Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully completed the trial of its Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range on Wednesday.
The trial was conducted in accordance with the Indian Army’s performance parameters, including vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), high endurance, precision targeting, and mission flexibility.
The UAV demonstrated robust operational capability, covering a mission radius of over 50 km with a stable real-time video link and successfully returning to the original launch point. The total range, including loitering at the target area, exceeded 170 km, with an estimated endurance of approximately 1.5 hours.
A significant highlight of the trial was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead. Dropped from medium altitude, the munition executed an airburst detonation at low height, achieving a lethal effect over a wide radius, meeting tactical effectiveness benchmarks.
#WATCH | Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully completed the trial of its Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range on 11th June 2025. The trial was conducted in line with performance parameters laid out by the Indian Army, including vertical… pic.twitter.com/vGhQn4maMX
This successful demonstration marks a major milestone in India’s pursuit of indigenized defence technologies and is a strong step toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
In a related development, SDAL had earlier tested a new low-cost counter-drone solution in hard-kill mode, named ‘Bhargavastra’. Designed to neutralise hostile drone swarms, the system employs micro-rockets to deliver rapid and effective responses. The trials were conducted at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur on May 13 and 14 under the observation of senior Army Air Defence (AAD) officials.
Three rounds of tests were carried out, including two single-rocket firings and one salvo-mode trial where two rockets were fired within a two-second interval. All four rockets met launch parameters and validated the system’s ability to counter emerging aerial threats effectively.
Highlighting ‘Bhargavastra’s adaptability and cost-effectiveness, SDAL emphasised its indigenous design and the development of dedicated rocket and micro-missiles to neutralise hostile UAVs. Furthermore, the system is modular and can have an additional soft-kill layer to include Jamming and Spoofing to provide an integrated and comprehensive shield for all branches of the armed forces.
This is another feather in the cap for the “Make in India” mission and a progressive step in further strengthening our already robust Air Defence umbrella.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
The world might witness a war in the Middle East as Israel prepares to launch an operation into Iran in coming days. As per reports, Israel informed the US officials about its plan to attack Iran following which the US State Department has advised US citizens and officials on Wednesday (11th June) to leave Iraq amid rising regional tensions. The US is anticipating that Iran could retaliate to Israel’s action by targeting the American sites in Iraq.
According to reports, the US planning to pull its non-essential staff from its embassies and bases lying within the strike range of Iran in the Middle Eastern region. The military bases of the US in the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait have reportedly been put on red alert. The US government has also authorised the military family members in the region to voluntarily leave. Speaking at the Kennedy Centre on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump informed the media that the US citizens have been advised to leave the Middle East “because it could be a dangerous pleace, and we’ll se what happens”. Trump added that the US did not want Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, on Wednesday, clearly expressed the possibility of Iranian attack on the US bases in the region saying that if a “conflict is imposed on us,” the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps “will target all U.S. bases in the host countries.”
The US-Iran nuclear deal
The US envoy in Middle East, Steve Witkoff is reportedly planning to meet with Iranian officials in the next few days for a sixth round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program. The two countries have held five rounds of discussion since April 2024 in order to reach an agreement that could replace the2015 Iran nuclear accord which was junked by Trump during his first term in 2018. The Iran nuclear accord or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an agreement signed by Iran with the five permanent members of the US Security Council (United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and Germany) and the European Union, which put restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.
President Trump has low hopes regarding the discussions between the US and Iran. He expressed the lack of possibility of a nuclear deal being made between the two countries. “I don’t know. I did think so, and I’m getting more and more — less confident about it. They seem to be delaying, and I think that’s a shame, but I’m less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made,”Trump said. The US-Iran talks apparently hitting a dead-end coupled with Iran’s rejection of the US proposal for a nuclear deal and a demand for the recognition of its right to enrich uranium, have led to the current spike in tensions between Israel and Iran.
Why the US and Israel are opposed to Iran’s nuclear program
Both the US and Israel have been opposing Iran’s nuclear program considering its possible geopolitical repercussions and a potential threat for the Jewish state. Even though Iran was the second Muslim country, after Turkey, to recognise Israel as a sovereign state, but the country’s support for proxy forces in the region and its military and financial assistance to terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah have led to Israel viewing it as a threat to its existence.
Developing a nuclear weapon would enhance Iran’s military capabilities as well as its influence in the Middle East, which is something that Israel is vehemently trying to prevent. Even though, Iran has been denying developing any nuclear weapon, Israel has been accusing the country of secretly attempting to develop a nuclear weapon.
With no current possibility of a nuclear deal between the US and Iran, Israel might now plan be planning to target Iran’s nuclear establisments in order to eliminate the chances of progress of its nuclear programme. However, since Iran’s nuclear facilities are underground, Israel would need the assistance of the US for locating and targeting them.
History of Iran-Israel conflict
In the light of the current situation between Iran and Israel, it is hard to believe that the two countries once used to be close allies. Israel-Iran relations took a downward turn following the 1979 revolution in Iran, which resulted in a regime change in the country. The revolution replaced Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who had a pro-West inclination, with theocratic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who declared Iran as an Islamic republic. The Khomeini regime has been openly opposed to Israel and the US. It does not recognise Israel’s existence and seeks its eradication. Iran’s second Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described Israel a “cancerous tumour” that “will undoubtedly be uprooted and destroyed”.
As part of its broader strategy to challenge the influence of Israel and the US in the region, Iran has been supporting Palestinian terrorist groups under the banner of “axis of resistance”. In a 2009 sermon, Khomeini reportedly said that his regime woulf support any country or group that fights Israel.
Iran has been indulging in asymmetic warfare in the Middle East by supporting terrorist groups to target Israel. By hiding behind terrorist groups and not launching a direct military action against Israel, Iran is able to avoid accountability and discreettly push its agenda in the region.
The Israel-Iran conflict hightened after Israel launched an aggressive military action against the operatives and leaders of Palestinian terrorist groups including Hamas and Hezbollah in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Israel in October 2023. In the terrorist attack, around 1200 people, inlcuding foreign nationals were killed and around 200 people were taken hotage by the terrorists in Gaza. Israel launched major military operations in Gaza targeting terrorist bases. It also targeted the Iranian proxies in the region, which attracted retaliation by Iran. In April last year, Iran launched a barrage of 300 ballistica missiles on Israel. This was followed by another strike in October in the same year, when Iran launched 200 ballistic missiles on Israel.
International Labor Organization (ILO) has released its World Social Security Report which has shown how India has taken a giant leap in providing social security to its citizens. According to this report, India is providing social security to more than 94 crore people. 19% of the population was covered in 2015, which has now drastically increased to 64.3% in 2025.
Union Minister of Labour and Employment of India Mansukh Mandaviya said that this increase in India’s social security coverage is the fastest growth seen anywhere in the world. He further said that there are millions of people who are taking advantage of various food and health security schemes in the country. Minister Mandaviya added that this reflects the commitment of the government and the goal is to bring empowerment to every single person in the country.
Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also interacted with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the 113th session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva. During this, he said that the Modi government has brought several welfare schemes for the poor in the last 11 years.
ILO is a United Nations agency dedicated to labor rights and social justice. It periodically evaluates social security coverage among its member countries. There are 9 categories across which data is collected and then analyzed.
These categories include unemployment allowance, family and child benefits, health protection, old age pension, employment injury benefit, maternity benefit, disability benefit, sickness benefit through income replacement and survivor benefit.
To get ILO recognition, the social security scheme of any country must be legally supported, actively implemented and presented with verified data for the last three years.
India’s social security system has expanded significantly through various welfare programs. Its goal is to provide financial security, health care and food assistance to millions of people.
These programs have played an important role in improving the lives of citizens and reducing poverty across the country. These include Ayushman Bharat, e-Shram Portal, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and other schemes.
The International Labour Organisation’s assessment of 48.8% is still incomplete in terms of India’s social security scenario. According to the report, this is the first phase of the data pooling exercise. It includes data of beneficiaries of central and women-centric schemes of 8 states. After the completion of the second phase, India’s total social security coverage can reach more than 100 crores.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched the first phase of India’s social security data pooling exercise on 19th March 2025 to conduct a comprehensive assessment of social security coverage. The initiative aims to collect data of beneficiaries of India’s welfare schemes.
In the first phase, ten states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat have been selected to collect data at the central level.
India is also the first country in the world to update social security coverage data in 2025. The Union Minister says that this has strengthened digitisation and transparency in the system of welfare schemes for the people.
The court has remanded all five key accused, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, to eight-day police custody in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, police said on Wednesday.
SIT chief and SP (City), East Khasi Hills, Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor confirmed the same after all the accused were presented before the District Court.
The accused, Raja Rahuvanshi’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raj Singh Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan and Anand, were then brought back to the Shillong Sadar Police Station.
This development comes as the police continue their probe into the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, whose body was discovered in a gorge near Sohra, close to Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, on June 2.
Raja was on his honeymoon with his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, to the northeastern state in May, 2025. Both had been reported missing earlier during the trip.
Following the discovery of Raja’s body, Sonam was located near a roadside dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway. She, along with four others, has been accused in connection with the alleged murder.
Earlier in the day, Sonam Raghuvanshi’s brother, Govind, made a shocking statement claiming he’s “100% sure” of his sister’s involvement in the murder of her husband.
During a press conference here, Govind demanded severe punishment for Sonam on the matter and stated that she should be hanged if found guilty. He further publicly distanced himself and his family from his sister, noting that he had apologised to Raja’s family as they lost their son and said that he would do anything to make amends for his sister’s actions.
“According to the evidence found so far, I am 100 per cent sure that she has committed this murder… All the accused in this case are related to Raj Kushwaha… I am no one to ask for forgiveness from the (Raja’s) family. But I have apologised but this family had lost their son… We have broken our ties with Sonam and now I have become a part of the family and I will do everything against Sonam as Raja was very close to me,” Govind stated.
“If Sonam is guilty, she should be hanged,” he added.
Govind also pointed to the close ties between Sonam and one of the accused, revealing details about Sonam’s relationship with Kushwaha.
“Raj Kushwaha always used to call Sonam ‘Didi’ and his family is saying the same thing… For the last three years, Sonam has been tying a rakhi to Raj Kushwaha,” Govind stated.
“Sonam does not considered herself guilty. There has been no contact between us… We have severed all ties with her… I will fight on behalf of Raja (Raghuvanshi),” he added.
Kiran Raghuvanshi, Sister-in-law of Raja Raghuvanshi revealed that Sonam had two phones and used them to constantly send messages.
“Sonam had two phones, she used to tell us that one of those was for her office purposes and the other for her personal usage…I didn’t see her regularly speaking over phone but she used to keep sending messages over the phone. She always had her phone with her…I demand that she be hanged at the earliest…We have lost a loved one, nothing can satisfy us. He (Govind – Sonam’s brother) did apologise to us and told us that if her sister is at fault, she should be hanged…But as far as I am concerned, we do not need anyone’s apology; she should be hanged,” she said.
The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, also revealed that there is adequate evidence pointing to the involvement of Sonam Raghuvanshi in the murder, emphasising that a conclusive confirmation would only emerge after thorough interrogation of those who were involved.
“Investigation is going on; we have to confirm a lot of things. There is evidence against her (Sonam Raghuvanshi) of her involvement in the murder. But things will be clearer after the interrogation. We have to tie up a lot of loose ends… Our evidence has proven that she was very much involved, but after the interrogation, we can only confirm,” SP Syiem stated.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has taken stern action in the incident involving the deployment of an unsuitable train with its coaches in poor condition for Border Security Force (BSF) personnel going on duty to Kashmir from Tripura to ensure their safety during the Amarnath Yatra.
In response to the lapse, four officials from the Alipurduar Division have been immediately suspended.
Addressing the issue in the cabinet meeting briefing, Vaishnaw said, “Action was taken on this yesterday itself. The train’s rake was changed. Four officers who were responsible for this have been suspended.”
The suspended official includes the Coaching Depot Officer of Alipurduar and three senior Section Engineers of Alipurduar Division.
BSF also clarified when asked about reports of 1,200 BSF personnel refusing to travel for the Amarnath Yatra, saying that they had brought to the attention of Indian Railways through an official letter the poor condition of a few coaches.
They added that a replacement train was arranged after they flagged the issue.
"Train replaced and 4 officials suspended."
– Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on viral video of filthy train arranged for travel of BSF personnel pic.twitter.com/Fj13fv9xG9
“A few coaches of the train initially allotted to our jawans were in poor condition. The issue was brought to the attention of Indian Railways through an official letter. Following this, a replacement train was arranged. The jawans will now continue their journey,” the BSF clarified.
A special train from Agartala is now being arranged exclusively for BSF personnel, with full attention to their convenience and honour.
1,200 BSF jawans deployed for Amarnath Yatra security were to travel from Udaipur to Jammu on Monday, but the train provided was in such poor condition that the personnel refused to travel. A new train has now been arranged. BSF has now clarified that the BSF officials raised the… pic.twitter.com/8ByMJY7rzE
The Ministry of Railways has also ordered a detailed inquiry into the entire incident. All efforts are being made to ensure that such lapses do not recur in the future.
The Railway Minister has made it clear that the dignity and comfort of security forces are of the utmost priority and that such negligence will not be tolerated at any level.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
Even as the Defence Ministry has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Programme Execution Model to develop indigenous 5th generation aircraft with industry partnership, the govt is actively considering Russia’s proposal of supplying the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth generation aircraft and make the same in India.
As per a report by CNBC 18, govt is not considering the American offer to buy the F-35 jets, while there is high possibility of acquiring the Sukhoi Su-57E aircraft.
Notably, while DRDO has started developing the AMCA, the first jets are not expected before 2035. After completing the order of Tejas LCA Mark-1 aircraft, HAL will start making the Tejas LCA Mark-1 aircraft from around 2028-29, and the first generation of AMCA will take more than 10 years to reach the production stage.
A model of AMCA
This is because, any fighter jet takes around 10-15 years to develop, and the AMCA was approved just last year.
But, with Pakistan set to start receiving China’s J-35A 5th-Gen multirole stealth fighter this year itself, 10 years will be a too long wait for Indian Air Force for its own 5th generation stealth fighter jet.
China’s J-35A 5th-Generation stealth fighter jet
Therefore, the govt is considering acquiring foreign aircraft to meet the immediate requirement. For this, Sukhoi Su-57 has emerged as the frontrunner. Against American F-35, the Sukhoi is an obvious choice, as HAL is already making Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, and India has much better experience in defence deals with Russia.
Apart from manufacturing in India, Russia has also offered transfer of technology for Sukhoi Su-57. During the India Today Conclave 2025, Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov talked about the offer, saying that Russia has already proposed a joint production facility. He also said that Russia was ready to customise the jet for Indian needs. Notably, Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a customised variant of Sukhoi Su-30 made as per Indian requirements.
Alipov said, “We’re offering our own fifth generation fighter. We have the best machine – Su-57. We just showed it, displayed it at Aero India last month in Bangalore and it performed, and you know stole the show. It is very competitive, we are offering not only to sell but to co-produce. We offer technology sharing, we offer… you know industry with creation of necessary industrial facilities for production of this. We are open to configuration changes. So this is a very lucrative deal deal that we offer to India.”
Sukhoi Su-57
Not only that, Russia has also offered full access to the source code of the Su-57, which can tilt Indian decision in its favour. On 4th June, Russian state-owned United Aircraft Corporation announced that the proposal to build the Su-57 in India includes an unprecedented full access to the aircraft’s source code. This means, India will be able to integrate its own weapons and avionics systems with the jet. Equipping the jet with India missiles like Astra, Rudram etc will be much easier.
Notably, when the Su-57 was in development, India had planned to participate in the program and acquire the jet in large numbers. In 2011, India planned to buy total of 214 single and twin-seater variants of the advanced Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) developed jointly by India and Russia, called PAK FA program at that time.
But in 2018, India pulled out of the program, stating that the aircraft being developed does not meet its requirements for stealth, combat avionics, radars and sensors. The first aircraft entered service in 2020, and it has proved to be a very capable fighter jet, resulting in resumption of India’s interest on it.
F-35 offer and delayed deliveries by US
During PM Narendra Modi’s US visit, president Donald Trump offered F-35 fighter jets to India. However, it is unlikely that India will sign a mega defence deal with US at present. Several defence equipment ordered by India from US had been delayed, frustrating Indian defence establishment.
Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India 2025
Delivery of the GE F404 engine for Tejas Mark 1 was delayed by two years, while the deal for GE F414 engine for Tejas Mark 2 has not been finalised even two years after the MoU was signed during Biden administration. Similarly, delivery of Boeing’s AH-64E Apache helicopter was scheduled to begin in May 2024, but not a single helicopter has been delivered yet.
Another issue with the F-35 is India’s desire for local manufacturing and technology transfer. It is known that US strongly resists any transfer of crucial technologies in defence deals. And with president Donald Trump’s goal of boosting manufacturing in USA, the likelihood of the jet being made in India will also be very less. Notably, as per some reports, the F414 engine deal is not progressing over the same issues, Trump’s reluctance to allow tech transfer and manufacturing in India.
Saad bin Atif al-Awlaki, the leader of the Yemen-based terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), has released a 34-minute video inciting Muslims to wage jihad against America. In this video, Awlaki has openly appealed to Muslims living in America to wage jihad and kill prominent people like US President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Tesla company owner Elon Musk. The name of this video is “Inciting the Believers”. AQAP supporters are circulating it online as a propaganda weapon.
In the inflammatory video, jihadi Atif al-Awlaki (also spelt Atef al-Awlaki), said that the United States is supporting Israel in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and for this it is necessary to take revenge. He told the approximately 4.5 million Muslims living in America, “You don’t need to consult anyone, just take revenge! Take revenge! Kill those infidel Americans.” He called Trump, Vance, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, Defence Minister Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk ‘scum of the earth’ and ‘the biggest criminals’. He talked about targeting these leaders, their families and people associated with the White House.
BREAKING: Al-Qaeda leader, Sa'ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki, has just now called for American Muslims to wage Jihad on US soil and to assassinate President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Elon musk, others. pic.twitter.com/1QQzKOWVd9
“Go after the scum of the earth and its greatest criminals. These are Trump and his vice president [JD Vance], his advisor and his supporters in terms of finance, administration, and technology,” Awlaki said.
Awlaki further lamented the situation in Gaza saying that there is no limit to atrocities being committed against Muslims there. He said, “It is necessary to take revenge for what is happening to our people in Gaza.” He also tried to incite violence against Jews and said, “There should be no safe place left for Jews, just like they left no place for Palestinians.” He referred to the bombing of hospitals in Gaza and appealed to Muslims to take revenge.
After inciting Muslims to launch attacks in America and crying hoarse over Israel’s prolonged retaliation against Hamas in the aftermath of October 7 massacre, Yemeni Islamic terrorist lauded the attack on Israeli embassy staff in May this year and last year’s assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Atif al-Awlaki not only justified these attacks but also asserted that more such attacks should be carried out.
Besides calling for attacking Israeli nationals in the US and the American President, al-Awlaki also spoke about harming the US economy. He asked hackers to target the economies of the US and Gulf countries. He also described companies like Microsoft and Elon Musk’s Tesla as ‘legitimate targets’. Referring to AQAP’s magazine ‘Inspire’, he advised people to learn bomb-making techniques so that they can carry out attacks.
Notably, this video comes at a time when AQAP is considered to have weakened in the last few years. Its strength has decreased due to US drone attacks and internal conflicts within the organisation. Despite this, according to the United Nations, AQAP still has 3,000 to 4,000 members. The US has declared AQAP a foreign terrorist organisation. This Islamic terror outfit was formed in 2009 after the merger of Al-Qaeda groups from Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Experts opine that Saad Atif al-Awlaki is raking up the Gaza issue to challenge the growing popularity of Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Houthi rebels are also carrying out attacks against Israel, and Saad feels that the popularity of the Houthis is diminishing AQAP’s importance. Experts believe that this video is an attempt by AQAP to regain its diminishing relevance.
Who is Saad Atif al-Awlaki
Saad bin Atif al-Awlaki is from the al-Awaliq tribe of the al-Shubah area of Shabwa province in Yemen. He became the leader of AQAP in 2024, when the organisation’s former leader, Khalid al-Batarfi ,died. Earlier, Saad was part of AQAP’s Shura Council and was involved in planning attacks. He is a relative of Anwar al-Awlaki, a notorious terrorist who was killed in a US drone attack in 2011. The US has placed a bounty of $6 million on Saad because he had previously talked about attacking the US and its allies.
Born in Yemen, al-Awlaki has been spreading the jihadist ideology of Al-Qaeda for many years. In 2023, he was also seen in a video in which he asked the southern tribes of Yemen to fight against the United Arab Emirates and the Southern Council. His terror group commits crimes like bank robbery, arms smuggling and ransom to meet its expenses.
In an era where infrastructure defines a nation’s global standing, India’s engineering marvels are no longer just headlines but life-changing realities. From the newly inaugurated world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, to the vertical-lift Pamban Railway Sea Bridge in Tamil Nadu, these ambitious projects are not only transforming landscapes but connecting lives. Whether it is easing commutes, boosting tourism, or asserting strategic presence, India’s mega infrastructure push is scripting a new chapter of national development.
Engineering Marvels of New India!✨
From the Pamban Railway Sea Bridge in Tamil Nadu; India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, to the #ChenabBridge in Jammu & Kashmir; the world’s highest railway bridge, these iconic structures are redefining connectivity and showcasing… pic.twitter.com/HISkvB00wr
Chenab Rail Bridge and how it is set to change lives
The Chenab Rail Bridge is 359 metres above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the tallest railway bridge in the world and surpasses the Eiffel Tower. It is a crucial link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. Chenab Rail Bridge represents more than just an engineering feat as it promises transformation of the region that has been long isolated by terrain, weather and conflict.
Source: BBC
There was no such bridge in the country to serve as an example for the team that built the Chenab Bridge. The steel arch of the bridge required innovation at every stage. Engineers behind the bridge adopted a design-as-you-go approach to deal with the unstable Himalayan geology. The bridge has been built using 63-mm-thick steel which is blast resistant and concrete piers. The bridge is capable of withstanding earthquakes, high-velocity winds and sabotage.
For over two decades, the region waited for better transport infrastructure. The bridge, which is a critical part of the Rs 35,000 crore USBRL project, will provide better accessibility to remote villages that were only reachable via foot or boat. Around 70 villages will benefit from the 2,015 km approach road and will open avenues for economic activity, education and healthcare.
Furthermore, it also provides a strategic route for the Indian defence forces in Kashmir and Ladakh. As it will provide all-weather rail access, the troops will no longer be hampered by snowfall or highway closures.
For the locals, it will provide an efficient route to transport perishable goods such as apples and walnuts. These products suffered losses due to poor road conditions. Tourism will see an uptick with the new rail link.
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge: Connecting Assam to Arunachal, powering the Northeast
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge was inaugurated by PM Modi in May 2017. It is 9.15 km long and built over the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is the longest river bridge in India and provides 24×7 all-weather connectivity between upper Assam and the eastern districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It has reduced the travel distance between Rupai in Assam and Meka in Arunachal Pradesh by 165 km. Because of the bridge, the distance between these two regions can now be covered in just one hour instead of six hours earlier.
Source: India Today
Prior to the bridge, the transportation system relied on ferries that were often impacted by floods. It has changed the way both civilian and military travel within the region. It is vital for ensuring milk runs of goods and services, as well as the rapid mobilisation of defence forces towards border regions. This connectivity boost has contributed to economic growth in the region and has closed the gap between the Northeast and mainland India.
Vizhinjam International Seaport: A new gateway for India’s maritime future
Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport was built in Kerala, and it cost the government Rs 8,800 crore. It is a major achievement for India’s maritime infrastructure. It was dedicated to the nation in May 2025 by PM Modi. Vizhinjam International Seaport is India’s only dedicated container transshipment port.
Source: Cargo Insights
There is less reliance on foreign ports, allowing India to reclaim cargo revenues and better position itself as an international trader. Vizhinjam is located just a short ten nautical miles away from the international shipping lane.
It has a natural draft realisation of almost 20 metres, which easily fits the world’s largest cargo ships. It is a modern-day transshipment hub that can handle massive cargo volumes without complications. In the coming years, the port will increase its capacity, making Kerala a key logistics and trade node.
As it is a part of Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti initiatives, the seaport is well-connected to roads, railways, waterways and airways. Because of the seamless connectivity, it will drastically reduce turnaround time for ships and reduce logistics costs. Furthermore, it will improve supply chain efficiency for industries across the country.
It brings economic opportunities and job creation. A shipbuilding and repair cluster in nearby Kochi is underway. It will open thousands of employment avenues, especially for youth and local talent. The surge in maritime activity will also uplift allied sectors like tourism, MSMEs and fisheries.
Pamban Bridge: India’s first vertical lift sea bridge opens new paths of progress
The New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu was inaugurated in April 2025. It is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. It spans around 2.07 km across the Palk Strait and connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India. It has replaced the century-old 1914 cantilever bridge that had long served pilgrims and traders.
Source: Drishti IAS
The bridge has been constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. Its 72.5-metre navigational span can be lifted up to 17 metres, thus allowing larger vessels to pass beneath without disrupting rail movement. It has been built using corrosion-resistant stainless steel reinforcement, special polysiloxane coating and high-grade protective paint. Its lifespan is 100 years.
The new bridge is 3 metres taller than the old one. It features a substructure ready for double-track use. The advanced construction can withstand harsh marine weather, seismic activity and cyclones.
For the people of Tamil Nadu and pilgrims to Rameswaram, it guarantees faster, safer and uninterrupted travel. It also strengthens maritime navigation in the region, reducing dependency on ferry-based transport.
Atal Tunnel: India’s longest highway tunnel transforming Himalayan connectivity
The Atal Tunnel was inaugurated in October 2020. It is a marvel of modern engineering. It spans 9.02 km under the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it ensures all-weather connectivity between Manali and the remote Lahaul-Spiti valley. Earlier, it would be cut off from the mainland for around six months each year due to heavy snowfall.
Source: Civilianz
The tunnel was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation. It reduced the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and reduced travel time by 4 to 5 hours. The South Portal lies 25 kilometres from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 metres, while the North Portal emerges near Sissu village at 3,071 metres.
It is a horse-shoe shaped, single-tube, double-lane structure with an 8-metre roadway and an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. There is also a built-in emergency escape tunnel. It can support 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks per day at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Through the Z-Morh Tunnel, all-weather access and tourism in Sonamarg is possible
The Z-Morh Tunnel is bi-directional and 6.5 km long with an approach road length of 5.6 km. The tunnel is a vital link between Gagangir in Ganderbal and Sonamarg. The tunnel has been built at an elevation of over 8,500 ft and provides an alternative to the Z-shaped portion of the road that is avalanche-prone and had rendered Sonamarg inaccessible in winter.
Source: ET
The tunnel is part of the Srinagar-Leh highway. It is going to be particularly important for connectivity in terms of facilitating access to Ladakh. In addition, the tunnel provides considerable strategic utility in terms of defence movement, logistical support and mobilisation. Importantly, roads also lead to economic growth and tourism in the Kashmir Valley.
The tunnel will allow Sonamarg to become a year-round tourist destination. The original project began in 2012 by the Border Roads Organisation but was subsequently transferred as a project to be completed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. The Z-Morh Tunnel was completed by APCO Infratech as a public-private partnership.
Atal Setu: India’s longest sea bridge enhances connectivity to Mumbai
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu was officially opened in January 2024. It is the longest bridge and the longest sea bridge in the country and connects a total of 21.8 KM, of which 16.5 KM are over the open sea, as the six-lane Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) bridges the 3.4 km between Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai.
Source: Narendra Modi/X
The bridge is a direct and reliable link for transport from South Mumbai to the mainland of India, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It improves the last-mile approach to Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, while also reducing travel times to Pune, Goa and the southern India gateway.
The importance of this bridge is significant, considering it is an important link for cargo traffic between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
With its size, geographical significance and engineering excellence, Atal Setu is more than just a bridge, it is emblematic of the ambition of modern India to build infrastructure that accommodates its growth.
India’s mega infrastructure projects are more than engineering milestones, they are instruments of national transformation. From connecting remote villages to reducing travel times and boosting trade, each bridge, tunnel and port reflects the country’s commitment to inclusive development. These initiatives not only enhance strategic readiness and economic integration but also bring everyday ease to citizens’ lives.
Railways are developing a system to provide passenger charts with confirmed seats 24 hours in advance, rather than the customary four hours prior to a train’s departure, in an effort to alleviate a key concern among train passengers. Currently, waitlisted passengers are unaware of their ticket status until the railways release the final list, especially those traveling long distances to catch trains.
According to a senior railway official, a pilot run in Rajasthan’s Bikaner division began on 6th June and is proceeding smoothly thus far. “We will carry out this pilot for some more weeks to identify any issues and how to fix them. There have been several instances of passengers facing problems as they come to know that their wait-listed ticket has not been confirmed, barely hours before reaching the station. An advanced chart will help people plan better and reduce stress,” he stated, reported The Times of India.
According to officials, the primary objective of the new system is to assist travelers in making better travel plans. For example, passengers arriving from 100 kilometers or more away will have more time and clarity to get to the boarding station without any last-minute confusion.
Those who purchase Tatkal tickets and travel at the last minute would not be impacted by the planned regulations, according to sources. “Since Tatkal tickets are booked 48 hours before the scheduled departure of trains, bringing out the full chart a day before won’t be an issue,” conveyed another official.
There is ambiguity as to whether the railways will make public the second and third lists of passengers with confirmed bookings because many of them could have canceled their reservations in the last 24 hours. A source mentioned, “Let the pilot run be over and then decisions will be taken keeping in mind the best interest of passengers.”
Railway reservation charts are usually produced twice in the past. The first chart is created four hours prior to the train’s scheduled departure and the second and final, chart is generated between thirty minutes and the train’s departure time.
Beneficial for passengers
This action seeks to improve the ticketing system since many customers are left in the dark until the last minute because tickets are currently confirmed just two to four hours before to departure. Passengers had to wait until the day of departure to receive confirmation of their tickets which has been a problem for many years.
Passengers on waitlists, especially those who travel long distances to board trains, are oblivious of their ticket status until the final list is released. Now, one chart will be created by the new system 24 hours in advance and any cancellations or new reservations will be updated in real time thereafter.
However, maintaining synchronization between passenger data across several stations and ticketing systems is a challenge because any discrepancy could seriously interfere with boarding, ticket validation and seat assignment.
Currently, charts are prepared around four hours prior to departure, giving travelers little time to make changes if their seats are not confirmed. According to officials, travelers with waitlisted tickets will have enough time to look into other travel options, cancel reservations or choose other forms of transportation if the passenger chart is made public 24 hours before to the train’s departure. Those boarding from intermediate stations, who frequently don’t know their ticket status until the last minute, will particularly benefit from this adjustment.
The concept was born on 21st May when Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was in Bikaner. The chart should be developed sooner, according to local railway officials, to avoid confusion at the last minute. The concept was approved by him right away and it was put into trial use.
A top railway board official revealed that Indian Railways is now testing the viability of this 24-hour charting system on a few chosen routes. These tests will assess the system’s ability to manage dynamic reservations and cancellations as well as the feasibility of real-time synchronization amongst railway servers.
Travelers on popular routes like Delhi-Bihar, Uttar Pradesh-Mumbai, or Bengal-Gujarat, whose waiting lines sometimes reach the hundreds and tickets are regularly tagged as “regret,” will particularly benefit from the improvement. According to sources, this trial’s preliminary findings are extremely encouraging. In the first four days alone, passengers had more time to arrange their trip and experienced greater clarity.
The move is a part of a broader initiative to modernize railway operations, streamline services and lessen last-minute rush and confusion at stations, based on railway sources. The project is a component of a larger railway technology update that aims to improve service delivery, passenger happiness, and digital transformation.
When properly implemented, it might also allow for earlier seat allocation notifications by email or SMS, which would lessen the anxiety brought on by uncertain travel. Officials believe that because they would have more precise information available well in advance, the system will also help ease traffic and assist railway employees in better managing berths and waiting lists.
84% of all train ticket reservations are made through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), according to sources. Physical reservations are made for the remaining 16% of tickets (window tickets).
Aadhaar authentication must for Tatkal ticket
The Railway Ministry took a significant step to stop agents and brokers from defrauding people when they book Tatkal tickets. Verification of an Aadhaar card will now be required on IRCTC in order to purchase Tatkal tickets. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister announced this decision. “Bharatiya Railways will soon start using e-Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal tickets. This will help genuine users get confirmed tickets during need,” he wrote on social media.
“With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the official circular stated.
“Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerized PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters of Indian Railways/authorized agents only after authentication of a system-generated OTP, which shall be sent through the system on the mobile number furnished by the users at the time of booking. This shall also be implemented by 15/07/2025,” it added.
The circular also stated that during the first half hour of the Tatkal booking window, authorized Indian Railways ticketing agencies will not be allowed to purchase opening day Tatkal tickets. In particular, they will not be able to grab Tatkal tickets for sessions with air conditioning between 10:00 and 10:30 am and other classes between 11:00 and 11:30 am.
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC have been instructed by the Railways Ministry to update the system as needed and notify the zonal railways of the changes. The circular also promised that these changes would receive extensive dissemination through all available channels to educate the public.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided multiple locations linked to four Congress leaders in the Ballari district in Karnataka on Wednesday (11th June). As per reports, the raids were conducted at several locations connected with Congress Ballari MP E Tukaram, and Congress MLAs, Nara Bharath Reddy, J N Ganesh, N T Srinivas and former Minister B Nagendra and his close aide Govardhan Reddy.
As per reports, the central agency searched five locations in Ballari and three sites in Bengaluru under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids are reportedly related to the investigation of an embezzlement of funds worth crores from the Karnataka Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KVSTDCL). The money was allegedly used to fund the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.
In its chargesheet filed last year, the ED said that two of Nagendra’s personal assistants and an associate “admitted” to handling large sums of money. It added that the three MLAs ensured that the cash was disbursed to voters and party workers in their respective constituencies.
What is the Valmiki Scam
The alleged scam surfaced after the superintendent of corporation accounts, Chandrasekharan P was found dead on 21 May 2024. A suicide note recovered from him mentioned about an unauthorised trabsfer of ₹187 crore from the corporation, out of which, ₹88.62 crore was illegally deposited into IT company accounts and cooperative bank in Hyderabad. This is resulted in the suspension of two officials and the resignation of Karnataka Tribal Welfare and Sports Minister Nagendra, who was later arrested by the agency. The corporation, set up in 2006, aimed at the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribe communiyies in the state by running welfare schemes for them.
The investigation in the case is being carried out by the Karnataka Police, the CBI and the ED.
