Midday News -

THE HEADLINES::

Three terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Kishtwar area of Jammu and Kashmir; Army foils infiltration bid by terrorists along LoC in Akhnoor sector.
Three Maoists killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad fort in Maharashtra on his 345th death anniversary.
Hanuman Jayanti being celebrated in different parts of the country with religious fervor.
US orders foreign nationals to register under Alien Act within 30 days or face arrest and deportation.
And in IPL cricket, Lucknow Super Giants to take on Gujarat Titans in Lucknow this afternoon.

<><><>

In Jammu and Kashmir, three terrorists have been killed in an ongoing encounter in Chhatroo forest area of Kishtwar district. A huge cache of arms and ammunition has also been recovered from the spot. The gunfight broke out on Wednesday after security forces observed suspicious movement of terrorists in forests of Chhatroo area of the district. After initial contact, the terrorists managed to escape. However, a fresh contact with the terrorists was established yesterday morning resulting in heavy exchange of firing. The security agencies have expanded the scope of surveillance to the Bhaderwah area of Doda district to keep a track on terrorists potentially moving between different locations in the hilly districts of the Jammu region. The operation in the area is still underway.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt by a group of heavily armed terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector of the Keri Bhattal area late last night. The Army said that the troops detected the movement of terrorists near a stream and challenged them, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the encounter, a Junior Commissioned Officer of the Army was killed along the LoC in Akhnoor. Following the incident, the area has been cordoned off with deployment of reinforcements and a search operation was underway.

The incident comes just two days after India and Pakistan held a brigade commander-level flag meeting in Poonch district to discuss issues related to border management.

<><><>

Three Maoists have been killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. More from our correspondent:

“A joint team of CoBRA battalion of CRPF, District Reserve Guard and Special Task Force had gone on an anti-Naxal operation in the Indravati forest area of Bijapur district. During this operation, an encounter took place between security forces and Maoists today morning. Security forces have recovered the bodies of killed Naxalites from the spot. Apart from this, a large quantity of arms and ammunition have also been recovered from the spot. Search operation is still going on in the area. Vikalp Shukla, Akashvani news, Raipur.”

<><><>

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today affirmed that both the Union Government and the Maharashtra Government are committed to developing Raigad Fort, the historic seat of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as a source of inspiration for the youth of the nation. The Home Minister made the remarks while paying homage and offering floral tributes on the occasion of the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort in Maharashtra.

Mr. Shah said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring message was that the fight for Swaraj (self-rule) must never cease. He added that today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Government is faithfully following Shivaji Maharaj’s vision and working tirelessly to establish India as a beacon of hope for the entire world.

<><><>

The BJP has said that despite the nervousness in the global economy due to imposition of tariffs by US, the Indian economy is strong and its impact will be very minimal. Addressing media in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam said that Indian economy is self reliant and it growing at a rapid pace. He said, the policy decisions taken by the Narendra Modi government has contributed in making the Indian economy stong. Mr. Islam also said, while coming to power in 2014, the Narendra Modi government brought economic revolution at the grassroot level. He also highlighted the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and MUDRA Yojana. Mr. Islam also said that Mudra Yojana, which has now become a global model for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.

<><><>

Hanuman Jayanti is being celebrated today in different parts of the country with religious fervor. The day commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman. In the national capital, devotees are thronging the Hanuman temples since early morning to offer prayers. Heavy rush of people is being seen at the ‘Pracheen Hanuman Temple’ at Connaught Place in New Delhi. ‘Hanuman Chalisa’, ‘Sundar Kand ‘and ‘Akhand Ramayan’ are being recited at the temples on the occasion.

<><><>

In Uttar Pradesh, devotees are offering prayers in Lord Hanuman temples on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. A large number of devotees gathered at Ayodhya’s Hanuman Garhi Temple today to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti. People gathered in long queues to offer prayers, chant mantras, and seek blessings from Lord Hanuman. Many devotees also took a holy dip in the Saryu River and visited the Ram Temple as part of their spiritual journey. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, with chants of “Jai Bajrangbali” echoing through the temple premises.

In Varanasi, devotees were seen standing in long queues, patiently waiting for their turn to offer prayers at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Devotees are taking blessings, participating in prayers, and engaging in traditional rituals like reciting Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand. Mass feasts have been also organised at many places in city. Tight security arrangements have been made in Ayodhya and Varanasi for the safety and smooth darshan of devotees.

<><><>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended wishes to countrymen on Hanuman Jayanti. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said that with the blessings of Sankatmochan lord Hanuman, may all people remain healthy, happy and prosperous in life.

<><><>

Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review preparations being made for Haj 2025, has expressed satisfaction over the hygienic, stress-free stay facilities being ensured for a smooth pilgrimage experience. In a social media post, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said that the government of India is leaving no stone unturned for a comfortable Haj 2025.

<><><>

Padma Shri D. Ramaiah, popularly known as the Tree Man of Telangana, passed away this morning in his native village, Reddy Palli, in Khammam district, Telangana. He suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the Khammam Government Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. He had been unwell for some time.

<><><>

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has highlighted the continued efforts by the Government of India for the Indian diaspora to ensure Indian growth story is appreciated and is taken forward through closer engagements. The Finance Minister stated this while addressing the Indian Community in Vienna, Austria yesterday. She also appreciated the strong role of the Indian diaspora in Austria and emphasised on the significant role of Indian entrepreneurs in the growth story of their country.

<><><>

In the United States, the White House has announced that all foreign nationals residing in the country for over 30 days must register with the federal government or face strict penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation. Under the new rule, foreign nationals, including visa holders and legal permanent residents must carry proof of registration at all times. The regulation applies to individuals staying in the US for more than 30 days and includes newly arrived foreign nationals, who must register within a month of entry if they lack valid documentation.

<><><>

Now from the world of sports, we have updates from Cricket, Football and Tennis. More from our correspondent :

“In the IPL T20 cricket, Lucknow Super Giants will take on Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow at 3:30 PM today. In the second match of the day, Punjab Kings will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.

In the Indian Super League Football final, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata today. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM. This will be Mohun Bagan’s fifth appearance in an ISL final, and they will be aiming to clinch the title for the second time. Bengaluru, on the other hand, will be seeking revenge for their defeat to Mohun Bagan in the 2023 final.

In Tennis, India defeated Chinese Taipei 2-1 in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 in Pune. Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Vaidehi Chaudhari, helped Team India take a significant stride towards their quest for the playoff spot. India will take on Korea Republic in their final group match today. A victory in the match will secure the Indian team a spot in the playoffs. With SANYUKTA YADAV, AISHWARYA RAI NIGAM, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

<><><>

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, South Interior Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe today. The same rainfall has been predicted for Assam and Meghalaya during the next 3 days. IMD said that Light rainfall is likely in various parts of West, Central and adjoining East regions of the country till 14th April. IMD has predicted isolated Hailstorm over East Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh today.

The weather agency forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning over Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana and Karnataka during the next 5 days.

<><><>

THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

Three terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Kishtwar area of Jammu and Kashmir; Army foils infiltration bid by terrorists along LoC in Akhnoor sector.
Three Maoists killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad fort in Maharashtra on his 345th death anniversary.
Hanuman Jayanti being celebrated in different parts of the country with religious fervor.
US orders foreign nationals to register under Alien Act within 30 days or face arrest and deportation.
And in IPL cricket, Lucknow Super Giants to take on Gujarat Titans in Lucknow this afternoon.