Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday evening said the “Kashmir model” has been exported to the national capital, reacting to the internet shutdown in central Delhi ahead of the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

“Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on the New Jammu & Kashmir,” Omar wrote on X late Friday.

The union Home Ministry authorised a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services in parts of Delhi.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday also drew a parallel between the developments in Delhi and the restrictions imposed in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Mehbooba recalled the communication blackout and restrictions on movement imposed in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that authorities has subsequently claimed that nobody had protested against the decision.

“Today’s Delhi is a chilling reminder of Kashmir after the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. People were locked in their homes, the internet was shut down, and an entire region was placed under siege. The BJP then brazenly claimed that nobody had protested,” Mehbooba said on X.

“Today, with Delhi under siege, trains halted and roads to Jantar Mantar sealed, they may repeat the same lie, claiming that nobody protested against Gyanesh Kumar. First crush the protest, then deny it ever happened. This is how enforced silence is passed off as consent,” she added.

The remarks by top J&K politician came amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital, with roads leading to Jantar Mantar facing restrictions and protesters seeking to demonstrate against Gyanesh Kumar.

Gurugram|Oct, 7 : The Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday elevated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25-year political journey into the pantheon of India’s greatest democratic achievements, declaring that this extraordinary era of unbroken public service would be remembered as a golden chapter in the nation’s history.
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha-Seva Jyoti Yatra in Gurugram, Shah described October 7 as a watershed moment in Indian democracy, a day that marks a quarter-century of relentless, transformative leadership that has redefined the contours of national governance.
In a stirring address that wove together the narrative of personal struggle and national resurgence, Shah recalled how a man born into the most modest of circumstances had, through extraordinary ability, unwavering resolve and the collective faith of millions of Indians, ascended to lead the nation as Chief Minister and Prime Minister for 25 uninterrupted years. When future generations read the history of modern India, these 25 years of Narendra Modi will glow as a golden epoch, a living testament to what is possible when leadership is forged in service and guided by vision, Shah proclaimed.
The Home Minister crafted a sweeping panorama of Modi’s tenure as an era defined by epochal national achievements. From the historic campaign to emancipate millions from the clutches of poverty to the fortification of India’s security framework, from the momentous abrogation of Article 370 to the resolute campaign against Naxalism, from the consecration of the Ram Temple and the magnificent rejuvenation of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the unparalleled expansion of infrastructure across every corner of the nation, Shah painted a portrait of governance built on decisive action and tangible outcomes. He further emphasised that 25 crore people had been elevated above the poverty line under Modi’s stewardship, a figure that stands as irrefutable evidence of the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive and equitable development.
The Seva Jyoti Yatra, Shah elaborated, is being carried out across districts as part of a comprehensive national campaign commemorating Modi’s 25 years in public life. This yatra constitutes a vital pillar of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, a month-long observance spanning from September 17 to October 17 that seeks to bridge the ideals of service with the energy of grassroots participation. As part of the Gurugram programme, young participants were entrusted with carrying the Seva Jyoti to an intersection approximately 800 metres from the venue, where the ceremonial torch would be installed, symbolising the radiance of service illuminating every corner of the nation. The programme was anchored at the Maharana Pratap Swarn Jayanti Udyan, widely known as Leisure Valley, with the sacred flame proceeding towards the landmark Signature Tower Chowk.
The gathering acquired a distinctly national stature through the physical presence of union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Nitin Nabin were scheduled to join virtually, thereby connecting the event to the highest leadership of both the party and the government. A torch march encompassing all four Assembly constituencies of Gurugram was also scheduled to follow the main proceedings, carrying the message of service and national pride deeper into the region.
Shah issued a fervent appeal to the people, particularly the youth, to participate in the Seva Jyoti Yatra in overwhelming numbers. He positioned the campaign not merely as a commemoration but as a mass movement that fuses the spirit of public service with the overarching national mission of building a developed India. The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, he noted, encompasses an expansive array of service-oriented initiatives including blood donation drives, the Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra, far-reaching public outreach programmes and other activities designed to bring the government’s welfare agenda to the doorsteps of the people.
The BJP has organised similar Seva Jyoti Yatra programmes at numerous locations across Haryana, with party leaders describing the initiative as a deliberate endeavour to embed the message of service and nation-building into the everyday consciousness of the people. In a notable political development, BJP leader Smriti Irani, who was appointed the party’s Haryana in-charge on September 23, made her long-awaited debut in the state by attending the Gurugram programme alongside party co-in-charge Bhola Singh. Her presence carried profound symbolic significance, marking her first official engagement in Haryana since assuming her new role. union Minister Rao Inderjit and BJP Haryana President Dr Archna Gupta and were also present on this occasion.

New Delhi|Oct, 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for technology to become a powerful instrument of inclusive and sustainable development, stressing that digital services must remain affordable, accessible and available to the last mile as India seeks a greater role in shaping the global digital future.
Interacting with members of the Board of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) at Seva Teerth in New Delhi ahead of the India Mobile Congress, Modi said no section of society should be left behind by the rapid pace of digital transformation. The interaction focused on India’s expanding digital and mobile ecosystem, the global potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), cybersecurity and digital fraud, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, as well as international cooperation in 5G, 6G and satellite connectivity. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to democratise technology and ensure that digital progress does not deepen existing inequalities.
He underlined the importance of making technology and digital services affordable and accessible, particularly for countries of the Global South, and taking digital solutions to the last mile. Modi also highlighted the growing international interest in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, describing it as a potentially transformative model for developing countries. He said his discussions with several world leaders on DPI had demonstrated the increasing global interest in India’s experience and suggested that such platforms could provide a springboard for countries across the Global South to accelerate inclusive digital development. Cybersecurity and the rising threat of digital fraud figured prominently in the discussions.
Modi stressed that technology-driven solutions would be essential to tackle cyber and digital fraud and called for sustained awareness campaigns to alert users to fraudulent calls and other forms of digital deception. On artificial intelligence and other rapidly evolving technologies, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of developing global standards and common rules. Referring to the growing threat posed by deepfakes and AI-generated content, he suggested exploring mechanisms that could enable users to immediately identify the origin of digitally generated or manipulated content. The issue has assumed increasing significance with the rapid spread of generative AI and the growing sophistication of synthetic content, raising concerns over misinformation, digital trust and the ability of users to distinguish authentic material from manipulated or AI-generated content.
GSMA Board members, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted India’s emergence as a major global force in digital and mobile connectivity and acknowledged the country’s rapid expansion of 4G and 5G networks, the scale of its Digital Public Infrastructure and the growth of its telecom and mobile manufacturing ecosystem. Representatives of leading global telecom companies also appreciated India’s investment-friendly policy framework and stressed the importance of secure, resilient and trusted digital infrastructure in sustaining the country’s digital growth. They identified significant opportunities for deeper international cooperation with India in 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and satellite connectivity. The engagement comes as India prepares for the India Mobile Congress, one of the country’s major platforms for showcasing developments in telecommunications, mobile technology and the wider digital economy.
The interaction with GSMA Board members underscores the government’s effort to position India not only as one of the world’s largest markets for next-generation digital technologies but also as an active partner in shaping global technology standards, infrastructure and digital policy. The discussions also come at a time when the global telecom industry is preparing for the transition towards next-generation connectivity, including 6G, while grappling with challenges ranging from cybersecurity and digital fraud to artificial intelligence, digital trust and unequal access to technology.
The GSMA is a global organisation representing the mobile ecosystem, bringing together mobile operators and organisations across the wider mobile and adjacent technology industries. Its engagement with India assumes significance as the country seeks to leverage its vast digital ecosystem, telecom infrastructure and technology capabilities to deepen international partnerships and contribute to the evolution of the global digital landscape.
The meeting was attended by union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, members of the GSMA Board and senior officials of the Government of India.

New Delhi, Oct 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries had entered a new phase of economic cooperation with the implementation of their landmark Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), describing it as India’s “first free trade agreement” with a European economic bloc.
Addressing the press alongside Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin, Modi said the agreement would significantly expand market access for Indian products in Switzerland and facilitate greater investment flows between the two countries. “We have implemented a historic Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA, countries. This is India’s first FTA with any European economic bloc,” PM Modi said. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
The agreement, signed in March 2024, entered into force on October 1, 2025, providing preferential market access and establishing a framework for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, services and technology. EFTA countries have offered market access covering 92.2 per cent of tariff lines, accounting for 99.6 per cent of India’s exports.
PM Modi said India and Switzerland had taken several important decisions to improve access for Indian products in the Swiss market and make investments between the two countries easier. Agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods are among the sectors expected to gain from expanded export opportunities. At the same time, India is seeking to attract fresh Swiss investment into sectors including biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability. The TEPA carries an investment commitment of USD 100 billion over 15 years and is linked to the facilitation of one million direct jobs in India.
The agreement is also expected to deepen cooperation in services and enable Indian companies to integrate more closely with advanced European value chains, giving a further push to India’s efforts to expand its global trade and investment partnerships. PM Modi placed particular emphasis on people-to-people ties, describing them as “the greatest strength” of the India-Switzerland partnership. He said the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and the Young Professionals Agreement between the two countries would create new opportunities for Indian students, researchers, professionals and young people in Switzerland.
“People-to-people ties are the greatest strength of our partnership,” the PM said, adding that the new arrangements would provide greater avenues for mobility and professional engagement. India and Switzerland have been seeking to broaden their relationship beyond trade, with cooperation extending to science and technology, innovation, skill development, research and investment. Swiss companies have expanded their presence in India, while Indian companies in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals and life sciences have established operations in Switzerland.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 140 Indian companies have invested in 180 entities in Switzerland, creating around 5,600 jobs, underlining the growing commercial dimension of the bilateral relationship. Turning to international affairs, Modi said India and Switzerland shared a commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy and would continue to work together for global peace and stability. “Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, India has consistently supported every meaningful effort towards peace,” he said.
Modi also said the two sides agreed on the need to reform global institutions so that they could respond more effectively to mounting international challenges. “We are also in agreement that reforms in global institutions are essential to find solutions to the growing global challenges,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as India and Switzerland seek to convert the implementation of TEPA into stronger trade and investment flows. Modi and Parmelin had earlier reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, skills and people-to-people ties, and welcomed the momentum generated by the implementation of the India-EFTA agreement.

New Delhi| Oct, 03: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated India’s men’s hockey team for retaining the Asian Games gold medal, describing the 2026 campaign as a “truly special” chapter for Indian hockey after both the men’s and women’s teams emerged champions at the same Games.
In a message posted by his office on social media platform X, Modi said, “The 2026 Asian Games have been truly special for Indian Hockey!” and congratulated the men’s team for its commanding victory in the final. “Congratulations to our Men’s Hockey Team on retaining the Asian Games Gold with a commanding

Says “ Onus On Youth to Drive India’s Journey To Viksit Bharat By 2047”

New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the country is moving rapidly on the Reform Express and the institutions that conduct examinations must also work on reforms that are the need of the country.
Addressing the Centenary Celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi Prime Minister Modi said that an examination should not be considered just an event as it is related to the future of the youth.
Mr Modi noted that a delay of even a few months can create difficulties for the youth, and therefore, the examination system should follow the principle of time certainty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that over the 100-year journey of UPSC, the generations, governments, technology, and syllabi have changed, but the trust in this institution remains as unwavering as ever.
Mr Modi stressed the need to bring young people into public services who are drawn not to public office but to public service. He said, today, 21st-century India is moving forward with a new work culture and its core principle is Pro-People, Pro-Active, Good Governance.
The Prime Minister said his Government’s mantra is Nagarik Devo Bhava and serving the citizens is paramount. He said, for a Viksit Bharat, the kind of governance the country now needs will be enabled to a great extent by institutions such as the UPSC and the State Public Service Commissions. Mr Modi said the young people being recruited today will play an important role in building a Viksit Bharat.
Prime Minister Modi said India in 2047 will be very different from the India of today. He said India will be more urban, the gap between villages and cities will be smaller, and the aspirations and expectations of the citizens, especially the youth, will be much higher. He said the next 20 to 25 years will be extremely important for every Indian and for every institution in the country.
Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said that UPSC has achieved several milestones and added many new dimensions during the last twelve years.
He said the number of government appointments made through UPSC has increased, and transparency in the recruitment system has also improved, leading to greater public trust.
Dr Singh highlighted that approximately 65 thousand appointments were made through the UPSC during the NDA’s 12-year tenure, compared with around 45 thousand appointments during the UPA’s ten-year tenure. The Minister said that today, UPSC has become a role model for recruitment agencies across the country and the world.
Chairman UPSC Dr Ajay Kumar said, since independence, generations of the nation’s youth have come to the Commission’s doorstep with dreams of serving the country and UPSC has ensured that they are judged solely on the touchstone of merit. He said, currently, women constitute approximately 30 per cent of the successful candidates in the Civil Services Examination.
Dr Kumar said, measures such as identifying duplicate applications with the help of Artificial Intelligence, real-time OCR-based evaluation of millions of documents uploaded by candidates and face authentication for lakhs of candidates at examination centers are some of the recent steps adopted by the Commission to further strengthen fairness and security.
The programme marks the culmination of year-long celebrations that commenced on 1st October last year, commemorating 100 years since the establishment of the UPSC in 1926.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi released a UPSC Centenary Commemorative Coin, a Commemorative Stamp and a Book titled ‘100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India ‘.

Srinagar, Sept 26 (UNI) Senior BJP leader Ashok Kaul has stepped down as the party’s General Secretary (Organisation) in Jammu and Kashmir, ending a more than decade-long stint in the key organisational post he had held since 2012.