THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make-in-Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar; Says, Eastern India is growth engine of the country and Odisha is an important part of it.
- Political parties intensify campaign for Assembly elections in Delhi.
- Elaborate arrangements made at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in view of Mauni Amavasya tomorrow.
- Five people killed and over 40 injured as wooden structure collapses in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.
- Train services disrupted across Bangladesh following indefinite strike by railway employees.
- And, 38th National Games to begin today at Dehradun in Uttarakhand.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make-in-Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar today. ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ is a flagship Global Investment Summit hosted by the Odisha government, aimed at positioning the state as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India. Speaking at the conclave, the Prime Minister said that Eastern India is the growth engine of the country, with Odisha playing a crucial role in this progress.
Mr Modi emphasized that rapid growth is not possible solely through the export of raw materials and highlighted India’s efforts to overhaul the entire industrial ecosystem to reverse this trend.
Mr Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to building a vibrant ecosystem for research and innovation and urged industries to collaborate with the government in this endeavour
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The political battle has intensified in the National Capital as the poll date is coming closer. Campaigning for the 70-member Delhi Assembly polls is in full swing. Prominent leaders of the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party, and Congress are trying to woo the voters in favour of their candidates by conducting road shows, door-to-door campaigns, and public meetings.
“Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah is going to hold a roadshow in the Badarpur and Kasturba Nagar constituency today. Mr Shah will also address a public meeting in the Kalkaji area. BJP today launched another poll campaign song sung by MP Manoj Tiwari which reflects on different aspects of party’s poll manifesto. Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal scheduled to hold public meetings in Ghonda and Karawal Nagar this evening. Senior AAP leader and Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann will also hold a road-show and address public meetings in different parts of the city. Ahead of his public meetings, Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today offered prayers at the Valmiki temple in gole market area and also met locals at the Harijan Basti. He will address a rally at the Patparganj and Okhla Assembly seats this evening. Another Congress leader, Sachin Pilot will hold a roadshow in the Badli area to seek people’s support in the favour of their party candidates. Delhi assembly polls are scheduled for 5th February and counting will take place on 8th February. With Diwaker, Saklen Akhtar, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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In Uttar Pradesh, at least five people died and over 40 others were injured in a stampede following the collapse of a makeshift stage at the Bhagwan Adinath ‘Nirvana Laddu Festival’ in Baghpat today. The incident occurred when devotees climbed onto the platform to participate in the religious ceremony, leading to chaos and panic at the site. Several devotees were reportedly injured in the commotion. Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed that five deaths had been reported so far, while 40 injured people had been rushed to different hospitals in Baraut town.
Rescue operations are underway. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure proper treatment for the injured.
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And now, News from Maha Kumbh Mela:
The Uttar Pradesh government has significantly enhanced security arrangements in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj in view of Mauni Amavasya tomorrow to ensure safety of devotees. The government has implemented a robust seven-tier security plan. Our correspondent reports that the Mahakumbh area has been designated as a no-VIP zone.
“Around three thousand CCTV cameras, including 328 AI-enabled cameras, has been installed across the Mela grounds. Over 50 thousand police personnel, including paramilitary forces have also been deployed to ensure the safety and security. Inspector General of Police, IG incharge, PAC Prayagraj, Rajeev Narayana Mishra said that for the first time underwater Drones have been deployed to monitor activities beneath the water at Sangam.
The Uttar Pradesh government is anticipating rush of around 8 to 10 crore devotees on Mauni Amavasya. The Mela administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safe and seamless movement of devotees for the Mauni Amavasya’s Amrit Snan. With Dipendra kumar Aman yadav Akashwani News, Prayagraj.”
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Beating Retreat ceremony will be held at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi tomorrow. In a statment the Defence Ministry said, this year 30 performances will captivate the spectators with foot-tapping music of the bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces. The ceremony will be graced by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other Union Ministers.
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on the 1st of next month. The upcoming budget is anticipated to unveil the government’s economic priorities and fiscal strategies to deal with the pressing domestic and global challenges. Experts and people are expecting that this time the government will focus on growth, job creation and fiscal prudence by emphasising on building robust infrastructure in the country. In a special series ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget, Akashvani News is bringing the expectations of experts and people from the Union Budget.
Talking to Akashvani News, Director General of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry FICCI Jyoti Vij said, the Union Budget must continue to focus on strengthening the long term growth levers.
Confederation of Indian Industry CII ICTE Committee chairman Vinod Kumar hoped that there will be more focus on manufacturing, and job creation.
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Tourists have been flocking to Mangan district in North Sikkim over the past two months, marking a strong revival in tourism. Tourist visit to the area came to a halt in October 2023 due to floods triggered by a glacial lake outburst. North Sikkim was reopened to tourists on December 1 last year.
“North Sikkim is a favourite destination for domestic as well as international tourists. This part is known for frequent snowfalls during the winter period and tourists visit destinations including Lachen, Lachung, and Yumthang. Hotel industry, travel agents and transporters had to suffer massive losses over the past 15 months due to lack of tourism activities. But the re-opening of tourism activities have brought joy to the local people and industry. North Sikkim shares a border with China and for this tourists visiting the high altitude destinations need permission from the authority. Manas Pratim Sarma, Akashvani News, Gangtok.”
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In Bangladesh, Railway services have been suspended across the country as the running staff launched an indefinite strike to demand special post-retirement benefits. The strike began at midnight on Monday after talks between railway authorities and the union of train drivers and support staff failed. As a result, passengers are facing significant inconvenience as trains scheduled to depart after midnight were cancelled, bringing train operations across the country to a standstill.
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The National Games 2025 are commencing in Uttarakhand from today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this grand sports event in Dehradun. Extensive security arrangements have been made in view of the Prime Minister’s visit.
“The National Games 2025 are starting in Uttarakhand from today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this mega event at in Dehradun. The opening ceremony will showcase a unique blend of Uttarakhand’s folk culture and modern technology. Several dignitaries, including Union Ministers, members of the Indian Olympic Association, and national players, have started arriving for the event. In light of the Prime Minister’s visit, tight security arrangements have been put in place across Dehradun. This year, around 10,000 athletes from 28 states and 8 union territories are participating in the National Games. The games are being held in 11 cities across 8 districts of Uttarakhand, featuring 47 events in 35 sports disciplines. Sports competitions will continue until February 14. It is anticipated that this grand event will not only provide an excellent platform for athletes but also give a new identity to the tourism and sports culture of Uttarakhand. Sakshi Singh, Akashvani News, Dehradun.”
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In ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, the match between India and Scotland is underway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sent to bat first, India has set a target of 209 runs after scoring 208 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in the stipulated 20 overs. Scotland were 42 for 6 in 9 overs when reports last came in. For India, Gongadi Trisha scored the highest 110 runs and remained not out, while G Kamalini scored 51 runs.
In Men’s Cricket, India will take on England in the third T20 International match in Rajkot, Gujarat today. The match will begin at 7 PM.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make-in-Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar; Says, Eastern India is growth engine of the country and Odisha is an important part of it.
- Political parties intensify campaign for Assembly elections in Delhi.
- Elaborate arrangements made at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in view of Mauni Amavasya tomorrow.
- Five people killed and over 40 injured as wooden structure collapses in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.
- Train services disrupted across Bangladesh following indefinite strike by railway employees.
- And, 38th National Games to begin today at Dehradun in Uttarakhand.
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