THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal today; To also inaugurate Datia and Satna airports in Madhya Pradesh.
- Centre reduces basic custom duty on crude palm oil, crude soyabean oil and crude sunflower oil to 10 percent to bring down retail prices.
- Government asks IndiGo airlines to stop lease of Turkish aircraft after Ankara’s support for Pakistan.
- Miss World 2025 Pageant finale to take place in Hyderabad this evening.
- US President Donald Trump announces doubling of tariffs on steel imports to 50 percent to protect American industry.
- In IPL cricket, Mumbai Indians storm into Qualifier 2 with a thrilling 20-run victory over Gujarat Titans.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a day-long visit to Madhya Pradesh today. On the occasion of 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Mr Modi will participate in Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal, and also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects.
“Around 2 lakh women will attend the Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan organized in the memory of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give the gift of various development works to the state on this occasion.
Apart from this, the Prime Minister will perform virtual Bhoomi Pujan of development works worth around 863 crore Rs of the Water Resources Department.
Mr. Modi will also release the first installment for the construction of 1 thousand 271 new Atal Gram Seva Sadan.
The Prime Minister will also release a postage stamp dedicated to Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai and a commemorative coin of 300 Rs on this occasion. Mr Modi will also present the National Devi Ahilyabai Award. Sanjeev Sharma, Akashvani News, Bhopal.”
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On the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Punyashloka Ahilyadevi Holkar, a special program has been organized today at her birthplace Chaundi in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra. On this occasion, various development works will be inaugurated in Chaundi. Our correspondent takes a look at the life and works of Ahilyadevi Holkar:
“Lokmata Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, was born on 31 May,1725, in the village of Choundi, in Ahilyanagar district. She married Khande Rao, the son of the brave Maratha leader Malhar Rao Holkar. Sadly, Khande Rao died heroically in battle. After his death, Ahilyabai chose to dedicate her life to the welfare of the people. She became a beacon of exemplary governance, laying the foundation for a fair, kind and compassionate administration. She built ghats along rivers, restored many Hindu temples, and created rest houses and food centers for travelers. After making Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh her capital, she invited many artisans and weavers to the area. Maheshwar is still a major center for textiles, and its famous sarees are known around the world. Her legacy as a great ruler continues to inspire us even today. For Akashwani news, this is Madhavi Kulkarni, from Pune.”
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The Centre has reduced the basic custom duty on crude palm oil, crude soyabean oil and crude sunflower oil to 10 per cent. The move is aimed at bringing down the retail prices of cooking oils and protecting domestic processors. A notification in this regard was issued by the finance ministry yesterday with immediate effect. Earlier, the duty on these three crude edible oils was 20 per cent.
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Centre has asked IndiGo to end its aircraft lease agreement with Turkish Airlines within three months. The action comes just weeks after the government revoked the security clearance for a Turkey-linked firm, Celebi Aviation, which handled services at nine key airports in India, including Delhi. IndiGo, which has leased and operates two Boeing 777s from Turkish Airlines, had a permit to do so until May 31 and had sought an extension from the Ministry of Civil Aviation for six months.
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Civil defence mock drill will be held in several districts of Gujarat today including Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Banaskantha. The drill is aimed to enhance emergency preparedness of the civil defence apparatus amid security threats and test the existing civil defence mechanisms.
Punjab is conducting second mock drill under “Operation Shield” today. Special Director General of Police, Home Guards, Sanjeev Kalra, who is also the Director, Civil Defence, has issued the orders in this regard following the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“This is a precautionary drill. It will be conducted in the border state of Punjab to augment the civil defence preparedness against any hostile attack. All concerned security agencies, fire brigade, civil defence volunteers are participating in it. All the Deputy Commissioners of districts have issued public instructions about the drill. The hooters cautioning air strike will be sounded during the given timings with complete black-out for that duration. All lights including those on inverters or generators have to be switched off. Those travelling by motor vehicles on road are also requested to switch off their lights. Emergency telephone numbers have also been issued for public assistance. Rajesh Bali, Akashvani News, Jalandhar.”
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The civil defence mock drill will also be conducted across Jammu and Kashmir today at 5 PM. The sirens will be activated at multiple locations across J&K, simulating emergency alerts. The public has been urged not to panic and to treat the sirens as part of a routine safety drill designed to test operational readiness.
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As we celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, the Nation salutes the valour of the Indian soldiers. As a tribute to the Armed Forces, Akashvani News is presenting a special series. Today we remember India’s First Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Somnath Sharma, who made the supreme sacrifice during India-Pakistan war of 1947-48.
“Born in January 1923 in Himachal Pradesh, Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in February 1942. In October 1947, when Pakistan launched a tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir, he played a pivotal role in defending the Valley. Despite having his arm in a plaster cast, Major Somnath Sharma insisted on leading D Company of 4 Kumaon, which was airlifted to Srinagar on October 31st. On November 3rd, his company was tasked with holding a position near Badgam while two other companies returned to base. At 1435 hours, they came under sudden attack by around 700 enemy forces with small arms, mortars and heavy automatics – inflicting heavy casualties on the Indians. Refusing to retreat, Major Sharma motivated his men to hold their ground. Even with limited firepower and mounting casualties, he continued to lead from the front-filling magazines and operating light machine guns with one usable hand. While he was busy fighting the enemy, a mortar shell exploded on the ammunition near him. That ended the promising career of young Major Sharma who had not yet completed twenty five years of his life. In His final message to Brigade Headquarters, He said, “I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.” Major Sharma and his men stemmed the tide of enemy advance on Srinagar and the airfield for some very crucial hours. Major Somnath Sharma set an example of fine leadership and great courage and was awarded Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. Saklen Akhtar for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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The Miss World 2025 grand finale will be held this evening in Hyderabad. A total of 108 contestants have taken part in a series of events including cultural, charity and various challenges for the past one month in Telangana.
“After a month-long journey through Telangana’s rich culture, heritage, and a series of competitions featuring 108 competitors from around the globe, Miss World 2025 finale will be held in a glittering event. Scheduled performances by Bollywood stars, special appearance of Miss World 2017, Manushi Chhillar and Miss World Humanitarian Award presentation to popular actor Sonu Sood are some of the main attractions this evening. Contestants from the four Continental Groups will be presented to the global audience. The new Miss World is crowned by the outgoing queen, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic. Lakshmi, Akashvani News, Hyderabad.”
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World No Tobacco Day is being observed today to raise awareness against the dangers of using tobacco. The day is a global initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to end the use of tobacco.
“According to WHO, an estimated 1.3 billion people consume tobacco worldwide, which is one of the leading causes of preventable death. World No Tobacco Day was first observed in the year 1987 with an aim to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. The theme for this year is Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products, which focuses on highlighting the hidden dangers of tobacco products that come in appealing flavors and packaging. Priya Mondal, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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US President Donald Trump has announced that he will double the tariff on steel imports from 25 percent to 50 percent to protect American industry. Speaking to Pennsylvania steelworkers in Pittsburgh, Trump said America’s future should be built with the strength and the pride of Pittsburgh, and not shoddy steel from Shanghai. In a post later on his Truth Social platform, US President said that aluminium tariffs will also be doubled to 50 per cent, and both tariff hikes would go into effect on Wednesday.
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In IPL Cricket, Mumbai Indians storm into Qualifier 2 with a thrilling 20-run victory over Gujrat Titans.
“In IPL cricket, Mumbai Indians secured their spot in Qualifier 2 by defeating Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in Eliminator clash in Chandigarh last night. With this victory, the Mumbai Indians advance to Qualifier 2, keeping their hopes alive for a record-extending seventh IPL title. In Asian Athletics Championships ,India enjoyed a stellar day as Gulveer Singh bagged his second gold, leading the country’s medal charge. Gulveer clinched the men’s 5000 meters title in a Championship Record time of surpassing the previous mark set in 2015. In the women’s high jump, 18-year-old Pooja bagged a gold with a season-best effort 1.89m. Nandini Agasara added the third gold to the day’s tally after winning the women’s heptathlon with 5941 points.Parul Chaudhary set a new national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, to claim silver. India held on to second place in the medal tally with 18 medals, including eight gold, seven silver and three bronze. AND, Indian boxers Kiran and Deepak advanced to the finals of the 4th Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament. THIS IS RITU SRIVASTAVA, SPORTS DESK.”
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over East, West, Central and Northeast regions of the country during the next 2-3 days. Same rainfall has been estimated for Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe, Konkan and Goa till tomorrow. IMD forecast fall in maximum temperatures about 2-3°Celsius over Northwest parts of the country during next 24 hours.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE,
- ‘State or non-state, will hit back at terror, says Prime Minister’ writes Hindustan Times quoting the PM in his address at rallies in Bihar.
- The Hindu quotes the Defence Minister in its headline, ‘Give up Azhar, Saeed before talks, says Rajnath.
- ‘Now Congress’ Khurshid backs end of Article 370: ‘Prosperity in Kashmir, pakistan out to undo.’ writes The Indian Express.
- All dailies have widely covered the estimates of growth of Indian economy this fiscal. The Statesman writes, ‘GDP to grow by 6.5 per cent in financial year 2024-25, estimates National Statistics Office.’
- ‘Conduct NEET-PG 2025 in one shift, orders Supreme Court,’ informs The Pioneer.
- And finally, The National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla in Pune saw history being created on Friday as the first batch of 17 women cadets graduated to become the first lot of women to be inducted into the armed forces as permanent commission officers. ‘Haryana’s Shreeti shines as first women NDA cadets graduate.’
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN,
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal today; To also inaugurate Datia and Satna airports in Madhya Pradesh.
- Centre reduces basic custom duty on crude palm oil, crude soyabean oil and crude sunflower oil to 10 percent to bring down retail prices.
- Government asks IndiGo airlines to stop lease of Turkish aircraft after Ankara’s support for Pakistan.
- Miss World 2025 Pageant finale to take place in Hyderabad this evening.
- US President Donald Trump announces doubling of tariffs on steel imports to 50 percent to protect American industry.
- In IPL cricket, Mumbai Indians storm into Qualifier 2 with a thrilling 20-run victory over Gujarat Titans.
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