THE HEADLINES::
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate and dedicate multiple projects worth over 70, 000 crore rupees during four states’ visit beginning tomorrow.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to advance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
- Prime Minister pays tribute to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary.
- Rainfall continues to affect several parts of Maharashtra; IMD issues red alert for four districts.
- And in Hockey, Indian Junior Women’s Team defeats hosts 2-nil in shootout at four Nations Tournament in Argentina.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh tomorrow. During his visit, he will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than 70,000 crore rupees.
In Sikkim, the Prime Minister will participate in the “Sikkim@50: Where Progress meets purpose and nature nurtures growth” programme. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects in the State and address the gathering on the occasion. The projects include a new 500-bedded District hospital worth over 750 crore rupees in Namchi district; a Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District; a Statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji at Atal Amrit Udyan at Sangkhola in Gangtok District, among others. Mr Modi will also release a Commemorative coin, souvenir coin and a stamp of 50 years of Statehood.
Later, Mr Modi will visit West Bengal where he will lay the foundation stone of City Gas Distribution project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. The projects, worth over 1010 crore rupees, will provide a convenient, reliable, environment-friendly and cost-effective fuel supply and create employment opportunities in the region. Further, he will visit Bihar and inaugurate the new terminal building of Patna Airport in the evening at around 5:45 PM.
The next day, Mr Modi will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over 48 thousand 520 crore in Karakat, Bihar. He will also address a public function. Thereafter, he will visit Uttar Pradesh to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around 20 thousand 900 crore at Kanpur Nagar, while addressing a public function.
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The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by JD (U) MP Sanjay Jha, reached Jakarta, Indonesia, today as part of India’s diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor. The delegation has so far visited Japan, South Korea and Singapore as part of India’s global outreach against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The delegation met with the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Muhammad Husein Fadlulloh, and the Chairperson of the Indonesia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, Muhammad Rofiqi, to sensitise them on India’s strong commitment against terrorism. The Indonesian side conveyed that they condemn terrorism and believe in dialogue to solve problems. They supported India’s zero-tolerance approach. Another multi-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has left for Sierra Leone after concluding their visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The all-party Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad has reached Rome for wide-ranging interactions. The delegation was received by Ambassador Vani Rao. The delegation will convey India’s firm and united message against cross-border terrorism in the context of Operation Sindoor.
In Panama, the all-party Indian delegation headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held a meeting with the Panama Assembly President, Dana Castaneda. During his meeting, Mr. Tharoor said that India had no interest in starting a war, but felt that a terrorist act must not go unpunished.
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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri today met United States Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to advance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. The two also discussed the early convening of the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue to deepen tech and trade collaboration.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, in a gesture of appreciation for their unwavering commitment, over 200 employees of the Operating and Commercial Department of Northern Railway’s Jammu Division were honoured for their exceptional service during Operation Sindoor. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the felicitation ceremony recognised around 200 staff members who ensured seamless train operations and passenger safety.
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As we celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, the Nation salutes the 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 Subedar Joginder Singh who made the supreme sacrifice during the Sino-Indian war in 1962.
“During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Subedar Joginder Singh led a platoon in the Tawang Sector of NEFA, holding a strategic position on a ridge in the Tongpeng La area on the Bum La axis. On October 20, his platoon observed a significant Chinese troop buildup across the McMahon Line, signalling an impending attack. At dawn on October 23, the Chinese launched a major assault in three waves of roughly 200 soldiers each, supported by artillery and mortar fire. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Subedar Singh’s platoon offered fierce resistance, repelling the first waves with heavy enemy casualties. Wounded in the thigh, he refused evacuation and continued to inspire his men. As the final and most forceful wave advanced, with ammunition depleted and few men remaining, Subedar Singh took control of a light machine gun, inflicting significant damage. When the situation became desperate, he and his remaining soldiers charged the enemy with fixed bayonets. They engaged in close combat, killing many before being overwhelmed. For his extraordinary courage, leadership, and devotion to duty, Subedar Joginder Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. SAKLEN AKHTAR FOR AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today shared an article written by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on how the Northeast is transforming into India’s strategic gateway to Southeast Asia and is powering trade, connectivity, and the ambition of 30-trillion dollars towards a Viksit Bharat. In a social media post, Mr Modi wrote, Northeast India is no longer a frontier, it’s the front-runner.
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The DMK announced three candidates for the biennial elections for six seats of Rajya Sabha and has allotted one seat to actor-politician Kamal Haasan-led Makkal Needhi Maiam. The DMK President, MK. Stalin, in a statement, renominated incumbent K.Wilson, S. R. Sivalingam and A. Rokkaiah Malik, also known as Poet Salma, as candidates. The elections are to be held on the 19th of June.
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Rainfall continues to affect several parts of Maharashtra, while it has subsided in others. After experiencing incessant showers for two days, Mumbai and the surrounding areas have seen partially clear skies since this morning. More from our Mumbai correspondent:
“The IMD has issued a red alert for four districts- Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Sangli- and an orange alert for eight other districts in the State. The coastal district of Sindhudurg is experiencing increased rainfall this morning. Heavy spells of rain lashed Dhule district earlier today, followed by continuous showers. Akola experienced heavy rainfall yesterday, resulting in significant damage to houses, fruit orchards, and crops. A team from the NDRF has reached Mahad in Raigad district to address any emergencies. Ratnagiri district witnessed some sunlight today after enduring continuous rainfall since the 20th of May. However, cloud cover remains persistent. The IMD has predicted intense spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Jalgaon, Dhule, and Sindhudurg over the next few hours. Meanwhile, Nandurbar, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kolhapur are likely to experience moderate rainfall with moderate thunderstorms during this period. Ankita Apte, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tribute to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary. In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi said that Savarkar was a true son of Mother India, and even the harshest tortures of the British government could not shake his devotion towards the motherland. Mr Modi added that the grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and his struggle in the freedom movement.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to N.T. Rama Rao on his birth anniversary. In a social media post, Mr Modi wrote that he is widely admired for his efforts to serve the society and empower the poor and downtrodden. He added that Mr NTR’s cinematic works also continue to enthral audiences, and everyone is inspired by him.
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Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched its mega rocket Starship this morning on a third test flight after the earlier two failed. However, the third test also met the same fate just minutes after liftoff. The rocket encountered a critical failure and was lost in flight. A report:-
“SpaceX’s Starship failed as the megarocket exploded. The company’s founder, Elon Musk, blamed it on fuel leaks. This is the third time in a row that Starship flight has faced issues during the test flight. The company’s last two test flights, the seventh test in January and the eighth in March, also ended prematurely with the destruction of the aircraft.Today’s test, the ninth test flight of Starship, had successfully reached orbit, flying farther than on its two previous attempts. However, the spacecraft’s payload bay door failed to open, preventing the planned release of simulated Starlink satellites. Around 30 minutes into the mission, SpaceX confirmed a fuel tank leak aboard the vehicle. The first-stage Super Heavy booster exploded shortly before its expected splashdown, and live video showed the upper-stage vehicle spinning uncontrollably before its planned re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere, due to fuel leaks. Aishwarya Rai Nigam, News desk Akashvani Delhi.”
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In Hockey, the Indian Junior Women’s Team defeated host Argentina 2-0 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This was their third match of the Four Nations Tournament in Rosario, Argentina.
Argentina started strong with Milagros Del Valle scoring in the first quarter to give the home team an early lead. India responded in the third quarter when Kanika found the equaliser in the 44th minute.
With no further goals, the match was tied at full time and went to a penalty shootout. Captain and goalkeeper Nidhi proved to be the difference, pulling off four consecutive saves to shut out the hosts. Lalrinpuii and Lalthantluangi converted their chances. Their goals in the shootout secured a hard-fought win for India. India will now face Chile in their next match on Friday IST.
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In Badminton, India’s top men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made a winning return at the Singapore Open Super 750 badminton tournament today. Back on court for the first time since their withdrawal from the All England Open in March due to Chirag’s back injury, the former world No.1 displayed no signs of rust as they beat Malaysia’s Choong Hon Jian and Muhammad Haikal 21-16, 21-13 in just under 40 minutes in the round of 32. It was Satwik and Chirag’s second win over the 41st-ranked Malaysian pair. The Indians are currently ranked 27th in the world.
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In IPL T20 Cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat hosts Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets last night. Chasing a target of 228 runs, RCB overhauled the target in 18.4 overs. With this win, RCB secured a top-two finish in the points table, hence advancing to the Qualifier 1, where they will face Punjab Kings tomorrow.
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The Benchmark domestic equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, were trading marginally lower in a range-bound afternoon trade today weighed down by FMCG, metal and auto sectors and mixed global cues. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 113 points to 81,438 and the NSE Nifty50 slipped 40 points to 24,786, when reports last came in.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate and dedicate multiple projects worth over 70, 000 crore rupees during four states’ visit beginning tomorrow.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to advance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
- Prime Minister pays tribute to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary.
- Rainfall continues to affect several parts of Maharashtra; IMD issues red alert for four districts.
- And in Hockey, Indian Junior Women’s Team defeats hosts 2-nil in shootout at four Nations Tournament in Argentina.
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