THE HEADLINES:
- India welcomes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska; Says their leadership in pursuit of peace, highly commendable.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar holds meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun to deepen bilateral cooperation.
- Incessant heavy rain throws life out of gear in Mumbai and various parts of Maharashtra.
- Sri Krishna Janmashtami being celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervour across the country.
- India to host biggest international winter sports event for the first time next week in Dehradun.
- And, Indian Squash player Anahat Singh entres final of the NSW Bega Open 2025 in Australia.
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India today welcomed the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, calling their leadership in the pursuit of peace highly commendable. In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs praised the progress made in the talks and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path forward. The ministry added that the world is looking for an early end to the conflict in Ukraine.
“U.S. President Donald Trump suggested today that Ukraine consider a deal with Russia to end the war, citing Russia’s considerable power. His comments followed a nearly three-hour meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, the first U.S.-Russia summit since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump also indicated that both leaders agreed direct peace negotiations, rather than a ceasefire, were the best path forward, signaling a shift from Ukraine and its allies’ prior position. Putin expressed hope that the discussions would bring them closer to peace in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he would meet Trump in Washington on Monday and that Trump had briefed him on the summit’s key outcomes during a phone call as the U.S. President returned from Alaska. Shagun Chopra, Akashvani News.”
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun, in New Delhi today. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said the two leaders engaged in productive discussions aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, manufacturing, maritime, and people-to-people exchanges. He said, they also explored new opportunities in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, and defence. The Minister noted that they also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region and current global developments. During the meeting, Dr Jaishankar also expressed appreciation for the deepening convergences and expanding engagement between the two countries as they mark the 10th anniversary of their Special Strategic Partnership.
Speaking to media, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun said that his country is very stern and firm on the issue of terrorism.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar today received a call from Foreign Secretary of UK David Lammy. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said, the discussions covered the recent Ukraine developments and other issues.
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Chinese Foreign Minister and Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Wang Yi will be on a two day visit to India from Monday. He is visiting India at the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. During the visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister will hold the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ Talks on the India-China boundary question with India’s Special Representative Mr Doval. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their wishes on India’s 79th Independence Day. In a social media post Mr Modi wished that the friendship between India-Israel continue to flourish, and both the countries strengthen and deepen their relationship bringing peace, development as well as security to the people. Wishing Ukraine a future marked by peace, progress and prosperity, the Prime Minister added that India values the joint commitment to forging even closer ties between India and Ukraine.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate two major National Highway projects worth around 11 thousand crore rupees in New Delhi tomorrow. These projects include the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the projects have been developed under the Government’s comprehensive plan to decongest the National Capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas. Mr Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to senior officials today and reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations in Chashoti, Kishtwar, following the devastating flash floods. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that in a social media post, the LG assured that all damaged homes will be reconstructed and directed officials to ensure immediate relief and uninterrupted supply of essential items to the affected families. The LG emphasized swift action and full support to those impacted by the tragedy. Rescue efforts continue in the area with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local administration working round the clock to locate the missing and provide aid to survivors.
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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert over parts of Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa today due to extremely heavy falls. IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall over Gujarat and South Vidharbha today and over Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra during the next three days. The weather agency has also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam during the next two to three days.
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In Mumbai, incessant heavy rains since last night have thrown life out of gear. The downpour has resulted in at least two deaths after a landslide struck a house in the wee hours today.
“According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santa Cruz observatory recorded a massive 244 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM today, marking the highest single-day August rainfall in the last five years. Meanwhile, Colaba observatory recorded 83 mm of rainfall during the same period. Most parts of the city witnessed continues rains even throughout the day today.The intense rainfall has caused widespread waterlogging, leading to traffic snarls and disruptions to daily life across Mumbai. The suburban trains are running with a minor delay. Despite heavy rainfall, the Dahi Handi celebrations were held at various locations in the city with traditional fervor and excitement on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended multiple Dahi Handi celebrations across Mumbai and Thane. Prarthna, Akashvani News, Mumbai”
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The India Meteorological Department has predicted very heavy rainfall in Kerala and issued an orange alert for five districts- Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod today. A yellow alert has been issued for all other districts. The orange alert will continue in Kannur and Kasaragod for the next two days. Considering the rough weather conditions, fishing activities have been banned along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts until the 18th of this month. Strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are also expected across the state.
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The Festival of Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated across the country today. Devotees are thronging temples to offer prayers.
Thousands of temples across the country have been decorated with flowers and Jhankis are on display as is the tradition.
In Uttar Pradesh Mathura, the birthplace of Shri Krishna is witnessing the colours of devotion, faith and joy.
“In Uttar Pradesh, the streets of Mathura and Vrindavan are filled with devotees on the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Slogans of “Nand ke Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiyalal Ki” are echoing everywhere. A member of the Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan, Gopeshwar Nath Chaturvedi said that the Janmotsav event will start at 11 pm and Prakatyotsav will be held at 12 midnight. The temple will remain open for darshan till 2 am.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reached Mathura in the afternoon and offered prayers at Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi temple. During his visit he reiterated his resolve to preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage of Mathura-Vrindavan. Om Awasthi, Akashvani News, Lucknow.”
In Delhi, temples and households are glowing with light, colors and the spirit of devotion.
“Devotees in large number are gathering to celebrate this grand festival. Celebrations are being held at Birla Temple in New Delhi, Iskcon Temple in East of Kailash, Punjabi Bagh, Iskcon Dwarkadheesh Temple in Dwarka and Chhatarpur Temple in South Delhi. 501 dishes are being prepared in Punjabi Bagh to be offered to Lord Krishna on the occasion.The joyous celebrations engulf India as Hindus across the nation embrace a vibrant mix of traditions. Shivang for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
In Manipur, Krishna Janmasthami is being celebrated across the State marking the birthday celebration for Lord Krishna.
The main celebration is being held at Shri Shri Govindajee Temple and ISKON Mandir both located in Imphal. Besides, celebration was held at Gopinath Mandir in Bishnupur district in a grand manner.
In neighboring Bangladesh, Devotees, especially in Dhaka, took part in processions, prayers, and devotional events to honour Lord Krishna’s birth. The Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee hosted central celebrations at Dhakeshwari National Temple, featuring prayers, Geeta Joggo, and a procession in the afternoon.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended their greetings to all countrymen on the occasion of Janmashtami.
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For the first time, India is going to host the biggest international winter sports event. The Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025 will be organized from the 20th to 23rd of August 2025 at the Maharana Pratap Sports College, in Raipur, Dehradun.
President of ISAI, Amitabh Sharma, informed that more than 11 Asian countries will participate in this historic competition. These include China, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and India. Athletes will showcase their skills in 9 different events, ranging from the 222-meter sprint to the 5000-meter relay.
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Indian squash player Anahat Singh has reached the final of the NSW Bega Open 2025 in Australia after a tough win over Egypt’s Nour Khafagy in the semifinals. The 17-year-old from Delhi won 3-2 in a 54-minute battle, with scores of 10-12, 11-5, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7. Despite an injury during the match, Anahat showed great determination to outlast Khafagy.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- India welcomes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska; Says their leadership in pursuit of peace, highly commendable.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar holds meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun to deepen bilateral cooperation.
- Incessant heavy rain throws life out of gear in Mumbai and various parts of Maharashtra.
- Sri Krishna Janmashtami being celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervour across the country.
- India to host biggest international winter sports event for the first time next week in Dehradun.
- And, Indian squash player Anahat Singh entres final of the NSW Bega Open 2025 in Australia.
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