THE HEADLINES:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Somnath temple’s survival over the past thousand years reflects the country’s indomitable civilisational spirit.
Supreme Court rejects bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case; Five other accused get bail.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions Indian Coast Guard’s first indigenously built pollution control vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’ in Goa.
UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss US military operations in Venezuela.
And in Under-19 cricket, South Africa win toss and elect to bat first in the second Youth ODI at Benoni.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Somnath temple’s survival over the past thousand years reflects the country’s indomitable civilisations spirit. He said, Somnath temple continues to stand tall despite repeated attacks and immense adversity. In an Op-Ed marking the historic milestone of one thousand years since the first attack on Somnath temple in the year one thousand 26, the Prime Minister said, hearing the word Somnath instills a sense of pride in people’s hearts and minds. He said, it is the eternal proclamation of country’s soul and this majestic temple is situated on the western coast of the country in Gujarat, at a place called Prabhas Patan.
Lauding the efforts of those who contributed in the restoration of Somnath temple, the Prime Minister said, another important milestone would be completed in 2026, marking 75 years since the restored temple was opened to devotees. Prime Minister Modi said it was in January 1026 that Mahmud of Ghazni attacked this temple, seeking to destroy a great symbol of faith and civilisation through a violent and barbaric invasion.
Later sharing an audio on social media platform, The Prime Minister recalled the period when Somnath temple was attacked by foreign invaders. Mr. Modi said, a thousand years later, the temple still stands as glorious as ever because of the countless efforts to restore Somnath to its grandeur.
<><><>
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Somnath in Gujarat on Sunday. An official said, year-long activities have been planned at Somnath to mark Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The year 2026 marks one thousand years since the first attack on Somnath took place. Several spiritual and social activities will take place in Somnath from 8th to 11th of January.
<><><>
BJP today said that the vision of the first President Dr Rajendra Prasad at the time of the consecration of the historic Somnath temple, is now approaching fulfilment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a press conference at Party headquarters in New Delhi, party spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi said, India is moving towards prosperity and the country has now become the world’s fourth largest economy.
<><><>
The Supreme Court has refused to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy matter, saying there was a prima facie case against the accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
However, a bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice NV Anjaria granted bail to five other accused Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad in the case.
Last month, the top court reserved its verdict on separate pleas of the accused after hearing arguments from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju and many senior advocates.
The court said the statutory threshold for denying bail under UAPA applied to Khalid and Imam. The case relates to allegations that the accused were masterminds of the February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi, in which 53 people were killed during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens.
<><><>
The Delhi High Court today asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav’s plea challenging the framing of charges against him in the alleged IRCTC scam. The Court has refused to stay the trial at this stage. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on 14th of this month. In the case, charges were framed in October last year against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and 11 others for alleged cheating, criminal conspiracy, and corruption.
<><><>
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act has been brought to bring transparency in the earlier MGNREGA scheme. Addressing farmers at Erode in Tamil Nadu today, the Minister said, the scheme has been extended to 125 days for the beneficiaries. The Minister assured that payments under the scheme will reach the beneficiaries on time. The Minister said, if the amount is not paid to the beneficiaries within 15 days of their employment, legal action would be taken under the rule of law. He said that the rural infrastructure will be strengthened so that farmers will continue to benefit.
<><><>
Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that electronics production in the country has increased six times and exports have grown eight times in the last eleven years. In a social media post, Mr. Vaishnaw said, Apple shipped mobile phones worth 50 billion US dollars in 2025. He said, this progress has propelled electronics products among the top three exported items.
The Minister said, 46 component manufacturing projects, laptop, server, and hearable manufacturers, are making electronics manufacturing as a major driver of the manufacturing economy. He said, four semiconductor plants will start commercial production this year. Mr Vaishnaw highlighted that the total number of jobs in electronics manufacturing is now 25 lakh with many factories employing more than five thousand employees in a single location.
<><><>
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel Samudra Pratap in Goa today. At the commissioning of Samudra Pratap, the Defence Minister hailed the vessel as a symbol of country’s collective resolve and maritime confidence.
We have a report from our correspondent:-
As the first indigenously developed pollution control vessel with over 70% domestic content, Samudra Pratap features a helicopter hangar to extend its operational reach. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while commissioning the vessel emphasized that protecting marine biodiversity is a “moral responsibility” in the face of climate change, noting that the ship will safeguard coral reefs and coastal communities. Beyond pollution response, the vessel strengthens search-and-rescue and patrolling efforts. Mr. Singh highlighted India’s commitment to inclusivity with the deployment of two women officers, while urging the industry to aim for 90% indigenization in future projects.Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, this 114-meter hybrid Pollution Control Vessel is a powerhouse of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” It is designed to detect and recover oil spills, featuring advanced sweeping arms and dynamic positioning to protect our Exclusive Economic Zone.Mahesh Chopade akashvani news panaji.
<><><>
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan today said that the National Cadet Corps has played a commendable role during Operation Sindoor. Mr Radhakrishnan said this while addressing the NCC Republic Day Parade Camp 2026 in New Delhi. Highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, Mr Radhakrishnan said, the operation showed the country’s resolve to protect its national honour, sovereignty and people. He said, the NCC, with its motto Unity and Discipline, has consistently nurtured generations of responsible and patriotic citizens.
<><><>
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar embarked on an official visit to France and Luxembourg last night. During his week long visit, Dr Jaishankar will meet the French leadership in Paris and hold talks with his counterpart Jean Noel Barrot. They will discuss the progress made under the India-France Strategic Partnership and matters of global importance. External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that Dr Jaishankar will also address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors’ Conference as the Guest of Honour. In the second leg of his visit,The External Affairs Minister will visit Luxembourg, where he will hold discussions with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel and with the senior leadership of the country.
<><><>
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today to discuss the US operation in Venezuela. The meeting has been convened at the request of Colombia, a non-permanent member of the Council, and was supported by permanent members China and Russia. UN Secretary-General has described the US military action in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro as a dangerous precedent. In a statement, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.
<><><>
Cuban government said that 32 Cuban military and police officers were killed during a US military operation in Venezuela. It said, the officers were in Venezuela on a mission. The Cuban government has announced two days of mourning in the memory of Cuban officers.
The US has reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to face narco-terrorism charges. President Donald Trump said, there were no US casualties but acknowledged heavy losses on the opposing side.
<><><>
China has strongly criticized the US for its action on Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. China has warned against unilateral bullying and rejecting any country acting as a global policeman or international judge. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, the volatile global situation shows rising unilateral bullying. He stressed that the national sovereignty must be protected under international law. Speaking in Beijing Mr. Wang said, China supports upholding the UN Charter, respecting sovereignty, and resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation.
<><><>
In Under-19 cricket match, South Africa were 83 for three in 15 overs against India in the second Youth ODI of the three-match series at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa when reports last came in. Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first.
Earlier, India defeated hosts South Africa by 25 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the opening match of the series last Saturday. The series is seen as ideal preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to begin on 15th of this month.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Somnath temple’s survival over the past thousand years reflects the country’s indomitable civilisational spirit.
Supreme Court rejects bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case; Five other accused get bail.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions Indian Coast Guard’s first indigenously built pollution control vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’ in Goa.
UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss US military operations in Venezuela.
And in Under-19 cricket, South Africa win toss and elect to bat first in the second Youth ODI at Benoni.
<><><>
