Midday News -

THE HEADLINES :-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia; Says, India deeply values long-standing and historic ties with Saudi Arabia.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar asserts, Parliament is supreme and elected representatives are the ultimate masters in determining the content of the Constitution.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, India’s journey to become a developed nation by 2047 is not just an aspiration but a shared national mission.
Relief operations in full swing in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir after Sunday’s cloud burst.
IMD issues yellow alert for heatwave for 31 districts of Bihar.
In IPL Cricket, Lucknow Super Giants to take on Delhi Capitals in Lucknow this evening.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this morning. The visit, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, marks Mr. Modi’s third visit to the country. It reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

As a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft was escorted by F-15 fighter jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force upon entering Saudi airspace.

The Prime Minister said in his departure statement that India deeply values its long-standing and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have gained strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Mr. Modi emphasized the shared interests of the two countries in promoting regional peace, prosperity, and security. He also expressed eagerness to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia.

In an interview with Arab News, Mr. Modi hailed Saudi Arabia as a “trusted friend and strategic ally,” and praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership and Vision 2030 initiative. He highlighted expanding cooperation in key sectors and underscored the strategic importance of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. More from our West Asia Correspondent:

“India’s exports to Saudi Arabia stood at 11.56 billion U.S. dollars, while imports reached 31.42 billion. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jeddah is expected to yield several new agreements, strengthening collaboration in key areas such as regional stability, energy security, defence and economic growth. It marks a significant step forward amid a dynamic global order, shaped by trade uncertainties, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The visit also presents a crucial opportunity for the Indian and Saudi leadership to engage on pressing regional developments, including the situation in Gaza and efforts to end the Israel-Hamas conflict. A major focus will be the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC. The corridor has the potential to spur economic growth, create employment, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. For Saudi Arabia ,it aligns with broader goals of diversifying their economies beyond energy exports.

Let’s listen to India’s Foreign Secretary on this.

The Indian diaspora in Jeddah has expressed immense enthusiasm and pride over Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Prime Minister will receive a warm and traditional welcome later in the day, including cultural performances, reflecting the strong connection the diaspora maintains with their homeland.

Vinod Kumar, Akashwani News, Jeddah.”

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Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that elected representatives are the ultimate masters in determining the content of the Constitution. Speaking at an event at Delhi University today, the Vice-President emphasized that Parliament is supreme and it is as supreme as every individual in the country. He also said that the Constitution does not envision any authority above Parliament.

The Vice President added that people of India have chosen their representatives under the Constitution to reflect their expressions, their desire and their ‘will’ and they hold these representative accountable during elections.

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US Vice President J D Vance who is on a four day visit to India, visited the magnificent Amber fort in Jaipur with his family this morning. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Deputy CM Diya Kumari welcomed them at the fort. More from our correspondent:

“The Vance family reached the UNESCO World Heritage site around 9 AM. They were greeted with a red carpet welcome. As they entered the main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, two decorated female elephants-Chanda and Mala- greeted them by raising their trunk. The family enjoyed a cultural performance featuring folk dances, including Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. Amber was the capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs before they shifted their capital to Jaipur. Mr Vance is scheduled to address a Business Summit on ‘future of India-US trade relations’ in Jaipur this afternoon. With Jitendra Dwivedi’s report from Jaipur, Aishwarya Rai Nigam Akashwani News, Delhi.”

The US Vice President held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday. Both the leaders reviewed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation. They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries. The US Vice President arrived in New Delhi with his wife Usha, their children and senior members of the US administration.

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said India’s journey to become a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 is not merely an aspiration but a shared national mission. She said the Viksit Bharat mission is powered by a vision for inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-led growth.

During her address at Stanford University in the US today, the Finance Minister said, India has risen from the world’s tenth-largest economy to the fifth-largest. She mentioned that it is a clear sign of India’s growing strength and global relevance.

The Union Minister said, some of the works done in India stand out, and one such example is that of Digital Public Infrastructure and its success. Citing several measures launched by the government to enhance women’s safety, health and financial independence, the Finance Minister said, India is changing, and so are Indian women.

Earlier, the Minister met Thomas Kurian, Chief Executive Officer of Google Cloud and his team in San Francisco.

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The meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on One Nation One Election is being held at Parliament House. The 39-member committee comprises 27 Members from Lok Sabha and 12 Members from Rajya Sabha. In its first session, the committee is scheduled to interact with Justice Hemant Gupta, former judge of the Supreme Court and Dr B S Chauhan, retired Supreme court Judge and Chairman of 21st Law Commission of India.

Talking to the media in New Delhi, JPC Chairperson on One Nation One Election, P P Chaudhary said, the One Nation One Election is in the national interest as it would benefit the economy.

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Relief operations are in full swing in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir as 1 thousand 486 Distribution transformers have been restored in the area. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today informed that electricity supply is being restored in all the 1 thousand 762 Distribution transformers. He mentioned that the National Highway is likely to be restored partially by tomorrow. Talking about availability of water, he said that 89 water supply schemes have been made functional out of 98 water supply schemes. The Minister lauded the administration, saying it is doing its best despite the most unfavourable circumstances. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited the spot of accident to inspect the flood situation and speak to the authorities regarding the restoration works. Multiple landslides and fast winds had hit the Ramban district on Sunday.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to the people on World Earth Day. In a social media post, he said that Mother Earth cradles life and nurtures the ecosystem essential for growth and evolution. Mr. Shah emphasized the responsibility to reciprocate this benevolence by taking utmost care to protect and enhance the health of the planet. He added that the Modi government is leading global initiatives for sustainable development with unwavering commitment. The Home Minister also lauded the efforts of conservationists who are working tirelessly to make the planet a better place.

The World Earth Day is observed on 22nd April every year to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The theme for this year is “Our Power, Our Planet”.

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In Bihar, the Surya Kiran team of the Indian Air Force today enthralled people in Patna by mesmerizing aerobatic performances and splendid Airshow. The Surya Kiran daredevils first exhibited a paragliding dive from an IAF chopper and held the national flag in the sky. More from our correspondent:

“On the first day of aerobatic show the daredevils of Surya Kiran team exhibition different manoeuvers and adventurous performances from the height of 1500 feet. During the event paragliders of the team paid tributes to Babu Kunwar Singh the great freedom fighter from Bhojpur by holding his picture in the sky. Spectators from all walks of life and school students cheered the team with big hands, whistles and hailing them with slogans. With Dharmendra Kumar Rai’s report from Patna, Payal Sharma, Akashvani News Delhi.”

The main function will be organised tomorrow and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate it.

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The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume on 30th June this year, after a four year suspension following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilgrimage will take place via the Uttarakhand route.

The journey will commence from Delhi and proceed through the Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district to enter China. A total of 250 pilgrims will undertake this spiritually significant and physically demanding 22-day journey.

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A yellow alert has been issued for 31 districts in Bihar as hot weather conditions continue to rise. In the past two days alone, daytime temperatures have spiked by as much as 10 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures crossing 42 degrees Celsius in several parts of the state. With the heatwave intensifying, the public is advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.

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In IPL T20 Cricket, Lucknow Super Giants will take on the Delhi Capitals at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee 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:-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia; Says, India deeply values long-standing and historic ties with Saudi Arabia.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar asserts, Parliament is supreme and elected representatives are the ultimate masters in determining the content of the Constitution.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, India’s journey to become a developed nation by 2047 is not just an aspiration but a shared national mission.
Relief operations in full swing in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir after Sunday’s cloud burst.
IMD issues yellow alert for heatwave for 31 districts of Bihar.
In IPL Cricket, Lucknow Super Giants to take on Delhi Capitals in Lucknow this evening.