THE HEADLINES:
- G20 Leaders’ Summit begins at Johannesburg in South Africa; Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put forward India's views on key global issues.
- President Droupadi Murmu calls for harnessing skills and strengths of people for nation's development.
- Industry leaders across various sectors hail labour reforms; Call it timely and essential for a modern economy.
- Delhi police busts international arms trafficker's racket operated by Pakistani intelligence agency ISI; Arrests four suspects.
- Union Minister JP Nadda flags off Unity March to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in New Delhi.
- And in Cricket, South Africa 156 for 2 against India at lunch day first in second Test at Guwahati.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Johannesburg in South Africa beginning today. The theme for this year Summit is Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. Under its Presidency, South Africa has focused on key priorities, including strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. Let's go live to our correspondent who is covering this mega event in Johannesburg:
Question: Asouno, what are the key issues and agenda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to highlight during the Summit?
The opening session will focus on Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth- Leaving No One Behind. The G20, a premier forum for international economic cooperation, plays a critical role in shaping global economic stability. The African Union was inducted as a permanent member under India’s presidency in 2023. India’s G20 Presidency has been regarded as a model for addressing global challenges, guided by Prime Minister Modi’s vision of an inclusive, ambitious, and decisive approach. India showcased its best practices, values, and cultural heritage reflecting the ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future.
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President Droupadi Murmu has said that the government is taking several steps to improve the lives of citizens. She stressed that skills and strengths of people must be harnessed for the nation's development. The President today addressed a special session at Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, commemorating the centenary of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. She paid homage to Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sai Kulwant Hall. Appealing for collective participation, the President said spiritual organisations, NGOs, the private sector and citizens all have an important role to play. She said, India can become a Viksit Bharat by 2047 with the collective efforts of all.
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Industry leaders across various sectors have welcomed the implementation of four labour codes in the country, called it a timely and essential for modern economy. They said the move will also boost formal job creation, expands social security net and streamlines compliance. The President of the National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU) Dr Deepak Jaiswal said, around fifty crore people are working in the unorganised sector, and their minimum wage will now be fully ensured with the implementation of the new Labour Codes.
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has welcomed the implementation of the four new Labour Codes. BMS National Secretary Girish Arya said that this decision is the biggest reform made in favour of workers since Independence.
In Chandigarh, workers have welcomed the new Labour codes saying that these laws are in the interests of workers.
The government announced the implementation of four new labour codes that seek to simplify and streamline the existing, decades-old laws in the country. The Ministry of Labour said that the new labour codes will ensure better wages, safety, social security and welfare for the country's workforce.
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India has reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) and regional partners to reduce disaster and climate risks across Asia-Pacific. Speaking at the 10th Session of APDIM on Inclusive Disaster Risk Data Governance held in New Delhi, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai emphasized country's commitment to regional disaster resilience and cooperation. He highlighted that under India’s chairmanship and the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India will champion a comprehensive capacity-building agenda covering risk assessment, impact-based forecasting, early warning dissemination, and climate-resilient infrastructure planning.
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Indian Railways has completed 1020 million tonnes of freight loading this year so far. The Ministry of Railways said that coal remains the largest contributor over 500 million tonnes, followed by iron ore 115 million tonnes and cement 92 million tonnes.
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Delhi Police has busted a racket of international arms traffickers linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and arrested four suspects. In a coordinated operation, the Crime Branch recovered 10 sophisticated pistols, including five manufactured in Turkey and three made in China.
Briefing media in New Delhi today, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Surender Kumar said, the racket had been supplying arms to notorious gangsters. He said that the network used drones from Pakistan to smuggle high-end foreign pistols. According to officials, the Crime Branch team led by DCP Sanjeev Yadav apprehended them from Phillaur, and Ludhiana, when they were on their way to deliver the weapons to someone in Rohini. The third accused has been arrested from Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh.
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The cyber cell of the Delhi Police crime branch has busted an interstate cyber-financial fraud syndicate and arrested four accused involved in a high-value investment scam. The syndicate allegedly cheated people across multiple states using fake trading platforms. The accused are Atul Kumar, Varsha Sharma, Ajay Sharma, and Rashmi. According to the Delhi Police, a case was registered in June this year based on a complaint from a victim who was reportedly duped of 49.35 lakh rupees. Following the investigation and financial-trail tracking, the crime branch arrested the accused.
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Government is planning to increase the National Cadet Corps' (NCC) strength from 17 to 20 lakhs and expand its role in various programs to contribute to both national development and national security. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said this while laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, on the occasion of 78th National Cadet Corps (NCC) Day. Pointing towards country's young population, with a median age of 28 years, Mr Singh said that this demographic advantage is a major force driving country's progress. He also said that the NCC stands as a strong example of the nation’s youth power and potential.
Director General of NCC, Lieutenant General Virendra Vats said that NCC has a presence in over 700 districts across India.
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Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda flagged off the Sardar@150 Unity March in New Delhi today, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Addressing the event, Mr. Nadda highlighted that a series of events have been organized across the country to honour the legacy of Sardar Patel. Mr. Nadda said that five processions will converge from different regions of the country at Sardar Patel’s birthplace. From there, a 10-day padyatra will commence towards Kevadia, Gujarat. He emphasized that the true tribute to Sardar Patel lies in inspiring the youth to lead the nation towards Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat, Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, Goa, continues to shine bright in its star power. The third day of the film festival continues to entertain cinephiles from film screenings and inquisitive master classes to exclusive conversation with rising film stars. A report:
"In a special masterclass, renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra discussed about life, cinema and the art of storytelling. Sharing anecdotes about his filmography, Mr Chopra talked about the 8K restoration of 1942: A Love Story to the time he won his first National Award as a young, broke filmmaker.
"Actor Anupam Kher donned the director's hat as he presented his film 'Tanvi The Great' to a global audience at the festival. Speaking at the festival, Mr Kher said that the film is inspired by the motto of never give up which has always shaped his life.
"Film Festival darlings including Golden Lion winner at Venice Film Festival-Father Mother Sister Brother and Italian film Mosquitoes to Telugu classic Malliswari were also screened, much to the audience's delight. Close to 50 revered and anticipated movies are scheduled to be screened today. With Nikhil and Saira, Adarsh for Akashvani News, Panaji."
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In Men's Cricket, South Africa was 166 for 2 against India on day one of the second and final test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati when reports last came in. Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat. South African batsmen Tristan Stubbs and Skipper Temba Bavuma are on crease.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah took one wicket while Kuldeep Yadav bagged one wicket.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- G20 Leaders’ Summit begins at Johannesburg in South Africa; Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put forward India's views on key global issues.
- President Droupadi Murmu calls for harnessing skills and strengths of people for nation's development.
- Industry leaders across various sectors hail labour reforms; Call it timely and essential for a modern economy.
- Delhi police busts international arms trafficker's racket operated by Pakistani intelligence agency ISI; Arrests four suspects.
- Union Minister JP Nadda flags off Unity March to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in New Delhi.
- And in Cricket, South Africa 166 for 2 against India on day first in second Test at Guwahati.
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