PM Modi lauds media’s role in development
The Hindu
Modi cites Swachh Bharat and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaigns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the role played by the Indian media in the success of national campaigns such as Swachh Bharat and “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, besides promoting yoga and fitness in the country.
Opening the centenary celebrations of the Malayalam newspaper Mathrubhumi, the Prime Minister pointed out that the occasion coincided with the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.
He called upon media organisations to join the efforts to develop a strong and inclusive India.
“Large-scale transformation is needed for any policy to succeed. Every media house in the country took up our campaigns with great sincerity, beyond the domains of politics and political parties,” Mr. Modi said in his virtual address.
The Prime Minister recalled the contribution of the founders of Mathrubhumi towards India’s freedom movement and the newspaper’s efforts to uphold the democratic ethos of the country during the Emergency.
Highlighting India’s fight against COVID-19, the Prime Minister said that the country was now moving towards being an economic superpower.
He said the country was leading the world in technological advancements and that the public was eager to embrace positive changes.

The Centre has rejected reports that the definition of the Aravalli hills was changed to permit large-scale mining, citing a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new leases. It said a court-approved framework will bring over 90% of the Aravalli region under protected areas and strengthen safeguards against illegal mining. The clarification follows controversy over the “100-metre” criterion used to define hills across states.












