THE HEADLINES:
⦁ Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share his thoughts in Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani tomorrow at 11 AM.
⦁ Centre issues advisory to all media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of anti-terrorist operations in interest of national security.
⦁ India successfully lifts over 17 crore people out of extreme poverty in last ten years, says a World Bank report.
⦁ Explosion rocks Iran’s Bandar Abbas port; 4 people killed and over 500 injured.
⦁ Pope Francis laid to rest after Vatican funeral service.
⦁ And in IPL T20 Cricket, Punjab Kings elect to bat against hosts Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people of the country and abroad in the Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani tomorrow at 11 AM. It will be the 121st episode of the monthly radio programme. The programme will be broadcast across the entire Akashvani and Doordarshan network, AIR News website, and Newsonair mobile app. It will also be live-streamed on the YouTube channels of AIR News, DD News, the PMO, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Akashvani will broadcast the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast.
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The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued an advisory to all media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of anti-terrorist operations and movement of security forces in the interest of national security. The Ministry said that the media, digital platforms, and individuals play a vital role in safeguarding national security. All media platforms, news agencies, and social media users have been advised to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security related operations.
“The unrestricted coverage of the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the Kandahar hijacking had adverse consequences on national interests, which underscored the importance of responsible reporting. In its advisory, the government has asked the media to refrain from reporting based on source-based information related to defence operations or movement of security forces. Information and Broadcasting Ministry said, premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel. The Cable Television Network Amendment Rules state that no programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces. With Dipendra Kumar, Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News Delhi.”
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Government has directed airlines to implement passenger handling measures amid airspace restrictions to ensure continued passenger comfort, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Civil Aviation Ministry said, in light of the recent international airspace closures and overflight restrictions, several flight routes have been significantly altered, leading to extended flight durations and the possibility of technical stops. The Ministry asked airlines to pro-actively inform passengers about route changes, extended travel times, and any technical halts during their journey.
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World leaders continue to reach out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express solidarity with India following the Pahalgam terror attack. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran called Prime Minister Modi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir and conveyed his condolences for the victims.
Both leaders agreed that there could be no justification for such acts of terror and all those who believe in humanity must stand together in the fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi shared the anger and anguish of the people of India and their resolve to deal with those behind the terror attack and their supporters, firmly and decisively.
President of UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Mr Modi and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives in the terror attack. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full solidarity and support with India. Prime Minister Modi appreciated his sentiments and words of sympathy and support. Both leaders agreed that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar discussed the importance of countering terrorism resolutely with his Egyptian counterpart Dr. Badr Abdelatty over phone. In a social media post, the External Affairs Minister said he received a phone call from Dr. Badr Abdelatty and appreciate his support and solidarity in regard to the Pahalgam terror attack.
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UK Conservative Party leader and Member of Parliament, Bob Blackman extended full support to India in fight against terrorism following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam. He said that the terrorist camps in Pakistan along the Line of Control must be dismantled and the terror threat to India eradicated once for all.
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In a major crackdown by the Anti Terrorist Squad on a terrorist network linked to banned organisation of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), four suspected people including a couple have been detained from Wasseypur area of Dhanbad district in Jharkhand.
Four sleeper cell members of Hizb ut Tahrir have been arrested after raids at various places in the same area. They were staying there and operating anti-national activities by connecting other youths of the state to their network. Two pistols and 12 cartridges have been recovered from them alongwith electronic gadgets.
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Delhi government has extended the deadline for the Pakistani nationals whose visa has been suspended after the Pahalgam terror attack, from 26th April to 29th April. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood appealed to all citizens to help identify Pakistan nationals overstaying in the national capital and inform the nearest police station immediately.
Delhi Government in its statement said that in pursuance of the decision of Centre to suspend the Visa services to Pakistani nationals, all existing visas issued to Pakistani nationals stands revoked with immediate effect. It added, the government unequivocally shares the security concerns resulting from the illegal overstay of Pakistani nationals in Delhi.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, when the youth participate in nation building, the nation develops rapidly and also makes its mark in the world. He said, with their hard work and innovation today the youth of the country is showing the world how much potential the nation has. The Prime Minister was speaking at the Rozgar Mela after distributing over 51 thousand appointment letters to newly appointed youth in various government departments through video conferencing today. Mr Modi said, the youth who have received their appointment letters today, have the big responsibility to strengthen the nation’s economy, internal security, develop modern infrastructure and bring changes in the lives of the labourers. The Prime Minister said, in a few days, the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit WAVES 2025 is going to be organized in Mumbai. He said, at the center of this event are the youth of the country.
Mr. Modi said, the women of the country are touching new heights in the fields of bureaucracy, space and science. The Prime Minister said, the government also has a special focus on empowerment of rural women.
The 15th Rozgar Mela was held at 47 locations across the country today. Talking to Akashvani news, some of the beneficiaries shared their feelings.
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Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today launched Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme Guidelines and Online portal in New Delhi. Recently, the Union Cabinet had approved this scheme with a funding of 22 thousand 919 crore rupees to make India Atmanirbhar in the electronics supply chain. The guidelines have been formulated with intense industry consultation. The scheme will be open to receive application from 1st May through the online portal. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vaishnaw said, the electronics manufacturing has increased five times and Electronics export has increased six times in the last 10 year. He requested industry to setup design teams.
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India has successfully lifted over 17.1 crore people out of extreme poverty in the last ten years. According to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity report, five states-Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh-accounted for two-thirds of the overall decline in extreme poverty. In rural areas, extreme poverty fell from 18.4 percent in 2011-12 to 2.8 percent in 2022-23. While, in urban areas, poverty reduced from 10.7 percent to 1.1 percent over the same period. It added that India has witnessed positive trends in employment growth, particularly since 2021-22. The report also showed the rise of self-employment, particularly among rural workers and women, contributing to economic participation.
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In Iran, at least four people were killed and more than 500 others injured after a huge explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas, in southern part of the country. The blast caused destruction in the surrounding areas and affected some industries in western Bandar Abbas. State media reported that the source of the incident was the explosion of several containers stored in the Shahid Rajaee Port wharf area. The blast occurred as Iran began a third round of nuclear talks with the United States in Oman, although the cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives in the explosion in Bandar Abbas today and wished speedy recovery for those injured.
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Pope Francis has been laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome following his funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who led the funeral service, presided over the solemn proceedings.
“The service was attended by world leaders, clergy, and thousands of mourners. Presidents, prime ministers, royalty, and religious leaders gathered to pay their final respects to Pope Francis. President Droupadi Murmu offered condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. Other notable attendees included U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Argentine President Javier Milei. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi told the media that around 400,000 people attended the funeral proceedings in the Vatican and Rome. Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke. APaRAJIthA, Akashvani News, Delhi.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump met inside St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral. The White House described the 15-minute meeting as very productive. Later, President Zelensky called it very symbolic, with the potential to become historic. The meeting came a day after US President Trump said Russia and Ukraine were very close to a deal.
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In IPL T20 Cricket, Punjab Kings have set a target of 202 runs before hosts Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Electing to bat first, Punjab Kings scored 201 runs for 4 in stipulated 20 overs.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
⦁ Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share his thoughts in Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani tomorrow at 11 AM.
⦁ Centre issues advisory to all media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of anti-terrorist operations in interest of national security.
⦁ India successfully lifts over 17 crore people out of extreme poverty in last ten years, says a World Bank report.
⦁ Explosion rocks Iran’s Bandar Abbas port; 4 people killed and over 500 injured.
⦁ Pope Francis laid to rest after Vatican funeral service.
⦁ And in IPL T20 Cricket, Punjab Kings set a target of 202 runs before hosts Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
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