THE HEADLINES:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauds farmers’ contribution for nation building; Says they are strengthening self-reliant India.
Veterans of armed forces are living pillars of national consciousness and symbols of collective courage, says, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
China reaffirms its support for Iran’s stability; Rejects US interference in internal affairs of sovereign states.
Twenty two people died and 30 injured in train mishap in Thailand.
And, in Cricket, New Zealand win the toss and field first in second ODI against India at Rajkot.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that farmers are the strong partners in nation-building and their efforts are greatly strengthening the self-reliant India campaign. He said, the centre is committed to empowering farmers and is working tirelessly in this direction. Mr. Modi said this while addressing the gathering after taking part in Pongal celebrations organised at the residence of Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan in New Delhi today.
The Prime Minister said, Pongal shows the path of creating balance with nature, families and society. He said, Pongal celebrates the vibrant Tamil culture and bond with nature. He said, at this time, other regions of the country also immersed in festivities of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu and festival like Pongal strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The Prime Minister said the festival of Pongal inspires the people to ensure that gratitude towards nature is not confined to words, but becomes a way of life. He said, when the earth has provided so much resources, it is people’s responsibility to preserve it.
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Assam is celebrating the Magh Bihu, the vibrant harvest festival, also know as Bhogali Bihu and Maghor Domahi. It is the first festival of the year that brings people of various communities together to enjoy the winter crops and pray for prosperity for the rest of the year. More from our correspondent:
“During Magh Bihu, people have feasts and light bonfires, starting a day before the main celebration. Yesterday, Assamese people celebrated the Uruka or Bihu eve, the last day of the Poush month in the Assamese calendar. People made makeshift cottages called ‘Bhelaghar’ using hay from the harvest fields and a Meji bor bonfire. This Bhelaghar is used for preparation of food inside and a community feast held. Early morning today, people burnt the Meiji and the ashes were spread on the farmland to make the soil more fertile. Today, early morning people took a bath and play traditional Assamese games like Tekeli Bonga and buffalo fighting. There are also cock fights and egg fights. People eats and shares the traditional Assamese foods and sweets on this ocassion. Magh Bihu holds agricultural and social significance as it is time to celebrate new yield and renew ties of friendship and brotherhood with communities. With Aminul report, Shivang Misra for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad this morning on the second day of his Gujarat visit. Later, Mr. Shah performed the foundation stone of Surya Apartment Section-2 under the Gujarat Housing Board’s redevelopment scheme in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad. In addition, the Union Home Minister enjoyed flying kites with his family and workers of BJP on the occasion of Uttarayan in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said veterans of the armed forces are the living pillars of national consciousness, symbols of collective courage, and sources of inspiration for future generations. Addressing the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day in New Delhi, the Minister said the veterans contribute to every front of nation-building and guide the society with their qualities such as discipline, leadership, and courage. Mr Singh stressed that the colour of the uniform and place of work for veterans may change, but the feeling of patriotism and service remains the same.
Mr Singh urged the veterans to guide the youth through their experiences and provide the right direction to Agniveers and young soldiers. He also urged them to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the civil administration in emergencies when needed.
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Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi today said that Operation Sindoor was a defining demonstration of the country’s resolve and restraint, reflecting the moral strength and professional excellence of the armed forces. General Dwivedi said this while addressing the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Parade Camp 2026 in New Delhi. General Dwivedi emphasized that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can only be achieved collectively by young leaders, NCC cadets, innovators, teachers, engineers, doctors, soldiers, and responsible citizens. He also said that they must rise with confidence, march with discipline, innovate with integrity, and serve the country.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, Army troops opened fire to destroy multiple suspected Pakistani drones that entered the Indian territory from across the Line of Control in the Rajouri district last evening. The drones briefly hovered in the Manjakote sector before returning to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Defence sources said the Army implemented counter-Unmanned Aerial System measures after drones were spotted along the Line of Control in J&K. A search operation was initiated to ensure no weapons or narcotics were airdropped by the drones.
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President Droupadi Murmu will be on a two-day visit to Punjab, starting from tomorrow. She will be the Chief Guest at the 50th Golden Jubilee Convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University at Amritsar. On 16th of this month, the President will confer upon degrees to one thousand 452 students at the Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology at Jalandhar on its 21st convocation. The President will also inaugurate a high-mast National Flag and two Centres of Excellence for Cyber Security and 5G and Beyond. Amritsar and Jalandhar have been declared no flying zones for all kinds of drones, aircraft and helicopters.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth tomorrow in New Delhi. Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla will chair the conference. 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers of 42 Commonwealth countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments will attend the Conference. More from our Correspondent:-
“The first day of the conference today will witness the meeting of the standing commitee. As the chairperson of the 28th CSPOC, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be chairing the meeting of the CSPOC standing committee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Conference tomorrow at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Mr Modi will also interact informally with the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth and Autonomous Parliaments.
Various sessions will be held during the Conference on topics including Use of Artificial Intelligence in Parliament, sharing of best practices and innovative ideas among the participants, Social media’s impact on Parliamentarians, Enhancing public understanding of Parliament and Security, and health and Wellbeing of MPs.
This landmark event marks historic participation and a proud moment in India’s democratic and parliamentary journey. After the conclusion of the 28th CSPOC, the Lok Sabha Speaker will hand over the Chair of CSPOC to the Speaker of the UK House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle. With Anupam Mishra, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav today reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ecological conservation in the Aravalli range. He said that nearly 97 kilometers of Aravalli revenue land has been declared a permanent protected forest to prevent encroachment and illegal mining. Speaking at the National Conference on Eco-restoration of the Aravalli Landscape in New Delhi, he highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land across the country. The Minister also informed that under the Aravalli Green Wall Project, six lakh 45 thousand hectares of degraded land have been identified, with two lakh 70 thousand hectares being restored across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.
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China has reaffirmed its support for Iran’s stability, stressing that Beijing consistently opposes interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and the use or threat of force in international relations. The remarks were made by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian. Commenting on recent sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump on countries conducting business with Iran, Mr. Lin said, China’s stance on tariffs remains unchanged. He added that Tariff wars have no winners and China will firmly safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has formally appealed to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, interfering in Iran’s domestic affairs, and threatening military action. Tehran maintains that the US remarks violate fundamental principles of international law, including provisions of the UN Charter that prohibit the threat or use of force and forbid intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
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Iran’s security crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests is being described as the most violent in the country’s contemporary history, with human rights groups reporting that the death toll has crossed 2 thousand 500. Rights groups said Iran is poised to carry out an execution on Wednesday of a man accused of involvement in the protests that have swept the country over economic hardship and opposition to the Islamic Republic’s 47-year clerical rule. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly backed Iranian protesters, urging them to continue demonstrations and cautioning Tehran against carrying out executions linked to the unrest. Trump said help is on its way and added that the United States would take very strong action if protesters were put to death.
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A passenger train travelling from Bangkok to Thailand’s northeastern region met with a major accident today after a construction crane collapsed onto one of its coaches. The incident killed 22 people and left more than 30 others injured. According to Thai police officials, the incident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, located nearly 230 kilometers northeast of the Thai capital. The train was en route to Ubon Ratchathani province when the accident took place. Thailand’s Transport Minister said that around 195 passengers were on board when the train met with accident. Preliminary information has suggested that the crane was being used at a construction site for a high-speed railway project running parallel to the existing rail line.
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Country’s wholesale price index based inflation (WPI) edged up to 0.83 per cent in December 2025 on an annual basis, from a deflation of 0.32 per cent registered in November last year. On a month-on-month basis, the WPI rose to 0.71 per cent last month.
The Data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that the positive rate of inflation during December is primarily due to increase in prices of other manufacturing, minerals, manufacture of machinery and equipment, manufacture of food products and textiles.
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In Men’s Cricket, second ODI of three-match series between India and New Zealand is underway in Rajkot. India were 55 runs in 9 overs when reports last came in. Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and chose to ball first. Indian team is currently leading the series 1-nil as the hosts had won the first ODI by four wickets at Vadodara on Sunday. The third and final match of the series will be played in Indore on 18th of this month.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauds farmers’ contribution for nation building; Says they are strengthening self-reliant India.
Veterans of armed forces are living pillars of national consciousness and symbols of collective courage, says, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
China reaffirms its support for Iran’s stability; Rejects US interference in internal affairs of sovereign states.
Twenty two people died and 30 injured in train mishap in Thailand.
And, in Cricket, New Zealand win the toss and field first in second ODI against India at Rajkot.
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