Midday News -

THE HEADLINES::

Nation pays homage to Babasaheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary today; President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker pay tributes at Parliament House Complex.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches multiple projects in Haryana to mark Dr Ambedkar’s anniversary; Says, every policy of Government reflects Dr. Ambedkar’s path of Justice and Inclusion.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates All India Forensic Science Summit in New Delhi; Government is trying to make justice system people centric and scientific.
Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium.
Russia reaffirms its commitment to deepening strategic ties with India; Reiterates support for New Delhi’s bid for permanent seat in UN Security Council.
And in Archery World Cup stage one, India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara bags bronze medal in Florida, USA.

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The nation is paying homage to the Chief Architect of Indian Constitution Babasaheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary today. Several functions have been organised throughout the country to mark the occasion. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid floral tributes at Babasaheb’s statue in Parliament House complex this morning. Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Leader of House in Rajya Sabha J P Nadda, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Ministers and Members of Parliament and general public also paid tributes Dr Ambedkar’s statue.

President Droupadi Murmu said in a social media post, in his inspiring life, Babasaheb created a distinct identity of his own despite facing extreme difficulties and earned respect around the world with his extraordinary achievements. She described Babasaheb as a man of prodigious abilities and multifaceted personality. The President said, Babasaheb considered education as an important tool for social change and empowerment of the downtrodden. She also urged citizens to pledge to adopt the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar in their lives and work to build a nation that embodies the spirit of social harmony and equality.

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In Uttar Pradesh, a series of events have been organised to mark the occasion. All districts across the state are hosting events, seminars, and tribute ceremonies dedicated to Babasaheb’s life and legacy.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to Baba Saheb at an event in Lucknow. He said that on Baba Saheb’s birth anniversary, we are uniting 14 to 15 lakh people who have been deprived of any kind of facility to provide them facilities.

The birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is being commemorated across Maharashtra with a variety of programmes and initiatives. A report:

“Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, offered floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar and the Akhand Bhim Jyoti at Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar. The Governor and the Chief Minister also planted a sapling at the site and visited an exhibition of rare photographs of Dr. Ambedkar, organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. They were accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan said that India is a strong democratic nation today, thanks to the invaluable contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in giving the nation its Constitution. In a separate programme, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Ankita Apte, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, as the nation pays tribute to Baba Saheb, his ideals continue to guide the very soul of the government. He was addressing a public meeting in Hisar in Haryana today to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar. The Prime Minister said, for the past 11 years, Babasaheb’s life, his struggle and his timeless message have been the cornerstone of the government’s journey.

Minister flagged off commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and laid the foundation stone of the terminal-2 building at the Hisar airport today. The Prime Minister said, working in line with the Babasaheb’s mantra, flights have started from Shri Krishna’s land to Lord Ram’s Ayodhya.” Mr. Modi said he is proud that Haryana is working with seriousness towards fulfilling the resolve of Viksit Bharat.

Speaking about newly amended Waqf Law, the Prime Minister said, government received numerous letters from Muslim widows who were suffering due to these injustices. After hearing their stories, we realised that reform was necessary.

Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of development projects including 800 MW power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant, Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur and over 14 km Rewari Bypass project under Bharatmala Project, at the cost of over one thousand crore rupees.

Addressing a gathering the Prime Minister said, Baba Saheb said that the development of industries is a path to social justice. He believed that, since Dalits do not possess sufficient land, they would benefit from industrial development.

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Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Narendra Modi government is trying to make the justice system in the country people centric and scientific. Addressing All India Forensic Science Summit in New Delhi today, Mr Shah said, the government is working to ensure that those seeking justice get timely justice and also the satisfaction of getting justice.

The Home Minister said, forensic science is very useful in strengthening the criminal justice system of the country. Mr Shah said, through this, the main objective is to create a safe and capable India.

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In a social media post, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Modi government is rooting out drug networks ruthlessly. He said that the country’s agencies have seized 300 kilogram of narcotics worth 1 thousand 800 crore rupees near the international maritime border. He added that this operation in the seas is an example of the success of the government’s approach to rooting out the evil of narcotics. The Home Minister noted that this seizure is another achievement to build a drug-free India.

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Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi has been arrested by the police in Belgium. A report claimed he was arrested on Saturday at the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation and is currently in jail. Choksi is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case. The police referred to two open-ended arrest warrants issued against Choksi by a Mumbai court, while placing him under arrest. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary has called Choksi’s arrest a very big achievement. He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already said that the ones who have looted the money of the poor will have to return it.

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In Punjab, Mohali cybercrime police has booked the Leader of the Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa under sections of the Bharat Nyay Samhita for allegedly spreading misinformation that could compromise national security.

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Russia has expressed confidence in the rapid and consistent development of its friendly relations and expansion of ties with India, as the two countries marked the 78th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations yesterday. More in this report:

“In a message shared on Telegram, the Russian Foreign Ministry congratulated India on completion of 78 years of diplomatic relations. The Russian foreign Ministry expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral ties and reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with India. Moscow also reiterated its support for New Delhi’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to grow in the years ahead.

Highlighting the long-standing and trusted nature of the relationship, the Russian Ministry noted that political dialogue between the two nations remains strong, with regular high-level meetings.

Russia also recognized the steady growth in trade, which reached over 60 billion US dollar this year, and underscored nuclear energy as a key area of cooperation. VISHNU PS, AKSHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

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President Droupadi Murmu has greeted people on Odia New Year Pana Sankranti Mahavishub Sankranti. In a social media post, the President said, this joyful festival inspires people to work dedicatedly for the country. She wished everyone happiness and prosperity on the occasion. Our Bhubaneswar correspondent has filed this report:

Maha Bishuba Sankranti is observed with the release of the new Panjika in Odisha, the Hindu almanac that outlines important religious dates, timings, and astrological predictions for the new year. One of the key rituals of this day is the preparation and sharing of pana, a traditional sweet drink made from wood apple, jaggery or sugar, and fruits. Pana Sankranti is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. In Puri, the festival has taken a vibrant turn as traditional wrestlers from Jaga Gharas and Akhadas demonstrating their wrestling skills after offering prayers to Lord Hanuman. Temples across the state are witnessing heavy footfall, with devotees taking holy dips in rivers and sacred pilgrimage spots to cleanse themselves and seek blessings for the year ahead.

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In Archery, India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara clinched bronze medal at the Archery World Cup 2025 in Florida, USA, this morning. Dhiraj defeated Andres Temino Mediel in the Men’s Individual Recurve event with a scoreline of 6-4.

With this win, India concluded its Archery World Cup campaign with a total of four medals, one gold, one silver, and two bronze.

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In Table Tennis, ace Indian paddlers Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula have begun their ITTF World Cup 2025 campaign with victories in the women’s singles category in Macao, China. Manika dominated over Maylis Giret of New Caledonia in her opening match. Sreeja defeated Constantina Psihogios of Australia.

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In IPL Cricket, Lucknow Super Giants will take on Chennai Super Kings at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow this evening. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

Nation pays homage to Babasaheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary today; President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker pay tributes at Parliament House Complex.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches multiple projects in Haryana to mark Dr Ambedkar’s anniversary; Says, every policy of Government reflects Dr. Ambedkar’s path of Justice and Inclusion.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates All India Forensic Science Summit in New Delhi; Government is trying to make justice system people centric and scientific.
Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium.
Russia reaffirms its commitment to deepening strategic ties with India; Reiterates support for New Delhi’s bid for permanent seat in UN Security Council.
And in Archery World Cup stage one, India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara bags bronze medal in Florida, USA.