THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets top leaders of the Maldives and assures support for capacity building and development; attends Independence Day celebrations at Male as Guest of Honour.
- Prime Minister launches development projects worth over 4,800 crore rupees at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.
- Prime Minister Modi to share his thoughts with people of the country and abroad in the Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani at 11 AM tomorrow.
- Clashes continue along the Thailand Cambodia border with both sides accusing each other of violating the International law.
- In Chess, title clash continues between Koneru Humpy and fellow Indian Divya Deshmukh in the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 at Batumi, Georgia.
- And, in Cricket England in commanding position with 311-run lead in the Manchester Test on Day 4; India were 95 for 2 in second innings when reports last came in.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 60th anniversary of Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as the ‘Guest of Honour’ today. This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives. Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Maldives President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu. The celebrations showcased a lively parade by the Maldivian National Defence Forces and other local units, along with a string of cultural performances that dwelt on the achievements of the Maldives as a modern nation.
Mr. Modi assured that India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that it was an honour to attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations. Mr Modi extended warm greetings to the people and government of the Maldives. He said this momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. He also noted that India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a long history of cultural and economic exchanges. Later, the Prime Minister departed for home marking the conclusion of his two day Maldives Visit.
”Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a series of high-level meetings in the Maldives today, reinforcing the bilateral relationship with key leaders and community members. He met with Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef to discuss the foundational pillars of the India-Maldives friendship, with a focus on cooperation in infrastructure, technology, climate change, and energy. Prime Minister Modi also held separate discussions with the Speaker of the Maldives Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, and engaged with former President Mohamed Nasheed along with leaders from various political parties. Prime Minister also interacted with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and members of Indian community. Jeevan Bhawasar, Akashvani News, Male, Maldives.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new terminal building of the Tuticorin airport and also laid the foundation for projects worth 4800 crore rupees in Tamil Nadu, after returning from the Maldives. Spread across 17,340 square meters, the terminal will be equipped to handle 20 lakh passengers annually.
In Railway infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated the electrification of the 99 km Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line. He also inaugurated the 650 crore rupees doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil Town-Kanniyakumari section, Additionally, the doubling of the Aralvaymozhi-Nagercoil Junction and Tirunelveli-Melappalayam sections.
Addressing people on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi said Tamil Nadu is witnessing unprecedented development which reflects the Centre’s resolve to make the state a driving force of Viksit Bharat.
The Prime Minister said over the last 11 years, his government focused on infrastructure and energy sectors as these are the backbone of any state’s development.
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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 at 11 AM tomorrow. It will be the 124th episode of the monthly radio programme.
The programme will be broadcast across the entire Akashvani and Doordarshan network, the AIR News website, and the 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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Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal today informed that India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman is nearing completion. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Commerce Minister added that India’s FTAs with the US and European Union are also progressing well while talks with New Zealand, Chile and Peru are also on-going. He highlighted that these trade deals hold the potential to explore technological partnerships and utilize India’s strength in STEM. Mr Goyal further noted that successful trade deals with developed nations in recent years reflect the growing relevance and importance of India on the global stage. He added that India’s goods and services have high quality and cost competitiveness which has made these deals possible.
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Seventeen Parliamentarians have been awarded Sansad Ratna Awards 2025 in New Delhi today for their exemplary performance. These Parliamentarians include Ravi Kishan and Dinesh Sharma from the BJP, Varsha Gaikwad from the Congress, Supriya Sule from NCP-SP and Arvind Sawant from Shivsena-UBT. The awards have been given by a non-government organisation. Talking to media on the occasion, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said, this award is a recognition of the MPs’ outstanding performance.
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Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) today prohibited all flights from flying across fighting zones with Thailand. Sinn Chanserey Vutha, who is also the SSCA’s secretary of state, said all airlines had been informed to avoid flying over conflict zones and the scope of prohibition had been expanded to Poipet City, Pailin province and part of Siem Reap province.
Clashes reportedly continued at several areas along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with Cambodian forces conducting sustained bombardment utilising heavy weapons, field artillery, and rocket systems.
Thai forces responded with appropriate supporting fire in accordance with the tactical situation and issued advisories to local civilians to avoid entering areas of clashes. Fighting continued despite Cambodia’s call for an immediate ceasefire at the UN Security Council. Both sides have accused each other of violating international law. Thai army has accused the Cambodian army of laying anti-personnel landmines in Thai territory.
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The Ministry of External Affairs today said that India is closely monitoring the situation developing between Thailand and Cambodia. In a statement, the ministry said that New Delhi has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation. It also said that the Indian travellers in the region can contact their respective embassies for any assistance.
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In Chhattisgarh, at least four Maoists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district today.
Bodies of killed Maoists have been recovered. Security personnel also recovered a large quantity of weapons including, Self loading rifle from the spot.
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In a ceremonial event held at Raj Bhavan, Panaji, veteran politician and former Union Minister Mr. Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the new Governor of Goa today. Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Alok Aradhe, administered the oath of office.
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The Ministry of Education has issued a directive to all States and Union Territories to take urgent steps to ensure the student safety and well-being. This includes mandatory safety audits of schools and child-related facilities as per national safety codes, training for staff and students in emergency preparedness, and the provision of psychosocial support through counselling and peer networks.
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary and Ajmer Police Commissioner over the reported death of a labourer after being buried in soil while digging a sewer pit in a power house campus in Rajasthan. Taking suo moto cognizance of media reports, the Commission has sought a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include compensation, if any, provided to the next of kin of the deceased. The Commission has observed that if the contents of the news report are true, it constitutes a serious violation of human rights of the victim.
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In Chess, first Game in the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 between Koneru Humpy and fellow Indian Divya Deshmukh ended in a draw in Batumi, Georgia this evening. Divya was playing with the white pieces while Koneru was on the board with black. Both the players get 0.5 points each after this draw. Game 2 of the final will be played tomorrow.
The all-Indian clash guarantees a spot in next year’s FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, where the winner will earn the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship title. Both Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh made it to the final by defeating their Chinese opponents to set up the title clash.
This is a momentous occasion for women’s chess in India, with both the winner and runner-up positions secured in a tournament of such global stature.
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In the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, on Day 4, India were 98 for two in their second innings against hosts England, when reports last came in. Earlier today, England were all out for 669 runs in their first innings at Old Trafford in Manchester taking a lead of 311 runs.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall over West Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and Gujarat tomorrow. The weather agency said that monsoon conditions are likely to be in active phase over central India and along the west coast and adjoining ghat areas during the next 3 days.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets top leaders of the Maldives and assures support for capacity building and development; attends Independence Day celebrations at Male as Guest of Honour.
- Prime Minister launches development projects worth over 4,800 crore rupees at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.
- Prime Minister Modi to share his thoughts with people of the country and abroad in the Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani at 11 AM tomorrow.
- Clashes continue along the Thailand Cambodia border with both sides accusing each other of violating the International law.
- In Chess, title clash continues between Koneru Humpy and fellow Indian Divya Deshmukh in the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 at Batumi, Georgia.
- And, in Cricket England in commanding position with 311-run lead in the Manchester Test on Day 4; India were 98 for 2 in second innings when reports last came in.
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