Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, chaired a meeting regarding the rollout of electric buses under the PM e-Drive Scheme, focusing on the states of Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the government’s commitment to promoting clean and inclusive urban transportation solutions across India.

“Thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is making significant progress towards sustainable urban mobility,” stated Mr. Kumaraswamy. “From Bengaluru to Delhi, cities are embracing electric buses to enhance public transport and make it cleaner, smarter, and more efficient.”

“This isn’t just about distributing electric buses—we are innovating and prioritizing environmental sustainability in the future of India’s transportation system,” the Union Minister emphasized. “By working closely with states like Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat, we are fully committed to fulfilling the promises of the PM e-Drive.”

The PM e-Drive initiative aims to deploy 14,028 electric buses, with a total investment of ₹10,900 crore planned over two years, from April 2024 to March 2026. This scheme is one of the largest national efforts globally to electrify public transport at scale.

He encouraged citizens to live in harmony with nature, drawing from India’s Vedic philosophy and Sanatan traditions, which emphasize a profound cultural respect for the environment. In referencing the Vedic Shanti Path, he pointed out that every auspicious ritual in Sanatan Dharma starts with prayers for the well-being of the Earth, water, sky, and all living beings.

CM Yogi reiterated that these traditions reflect humanity’s intrinsic bond with nature and biodiversity. He quoted the Atharva Veda, which honors the Earth as a mother and reminds humans of their duty to safeguard her.

Reinforcing India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, a focus since 1992, he asserted that achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 requires active involvement from every individual, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Government initiatives alone can’t suffice; sustainable development necessitates that society engage harmoniously with nature,” he stated.

Reflecting on India’s self-sufficient rural heritage, he reminisced about past village practices involving barns, pasture lands, ponds, and compost pits that significantly contributed to sustainability. These practices, unfortunately overshadowed by modernity, have led to ecological imbalance and health issues. He criticized actions like converting ponds into drainage outlets and encroaching on pasture lands as shortsighted and harmful.

Emphasizing Uttar Pradesh’s dedication to environmental protection, CM Adityanath announced that the State Biodiversity Board is launching new initiatives aligned with the vision of ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.’ Over the past eight years, the Forest Department has notably increased the state’s green cover by planting over 210 crore trees.

He also noted significant advancements under the Namami Gange initiative, which aims to restore the cleanliness and flow of the Ganga River, particularly in Kanpur, a region historically plagued by pollution. “Today, the Ganga flows clean and vibrant there, reflecting our successful efforts,” he stated.

Moreover, CM Yogi emphasized the value of traditional knowledge and local customs in conserving biodiversity. He mentioned that in Sanatan Dharma, flora and fauna are integral to spiritual beliefs, with trees like Peepal, Banyan, and Jamun revered, and animals considered sacred. He recalled practices from the past, such as gently removing ants with flour and sugar, showcasing coexistence and ecological compassion.

He questioned the contemporary model of development, warning that excessive mechanization—whether in drainage systems or industrial processes—is harmful to the environment. He advocated for a return to traditional methods, such as old-fashioned water purification systems that were common in rural areas.

Concerned about the declining populations of key species like the Jatayu, which played a crucial role in nature’s purification, he highlighted that harmful chemical fertilizers and pharmaceutical residues have contributed to their extinction. CM Yogi urged society to acknowledge the significance of these creatures and appreciate the wisdom rooted in traditional practices.

Calling for a collective awakening, he stated that biodiversity conservation should become a Jan Andolan—a movement of the people. “This creation is not for humans alone,” he declared. “To safeguard our existence, we must unite to protect wildlife, water resources, and the environment.” While the State Biodiversity Board is progressing in this direction, he stressed the necessity for further public engagement to enhance these initiatives.

Congress General Secretary for Communications Jairam Ramesh pointed out on platform X that “for the eighth time in eleven days,” President Trump has made the following claims: 1. He has taken full credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. 2. He praised the Prime Ministers of both countries equally, placing them on par. 3. He asserted that trade with the US was instrumental in achieving the ceasefire.

Continuing his claims, Trump attributed his personal diplomacy and ongoing trade agreements as key factors in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. During a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office on Wednesday, he stated, “If you look at what we did with Pakistan and India, we resolved that issue, and I think we resolved it through trade.”

Ramesh expressed concern that Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have remained silent regarding Trump’s repeated statements. He questioned, “Why this thundering silence?” while highlighting the lack of response from Jaishankar to remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In response, Jaishankar clarified on Thursday that the cessation of hostilities was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan. He emphasized that India had made it clear to all nations, including the US, that Pakistan needed to approach India’s military leadership if it wished to stop the fighting.

In an interview with Nederlandse Omroep Stichting, Jaishankar acknowledged conversations with US officials, noting Rubio had spoken with him and Vice President Vance had spoken with Prime Minister Modi. He explained that it is normal for countries to reach out during conflicts, but stressed that the ceasefire was a direct result of negotiations between India and Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also stated on Monday that the US played no role in achieving the ceasefire, clarifying that it was prompted by a request from Pakistan’s Director-General of Military Operations to his counterpart in India. Misri reiterated that Pakistan sought the ceasefire following Indian strikes on military targets, including a China-made missile defense system in Lahore and the strategic Nur Khan air base.