Midday News

THE HEADLINES:

India calls for a permanent resolution to border demarcation with China by reviving established mechanisms and restore trust deficit.
New Delhi holds talks with Moscow on supply of S-400 systems, Su-30 MKI upgrades and expedite procurement of critical military hardware.
World famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra begins in Puri.
U.S. President Donald Trump hints at major trade deal with India.
And, monsoon to cover entire country in next 3 to 4 days; IMD forecasts extremely heavy rainfall conditions over Saurashtra and Kutch today.

<><><>

India has stressed to have a permanent solution to border demarcation with China by rejuvenating the established mechanism and called for bridging the trust deficit created between the two nations after the 2020 border standoff. New Delhi also underlined the need for maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Indo-China border and solving issues through a structured roadmap of permanent engagement and de-escalation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines ofthe Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in China. Mr Singh acknowledged the work being undertaken by both sides to bring back a semblance of normalcy in bilateral relations.

The Defence Minister briefed his counterpart on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling the terrorist networks in Pakistan.

<><><>

India has held discussion with Russia over the supply of S-400 systems, Su-30 MKI upgrades, and procurement of critical military hardware in expeditious timeframes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China. The two Ministers held in-depth discussions on a range of issues covering current geopolitical situations, cross-border terrorism and Indo-Russian defence cooperation. During the meeting, the Russian Defence Minister highlighted the long-standing Indo-Russian relations and expressed solidarity with India on the horrendous and cowardly Pahalgham terror attack.

Our correspondent reports that it was one of the most important meetings between the two leaders held in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and the consequent necessity of augmenting defence production.

<><><>

External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar today said, India has not signed the joint document at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in China, as one country did not want to make a reference to terrorism. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar said, the SCO was formed with the objective of fighting terrorism. He said, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clearly said that if there is no mention of terrorism in the joint document, India will not sign it.

<><><>

The World famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra began in Puri today. The holy town of Puri is witnessing an overwhelming spiritual spectacle as the Yatra began with grandeur and devotion. Lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad have gathered to participate in this sacred event.

In this sacred procession, the deities were escorted from the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple to their majestic chariots by dedicated prists. The ceremonial Pahandi Bije – the ritual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra – was conducted with traditional fervour this morning.

President Droupadi Murmu has extended her greetings to all citizens on the auspicious occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra in Puri Odisha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to all citizens on the sacred occasion. In a social media post, he expressed hope this holy festival of faith and devotion brings happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and good health to everyone.

<><><>

Prime Minister Modi has also extended wishes to the Kutchi community across the world on the occasion of Kutchi New Year, Ashadhi Bij. In a social media post, Mr. Modi congratulated the Kutch brothers and sisters and conveyed his wishes for lasting happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health for all.

<><><>

President Droupadi Murmu has said that a strong Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME ecosystem is essential for the sustainable economic development of the country, as it is a strong pillar of the country’s economy. Addressing the International MSME Day function in New Delhi today, the President said the MSME sector is playing an important role in the progress of the country. She highlighted that the sector is contributing about 30 per cent to the country’s GDP, 36 percent to the manufacturing sector and 45 percent to exports.

<><><>

In Jammu and Kashmir, the search operation of security forces has resumed to track down three Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists this morning in a forested area of Udhampur district. A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces yesterday while three of his associates remained untrapped in the forested area of the Basantgarh belt. Despite bad weather and dense fog in the entire area the search operation is still on using helicopter, drones and sniffer dogs. The terrorists were confronted by a joint search party of the Army and police in the remote Bihali area of Basantgarh yesterday.

<><><>

US President Donald Trump has said that a very big deal with India will be signed soon. The President said that America has signed a deal with China. While speaking at an event yesterday, Mr. Trump said, they have just signed the deal with China and a big one will come with India soon. Trump asserted that deals will not be made with every other nation. However, Trump did not elaborate on the details of the deal signed with China.

<><><>

The India Meteorological Department has forecast Monsoon to cover the entire country in the next 2 to 3 days. The weather agency has predicted extremely heavy rainfall conditions over Saurashtra and Kutch today. Talking to Akashvani News, IMD Scientist, Naresh Kumar said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted over Western part of the country today.

<><><>

After the recent spell of heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh, today dense clouds have covered the state capital Shimla and most parts of the state. However, reports of light rain have come in from a few places. In incidents of heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and floods, eight people have lost their lives. Additionally, two national highways and two hydropower projects have also suffered damage. A report.

“In Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, five bodies have been recovered from the Manuni stream near Khaniyara in Dharamshala, where eight workers were swept away in a flash flood. Three people are still reported missing, and rescue operations are underway on a war footing to locate them. Meanwhile, in Lahaul-Spiti district, the Gramphu-Losar road connecting Lahaul Valley to Spiti and the Kaza-Sumdo road linking the area to Kinnaur district, which were blocked due to landslides, have now been reopened for traffic. However, some internal roads in Chamba district are still blocked, and efforts are ongoing to clear them. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for rain today and tomorrow. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed all Deputy Commissioners to remain alert during adverse weather conditions in the monsoon season and to be available at all times for public assistance, ensuring effective response in any situation. The Chief Minister has also appealed to locals and tourists to avoid going near rivers and streams. Ritesh Kapoor, Akashvani News, Shimla.”

<><><>

In Karnataka, a tigress and her four cubs have been found dead at the Male Mahadeshwara hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district. According to the forest officials, poison is believed to have been laced into the carcass of a cow as bait to kill the tigers. An autopsy of the dead Tigers will be held today. State Forest Minister Eeshwar Khandre has informed that an inquiry has been ordered under the Chief Conservator of Forest and the report will come within three days.

<><><>

In Hockey India Masters Cup, finals of men’s and women’s category will be played in Chennai today. In the Men’s Category, Tamil Nadu will face Maharashtra while in the Women’s Category, Odisha will take on Punjab.

In today’s match for the third and the fourth place in Women’s Category, Haryana beat host Tamil Nadu 4-3 and Chandigarh secured third place by scoring 2-1 against Odisha in the men’s category.

<><><>

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced new powerplay rules for shortened T20 matches and clearly defined the number of overs allowed upfront with restricted field in its new Playing Conditions for the shortest format. New rules will be effective from next month.

<><><>

THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

India calls for a permanent resolution to border demarcation with China by reviving established mechanisms and restore trust deficit.
New Delhi holds talks with Moscow on supply of S-400 systems, Su-30 MKI upgrades and expedite procurement of critical military hardware.
World famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra begins in Puri.
U.S. President Donald Trump hints at major trade deal with India.
Monsoon to cover entire country in next 3 to 4 days; IMD forecasts extremely heavy rainfall conditions over Saurashtra and Kutch today.

<><><>