THE HEADLINES:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi inaugurate India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid.
- President Droupadi Murmu presents National Film Awards for 2023; Malayalam superstar Mohanlal conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award; Hindi movie ’12th Fail wins Best Feature Film Award.
- Railways to operate twelve thousand special trains during upcoming festivals.
- Nine people killed in Kolkata as record rainfall disrupts normal life in the city, causing severe waterlogging.
- IMD warns of heavy rainfall over West Bengal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh during next two days.
- China evacuates over three lakh seventy thousand people as year’s most powerful storm, Ragasa approaches its southern coast.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi today jointly inaugurated India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility set up by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Berrechid. Describing the inauguration as a historic moment in the evolving strategic partnership between India and Morocco, Mr Singh said, the facility will undertake the production of indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform, jointly designed by TASL and Defence Research and Development Organization. He said, India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not merely to manufacture its own needs, but to develop capabilities that allow India to become a credible source of advanced technology and high-quality products for the world.
The Defence Ministry said, under the contract, TASL will deliver these vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin next month. This is the Kingdom of Morocco’s largest defence manufacturing facility, marking the first such plant by an Indian private company in Africa.
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President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the 71st National Film Awards for the year 2023 at a grand ceremony in New Delhi.
At the event, Legendary Malayalam actor, director, and producer Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in the field of cinema in India. Accepting the honour, the actor expressed gratitude to all those who had shaped his journey in cinema.
Our correspondent reports that the National Film Awards were given in various categories to celebrate excellence in filmmaking, storytelling, and acting.
“The Best Feature Film Award was given to the Hindi movie ’12th Fail,’ while the Best Hindi Feature Film Award was presented to ‘Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery. In the Best Actor category, actor Shah Rukh Khan was honoured for his film Jawan while actor Vikrant Massey was conferred for 12th Fail. The Best Actress award was given to actress Rani Mukerji for her performance in the film Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway.
Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story has been conferred the Best Direction award, and the Hindi film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was given the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Singer Shilpa Rao got the Best female Playback singer award for the Hindi film Jawan, while in the male category, PVNS Rohit has received the award for Telugu film Baby. ‘Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw (Mizo)’ received the National Film Award in the Best Non-Feature Film category. With Anupam Mishra, Ishani for Akashvani News, Delhi ”
Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu praised the growing presence of women-centric films, calling it a positive social indicator.
Addressing the gathering, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a global content hub.
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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that for the convenience of passengers twelve thousand special trains will be operated during upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals. Mr Vaishnaw was addressing a press conference in New Delhi today.
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The next-generation GST reforms represent a significant step towards simplifying India’s indirect tax system. Now people can avail the benefit of GST reforms that came in to effect yesterday. Under the new structure, the GST council has simplified the earlier four-tier structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent into a two tier structure of 5 percent and 18 percent. By reducing the tax rate on a wide range of goods and services, the reforms will bring substantial relief to citizens. We have a report:
In order to bring direct savings to the farmers, the government has brought down the taxes on tractors below 18 hundred CC to 5 percent from the previously taxed 12 percent. While the GST on tractor components has been slashed from 18 percent to 5 percent, reducing the cost of modern farm equipment and making mechanisation affordable for small farmers. Similarly, to provide relief to the common man the tax rates on household electronic items such as Air Conditioners, Dishwashers, and TVs has also been reduced to 18 percent from 28 percent slab. The move is expected to increase demand and expand the market size for domestic producers strengthening production capacity. Talking to Akashvani News, Varnita, a resident of Delhi has welcomed the government’s decision. With Drishti, Rohan for Akashvani News, Delhi.
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Guided by the mantra of Seva and Sushasan, that is, Public Service and Good Governance, the Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been working tirelessly to bring transformation and progress. Akashvani News brings for our listners a Special Series- “Seva Parv”. In today’s episode, we take a look at how the Narendra Modi government has empowered India’s youth through the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
“Eleven years ago, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge of the country, he envisioned – the empowerment of millions of youth in the country. To achieve this mission, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana was launched on 15th July, 2015. The scheme has now completed a decade-long journey. Speaking about his vision, the Prime Minister said:
Under this scheme, around one crore 63 lakh youths have been trained till July this year, of which 45 percent are women. The fourth phase of the scheme has already begun, which will continue till next year. Under this scheme, the trained youth are not only encouraged to choose their preferred careers but are also being supported to start their own businesses. One such beneficiary, Umesh Kumar from Udaipur, Rajasthan, says:
The Skill India Mission is not only empowering the youth but also giving them recognition on the global stage. Driven by the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Skill India Mission has today emerged as a pioneering symbol of the new India. Umesh,Dipendra, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Nine people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in West Bengal following overnight heavy rainfall that caused severe waterlogging in Kolkata and surrounding districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported record rainfall in the city-the highest since 1978. More from our correspondent:
Many areas are still waterlogged with badly disrupted normal lives in the city. Bus and train services were severely disrupted. Truncated metro service running in Kolkata with many long distance trains cancelled and local trains rescheduled.
Government, government aided and government sponsored schools will remain closed tomorrow and Thursday except those in hilly areas. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requested other school boards to declare holidays if the situation deteriorates. Work from home option will be available for government employees. A 24 hour- control room has been set up at the state secretariat Nabanna. IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall in Kolkata with sporadic heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. Kalyan Laha ,Akashvani News, Kolkata.
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Meanwhile, IMD has issued an orange colour warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over West Bengal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh during the next two days.
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China has evacuated over three lakh seventy thousand people as Super Typhoon, Ragasa, the year’s most powerful storm, approaches its southern coast. Authorities have ordered school and business closures in at least 10 cities. Ragasa is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province tomorrow before moving towards northern Vietnam. The Super Typhoon’s landfall is anticipated to bring widespread disruption across the region. Over 500 Cathay Pacific flights are likely cancelled, while Hong Kong Airlines has halted all departures. Emergency crews are on high alert as communities prepare for severe wind and flooding impacts.
Meanwhile, Super Typhoon Ragasa claimed three lives in the Philippines after slamming into the country’s north last evening. The typhoon exited the Philippines this morning.
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US President Donald Trump addressed the UN General Assembly today, criticizing its relevance and urging action on global conflicts. He questioned the UN’s effectiveness, calling it full of empty words. Mr. Trump said, he has been actively involved in ceasefire efforts in Gaza, calling on negotiating parties to finalize a deal.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi inaugurate India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid.
- President Droupadi Murmu presents National Film Awards for 2023; Malayalam superstar Mohanlal conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award; Hindi movie ’12th Fail wins Best Feature Film Award.
- Railways to operate twelve thousand special trains during upcoming festivals.
- Nine people killed in Kolkata as record rainfall disrupts normal life in the city, causing severe waterlogging.
- IMD warns of heavy rainfall over West Bengal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh during next two days.
- China evacuates over three lakh seventy thousand people as year’s most powerful storm, Ragasa approaches its southern coast.