Pioneer in short
Noida Airport Nears Operational Launch
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a revised capital cost of INR 3,630.77 crore for a 31.42 km greenfield connectivity corridor linking South Delhi, Faridabad, and Gurugram to Jewar International Airport via the Delhi-Faridabad-Ballabhgarh-Sohna Spur of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The corridor, 11 km of which will be elevated, intersects the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, and Dedicated Freight Corridor, facilitating multimodal transport. The elevated segment costs an additional INR 689.24 crore, with Haryana contributing INR 450 crore. The connectivity project supports economic growth and logistics efficiency in the National Capital Region as Noida International Airport moves closer to operational launch after receiving an aerodrome licence from DGCA and security clearance from BCAS. The airport’s first phase covers 1,300 hectares with one runway and terminal, handling 1.2 crore passengers annually. Operational readiness under ORAT is ongoing, with commercial flights and formal inauguration expected after final approvals.
CBI Summons Vijay Over Karur Tragedy
The Central Bureau of Investigation has summoned actor and TVK chief Vijay to appear in Delhi on March 15 in connection with the Karur stampede case, officials said Tuesday. Vijay, questioned twice in January, had requested a 15-day deferment from a March 9 summon and sought questioning in Tamil Nadu due to upcoming assembly elections. The agency has also asked Senthil Balaji to appear on March 17. Balaji, a former State minister, confirmed on X that he will cooperate and provide clarifications regarding the tragedy. The CBI took over the case from an SIT following a Supreme Court of India order. The September 27, 2025, stampede at Vijay’s rally claimed 41 lives and injured over 60. The court directed a senior CBI officer to lead the probe and formed a committee headed by former judge Ajay Rastogi.
PM Inaugurates Key Tamil Nadu Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth INR 5,650 crore in Tiruchirappalli on March 11. He will also address the NDA rally at 6.30 pm during his brief visit. In a post on X, Modi said the NDA’s agenda of hope and progress is resonating with the people of Tamil Nadu, as the DMK’s governance has failed to meet expectations. The Union Cabinet approved the declaration of Madurai Airport as an international airport, boosting tourism, trade, and economic opportunities in southern Tamil Nadu. Projects include petroleum and gas infrastructure, lubricants manufacturing, rural roads, highway development, and railway services.
