Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters at Vijay Durg, formerly known as Fort William. The three-day event, the first since Operation Sindoor, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

According to a defence official, Operation Sindoor was carried out in May as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure in Pakistan as well as across the Line of Control. “The operation showcased a calibrated, tri-services response embodying precision, professionalism and purpose,” the official said.

The CCC, a biennial event, serves as the apex brainstorming forum of the armed forces, bringing together top civil and military leadership to deliberate on strategic, institutional and operational priorities, with interactive sessions involving officers of various ranks.

This year’s edition is focused on reforms, transformation, change and operational preparedness of the armed forces. The theme is “Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future.” “The focus of the conference reflects the armed forces’ commitment to institutional reforms, deeper integration and technological modernisation, while sustaining a high level of multi-domain operational readiness,” the defence official added.

After completing his engagements in Kolkata, the Prime Minister flew to Purnea in Bihar, where he inaugurated the Interim Terminal Building of the New Civil Enclave at Purnea Airport, marking the start of regular domestic flight services from the city. He was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, and Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary.

Later, he unveiled and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Bihar worth over ₹40,000 crore. Among the key announcements was the launch of the National Makhana Board in Bihar to promote production and new technology development, strengthen post-harvest management, encourage value addition and processing, and build markets and exports. Bihar accounts for nearly 90 per cent of India’s total makhana production, with hubs in Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria.

In the energy sector, Modi laid the foundation stone for a 2,400 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur. Designed with ultra-supercritical, low-emission technology, the ₹25,000 crore plant represents Bihar’s largest private sector investment. He also launched Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project worth over ₹2,680 crore, aimed at expanding irrigation, strengthening flood control and boosting agricultural resilience in northeastern Bihar.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Bikramshila–Katareah rail line worth over ₹2,170 crore, which will provide a direct link across the Ganga, and inaugurated the new Araria–Galgalia rail line worth ₹4,410 crore, connecting Araria and Kishanganj districts in Seemanchal. He also flagged off new trains, including the Jogbani–Danapur Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express services between Saharsa–Chheharta (Amritsar) and Jogbani–Erode, to improve connectivity across Bihar and beyond.

For agriculture and allied sectors, the Prime Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art Sex-Sorted Semen Facility at Purnea under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The first of its kind in Eastern and Northeastern India, the facility can produce five lakh doses annually using indigenously developed technology launched in October 2024. It is expected to help small and marginal farmers secure more cows, reduce economic stress and increase incomes through higher dairy productivity.

The Prime Minister also participated in Griha Pravesh ceremonies for 35,000 rural beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, and handed over keys to nearly 60,000 urban beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban. In addition, he distributed Community Investment Funds of around ₹500 crore to Cluster Level Federations under the Deendayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

At a rally in Purnea’s Gulab Bagh, Modi attacked the opposition while announcing relief measures. “For RJD and Congress, the biggest concern is to worry about their own family. These people will never worry about your family. But for Modi, you all are Modi’s family. And that is why Modi says ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’... Modi cares about your expenses, cares about your savings,” he said.

He told the crowd that GST reductions will take effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri. “My mothers and sisters who have come here, I especially want to tell you that due to reduction in GST, the kitchen expenses are going to be reduced a lot. From toothpaste, soap, and shampoo to ghee and many food items will become cheaper. The price of stationery used for children’s studies will decrease. This time it will be easier to buy new clothes and shoes for children during the festival, because they will also be cheaper,” he added.

He further assured employment opportunities. “We will provide employment, jobs to one crore youth in the next five years. Now special assistance is being given for setting up new industries in Bihar, everything is being done,” he said.

During the event, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav praised the Prime Minister for the development work in the state.