THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Operation Sindoor has sent a strong global message about India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
- Prime Minister says the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi gave new direction to India’s freedom movement.
- Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Iran; warns of a forceful response to any violation.
- US President Donald Trump says the ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect; Urges both nations to uphold it.
- Domestic benchmark indices soar amid hopes of de-escalation in West Asia.
- Test Cricket, India and England are poised for a thrilling finish on the final day at Leeds this afternoon.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Operation Sindoor sent a strong global message about India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. He said India has made it clear that no place is safe for those who harm Indian citizens. The Prime Minister was speaking at the centenary celebration of the historic conversation between two of India’s greatest spiritual and moral leaders-Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi-held in New Delhi today.
He said the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, held a century ago at Sivagiri Mutt, in Kerala gave new direction to the freedom movement and continues to inspire India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
He added that a hundred years ago, when people feared speaking against societal evils, Sree Narayana Guru stood firm-guided by truth, service, and a deep belief in harmony and equality. Mr. Modi said this inspiration continues to guide the nation on the path of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
The event was also addressed by Union Minister George Kurian, Member of Parliament Adoor Prakash, and seers from Sivagiri Mutt.
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Israel has agreed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire with Iran. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office has stated that it has agreed to ceasefire after achieving its goal of removing Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat. The statement also thanks the United States for their support and participation in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat. Netanyahu also said that Israel would respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire. Earlier today, Trump had said that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was now in place and had asked both countries not to violate it.
“The recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, announced by US President Donald Trump on June 23, 2025, follows a 12-day conflict marked by intense missile exchanges and retaliatory strikes. Trump declared a complete and total ceasefire, stating that both sides would wind down ongoing military operations before the truce fully took effect, which was expected to be phased in over 24 hours. The ceasefire came after Iran launched missile strikes targeting Israel and a US airbase in Qatar. The attack on the US base was described as largely symbolic, with most missiles intercepted and no casualties or significant damage reported. This mirrors Iran’s January 2020 attack on the US al-Asad Airbase in Iraq,codenamed Operation Martyr Soleimani, which was a response to the US assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. In 2020, Iran fired over a dozen ballistic missiles at US bases, but gave advance warning to Iraqi authorities, and US forces were able to take shelter, resulting in no immediate fatalities. Vinod Kumar, Akashvani News, for Dubai.”
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In response to heightened tensions in amid conflict affected areas in West Asia, Two thousand 295 Indian nationals have now been brought home from Iran under Operation Sindhu. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, 292 Indian nationals arrived in New Delhi from Iran’s Mashhad on a special flight in the wee hours today. An Indian Air Force C-17 also flight evacuated 165 Indian nationals from Israel under Operation Sindhu. The aircraft came from Amman to New Delhi this morning. The evacuees were received by Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr L Murugan upon their arrival in the national capital.
Talking to media, Mr Murugan said, the passengers belong to 22 different states and they are all very happy to be back in the country.
India is also assisting friendly countries like Sri Lanka in the evacuation of their citizens.
“Seventeen Sri Lankans in Israel have registered to travel on a special Indian government flight in view of the situation in the Middle East. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that the group will depart from Amman, Jordan, to New Delhi on Wednesday. India is providing free transport from Tel Aviv to Amman and onward flight to Delhi, though travelers must arrange their own travel to Colombo. This effort has been welcomed by Sri Lanka, with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath thanking India for its timely assistance and calling it a reflection of the deep bonds and enduring partnership between the two nations. Ahmed Muyeen Farooqi Akashvani News, Colombo.”
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the government has taken several measures to reduce the burden on trade by cutting down tariffs to support manufacturing and promote export. Addressing the Exim Bank Trade Conclave 2025 in New Delhi today, Mrs Sitharaman said, the country’s total exports reached an all time high of 825 billion US dollars and achieved six per cent growth over the previous year.
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Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas will be observed tomorrow. It serves as a reminder of what happened when the Constitution of India was trampled over on 25th June 1975. It is also a day to pay homage to each and every person who suffered due to the excesses of the Emergency, the darkest phase of Indian history. The day commemorates the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency.
During the emergency, civil liberties were suspended and the government imposed strict censorship on the press. The government choked critical newspapers by blocking ads, journalists faced tax charges, press shutdown notices and were also jailed. The Emergency also witnessed the centralization of power and the mass arrest of opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, L K Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Morarji Desai, Madhu Dandvate. These actions were met with widespread criticism and protests. Sharing his thoughts during Mann Ki Baat on Akashvani, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described the declaration of Emergency as a black spot on Indian Democracy.
The Emergency period was marked by various political movements and events, including the Navnirman agitation in Gujarat, Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement in Bihar, and the Railway strike led by George Fernandes. Mr Fernandes in handcuffs anmd shackles raising his hand in defiance is one of the most enduring photographs of the Emergency era. People were detained without charges and there was illegal enactment of laws. The Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) was the much-abused statute. The era of Emergency was the darkest period of Independent India. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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In a significant move to strengthen Indian Army’s operational readiness in counter-terrorism operations, the Ministry of Defence has cleared thirteen contracts under the Emergency Procurement mechanism. These contracts, amounting to one thousand 981 crore rupees, have been finalised against an overall sanctioned outlay of two thousand crore rupees for the Indian Army. The equipment being procured includes – Integrated Drone Detection Systems, Bullet Proof Jackets and Night Sights for Rifles. The Ministry said, the procurement aims to enhance situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and protection for troops deployed in counter-terrorism environments.
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The benchmark domestic equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, were trading around 0.6 per cent up in the afternoon trade today, tracking global relief rally amid hopes of de-escalation in West Asia conflict. However, both the indices pared some of their gains secured in the initial trade. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 464 points, to 82,361 and the NSE Nifty50 added 159 points, to 25,131, when reports last came in.
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In the first match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the final day match between India and England will be played at Leeds this afternoon. Chasing a target of 371 runs set by India, England were 21 without loss at stumps on Day 4 yesterday. They now need 350 more runs on the final day, while India must take all 10 wickets to win the match. Earlier, India were bowled out for 364 in their second innings, following a late collapse in the final session.
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Reigning javelin world champion Neeraj Chopra will be back in action at the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 athletics meet in Czechia tonight. Chopra’s event is scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM IST.
Neeraj Chopra was scheduled to compete at the Golden Spike in both 2023 and 2024 but had to withdraw on both occasions due to injury.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Operation Sindoor has sent a strong global message about India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
- Prime Minister says the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi gave new direction to India’s freedom movement.
- Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Iran; warns of a forceful response to any violation.
- US President Donald Trump says the ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect; Urges both nations to uphold it.
- Domestic benchmark indices soar amid hopes of de-escalation in West Asia.
- Test Cricket, India and England are poised for a thrilling finish on the final day at Leeds this afternoon.