THE HEADLINES:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate localized production of hybrid battery electrodes and flag-off battery electric vehicle exports to 100 countries near Ahmedabad in Gujarat this morning.
- Finance Ministry introduces one-time switch facility from Unified Pension Scheme to National Pension System for central government employees.
- Centre sets up three high-level committees to celebrate 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Patel and Birsa Munda and birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Election Commission says, it has received documents from 99.11 percent of electors in Bihar under Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Indian Navy to commission two advanced stealth frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri in Visakhapatnam today.
- And, Mirabai Chanu wins Gold medal at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate localized production of hybrid battery electrodes and flag-off battery electric vehicle exports to 100 countries at Hansalpur near Ahmedabad in Gujarat today morning. Mr Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion.
In a shining example of the Make in India initiative’s success, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and flag off Suzuki’s first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) manufactured in India. These Made-in-India BEVs are set to be exported to more than 100 countries, including key markets like Europe and Japan. Taking a giant leap towards self-reliance in clean energy, the PM will also launch the next phase of India’s battery ecosystem with the start of local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the Gujarat-based TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Plant. This joint venture is expected to accelerate domestic manufacturing and drive innovation in clean energy technologies. interestingly over 80% of the battery’s value will now be locally produced, boosting India’s green manufacturing footprint. Aparna Khunt, Akashvani News, Ahmedabad.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Modi emphasized that the interests of farmers, cattle rearers, and small entrepreneurs are of utmost importance to the nation. He affirmed that India will not allow any harm to these groups under any pressure. Prime Minister was addressing a large gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for development projects worth over 5,400 crore rupees at Khodaldham Ground in Ahmedabad.
Highlighting India’s transformative journey, Prime Minister noted that the country is progressing on the path of development with self-reliance as its cornerstone.
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Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the government has refused to allow the import of agricultural goods from the United States, prioritizing the interests and welfare of Indian farmers above all else. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal, Mr. Chouhan said, the new Bharat is full of confidence and does not fear anyone when it comes to safeguarding the interests of its own people.
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Union Finance Ministry has introduced a one-time one-way switch facility from the newly introduced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to the National Pension System (NPS).
According to an official notification, this facility is available to UPS subscribers up to one year before their superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement. Employees facing dismissal, removal, or disciplinary action will not be eligible. Once the switch is exercised, employees will no longer be entitled to UPS benefits, including assured payouts. The government's 4 percent differential contribution will be added to the individual's NPS corpus at the time of exit. This move is aimed at streamlining pension benefits and provide flexibility while reinforcing NPS as a long-term retirement solution. From April 1, 2025, the government has introduced UPS as an option under the National Pension System for central government employees. With Raees Uddin report Shivang , Akashvani News, Delhi.
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The government has set up three high-level committees to celebrate the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and tribal icon Birsa Munda, and birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. According to the Union Culture Ministry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chairman of all three committees. The Committee is tasked to approve plans, programmes, supervise and guide the commemoration ceremony across the country.
Born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an instrumental role in the country's struggle for freedom. He had successfully accomplished the task of integrating 565 Princely States into the Union of India within a remarkably short span of time- a feat unprecedented in history. Vallabhbhai Patel is also known as the Iron Man of India.
Similarly, Birsa Munda is also a freedom fighter and a celebrated tribal icon. Tribal movements against the British rule, like the Ulgulan (Revolution) led by Birsa Munda, were not only pivotal in challenging the British oppression but also inspired a national awakening.
Meanwhile, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a poet, writer and statesman, who served as Prime Minister for three terms. To commemorate the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 25th December is observed as Good Governance Day. VISHNU P S, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.
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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that it has received documents from 99.11 percent of electors in Bihar, with seven days still remaining in the Claims, Objections, and Documents period under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.
According to the ECI, this reflects an average daily collection rate of 1.64 percent. With the deadline set for September 1, only 0.89 per cent of electors are yet to submit their documents. The Commission noted that the collection drive, carried out with the help of Booth Level Officers and volunteers, is expected to be completed ahead of schedule, much like the earlier enumeration exercise.
In line with SIR orders dated June 24, the verification of documents is being conducted simultaneously by 243 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and 2,976 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) across Bihar. Aishwarya Rai Nigam, Akashvani, News.
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The Indian Navy will commission two of its advanced stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, in Visakhapatnam, today. The P-17A frigates displace about 6,700 tonnes, making them slightly larger than their predecessor Shivalik-class frigates. They feature an improved hull design to reduce radar cross section. The ceremony will be presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The launch ceremony at Visakhapatnam will be more than a naval ritual; it will be a celebration of India's journey towards a robust and self-sufficient maritime defence ecosystem. INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are follow-on ships of the Project 17 (Shivalik) class frigates incorporating significant improvements in design, stealth, weapon and sensor systems and are capable of executing a full spectrum of maritime missions. INS Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai, and INS Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata, showcase the nation’s growing shipbuilding prowess, as well as, the synergy between India’s premier defence shipyards. Henry, Akashvani News, Visakhapatnam.
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The United States has officially issued a public notice imposing additional 25 per cent tariffs on imports from India. The new duties will come into effect tomorrow. The notice has issued by the Department of Homeland Security through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It said the tariffs implement President Donald Trump’s Executive Order signed August 6. The tariffs will apply to a broad range of Indian products listed in the annex to the notice.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, likely to continue over Gujarat till Saturday and over Rajasthan till tomorrow. IMD also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Odisha and Coastal Andhra Pradesh today. Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe and Telangana today.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, various parts of Jammu region have been witnessing continuous heavy rainfall since late last night. Met department has predicted light to moderate rain at many places with heavy to very heavy rain at few places of Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua and Rajouri districts. In view of the inclement and adverse weather conditions, all Government and Private schools across the Jammu Division will remain closed today for the second consecutive day.
Jammu recorded 190.4 mm rainfall, the second-highest downpour this month in a century. Due to adverse weather conditions, all Government and Private schools across the Jammu division shall remain close today for the second consecutive day. The step has been taken in the interest of student safety following heavy rains and warnings of further deterioration in weather conditions. The authorities have issued advisories asking people to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas. This is N. Gulshan Raina for Akashvani News from Jammu.
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Monsoon rains are continuing intermittently in Himachal Pradesh, due to which noramal life has been badly affected. In the plain districts of the state, flood like situation has arisen due to continuous rain and rivers and streams are overflowing at other places as well. Meteorological Department today issued a red alert for heavy rains for two districts of the state, Kangra and Chamba, while a yellow alert has been issued for some areas.
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Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won Gold medal at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad yesterday and marked a triumphant return to competitive action. The Tokyo Olympics silver medallist lifted a total of 193kg to set new Commonwealth Championship records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total, finishing atop the women's 48kg podium. This included 84kg in snatch and 109kg in clean and jerk, both setting new Commonwealth Championship records. The win also secured her direct qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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India has crossed the 50 medal mark and leading the medal tally at the ongoing 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
In the women’s trap event, Neeru Dhanda won gold with 43 hits, followed by Qatar’s Ray Bassil who won silver and India’s Aashima Ahlawat who secure bronze. Neeru and Aashima also helped India win team gold with Preeti Rajak, finishing ahead of China and Kuwait.
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TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-
- The Pioneer in a front page news says Government tom hold meet as US tariffs kick in. The paper quotes Prime Minister Modi saying interests of farmers, SMEs paramount.
- Asian Age reports that Government won't compromise farmers interests:PM, Modi calls for buy only Made in India products, says the paper.
- Quoting RBI Governor, Business Standard says RBI won't be fond wanting if 50 percent US tariff hurts growth.
- "SC asks govt. to form guidelines to regulate conduct on social media" headlines The Hindu.
- Financial Express reports that GST cuts to come into effect mid-September. GST Reforms being fast track to push festive season consumption, says the paper.
- And finally, The Hindu has a story of Air chief marshal amarpreet singh flying the last sortie of MIG 21. The papers quotes him as saying "it will be missed by all who flew it".
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate localized production of hybrid battery electrodes and flag-off battery electric vehicle exports to 100 countries near Ahmedabad in Gujarat this morning.
- Finance Ministry introduces one-time switch facility from Unified Pension Scheme to National Pension System for central government employees.
- Centre sets up three high-level committees to celebrate 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Patel and Birsa Munda and birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Election Commission says, it has received documents from 99.11 percent of electors in Bihar under Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Indian Navy to commission two advanced stealth frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri in Visakhapatnam today.
- And, Mirabai Chanu wins Gold medal at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad.
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