Spearheading the entertainment content consumption wave across India with compelling stories and blockbuster movies, leading Content &amp; Technology powerhouse, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (‘Z’) has further established a stronger presence in the linear ecosystem by achieving a 48-week high market share of 18.6% (15+ India Urban) in Week 22 of 2026. The company witnessed strong viewership growth of 120 basis points as compared to the previous quarter, driven by the flagship Hindi channels – Zee TV and Zee Cinema.<h2>Viewership growth in Zee Entertainment</h2>The robust omni-channel content strategy implemented by the company is accruing massive gains across the language markets. The fresh content slate comprising emotionally rooted narratives across the fiction programming, coupled with high-impact non-fiction properties, is garnering strong resonance from consumers. The entertainment offerings are further being complemented by key movie premieres to deliver a holistic, family viewing experience to consumers.&nbsp;The company's flagship Hindi General Entertainment Channel (GEC), Zee TV, continues to chart a robust growth trajectory as the primetime leader in HSM for 17 consecutive weeks. The channel has further cemented its position with its fiction shows – ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan’, ‘Vasudha’ and ‘Tum Se Tum Tak’ occupying the top 3 spots in the genre. With upcoming launches including ‘Tu Hi Re Dil Mein’ and ‘Dilon ki Ram Leela’ encompassing strong characters and a high emotional quotient, Zee TV aims to fortify its foothold and garner a larger share of the Hindi GEC pie.&nbsp;In the movie genre, Zee Cinema consolidated the crown as the leading channel with a viewership growth of 27% in Week 22. The growth was driven by world TV premieres of popular films, including ‘Akhanda 2 – Thaandavam’, ‘Kishkindhapuri’ and ‘Dil Madharaasi’. Featuring the best of action, horror and thrill, the movies garnered massive popularity amongst consumers.<h2>Strong momentum across language markets</h2>The language markets also displayed a strong growth momentum by maintaining a robust position amongst the top 2 spots across the key regions. Zee Marathi remained the fastest-growing Marathi GEC, witnessing a growth from 33.9% (Q4FY26) to 38.8% in the latest week. Remarkably, the channel has clocked an 82% rise in viewership in 3 years (May ’26 vs May ’23), driven by a strategic expansion into non-primetime original programming. The channel’s compelling fiction slate has enabled it to achieve slot leadership with 5 shows in the Top 10 rankings. The Marathi movies cluster has also fortified its leadership with a 57.8% share.&nbsp;In the East, Zee Bangla retained its crown as the No. 1 channel across genres in Kolkata. The channel also attained leadership in non-fiction on the back of marquee, high-impact content IPs like ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ and ‘Didi No. 1’. The robust performance across both fiction and non-fiction has further enabled the channel to garner 10 out of the 14 prime-time slots in the language. The company's movie channel in the market, namely Zee Bangla Sonar, also dominates the movies genre with a 39.4% share.&nbsp;The company has been witnessing consistent gains accruing from the Odia GEC market, with Zee Sarthak maintaining a firm leadership in the genre for the 6th consecutive year. The Southern region has been one of the company's strongest growth drivers across its linear portfolio, and it continues to contribute significantly towards the overall market share with compelling content offerings. Zee Kannada was a strong performer by retaining its leadership in the GEC genre for the eighth consecutive year. Its fiction shows occupy 5 slots amongst the top 10, while non-fiction properties like ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs’ and ‘Jodi No. 1’ enjoy high resonance across consumer cohorts.&nbsp;Zee Telugu has claimed its position as the No. 1 GEC channel in 2 of the last 5 weeks, witnessed for the first time since 2020. The channel is also the leader across genres in Hyderabad. The movie channel Zee Cinemalu continues to hold the No. 2 spot in the Telugu movies genre with a 25.2% share.&nbsp;Similarly, Zee Tamil is the fastest-growing channel in the market, with its share increasing to 21.1% in Q4FY26. The channel ranks No. 2 in rural with a 24.9% share. Zee Keralam also attained the No. 2 spot amongst Malayalam GECs in May 2026 with an 11.5% market share.<h2>Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd's CCO on success of content strategy</h2>Commenting on the success of the content strategy, Raghavendra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, said, “As a network, our success comes from staying true to our core promise while continuously understanding the evolving consumer. We believe the future of entertainment lies in premium, culturally rooted stories that are authentic, emotionally resonant and crafted with cinematic excellence. Even during one of the most competitive viewing periods of the year, audiences continued to choose our stories. For us, this is the strongest validation that authentic storytelling transcends events and competition. As we look ahead, our focus remains unchanged: to understand consumers deeply, tell stories that matter and build a powerful content ecosystem. This milestone is encouraging, but for us, it is only one step in a much larger journey.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The recent launch of four sports channels under the brand name Unite8 Sports, coupled with new fiction and non-fiction launches across languages, enables the company to remain well-positioned for strong viewership gains on the back of compelling content offerings.&nbsp;

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd witnessed a strong viewership growth and has achieved a 48-week high market share of 18.6%. The Chief Content Officer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd also spoke about the success of content strategy.

Spearheading the entertainment content consumption wave across India with compelling stories and blockbuster movies, leading Content & Technology powerhouse, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (‘Z’) has further established a stronger presence in the linear ecosystem by achieving a 48-week high market share of 18.6% (15+ India Urban) in Week 22 of 2026. The company witnessed strong viewership growth of 120 basis points as compared to the previous quarter, driven by the flagship Hindi channels – Zee TV and Zee Cinema. Viewership growth in Zee Entertainment The robust omni-channel content strategy implemented by the company is accruing massive gains across the language markets. The fresh content slate comprising emotionally rooted narratives across the fiction programming, coupled with high-impact non-fiction properties, is garnering strong resonance from consumers. The entertainment offerings are further being complemented by key movie premieres to deliver a holistic, family viewing experience to consumers. The company's flagship Hindi General Entertainment Channel (GEC), Zee TV, continues to chart a robust growth trajectory as the primetime leader in HSM for 17 consecutive weeks. The channel has further cemented its position with its fiction shows – ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan’, ‘Vasudha’ and ‘Tum Se Tum Tak’ occupying the top 3 spots in the genre. With upcoming launches including ‘Tu Hi Re Dil Mein’ and ‘Dilon ki Ram Leela’ encompassing strong characters and a high emotional quotient, Zee TV aims to fortify its foothold and garner a larger share of the Hindi GEC pie. In the movie genre, Zee Cinema consolidated the crown as the leading channel with a viewership growth of 27% in Week 22. The growth was driven by world TV premieres of popular films, including ‘Akhanda 2 – Thaandavam’, ‘Kishkindhapuri’ and ‘Dil Madharaasi’. Featuring the best of action, horror and thrill, the movies garnered massive popularity amongst consumers. Strong momentum across language markets The language markets also displayed a strong growth momentum by maintaining a robust position amongst the top 2 spots across the key regions. Zee Marathi remained the fastest-growing Marathi GEC, witnessing a growth from 33.9% (Q4FY26) to 38.8% in the latest week. Remarkably, the channel has clocked an 82% rise in viewership in 3 years (May ’26 vs May ’23), driven by a strategic expansion into non-primetime original programming. The channel’s compelling fiction slate has enabled it to achieve slot leadership with 5 shows in the Top 10 rankings. The Marathi movies cluster has also fortified its leadership with a 57.8% share. In the East, Zee Bangla retained its crown as the No. 1 channel across genres in Kolkata. The channel also attained leadership in non-fiction on the back of marquee, high-impact content IPs like ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ and ‘Didi No. 1’. The robust performance across both fiction and non-fiction has further enabled the channel to garner 10 out of the 14 prime-time slots in the language. The company's movie channel in the market, namely Zee Bangla Sonar, also dominates the movies genre with a 39.4% share. The company has been witnessing consistent gains accruing from the Odia GEC market, with Zee Sarthak maintaining a firm leadership in the genre for the 6th consecutive year. The Southern region has been one of the company's strongest growth drivers across its linear portfolio, and it continues to contribute significantly towards the overall market share with compelling content offerings. Zee Kannada was a strong performer by retaining its leadership in the GEC genre for the eighth consecutive year. Its fiction shows occupy 5 slots amongst the top 10, while non-fiction properties like ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs’ and ‘Jodi No. 1’ enjoy high resonance across consumer cohorts. Zee Telugu has claimed its position as the No. 1 GEC channel in 2 of the last 5 weeks, witnessed for the first time since 2020. The channel is also the leader across genres in Hyderabad. The movie channel Zee Cinemalu continues to hold the No. 2 spot in the Telugu movies genre with a 25.2% share. Similarly, Zee Tamil is the fastest-growing channel in the market, with its share increasing to 21.1% in Q4FY26. The channel ranks No. 2 in rural with a 24.9% share. Zee Keralam also attained the No. 2 spot amongst Malayalam GECs in May 2026 with an 11.5% market share. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd's CCO on success of content strategy Commenting on the success of the content strategy, Raghavendra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, said, “As a network, our success comes from staying true to our core promise while continuously understanding the evolving consumer. We believe the future of entertainment lies in premium, culturally rooted stories that are authentic, emotionally resonant and crafted with cinematic excellence. Even during one of the most competitive viewing periods of the year, audiences continued to choose our stories. For us, this is the strongest validation that authentic storytelling transcends events and competition. As we look ahead, our focus remains unchanged: to understand consumers deeply, tell stories that matter and build a powerful content ecosystem. This milestone is encouraging, but for us, it is only one step in a much larger journey.” The recent launch of four sports channels under the brand name Unite8 Sports, coupled with new fiction and non-fiction launches across languages, enables the company to remain well-positioned for strong viewership gains on the back of compelling content offerings.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd witnessed a strong viewership growth and has achieved a 48-week high market share of 18.6%. The Chief Content Officer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd also spoke about the success of content strategy.

Zee Entertainment achieves 48-week high market share of 18.6 per cent in week 22 of 2026

We live in the age of the quick fix. Scroll through any feed &amp; you are hit with "30-day transformations" &amp; "miracle detoxes" that promise zero effort. Dangerous, right? Because it creates this delusion: fitness is a product you buy, not a life you build.&nbsp;Here's what a decade in the female fitness space teaches you: the industry changes, but the misunderstanding? It just gets deeper. It is not about counting reps anymore. It is fighting this quiet battle, the expectation that someone else holds the magic wand."It's rewarding, don't get me wrong. But the struggle? Constant," says Pooja Kaushik, certified fitness coach &amp; wellness advocate.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/want-brighter-skin-collagen-supplements-helps-but-these-nutrients-matter-too-expert-explains-1781347677448">Want brighter skin? Collagen supplements helps, but these nutrients matter too</a><h2>Weight loss is not a miracle</h2>Clients walk in hoping for a miracle. Weight dropping without diet changes. Without protein. Without drinking enough water to, well, keep a plant alive. Sound familiar?It is not laziness. It is conditioning. We have been sold the shortcut for so long, we forget: true fitness is not punishment. It is a pact between your mind &amp; your body. And for women, that pact comes with fine print.&nbsp;Hormones, for one. Irregular periods. Menopause is creeping in. That monthly cycle swing. These are not footnotes. They are main events dictating energy, mood, and metabolism. When hormonal chaos hits, mental resilience dips. Mind struggles, body follows.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/when-a-headache-is-not-just-stress-red-flags-that-could-signal-brain-aneurysms-1780419931212">Brain aneurysm signs: When your headache is trying to tell you something serious</a>&nbsp;"Mind &amp; body are a team. If you are drained mentally, it shows in your workout. In your health. But when the scale won't budge because of natural fluctuations? Guess who gets blamed? People chase the mirror, ignore the internal work. The health scorecard? Forgotten," Pooja adds.&nbsp;Then there is the mirror trap. Celebrating waist inches dropping without asking “how”. Unhealthy muscle loss shrinks the tape measure, sure. But it wrecks your metabolism. That is not fitness. That is slow-motion deterioration.&nbsp;Ignoring fatigue. Pushing through pain. Dismissing irregular cycles for a number on a scale. Setup for failure? Absolutely. The weight returns. Often with interest. New health issues tag along.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137">WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up?</a> Here is the irony nobody mentions: people hesitate to invest in a trainer's expertise. Call it an "extra expense." Yet those same folks will spend fortunes later, on doctors, meds, post-trauma care when neglected health finally catches up. "Sad, isn't it? We invest in the cure. Rarely in the prevention." Other silent progress-killers? Sleep. Treated like an option when it is actually the foundation. You literally cannot out-train a bad night's rest. And consistency? Often sacrificed for intensity. Truth: a moderate workout, daily, for a year? Beats a brutal two-week burnout every time.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/are-lab-grown-diamonds-the-future-of-fine-jewellery-here-s-what-experts-say-1781283290644">Are lab-grown diamonds the future of fine jewellery? Here's what experts say</a><h2>Consistency is a must</h2>This is not a critique. It is a reality check. An industry sells dreams; most people just want to get healthy. But that trap, the magic stick hunt? It is real.&nbsp;"Fitness requires discipline. Not perfection. Show up. Drink the water. Eat the protein. Listen to your body even when it is hard. That is the only magic there is."&nbsp;One more thing: sleep is not just "rest." It is when your body actually repairs. Skip it, &amp; your hunger hormones go rogue, ghrelin spikes, leptin drops. Suddenly, that 6 PM snack is not a choice anymore. It is biology.&nbsp;Also, consistency beats heroics. 20 minutes daily &gt; 2 hours once a week. Your future self will thank you.&nbsp;

Fitness is not defined by how much you weigh. Your true health has many other aspects that people often skip. Wellness coach reveals why proper nutrition, and listening to your body matter more than quick transformations. 


We live in the age of the quick fix. Scroll through any feed & you are hit with "30-day transformations" & "miracle detoxes" that promise zero effort. Dangerous, right? Because it creates this delusion: fitness is a product you buy, not a life you build. Here's what a decade in the female fitness space teaches you: the industry changes, but the misunderstanding? It just gets deeper. It is not about counting reps anymore. It is fighting this quiet battle, the expectation that someone else holds the magic wand. "It's rewarding, don't get me wrong. But the struggle? Constant," says Pooja Kaushik, certified fitness coach & wellness advocate. Also Read: Want brighter skin? Collagen supplements helps, but these nutrients matter too Weight loss is not a miracle Clients walk in hoping for a miracle. Weight dropping without diet changes. Without protein. Without drinking enough water to, well, keep a plant alive. Sound familiar? It is not laziness. It is conditioning. We have been sold the shortcut for so long, we forget: true fitness is not punishment. It is a pact between your mind & your body. And for women, that pact comes with fine print. Hormones, for one. Irregular periods. Menopause is creeping in. That monthly cycle swing. These are not footnotes. They are main events dictating energy, mood, and metabolism. When hormonal chaos hits, mental resilience dips. Mind struggles, body follows. Also Read: Brain aneurysm signs: When your headache is trying to tell you something serious "Mind & body are a team. If you are drained mentally, it shows in your workout. In your health. But when the scale won't budge because of natural fluctuations? Guess who gets blamed? People chase the mirror, ignore the internal work. The health scorecard? Forgotten," Pooja adds. Then there is the mirror trap. Celebrating waist inches dropping without asking “how”. Unhealthy muscle loss shrinks the tape measure, sure. But it wrecks your metabolism. That is not fitness. That is slow-motion deterioration. Ignoring fatigue. Pushing through pain. Dismissing irregular cycles for a number on a scale. Setup for failure? Absolutely. The weight returns. Often with interest. New health issues tag along. Also Read: WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here is the irony nobody mentions: people hesitate to invest in a trainer's expertise. Call it an "extra expense." Yet those same folks will spend fortunes later, on doctors, meds, post-trauma care when neglected health finally catches up. "Sad, isn't it? We invest in the cure. Rarely in the prevention." Other silent progress-killers? Sleep. Treated like an option when it is actually the foundation. You literally cannot out-train a bad night's rest. And consistency? Often sacrificed for intensity. Truth: a moderate workout, daily, for a year? Beats a brutal two-week burnout every time. Also Read: Are lab-grown diamonds the future of fine jewellery? Here's what experts say Consistency is a must This is not a critique. It is a reality check. An industry sells dreams; most people just want to get healthy. But that trap, the magic stick hunt? It is real. "Fitness requires discipline. Not perfection. Show up. Drink the water. Eat the protein. Listen to your body even when it is hard. That is the only magic there is." One more thing: sleep is not just "rest." It is when your body actually repairs. Skip it, & your hunger hormones go rogue, ghrelin spikes, leptin drops. Suddenly, that 6 PM snack is not a choice anymore. It is biology. Also, consistency beats heroics. 20 minutes daily > 2 hours once a week. Your future self will thank you.

Fitness is not defined by how much you weigh. Your true health has many other aspects that people often skip. Wellness coach reveals why proper nutrition, and listening to your body matter more than quick transformations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Beyond the scale: The hard truth about fitness nobody talks about

Hyderabad is set to become the center of the archery world this October as the Archery Premier League (APL) arrives in the City of Pearls for its second season. From October 8 to 18, People's Plaza on Necklace Road will host eleven days of elite competition, bringing together six franchise teams and many of the world's finest archers for a sporting spectacle.Initiated by the Archery Association of India (AAI), and backed by the Government of Telangana, Season 2 builds on the success of a landmark inaugural edition in New Delhi last year. The league will once again bring Olympic champions, world champions, world number ones, and some of the biggest names in archery to Indian shores, as Hyderabad prepares to host a world-class sporting spectacle. Leading Indian archers include former World No. 1 and four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari, four-time Olympian Atanu Das, 2023 Compound World Champion Gold Medallist Ojas Deotale, top Compound archers Jyoti Surekha, Abhishek Verma and Olympian Ankita Bhakat, alongside an elite field of international stars.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-announces-record-hike-in-prize-money-for-2026-singles-winners-to-get-nealry-5-million-1781252966583">Wimbledon announces record hike in prize money for upcoming edition</a>Launched in 2025 with the objective of strengthening India's Olympic medal prospects in archery, the Archery Premier League (APL) was conceived as a platform that enables Indian archers to compete in a high-performance environment.The league for the first time brings together recurve and compound archers both men and women shooting together in competitive conditions while introducing a unique 15- second shot clock, five seconds shorter than the 20-second limit used in Olympic and World Archery competitions-placing an added premium on speed, composure and decision-making under pressure. APL is currently the world's only franchise based archery league and enjoys the support of World Archery and World Archery Asia.With the advent of season 2 on the horizon, Mr. Anil Kamineni, Director, APL, said, “We are delighted to bring the Archery Premier League to Hyderabad for Season 2 and are grateful to the Government of Telangana for its support in making this possible. The city has a rich sporting culture, a deep appreciation for excellence, and the energy to host an event of this scale. The inaugural season demonstrated not only the immense potential of archery as a spectator sport but also the value of creating a platform where Indian archers can compete alongside the world's best. As we build on that foundation, our focus remains on strengthening India's archery ecosystem, providing world-class competitive opportunities for athletes, and inspiring the next generation of talent. We are confident that Hyderabad will provide the perfect stage for a memorable second season.”The 11-day tournament will feature six franchises, Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, Prithviraaj Yodhas, Kakatiya Knights, Chero Archers and Chola Chiefs — with a total of 48 Indian and international archers competing across recurve and compound disciplines. Each team will field a mixed squad of eight archers, with the competition following a double round-robin format. The top four teams at the end of the league stage will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in the final on October 18.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Virendra Sachdeva, Secretary General, AAI and Director, APL, said, “APL was conceived with a larger vision of strengthening India's pathway to Olympic success in archery. For our athletes to consistently compete for medals on the world's biggest stages, they need regular exposure to the highest standards of competition, and that is what the league seeks to provide. At the same time, APL has created a unique model for the sport globally by combining elite international participation with a franchise-based format that brings archery closer to fans. We believe the league is not only helping raise the competitive standards of Indian archery but is also contributing to the evolution of how the sport is presented and experienced worldwide.”Season 1 crowned Rajputana Royals as champions and featured several leading names from the sport, including Olympic gold medallist Mete Gazoz and Compound World Champion Ella Gibson. The league also attracted interest from prominent personalities, including actor and entrepreneur Ram Charan. The Hyderabad edition is expected to feature another strong field of Indian and international archers as the competition enters its second season.Further details on team squads, player signings, the match schedule and broadcast partners for the October 8–18 tournament will be announced in the coming weeks.

Launched in 2025 with the objective of strengthening India's Olympic medal prospects in archery, the Archery Premier League (APL) was conceived as a platform that enables Indian archers to compete in a high-performance environment.

Hyderabad is set to become the center of the archery world this October as the Archery Premier League (APL) arrives in the City of Pearls for its second season. From October 8 to 18, People's Plaza on Necklace Road will host eleven days of elite competition, bringing together six franchise teams and many of the world's finest archers for a sporting spectacle. Initiated by the Archery Association of India (AAI), and backed by the Government of Telangana, Season 2 builds on the success of a landmark inaugural edition in New Delhi last year. The league will once again bring Olympic champions, world champions, world number ones, and some of the biggest names in archery to Indian shores, as Hyderabad prepares to host a world-class sporting spectacle. Leading Indian archers include former World No. 1 and four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari, four-time Olympian Atanu Das, 2023 Compound World Champion Gold Medallist Ojas Deotale, top Compound archers Jyoti Surekha, Abhishek Verma and Olympian Ankita Bhakat, alongside an elite field of international stars. Also Read - Wimbledon announces record hike in prize money for upcoming edition Launched in 2025 with the objective of strengthening India's Olympic medal prospects in archery, the Archery Premier League (APL) was conceived as a platform that enables Indian archers to compete in a high-performance environment. The league for the first time brings together recurve and compound archers both men and women shooting together in competitive conditions while introducing a unique 15- second shot clock, five seconds shorter than the 20-second limit used in Olympic and World Archery competitions-placing an added premium on speed, composure and decision-making under pressure. APL is currently the world's only franchise based archery league and enjoys the support of World Archery and World Archery Asia. With the advent of season 2 on the horizon, Mr. Anil Kamineni, Director, APL, said, “We are delighted to bring the Archery Premier League to Hyderabad for Season 2 and are grateful to the Government of Telangana for its support in making this possible. The city has a rich sporting culture, a deep appreciation for excellence, and the energy to host an event of this scale. The inaugural season demonstrated not only the immense potential of archery as a spectator sport but also the value of creating a platform where Indian archers can compete alongside the world's best. As we build on that foundation, our focus remains on strengthening India's archery ecosystem, providing world-class competitive opportunities for athletes, and inspiring the next generation of talent. We are confident that Hyderabad will provide the perfect stage for a memorable second season.” The 11-day tournament will feature six franchises, Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, Prithviraaj Yodhas, Kakatiya Knights, Chero Archers and Chola Chiefs — with a total of 48 Indian and international archers competing across recurve and compound disciplines. Each team will field a mixed squad of eight archers, with the competition following a double round-robin format. The top four teams at the end of the league stage will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in the final on October 18. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Virendra Sachdeva, Secretary General, AAI and Director, APL, said, “APL was conceived with a larger vision of strengthening India's pathway to Olympic success in archery. For our athletes to consistently compete for medals on the world's biggest stages, they need regular exposure to the highest standards of competition, and that is what the league seeks to provide. At the same time, APL has created a unique model for the sport globally by combining elite international participation with a franchise-based format that brings archery closer to fans. We believe the league is not only helping raise the competitive standards of Indian archery but is also contributing to the evolution of how the sport is presented and experienced worldwide.” Season 1 crowned Rajputana Royals as champions and featured several leading names from the sport, including Olympic gold medallist Mete Gazoz and Compound World Champion Ella Gibson. The league also attracted interest from prominent personalities, including actor and entrepreneur Ram Charan. The Hyderabad edition is expected to feature another strong field of Indian and international archers as the competition enters its second season. Further details on team squads, player signings, the match schedule and broadcast partners for the October 8–18 tournament will be announced in the coming weeks.

Launched in 2025 with the objective of strengthening India's Olympic medal prospects in archery, the Archery Premier League (APL) was conceived as a platform that enables Indian archers to compete in a high-performance environment.

Archery Premier League season 2 set to be held in Hyderabad from October 8-18

On 12 June 2025, an Air India 171 plane took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Just 32 seconds later, it crashed in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat. The flight, en-route London, ploughed into the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College hostel, killing all 242 but one on board and 19 people on the ground.&nbsp;In the next few days, India reeled from the shocking headlines. There was fear in the minds of passengers. Those in the medical college in Ahmedabad struggled to recover from the horror. WION spoke to Yash Kotak, a final-year MBBS student at B.J. Medical College at the time of the crash, who recalled the day of horrors.<h3>What happened on the day of the crash?</h3>&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;It was an ordinary Thursday afternoon. Lectures were ongoing. Students strolled the campus. Then, boom. Smoke billowed into the air.Kotak had gone to see his brother at the campus hospital when a nurse barged in, “Jordaar aag lagi! (massive fire)” Kotak couldn’t trust his eyes at first, unable to digest the magnitude of the tragedy unfolding in front of him.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dangerously-high-levels-of-toxins-found-in-bodies-of-air-india-crash-victims-repatriated-to-uk-hazardous-to-mortuary-workers-1764839878589">'Dangerously high' levels of toxins found in bodies of Air India crash victims repatriated to UK, hazardous to mortuary workers</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Kotak said he saw ambulances and rescue crews rushing to the scene.&nbsp; At the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, located near the hostel, the emergency room was overwhelmed.&nbsp; Kotak recalled seeing anxious relatives rush into the ER as police personnel managed the chaos.&nbsp; Many bodies were charred beyond recognition.Authorities turned to DNA profiling to identify the deceased.&nbsp; The college shut down for almost a month. Counselling rooms were set up for the immediate families of the victims.<h3>The bitter loss and deafening silence</h3>&nbsp;Kotak said his batchmates were all away from the hostel at the time of the accident. But a few juniors were missing.&nbsp; After days-long search, they were found dead. Among them, a female cook whom the residents fondly called “maasi”. Her granddaughter, who used to accompany her, also lost her life. Kotak said the news was disturbing for the students. “They had a different connection. It was not easy to accept that the people who fed them almost every day were gone."&nbsp;The hostel was home to both doctors and medical students.&nbsp; “It was lunchtime when it happened, many students were having lunch in the mess and many were on call with their loved ones. In a moment it was all wiped out”, Kotak said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dangerously-high-levels-of-toxins-found-in-bodies-of-air-india-crash-victims-repatriated-to-uk-hazardous-to-mortuary-workers-1764839878589">'Dangerously high' levels of toxins found in bodies of Air India crash victims repatriated to UK, hazardous to mortuary workers</a>&nbsp;<h3>“The untouched food and empty plates still create a void in all of us”.</h3>Today, the accident ground zero is a painful reminder of the horrors that unfolded. “It has left a permanent scar on me and the college which can't be healed”, said Kotak, currently an intern at the same medical college.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Like an open wound, the hostel building still bears the gaping hole where the plane crash-landed: blackened walls, damaged foundation, broken concrete, burnt remains, abandoned personal belongings.&nbsp;“There is a complete silence. Nobody likes to go there,” Kotak said.&nbsp;<h3>A tragedy before college foundation day</h3>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Air India crash happened just three days before the college’s foundation day. “It was a black day for our college”, Kotak said.But this one too shall pass. “We will come out of the grief. We will stand tall,” he said.&nbsp;On the anniversary of the crash, the college plans to hold a blood donation drive and a prayer meeting in memory of the victims.&nbsp;Plans for a new hostel building at the site are underway.Soon, the older students who witnessed the crash will pass out as new medical practitioners and will slowly move forward.Whispers of the tragic disaster might quieten over time. But the memories will never truly fade away.

A year has passed since the Air India plane crash in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. The medical hostel where the plane crashed saw shocking events unfold on a normal weekday. WION spoke to a student who recalled how it all unfolded.

On 12 June 2025, an Air India 171 plane took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Just 32 seconds later, it crashed in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat. The flight, en-route London, ploughed into the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College hostel, killing all 242 but one on board and 19 people on the ground. In the next few days, India reeled from the shocking headlines. There was fear in the minds of passengers. Those in the medical college in Ahmedabad struggled to recover from the horror. WION spoke to Yash Kotak, a final-year MBBS student at B.J. Medical College at the time of the crash, who recalled the day of horrors. What happened on the day of the crash?

A year has passed since the Air India plane crash in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. The medical hostel where the plane crashed saw shocking events unfold on a normal weekday. WION spoke to a student who recalled the horror. Written by Kenisha Arora

Air India Ahmedabad crash, one year on: Student who was near the hostel that plane landed on recalls horror

At the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, summer looks a little different for a select group of Class XI students. They are spending six weeks immersed in scientific research, learning directly from some of the country's top researchers. The students are part of Research Science Initiative-India (RSI-India), a six-week STEM research programme inspired by the globally recognised Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Hosted at IISc Bengaluru in collaboration with the Centre for Excellence in Education (CEE), the programme offers some of India's brightest young minds a rare opportunity to engage with advanced scientific research long before they enter university.For these students, the experience goes far beyond a traditional summer programme. Over six weeks, they work alongside scientists and mentors in cutting-edge laboratories, undertake independent research projects, and present their findings at the end&nbsp;of the programme.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-cracks-whip-shunts-cbse-chairman-secretary-over-evaluation-fiasco-orders-probe-1780405678066">Govt cracks whip, shunts CBSE chairman, secretary after evaluation fiasco; orders probe into vendor selection</a>&nbsp;The initiative is important for India, said&nbsp;Prof.&nbsp;Deepak Saini, Faculty Coordinator for RSI-IISc programme."RSI has&nbsp;been around for a very long time, especially in various other countries, and it has always led to training of the next generation of scholarly people," said Saini, a&nbsp;professor in the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc.&nbsp;"We need to bring&nbsp;younger-generation students to get experience of doing deep science at an institute like IISc. So, it was a natural&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;of RSI with IISc, and that's what actually led IISc to&nbsp;establish the RSI initiative."

<h2>Who is eligible to apply for RSI-India?</h2>The programme is open to Indian students who have completed Class X and are enrolled in Class XI. These students apply on an individual basis, and are not nominated or selected by their schools. A small cohort is chosen each year, allowing participants to receive close mentorship from IISc professors.<h2>RSI-India: Inspired by a globally renowned model</h2>Participants begin with introductory coursework before moving into hands-on research under the guidance of faculty mentors. The programme culminates in a student symposia where they present both a research paper and an oral presentation based on their work.In addition to laboratory research, students hear speakers from the worlds of research and tech as part of the Palsamudram Distinguished Lecture Series, and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, creating connections that often extend beyond the programme itself.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paper-leak-re-neet-and-trauma-what-s-the-mental-cost-of-india-s-medical-entrance-exam-crisis-1780567858329">Paper leak, re-NEET and trauma: What's the mental cost of India's medical entrance exam crisis</a><h2>The vision behind bringing RSI to India</h2>The idea of bringing RSI to India took shape after its transformative impact was witnessed firsthand by those closely connected to the programme. Inspired by the success of the original RSI in the United States, efforts were made to create a similar opportunity for talented Indian students, giving them access to world-class research mentorship and scientific training at an early stage. Reflecting on what sparked the initiative, Sanjay Palsamudram, founder of the Palsamudram Trust, said the inspiration came after his daughter participated in the programme in the US. "My daughter got into this programme five years ago and she underwent this programme. It was life-transforming," he said.Recognising that only a limited number of Indian students could participate in the US programme, he began exploring ways to expand access."Instead of taking students from India to MIT, I thought why not bring the programme here so many more students in India can benefit?" he said.Discussions between CEE and IISc eventually began and this&nbsp;led&nbsp;to the launch of RSI-India.<h2>Students eager to learn</h2>Among the selected students&nbsp;is Sulipsa Bhatta, a Class XI student from Kendriya Vidyalaya, sees the programme as an opportunity to learn from some of the country's leading scientists and&nbsp;researchers."I'm really excited and very happy that I got into such a prestigious programme. Whatever I get, I'll squeeze every single essence of knowledge and learning from every single person from whom I am able to learn,"&nbsp;she said.Overseeing the programme is Dr. Amy Sillman, Director of RSI-India and an alumna of the first RSI cohort in the United States in 1984. She leads the programme's academic and mentorship initiatives, guiding students through an intensive research experience.<h2>Investing in India's scientific future</h2>As India seeks to strengthen its research ecosystem and build a pipeline of future innovators, initiatives such as RSI-India are creating opportunities for young students to engage directly with science and research. The hope is that the curiosity they nurture today could contribute to the discoveries, technologies and solutions that shape India's future.&nbsp;

Research Science Initiative-India is a special initiative for Class XI students. Held at the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, RSI-India is inspired by the success of the original RSI at MIT in the US. Know more about it here

At the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, summer looks a little different for a select group of Class XI students. They are spending six weeks immersed in scientific research, learning directly from some of the country's top researchers. The students are part of Research Science Initiative-India (RSI-India), a six-week STEM research programme inspired by the globally recognised Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Hosted at IISc Bengaluru in collaboration with the Centre for Excellence in Education (CEE), the programme offers some of India's brightest young minds a rare opportunity to engage with advanced scientific research long before they enter university. For these students, the experience goes far beyond a traditional summer programme. Over six weeks, they work alongside scientists and mentors in cutting-edge laboratories, undertake independent research projects, and present their findings at the end of the programme. Also Read: Govt cracks whip, shunts CBSE chairman, secretary after evaluation fiasco; orders probe into vendor selection The initiative is important for India, said Prof. Deepak Saini, Faculty Coordinator for RSI-IISc programme. "RSI has been around for a very long time, especially in various other countries, and it has always led to training of the next generation of scholarly people," said Saini, a professor in the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc. "We need to bring younger-generation students to get experience of doing deep science at an institute like IISc. So, it was a natural collaboration of RSI with IISc, and that's what actually led IISc to establish the RSI initiative."

Research Science Initiative-India is a special initiative for Class XI students. Held at the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, RSI-India&nbsp;is inspired by the success of the original RSI at MIT in the US. Know more about it here:&nbsp;

How RSI-India, inspired by MIT, is giving Indian school students a taste of cutting-edge research

Aamir Khan’s blockbuster film Lagaan is turning 25 on June 13. The iconic film, which was helmed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and produced by Aamir Khan, was released on June 13, 2001. As the film completes 25 glorious years, Aamir Khan has planned a grand celebration for the film’s cast and crew. The celebrations will also have artists and crew members who have been part of Aamir Khan Productions over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1999, Aamir Khan Productions laid its foundation with the cult classic Lagaan. Founded by superstar Aamir Khan, the production house went on to achieve tremendous success with remarkable films such as Dangal, Taare Zameen Par, Secret Superstar, and many more. Through its films, the banner has consistently delivered some of the most impactful and memorable cinematic experiences.&nbsp;<h2>About Lagaan</h2>Lagaan was released on June 15, 2001 and became one of the most iconic films ever. The film was also nominated at the Oscars 2002 in the Best Foreign Language Film category. It featured Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, and Suhasini Mulay, among others. It was an AR Rahman musical.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Lagaan was screened at numerous international film festivals and garnered multiple accolades. It was the third, and as of 2025, the last Indian film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. At the 49th National Film Awards, the film won eight awards, including Best Popular Film.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/25-years-of-lagaan-aamir-khan-set-to-celebrate-the-film-at-london-indian-film-festival-1781105751335">25 years of Lagaan: Aamir Khan to celebrate the film at LIFF</a><h2>Grand celebrations planned</h2>Lagaan will complete 25 years this month, alongside the 25th anniversary of Aamir Khan Productions. Making it a double celebration, Aamir Khan will host a grand gathering on June 13, bringing together the entire cast and crew of the film. It will be a truly special occasion, as the journey comes full circle with Lagaan and Aamir Khan Productions celebrating their silver jubilee alongside the team that was present at the very beginning of this remarkable journey.&nbsp;Aamir Khan will also host actors, technicians, filmmakers, and creative collaborators who have been associated with Aamir Khan Productions and its films across its 25-year journey. Artists and crew members from the banner's celebrated films over the years are expected to be part of this special occasion, turning it into a reunion of the extended Aamir Khan Productions family.&nbsp;Moreover, to mark the 25th anniversary, the makers have also invited audiences to participate in the #LagaanPosterChallenge. Fans can recreate the iconic Lagaan poster for a chance to attend a special screening of the film alongside its cast and crew.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aamir Khan's iconic film Lagaan turns June 15 as does his production house. To mark the special occassion, the actor has planned a grand celebration in Mumbai which will have the film's cast and crew in attendance. 

Aamir Khan’s blockbuster film Lagaan is turning 25 on June 13. The iconic film, which was helmed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and produced by Aamir Khan, was released on June 13, 2001. As the film completes 25 glorious years, Aamir Khan has planned a grand celebration for the film’s cast and crew. The celebrations will also have artists and crew members who have been part of Aamir Khan Productions over the years. In 1999, Aamir Khan Productions laid its foundation with the cult classic Lagaan. Founded by superstar Aamir Khan, the production house went on to achieve tremendous success with remarkable films such as Dangal, Taare Zameen Par, Secret Superstar, and many more. Through its films, the banner has consistently delivered some of the most impactful and memorable cinematic experiences. About Lagaan Lagaan was released on June 15, 2001 and became one of the most iconic films ever. The film was also nominated at the Oscars 2002 in the Best Foreign Language Film category. It featured Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, and Suhasini Mulay, among others. It was an AR Rahman musical. While Lagaan was screened at numerous international film festivals and garnered multiple accolades. It was the third, and as of 2025, the last Indian film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. At the 49th National Film Awards, the film won eight awards, including Best Popular Film. Also read: 25 years of Lagaan: Aamir Khan to celebrate the film at LIFF Grand celebrations planned Lagaan will complete 25 years this month, alongside the 25th anniversary of Aamir Khan Productions. Making it a double celebration, Aamir Khan will host a grand gathering on June 13, bringing together the entire cast and crew of the film. It will be a truly special occasion, as the journey comes full circle with Lagaan and Aamir Khan Productions celebrating their silver jubilee alongside the team that was present at the very beginning of this remarkable journey. Aamir Khan will also host actors, technicians, filmmakers, and creative collaborators who have been associated with Aamir Khan Productions and its films across its 25-year journey. Artists and crew members from the banner's celebrated films over the years are expected to be part of this special occasion, turning it into a reunion of the extended Aamir Khan Productions family. Moreover, to mark the 25th anniversary, the makers have also invited audiences to participate in the #LagaanPosterChallenge. Fans can recreate the iconic Lagaan poster for a chance to attend a special screening of the film alongside its cast and crew.

Aamir Khan's iconic film Lagaan turns June 15 as does his production house. To mark the special occassion, the actor has planned a grand celebration in Mumbai which will have the film's cast and crew in attendance.&nbsp;

Aamir Khan to host grand celebrations as Lagaan and his production house turn 25

Global icon Priyanka Chopra is a force to be reckoned with. The actress has recently secured the No 3 position on Fortune India and Interbrand India's prestigious list of India's Most Valuable Celebrities 2026. What's more, the actress is the only woman to feature on Fortune India’s standalone cover series for its June 2026 issue.&nbsp;<h2>Priyanka Chopra on Fortune India cover</h2>The publication has released 3 individual covers featuring the country’s most influential personalities, with Priyanka standing alongside Virat Kohli and Akshay Kumar as the sole female celebrity to receive a dedicated cover in this celebrated edition.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ranking reflects not only Priyanka's immense popularity and global visibility but also her exceptional value as a brand. Over the years, she has become one of the most sought-after faces for leading international luxury and lifestyle brands, with companies consistently recognising her ability to connect with audiences across markets and cultures. Her longstanding association with Bvlgari and her recent partnership with Bentley further underline her position as a trusted global ambassador whose influence extends well beyond entertainment.&nbsp;Fortune India’s list also includes actors Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh and cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni.&nbsp;From film and fashion to entrepreneurship and advocacy, Priyanka has built a truly global presence while continuing to represent India on some of the world's biggest stages. Her inclusion among the top three most valuable celebrities in the country and her position as the only woman on Fortune India's coveted cover edition further highlights her unique standing in today's cultural landscape. In a rapidly evolving global entertainment ecosystem, Priyanka Chopra remains one of India's most recognisable, respected and influential success stories.

Global icon Priyanka Chopra has secured the No. 3 spot on the prestigious "India's Most Valuable Celebrities 2026" list, curated by Fortune India and Interbrand India.

Global icon Priyanka Chopra is a force to be reckoned with. The actress has recently secured the No 3 position on Fortune India and Interbrand India's prestigious list of India's Most Valuable Celebrities 2026. What's more, the actress is the only woman to feature on Fortune India’s standalone cover series for its June 2026 issue. Priyanka Chopra on Fortune India cover The publication has released 3 individual covers featuring the country’s most influential personalities, with Priyanka standing alongside Virat Kohli and Akshay Kumar as the sole female celebrity to receive a dedicated cover in this celebrated edition. The ranking reflects not only Priyanka's immense popularity and global visibility but also her exceptional value as a brand. Over the years, she has become one of the most sought-after faces for leading international luxury and lifestyle brands, with companies consistently recognising her ability to connect with audiences across markets and cultures. Her longstanding association with Bvlgari and her recent partnership with Bentley further underline her position as a trusted global ambassador whose influence extends well beyond entertainment. Fortune India’s list also includes actors Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh and cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. From film and fashion to entrepreneurship and advocacy, Priyanka has built a truly global presence while continuing to represent India on some of the world's biggest stages. Her inclusion among the top three most valuable celebrities in the country and her position as the only woman on Fortune India's coveted cover edition further highlights her unique standing in today's cultural landscape. In a rapidly evolving global entertainment ecosystem, Priyanka Chopra remains one of India's most recognisable, respected and influential success stories.

Global icon Priyanka Chopra has secured the No. 3 spot on the prestigious "India's Most Valuable Celebrities 2026" list, curated by Fortune India and Interbrand India.

Priyanka Chopra reigns supreme as the only woman on Fortune India’s most valuable celebrities 2026 covers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Jun 10) became India's longest continuously serving Prime Minister, crossing 4,399 consecutive days in office and surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record for uninterrupted tenure after the first general election. Marking the milestone, Modi said that public service remains the ultimate test of good governance. Sharing a Sanskrit verse on X, the Prime Minister said humility, dedication and a commitment to public welfare are essential for earning people's trust."Sadanuraktprakritih prajapalantatparh. Vineetatma hi Nripatirbhuyasi Shriyamashnute (Who is always devoted to the care of the people. A king who is humble attains greater prosperity)," the post read.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-ease-of-doing-business-reforms-has-shined-under-pm-modi-in-last-12-years-1781030496602">Modi government at 12: How ease of doing business in India changed over a decade</a><h2>How India's infrastructure changed under Modi</h2>According to government data, India's road network has expanded to nearly 64 lakh kilometres, making it the world's second-largest. The national highway network has grown from 91,287 kilometres in 2014 to 1,46,572 kilometres in 2026, while high-speed corridors have increased from just 93 kilometres to 3,644 kilometres.Urban transportation has also undergone significant changes. India's metro rail network now spans 1,155 kilometres, making it the third-largest in the world after China and the United States. Several cities that previously relied entirely on road transport now have operational metro systems.Railways have been another major focus area. The government says 99.6 per cent of the broad-gauge network has been electrified, placing India among the world's most electrified railway systems. Premium train services such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat and Tejas have expanded across the country, while more than 36,000 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid since 2014.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-years-of-modi-govt-self-reliance-and-modernisation-mark-giant-strides-in-national-security-1781022676875">12 years of Modi govt: Self-reliance marks a giant stride in national security</a><h2>India's ambitious engineering projects</h2>Some of the country's most ambitious engineering projects have also taken shape during this period. As per GOI data, these include the Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, the world's highest railway arch bridge at 359 metres, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge.The government's infrastructure push has been backed by a sharp rise in public spending. Annual infrastructure expenditure has increased from around ₹2 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹12.2 lakh crore allocated for 2026-27, according to official figures.<h2>India's high-speed bullet train project</h2>India's first bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is also under construction, while the number of operational airports has more than doubled from 74 in 2014 to 164 today. The government says more than 1,900 large infrastructure projects are currently underway across sectors ranging from transport and logistics to ports and energy. &nbsp;

Narendra Modi has entered the record books as India's longest continuously serving Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's uninterrupted tenure. Take a look at the major infrastructure and development projects undertaken by his government since 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Jun 10) became India's longest continuously serving Prime Minister, crossing 4,399 consecutive days in office and surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record for uninterrupted tenure after the first general election. Marking the milestone, Modi said that public service remains the ultimate test of good governance. Sharing a Sanskrit verse on X, the Prime Minister said humility, dedication and a commitment to public welfare are essential for earning people's trust. "Sadanuraktprakritih prajapalantatparh. Vineetatma hi Nripatirbhuyasi Shriyamashnute (Who is always devoted to the care of the people. A king who is humble attains greater prosperity)," the post read. Also read | Modi government at 12: How ease of doing business in India changed over a decade How India's infrastructure changed under Modi According to government data, India's road network has expanded to nearly 64 lakh kilometres, making it the world's second-largest. The national highway network has grown from 91,287 kilometres in 2014 to 1,46,572 kilometres in 2026, while high-speed corridors have increased from just 93 kilometres to 3,644 kilometres. Urban transportation has also undergone significant changes. India's metro rail network now spans 1,155 kilometres, making it the third-largest in the world after China and the United States. Several cities that previously relied entirely on road transport now have operational metro systems. Railways have been another major focus area. The government says 99.6 per cent of the broad-gauge network has been electrified, placing India among the world's most electrified railway systems. Premium train services such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat and Tejas have expanded across the country, while more than 36,000 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid since 2014. Also read | 12 years of Modi govt: Self-reliance marks a giant stride in national security India's ambitious engineering projects Some of the country's most ambitious engineering projects have also taken shape during this period. As per GOI data, these include the Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, the world's highest railway arch bridge at 359 metres, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. The government's infrastructure push has been backed by a sharp rise in public spending. Annual infrastructure expenditure has increased from around ₹2 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹12.2 lakh crore allocated for 2026-27, according to official figures. India's high-speed bullet train project India's first bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is also under construction, while the number of operational airports has more than doubled from 74 in 2014 to 164 today. The government says more than 1,900 large infrastructure projects are currently underway across sectors ranging from transport and logistics to ports and energy.

Narendra Modi has entered the record books as India's longest continuously serving Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's uninterrupted tenure. Take a look at the major infrastructure and development projects undertaken by his government since 2014.

Modi govt 12 years: How India's infrastructure changed under his watch

As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government completes 12 years, India has achieved what once seemed impossible: the country has been officially declared free from Left Wing Extremism (LWE). Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the historic announcement in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, and the Ministry of Home Affairs subsequently informed all states that as of April 2026, not a single district in the country remains on the LWE-affected list.&nbsp;The announcement formally marks the end of the notorious Red Corridor, a vast stretch of insurgent violence that once ran from Pashupati to Tirupati. "Where there was once the echo of bullets, there are now songs of development," Shah told Parliament, describing the shift of former conflict zones into what the government now calls Green Growth Zones.<h2>A Strategy that delivered results</h2>The final push against Naxalism was built on coordinated tactical operations launched since 2023. Security forces killed more than 750 Naxals, arrested 3,150 and brought 4,800 to surrender. In 2024 alone, 290 Naxals were neutralised in Chhattisgarh, the highest single-year count in that state.&nbsp;In 2025, Operation Black Forest swept across a stretch of hills along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border spanning 50 km in length and 37 km in width. Shortly after, the Karegutta Hills Operation ran for 21 days, destroyed the PLGA battalion headquarters and eliminated 31 Naxals without losing a single security personnel.&nbsp;Between 2024 and 2026, 11 Politburo members of the Naxal movement were killed and 5 returned to the mainstream, effectively gutting the ideological core of the insurgency.Numbers That Tell the Story&nbsp;The scale of the turnaround becomes clear through data. In 2014, there were 126 LWE-affected districts across India. Today, that number stands at zero. Fortified police stations grew from 66 to 663. Annual surrenders jumped from 421 in 2014 to 6,558 by 2026.<h2>Development as the Real Game Changer</h2>Security operations cleared the ground, but development cemented the peace. Under the SAMADHAN framework, over 15,132 km of roads were built in former affected areas compared to just 2,900 km before 2014.&nbsp;&nbsp;More than 9,600 mobile towers brought 4G connectivity deep into forest regions. The government opened 1,800 new bank branches and 6,000 post offices.&nbsp;&nbsp;Around Rs 4,000 crore was released under Special Central Assistance, with an additional Rs 3,700 crore set aside for operations and rehabilitation. A total of 221 Eklavya Model Residential Schools were built to guarantee quality education for tribal youth.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi summed up the achievement in straightforward terms. "Every decision we take is guided by a single benchmark: Nation First," he said, calling it the fulfilment of a multi-decade dream of internal security victory.

Home Minister Amit Shah made the announcement in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, describing the transformation of former conflict zones into what the government now calls “Green Growth Zones.”

As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government completes 12 years, India has achieved what once seemed impossible: the country has been officially declared free from Left Wing Extremism (LWE). Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the historic announcement in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, and the Ministry of Home Affairs subsequently informed all states that as of April 2026, not a single district in the country remains on the LWE-affected list. The announcement formally marks the end of the notorious Red Corridor, a vast stretch of insurgent violence that once ran from Pashupati to Tirupati. "Where there was once the echo of bullets, there are now songs of development," Shah told Parliament, describing the shift of former conflict zones into what the government now calls Green Growth Zones. A Strategy that delivered results The final push against Naxalism was built on coordinated tactical operations launched since 2023. Security forces killed more than 750 Naxals, arrested 3,150 and brought 4,800 to surrender. In 2024 alone, 290 Naxals were neutralised in Chhattisgarh, the highest single-year count in that state. In 2025, Operation Black Forest swept across a stretch of hills along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border spanning 50 km in length and 37 km in width. Shortly after, the Karegutta Hills Operation ran for 21 days, destroyed the PLGA battalion headquarters and eliminated 31 Naxals without losing a single security personnel. Between 2024 and 2026, 11 Politburo members of the Naxal movement were killed and 5 returned to the mainstream, effectively gutting the ideological core of the insurgency. Numbers That Tell the Story The scale of the turnaround becomes clear through data. In 2014, there were 126 LWE-affected districts across India. Today, that number stands at zero. Fortified police stations grew from 66 to 663. Annual surrenders jumped from 421 in 2014 to 6,558 by 2026. Development as the Real Game Changer Security operations cleared the ground, but development cemented the peace. Under the SAMADHAN framework, over 15,132 km of roads were built in former affected areas compared to just 2,900 km before 2014. More than 9,600 mobile towers brought 4G connectivity deep into forest regions. The government opened 1,800 new bank branches and 6,000 post offices. Around Rs 4,000 crore was released under Special Central Assistance, with an additional Rs 3,700 crore set aside for operations and rehabilitation. A total of 221 Eklavya Model Residential Schools were built to guarantee quality education for tribal youth. Prime Minister Modi summed up the achievement in straightforward terms. "Every decision we take is guided by a single benchmark: Nation First," he said, calling it the fulfilment of a multi-decade dream of internal security victory.

Home Minister Amit Shah made the announcement in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, describing the transformation of former conflict zones into what the government now calls “Green Growth Zones.”

12 years of Modi govt: India declared ‘Naxal free’ after decades of Left Wing Extremism

A farmer from Uttar Pradesh has managed to cultivate Japan’s most expensive mango in his home orchard. The luxury mango, known for its unique appearance and exceptional taste, requires a specific method of farming to grow. 

A farmer from Uttar Pradesh has managed to cultivate Japan’s most expensive mango in his home orchard. The luxury mango, known for its unique appearance and exceptional taste, requires a specific method of farming to grow.&nbsp;

Mango worth more than gold: Ayodhya farmer grows this rare Japanese mango in his home

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government completed 12 years in power on June 9 and during these years business environment has seen significant transformation. A series of steps taken by PM Modi like simplifying regulations, digitising governance, reducing compliance burdens and improving market access has given a new lease of life to the way business is done in India now. To put it in simple words the ease of doing business in India has improved manifold.&nbsp;And to make India a more sought for destination for foreigners to invest and also help Indians in building their own business, the government has brought about changes in startup registration and property transactions to taxation, logistics, credit access and insolvency resolution.&nbsp;This change reflected in our rankings when World Bank's Doing Business Report pushed India at number 63 spot in 2019 from 142 in 2014, in a matter of just five years.&nbsp;Another positive outcome of the changes brought about by the Narendra Modi government was that India improved from 43rd position in 2021 to 41st in 2025 in IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.&nbsp;Another factor that highlights &nbsp;stronger business environment, improved governance and better digital and regulatory reforms under Modi is that India improved its position in the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index.&nbsp;It placed India in Group A in 2020, 2022 and 2025. This ranking demonstrates India's advanced and innovative practices across Core Government Systems, Public Service Delivery, Digital Citizen Engagement, and GovTech Enablers.<h2>An attractive destination for entrepreneurs</h2>&nbsp;One of the most visible outcomes was in the form of startup ecosystem picking up pace. According to government statistics, the number of startups before the Modi government came to power was just 502, which grew &nbsp;more than 2.23 lakh by March 2026, since the Startup India initiative launch in January 2016.&nbsp;Notably, these startups have generated over 23.3 lakh direct jobs, helping transform India into one of the world’s largest entrepreneurial hubs.<h2>Benefit to MSMEs from reforms</h2>&nbsp;Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have also benefited from reforms that aim to simplify formalisation. The Udyam Registration Portal, launched in 2020, offers a free, paperless and self-declaration-based registration system linked directly to tax and GST databases.<h2>Permit and Approval Processes Simplified</h2>&nbsp;Obtaining permits and approvals have always been time consuming and is amongst the biggest complaints of entrepreneurs. But the BJP government under Modi introduced reforms across labour, environmental and industrial regulations.&nbsp;The implementation of labour codes has consolidated multiple registrations into a single electronic system and introduced nationwide licences, digital returns and deemed approvals.&nbsp;Environmental clearances have also become faster and there is no need for frequent renewals as Consent to Operate approvals now remain valid until cancelled. &nbsp;

To make India a more sought for destination for foreigners to invest and also help Indians in building their own businesses, the government brought about changes in startup registration and property transactions to taxation, logistics, credit access and insolvency resolution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government completed 12 years in power on June 9 and during these years business environment has seen significant transformation. A series of steps taken by PM Modi like simplifying regulations, digitising governance, reducing compliance burdens and improving market access has given a new lease of life to the way business is done in India now. To put it in simple words the ease of doing business in India has improved manifold. And to make India a more sought for destination for foreigners to invest and also help Indians in building their own business, the government has brought about changes in startup registration and property transactions to taxation, logistics, credit access and insolvency resolution. This change reflected in our rankings when World Bank's Doing Business Report pushed India at number 63 spot in 2019 from 142 in 2014, in a matter of just five years. Another positive outcome of the changes brought about by the Narendra Modi government was that India improved from 43rd position in 2021 to 41st in 2025 in IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. Another factor that highlights stronger business environment, improved governance and better digital and regulatory reforms under Modi is that India improved its position in the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index. It placed India in Group A in 2020, 2022 and 2025. This ranking demonstrates India's advanced and innovative practices across Core Government Systems, Public Service Delivery, Digital Citizen Engagement, and GovTech Enablers. An attractive destination for entrepreneurs One of the most visible outcomes was in the form of startup ecosystem picking up pace. According to government statistics, the number of startups before the Modi government came to power was just 502, which grew more than 2.23 lakh by March 2026, since the Startup India initiative launch in January 2016. Notably, these startups have generated over 23.3 lakh direct jobs, helping transform India into one of the world’s largest entrepreneurial hubs. Benefit to MSMEs from reforms Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have also benefited from reforms that aim to simplify formalisation. The Udyam Registration Portal, launched in 2020, offers a free, paperless and self-declaration-based registration system linked directly to tax and GST databases. Permit and Approval Processes Simplified Obtaining permits and approvals have always been time consuming and is amongst the biggest complaints of entrepreneurs. But the BJP government under Modi introduced reforms across labour, environmental and industrial regulations. The implementation of labour codes has consolidated multiple registrations into a single electronic system and introduced nationwide licences, digital returns and deemed approvals. Environmental clearances have also become faster and there is no need for frequent renewals as Consent to Operate approvals now remain valid until cancelled.

To make India a more sought for destination for foreigners to invest and also help Indians in building their own businesses, the government brought about changes in startup registration and property transactions to taxation, logistics, credit access and insolvency resolution.

Modi government at 12: How ease of doing business in India changed over a decade

India has made big strides in national security and witnessed a transformation in defence marked by self-reliance, defence manufacturing and stronger border management, reflecting concerted efforts to enhance military capability while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the most notable achievements has been the transformation of defence manufacturing. Over 36,000 defence products were identified for large-scale manufacturing in India, and production of more than 12,000 products has already started in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;As many as 41 ordnance factories were reorganised into 7 DPSUs, leading to benefits of more than Rs 16,000 crore.&nbsp;&nbsp;The revenue of Brahmos Aerospace rose to Rs 5,200 crore in FY 2025-26 and export orders worth about Rs 4,000 crore were received.&nbsp;A defence deal worth about Rs 48,000 crore was signed and an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft was received. This is the largest indigenous fighter aircraft order so far.&nbsp;In military action, more than 100 terror camps and 9 terror hideouts were destroyed under Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;A 52-satellite defence system, built at a cost of about Rs 27,000 crore will keep a watch on the enemies.Besides, India is now part of the A-SAT missile club. It has the capability to hit a target at a height of 283 km in 3 minutes, while under Mission Shakti, India has developed the precise capability to destroy an enemy satellite.&nbsp;The defence budget has also grown at a brisk pace and has more than trebled in 12 years. The defence budget for FY 2026-27 is about Rs 8 lakh crore, nearly three times higher than in 2013-14.&nbsp;&nbsp;Defence exports grew from Rs 686 crore in 2014 to Rs 38,400 crore in 2026.&nbsp;Defence production rose from about ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1.5 lakh crore in 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;The number of defence startups, which was almost negligible in 2014 has swelled to over 1,000 in 2026.On the nfrastructure front, there were about 3,600 km roads, 7,300 metres of bridges and one tunnel in 2014, which has now increased to about 6,800 km roads, 14,500 metres of bridges, and 6 operational tunnels while 19 are under construction.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Atal Tunnel and Zojila Tunnel provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.&nbsp;In nuclear energy, work on indigenous small modular reactors is underway with Rs 20,000 crore in 2026.&nbsp;India also got INS Vikrant, its first indigenous aircraft carrier, which strengthened naval power, while successful trials of Akash NG and QRSAM significantly strengthened India’s air defence shield.&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides, 75% of capex spending will be on domestic defence products, with over 5,500 defence items being removed from the import list under Import Substitution Policy, and it will give a major boost to Swadeshi defence manufacturing.&nbsp;The VSHORADS system developed indigenous capabilities to counter nano-drones and low-altitude aerial threats.&nbsp;A Rs 75,000 crore Great Nicobar project was announced for strategic development of a port, airport, and power hub.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, 12 agreements were signed that nearly ended decades-old insurgency in the Northeast.&nbsp;India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighaat, joined the defence fleet. The country is now capable of absorbing an attack and then launching a powerful counterattack.&nbsp;&nbsp;In what is being seen as a big leap in nuclear energy, the Kalpakkam Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieved criticality in April 2026.&nbsp;Work on indigenous SMRs is progressing rapidly under the Rs 20,000 crore nuclear energy mission.During Operation Sindoor, India successfully demonstrated the strength of indigenous defence systems such as BrahMos, Akash, AkashTeer, and loitering munitions.&nbsp;Under joint theatre command reform, integration of the three services has been accelerated. Integrated theatre commands have multiplied coordination and joint operation capability.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Peace Bill, 2025, passed by the Parliament, will open new doors for reforms in the nuclear energy sector. As a result, limited and conditional private participation may be permitted in research.

One of the most notable achievements has been the transformation of defence manufacturing. Over 36,000 defence products were identified for large-scale manufacturing in India, and production of more than 12,000 products has already started in the country. 

India has made big strides in national security and witnessed a transformation in defence marked by self-reliance, defence manufacturing and stronger border management, reflecting concerted efforts to enhance military capability while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. One of the most notable achievements has been the transformation of defence manufacturing. Over 36,000 defence products were identified for large-scale manufacturing in India, and production of more than 12,000 products has already started in the country. As many as 41 ordnance factories were reorganised into 7 DPSUs, leading to benefits of more than Rs 16,000 crore. The revenue of Brahmos Aerospace rose to Rs 5,200 crore in FY 2025-26 and export orders worth about Rs 4,000 crore were received. A defence deal worth about Rs 48,000 crore was signed and an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft was received. This is the largest indigenous fighter aircraft order so far. In military action, more than 100 terror camps and 9 terror hideouts were destroyed under Operation Sindoor. A 52-satellite defence system, built at a cost of about Rs 27,000 crore will keep a watch on the enemies. Besides, India is now part of the A-SAT missile club. It has the capability to hit a target at a height of 283 km in 3 minutes, while under Mission Shakti, India has developed the precise capability to destroy an enemy satellite. The defence budget has also grown at a brisk pace and has more than trebled in 12 years. The defence budget for FY 2026-27 is about Rs 8 lakh crore, nearly three times higher than in 2013-14. Defence exports grew from Rs 686 crore in 2014 to Rs 38,400 crore in 2026. Defence production rose from about ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1.5 lakh crore in 2026. The number of defence startups, which was almost negligible in 2014 has swelled to over 1,000 in 2026. On the nfrastructure front, there were about 3,600 km roads, 7,300 metres of bridges and one tunnel in 2014, which has now increased to about 6,800 km roads, 14,500 metres of bridges, and 6 operational tunnels while 19 are under construction. The Atal Tunnel and Zojila Tunnel provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. In nuclear energy, work on indigenous small modular reactors is underway with Rs 20,000 crore in 2026. India also got INS Vikrant, its first indigenous aircraft carrier, which strengthened naval power, while successful trials of Akash NG and QRSAM significantly strengthened India’s air defence shield. Besides, 75% of capex spending will be on domestic defence products, with over 5,500 defence items being removed from the import list under Import Substitution Policy, and it will give a major boost to Swadeshi defence manufacturing. The VSHORADS system developed indigenous capabilities to counter nano-drones and low-altitude aerial threats. A Rs 75,000 crore Great Nicobar project was announced for strategic development of a port, airport, and power hub. Moreover, 12 agreements were signed that nearly ended decades-old insurgency in the Northeast. India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighaat, joined the defence fleet. The country is now capable of absorbing an attack and then launching a powerful counterattack. In what is being seen as a big leap in nuclear energy, the Kalpakkam Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieved criticality in April 2026. Work on indigenous SMRs is progressing rapidly under the Rs 20,000 crore nuclear energy mission. During Operation Sindoor, India successfully demonstrated the strength of indigenous defence systems such as BrahMos, Akash, AkashTeer, and loitering munitions. Under joint theatre command reform, integration of the three services has been accelerated. Integrated theatre commands have multiplied coordination and joint operation capability. The Peace Bill, 2025, passed by the Parliament, will open new doors for reforms in the nuclear energy sector. As a result, limited and conditional private participation may be permitted in research.

One of the most notable achievements has been the transformation of defence manufacturing. Over 36,000 defence products were identified for large-scale manufacturing in India, and production of more than 12,000 products has already started in the country.&nbsp;

12 years of Modi govt: Self-reliance and modernisation mark giant strides in national security

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