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June 8, 2025 2:48 PM

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Midday News

THE HEADLINES: –

  • Government redefined women-led development over the past 11 years as cornerstone of India’s progress, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

  • Sikkim government rescues stranded locals and taxi drivers through special helicopter sortie from landslide-hit Chaten.

  • External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to embark on seven-day visit to France and Belgium today.

  • US President Donald Trump orders deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles after raids on undocumented migrants spark protests.

  • In French Open Tennis, top seed Jannik Sinner to clash with Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz for Men’s Singles title this evening.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the Government has redefined women-led development over the past 11 years through a series of impactful initiatives. As the NDA government at the Centre completes 11 years in office, Mr Modi highlighted the transformative role played by women in the journey towards a developed India. In a social media post, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that in all sectors, be it science, education, sports, StartUps, and the armed forces, women are excelling and inspiring several people. 

 

Our correspondent has filed a report highlighting the journey of Nari Shakti – a powerful movement of social transformation and inclusion, where women are being empowered across all spheres of life.

 

 

The government’s flagship nutrition programme, Mission POSHAN 2.0, focuses on children, adolescent girls, and mothers. Over two lakh Anganwadi Centres are being upgraded to deliver not only better nutrition but also early childhood education. This integrated approach is supported by initiatives like Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, which trains Anganwadi workers to deliver quality pre-school learning. On the health front, schemes like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) have ensured access to safe deliveries and maternal care, especially in rural and underserved regions. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, over 12 crore toilets have been constructed, significantly improving safety and sanitation for women. The Ujjwala Yojana has provided over 10 crore LPG connections, freeing women from harmful cooking smoke. The Jal Jeevan Mission has delivered tap water to over 15 crore rural households, reducing the daily burden of water collection. Education has seen a steady rise in girls’ school enrolment from 75.5 percent to 78 percent. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, with more than 4.2 crore accounts opened, has enabled financial security for the girl child. This journey is not just about providing support – it’s about building a nation where women lead from the front, across homes, schools, workplaces, and institutions. With VISHNU, BHANU PRATAP SINGH, AKASHVANI NEWS DELHI.”

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India has witnessed a profound transformation over the past eleven years, shaped by the guiding principles of Seva, Sushasan, and Garib Kalyan. In this special feature, Akashvani News takes a closer look at the government’s impactful initiatives and achievements across vital sectors. Today, we discuss Financial reforms that have empowered the middle class.

 

“For over a decade, India’s Middle Class has stood at the centre of the nation’s development journey. Their aspirations have not only been heard but honoured with decisive action. Tax reforms and reliefs, social security, and skill development have been important pillars of the government’s efforts toward the empowerment of the Middle Class. The latest Union Budget made income up to 12 lakh rupees tax-free under the new tax regime. Pre-filled income tax returns and a faceless assessment system have made tax compliance faster, simpler, and more transparent. The Unified Pension Scheme, UPS, guarantees 50 percent of the average basic pay as pension for government employees with 25 years of service. Meanwhile, the average inflation rate over the past decade has been contained at 5 percent, down from 8.2 percent in the previous ten years. Equally transformative has been the push for skill development. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, over 1.63 crore youth have received industry-relevant training. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme has facilitated the placement of over 40 lakh apprentices with industries since 2016. The number of Industrial Training Institutes has also increased significantly, from around 9 thousand 900 in 2014 to over 14 thousand 600 in 2024. Together, these efforts have delivered real empowerment to the middle class. The government’s approach is clear: listen to its citizens, simplify the system, and deliver on promises. VISHNU PS, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that diversification of agriculture toward easily cultivable fruits and crops is essential for the sector’s growth. Speaking during his visit to Bengaluru as part of the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan’ Mr. Chouhan highlighted the benefits of cultivating dragonfruit.

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The Sikkim Government rescued 28 stranded persons including locals, taxi drivers and and certain government officials through special helicopter sortie from Chaten in landslide-hit Mangan district today. All evacuees reached Pakyong Greenfield Airport safely. The operation was a part of the on-going coordinated relief and evacuation efforts being undertaken in view of the recent adverse conditions that disrupted normal road connectivity and access to the region.

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 The flood situation in Assam improved significantly today. The State Government has deployed State Disaster Response Force teams for ongoing rescue efforts.

 

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, over 30 thousand people remain in 130 relief camps, while more than 3 lakh people are still reeling under the deluge across 900 villages in 12 districts.

 

Water levels in major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, are receding. Ferry services between Guwahati and North Guwahati resumed today as conditions improved in Kamrup district.

 

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rainfall in Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi districts of Barak Valley.

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The Manipur government has ordered suspension of internet and mobile data services, in the territorial jurisdiction of five valley districts for five days. The decision has been taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation following the protest after the arrest of a Meitei outfit leader. The districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching. Our correspondent has the details:

 

After the widespread protests in many districts last night, additional security arrangements have been made as the prohibition under section 163 of BNSS has been in-forced in five districts of Manipur. Streets and markets remain deserted today and all government and private institutions remain closed. Meanwhile, a team of MLAs called on the Governor of Manipur today and discussed about the present situation. JJ THOKCHOM, AKASHVANI NEWS, IMPHAL.”

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In Telangana, three Congress legislators, G Vivek Venkata Swamy, A. Laxman Kumar and V Srihari were sworn-in as ministers in the State Cabinet this afternoon. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremonial event in Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad. More from our Correspondent:

 

 

“This is the first expansion of about 13-month-old Revanth Reddy’s cabinet in Telangana. With this induction of 3 ministers, the number of ministers in the cabinet has gone up to 15. The State Legislative Assembly has Hundred and Nineteen seats and accordingly, the cabinet can accommodate three more inductions in the coming days. The long-awaited expansion has also created some discontentment among a few aspirants who expressed their anger for not getting a chance, following which the PCC leadership is trying to pacify them. The portfolio allotment is yet to be known for the newly inducted ministers. Lakshmi, Akashvani, News, Hyderabad.”

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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a seven-day official visit to France and Belgium today. During his France visit, the External Affairs Minister will hold bilateral discussions with his French counterpart, Jean Noel Barrot in Paris. Dr Jaishakar will also participate in the inaugural edition of Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue in the city of Marseille.

 

During his visit to Belgium, Dr Jaishankar will hold a strategic dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas at Brussels. He will also engage with the senior leadership from the European Commission and the European Parliament. The Minister will hold bilateral consultations with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium, Maxime Prevot.

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US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two thousand National Guard troops in Los Angeles to help manage the unrest over raids on undocumented migrants. The city saw a second day of unrest last night as residents of a predominantly Latino district clashed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) federal agents. As many as 118 arrests were made in Los Angeles this week as a result of ICE operations. Meanwhile, border czar in Trump’s administration, Tom Homan, told the media that the raids are being conducted to make the city safer.

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Colombia’s right-wing Presidential candidate, Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, was shot multiple times during a campaign event in the capital, Bogotá yesterday. The 39-year-old Centro Democrático leader is currently fighting for his life in a hospital in the capital. Police have arrested a 15-year-old suspect from the scene. Meanwhile, Senator Uribe’s party has condemned the attack, calling it a grave threat to democracy and freedom in Colombia.

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Italians are voting in referendums on easing citizenship rules and strengthening labour protections, amid concerns that low turnout could render the polls invalid. Voting began today and will continue through Monday. One of the key questions on the ballot asks Italians whether they support reducing the residency requirement for applying for Italian citizenship by naturalisation to five years.

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Akashvani is celebrating its 90th anniversary today. On this day in 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was renamed All India Radio (AIR). This landmark occasion marks a significant moment in the cultural, informational, and broadcasting history of the country – the birth of a voice that would resonate through generations. A report from our correspondent:

 

“On June 7th 1936, the front page of The Indian Listener, the then official magazine of All India Radio announced AIR to the world and inscribed a day before the magic began. The humble Delhi Station of Akashvani became a centre where voices found wings and history found a mic. Post-independence, AIR expanded rapidly, adopting the name “Akashvani” in 1956. Today, Akashvani operates 591 stations, reaching 98 percent of India’s population, broadcasting in 23 languages and 146 dialects. Akashvani’s External Services Division broadcasts to over 100 countries, projecting India’s voice globally. Living up to its noble ideals of “Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya”, the News Services Division (NSD) of AIR strives to provide news and views to every dweller in this vast country in varied terrains, 24X7. ADARSH, FOR AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

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In French Open Tennis, World No 1 Jannik Sinner will face World Number 2 and Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz for the Men’s Singles title this evening. We have a report:

 

 

In a highly anticipated showdown at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set to face off in their first-ever Grand Slam final against each other. Defending champion Alcaraz is aiming to secure back-to-back French Open titles, while Sinner, fresh off his rise to World No. 1, is chasing his first Roland Garros crown. Their head-to-head battles have already thrilled fans in past ATP events, but this marks a new chapter on the sport’s biggest clay court stage. Tennis fans around the world are in for a generational clash with history on the line. chirag jha, sports desk.”

 

Meanwhile, American tennis star Coco Gauff clinched her maiden Women’s Single title of French Open, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final last night.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN: –

  • Government redefined women-led development over the past 11 years as cornerstone of India’s progress, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

  • Sikkim government rescues stranded locals and taxi drivers through special helicopter sortie from landslide-hit Chaten.

  • External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to embark on seven-day visit to France and Belgium today.

  • US President Donald Trump orders deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles after raids on undocumented migrants spark protests.

  • In French Open Tennis, top seed Jannik Sinner to clash with Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz for Men’s Singles title this evening.

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