Midday News -

THE HEADLINES::

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim on current flood situation; Assures full central support for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Flood situation aggravates in Assam affecting over five lakh people in 21 districts; Indian Air Force rescue first batch of stranded civilians from Chaten in North Sikkim.
Uttar Pradesh government announces 20 per cent reservation to Agniveers in various Police Services.
India reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development at 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil.
And, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings to clash for their maiden IPL trophy in Ahmedabad this evening.

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In Assam, the flood situation aggravated further during the last 24 hours as it spread to five more districts and over five lakh people are now reeling under the deluge across 21 districts. More than 1250 villages of 64 revenue circles affected by flood and over 12600 hectares of crop areas have been damaged across the state. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, 11 people have lost their lives due to the devastating floods and landslides so far.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over phone and enquired about the current flood situation in the state. The prime minister expressed concern and assured full support from the Central Government for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Chief Minister Sarma said in a social media post that he briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation and the relief operation being undertaken.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took stock of the flood situation in Assam from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, assuring full support from the Central government for relief and rehabilitation efforts. The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on how continuous rainfall in Assam and adjoining states has led to flooding and which impacted many lives. He also apprised the Prime Minister of the relief operation undertaken by the state government.The Chief Minister reached Cachar district this morning to take stock and assess the flood situation in the worst hit Barak valley region. He visited several relief camps and interacted with the people. Aminul Haque ,Jwadder AKASHVANI NEWS ,GUWAHATI.

The Prime Minister also spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on the situation in north Sikkim after a massive landslide struck the Army camp at Chaten in Lachen. Mr Tamang extended his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s concern.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched rescue and relief operations in Sikkim as the northeastern state reels under landslides and floods following heavy rainfall in the region. The IAF has rescued first batch of civilians stranded from Chaten, North Sikkim.

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In Arunachal Pradesh, incessant heavy rain has disrupted normal life across the state. According, to the State Department Disaster Management, 12 people have lost their lives in rain related incidents till yesterday evening.

The Meteorological Centre Itanagar has issued a yellow alert warning for almost all the districts in Arunachal Pradesh. The weather department has predicted heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places over the next 24 hours. The State Department Disaster Management has informed that as of now 3 relief camps are set up and there are 239 inmates in these camps. 162 villages have been affected due to flood and landslides. In Upper Subansiri District, the PMGSY road from Sippi to Nilling has been blocked at multiple locations due to flash flood and landslides triggered by heavy rain. According to reports, 17 to 18 villages are cut off due to this blockade.RAKESH DOLEY,AKASHVANI NEWS ,Itanagar .

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In Bihar, strong winds and rain caused widespread destruction in Siwan district last evening, in which at least seven people were killed in separate incidents. The state is experiencing a mix of weather conditions. In the western and northern parts life has been affected by rains and strong windswhile districts in South Bihar are grappling with heatwave conditions.

The Met Department has issued a warning for the next 48 hours for strong winds, rain, and thunderstorms in the Kishanganj, Saharsa, Araria, Sitamarhi, and Muzaffarpur areas.

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The Met Department has issued an orange alert over Northeast India. IMD scientist Dr R K Jenamani told Akashvani news that heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue over the Northeastern states for the next 2 days.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has approved 20 per cent reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment for the posts of police constables, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), mounted police, and firemen. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today, with the aim of providing post-service employment opportunities to youth who have served under the Agnipath scheme.

Giving details of the cabinet decisions, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Suresh Khanna said that 20 percent reservation will be provided in the state police and PAC for Agniveers who have retired from the armed forces.

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India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development during the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil. During the meeting held yesterday, Minister of State for Communications, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, presented India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as a global benchmark for inclusive and transformative digital governance. He highlighted the pivotal role of flagship initiatives like Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface in advancing universal and meaningful connectivity. He called upon BRICS nations to deepen collaboration in harnessing digital public infrastructure to drive inclusive growth and build resilient digital economies.

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As part of India’s continued efforts under Operation Sindoor and in line with its principled and resolute stand against terrorism, multiple all-party delegations are visiting countries across the globe.

The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, returned to the country this morning after a successful visit to Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Two more delegation teams are scheduled to return later today. Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Baijayant Panda termed the tour as very successful.

Another delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar is scheduled to return home this evening. Earlier today, they held a meeting with Malaysia’s Parliamentary Special Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held high-level meetings with senior leaders and officials in Brazil. The delegation will now travel to the United States for the final leg of its visit.

Another multi-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule met with Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Council in Cairo. The team also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Cairo’s Al Horreya Garden.

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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 Second lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane, who displayed incredible bravery during the India-Pakistan war of 1947-48.

Born in 1918 in present day Karnataka, Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in December 1947. During his 21 years’ service with the Indian Army he earned 5 Mentioned-in Despatches. In the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War, after the Indian Army recaptured Jhangar in March 1948, an advance was planned from Naushahra to Rajauri to protect civilians from enemy atrocities. On April 8, 4 Dogra Battalion began its assault, but their progress was hindered by minefields and roadblocks. Despite being wounded on April 8, he continued clearing mines and roadblocks, enabling tank movement. Over the next three days, he worked tirelessly-often under heavy enemy fire-clearing multiple obstacles, making diversions, and even blasting roadblocks himself. His relentless efforts played a vital role in the Indian Army’s advance to Rajauri, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy and saving countless civilian lives. For his outstanding courage and determination, Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Saklen Akhtar, Akashvani News, Delhi.

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Europe’s most active volcano Mount Etna in Italy, erupted yesterday, spewing ash and smoke into the Sicilian sky and triggering panic among tourists. Sicily president, Renato Schifani said, lava flows emitted in the eruption had not passed the natural containment area, and posed no danger to the population. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised the public to stay cautious as volcanic activity persists.

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Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to get its new winner today as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings will clash for the title at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will begin at 7:30 PM. In a battle of titans, the Rajat Patidar-led RCB will hold an advantage over their opponents as they thrashed them by eight wickets in Qualifier one in Chandigarh to seal the direct entry to the final. However, Punjab had their way of bouncing back from the setback against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier two.

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At the Indonesia Open 2025, India’s top shuttler PV Sindhu has won her opening match defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan, 22-20, 21-23, 21-15. However, Lakshya Sen suffered a first-round exit. He lost to top seed Shi Yuqi of China.

Anupama Upadhyaya exited after a straight-games loss against South Korea’s Kim Ga Eun.

Later, HS Prannoy and men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will be at the court.

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The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is set to take place on 5th of July at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. India’s first ever International Javelin competition was initially scheduled for 24th of May, but the event was deferred due to Operation Sindoor. It is spearheaded by India’s two time Olympic medalist, Neeraj Chopra and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). The event will feature a stellar line-up of elite javelin throwers including the participation of several Olympic medallists.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim on current flood situation; Assures full central support for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Flood situation aggravates in Assam affecting over five lakh people in 21 districts; Indian Air Force rescue first batch of stranded civilians from Chaten in North Sikkim.
Uttar Pradesh government announces 20 per cent reservation to Agniveers in various Police Services.
India reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development at 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil.
And, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings to clash for their maiden IPL trophy in Ahmedabad this evening.