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February 15, 2025 2:50 PM

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Midday News

THE HEADLINES:

 

  • President Droupadi Murmu says, Centre is taking proactive steps to integrate AI into higher education.
  • External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar discusses ongoing efforts for resolution of Ukraine conflict with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha; Mr Sybiha expresses gratitude for the meaningful meeting.
  • Central Vigilance Commission orders inquiry into alleged irregularities in renovation of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.
  • In Uttar Pradesh, 10 people killed in a road accident in Prayagraj; President Droupadi Murmu expresses grief.
  • In Athletics, Gulveer Singh bags silver medal while shattering National Record in 3000 metres race at David Hemery Invitational meet in Boston.
  • And in Women’s Premier League Cricket, Mumbai Indians to take on Delhi Capitals in Vadodara today.

 

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President Droupadi Murmu has said, the Government is taking proactive steps to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education. The President was addressing the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra in Ranchi today. President Murmu highlighted that the future will witness dramatic transformations driven by significant advancements in AI and machine learning.

The President emphasized that the enthusiasm and commitment of the youth will play a pivotal role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ President Murmu said, innovators and entrepreneurs should not ignore the knowledge base of traditional communities.

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also addressed the program. He said that in the new India, girls are performing better than boys in the field of education.

Our Correspondent has filed this report:

“After the inaugural session, President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the Research and Development Exhibition at the institute premises. It showcased cutting-edge research and innovations by the faculty and students of the institute. On the 70th Foundation Day of BIT Mesra, distinguished alumni and teachers were also awarded. A Foundation Day souvenir highlighting the rich history of the institute was also released. The President also released the commemorative medal of the institute on its 70th foundation day. Shilpi, Akashvani News, Ranchi.”

 

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External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany last night. The two leaders discussed ongoing efforts towards the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. They also spoke about further advancement of India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation. Dr. Jaishankar, in a social media post, noted that their discussions centred on efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine and explored avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha has thanked External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for their meaningful meeting. In a social media post, Sybiha said that Ukraine relies on India’s strong global voice to help achieve a just and lasting peace. Sybiha highlighted the shared interest in enhancing cooperation with India across various sectors, including trade, technology, agriculture, and security.

Dr Jaishankar also met Defence Minister of Germany Boris Pistorius and participated in the Think Tank Ananta Aspen Session.  

 

In his first engagement at the Conference, Dr Jaishankar expressed optimism over the direction of India’s democracy. He highlighted India as a democracy that delivers.

 

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US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has said, that it was an honour to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States and she looked forward to strengthening friendship between two countries. She was responding to a post shared by Prime Minister Modi on a social media platform regarding their meeting held in Washington DC recently. The Prime Minister met newly-appointed Ms Gabbard during his recently concluded visit to the United States and discussed various aspect of India-US friendship.

 

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The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the construction and renovation of 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow, which was the residence of AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal during his tenure as Delhi Chief Minister. The CVC has asked the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to conduct the inquiry on the complaint of senior BJP leader and Delhi MLA Vijender Gupta. Talking to the media, Mr. Gupta said the CVC has taken cognizance based on facts.

 

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at eleven locations in Delhi and Haryana in connection with a case related to cyber crime. The agency has recovered over one crore rupees in cash, foreign currency worth one thousand dollars, and gold. The CBI alleged that the accused were engaged in illegal activities by impersonating government officials and committing crypto fraud. The CBI has already filed a chargesheet in the case against three accused persons.

 

 

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In Uttar Pradesh, at least 10 people were killed and 19 injured when an SUV carrying passengers collided head-on with a speeding bus near Meja Road crossing in Prayagraj district last night. The Police Commissioner of PrayagrajBinformed that a group of people were coming from Korba (Chhattisgarh) in the SUV, while the bus was on its way to Varanasi from Prayagraj.

President Droupadi Murmu has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. In a social media post, she prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered condolences to the bereaved families. He has directed the district administration to provide proper treatment to the injured.

In another accident in Gujarat, four persons were killed and six others were injured in a road accident that occurred on an Indore-Ahmedabad highway in Dahod last night. The accident occurred after a tourist van carrying 10 pilgrims from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj rammed into a stationary truck parked on the highway near Limkheda.

 

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And now news from Mahakumbh, 2025 ongoing in Prayagraj:

In anticipation of a large number of devotees coming to the Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation has announced the operation of 2,250 additional buses during the next 3 days. Our correspondent reported that more than 73 lakh people have taken the holy dip in the Sangam today until 12 noon.

“A large number of devotees are expected to reach Prayagraj during the weekend for Mahakumbh. The State Transport Corporation has arranged additional buses for smooth transport facilitation of the passengers. Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State for Transport, Dayashankar Singh has directed that officers will be placed at various temporary bus stations of Prayagraj so that the buses can operate smoothly. He said that a concrete action plan will also be implemented for the successful operation of buses during holidays. Mr Singh directed the nodal officers to ensure safe and convenient travel of the devotees. In case of any complaint, the nodal officers will be held accountable. Meanwhile, the Prayagraj Sangam Railway Station will remain closed today and tomorrow. Prayagraj District Magistrate, Ravindra Kumar Madand said that the railway station is being closed for the safe and systematic movement of devotees, keeping in mind the arrival of a large number of devotees during the weekend. With Abhishek Kapil, Adarsh for Akashvani News, Prayagraj.”

 

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The third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, an initiative fostering cultural and intellectual ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, will commence at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh today. Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Dr. L. Murugan along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the prestigious event.

 

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In Athletics, India’s Gulveer Singh has etched his name in history by breaking a 17-year-old National Record in the indoor Men’s 3000 metres race at the David Hemery Invitational meet in Boston. Clocking 7 minutes 38.26 seconds, Singh not only clinched the silver medal but also eclipsed the previous national record set by Surendra Singh by 11 seconds. He now holds three National Records across multiple categories, the outdoor 5000 metres, the outdoor 10000 metres, and the indoor 3000 metres.

 

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In the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Cricket, Mumbai Indians will take on Delhi Capitals at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara this evening. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 in the evening. In the inaugural match of the third season last night, reigning champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Gujarat Giants by six wickets at the same venue.

 

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In FIH Pro League hockey 2024-2025 season, both the Indian Men’s and Women’s teams will be in action in Bhubaneswar this evening. The Women’s team will face England at 5:15 pm at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium. The Men’s team will take on Spain at 7:30 pm at the same venue.

 

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In Himachal Pradesh, the minimum temperature has dropped due to snowfall in Lahaul Spiti district and the temperature in the area has been recorded as minus 15 to 18 degree Celsius. According to the Met department said, light snowfall is likely on the high peaks of the state today while light rainfall with thunderstorm and lightning at some places in the lower areas. The weather will remain clear in the state from tomorrow.

 

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In a unique display of Indo-Thai cultural richness, the Embassy of India in Bangkok organised a Khon dance and Sitar recital, celebrating the cultural ties of both nations. The event was a part of SAMVAD-IV, which is held in Thailand. Addressing SAMVAD-IV virtually yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deep cultural ties between India and Thailand, spanning over 2,000 years. Emphasizing the role of Asian traditions in fostering peace and harmony, he said, the Ramayana and Ramakien connect us, and our shared reverence for Bhagwan Buddha unites us.

 

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In Jammu and Kashmir, the government has extended the term of the Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission, headed by Justice (retired) Janak Raj Kotwal, which was constituted last year to work out reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, up to February 28. The Commission’s term had expired on December 31, 2024. The commission is likely to submit its report by the end of this month.

 

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

 

  • President Droupadi Murmu says, Centre is taking proactive steps to integrate AI into higher education.
  • External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar discusses ongoing efforts for resolution of Ukraine conflict with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha; Mr Sybiha expresses gratitude for the meaningful meeting.
  • Central Vigilance Commission orders inquiry into alleged irregularities in renovation of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.
  • In Uttar Pradesh, 10 people killed in a road accident in Prayagraj; President Droupadi Murmu expresses grief.
  • In Athletics, Gulveer Singh bags silver medal while shattering National Record in 3000 metres race at David Hemery Invitational meet in Boston.
  • And in Women’s Premier League Cricket, Mumbai Indians to take on Delhi Capitals in Vadodara today.

 

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