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PM Modi unveils Kashmir’s grand rail revival weeks after Pahalgam attack

PM Narendra Modi flagged off the USBRL project and Vande Bharat trains during a high-profile visit to Jammu & Kashmir, marking a strong infrastructural and political statement after the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a significant post-terror attack outreach to Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated several key infrastructure projects today aimed at revolutionising the region’s connectivity and economy. Marking his first visit to the Union Territory since the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Prime Minister flagged off the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), a milestone project decades in the making.

Engineering marvels take centre stage

Two prominent features of the USBRL that drew national attention were inaugurated during the visit — the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge. The Chenab bridge, now officially the world’s highest railway arch, towers 359 metres above the Chenab River, eclipsing even the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres. The bridge is built to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h and has an estimated life span of 120 years, with construction costs pegged at ₹1,486 crore.

Meanwhile, the Anji Khad structure stands out as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, overcoming formidable terrain challenges to connect remote areas in the Reasi district.

Launch of Vande Bharat trains

Adding to the day’s events, PM Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Baramulla and Katra, with operations beginning June 7. The service, expected to run six days a week, will significantly reduce travel time and provide high-speed rail access to pilgrimage and tourism hubs, including the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Decades-long project nears completion

The USBRL was initially sanctioned in 1994, but construction only gained momentum in 2002. Of its 272 km length, 209 km had been previously commissioned in phases. The final and most difficult stretch — from Sangaldan to Reasi — was completed in December 2024. This phase involved deep tunnelling and complex bridge-building in the Himalayan terrain, particularly in the Pir Panjal range.

The Katra-Banihal segment alone comprises over 97 km of tunnels and 49 bridges, including major ones such as Bridge 220 and 224. Tunnel T-50, stretching 12.77 km, is now the country’s longest railway tunnel.

Strategic timing amid counter-terror push

The timing of PM Modi’s visit is seen as a bold political and strategic message. It follows the launch of Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror offensive targeting militant infrastructure across the Line of Control. Addressing the nation recently, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s resolve against terrorism, stating that those responsible for attacks would face “the severest punishment”.

Economic and tourism implications

The government envisions a significant economic transformation in Kashmir through these infrastructure developments. According to the Union Railway Minister, five railway terminals are being developed between Baramulla and Jammu, aimed at facilitating the movement of fruits, handicrafts, and other regional goods.

In addition, the success of recent freight runs transporting cherries from Kashmir has sparked interest in replicating the model for other produce. Rail connectivity is also expected to reduce dependence on the often-closed Jammu-Srinagar highway, bringing down flight costs to the Valley during peak closures due to snowfall or landslides.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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