THE HEADLINES:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserts, unity and solidarity of 140 crore Indians is country’s biggest strength in its fight against terrorism; Assures nation, perpetrators and conspirators behind Pahalgam terror attack will be given harshest punishment.
• Prime Minister, in Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, urges citizens to use ‘Sachet’ mobile app, to receive real-time alerts on natural disasters in regional languages.
• India making big strides in cancer care, with focus on setting up large-scale treatment centers and promoting early diagnosis, says Health Minister JP Nadda.
• Iran declares day of national mourning tomorrow after deadly explosion at port near Bandar Abbas.
• And, in Women’s Cricket, India beat Hosts Sri Lanka by nine wickets in first ODI of tri-nation series in Colombo.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that unity and solidarity of 140 crore Indians is the biggest strength of the country in its fight against terrorism. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani today, Mr Modi assured the people that the perpetrators and conspirators behind Pahalgam terror attack will be given harshest punishment. 26 people lost their lives in the terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on the 22nd of this month. Prime Minister Modi said, following the terror attack, several global leaders called him up and wrote letters strongly condemning this heinous terrorist attack.
The Prime Minister said the enemies of India and Jammu and Kashmir were not pleased that peace was returning to Kashmir, democracy was getting stronger, and tourists were increasing at a record rate.
Mr Modi has expressed happiness over the completion of 50 years since the launch of the Aryabhata Satellite this month. He said, the country is busy preparing for many important missions like Gaganyaan, SpaDeX and Chandrayaan-4 and is also working on the Venus Orbiter Mission and Mars Lander Mission.
On Disaster Management, the Prime Minister opined that alertness is the most important thing in dealing with any natural disaster. He urged citizens to use the ‘Sachet’ mobile app, which has been designed to provide real-time alerts during any natural disaster in regional languages.
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified probe into the Pahalgam terror attack case. NIA teams are camping at the terror attack site since Wednesday. The NIA said in a statement that the teams are examining the eyewitnesses who had seen the attack unfold at the Baisaran valley. The entry and exit points are being closely scrutinised by the NIA teams for clues to the modus operandi of the terrorists.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir police today detained two hardcore terrorist associates from Budgam district under the stringent Public Safety Act. A police spokesperson said. the detained individuals were instrumental in facilitating terrorist activities, including movement, shelter, logistical support, besides motivating local youth to join banned (terrorist) organisations.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today spoke to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Both leaders discussed the terrorist attack at Pahalgam. They highlighted the importance of zero tolerance for terrorism.
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A total of 537 Pakistani nationals visiting India have so far returned home through the Attari-Wagah border crossing in Punjab’s Amritsar. It comes following the government’s 48-hour deadline for Pakistani Nationals present in India on SAARC Visa to exit the country in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack which claimed lives of 26 people. Out of 537 Pakistani nationals, 237 returned, today.
Talking to Akashvani News, Protocol Officer at Attari, Arun Mahal, said, the date of return for all visa holders including those on medical Visa, has been extended till 29th of this month.
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The Uttarakhand government has cancelled the registration of 77 Pakistani nationals who had signed up for the annual Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. The decision was announced by State Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj.
Offline registration for the Yatra is set to begin tomorrow, with dedicated centers established in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vikasnagar, and Herbertpur to assist pilgrims.
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Union Health Minister JP Nadda today said that India is making big strides in cancer care, with a focus on setting up large-scale treatment centers and promoting early diagnosis. Mr Nadda was speaking at the inauguration of the expanded Cancer Institute and the launch of the state-of-the-art True Beam Unit at the Government Cancer Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra. He quoted a report by the recognized medical journal ‘The Lancet’, which said that with the Government’s efforts, 90 percent of cancer patients in India are now starting their treatment within 30 days of diagnosis – a record recognized globally. He said, 780 medical colleges are operating today across the country, and the government is committed in ensuring there is no shortage of funds for medical education and healthcare services.
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Eminent Space Scientist, former ISRO Chairman and architect of the National Education Policy Dr K Kasturirangan was cremated with full state honours in Bengaluru today. He passed away on Friday at his residence in the city. A host of dignitaries including, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan paid their respects to the late Scientist at the Raman Research Institute. Speaking to media persons, Mr Pradhan described Dr Kasturirangan as a scholar with deep understanding and holistic approach to the issues.
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In Madhya Pradesh, ten people were killed and four injured in a road accident in Mandsaur today. The incident took place when a speeding car collided with a motorcycle and subsequently plunged into a well. Senior Police officials rushed to the spot and have initiated the rescue operation.
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In Delhi, two children died in a massive fire that broke out in a slum cluster in Rohini area today. Delhi Fire Services said, after receiving a call regarding the incident this afternoon, 20 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Firefighters are currently trying to douse the blaze and the operation is underway to bring the situation under control. Over 400 shanties were gutted by fire.
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The Iranian government has declared a day of national mourning tomorrow after the deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas. Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani made the announcement today. According to the latest reports, death toll from a massive explosion has risen to 28 while over 1,200 people are injured in yesterday’s blast. The blast occurred when a fuel tanker exploded at the port in Hormozgan Province. However, the government said the exact cause is still under investigation.
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In Canada, nine people were killed and several injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Filipino Festival in Vancouver. According to the Vancouver Police Department a 30-year-old local man drove a black SUV into the street festival yesterday. The accused is now in custody. The Police Department confirmed that the incident was not an act of terrorism.
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Uganda has declared an end to the Ebola Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak after completing a 42-day mandatory countdown without any new confirmed cases reported. The declaration came in less than three months after the virus was detected in the capital, Kampala.
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In Bihar, two Guinness World Records were achieved in distinct categories: Madhubani painting and a singing bowl ensemble performed by Buddhist monks.
At a ceremony held today at the Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna, officials from Guinness World Records presented the certificates to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Director General of Bihar Sports Authority, Ravindran Shankaran, who witnessed the event at Bodhgaya, described the moment as historic.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Bihar from 4th to 15th of next month.
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In Women’s Cricket, India defeated Hosts Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the first ODI of the tri-nation series in Colombo. The game was curtailed to 39 overs a side after thundershowers led to a delay in the start of the match. Chasing a target of 148 runs, India overhauled the score, posting 149 for the loss of one wicket in 29.4 overs. Earlier, put in to bat, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 147 in 38.1 overs. South Africa is the third team in the tournament.
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In IPL T20 Cricket, hosts Delhi Capitals were at 156 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 19 overs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru a short while ago. Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and elected to bowl.
In another match today, Mumbai Indians defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs at Wankhede Stadium. Chasing the target of 216, Lucknow were bundled out for 161 runs.
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In Badminton, Indian team went down against Denmark 1-4 in their tie in the opening Group D match in the BWF Sudirman Cup Finals at Xiamen in China today.
Placed alongside Indonesia and England in a tough group, India needed a strong start to keep their qualification hopes alive but failed to deliver.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserts, unity and solidarity of 140 crore Indians is country’s biggest strength in its fight against terrorism; Assures nation, perpetrators and conspirators behind Pahalgam terror attack will be given harshest punishment.
• Prime Minister, in Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, urges citizens to use ‘Sachet’ mobile app, to receive real-time alerts on natural disasters in regional languages.
• India making big strides in cancer care, with focus on setting up large-scale treatment centers and promoting early diagnosis, says Health Minister JP Nadda.
• Iran declares day of national mourning tomorrow after deadly explosion at port near Bandar Abbas.
• And, in Women’s Cricket, India beat Hosts Sri Lanka by nine wickets in first ODI of tri-nation series in Colombo.
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