Midday News -

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor’s success, says their valour brought Pakistan to its knees.
PM Modi lays foundation stone and dedicates multiple development projects worth around 26 thousand crore rupees to the nation in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar reaffirms ceasefire between India and Pakistan negotiated directly.
Leading Japanese think tanks express strong support for New Delhi’s fight against terrorism during interaction with India’s Multi-party delegation in Tokyo.
IMD predicts Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Maharashtra, Konkan, Goa and Gujarat during the next 2-3 days.
And, In badminton, Kidambi Srikanth advances to quarterfinals of Malaysia Masters in Kuala Lumpur.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor’s success and said that their valour brought Pakistan to its knees. Prime Minister Modi said Pakistan will have to pay a price for every terrorist attack in India. He said Pakistan can never win a direct war against India, so it has made terrorism a weapon to fight against India. Mr. Modi was addressing the function after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating various development projects worth over 26 thousand crore rupees in Palana near Bikaner in Rajasthan today. Mr. Modi said that Pakistan has been continuously spreading terrorism since independence, but now the price of such incidents will have to be borne by Pakistan’s army and its economy.

Mr. Modi said that now there will be no Trade or Talk with Pakistan. If there is a talk, it will be on Pakistan occupied Kashmir. He said that this is India’s resolution and no power in the world can shake us from this resolution. Mr. Modi said that Operation Sindoor has laid down three principles to deal with terrorism. First – If there is a terrorist attack in India, a befitting reply will be given.

Earlier during the public function at Palana in Bikaner, the Pime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over 26 thousand crore rupees. Highlighting the initiatives taken to create robust infrastructure in the country in the last 11 years, the Prime Minister said, several big initiatives have been taken to create modern road and rail infrastructure.

He said, Amrit Bharat, Namo Bharat, Vande Bharat trains are the reflection of country’s speed and progress. He said, bullet train project is underway and the government is working to redevelop 1300 railway stations across the country as Amrit Bharat Stations. He pointed out that infrastructure promote trade, ease of living, tourism, and industrialization.

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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today asserted that cessation of firing and military action during Operation Sindoor was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan. In an interview with a Netherlands based broadcaster, Dr Jaishankar said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to him while US Vice President JD Vance talked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting that it is natural that nations call up amid confict between two nations.

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A multi-party delegation headed by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha today interacted with leading Japanese think tanks in Tokyo and briefed them on India’s zero tolerance against terrorism. The delegation which arrived in Tokyo in the first leg of their five-nation tour, discussed regional security challenges including state-backed terrorism. During the interactive session, participants expressed strong support for India’s fight against the menace. Earlier, in a social media post, Mr Jha said India’s measured response in Operation Sindoor showed New Delhi’s zero-tolerance approach and Japan and India stand united for peace and democratic values.

Meanwhile an Indian all-party delegation arrived in the United Arab Emirates early this morning, marking a significant step in New Delhi’s diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor. We have a report:-

“The delegation, an all-party group, touched down in the UAE early this morning. This marks a crucial step in India’s efforts to engage global partners in its fight against terrorism and to share its perspective on regional security challenges. The UAE is the first country to host the delegation as part of Operation Sindoor, highlighting the enduring strategic partnership and shared values between India and the UAE. The visit began with a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. The discussions reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. During the meeting, the delegation also underscored the common ethos of harmony and tolerance that characterises both Indian and Emirati societies, reinforcing the importance of mutual understanding in countering extremist narratives. Vinod Kumar, Akshwani News, Dubai.”

The third multi-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has left for a five nation visit to further expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The delegation will visit Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia.

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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri today met Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi in Tokyo, Japan. While attending the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister Dialogue, Mr Misri conveyed India’s message on zero tolerance on terror.

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As we celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, the Nation salutes valour of the Indian soldiers. As a tribute to the Armed Forces, Akashvani News is presenting a special series. Today we remember Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who gave the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

“Born in 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was commissioned into the Poona Horse regiment in June 1971. At the age of just 21 years, he displayed unmatched courage during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. On December 16, 1971, the enemy launched a counter attack targeting Jarpal in Shakargarh Sector, under the cover of a smoke screen. As the Indians were heavily outnumbered, a fellow commander from ‘B’ Squadron, requested reinforcement. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was positioned close by with his troops in two tanks and he answered the call for reinforcement. On the way, his troops came under fire from enemy strong points. He fiercely attacked the points, over ran defences and captured many enemy soldiers. During the attack, the Commander of his Second tank was killed leaving him alone. But he continued the attack on the enemy strongholds single handedly until all enemy positions were overwhelmed. Then racing to B Squadron position, he destroyed one enemy tank. During the enemy’s second attack which was followed by a fierce tank battle, ten enemy tanks were destroyed and of these, four were destroyed by Khetarpal alone. His tank was shot and burst into flames but he continued to destroy the enemy tanks. His tank got hit again and he made the supreme sacrifice while denying the enemy their intended breakthrough. For most conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy, 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra in 1972. The Nation Salutes Him. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

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India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall over parts of South Konkan, Goa, Maharashtra and Coastal Karnataka.

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In badminton, India’s Kidambi Srikanth and the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Masters in Kuala Lumpur.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor’s success, says their valour brought Pakistan to its knees.
PM Modi lays foundation stone and dedicates multiple development projects worth around 26 thousand crore rupees to the nation in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar reaffirms ceasefire between India and Pakistan negotiated directly.
Leading Japanese think tanks express strong support for New Delhi’s fight against terrorism during interaction with India’s Multi-party delegation in Tokyo.
IMD predicts Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Maharashtra, Konkan, Goa and Gujarat during the next 2-3 days.
And, In badminton, Kidambi Srikanth advances to quarterfinals of Malaysia Masters in Kuala Lumpur.