Defence Ordnance Factories' Exports Surge 81 Times Post-Corporatisation: Rajnath Defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted a dramatic increase in exports from ordnance factories following their corporatisation, stating that the sector's output has grown 81 times since 2019-20. During a visit to the Yantra India Limited (YIL) facility in Nagpur, Singh noted that exports rose from Rs81 crore in 2019-20 to Rs4,500 crore as of 2025-26. The corporatisation of 41 ordnance factories into seven defence public sector undertakings (PSUs) in 2021 has also led to a more than doubling of production, with total output reaching Rs26,000 crore in 2025-26 compared to Rs12,700 crore before the reform. Singh emphasized that the corporatisation was a strategic move to enhance autonomy and performance, with results now evident. The transformation has enabled the PSUs to explore overseas markets, with YIL alone achieving Rs397 crore in exports. The minister also pointed to broader growth in the defence sector, noting that total defence production value rose from Rs36,000 crore in 2014 to Rs1.78 lakh crore as of 2025-26. Exports, which were Rs1,000 crore in 2014, have surged 40 times to Rs40,000 crore. The reforms have also driven efforts toward self-reliance. A new 10,000-tonne extrusion plant at Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (OFAJ), a flagship unit of YIL, is set to supply high-grade aluminium to critical sectors. This material, previously imported, will now support manufacturing by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mazgaon Docks Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and even the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The plant, with an investment of Rs850 crore, aims to indigenise key components for fighter planes and other defence projects.#nagpur #rajnath_singh #yantra_india_limited #maharashtra_chief_minister #defence_public_sector_undertakings
Maharashtra Chief Minister Urges Language Learning, Condemns Violence in Name of Language Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of learning Marathi for all residents of the state during a speech on Maharashtra Day, while strongly condemning any form of violence or conflict associated with the language. Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis highlighted the need for linguistic unity and cultural pride, stressing that Marathi should serve as a unifying force rather than a tool for division. He reiterated that while the state encourages its citizens to embrace the Marathi language, any act of aggression or hostility under the guise of linguistic identity is unacceptable. Fadnavis addressed the growing emphasis on Marathi education, stating that all individuals residing in Maharashtra should make an effort to learn the language. He noted that the government and society would support those who have not yet acquired Marathi, ensuring access to resources and guidance. The chief minister also underscored the importance of preserving the language as a symbol of the state's heritage and identity, while advocating for inclusive policies that respect the diverse linguistic landscape of Maharashtra. The remarks came in the context of recent government directives mandating the use of Marathi in specific sectors, including the transportation industry. Officials had recently issued instructions requiring auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to communicate in Marathi, a move that sparked discussions about the balance between linguistic promotion and individual rights. Fadnavis clarified that such measures aim to foster a sense of belonging and cultural continuity, rather than impose restrictions.#devendra_fadnavis #marathi_language #maharashtra_chief_minister #maharashtra_day #maharashtra_economy
Maha orders 600 air coolers for Nagpur govt girls hostels Nagpur: After days of mounting complaints from girl students enduring extreme heat in government hostels, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed the installation of 600 air coolers in Nagpur facilities and mandated similar arrangements across Vidarbha. The decision is expected to benefit over 1,000 girls residing in government hostels across the city. The move follows a letter dated April 28 from nearly 100 residents of a government girls’ hostel in Besa, where temperatures hovering around 45°C left students struggling without cooling support. The students highlighted that existing policy rules prohibited the installation of coolers, a stance reiterated by hostel authorities and social welfare officials, who cited a lack of provision and funding approval. The students wrote that rising temperatures had caused severe physical distress during exam season, with several developing skin infections linked to prolonged exposure to heat. Officials informed the inmates that rules were framed by bureaucrats in Mumbai without considering Vidarbha’s extreme climate, with no provision for coolers in hostels. The absence of flexibility in the policy effectively blocked any interim relief, despite repeated appeals. A signed petition was forwarded to the chief minister’s office through BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari, corporator Ritesh Gawande, and member Vaibhav Bawankar. Acting on the representation, the CM directed secretary Asha Pathan and the social welfare department to immediately relax norms and facilitate cooling arrangements.#nagpur #devendra_fadnavis #vidarbha #maharashtra_chief_minister #girls_hostels
