THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his tri-nation visit to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia is an opportunity to foster global understanding on tackling terrorism and exchanging views on pressing global issues; To reach Cyprus this evening on the first leg of his visit.
- All seven persons onboard killed in helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Kedarnath area of Uttarakhand; Chopper services suspended for two days.
- India’s wind energy capacity rises over 10.5 per cent to 51.5 GigaWatt, asserts New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi.
- At least ten people killed in Iranian strikes on Israel amid attack on key oil and energy sites by Israel in Tehran.
- In Table Tennis, Indian pair of Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah enters Men's Doubles final of WTT Contender Skopje in North Macedonia.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that his tri-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia is an opportunity to foster global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and exchanging views on pressing global issues. Mr Modi stated this in his departure statement ahead of embarking for his three-nation visit this morning. He said, the visit to these countries will also provide an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. On the first leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will reach Cyprus this evening. In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the European Union. He added that the visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival is being eagerly awaited by the Indian community and the people of Cyprus. Students, professionals, and members of the diaspora see this as a momentous occasion, reflecting the growing friendship and collaboration between the two countries. Upon arrival, Prime Minister Modi will be welcomed by President Nikos Christodoulides at Larnaka International Airport. The leaders will then head to Lemesos for a business roundtable with Indian and Cypriot entrepreneurs, followed by an informal dinner. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with President Christodoulides, covering key areas such as trade, investment, education, digital cooperation, and regional security. The visit will conclude with an official lunch hosted in the Prime Minister’s honour before his departure from Cyprus. Seen as a key milestone in India’s outreach to Europe, the visit is expected to enhance strategic and economic engagement between the two long-standing partners. RAJADURAI, Akashvani News, CYPRUS."
In the second leg of his visit, Mr Modi will travel to Kananaskis tomorrow to participate in the G-7 Summit at the invitation of his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney. Mr Modi will also hold several bilateral meetings on the side-lines of the Summit. The Prime Minister has said that the G 7 Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South.
In the final leg of his tour, Prime Minister Modi will reach Croatia on the 18th of this month. The Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenković and meet President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović. Mr Modi highlighted that as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
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In Uttarakhand, seven persons were killed as a helicopter crashed in the hilly region of Gaurikund Khark in the Kedarnath area this morning. The chopper was en route to Guptkashi from Kedarnath temple. As soon as the incident was reported, teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were dispatched to the site. District Tourism Officer Rahul Choubey said, the mishap occurred after the helicopter suddenly collided with a tree due to bad weather. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will probe the crash.
Talking to media, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the tragic mishap. He said, as a precautionary measure, helicopter services have been immediately suspended for two days.
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In Gujarat, the process of handing over the bodies of those killed in the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad is underway. DNA testing has confirmed the identities of 32 deceased, with 14 bodies handed over to their families so far.
State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi said, Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's body has been identified through DNA testing, confirming his death in the air tragedy.
Additional superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Dr Rajneesh Patel, said DNA matching is progressing steadily. A dedicated support team has been assigned to each bereaved family, comprising a senior officer, a police personnel, and a professional counsellor to help them cope with the mental trauma.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah handed over appointment letters to over 60 thousand newly recruited constables of the Uttar Pradesh Police at a grand ceremony in Lucknow today. The event marks a significant step in strengthening the state’s law enforcement.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Home Minister said, out of the new recruits in Uttar Pradesh Police Force, more than 12 thousand are women. He said, around 25 crore people were lifted out of poverty in the country in the past 11 years of the Narendra Modi government.
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Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has said that India’s wind energy capacity witnessed a rise of more than 10.5 per cent to 51.5 gigawatts against 46.42 gigawatts last year. In a social media post, the Minister said, with rising capacity, the country is moving towards self-dependence, powered by innovation, green technology and sustainable progress.
On the occasion of Global Wind Day today, Mr Joshi said, India's renewable energy sector has witnessed unprecedented growth. From solar to wind energy, the nation is paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.
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Secretary in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Sanjay Jaju has emphasised upon creation of more indigenous programmes and region-specific content that resonates with the cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Jaju stated this during his review of Doordarshan and Akashvani programming and news dissemination system at Srinagar. Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, the Secretary encouraged all media units in the Kashmir region to develop programming and news content in local languages to enhance regional outreach and viewer connect.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted a rocket launch test at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. This marks a historic moment for the State as it was the first time a small satellite-payload was launched through a rocket from the state.
"ISRO scientist Abhishek Singh informed that the test was carried out in collaboration with Thrust Tech India Limited. During the rocket launch test, the spacecraft went up to a height of 1.1 km. After this, a small satellite came out. As soon as it fell down to 5 metres, its parachute activated and the satellite landed within 400 metres on the ground. The15 kg rocket also landed safely with the help of a parachute. ISRO scientist further said that this rocket launch test is in many ways different from previous tests conducted in Ahmedabad using drones since this was the first time a satellite was directly launched using a rocket in UP. This test sets the stage for future satellite tests scheduled for October-November, where nearly 900 youth-built satellites will be tested. Director of Thrust Tech India Vinod Kumar confirmed the company's motor test success and said that this event is being organised to generate interest in space technology among children across the region and the whole of India.OM Awasthi, Akashvani News, Lucknow."
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The much-awaited Axiom-4 mission of SpaceX carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) has been rescheduled for the 19th of this month. This announcement came after the successful resolution of technical issues that had delayed the mission. This mission holds tremendous historical significance for India. If successful, Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and the second Indian in orbit, after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, who flew to space in 1984.
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In international news
Iran and Israel have entered their deadliest phase of direct conflict yet, with at least 10 people killed in Iranian strikes on Israeli cities amid attack on key oil and energy sites by Israel in Tehran. The escalation marks the third consecutive day of military exchanges, with both countries vowing further action amid a rising humanitarian toll and growing regional instability.
Six people were killed when an Iranian missile struck a building in the Israeli coastal city of Bat Yam, while four others died in the northern city of Tamra. The Weizmann Institute of Science, a research university in Rehovot, reported damage to several of its facilities in the Iranian missile attacks. Simultaneously, massive fires raged at Tehran’s oil facilities, sending thick black smoke into the sky as Israeli warplanes targeted Iran’s energy infrastructure.The Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed they coordinated their own strikes on Israeli targets in tandem with Tehran’s broader military offensive.Speaking in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that if Israeli attacks cease, their responses will also stop, in his first public appearance since the Israeli strikes began.The rising violence has already impacted diplomatic efforts. The sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for today in Muscat was cancelled, with Oman confirming the move in light of the aggression taking place. VINOD KUMAR Akashvani News, FROM DUBAI.
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The US Army celebrated its 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington DC yesterday. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, US President Donald Trump said, America will soon be greater and stronger than ever before.
Meanwhile, the United States has firmly denied reports claiming Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, was invited to the military parade, calling the claims false. A White House official clarified in the statement that no foreign military leaders were invited, dismissing the misinformation aimed at straining US-India relations.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Coastal Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka, Kerala, Konkan and Goa today. Meanwhile, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds in Delhi this morning significantly lowered the temperature, offering relief from the intense heatwave and improving air quality.
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In Table Tennis, India's Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah entered the final of men's doubles of WTT Contender Skopje 2025 in North Macedonia today. In the semi finals, they defeated the Slovenian duo Darko Jorgić and Deni Kožul 3-1. In the Final, the Indian duo will take on second seeded South Korean pair of Lim Jonghoon and Oh Junsung this afternoon.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his tri-nation visit to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia is an opportunity to foster global understanding on tackling terrorism and exchanging views on pressing global issues; To reach Cyprus this evening on the first leg of his visit.
- All seven persons onboard killed in helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Kedarnath area of Uttarakhand; Chopper services suspended for two days.
- India’s wind energy capacity rises over 10.5 per cent to 51.5 GigaWatt, asserts New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi.
- At least ten people killed in Iranian strikes on Israel amid attack on key oil and energy sites by Israel in Tehran.
- In Table Tennis, Indian pair of Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah enters Men's Doubles final of WTT Contender Skopje in North Macedonia.