THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Mission Mausam; Says, Mission is testament to India’s commitment to make the country weather-ready and climate-smart.
- External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar says, India’s global stature is rising and providing meaningful assistance during challenging times.
- Festivals of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu, and Uttarayan being celebrated with traditional fervor; Over one crore 60 lakh people take holy dip till noon during Amrit Snan at Mahakumbh.
- In the US, at least 25 people killed and thousands remain under mandatory evacuation orders due to raging wildfires in Los Angeles.
- In Australian Open Tennis, India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Colombian partner make an exit in the first round of Men’s Doubles.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mission Mausam to make the country a weather-ready and climate-smart nation. The Prime Minister launched the mission during the celebrations of the 150th Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department, IMD at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, the launch of Mission Mausam is a symbol of the country’s commitment towards a sustainable future and future readiness. He praised the IMD’s 150-year journey, describing it as a glorious chapter of modern science and technology in the country. He said, IMD has not only served millions of Indians but has also become a symbol of India’s scientific progress.
Addressing the event, Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the significant advancements in India’s weather forecasting capabilities. He noted that there has been a 50 per cent improvement in forecast accuracy over the last decade.
A series of events, activities and workshops have been organised to showcase IMD’s achievements during the past 150 years. Our correspondent reports, Mission Mausam will implement high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers. It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes and providing air quality data, which will help in strategizing weather management and intervention in the long run.
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External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has highlighted India’s rising global stature and its unique ability to navigate a polarized world while providing meaningful assistance during challenging times.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Spain, he emphasized India’s approach of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas” on the global stage.
Dr. Jaishankar also expressed optimism about India-Spain relations, stating that ties between the two nations are on the cusp of significant advancement.
Yesterday, the External Affairs Minister held talks with his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said, he had a productive conversation on bilateral partnerships including in trade, investment, defense and security. The Minister added that India appreciates Spain as a votary for stronger India-EU ties and a reliable Mediterranean partner.
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The President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be on a five day visit to India from today. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, MPs and officials. This will be his first visit to India as the President of Singapore. President Tharman will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also meet with the visiting dignitary.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to veterans on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day today. In a social media post, the Prime Minister paid tributes to the veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation. He described them as heroes and enduring symbols of patriotism.
Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed every year to honor the service and dedication of personnel, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the nation.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari took part in the 9th Armed Forces Veteran’s Day celebrations at Vayusena Nagar in Nagpur.
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Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today virtually inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi. In the inaugural session, he said that the board will focus on the welfare of Turmeric farmers, developing superior turmeric varieties, and boosting exports.
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The festivals of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu, and Uttarayan are being celebrated with great traditional fervor across the country today.
The festivals are celebrated to mark the auspicious occasion of Sun moving into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. On the occasion, people take holy dips in sacred rivers, cook traditional food, share it with friends and family and do charity as a gratitude.
In Gujarat and other parts of western India it is also celebrated as the festival of kites.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people on the occasion. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, these festivals will bring success and happiness in everyones’ lives and and further the spirit of happiness and togetherness.
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In Andhra Pradesh, Makara Sankranti is being celebrated today with joy and gusto. Our correspondent reports, this festival is deeply connected to the region’s history, spirituality and agrarian traditions.
“The air in Andhra Pradesh is brimming with joy and nostalgia as people flocked to their native villages to celebrate Makara Sankranthi. It is a festival of sharing, rejoicing and honouring the hard work that goes into cultivating the land. People celebrate this festival by offering prayers and honouring cattle. Delicacies like ariselu, Pongal are made while children and adults alike participate in drawing rangoli and flying kites. A distinct aspect of Sankranti is the Haridasu tradition, where devotees dressed in colourful attire sing Lord Vishnu’s praises while playing tambura. The Sankranti festival offers an opportunity to people to rejoice and cherish their age old traditions strengthening familial bonds and social cohesion. Sai Sistla for Akashvani News from Vijayawada.”
In Rajasthan, a large number of devotees are taking the holy dip at Pushkar in Ajmer, Kolayat in Bikaner, Galta in Jaipur and Beneshwar Dham in Dungarpur. The Kite Festival is being organized at the Jal Mahal in Jaipur.
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At the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj today the Makar Sankranti Amrit Snan is taking place.
Over one crore 60 lakh people had taken the holy dip till noon at Triveni Sangam. The rituals are going on smoothly. After the holy dip, devotees performed rituals and offered prayers at the ghats. Upholding tradition, they also engaged in charity deepening the festival’s sanctity. People also participated in the Ganga Aarti in large numbers this morning.
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Palestinian and Israeli officials have confirmed progress in ‘Indirect negotiations’ between Hamas and Israel, toward a potential ceasefire agreement. Hamas reportedly delivered a “positive” response to a draft of the Gaza ceasefire agreement offered by mediators in Doha. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed yesterday that progress had been made in the talks, and said, Israel is working hard to reach a deal.
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In the US, more than 92,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders and another 89,000 are under evacuation warnings due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
At least 25 people have lost their lives and several others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across the area.
More than 80,000 people in California are without power as Southern California Edison starts shutting off power in parts of Southern California.
National Weather Service in the US issued a ” red flag warning”. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom said, the fires are predicted to become the worst natural disaster in US history, and the death toll would rise.
Meanwhile, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has once again adjusted its timeline for the Oscar Awards due to the wildfires.
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In Australian Open Tennis, India’s Rohan Bopanna and his new Colombian partner Nicolas Barrientos made an exit in the first round of the Men’s Doubles today. The duo lost to the Spanish duo Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar in straight sets 5-7, 6-7.
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Akashvani Delhi will broadcast a message by Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi on the eve of Indian Army Day today. It can be heard on ‘FM GOLD’, ‘INDRAPRASTH’ & ‘Akashvani Live News 24X7’ channels at 8 PM. This programme will also be available on Akashvani’s youtube channel, ‘Akashvani AIR’.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Mission Mausam; Says, Mission is testament to India’s commitment to make the country weather-ready and climate-smart.
- External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar says, India’s global stature is rising and providing meaningful assistance during challenging times.
- Festivals of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu, and Uttarayan being celebrated with traditional fervor; Over one crore 60 lakh people take holy dip till noon during Amrit Snan at Mahakumbh.
- In the US, at least 25 people killed and thousands remain under mandatory evacuation orders due to raging wildfires in Los Angeles.
- In Australian Open Tennis, India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Colombian partner make an exit in the first round of Men’s Doubles.
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