THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to embark on a two-day visit to Laos beginning today to attend ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit.
- Doyen of Indian industry Ratan Tata passed away in Mumbai; President, Vice President and Prime Minister condole his demise.
- First phase of Second Army Commanders’ Conference for 2024 to begin today at Gangtok in Sikkim.
- DigiLocker partners with UMANG App for seamless access to government services.
- In cricket, India beat Sri Lanka by 82 runs in Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.
- In Men’s T20 International, India defeat Bangladesh by 86 runs in Delhi to clinch 3-match series 2-0.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Vientiane, Laos this morning. In his departure statement, Mr Modi said, he is embarking on a two-day visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India and the 19th East Asia Summit. He said, this year India is marking a decade of the Act East Policy. Mr. Modi said, the East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Prime Minister said, India share close cultural and civilisational ties with the region, including with Lao PDR, which are enriched by shared heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana. He said, he is looking forward to his meetings with the Lao PDR leadership to further strengthen the bilateral ties.
India is marking a decade of the Act East Policy this year. Relations with ASEAN are a central pillar of the Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. The ASEAN-India Summit will review progress of India-ASEAN relations through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of cooperation. India has many cooperative activities with the ASEAN countries. The East Asia Summit, a premier leaders-led forum that contributes to building an environment of strategic trust in the region, provides an opportunity for leaders of the Participating Countries, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional importance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the margins of the Summits. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.
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The 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and related summits kicked off in Vientiane, Laos yesterday. Addressing the opening ceremony, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith called on ASEAN countries to continue upholding their common cause of peace, stability and sustainable development, as well as honouring their commitments to multilateralism based on equality and mutual benefit.
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Renowned industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata passed away last night in Mumbai at the age of 86. He had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital and was in critical condition. The Maharashtra government has announced one-day state mourning today and Ratan Tata’s final rites will be performed with full state honours.
Our correspondent takes a look at Tata’s life and works:
“After receiving a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University of New York, Ratan Naval Tata joined the Tata group in 1962. Ratan Tata was the Chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 till 28th December 2012. During his tenure, the group’s revenues grew manifold, totalling over $100 billion in 2011-12. Under the leadership of Ratan Tata, it launched ‘People’s Car Tata Nano’ and also acquired iconic British car maker, Jaguar Land Rover. After retirement, Mr. Tata was conferred the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals. His dedication to philanthropy and development of society touched the lives of millions. He was deeply connected to animals. Ratan Tata was among the founders of India Climate Collaborative. The Government of India honoured Mr. Tata with its second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 2008. Jeevan Bhawasar, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
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President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the demise of Ratan Tata.
In social media post, the President said that with the demise of Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that Tata was a towering figure of Indian industry, whose contributions towards building a self-reliant Bharat will forever an inspiration to entrepreneurs in India and beyond. The Prime Minister said that he is deeply pained by Ratan Tata’s passing away. Recalling his interaction with Ratan Tata, Mr. Modi said that his perspectives was very enriching. Mr Modi said, Tata had passion towards dreaming big and giving back to the society. In a social media post, Home Minister Amit Shah said, whenever he met Tata, his zeal and commitment to betterment of Bharat and its people amazed him. Sharanya, Akashvani news, Delhi.
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The first phase of Second Army Commanders’ Conference for the year 2024 will be organised in a hybrid mode at Gangtok in Sikkim from today. The two-day conference will serve as a forum for Senior Commanders to review current operational preparedness, deliberate on critical strategies and outline future directives. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the senior leadership and will be briefed on the emerging security challenges and the response of the Army in the security domain.
During the conference, discussions will focus on the growing importance of a multi-pronged national security strategy that incorporates integration of Civil Military Fusion and the Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic pillars to counter contemporary threats.
The second phase of Army Commanders’ Conference will be held in Delhi on 28th and 29th of October.
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The National e-Governance Division has announced the integration of UMANG app with DigiLocker to provide citizens seamless access to a wide range of government services. The Electronics and IT Ministry said that this collaboration will allow users to manage multiple services through a single platform. It said, UMANG app is accessible to all Android users and its services can be accessed through the DigiLocker app. The Ministry said, DigiLocker is a flagship initiative under the Digital India program to provide secure cloud-base storage. On the other hand, the UMANG app provides a single platform to access pan India e-Gov services.
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In West Bengal, agitating junior doctors have failed to reach any agreement with state government during their talks in Kolkata, yesterday. After their meeting, Doctors alleged they received nothing concrete from the state government except verbal assurances as the government refused to issue written directives on their demands to ensure a thorough clean-up of the state healthcare system and step up their safety and security within medical college campuses.
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said that it has arrested a key accused in the Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) case from Puducherry. The agency arrested Faizul Rahman, yesterday, who is the state chief of the HuT from Puducherry. It said that HuT activist Hameed Hussain, along with others, had conspired in Chennai to spread secessionist ideologies by promoting the anti-national views of HuT.
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World Mental Health Day is being observed across the globe, today. The day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide. The theme for this year is Mental Health at Work.
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Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the nicest human being, saying the Indian leader is a friend. Mr Trump made the comments in response to a question during a podcast, which was uploaded last night. Mr Trump recalled Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Houston in 2019 to attend the ‘Howdy Modi’, saying, it was like 80,000 people going crazy. The Republican candidate said he shares a very good relationship with Mr Modi. Moreover, the former president is contesting against Vice President Kamala Harris in this year’s US Presidential Election.
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US President Joe Biden held conversation over phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, last night. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said, the conversation covered a range of issues, with a particular focus on the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Iran.
This call marked the first publicly announced discussion between the two leaders since August. One key topic of the conversation was Mr Biden urging Mr Netanyahu to minimize harm to civilians in Lebanon. White House official said, Biden administration has expressed concerns over the growing civilian toll amid the conflict.
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Now onto sports,
In a night of resounding cricket glory, India achieved impressive victories in the Women’s ICC T20 World Cup and Men’s T20 Internationals last night.
In the Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket, the India Women registered their biggest-ever victory margin, hammering Sri Lanka in the Group A match by 82 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last night. Opting to bat first, India posted a daunting total of 172 for five in the stipulated 20 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka crumbled under relentless pressure, succumbing to India’s fierce bowling attack and ultimately being bowled out for just 90 runs in 19.5 overs. The crucial victory not only boosted India’s net run rate but also propelled them into second place in Group A, overtaking New Zealand and Pakistan to keep their Semi-final hopes alive.
On the other hand, the Men in Blue stormed past Bangladesh in the Second T20 International, winning by 86 runs in New Delhi last evening. India’s massive total of 221 for 9 was too much for Bangladesh, who faltered at 135 for 9. Nitish Reddy, with an all-round performance, scoring 74 and grabbing two wickets, was named Player of the Match, as India sealed the series 2-nil. Vishnu P S, Akashvani News, Delhi.
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In Badminton, India’s Kiran George has advanced to the Men’s Singles pre-quarter finals of the Arctic Open 2024 in Vantaa, Finland, yesterday. He defeated the world No. 25 Wang Tzu Wei of Taiwan in straight sets, 23-21, 21-18.
After this victory, Kiran will face the reigning Asian champion Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the second round today. Earlier, ace Inidan shuttler Lakshya Sen, moved ahead with a walkover after his 28th-ranked Danish opponent Rasmus Gemke withdrew from the men’s singles round of 32 contest. The world No. 19 Indian will be up against World Championships bronze medallist Chou Tien Chen of Taipei today.
In women’s singles, India’s Malvika Bansod, Unnati Hooda and Aakarshi Kashyap were also progressed to the round of 16 and will be in action today. Malvika will face Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, Unnati will lock horns with Michelle Li of Canada, while Aakarshi Kashyap will face Han Yue of China.
In Mixed doubles, Indian duo of Satish Kumar Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath will take on against the Chinese pair of Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi today. Chirag Jha, Akashvani News, Delhi.
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The 38th National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from 28th January to 14th of February, next year. The complete programme for the National Games will be unveiled during the general assembly meeting of the Indian Olympic Association, set for 25th of this month. In addition to the National Games, Uttarakhand will also host the Winter National Games.
During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with Indian Olympic Association President Dr. P.T. Usha. The Chief Minister assured that Uttarakhand is fully prepared to host the Games, emphasizing that the event will be organized on a grand scale. He also highlighted the commitment to providing excellent facilities to athletes and visitors.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE,
- Passing of Ratan TATA, India Inc’s crown jewel healined by all the leading dailies.
- Cabinet clears deal to build 2 nuclear submarines, buy 31 predator drones and fortified rice plan is the front page story in The Asian Age.
- Congress faces allies’ heat after elections setback, is the top story in Hindustan Times.
- Leaders race to form governments in J&K, Haryana is the leading story in The Hindu.
- Congress’ EVM remarks undemocratic rejection of people’s will, says Eection Commission according to The Indian Express.
- RBI holds rate again, shifts stance gear to neutral, says Business Standard.
- And finally, trio of protein pioneers win chemistry nobel, say a report in The Times of India.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to embark on a two-day visit to Laos beginning today to attend ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit.
- Doyen of Indian industry Ratan Tata passed away in Mumbai; President, Vice President and Prime Minister condole his demise.
- First phase of Second Army Commanders’ Conference for 2024 to begin today at Gangtok in Sikkim.
- DigiLocker partners with UMANG App for seamless access to government services.
- In cricket, India beat Sri Lanka by 82 runs in Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.
- In Men’s T20 International, India defeat Bangladesh by 86 runs in Delhi to clinch 3-match series 2-0.
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