Download
Mobile App

android apple
signal

February 25, 2025 3:07 PM

printer

Midday News

THE HEADLINES

 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati; Says, Assam turning into startup hub and will soon become the manufacturing centre of the northeast.

     

  • Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tables CAG report on Excise Policy in Delhi Assembly; Speaker suspends 12 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs for unruly behaviour.

     

  • UN Security Council adopts a US-drafted resolution to swiftly end the Russia Ukraine conflict.

     

  • IMD forecasts an increase in rainfall activity over Western Himalayas and northeastern plains in next 2 days; Issues a two-day heatwave alert in some districts of Maharashtra.

     

  • In ICC Champions Trophy Cricket, South Africa to face Australia in a Group B match in Rawalpindi this afternoon.

     

<><><> 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, Assam is now the centre of unlimited possibilities and gateway to the South East Asia and India, said Prime Minister  Narendra Modi while addressing the inaugural session of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati today.

Speaking before a large gathering of diplomates, prominent industrialists, foreign delegates, the Prime Minister said that Assam will be a manufacturing hub of Eastern India and urged the industrialists to reap the benefits of this strategic location.

The Prime Minister informed that his government is working on improvement of connectivity, infrastructure and also strengthing the local supply chains in this region. India is working on a mission mode for low cost manufacturing process.

The PM said that the law and order situation of Assam has improved during the last few years as the Centre and State government have signed several peace accords.

Assam Governor, L.P. Acharya, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister for Ports Shipping and WaterWays, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union DoNER Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia and  61 diplomats,  business delegations from several countries, industry experts  attended the session.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will also attend the afternoon session of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit today.

<><><> 

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India report related to Aam Aadmi Party government’s liquor policy has highlighted that the policy led to a loss of revenue of over two thousand crore rupees to government exchequer. The report which was tabled in the Delhi Assembly by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today flagged several discrepancies in the way City Excise Department monitored and regulated the supply of liquor in Delhi. 

The report found the violations in award of licenses to Wholesalers, Retailers, Hotels, Clubs and Restaurants. It added that the Department was issuing licenses without checking various requirements relating to Excise Rules and Terms and Conditions for the issue of different type of licenses.The CAG report also pointed  out issue of  inadequate Quality Control.


Over two hundred pages report points out poor execution of Enforcement function ranging from incorrect inspection reports to deficient show cause notices and incorrect collection of security deposit from zonal Licensees and other lacuna in the liquor policy.The report also talks about lack of transparency in pricing of Indian Made Foreign Liquor. The Central Auditor highlighted inadequate Quality Control of liquor during the previous regime and stressed on the need for proactive monitoring of the quality of alcohol and framing of stringent quality standards. Talking about the issues in implementation of the Excise Policy, the report said while some retailers retained licenses till the expiry of the policy period, some surrendered the same before the policy period was over which  caused disruption in supply leading to revenue loss of around nine hundred crore rupees.


Earlier today, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s addressed the house. The LG announced that the new Delhi government will implement the Viksit Delhi Sankalp Patra to meet promises made to citizens.

During the LG’s address, opposition members started sloganeering over alleged removal of portraits of Dr. B R Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from the chamber of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. They include Leader of Opposition Atishi, and senior AAP leader Gopal Rai. The allegation has already been denied by the ruling BJP. Amid ruckus, Speaker Vijender Gupta repeatedly urged for order in the House. But the opposition members continued with their protest.

Later, the Speaker announced the suspension of protesting AAP MLAs from the House.

<><><> 

President Droupadi Murmu today stressed on decentralisation of better medical facilities and more research in the healthcare institutions in the country.

The President was addressing the Centenary celebrations function of Patna Medical College and Hospital ( PMCH) at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna.

The President said if medical facilities will be available in smaller cities, it will ease the pressure on big institutions.

Giving an example of roping in AI and Robotics, she said use of technology will enhance capacity and precision in treatment of patients.

The President expressed her happiness that the PMCH being developed as the world’s second largest hospital with more than 5400 bed.

<><><> 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today conferred gallantry, distinguished service and meritorious service medals to personnel of the Indian Coast Guard at an investiture ceremony in New Delhi. A total of 32 medals were presented including six President’s Tatrakshak Medals for Distinguished service, 11 Tatrakshak Medals for Gallantry and 15 Tatrakshak Medals for Meritorious service.

In his address, Mr Singh said, the Government is committed to enhance the efficiency of the Indian Coast Guard. He said, the Coast Guard has been allocated nine thousand 676 crore rupees for the financial year 2025-26, which is 26.6 per cent more than the previous year’s budget. The Minister said, this is a very important step towards modernizing the coast guard.

<><><> 

In Telangana, the situation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal Tunnel, is still serious with no access gained to reach out to the stranded persons even on the fourth day of rescue operation today. All out efforts are underway with rescue teams from the Army, Navy, Disaster Management and Local authorities making concerted efforts.

The rescue teams are facing severe challenges due to heavy water seepage and mud and wrangled iron rods obstructing the access to the trapped. District Police Superintendent Vaibhav Gaikwad told media that presently no communication has been established with the eight workers who remain trapped in the debris. Stating that ventilation and lighting till the last 50 metres is adequate, he said the real challenge is the area beyond. He further said the rescue teams are not in a position to disturb the collapsed area.

<><><> 

Over 3 lakh 50 thousand devotees have visited the Digital Experience Center at the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Blending spirituality with innovation, the Center is bringing ancient mythological tales to life through modern technology. Our correspondent reports that President Droupadi Murmu and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel have also enjoyed Mahakumbh’s grandeur at the Digital Experience Center, praising the initiative.


The Digital Experience Center, built-in Sector-4 of the Mahakumbh fair area, has been a key highlight at the spiritual mega-event. AI, Virtual Reality (VR), and holograms are stitching together the fabric of India’s rich culture with state-of-the-art digital advancements. It has especially captivated young visitors and international tourists, generating 1 crore 75 lakh rupees in revenue. The 12-gallery Center brings the stories of Mahakumbh, Samudra Manthan, Yamuna River, and Prayag Mahatam to life through captivating digital storytelling. The Digital Experience Center has been lauded by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi who called it a bridge between heritage and technology. Mr Adityanath said it is encouraging future generations to explore for a deeper understanding of Sanatan culture.
With its seamless fusion of faith and futuristic innovation, the Center successfully delivers a divine and grand experience to millions of devotees, making Mahakumbh 2025 truly historic.

 

<><><> 

The UN Security Council has adopted a US-drafted resolution appealing for a swift end to the Ukraine conflict and urging a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. The resolution received 10 votes in favour, none against and five abstentions including France, Britain, Denmark, Greece and Slovenia. The document reiterates that the principal purpose of the United Nations, is to maintain international peace and security and settle disputes peacefully.

<><><> 

Meanwhile, In a surprising turn at the UN General Assembly, the United States broke ranks with its Western allies and sided with Russia on a key Ukraine resolution. India abstained as the Assembly passed two resolutions naming Moscow as the aggressor in Ukraine.

The US voted against a Ukraine-led resolution condemning Russia’s invasion, alongside Moscow, while China abstained.

<><><> 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an increase in rainfall activity over the mountains of Western Himalayas and the plains of the northeastern regions of the country in the next 2 days. Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, IMD senior scientist Dr. Soma Sen Roy has said that the temperature is likely to continue to be very high over the west coast of the country in the coming 2-3 days.

<><><> 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a two-day heatwave alert for Mumbai, Thane, and neighbouring districts in Maharashtra for today and tomorrow.

<><><> 

In ICC Men’s Champions Trophy Cricket, South Africa will face Australia in a Group B match in Rawalpindi this afternoon. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST. The toss has been delayed due to rain.

<><><> 


THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN

 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati; Says, Assam turning into startup hub and will soon become the manufacturing centre of the northeast.

     

  • Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tables CAG report on Excise Policy in Delhi Assembly; Speaker suspends 12 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs for unruly behaviour.

     

  • UN Security Council adopts a US-drafted resolution to swiftly end the Russia Ukraine conflict.

     

  • IMD forecasts an increase in rainfall activity over Western Himalayas and northeastern plains in next 2 days; Issues a two-day heatwave alert in some districts of Maharashtra.

     

  • In ICC Champions Trophy Cricket, South Africa to face Australia in a Group B match in Rawalpindi this afternoon.