The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has defended its decision to not implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana, stating that residents of Delhi already benefit from superior healthcare schemes. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court in response to a petition by seven BJP MPs, dismissing the move as a politically motivated attempt ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly elections.

The BJP MPs’ petition sought the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship initiative by the central government providing medical insurance. However, Bharadwaj argued that implementing the central scheme would result in a downgrade of the healthcare benefits currently available to Delhi residents.

In his affidavit, Bharadwaj claimed, “The petitioners are political persons, belonging to the principal opposition party in Delhi. This so-called public interest litigation is nothing but a political strategy in view of the upcoming elections.” He further criticized the petition for failing to compare the Centre’s scheme with Delhi’s policies, arguing that such a comparison would reveal the superiority of the state schemes.

The Delhi minister emphasized that substituting the current schemes with Ayushman Bharat would disadvantage the capital’s residents. He stated that healthcare policymaking falls under the state government’s jurisdiction and that courts should not interfere in policy formulation.

“Outdated data undermines Ayushman Bharat”
Bharadwaj also questioned the Centre’s use of 2011 Census data as the basis for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Calling the data “old and archaic,” he highlighted that it fails to address the evolving needs of society. “Many people currently receiving free medical services under Delhi’s schemes would be excluded from benefits if the outdated data is applied,” he noted.

The minister reiterated that Delhi’s existing healthcare initiatives are more inclusive and provide comprehensive coverage compared to Ayushman Bharat. He stressed the importance of tailored policies that cater to the city’s unique demographic and economic conditions.

BJP hits back
Responding to AAP’s claims, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj accused the Delhi government of showing no willingness to collaborate on implementing the central scheme. She clarified that Ayushman Bharat was not intended to replace state schemes but to complement them, ensuring wider healthcare coverage.

The clash highlights the ongoing tension between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led Centre, with both parties accusing each other of prioritizing political agendas over public welfare. As the debate unfolds, the court’s decision on the petition will determine the next steps for healthcare in the national capital.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India has secured a place among the top 25 global arms exporters, marking a significant shift in its defence capabilities. Speaking at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Monday, she highlighted this achievement as a testament to the country’s growing self-reliance in defence production.

“From being the second-largest arms importer in 2015 to 2019, India is now among the top 25 arms exporters with over 100 companies exporting products like BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, and Dornier aircraft,” Sitharaman stated.

The minister outlined India’s remarkable progress in indigenous defence production, with the financial year 2023-24 achieving a record-high production value of Rs 1.27 lakh crore—a 2.7-fold increase compared to 2014-15. Defence exports also soared to an all-time high of Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24, a staggering 30-fold jump from  Rs 686 crore in 2013-14.

Sitharaman attributed this growth to a combination of robust policy measures and investments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “In recent years, emphasis on defence production has made India a net exporter of defence components. Earlier, we were among the largest importers. Today, we are making a mark in global exports,” she noted.

The minister also underscored the strategic importance of coastal security and maritime trade to national security. Applauding the Rashtriya Raksha University for its role in training Indian coastal security forces, she pointed out that over 80% of global goods trade occurs via ships.

Additionally, she emphasized the government’s focus on port infrastructure development, revealing that India has doubled its port capacity in the last decade. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies ensure that our borders and coastal regions receive both financial and policy attention,” Sitharaman said.

India’s strides in the defence sector reflect its growing self-reliance and recognition as a significant player in the global arms trade, highlighting its transformation from an importer to an exporter in this strategic domain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commission three frontline naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Wednesday. The announcement, made by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Monday, highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime security and defence manufacturing capabilities.

According to the PMO, the commissioning of these state-of-the-art vessels represents a significant step towards India’s vision of becoming a global leader in the defence sector.

Details of the naval combatants

INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, is one of the world’s largest and most advanced destroyers. With 75% indigenous content, it features cutting-edge weapon-sensor systems and network-centric capabilities.

INS Nilgiri, the first ship under the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Incorporating advanced features for improved stealth, survivability, and seakeeping, this vessel represents the next generation of India’s indigenous frigates.

The third addition, INS Vaghsheer, is the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project. Built in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, it signifies India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and underwater warfare.

ISKCON temple inauguration

During his visit to Maharashtra, PM Modi will also inaugurate the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON initiative, in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Spanning nine acres, the project includes a temple, a Vedic education centre, proposed museums, an auditorium, and a healing centre.

The ISKCON temple is aimed at fostering universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony through Vedic teachings. It reflects PM Modi’s dedication to promoting India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the PMO noted.

A dual focus on defence and culture

The commissioning of the naval vessels alongside the inauguration of a significant cultural project underscores PM Modi’s emphasis on balancing India’s strategic ambitions with its cultural legacy. This visit to Maharashtra highlights India’s progress in defence innovation and the preservation of its rich traditions.