Midday News -

THE HEADLINES::

India and Angola exchange several agreements in various fields after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Angola Joao Lourenco.
Prime Minister Modi says India is committed to take decisive action against terrorists and their supporters.
India bans all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan, in another tough move post Pahalgam terror attack.
Seven Global firms sign MoUs with Indian Institute of Creative Technology during WAVES Summit in Mumbai.
In Goa, six persons killed and over 80 injured in a stampede at Shree Lairai Zatra festival at Bicholim.
And, In IPL Cricket, hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru to take on Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today.

<><><>

India and Angola today exchanged several agreements in various fields including agriculture, traditional medicine, and culture. The agreements were exchanged following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Angola Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco in New Delhi.

In his joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi stated that India is committed to take firm and decisive action against terrorists and those who support them.

The Prime Minister announced that a Defence Credit Line of 200 million dollars has been approved for the modernization of Angola’s forces. He added that discussions were also held on the repair and overhaul of defence platforms and supply.

Mr Modi said India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year but ties between India and Angola are older. He extended his best wishes to Angola for its presidency of the African Union. He termed it a matter of pride for India that during India’s G20 presidency, the African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20. The Prime Minister emphasised that India and the African Union are partners in progress, and pillars of the Global South.

The President of Angola arrived in New Delhi yesterday on three-day State Visit to India. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses and media.

President Lourenço was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan in the National Capital this morning. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the President of Angola.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar called on President Lourenço this morning. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said he values his warm sentiments for India and his guidance for taking forward the partnership. He expressed confidence that President Lourenco’s talks with Prime Minister Modi will chart new avenues of growth for India-Angola and India-Africa ties.

President Droupadi Murmu will hold discussions with her Angolan counterpart later today and will also host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.

<><><>

India has banned direct or indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect. Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification that direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan shall be prohibited with immediate effect. It said this restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition will require approval of the Government.

<><><>

BJP today launched a scathing attack on the Congress accusing the party of undermining national security and echoing narratives favourable to Pakistan. Briefing media in New Delhi, party spokesperson Sambit Patra hit out at the outcome of the recent Congress Working Committee meeting alleging that the opposition party’s conduct was more in line with Pakistan’s interest than India’s. He accused the Congress of habitually aiding Pakistan’s narrative.

<><><>

In Goa, six persons lost their lives and over 80 others were injured in a stampede at the Shree Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village at Bicholim today. More from our correspondent:

The injured are undergoing treatment at Bicholim Health Centre, Mapusa District Hospital and Goa Medical Hospital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness and participate in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot ‘dhonds’ walk across a bed of burning embers. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant visited the Mapusa District Hospital and met the injured. Minister Neelkanth Halrankar, MLA Dr. Chandrakant Shetty also visited the district hospital to review the situation. Sources have informed that four of the deceased are from Thivim and two are from Bicholim. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the stampede at the Shree Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village. Mahesh Chopade, Akashvani, Goa.

President Droupadi Murmu has expressed sadness at the loss of lives at the stampede. In her message, the President extended her condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for quick recovery of the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness at the loss of lives due to the stampede in Shirgao, Goa. In his message, Mr Modi said the local administration is assisting those affected.

<><><>

Now news from the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that India can take the global leadership in the field of media and entertainment sector. He said, several global firms have shown willingness to work with India in this regard. Seven Global firms including Google, Meta and Microsoft today signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology IICT during WAVES Summit in Mumbai. The IICT will be set up in Mumbai with a funding of 400 crore rupees. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vaishnaw said, in the coming days the IICT will set the same template as IIT and IIM.

Earlier, the Minister had said that the Indian Institute of Creative Technology is set to become a national hub for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju were also present on the occasion.

<><><>

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan has appreciated the work being done by community radios across the nation. He said that all community radios are working for some cause and promoting our tradition. He was addressing the inaugural session of Community Radio Sammelan in WAVES today. Information and broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju was also present for the inaugural session. He noted that, community radio shows dedication and commitment for the community.

<><><>

President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the first National Mediation Conference in New Delhi today. Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal will also address the conference. The event is being organised by Office of the Attorney General of India in association with the Ministry of Law and Justice.

<><><>

Nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 are now open for children aged between 5 and 18 years as of 31st July this year. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is a prestigious national-level award conferred annually by the President of India to recognize the exceptional achievements of children across the country.

The award is presented to children who have demonstrated excellence in categories including Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science and Technology. The last date for submission of nominations is 31st July.

<><><>

Nineteen fishermen from Nagapattinam were allegedly attacked by the Sri Lankan pirates this morning. The fishermen from Akkaraipettai in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu had been fishing near Kodikkarai when the incident occurred. The fishermen who were attacked reached the shores and said that they had forcibly been taken away their fish catch which is valued at around 20 lakh rupees along with their fishing nets. Those who were wounded during the attack have been admitted to the hospitals at Nagapattinam for treatment. The fishermen associations have demanded the Centre and the State Government to take appropriate action on the issue with the Sri Lankan Government.

<><><>

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today visited the Bullet Train project site at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai to review the progress of India’s first high-speed rail corridor. The minister inspected the key construction zones, interacted with the engineers and officials, and emphasized the government’s commitment to timely completion of the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. During his visit, Mr Vaishnaw reiterated the significance of the project in transforming India’s rail infrastructure and boosting economic connectivity.

<><><>

In IPL Cricket, hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today. The match is scheduled to begin at 07:30 PM.

<><><>

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds over many parts of Northwest India for the next 4 to 5 days. Similar weather conditions are also very likely over East and Central India till Tuesday. According to the IMD, hailstorms and strong winds are possible over Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

<><><>

THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN::

India and Angola exchange several agreements in various fields after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Angola Joao Lourenco.
Prime Minister Modi says India is committed to take decisive action against terrorists and their supporters.
India bans all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan, in another tough move post Pahalgam terror attack.
Seven Global firms sign MoUs with Indian Institute of Creative Technology during WAVES Summit in Mumbai.
In Goa, six persons killed and over 80 injured in a stampede at Shree Lairai Zatra festival at Bicholim.
And, In IPL Cricket, hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru to take on Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today.