales of medical negligence in Mother Teresa’s ‘House of the Dying.’ Mary Loudon, who worked as a volunteer, narrated her experience in the 1994 documentary titled ‘Hell’s Angel‘.

She was stunned to know that the nuns reused the needles, injected into patients without even sterilising them. The nuns would simply wash the needles in cold water, a practice looked down upon in the medical world. Loudon also narrated the unfortunate story of a 15-year-old boy who was denied antibiotics after he had developed minor kidney complications.

In an unpublished Manuscript titled “Mother’s House”, Sushan Shields, who worked in the order of Mother Teresa for 9.5 years, narrated a shocking testimony.

“In the homes for the dying, Mother taught the sisters how to secretly baptize those who were dying. Sisters were to ask each person in danger of death if he wanted a ‘ticket to heaven’.An affirmative reply was to mean consent to baptism. The sister was then to pretend she was just cooling the person’s forehead with a wet cloth, while in fact she was baptizing him, saying quietly the necessary words. Secrecy was important so that it would not come to be known that Mother Teresa’s sisters were baptizing Hindus and Moslems.”

The extracts of her unpublished manuscript were produced in the book ‘The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory & Practice’ by Christopher Hitchens in 1995.

In 1992, Mother Teresa had herself admitted to converting 29000 people on their deathbeds to Christianity.

Mother Teresa’s ‘House for the Dying’ had not only shoddy, unhygienic conditions but was also the “House of Mass Conversions to Christianity.”

She had amassed enormous wealth collected in the form of donations and prize money of innumerable awards, the most significant one being the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Mother Teresa took money to help the poor of Calcutta, but primarily used the resources to expand her congregation in 105 countries.

She was a firm believer in “suffering in people as a means of reaching God.” This explains why poor patients (many of whom were suffering from terminal cancer) undergoing intense pain were denied painkillers. But Mother Teresa was a contradiction in herself.

Aroup Chatterjee writes in his book (Mother Teresa. The Untold Story), “Teresa always checked in to best hospitals when she was not well — 1996 in city’s Woodlands Clinic and Birla Heart Institute; earlier in Gemelli Hospital in Rome and Scripps Clinic in California.“

In June 2018, Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity came under scrutiny for the sale of babies in Jharkhand’s capital city. Despite this, the Hemant Soren government has chosen to rename mohalla clinics after the controversial Catholic nun.

India successfully carries out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3, read why it is a major shot in the arm for the Indian Armed forces

OpIndia Staff
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India successfully carries out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3, read why it is a major shot in the arm for the Indian Armed forces

In a major success for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. The test was conducted in the National Open Area Range, the test range in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

Taking to X, DRDO informed about the test’s success and said, “In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, DRDO successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. ULPGM-V3 is an enhanced version of the ULPGM-V2 missile developed and delivered by DRDO earlier.”

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also lauded DRDO’s achievement and said, “In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, @DRDO_India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs and Start-ups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies.”

ULPGM-V3: DRDO’s small in size, light in weight, but massive in impact missile

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 is upgraded version of ULPGM-V2 missile developed and delivered earlier by DRDO s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL).  Unveiled at Aero India 2025, the breakthrough towards UAV-launched, long-range weapons includes sophisticated technology including dual-thrust propulsion systems and imaging infrared (IIR) seekers, reported to be present in the V3 variant.

The ULPGM-V3 is equipped with a high definition dual-channel seeker that can strike a wide variety of targets. It can be fired in plain and high-altitude areas. It has day-and-night capability and two-way data link to support post-launch target/aim-point update.

Source: DRDO

Moreover, the missile is equipped with three modular warhead options: Anti-armour to destroy modern age armoured vehicles equipped with Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA); Penetration-cum-Blast warhead with Anti Bunker application and Pre-fragmentation warhead with a high lethality zone.

During the test, the ULPGM-V3 missile was released from a UAV, which is indigenously developed by an Indian start-up – Newspace Research Technologies, Bengaluru. DRDO is actively pursuing integration of ULPGM weapons with long-range and high endurance UAVs from several other Indian companies.

Notably, the DRDO in partnership with private manufacturers is continuously testing indigenously developed and technologically advanced weaponry. Key platforms undergoing evaluation include Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), Runway Independent (RWI) Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), Counter-UAS Solutions, Loitering Munitions, Specialised Vertical Launch (SVL) Drones, Precision Multi Munition Delivery Systems, Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), Low Level Light Weight Radars, VSHORADS (Next Generation) IR Systems and Electronic Warfare (EW) Platforms.

This synergy between DRDO and private manufacturers was also seen earlier this year as the DRDO announced that it is transferring technologies related to nine crucial systems to 10 industrial units.  

Earlier this month, the DRDO and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the flight-test of indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’ equipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker from Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha.

The success of indigenous weaponry and air defence systems during Operation Sindoor against terror and later military establishments of Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, has solidified India’s resolve to become more and more self-reliant and technologically advanced in the defence arena.

Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav bats for fraud voters and threatens boycott of assembly polls as ECI removes dead, migrated and duplicate voters, “Bangladeshi toolkit” activated in the state

श्रवण शुक्ल
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Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav bats for fraud voters and threatens boycott of assembly polls as ECI removes dead, migrated and duplicate voters, “Bangladeshi toolkit” activated in the state

Bihar is due for assemble elections in the next few months and the political climate is only growing intense. Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and former Deputy Chief Minister, has leveled grave accusations against the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the Election Commission concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.

He has claimed that should the purported manipulation and rigging of the voter list persist, the opposition might contemplate a boycott of the upcoming polls.

Previously, similar statements were made by individuals such as Purnia independent MP Pappu Yadav and alleged journalist Ravish Kumar, who are believed to be associated with the “Bangladeshi toolkit.” They are attempting to replicate the same actions which have led to the ongoing unrest and violence in the neighbouring country.

Tejashwi Yadav’s statement: Strategy, warning or fear of loss

“If the elections are being manipulated, then why would people cast their votes? In such circumstances, the government should consider granting an extension,” Tejashwi Yadav stated while talking to the media in Patna. He further mentioned that if the Mahagathbandhan and the public reach a consensus on this issue, they would deliberate on the possibility of boycotting the elections.

On the surface, this appears to be a strategic plot intended to exert pressure on the NDA government and the Election Commission. However, his remarks indicate a clear lack of seriousness, as historically, no significant political party in India has ever boycotted an entire election, even when concerns were raised regarding matters such as EVMs or voter lists.

Tejashwi’s statement is understandably regarded with seriousness, given his significant stature in Bihar politics. However, the pertinent question arises: Is this statement merely a strategy to galvanize public support or does it genuinely indicate his apprehension of losing?

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the I.N.D.I. Alliance secured 9 seats whereas the NDA achieved 31 seats. According to the C-Voter survey, Tejashwi’s popularity has declined from 41% to 35% while Nitish Kumar enjoys an acceptability rate of 58%. The latter’s reputation for development and initiatives such as the 35% reservation for women have further bolstered his position.

On the other hand, during the process of removing 53 lakh voters from the electoral roll, it was estimated that 90% of them endorse the opposition bloc. Tejashwi’s remark underscores the potential risk of him losing support.

Important statistics related to SIR

The political battle over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar is at its highest point. According to the Election Commission, the aim of SIR is to refresh the voter list and eliminate fraudulent or non-citizen voters. The Election Commission reported that out of 7.89 crore voters in Bihar, 97.30% filled the forms.

However, 52.3 lakh voters could not be located at their registered addresses (6.62% of the total). Among these, 18.66 lakh are deceased, 26.01 lakh have relocated, 7.09 lakh are duplicates and 1 lakh are untraceable.

The campaign is being executed by 1,00,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 1,50,000 political agents (including opposition members). The opposition contends that 53 lakh votes are being invalidated of which 90% belong to their supporters. Nevertheless, data suggests that it is crucial to remove deceased, duplicate and shifted voters to stop fake voting.

For instance, is it truly democratic to retain 20 lakh deceased voters on the electoral list? The presence of 7 lakh duplicate entries could facilitate voting in two different locations. Additionally, the addresses of 1 lakh voters are untraceable, potentially indicating they are either foreign nationals or fraudulent entries. The SIR is also in the process of filtering out voters from Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The Election Commission has asserted that 96-98% of the necessary corrections have been accomplished. Furthermore, it has indicated that individuals whose names have been incorrectly removed or who have yet to be included, will have the opportunity to rectify this from 1st August to 1st September.

However, Tejashwi labeled it as “fake.” He declared, “In the past, voters elected the government and now the government selects the voters.” The exclusion of fraudulent voters from SIR will have repercussions on his primary voter base. Therefore, there is a strategy to mobilize the public by issuing threats of a boycott. Nonetheless, if victory was in sight, why would they exit the arena? This demonstrates their fear of losing.

Bangladeshi toolkit and history of anarchy

All that is occurring does not appear to be a simple coincidence. The language and tactics employed by the opposition seem to draw inspiration from Bangladesh, where the opposition party BNP chose to boycott the 2023-24 elections. Afterward, Khaleda Zia’s party incited violence and chaos by casting doubt on the elections’ credibility, thereby challenging the Sheikh Hasina administration. This same plot is being utilized in India as well.

The involvement of international actors has been evident in the farmers’ protest, Shaheen Bagh, and now the SIR controversy. For instance, the European Union ambassador in Bangladesh raised questions about the elections, and similarly, in India, foreign media and NGOs exacerbate issues such as EVM tampering.

This toolkit is prominently displayed in Bihar. Pappu Yadav, who became an independent Member of Parliament after failing to secure a ticket from Congress in 2024, is also promoting a boycott of the elections. Nevertheless, he stated that rather than boycotting, it would be more effective for the opposition to resign from both the Assembly and Lok Sabha.

Ravish Kumar also expressed on his YouTube channel, “Why are you holding elections? Just enter the print command and publish the results.”

The rhetoric of Pappu Yadav and Ravish is fostering chaos. When power is not acquired through democratic means, there is a tendency to resort to boycotts and violence. A similar strategy was attempted during the Maharashtra elections, where Rahul Gandhi claimed match-fixing and collusion, yet it did not yield any success for him.

Currently, an agenda is being propagated in Bihar under the pretext of SIR. This toolkit is influenced by external forces that seek to create instability in India. Sheikh Hasina was compelled to leave Bangladesh and now there is a conspiracy aimed at undermining PM Modi. However, in Bihar, this effort is faltering, as Nitish Kumar’s reputation remains strong and the NDA stands united. The opposition’s plan is on the brink of failure as the public has become aware of such manipulative tactics.

Are Pappu Yadav and Ravish Kumar merely instruments of the toolkit

Pappu Yadav’s remarks align with those of Tejashwi, but his plank his weak. The Congress party did not award him a ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and he was excluded from the stage during the Mahagathbandhan’s recent protest. Nevertheless, he continues to question SIR and the electoral process.

Ravish Kumar’s remarks and his approach to journalism also appear to support the narrative of the opposition. Some individuals contend that this represents a meticulously crafted strategy, wherein opposition leaders and certain journalists are trying to brew discontent among the populace.

Simultaneously, Tejashwi’s approach involves exerting pressure on the NDA and the Election Commission, although the likelihood of success remains uncertain. Should the Mahagathbandhan consolidate, the NDA might find itself in a precarious position as the rural and impoverished view voting as a imperative exercise. However, the silence from Congress indicates a lack of unity. The opposition plans to stage a symbolic protest through a boycott, yet the public is likely to side with the NDA.

Attack on democracy or strategic move

Tejashwi’s declaration to boycott the elections may be interpreted as an assault on democracy, as it undermines the essential democratic right of voting. In Bihar, the rural and impoverished population regards voting as a core democratic right. Should the opposition choose to boycott, it could foster dissatisfaction among the people while simultaneously damaging the credibility of the Mahagathbandhan. Congress and other coalition partners have not yet expressed unequivocal support for this statement which could potentially weaken Tejashwi’s position.

Rahul Gandhi has asserted that he possesses “100% proof” of electoral fraud in Karnataka, however, he has not disclosed it publicly. This claim supports Tejashwi’s remarks, yet if the opposition fails to consolidate, it will remain merely symbolic. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh criticized him, stating, “He believes he cannot secure victory in the elections without fraudulent voters.”

Political equations and future of Bihar

The NDA holds a strong position in Bihar. The clean reputation of Nitish Kumar, along with the backing of leaders such as Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan, combined with the BJP’s strategy have placed the Mahagathbandhan in a defensive stance. Tejashwi’s support base, which includes Yadavs, Muslims and OBCs, appears to remain loya. However, there is a potential risk of a decline in his voter support following SIR. If Tejashwi and the opposition decide to pursue a boycott, it may further guarantee their loss.

Tejashwi’s threat is more strategic than serious. This tactic is part of the Bangladeshi toolkit, which promotes anarchy through boycotts. However, in Bihar, Nitish’s reputation and the transparency of SIR are dismantling the opposition’s plans.

The assault on democracy must come to an end and the opposition should argue with factual evidence. SIR intends to implement a transparent election process which represents genuine democracy. If a boycott is initiated, the opposition will find itself in isolation. The people of Bihar are discerning and will not fall prey to such strategies.

The electorate of Bihar, who view voting as their basic right might not endorse this tactic. If Tejashwi and the opposition wish to preserve their lost ground, they need to connect with the public and share their viewpoints instead of opting for a boycott.

Read the report in Hindi here.

As PM Modi lands in Maldives, India’s largest gift rises from the Pacific: Read about the Thilamalé Bridge, the longest bridge in Maldives entirely funded and being built by India

Raju Das
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As PM Modi lands in Maldives, India’s largest gift rises from the Pacific: Read about the Thilamalé Bridge, the longest bridge in Maldives entirely funded and being built by India

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in the Maldives for his first official visit since the diplomatic strain triggered by the 2024 tourism row, a powerful symbol of the deepening Indo-Maldivian ties is rising over the Indian Ocean—the Thilamalé Bridge. Officially named the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), this 6.74-kilometre-long bridge will be the longest and most ambitious infrastructure project in the Maldives, built with extensive financial and technical assistance from India.

The bridge will connect four islands of the island nation, Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, using bridge spans, viaducts and roads.

India’s Largest Infrastructure Gift to the Maldives

So far, over 60% work on the bridge have been completed, and is scheduled to be completed by September 2026. The piling work for the project has been completed, with a total of 263 piles have been successfully installed, both onshore and offshore. At present segment erection is underway, with each precast segment measuring 8.32 metres in height, 25.37 metres in width, and weighing 240 metric tonnes–among the tallest ever cast globally.

The bridge includes three navigation bridges of 140-meter main span across the deep channel between each island, 1.41 km of marine viaduct in deep water, 2.32 km marine viaduct in shallow water or on land, and 2.96 km of at-grade roads. 

The bridge includes the world’s highest precast segment, which was installed in April this year. As per Indian High Commission in Maldives, the 8.23m tall and 25.37m wide segment weighs 216.04 MT and is an engineering marvel.

The Malé-Villingili-Gulhifalhu segment is expected to be completed by March 2026, while the Gulhifalhu-Thilafushi link will be completed by September 2026. As Male is already connected with Hulhulé and Hulhumale islands to the east through the China-funded 1.39 km long Sinamalé Bridge, six islands in the region will be connected with bridges.

The Thilamalé Bridge, once completed, will seamlessly connect capital Malé with of Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, the four key islands in the Greater Malé region. A series of bridges, viaducts and approach roads will ensure seamless road communication among the four islands. These connections are vital for easing congestion in the capital, which has one of the highest population densities in the world, boosting economic activity, and enhancing mobility across the islands.

Thilamalé Bridge connecting Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi islands in Maldives

The bridge will greatly help in moving some population out of Male, where around 40% of the nation’s population live now. The upcoming bridge is vital for the upcoming port on Gulhifalhu island, and the industrial zone on the Thilafushi island. These projects will generate large number of jobs for the local youth.

It is expected that after population density in Malé comes down due to the bridge, the island will regain some of its forgotten pristine beauty.

Super low-cost funding from India

The project is the result of bilateral cooperation between India and the Maldives and was first proposed during the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Malé in September 2019. The project is entirely funded by India, part grant and part low interest loan.

The Thilamalé Bridge project is being executed by Afcons Infrastructure, a leading Indian engineering firm, known for its expertise in marine and transport infrastructure. It is a part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. The total estimated cost of the bridge is around $500 million, approximately MVR 7.7 billion. The contract for the project was signed in August 2021.

The funding structure underscores India’s commitment to the Maldives’ development. It includes a $100 million grant from the Government of India, while the rest $400 million is in form of Line of Credit extended by India’s EXIM Bank. There is a grace period of five years on repayment, and the loan carries an interest rate of 1.75%. The loan is scheduled to be repaid in 20 years.

Mohamed Nasheed, the then president of Maldives, called it a “super low cost development assistance” from India, contrasting it with debt traps of China. He had tweeted, “The super low cost development assistance announced by @DrSJaishankar today is exactly what Maldives needs. Genuine help from a friend, to help us build critical infrastructure. Rather than eye-wateringly expensive commercial loans that leaves the nation mired in debt.”

This hybrid funding model ensures that while the Maldives benefits from significant Indian investment, it also maintains ownership of the project. India has also provided technical assistance, skilled workforce, and marine engineering expertise, ensuring the project adheres to international standards.

Contrast with China-funded projects

Not only the fund cost is low, the bridge is generating local employment and local business, unlike the China funded projects. Most Chinese projects overseas are executed by Chinese workers with little involvement of local workers, and they transport all the material from China. In contrast, the Thilamalé Bridge project is using local workers extensively, and using locally available material.

Moreover, India’s funding for the bridge is transparent and already announced, grant and loan in 1:4 ratio. The interest rate and repayment term are well defined. This is in contrast to Chinese development projects, where financial details remain buried in secrecy. In case of most Chinese loans, the cost and the repayment term are not made public.

A Bridge Beyond Steel – Symbol of Regional Trust

The Thilamalé Bridge is not just a feat of engineering, but a strategic link that cements India’s role as a reliable partner in the Maldives’ development journey. It contrasts starkly with some infrastructure projects elsewhere in the region that have led to debt dependency or sovereignty concerns. India’s approach emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and local empowerment.

Besides the Thilamalé Bridge, India has been actively involved in building roads, ports, water and sanitation projects, and housing developments across the Maldives through multiple High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).

Prime Minister Modi’s visit signals a recalibration of ties after a period of political turbulence under President Mohamed Muizzu, who initially leaned towards China. However, recent months have seen a clear shift, with Muizzu seeking to balance relations and revive traditional cooperation with India.

In this context, the Thilamalé Bridge stands as a sign of enduring friendship between the neighbours and a manifestation of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. As the bridge steadily takes shape over the turquoise waters of the Maldives, it serves as both an engineering marvel and a diplomatic milestone, reminding the region that India’s rise is rooted in partnership, not patronage.

Exclusive: Attackers attempt to abduct and run over comic Ratan Ranjan, who made a parody video on Rahul Gandhi, Youth Congress chief named in complaint

केशव मालान
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Exclusive: Attackers attempt to abduct and run over comic Ratan Ranjan, who made a parody video on Rahul Gandhi, Youth Congress chief named in complaint

In a shocking incident, an attempt to abduct comedian Ratan Ranjan was made by some people on Thursday (24th July, 2025). When the miscreants failed to pull him into their car, a white Scorpio, they tried to run him over, as per Ranjan’s complaint. The attackers, one of whom has been identified as Delhi Youth Congress President Akshay Lakra, drove away after Ranjan foiled their abduction attempt and alerted everyone by shouting. However, he sustained injuries on his right thumb.

Ratan Ranjan posted a video of the incident on X, in which he can be seen chasing the car, which is speeding away, to record its number. The video is being widely shared on social media.

This incident occurred when Ratan Ranjan was walking towards ITO after giving an interview posing as Kejriwal to some YouTubers near Minto Bridge. He has filed a complaint with DCP Delhi naming Akshay Lakra.

Speaking to OpIndia regarding the incident, Ratan Ranjan said that he was giving an interview to some YouTubers posing as Arvind Kejriwal near Minto Bridge at around 1.30 pm on Thursday (24 July 2025). Meanwhile, he noticed that a white Scorpio car arrived and stopped at some distance. Two people sitting in the car did a recce. After giving the interview, Ranjan started going towards the ITO and saw that the same car was following him.

As Ranjan reached near the BJP central office, people in a car came to him claiming to be his supporters. “They grabbed my collar and said that they had been looking for me for a long time. “You make videos against us (Congress), we will not spare you,” they allegedly said. When Ranjan ran towards the media gate of the BJP office to escape, the attackers caught him by the collar from behind and attempted to pull him into the car. A scuffle took place between the attackers and Ranjan as they kept threatening that they would teach him a lesson for making videos against the Congress.

Somehow, Ranjan managed to free himself from the grip of the attackers and ran away. He recorded a video of the attackers running away after attacking him. According to Ranjan, there were two people in the car, and Akshay Lakra was in the driving seat.

About 15 days ago, comic Ratan Ranjan made a video about the Congress party’s announcement of the distribution of sanitary pads to women in Bihar. Outraged by Ranjan’s video, the Congress party filed more than 6 cases against Ranjan in different parts of the country.

Ranjan, who hails from the Vaishali district of Bihar, has been making political mimicry videos for a long time during elections by mimicking politicians on different issues. The attack on him in broad daylight for merely making a video on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns about Congress’s approach towards freedom of speech.

Chhattisgarh: In a major blow to left wing terrorism, 66 Naxalites carrying rewards worth crores surrender before security forces

OpIndia Staff
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Chhattisgarh: In a major blow to left wing terrorism, 66 Naxalites carrying rewards worth crores surrender before security forces

In a major success during the ongoing anti-Naxal operation of the central government, 66 Naxalites, including 49 carrying a cumulative bounty worth ₹2.27 crore, surrendered in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on Thursday (24th July). The Naxals, including senior operatives and women, surrendered across the five districts of Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kanker, and Sukma. Many of them were reportedly involved in high-profile attacks, extortion networks, ambushes against security personnel and arms training camps.

As per reports, 25 Maoist cadres surrendered in Bijapur, 23 out of whom had a bounty of ₹1.15 crore, 15 in Dantewada with a cumulative bounty of ₹17 lakh, 13 in Kanker with a total bounty of ₹ 62 lakh, 8 in Narayanpur with a bounty of ₹33 lakh and 5 in Sukma. Among the entire group of Naxals who surrendered, 27 are women.

Out of the 13 Naxals who surrendered in Kanker, 5 were women. There was a company commander among them, who handled tactical operations and logistics in the North Bastar zone. The rest were involved in extortion from villages and attacks on road-opening parties.

Among the Naxals who surrendered are Ramanna Irpa (37), a member of the Maoists’ Odisha state and special zonal committee, his wife Rame Kalmu (30), a platoon party committee member (PPCM), Sukku Kalmu (38), Bablu Madvi (30), Kosi Madkam (28) and Reena Vanjam (28). Budhram alias Lalu Kuhram, a divisional committee member, his wife Kamli alias Moti Potawi, and Vatti Ganga alias Mukesh (44), the Maoists’ north bureau technical team in charge, are also among the surrendered Naxals.

Naxals who surrender receive state’s assistance for rehabilitation

The Naxals laid down their weapons before the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and police personnel. According to reports, an official revealed that the Naxals cited their disappointment with the hollow Maoist ideology, atrocities committed by Naxalites on innocent tribals, and growing internal differences within the Maoist cadre. They also said that they were impressed by the village development schemes of the state government.

“They also claimed to be impressed by ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (your good village) scheme of the state government, aimed at facilitating development works in remote villages, new surrender and rehabilitation policy of the state government and Poona Margham (Rehabilitation for Social Reintegration), a rehabilitation initiative launched by Bastar Range police,” the official was quoted as saying by the New Indian Express.

The surrendered Maoist cadres will be provided a financial assistance of ₹50,000 each and will be rehabilitated under the state’s surrender and reintegration policy. Since the launch of the ‘Lon Varratu’ (Return to Your Village) campaign in 2020, 1020 Naxals, including 254 carrying bounties, have surrendered in Dantewada. Since 2023, more than 1,400 Naxals have surrendered under Poona Margham.

“This surrender wave clearly shows that the ideological grip of the Maoist movement is weakening. Their senior cadres are disillusioned with the hollow promises of the outfit. Poona Margham has emerged as a credible path for reintegration and peace,” P Sundarraj, Inspector General (Bastar Range), told India Today.

The central government’s ongoing operation to end Naxalism

Since assuming power in 2014, the Modi government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and Naxalism in the country. In 2015, the government launched the National Policy and Action Plan, which involves a multi-pronged strategy including aggressive military operations to eliminate Naxal terrorism as well as development efforts to integrate the Left-wing extremism (LWE) affected areas and people into the mainstream. The central government has vowed to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 2026.

In January 2024, the Modi government launched Operation Kagar in the left-wing terrorism-affected areas to eradicate the Maoist terror. The operation entered its last phase this year. Under the operation, around 1 lakh para-military troops, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its elite CoBRA units, District Reserve Guards DRG), and state police, equipped with modern technology, have been deployed in the left-wing terrorism affected areas to completely uproot the naxal terrorism from its last remaining strongholds. Since the start of the operation, the security forces have eliminated over 400 Naxal terrorists so far, while more than 800 Maoists have surrendered.

In a major breakthrough, the security forces neutralised the elusive Maoist commander Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju along with 26 Naxals in May 2025, in a fierce gun battle in Abujhmad area of the Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.

The collaborative efforts of the central government and the security forces have been fruitful, as the number of Naxal-affected districts has significantly reduced over the past 10 years and more than 8,000 Naxals have surrendered.

Australia: Hindu temple and Asian restaurants defaced with hate graffiti in Melbourne after an Indian was assaulted in Adelaide

OpIndia Staff
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Australia: Hindu temple and Asian restaurants defaced with hate graffiti in Melbourne after an Indian was assaulted in Adelaide

In a shocking incident, a Hindu temple and two Asian- run restaurants were defaced with racist graffiti in Melbourne, Australia. The incident has raised a serious concern among the community members residing in Australia, a report states on Thursday, July 24.

The temple was the Shree Swaminarayan temple at Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Boronia, which was painted with red racist slurs on July 21, Monday morning, the Australia Today web portal reported. It was also observed that on the same day, the same slur was written on the two restaurants, situated on Boronia Road. An image of Adolf Hitler with the message, “Go Home Brown C**T”, was found spray-painted on the premises of the temple.

In a strong reaction, the president of the Hindu Council of Australia Victoria chapter, Makrand Bhagwat, said “it feels like an attack on our identity, our right to worship and freedom of religion,” the web portal reported.

Victoria police confirmed the incident, saying that “There is no place at all in our society for hate-based and racist behaviour.” In a private message to Temple Management, Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, marked the attack “hateful” and “racist”, the report said.

The news came shortly after a day of a report of an Indian student being brutally assaulted in Australia. The man 23 year-old, Charanpreet Singh, was harassed in Adelaide over a parking dispute. The incident is being investigated as a possible racially motivated attack.

Singh claimed, while he was with his wife, a group approached his vehicle, used racial language, and then punched him. This led to from facial fracture and admission to the hospital. A viral video revealed that Singh was attacked with metal knuckles. The attackers were heard using racial abuse, saying, “F**k off, Indian”.

Zero-duty market access, push for services and labour-intensive sectors and more: How the trade deal with UK will benefit India

Shraddha Pandey
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Zero-duty market access, push for services and labour-intensive sectors and more: How the trade deal with UK will benefit India

On the 24th of July 2025, India and the United Kingdom signed the historic India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer in London. Officially known as the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), this deal marks a new era of economic collaboration and massive mutual benefits for the signatory nations across various sectors.

While the bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at nearly USD 56 billion, the FTA has a joint goal to double this figure by 2030 taking it to USD 120 billion.

Duty-free access for 99% of India’s exports and greater access to UK markets

Under the UK-India FTA, India has gained access for 99% of its exports to the UK, covering entire trade basket. This opens opportunities for labour-intensive industries such as textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods, toys, and gems and jewellery, alongside fast-growing sectors like engineering goods, auto components, and organic chemicals. Currently, Indian goods in these industries faced UK tariffs between 4 to 16 per cent.

In the textile sector, current UK tariffs of 8–16% will be removed. This waiver will benefit companies like Welspun India, Arvind Ltd. Meanwhile, the zero-duty access to UK markets in the footwear industry will benefit manufacturers in Agra, Kanpur, and Chennai, with Bata India and Relaxo emerging as top gainers. It is estimated that leather and footwear exports to the UK may cross $900M.

Similarly, a duty-free market access (current tariffs up to 16 per cent) in jewellery sector, will benefit Indian exporters from Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The FTA also offers greater market access in Information Technology and IT-enabled services, financial and legal services, professional and educational services, and digital trade. Indian professionals, including those deployed by companies to work in the UK across all service sectors, professionals deployed on contracts such as architects, engineers, chefs, yoga instructors, and musicians, will benefit from simplified visa procedures and liberalised entry categories.

In addition to increasing export volumes and promoting domestic production and job creation in these vital sectors, the immediate removal of these tariffs will increase the competitiveness of Indian goods on the British market. The UK leather industry alone is predicted to increase its market share by 5% in the next two years, while exports of engineering and electronics are likely to double by 2030.

Tariff changes in alcoholic beverages, automobiles, seafood, Auto components and engineering goods, Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

The FTA provides significant reductions and concessions in tariffs on several goods. Scotch whisky and gin import taxes will be reduced from 150% to 75% instantly, and then to 40% over the following ten years. Under a quota-based system, the present 100% tariff on automobiles made in the UK will be reduced to 10%. In the meantime, India will lower or do away with duties on goods including medical equipment, cosmetics, salmon, chocolates, and biscuits.

Under the FTA, India’s seafood gets zero-duty access to UK’s $5.4B marine market and thus, the fisherfolk in Andhra, Odisha, Kerala, Gujarat and TN will benefit directly. Shrimp, tuna, fishmeal and feeds have become 100% duty-free. Now, Indian exporters will gain parity with EU giants like Germany & Netherlands.

Push for inclusive growth

The India-UK FTA has also been designed to make trade more inclusive. Now, women and youth entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen, startups, and MSMEs will gain access to global value chains, supported by provisions that encourage innovation, promote sustainable practices, and reduce non-tariff barriers.

Under the FTA, women artisans, MSMEs and SHGs get duty-free access to the UK’s $23B market.

Duty-free access to the UK’s $23B market opens doors for women artisans & entrepreneurs. IPR protection will boost innovation by women in biotech, textiles & beauty. Meanwhile, zero tariffs on textiles help weavers, stitchers & crafters reach premium buyers. Women-led SHGs, co-ops & MSMEs will also be provided support via training, finance & skilling.

Services sector expected to boom after India-UK FTA

The CETA also opens doors to myriad opportunities for India’s services sector. The deal makes it easier for Indian professionals to enter the UK market as musicians, chefs, yoga instructors, and other contractual service providers. Now, more than 1,800 chefs, yoga experts, and musicians can work in the UK each year. Relaxed rules will help intra-corporate transferees, investors, and business visitors.

The three-year exemption from social security contributions in the UK for Indian workers temporarily stationed there is a significant advantage for India.  This exemption is expected to increase the draw and competitive edge of Indian talent in the UK by saving Indian professionals and their employers up to Rs 4,000 crore a year.  It is projected that industries such as professional services, financial services, and information technology will see significant expansion and job opportunities.

Under the Double Contribution Convention agreement, around 75,000 Indian workers will be exempted from UK social security payments for 3 years. This will improve the cost competitiveness of Indian talent.

Moreover, the FTA will open access to 36 service sectors with no Economic Needs Test for Indian firms and freelancers.  In addition, now Indian professionals can work in 35 UK sectors for 24 months, even without a UK office.

Increased business transparency and the UK’s gains

Not only has the UK opened its markets for India, but India too has allowed access to the United Kingdom in several non-sensitive sectors. The FTA lays down rules for public procurement, allowing companies from the UK to bid on Indian federal government tenders worth over Rs 200 crore in non-sensitive sectors.

In addition, opening lucrative Indian markets for the UK, this will also push Indian firms towards becoming more competitive. This landmark trade deal addresses innovation, intellectual property, and government procurement aspects. With this, there will be a more transparent business environment and will attract increased investments.

Moreover, luxury automakers like Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover (owned by Tata Motors) and UK-based companies like Diageo (Scotch whisky) will have better access to the Indian market.  The UK government estimates indicate that the India-UK FTA is expected to boost the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion a year.

At present, over 970 Indian companies operate in the UK, contributing approximately £1.17 billion in corporation tax and providing employment to around 1.1 million people, playing a vital role in supporting local economies and livelihoods.

For eligible traders, the FTA offers streamlined procedures such as monthly payment options and tariff suspension. Along with a commitment to clear goods within 48 hours, it also supports digital trade by enabling paperless customs procedures and electronic authentication.

With India deciding to lower its trade barriers and partnering up with a key economy like the UK, it will emerge as a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI). Beyond traditional trade partnerships, India’s position as a reliable trade partner will also help it further diversify its economic engagements.

Along with the FTA, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed by India’s Central Investigation Bureau and the UK’s National Crime Agency. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed the same during a special press briefing after the landmark trade deal was signed. He said that the objective of the MoU is to combat instances of corruption.

The MoU is important given that many economic offenders in India take shelter in the UK, as they consider it to be a safe haven. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration on cross-border investigations, asset recovery, and extradition of fugitives, including economic offenders. During his bilateral talk with PM Keir Starmer, Narendra Modi sought the UK’s cooperation in bringing economic offenders and fugitives from India to justice under Indian laws.

Indian trade bodies call India-UK FTA a “transformational milestone”

The Industry trade bodies and industry leaders have welcomed the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), terming the deal a “transformational milestone in bilateral economic relations” of the two countries.

Industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in a statement, added, “Once implemented, the India-UK FTA is expected to reduce trade barriers, enhance investor confidence, and promote joint ventures and technology transfers, especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel, leather and leather goods, gems and jewellery, and marine products, among others.”

“The agreement will provide a strong framework for unlocking new opportunities in clean energy, digital technologies, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. India’s rapidly growing market and manufacturing capabilities, combined with the UK’s strengths in innovation, finance, and high-end services, will further accelerate bilateral economic relations,” CII’s statement added.

Meanwhile, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder & Chairman of Bharti Enterprises and Co-Chair of the India-UK CEO Forum, applauded the deal, saying, “Indian industry across all sectors welcomes the India-UK FTA with great optimism. This agreement establishes a modern, forward-looking partnership that will stimulate innovation, ease market access, and foster investment. Businesses in India as well as the UK stand to gain tremendously, as it lays the groundwork for scaling up bilateral cooperation across key growth sectors.”

Hemant Jain, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), also hailed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and said, “The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a landmark moment for Indian industry. We commend both governments for finalising a deal that promises to catalyse bilateral trade, enhance the competitiveness of Indian SMEs, and open new doors for industries in manufacturing, services, and technology sectors. The agreement is a testimony to the strategic depth that will lead to a doubling of bilateral trade to over USD 120 billion by 2030 with the UK.”

India-UK Vision 2035

On 24th July 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer not only signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) but also endorsed the new “India-UK Vision 2035”. This long-term agreement centres on the commitment of India and the UK to work together for mutual growth, prosperity, and to shape a prosperous, secure, and sustainable world in a time of rapid global change.

As per a press release issued by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the India-UK Vision 2035 sets clear strategic goals and milestones, tracking a path for sustained future collaboration and innovation. The Vision focuses on growth and jobs in the UK and India, education and skills partnership, development of cutting-edge technology and research, transformative Climate Partnership, and defence and security partnership.

Why does the timing of the India-UK FTA matter

The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a significant strategic move which comes at a time when geopolitical and trade tensions are escalating globally. With shifting loyalties and threats of sanctions, over-the-sky tariffs, especially as a means of nothing but retribution against countries like India, which bought Russian oil, India’s bolstering partnership with the United Kingdom holds special value. By diversifying its trade partners, although the UK has always been a reliable trade ally, India is countering US protectionism and curbing reliance on the US market in several sectors, as well as bolstering its influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Moreover, the India-UK FTA has also strengthened India’s leverage in negotiations with other major economies, especially the European Union, which is desperate now more than ever to sign a Free Trade Agreement with India. For the EU, a trade deal with India is not confined to commerce; rather, it is also crucial for its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the EU will be under pressure to come up with an agreement matching the scale of the India-UK FTA.

Centre refutes claims that Operation Sindoor was announced under international pressure, reiterates it was in response to terror attack

ANI
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Centre refutes claims that Operation Sindoor was announced under international pressure, reiterates it was in response to terror attack

The Central government has refuted claims that Operation Sindoor was announced “under international pressure.”

In a reply to a question by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that Operation Sindoor was launched to respond to a barbaric cross-border terror attack in Pahalgam and It focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists.

MP Suman had asked “whether it is a fact that Operation Sindoor was announced under international pressure.”

Replying to his question, MoS Vardhan said, “Operation Sindoor was launched to respond to a barbaric cross-border terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. It focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists likely to be sent across to India.”

The government further said that India’s actions were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.”

The Centre further clarified that Pakistan’s attack in response to Operation Sindoor were met with a “strong and decisive response from the Indian armed forces.”

“Pakistan, however, attempted targeting Indian civilian areas, in addition to some military facilities. These provocations and escalatory actions by Pakistan were met with a strong and decisive response from the Indian armed forces, inflicting significant damage on the Pakistani military,” the reply reads.

It further said, “Subsequently, on 10 May 2025, the Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan approached his Indian counterpart to request for cessation of firing and military activities, which was agreed to later that day.”

The Opposition INDIA bloc have been demanding to discuss the Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack in Parliament.

Since the commencement of Monsoon Session, both Houses of Parliament have faced major disruption with Houses being adjourned shortly after convention. The proceedings have been halted to due to opposition’s continuous demand to discuss the key national issues, Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam terror attack, Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament started on July 21 and will continue till August 21.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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