Midday News -

THE HEADLINES::

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds meeting with Defence and External Affairs Ministers, National Security Advisor and Tri-services Chiefs in New Delhi.
Indian Air Force says it has successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor with precision.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates BrahMos Aerospace Testing Facility at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
Nation remembers contribution of Scientists, Engineers and technicians on National Technology Day today.
IMD forecasts above normal monsoon in the country this year.
In Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series, the summit clash between India and hosts Sri Lanka underway in Colombo.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high level meeting at his residence in New Delhi today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh were present. The meeting comes in the wake of the ceasefire arrived at between the two countries yesterday after the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries spoke to each other. The DGMOs of the two countries are scheduled to talk tomorrow again.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters last night that New Delhi takes a very serious note of the ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

“The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India yesterday, and it was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea. Instructions were given on both sides to give effect to the understanding. However during the late night briefing Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, there have been repeated violations of the understanding by Pakistan after talks between DGMOs of both sides. India took very serious notice of these violations and the Armed Forces gave adequate and appropriate response to these violations. India called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility. The Armed Forces are maintaining a strong vigil on the situation. India says that any future act of terror will be considered as an act of war against it and New Delhi will respond accordingly.”

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has said that it has successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor, with precision and professionalism. In a social media post, the IAF said, operations were conducted in a deliberate and discreet manner, aligned with national objectives. It said, since the Operations are still ongoing, a detailed briefing will be conducted in due course. It urged all to refrain from speculation and dissemination of unverified information.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that Operation Sindoor is not just a military action, but a symbol of India’s political, social and strategic will. Virtually inaugurating the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow this afternoon, Mr Singh said, this operation is also a demonstration of India’s strong will against terrorism and the capability and determination of the military power. He said, whenever India takes any action against terrorism, even the land across the border will not be safe for the terrorists and their masters. Mr Singh said, the Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor with the aim of destroying the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and never targeted their civilians. But Pakistan not only targeted civilian areas of India but also tried to attack temples, gurudwaras and churches.

He said, the inauguration of Brahmos integration and testing facility will help in further strengthening India’s defence prowess. He said, Brahmos is one of the world’s fastest, supersonic cruise missiles. Mr Singh said, it is not just a weapon, but it is a message in itself.

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World leaders have welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan as a key move to reduce tensions between the two countries.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the development, urging both nations to build on this progress.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has described the ceasefire as hugely welcome and called on both countries to maintain calm.

EU Foreign Chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the significance of the ceasefire and the need for vigilance to ensure it holds.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry in a statement expressed optimism that the ceasefire will contribute to the restoration of peace and security in the region.

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The Delhi Airport continues to run its operations smoothly. In an advisory, Delhi International Airport Limited said, however, in light of the evolving airspace dynamics and heightened security protocols mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, there may be adjustments to flight schedules and longer wait times at security checkpoints. It said, passengers are encouraged to stay updated through their respective airline’s communication channels, adhere to prescribed guidelines for cabin and check-in baggage, arrive well in advance to accommodate possible security delays, extend full cooperation to airline and security personnel for efficient facilitation and verify flight status through the airline or the official Delhi Airport website.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive at the Kerala coast on May 27, five days earlier than its usual onset date of June 1. This early arrival is expected to have a positive impact in Kharif sowing season and brighten the outlook for crops. Historically, an early monsoon has been favourable for agriculture by boosting farm production and reservoir levels. The IMD has also predicted that the 2025 monsoon could be above normal, quantitatively expected to reach 105 per cent of the Long Period Average. This marks the second consecutive year in which the IMD has anticipated an above normal monsoon. States forming the core monsoon zone, such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

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National Technology Day is being celebrated today. On this day in 1998, India successfully tested its nuclear bombs in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The day memorializes the contributions of scientists, engineers, and innovators to India’s technological expertise and the launch of India’s first indigenous aircraft, “Hansa-3.” It also memorializes the sixth global nuclear test, demonstrating India’s global position.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that on the National Technology Day, India salutes the scientists, engineers and technicians who contribute by developing new technologies for bringing positive change in the lives of the countrymen.

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Mother’s Day is being celebrated across the world today. Observed on the second Sunday of May every year, it is a time for families to express gratitude and appreciation to mothers for their love, care, and sacrifices.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for direct talks with Ukraine, saying it should start without delay, as early as the 15th of May. In a televised address from the Kremlin, President Putin said, he would not rule out that in the course of the talks which he proposed should happen in Turkey’s capital Istanbul – Russia and Ukraine may be able to agree upon new ceasefires. The Russian leader said he would speak to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today to discuss the details. Kyiv has not commented on the proposal from Putin. During his statement, Putin also accused Ukraine of having repeatedly failed to respond to three ceasefire proposals from Moscow. Ukraine has previously said Russian attacks continued throughout these periods. Russia has made similar claims about Ukraine.

President Putin’s statement comes hours after European leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an attempt to put pressure on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, threatening Moscow with massive sanctions if it refuses.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said Iran will not back down on its nuclear rights in the negotiations with the US. The statement comes as the two countries are set to hold a new round of nuclear talks in Oman today. Speaking at the fourth Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference in Doha yesterday, Mr Araghchi reiterated that Iran has always been a committed member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation and maintains its right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including uranium enrichment. He affirmed that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, and weapons of mass destruction have no place in his country’s security doctrine.

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In Khelo India Youth Games, Maharashtra continue to hold top position in the medals tally with a haul of 74 medals including 27 gold and 22 silver. Karnataka are at the second position with 39 medals including 14 gold and 19 silver and Rajasthan have maintained third position in the medals tally. Rajasthan have won 23 medals including 11 gold and four silver. Today is the eighth day of the Games and several new events like boxing, wrestling, Yogasana and fencing are being held at different venues. After Gatka the second martial art game Kalaripayattu also started today. Our correspondent reports that the events of Hockey are being played in Rajgir sports complex and football matches are at Begusarai.

“The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games has brought several achievements for the host state Bihar. After garnering two more medals, Bihar became the overall champion in the Sepak Takraw events. In this discipline , Bihar fetched a total of seven medals, including one gold and five silver. With this, the Bihar team has moved up to the 15th position in the medal tally with 19 medals. The Khelo India Youth Games so far witnessed new records and splendid performances from different participating states.”

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In Women’s Cricket, India have set a target of 343 runs against Hosts Sri Lanka in the final clash of the Tri-Nation ODI Series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Earlier, opting to bat after winning the toss, India posted 342 runs for the loss of seven wickets in stipulated 50 overs.

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THE HEADLINES ::

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds meeting with Defence and External Affairs Ministers, National Security Advisor and Tri-services Chiefs in New Delhi.
Indian Air Force says it has successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor with precision.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates BrahMos Aerospace Testing Facility at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
Nation remembers contribution of Scientists, Engineers and technicians on National Technology Day today.
IMD forecasts above normal monsoon in the country this year.
In Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series, the summit clash between India and hosts Sri Lanka underway in Colombo.