In regions of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar once marked by fear and isolation due to Maoist violence, a visible shift on the ground is now unfolding. Mobile network arrived for the first time in the village of Kondapalli.

The moment he switches it on, he’s hugging the blender, one hand pushing it down, the other steadying the base, body leaning in with full commitment.

The inauguration of the Shyok Tunnel marks another step in India’s efforts to fortify infrastructure in high-altitude border zones.