UP Woman Forms ‘Moringa Army’ Inspired By CM Yogi; Catches PM Modi’s Attention

**Lucknow Woman Empowers Rural Women Through ‘Moringa Army’; Gains PM Modi’s Appreciation**

*Lucknow, October 12:* Inspired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, Dr. Kamini Singh, a resident of Lucknow, has achieved a remarkable feat that has caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By creating the ‘Moringa Army,’ she has empowered women farmers across Uttar Pradesh, fostering self-reliance and injecting fresh energy into the rural economy.

Dr. Kamini Singh pioneered a unique initiative by bringing together over a thousand women farmers under a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO). She motivated these women to cultivate moringa, also known locally as Sahjan, and ensured market access through the promotion of value-added moringa-based products.

Today, the majority of FPO members are women who manage not only cultivation but also processing and packaging. Thanks to their relentless efforts, they are producing more than a dozen moringa products under the brand name *Doctor Moringa*. These include moringa powder, tablets, tea, handmade soaps, seed oil, biscuits, and the widely popular moringa laddoo.

Their products are available both in offline markets and are witnessing strong demand across various online platforms, expanding their reach significantly.

The entire project operates under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. With this support, the FPO has established a primary processing unit where moringa leaves, seeds, and bark are transformed into high-quality products. This initiative has generated local employment and resulted in a multiple-fold increase in the income of rural women.

Impressed by her success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Dr. Kamini Singh to Delhi, where he personally met her and learned about the nuances of moringa cultivation and the success of the ‘Moringa Army.’

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, sustained efforts continue across the state to empower daughters from economically weaker families to become self-reliant. The ‘Moringa Army’ stands as a shining example of this vision.

Today, these women not only earn their own livelihoods but also create employment opportunities for others by imparting training and skills, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of rural Uttar Pradesh.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/up-woman-forms-moringa-army-inspired-by-cm-yogi-catches-pm-modis-attention

PM Modi Inaugurates ₹19,646 Crore Navi Mumbai International Airport; Fadnavis Says Project Will Boost Maharashtra’s GDP By 1%

Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates First Phase of Navi Mumbai International Airport

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday, seven years after laying its foundation stone. Developed at a cost of Rs 19,646 crore, the project is being hailed as a milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure.

Asia’s Largest Connectivity Hub

Calling NMIA Asia’s biggest connectivity hub, PM Modi said the airport marks the beginning of a new era for Maharashtra and the country’s aviation sector. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the project would increase the state’s GDP by 1%.

The Prime Minister landed at the airport at 2:45 p.m., inaugurating it through a digital toran ceremony at the terminal entrance. He then toured the state-of-the-art facility along with Governor Acharya Devvrat, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Union Civil Aviation Minister K.R.M. Naidu, MoS Murlidhar Mohol, and industrialist Gautam Adani, whose company developed the project in partnership with CIDCO.

Modi also interacted with a group of specially-abled individuals operating a food outlet at the terminal.

Connecting Farmers and Fisherfolk to Global Markets

After inaugurating India’s first twin-aviation hub, PM Modi said NMIA would directly connect Maharashtra’s farmers and fisherfolk with international supply chains, including supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East. He emphasized that the new infrastructure would reduce logistical costs for small and micro enterprises, spur investment, and generate new industries and jobs.

“Mumbai’s long wait ends here. NMIA bears the reflection of a Viksit Bharat. It is a lotus blooming on the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he said, referring to the airport’s lotus-inspired design.

Part of Mumbai’s Dual-Airport System

NMIA is envisioned as part of a dual-airport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), complementing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Sahar. With an initial capacity of 20 million passengers per annum, the airport will eventually handle 90 million passengers, making it one of India’s largest airports.

The first two phases will feature one runway and a single terminal, before scaling up to four runways and multiple terminals.

Fadnavis Credits Modi for Fast-Tracking Clearances

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recalled that the airport had been conceptualized in the 1990s but remained stalled for decades. “For years, there was only a board displaying the airport’s name. When PM Modi reviewed the project, seven of eight pending permissions were cleared in the first meeting,” he said.

Fadnavis also highlighted that NMIA will be India’s first airport connected by water taxis, further enhancing multi-modal transport options.

Aviation Growth and Future Projects

Union Civil Aviation Minister K.R.M. Naidu noted that since 2014, Mumbai’s domestic air traffic has risen by 70% and international traffic by 50%. The government now aims to triple annual passenger traffic from 5 crore to 15 crore.

He also announced plans for the country’s first offshore airport near the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar, marking another milestone in Maharashtra’s aviation infrastructure.

“India’s financial capital is now also its aviation capital. With NMIA, airlines will no longer struggle for slots — every Mumbaikar will feel proud of this achievement,” Naidu added.

Public-Private Partnership Between CIDCO and Adani Group

The airport has been developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), holding 26% and 74% equity stakes, respectively.

CIDCO oversaw planning, land acquisition, rehabilitation, and pre-development work, while AAHL is responsible for development and operations.

Legacy of Visionaries Behind the Project

Several former CIDCO managing directors and chairmen attended the inauguration, many of whom contributed to NMIA’s inception.

Former CIDCO MD Sanjay Bhatia (2013–2016) expressed pride in seeing the project’s completion: “It’s wonderful to see something I nurtured in its early stages come to life. During my tenure, I worked on land acquisition for this dream project,” he said.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/pm-modi-inaugurates-19646-crore-navi-mumbai-international-airport-fadnavis-says-project-will-boost-maharashtras-gdp-by-1

Navi Mumbai’s ‘Fully Digital’ International Airport Set For October 8 Inauguration By PM Modi; Flights To Commence In December

**Navi Mumbai to Host India’s First Fully Digital Airport**

India is set to welcome its first fully digital airport with the upcoming inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, the airport is expected to commence commercial flights by December 2025, following necessary security clearances and system testing.

**Advanced Automated Features for Travelers**

In a recent media interaction, Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd, showcased an array of automated, passenger-friendly features designed to enhance the travel experience. Passengers will have the convenience of pre-booking parking slots, completing online check-in, baggage drop, and even immigration processing digitally.

Innovative services like virtual queuing and real-time wait-time monitors will allow travelers to track queues and head directly to security checkpoints when their slot arrives, minimizing wait times and streamlining movement through the airport.

**Operational Details and Future Expansion Plans**

Phase I of NMIA’s operations will run daily from 8 am to 8 pm, initially supporting 8 to 10 aircraft movements per hour. As demand grows, officials plan to increase both the number of flights and potentially extend operating hours.

Bansal also revealed that the airport aims for approximately 40% international traffic at launch, with plans to scale up to nearly 75% to meet global hub standards over time.

**Future-Proof Design and Sustainability Initiatives**

The airport has been developed as a resilient and future-ready project. Key features include:

– Elevated 8.5 meters above flood levels to mitigate flooding risks
– Robust design to withstand extreme weather conditions and bird strikes
– Partial power generation via a 47 MW solar plant
– Use of electric vehicles across the airport campus
– Rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse systems
– Automated people movers connecting the four terminals

Currently, only Terminal 1 will be operational at launch. Mumbai’s existing Terminal 1 will continue functioning until at least 2029, with its demolition planned to coincide with the completion of NMIA’s second terminal.

**Infrastructure Enhancements and Connectivity**

To manage expected passenger traffic and ease congestion, supporting infrastructure is already being prepared. Notably, there will be a ban on heavy vehicles in Navi Mumbai on October 8 from 6 am to 10 pm to facilitate smooth traffic flow during the inauguration.

Connectivity to the airport is also set to improve, with the Targhar railway station—located adjacent to NMIA—nearing completion. Services from Belapur, Seawoods, and Nerul stations are anticipated to commence soon.

**Economic Impact**

The new airport is expected to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the economic growth prospects of the Navi Mumbai region.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbais-fully-digital-international-airport-set-for-october-8-inauguration-by-pm-modi-flights-to-commence-in-december

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Meets PM Modi, Seeks Relief For Rain-Hit Farmers – VIDEO

New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to seek assistance for farmers who have suffered losses due to the recent heavy rains that lashed the state.

Fadnavis handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister and briefed him about the situation in Maharashtra following the heavy rainfall. “The Prime Minister asked the state government to send a proposal in this regard which will be considered constructively,” the Chief Minister told reporters.

He also highlighted that the BJP manifesto includes a commitment to waiving farmers’ loans, and the government is focused on making this promise more effective. “We will certainly fulfill the assurance of loan waiver given by us in the manifesto. A committee has been set up in this regard and it will decide on the loan waiver. A loan waiver cannot be done time and again, so the focus will be on how to make it more effective,” Fadnavis explained.

Addressing the concerns about loan repayment, he added that the loans taken for the kharif crop will have to be repaid next year. “The immediate concern of the farmers is help in their accounts. So it will be our priority to extend this help,” he said.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-meets-pm-modi-seeks-relief-for-rain-hit-farmers

PM Modi : AK-203 rifles production starts soon in UP, strengthens Make In India

“Our armed forces aspire to achieve self-reliance and minimise dependence on external sources. To this end, we are dedicated to developing a robust defence infrastructure within India, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that every component is proudly ‘Made in India’,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He added that to support this vision, a thriving ecosystem is being fostered, with Uttar Pradesh playing a pivotal role in this initiative. In line with these efforts, the production of AK-203 rifles will soon commence in a factory established with assistance from Russia.

A Defence Corridor is also being developed in Uttar Pradesh, where manufacturing of BrahMos missiles and other weapon systems has already begun, the Prime Minister noted.

The trade show, held under the theme “Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here,” is scheduled from September 25 to 29. It has three core objectives: innovation, integration, and internationalisation. A three-pronged buyer strategy is targeting international buyers, domestic Business-to-Business (B2B) buyers, and domestic Business-to-Consumer (B2C) buyers, providing opportunities for exporters, small businesses, and consumers alike.

UPITS-2025 highlights the state’s diverse craft traditions, modern industries, robust MSMEs, and emerging entrepreneurs, all showcased on a single platform.

PM Modi also highlighted the benefits of the GST reforms, stating that ordinary families will see significant monthly savings. He criticised Congress over its criticism of the GST reform campaign, saying, “To hide their pre-2014 failures, Congress and its allies are lying to the people. We have increased the income and savings of the people of India. We are not going to stop here. As we continue to strengthen our economy, we will continue to reduce taxes. The process of GST reforms will go on continuously.”

In response, Congress pointed out that Narendra Modi had opposed the GST taxation model when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh remarked, “From 2006-2014, for eight years, only one CM opposed the GST, and that CM became the Prime Minister in 2014 and took a U-turn and emerged as a messiah of GST in 2017.”

The BJP responded by saying that the Congress-led government’s rule was marked by “only talks and no work,” accusing the party of resorting to “lies.”

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/ agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pm-modi–ak203-rifles-production-to-start-in-uttar-pradesh-boosting-make-in-india-defence-drive-23595747

India`s GST reforms ignite clash between PM Modi and Congress

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari on Monday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latter’s speech on Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms implementation, suggesting that the PM should have issued an apology to the nation.

Accusing the Narendra Modi government at the centre of “looting” poor and middle-class citizens, Tiwari said that Congress and the opposition had been demanding only a single slab for GST, based on the idea of ‘One Nation, One Tax’.

“The question that needs to be asked is who increased the GST? Who put a burden on the country by increasing it for eight years? You (PM Modi) should have apologised to the nation yesterday. Congress and the Opposition had been demanding only one slab on the basis of ‘one nation, one tax’. However, you looted the poor and middle-class citizens,” Tiwari told ANI.

The Congress MP further attacked PM Modi for asking people to celebrate the GST rate rationalisation as a “festival”, saying that he was the one who imposed GST at midnight.

“Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that this is a festival. He said that we should celebrate because GST has been reduced. You imposed GST at 12:00 in the night in Parliament. You also talked similarly then. The people of this country have paid over Rs 50 lakh crore in GST. The MSMEs have almost shut down,” Tiwari said.

“Now, you (PM Modi) have the courage to ask people to celebrate the ‘Utsav’. Only you could have shown this courage. Your face was telling that your words lacked self-confidence and courage,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said that GST reforms have brought a wave of happiness and celebration among people and can boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country by 0.8 per cent. The new GST reforms have come into force from today.

The minister said that the country’s path towards a Viksit Bharat goes through self-reliance.

“Apart from Navratri, the budget utsav has begun. There is a wave of happiness and celebration among people wherever you see. GST rates have been reduced, which will benefit all sections of society. But we are celebrating something else. These reforms can boost the GDP by 0.8%. Our path towards a Viksit Bharat goes through self-reliance. It has been welcomed by all sections of the society,” Puri told ANI.

He said all sections, particularly the lower middle class and economically weaker sections, will benefit because GST rates on various consumption items have been reduced.

He remarked that from the very first day of Navratri, the nation is taking a significant step forward in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

The Prime Minister said that implementation of Next Generation GST reforms marks the beginning of a GST Bachat Utsav (Savings Festival) across India. He emphasised that this festival will enhance savings and make it easier for people to purchase their preferred items.

PM Modi noted that the benefits of this savings festival will reach the poor, middle class, neo middle class, youth, farmers, women, shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs alike.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/indias-gst-sparks-political-row-as-congress-pramod-tiwari-says-pm-modi-should-have-apologised-23595243

‘GST Bachat Utsav’ from tomorrow: PM Modi announces price cuts

**‘GST Bachat Utsav’ from Tomorrow: PM Modi Announces Price Cuts**

*By Snehil Singh | September 21, 2025, 5:20 PM*

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the launch of a “GST Bachat Utsav” starting September 22, describing it as a next-generation reform aimed at transforming the economy. The new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, effective from Monday, are designed to reduce the cost of daily essentials and stimulate consumption-driven growth across India.

“This reform is not only about reducing prices but about creating new opportunities,” PM Modi said during his nationwide address on Sunday.

**Economic Impact: GST Reforms to Benefit 99% of Goods**

According to the Prime Minister, the recent GST reforms will benefit 99% of goods, which will now fall under the 5% tax slab. Simplifying the tax structure to mainly two slabs—5% and 18%—will help make common goods more affordable for everyday consumers.

PM Modi emphasized that these changes will not only lower prices but also unlock new avenues for economic growth across multiple sectors, including industry, agriculture, and services.

**Public Focus: Double Bonanza for Poor and Neo-Middle Class**

Highlighting the social impact, the Prime Minister noted that the GST reforms prioritize public welfare, offering a “double bonanza” to the poor and the neo-middle class.

“When the purchasing power of people rises, it benefits every sector—from industry to agriculture to services. This is a reform that will touch every household,” he said.

**Political Response**

Earlier, the Congress party questioned whether PM Modi would address concerns related to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on India-Pakistan relations and issues concerning H-1B visa holders. However, PM Modi’s address primarily focused on outlining the benefits of the GST cuts and the government’s broader economic roadmap.

The GST rate reductions were initially announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier this month, marking the most significant indirect tax reform since July 2017.

With these reforms, the government aims to boost consumption, make essential goods more affordable, and spur inclusive economic growth across the country. The “GST Bachat Utsav” celebrations starting tomorrow are expected to bring immediate relief to consumers while supporting India’s growth trajectory in the coming years.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/pm-modi-announces-gst-bachat-utsav-from-tomorrow/story

‘BJP Will Shape India’s Politics For Next 25 Years,’ Says Annamalai, Likening PM Modi To Lee Kuan Yew

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai on Wednesday stated that the BJP will shape India’s politics for the next 25 years and compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who was once labelled authoritarian but later celebrated as a visionary.

Annamalai was speaking at a seminar titled “Indian Dreams 2047 _ New India! New Dreams!” on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. He lauded the Prime Minister’s “unwavering commitment to service over celebration.”

“Whether it is his birthday or any other day, for Modi ji, every day is a day of service,” he said, pointing out that the Prime Minister spent his birthday working in Madhya Pradesh.

Taking a swipe at symbolic events, Annamalai added, “If someone even puts a ring on newborn babies in hospitals on the Prime Minister’s birthday, Delhi will call and advise: do it without publicity. That is how we celebrate Modi ji’s birthday.” This statement was made in reference to the BJP leader Nainar Nagendran, who distributed rings to newborns earlier in the day.

Speaking on India’s evolving political landscape, Annamalai said, “The BJP sometimes appears right-wing, sometimes left, and sometimes centrist. That flexibility is what has reshaped Indian politics. PM Modi has been the driving force behind this transformation.” He also remarked that the Congress party has lost its relevance in the new political era.

Projecting the party’s future, Annamalai asserted, “In the next 25 years, the BJP will remain the only dominant political party. For that, the party is working tirelessly on growth and expansion.”

Defending PM Modi against critics, he compared him to Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who was once labelled authoritarian but later celebrated as a visionary. “Today, some call Modi a dictator. But after 50 years, his achievements will be recognised in the same way,” he said.

Highlighting PM Modi’s leadership, Annamalai stated that “PM Modi was the only leader to guide India through a war and still return to win elections.” He also pointed to international milestones, including the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, as a testament to PM Modi’s global influence.

Dismissing criticisms about the cost of PM Modi’s foreign trips, Annamalai said such expenses were routine for world leaders’ security. “When PM Modi stays in Saudi Arabia, critics claim he spends ₹16 crore. But even leaders like Putin or Kim Jong Un require the same level of precaution. That’s the global standard,” he remarked.

“PM Modi’s stature as India’s Prime Minister demands extraordinary security and respect. Those who criticise him fail to understand the responsibility and global recognition that come with leading a nation like India,” Annamalai added.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bjp-will-shape-indias-politics-for-next-25-years-says-annamalai-likening-pm-modi-to-lee-kuan-yew