THE HEADLINES::
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauds remarkable transformation in India’s defence sector with focus on modernisation and self-reliance in defence production.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says China can not afford double standards in fight against terror.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasises the need to align science with vision of Viksit Bharat and human-centric development.
- Heatwave grips North-West India as temperature breaches 44 degree mark at several places; IMD issues orange alert and warns people to stay cautious.
- India to lock horns with Hong Kong in crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Final this evening.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the remarkable transformation in India’s defence sector over the last eleven years. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said the focus has been on both modernisation and achieving self-reliance in defence production. He noted that it is heartening to witness how the people of India have united with a shared resolve to strengthen the nation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also said that India’s defense sector has undergone a historic transformation in the last eleven years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a social media post, Mr. Singh shared that the Prime Minister’s leadership has resulted in stronger borders, modern armed forces, indigenous weapons, record defense exports, and global trust, leading the sector towards self-reliance.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that with the youth at the core, the expansion of India’s sports infrastructure is propelling the country towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse. Sharing an article by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Prime Minister highlighted the unprecedented growth of the country’s sports infrastructure in the last 11 years.
In the article, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted that the budget of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has more than tripled over the past decade.
Looking ahead, the Minister said India is preparing for a possible bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.
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India has undergone a decade of remarkable transformation, driven by the principles of Seva, Sushasan, and Garib Kalyan. Akashvani News brings you a special feature on the Government’s efforts over the last 11 years across key sectors. Today we focus on Atmanirbharta in Defence; Making India a global power.
“Over the past decade, India has redefined its security doctrine with clarity, conviction, and confidence. From the surgical strikes of 2016 to Operation Sindoor in 2025, the message is clear – India will not tolerate threats to its national security. Operation Sindoor marked a watershed moment in India’s counter-terror response. A precise, coordinated mission neutralised nine terror camps across the border – a swift and decisive reply to the Pahalgam terror attack. Indigenous manufacturing played a vital role in the success of Operation Sindoor, transforming national security from strategy into execution. From the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to the high-altitude Light Combat Helicopter, LCH Prachanda, India is designing and deploying with confidence. Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence, iDEX, are empowering startups and MSMEs to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our forces. Furthermore, Defence exports have surged to a record 23 thousand 622 crore rupees, a 34-fold increase since 2014. Over 5 thousand items are now on the positive indigenisation list, and 75 percent of the defence capital acquisition budget is earmarked for domestic production in Fiscal Year 2025-26. From frontlines to factory floors, from battlefields to boardrooms – India is forging a new era where security is strength, and self-reliance is our shield. VISHNU PS, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has stressed that China cannot afford ambiguity or double standards in combating terror in the context of its close relation with Pakistan. He added that terrorism is a problem that concerns all. In an interview with a French Newspaper during his France visit, Dr Jaishankar pointed out that India and China can improve their relationship step-by-step and have discussed the resumption of direct flights that have been suspended since the Covid pandemic. Addressing the Indian community representatives of Luxembourg and Belgium, Dr. Jaishankar said that India’s conflict is against terrorism and not with any specific country. Dr Jaishankar pointed out that India maintains zero tolerance against terrorism while Pakistan continues to harbour and support terrorists.
Dr Jaishankar reiterated India’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He said that India is ready to take on a greater role as many of its actions positively impact other nations.
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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who is currently visiting Switzerland, held deliberations on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
In a social media post, Mr. Goyal shared that he discussed opportunities, partnerships, and emerging avenues for trade and investment between India and Switzerland stemming from the agreement.
Talking to the media, the Minister said that today the world recognizes India as not only the fastest-growing large economy in the world but also the best place to do business. He said India now is the most preferred investment destination.
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said this is the most opportune time for scientists, innovators, and policymakers to come together to build inclusive ecosystems and solutions that empower the most vulnerable. Addressing the International Conference of Young Scientists and the Annual General Meeting of the Global Young Academy in Hyderabad, the minister called upon scientists to collaborate and co-create with a sense of purpose and empathy. The Minister also underlined the need to align science with the vision of Viksit Bharat and human-centric development.
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Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai has stressed that India will not tolerate any kind of terrorist activities and will continue to take concrete steps to counter terrorism. Terming the Pahalgam terror attack a dastardly act, the Minister said, the country has given a befitting reply to Pakistan under the operation sindoor and destroyed the terrorists hideouts.
Mr. Rai inagurated the 23rd National Security Guard (NSG) International Seminar in New Delhi today. The Minister said terrorism is the biggest threat for global peace, progress, and growth.
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The launch of Axiom-4 mission, that would carry India’s astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to space has been postponed by a day due to bad weather. In a social media post, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the targeted time of the launch is 5:30 PM IST tomorrow. In a video message group captain Shubhanshu Shukla expressed happiness on being a part of the Axiom-4 mission.
Co-pilots of the Mission praised Shubhanshu Shukla as part of the misson, saying he is opearational savvy and act smartly, when it come to spacecraft technology.
This historic mission will carry four astronauts from the US, India, Poland, and Hungary to the International Space Station for a 14-day scientific mission in Low Earth Orbit.
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The India Meteorological Department predicted heat wave conditions today in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The Weather agency also issued an orange alert for the next two days, warning people to stay cautious and take steps to protect themselves from the ongoing heatwave. In Rajasthan many districts are in the grip of severe heat and heat waves. The maximum temperature is being measured above 45 degrees Celsius in many districts, which has affected normal life.
“In the last 24 hours, the maximum temperature in Sri Ganganagar was recorded at 47.4 degrees Celsius. In Bikaner, the mercury was measured above 46 degrees, while the temperature was recorded above 45 degrees Celsius in Barmer, Churu and Kota. Normal life has been badly affected due to severe heat and heat waves in the state. The Met Center, Jaipur has forecast of severe heat waves continuing in many districts of the state for the next two to three days. The met department has advised people to avoid going out during the afternoon, drink plenty of water and adopt measures to protect from the sun. With Jitendra Dwivedi’s report, Jigyasa Pandey, Akashwani News.”
In Jammu and Kashmir, heatwave conditions continue to grip the Jammu region. Samba district recorded the highest maximum temperature at 46.6 degrees Celsius, while Jammu city registered 44.3 degrees Celsius yesterday. Srinagar recorded a high of 33.3 degrees Celsius, about 5.3 degrees Celsius above the average.
“The Jammu region is experiencing extreme heatwave conditions for the past four days. On Monday, five districts of the region recorded temperatures above the 40 degree mark. The maximum temperature in Jammu city was higher than Sunday’s 42.7 degrees Celsius. Katra, the base camp for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, recorded 40.2 degrees Celsius. The MeT department has forecast a five-day long heatwave with temperatures expected to soar 4 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the heatwave will persist up to June 13. This is N. Gulshan Raina For Akashvani News from Jammu.”
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In Football, India’s senior men’s team is all set to take on Hong Kong in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Final Round match at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong today. The match will begin at 5:30 PM, Indian Time. This Group C clash is a high-stake one as both the teams are the top two ranked sides in the four-team group, and are aiming for the first win of their campaign.
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Benchmark Indices, Sensex was trading flat while Nifty was trading marginally up in the afternoon trade today amid mixed global cues. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose slightly by 14 points to 82,459 and the NSE Nifty50 added 25 points to 25,128, when reports last came in.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN::
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauds remarkable transformation in India’s defence sector with focus on modernisation and self-reliance in defence production.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says China can not afford double standards in fight against terror.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasises the need to align science with vision of Viksit Bharat and human-centric development.
- Heatwave grips North-West India as temperature breaches 44 degree mark at several places; IMD issues orange alert and warns people to stay cautious.
- India to lock horns with Hong Kong in crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Final this evening.
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