THE HEADLINES::     

1. Home Minister Amit Shah calls for sharper vigil on financial transactions, construction of buildings and sale and purchase of properties along international borders.
2. National Testing Agency dismisses claims of NEET UG 2026 re-exam paper leak as false; Warns of strict action against those spreading such content.
3. West Bengal government to undertake major development initiatives to upgrade facilities at key religious sites across the state.
4. India hands over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects to Nepal.
5. International Air Transport Association says, India will be significant player to air traffic boom in Asia Pacific region by 2044.
6. In football, India beat defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 to win SAFF Women’s Championship for record sixth time.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a sharper vigil on financial transactions, construction of buildings and sale and purchase of properties along the international borders. The directive came during a meeting chaired by Mr Shah at BSF’s Tripura Frontier headquarters regarding the border areas of the northeastern state. More from our correspondent…

“Home Minister also directed that an examination of land records of the last five years be conducted. Mr Shah said frequent operations against drug and arms trafficking must be conducted, and the entire chain of contributors to drug trafficking must be dealt with a ruthless approach. He said that ensuring financial discipline in the border districts is the responsibility of the states. Mr Shah directed that collectors and GST officials be trained, and that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) conduct a survey on fake currency. Home Minister said that camps must be organised to train people living along the border to tackle the threats of narcotics and firearms and instructed that the presence of ‘patwaris’ (sentinels), local police and BSF personnel be ensured in these camps. The meeting underscored that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre is firmly committed to ensuring the highest standards of security along the international borders while promoting close synergy between central and state agencies for the holistic development and safety of border areas. ADITYA DUTTA, Akashvani  NEWS, AGARTALA.”

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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has refuted the claims circulating on social media and messaging platforms regarding an alleged leak, advance access, or sale of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination question paper. In a social media post, NTA said that such content is the work of organised cheating rackets that prey on the anxiety of students and their families. A report…

“The agency asserted that the integrity of the examination process remains fully intact and that all necessary safeguards are in place to ensure a fair and secure examination for candidates. NTA said, it is actively identifying and reporting the offending channels, accounts, and content to the concerned platforms and to cyber-crime authorities for immediate take down and action. The agency has advised candidates and parents not to engage with, pay, or forward any such message and not to fall prey to the fraudulent solicitations. The agency has also urged all aspirants to ignore the rumours and to rely solely on official communication issued by NTA through its verified website and channels. Priya Mondal, Akashvani News, Delhi.”

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Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel has said that the government is committed to fostering a digital health ecosystem in the country. In an exclusive interview with the Akashvani News, the minister said that India has created over 90 crore unique ABHA identity cards under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and over 100 crore digital medical records have been linked to these ABHA IDs.

The full interview will be broadcast in our special series 12 Years of the Modi Government today at 7.10 PM on 100.1 MHz Akashvani FM Gold and additional frequencies.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said that the BJP government will undertake major development initiatives to upgrade facilities at key religious sites across the state such as Dakshineswar and Kalighat temples. He said, work has already commenced to elevate the Ganga Sagar Mela to international standards, while facilities at prominent religious landmarks like Dakshineswar and Kalighat will be significantly upgraded. Speaking at a programme in Kolkata, Mr Adhikari said, grand arrangements will be made for the upcoming ‘Srabani Mela’ at Tarakeshwar.

Hitting out at the previous Trinamool Congress administration, the Chief Minister alleged that West Bengal suffered from “acute lack of employment opportunities and systemic corruption” over the past 15 years. Describing West Bengal as a sacred spiritual land, Mr Adhikari said the era of appeasement, lawlessness and lack of investments is now over. Mr Adhikari emphasised that the alignment of the state government with the Centre will accelerate development, as he cited a series of central government projects being implemented in West Bengal to boost employment and infrastructure.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with members of the PM-Economic Advisory Council. The Prime Minister and the EAC discussed various ideas and measures to further boost India’s economic growth in times of global turmoil. Various reforms to improve ease of living and ease of doing business were also discussed. In a social media post, yesterday, the Prime Minister said, they deliberated on a wide range of issues relating to India’s economic transformation and long-term development priorities. They also shared perspectives on adding more momentum to the reforms journey and ensuring Ease of Living as well as Ease of Doing Business.

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar virtually handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects to Nepal under the Reconstruction programme post the 2015 earthquake, after meeting with his visiting Nepalese counterpart Shishir Khanal in New Delhi. The two leaders jointly launched the linkage between UPI (Unified Payments Interface) India and the National Payments Interface of Nepal for facilitating cross-border personal remittances. Both leaders also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Digital India Bhashini and Kathmandu University for co-creating the National Digital Infrastructure for a ‘Voice First’ Language Translation platform for Nepal.

In his opening remarks during the meeting with Mr Khanal, External Affairs Minister said that India and Nepal collaborate closely to maintain security along their long and uniquely open border and the two countries have always stood by each other in times of need.

In his initial remarks, Mr Khanal said, India is Nepal’s most important partner and Nepal has placed highest priority to India. He said, Nepal and India are not merely two countries but stakeholders of a proud ancient civilization. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal thanked India for fuel and fertilisers supply amid the West Asia crisis.

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Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has arrived in New Delhi to co-chair the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. The External Affairs Ministry, in a social media post, said that during the meeting, the two ministers will review the robust comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Indonesia and will discuss ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said that India is a significant player in the growth story of air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region, where the number of air passengers is projected to reach 4.1 billion by 2044. Speaking at a briefing in the Brazilian city yesterday, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific, Sheldon Hee, said that India has been a significant contributor to the region’s aviation growth story over the past several years. He noted that India is one of the world’s fastest-growing domestic civil aviation markets. He added that growth in the Asia-Pacific region has been strong over the past five to ten years and is expected to remain robust over the next decade.

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In Keralam, seven districts are under Orange alert indicating isolated very heavy rain fall. More from our Correspondent:

“The northern districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod in Keralam are under  Orange Alert today, indicating  isolated very heavy rainfall. Yellow Alert has been declared in the remaining seven districts, indicating  isolated heavy rainfall. Intensive rainfall is expected to continue in Keralam on Monday as well. Rainfall of up to 15 mm has been reported from almost all observatories across Keralam this morning. Fishing activities have been banned along the coastal areas of Keralam. Smithy M Palluruthy”’ Akashvani News. Thiruvananthapuram.”

Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka, Keralam and Mahe today. Parts of north-east India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karnataka, Konkan and Goa, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are also likely to experience rainfall during the day.

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The price of domestic LPG cooking gas has been increased by 29 rupees per 14.2-kilogram cylinder. With effect from today, domestic LPG in Delhi will cost 942 rupees, rising from the earlier 913 rupees.

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In the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final, India defeated the defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 to win the title for a record sixth time. The match was played in Madgaon, Goa yesterday. After seven years, the Blue Tigresses have once again lifted the trophy. A report:

“In the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final played in Madgaon, Goa, India defeated Bangladesh 3-1 to win the title for a record sixth time. With this victory, the Indian women’s team has brought the prestigious trophy back after seven years. From the very start of the final, both teams played with strong intensity. In the first half, India took the lead through a goal by Pyari Xaxa. However, Bangladesh equalised with a goal from Ritu Porna Chakma. At half-time, the score was 1-1. In the second half, India dominated the game. Sanfida scored a brilliant goal to put India ahead once again, and Linda Kom added the third goal to seal the win. After that, Bangladesh could not make a comeback, and India won the match 3-1. Throughout the tournament, the Indian team showed excellent performance, and they continued their strong form in the final. The Blue Tigresses ended their campaign with a memorable victory. For Akashvani News, Nikhil Upadhyay, from Panaji“

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In the one-off Test against Afghanistan, India will resume play at 368 for 3 in their first innings on Day Two in New Chandigarh today. Centuries from KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill, who remains unbeaten on 103, have put the Men in Blue in a strong position. Sai Sudharsan also contributed 81 before missing out on a maiden Test century, while Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten with a brisk half-century.

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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS,

1. Newspapers have noticed a variety of stories today including the flare up in tensions in the West Asia conflict.
2. Sunday Pioneer writes, ‘PM reviews economic roadmap’ adding ‘India must continue its development agenda despite global challenges.’ While The Sunday Statesman headlines, ‘PM reviews economic strategy amid West Asia uncertainty.’
3. ‘Cockroach backers swarm Jantar Mantar as hundreds seek Pradhan ouster over paper leak,’ writes The Sunday Tribune in its top headline.
4. ‘Telangana CM calls for federal balance to safeguard citizens,’ writes The Hindu.
5. ‘Reeling rupee drags students abroad deeper into debt at home,’ writes The Economic Times.
6. ‘LPG price hiked by 29 rupees per 14.2 kg cylinder,’ writes Sunday Pioneer.
7. ‘US and Iran trade strikes near Strait of Hormuz as talks hit a wall,’ writes The Sunday Statesman while another story headlines, ‘UN food agency says millions are being pushed into hunger by Iran war.’
8. Sunday Statesman in its editorial titled ‘Beyond Hormuz’ writes, ‘The geopolitical shock created by the Iran conflict is forcing countries far beyond West Asia to confront an uncomfortable reality!Energy security can no longer be built around a single set of political assumptions. For India, the renewed importance of Venezuela is less a story about one oil supplier and more a reflection of a changing global energy map.
9. Finally, Sunday Tribune confronts a grim reality, ‘Silent killer on our plates: WHO links unsafe food to 1.5 million deaths worldwide.’

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN

1. Home Minister Amit Shah calls for sharper vigil on financial transactions, construction of buildings and sale and purchase of properties along international borders.
2. National Testing Agency dismisses claims of NEET UG 2026 re-exam paper leak as false; Warns of strict action against those spreading such content.
3. West Bengal government to undertake major development initiatives to upgrade facilities at key religious sites across the state.
4. India hands over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects to Nepal.
5. International Air Transport Association says, India will be significant player to air traffic boom in Asia Pacific region by 2044.
6. In football, India beat defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 to win SAFF Women’s Championship for record sixth time.

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