THE HEADLINES:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, terrorist activities by Pakistan are not proxy war but well-planned war strategy against India.
- President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Awards to 69 eminent personalities for year 2025.
- Last date of filing Income Tax Returns extends from 31st July to 15th September.
- Normal life disrupted as heavy rainfall continues in several regions across Maharashtra; IMD issues red-alert in five districts.
- India set for above normal monsoon with estimate of 106 per cent rainfall; Forecast brings boost for Agriculture and rural livelihood.
- India’s Gulveer Singh clinches gold medal in Men’s 10,000-metre race at Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that recent events have proven that the so-called proxy war against India is, in fact, a well-planned war strategy. Addressing a public gathering at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, he stated that following the events of 6th of May India no longer needs to provide proof of terrorist activity, the evidence is now being provided by those across the border themselves. The Prime Minister pointed out that terrorists who were killed were given state honours in Pakistan, with the national flag draped over their coffins and salutes offered by the Pakistani army.
Highlighting the significance of Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister emphasized that it will extend beyond its original scope, symbolizing a lifelong commitment to national progress. He said Operation Sindoor is not merely a military initiative but a responsibility shared by every Indian citizen. In a major push for self-reliance, the Prime Minister urged citizens to assess their daily consumption, identify foreign products and replace them with locally made alternatives.
Mr. Modi said India does not seek enmity with anyone and wishes to live in peace. He added that the country aspires to progress in a way that contributes to the welfare of the world and the government is working with dedication for the upliftment of millions of Indians. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth 5,536 crore rupees at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
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President Droupadi Murmu today conferred Padma Awards to 69 eminent personalities for the year 2025 at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Of them three were conferred with Padma Vibhushan, 9 with Padma Bhushan and 57 personalities were confered with Padma Shri.
Former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar and Kumudni Rajnikant Lakhia have been honoured with Padma Vibhushan for their contribution in the field of Public affairs and Arts while renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha was honoured with Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
Akashvani News has talked to some of the Padma Awardees, who shared their excitement over this prestigious award. Former Chief Justice of India, Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar, said that it is a great honour for him.
Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu had conferred Padma Awards to 71 eminent personalities for the year 2025 at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held last month.
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New Delhi’s message of zero tolerance against terrorism is echoing worldwide with India’s multi party delegations holding back to back interactions with world leaders, Parliamentarians, think tanks, media and civil society in different countries to further unmask Pakistan’s cross border terrorism. An all-party Indian delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha held interaction with Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, group of MPs, delegates of Chamber of Commerce, and business leaders of that country. Another delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi called the President of the National Council of Slovenia, Marko Lotric in Ljubljana and conveyed India’s resolute stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and the new normal after Operation Sindoor. Mr. Marko Lotric said India is not just the second-largest partner for Slovenia in Asia but also the most important partner for the entire European Union.
An all-party delegation from India, led by Member of Parliament Baijayant Panda, concluded a two-day visit to Kuwait aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and reinforcing India’s unified approach against terrorism. He said the message they are carrying is getting great resonance and there is tremendous support.
The group headed by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, which is in France, held interactions with French journalists in Paris. Mr. Prasad said they have spoken to the Think Tank and Indians staying in France. He said Pakistan will have to give a good account of itself whereby they must stop terrorism.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Programme Execution Model. The model aims to enhance India’s indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem. In a statement, Defence Ministry said the Execution Model approach provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis.It stated that the entity or bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country.
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The Indian Navy is all set to welcome the triumphant crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II upon the successful completion of their circumnavigation of the globe onboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini. In a statement, the Indian Navy said that by accomplishing this rare feat in double-handed mode, Lt Cdr Roopa A. and Lt Cdr Dilna K. are set to touch the shores of Goa on the 29th of May. The Indian Navy further stated that the flag-in ceremony of this landmark event will be presided over by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at Mormugao Port in Goa, formally marking the culmination of the circumnavigation.
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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 Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh who made the supreme sacrifice during the Sino-Indian war in 1962.
“Born in December 1924 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Major Shaitan Singh enrolled in Kumaon Regiment in 1949. During the Sino-Indian war in 1962, Major Shaitan Singh led C company of 13 kumaon regiment held a strategic position at Rezang La at an altitude of 5 thousand meters. Defended by five platoons, the position came under a massive Chinese assault at dawn on November 18. As waves of enemy soldiers advanced through mountain nullahs, Indian troops opened devastating fire, causing heavy casualties. Despite freezing conditions and overwhelming numbers, the Kumaonis, especially No. 7, 8, and 9 Platoons, fought with unmatched courage, engaging in hand-to-hand combat and holding ground till the last man. Surrounded and under relentless attack, they refused to retreat. Major Shaitan Singh, the Company Commander, displayed exemplary leadership and courage in the battle of Rezang La. He led his troops most admirably. Unmindful of his personal safety he moved from one platoon post to another. He continued to fight along with his men. While he was being evacuated by two Other Ranks, the Chinese brought heavy machine gun fire on them. Major Shaitan Singh sensing danger to their lives ordered them to leave him. The Other Ranks placed him behind a boulder on the slopes of a hill where he breathed his last. Major Shaitan Singh posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra for his supreme courage, leadership and devotion to duty. Saklen Akhtar for Akashvani News Delhi . “
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The Central Board of Direct Taxes- CBDT has extended the last date of filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs), from 31st July to 15th September this year. CBDT in its statement said that this extension will provide more time to people due to significant revisions in ITR forms, system development needs, and TDS credit reflections. CBDT said that this will ensure a smoother and more accurate filing experience for everyone.
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Union Education Minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan today hit out at the Congress party over a statement made by the party’s senior leader, Rahul Gandhi. In a social media post, Mr. Pradhan accused Mr. Gandhi of telling lies, saying that the Congress has always deceived the SC, ST, and OBC communities. He stated that in 2014, when the UPA was in power, 57 percent of SC, 63 percent of ST, and 60 percent of OBC teaching posts in central universities were vacant.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that rainfall across the country in this monsoon season is likely to be above normal with probability of 106 percent during 5th of June to 30th of September. This optimistic monsoon forecast brings significant potential benefits. It is expected to boost crop output, reduce pressure on irrigation systems, and support rural livelihoods. It also raises hopes for improved water availability. Briefing media in New Delhi today, Secretary of Earth Sciences Ministry, M Ravichandran said that normal rainfall is expected in Northwest India while below normal rainfall is expected in Northeast India.
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Several regions across Maharashtra, including Konkan, Vidarbha, Central Maharashtra, and Marathwada, continue to experience heavy rainfall, significantly impacting daily life. Mumbai has been witnessing dense cloud cover and intermittent showers since morning. More from our Mumbai correspondent:
“The IMD has issued a red alert for five districts in the state-Raigad, Ratnagiri, Pune, Satara, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-indicating a high likelihood of intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms today. Several other districts are under an orange alert, suggesting a significant probability of moderate rainfall with associated thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall has severely affected many areas in the state. In Mumbai, a 26-year-old man lost his life, and two others were injured yesterday in Vikhroli after a tree fell on them. In Latur district, two individuals died, and six others sustained grievous injuries after being struck by lightning yesterday evening. In Ratnagiri, one person was killed by lightning in Lanja, while three others were injured due to a wall collapse. Three individuals were injured in Guhagar after a tree fell on them. Districts including Ratnagiri, Dharashiv, Ahilyanagar, Parbhani, Jalna, Beed, Sangli and Nashik are also experiencing incessant rainfall following the onset of the monsoon in the state. Ankita Apte, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
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In athletics, India’s Gulveer Singh has clinched the gold medal in the Men’s 10,000-metre race at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea. He secured the top spot clocking 28 minutes and 38.63 seconds.
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In IPL T20 cricket, Lucknow Super Giants were 191 for 2 in 17 overs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, when reports last came in.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, terrorist activities by Pakistan are not proxy war but well-planned war strategy against India.
- President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Awards to 69 eminent personalities for year 2025.
- Last date of filing Income Tax Returns extends from 31st July to 15th September.
- Normal life disrupted as heavy rainfall continues in several regions across Maharashtra; IMD issues red-alert in five districts.
- India set for above normal monsoon with estimate of 106 per cent rainfall; Forecast brings boost for Agriculture and rural livelihood.
- India’s Gulveer Singh clinches gold medal in Men’s 10,000-metre race at Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea.
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