THE HEADLINES:
- 40 years after Bhopal gas tradegy, toxic waste lifted from Union Carbide factory for safe disposal.
- 11 Maoists surrender before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli district.
- GST collection increases by 7.3 percent to 1.77 lakh crore rupees in December 2024 compared to corresponding month in 2023.
- Sale of tickets for Republic Day Parade 2025 and Beating Retreat begins today.
- Atleast 15 people killed and 35 injured in terrorist attack in New Orleans, US.
- Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers beat Team Gonasika 2-1 in Hockey India League in Rourkela.
[]<<<>>>[]
In Madhya Pradesh, toxic waste from the now-defunct Union Carbide factory was shifted to Pithampur, some forty years after the Bhopal gas tragedy. Highly toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, killing at least 5,479 people and leaving thousands with serious and long-lasting health issues.
Shifting of toxic waste from Bhopal’s Union Carbide factory was started last night at around 9 pm and 12 containers carrying 337 metric tons of waste left for Pithampur near Indore. The waste was sent to Pithampur by creating tight security and a 250 km long green corridor. There were police vehicles in front and behind the containers. This chemical waste of Union Carbide will be burnt in Pithampur’s Ramki Enviro Company. The High Court had given instructions to remove this toxic waste by 6 January. The government has to present a report in this regard in the High Court tomorrow. Sanjeev Sharma, Akashvani News, Bhopal.
[]<<<>>>[]
In Maharashtra, 11 Naxalites surrendered before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra yesterday. These Maoists, carrying a collective bounty of 1.03 crore rupees, were involved in launching attacks on security personnel. Most prominent among the surrendered Maoists is Dandkaranya Zonal Committee Member Vimla Chandra Sidam alias Tarakka who had been involved in the Naxalism movement for the last 38 years. Mr Fadnavis also felicitated C-60 commandos and officers for bravery in anti-Naxal operations.
While talking with media Chief Minister Devendra Fadnvis yesterday said that Maharashtra will soon become free of Naxal menace given the rise in the number of Maoists laying down their arms and the movement failing to attract recruits.Gadchiroli Police almost eradicated Naxal activities in Gadchiroli district. North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoist activities, and south Gadchiroli will soon become free from Naxals.The chief minister also said that many dreaded Naxals were either neutralised or arrested in the past years. “They are convinced that they will get justice only through the Constitutional institutions,”. Bhavana Gokhale,Aakashwani news,Mumbai.
[]<<<>>>[]
The total gross Goods and Services Tax, GST collections grew 7.3 per cent to 1.77 lakh crore rupees last month as compared to December 2023. The total gross GST revenue in December 2023 was 1.64 lakh crore rupees. The Central GST collection in December stood at 32 thousand 836 crore rupees and State GST is at 40 thousand 499 crore rupees. The Integrated IGST collected amounts to 47 thousand 783 crore rupees and cess is at 11 thousand 471 crores. In November last year, Gross GST collection had grown 8.5 percent to over 1.82 lakh crore rupees.
[]<<<>>>[]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in 2024 spearheaded a remarkable rejuvenation of India’s civilisational heritage and cultural pride. The consecration of Shri Ram Lala at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya marked a significant spiritual and cultural moment. The inauguration of the BAPS Mandir by Prime Minister Modi in Abu Dhabi was a landmark moment in India’s cultural diplomacy. Our correspondent reports that the temple is the first traditional Hindu stone mandir in the Middle East and is designed according to ancient Hindu architectural principles known as Shilpa Shastras.
In 2024, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India made remarkable strides in preserving and celebrating its civilisational heritage. The government’s efforts led to the recognition of Moidams in Assam as India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the global significance of India’s cultural legacy. The inauguration of Anubhav Kendra in Kurukshetra brought ancient scriptures like the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita to life. 2024 also saw India celebrating its linguistic diversity with the granting of Classical Language status to Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit. India is also gearing up for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set to take place in Prayagraj from 13th January to 26th February. This event is anticipated to be one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world. Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi.
[]<<<>>>[]
Akashvani News brings you glimpses of 2024 in its special Year-Ender series. Today we take a look at the key initiatives and achievements of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Government has taken several initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing governance, and empowering citizens. In recent years, India’s digital infrastructure has undergone a transformative evolution, positioning the country as a global leader in digital adoption. The digital ecosystem includes platforms like GeM for procurement, UMANG for government services, eSanjeevani to enhance healthcare and e-Courts for justice delivery. The UPI has revolutionized the nation’s payment ecosystem by integrating multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application. As on June last year, UPI has facilitated over 24 thousand crore financial transactions. Under the Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative, Electronics and IT Ministry is strengthening the cybersecurity capabilities to combat cyber threats. In line with the government’s vision of paperless governance, Digi Locker has become a revolutionary platform for the issuance and verification of documents. With Dipendra Kumar, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Akashvani News, Delhi.
[]<<<>>>[]
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will preside over a book release function in New Delhi today as the Chief Guest. Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan will be the Guest of Honour. Eminent authors, academicians, officials of the Ministry and other dignitaries will also be present at the event. The book, titled ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages’ seeks to present the story of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. It is presented in seven sections that cover over three thousand years of the region’s history. Published in Hindi and English, this book is the result of collaborative efforts of the National Book Trust, India, and the Indian Council of Historical Research.
[]<<<>>>[]
The sale of tickets for Republic Day Parade 2025 and Beating Retreat will commence today. The Defence Ministry said, the tickets can be purchased from the counters opened at Sena Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, Pragati Maidan and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station on production of Original Photo ID Card. The General public can also buy tickets directly from the website aamantran.mod.gov.in and Aamantran mobile app.
The ticket prices are between 20 and 100 rupees for the Republic Day parade on 26th January, while for the Beating Retreat rehearsal, tickets will be available for 20 rupees.
[]<<<>>>[]
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi will be on a two day visit to India from today. During the visit, Majid Takht-Ravanchi will participate in the 19th round of Iran-India Political Consultations, scheduled to take place in New Delhi today and tomorrow. Iran and India have a long-standing historical relationship, underscored by cultural and economic ties, and formalized by the 2003 Strategic Partnership Agreement.
[]<<<>>>[]
In the United States, a man in a pickup truck deliberately drove into a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 people and injuring 35 others. Authorities are investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsuddin Bahar Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police after exiting the vehicle armed with an assault rifle. Two officers were injured in the exchange but are in stable condition.
The attack occurred at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets, where Jabbar bypassed barricades, fired into the crowd, and drove into pedestrians. According to reports, Jabbar served in the US Army until January 2015 and in the Army Reserve until July 2020. Investigators are searching for explosive devices and additional suspects. A black flag displayed on the truck is being examined for links to ISIS or other foreign terror organizations.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, extended condolences to the victims’ families, and pledged federal support for the investigation and recovery efforts, emphasising that there is no justification for violence of any kind.
[]<<<>>>[]
In Hockey, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers defeated Team Gonasika, 2-1 in their second match of the ongoing Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela last night.
Rarh Bengal Tigers the early frontrunners in men’s hockey India league. On previous evening, Tigers defeated Team Gonasika and it was Rupinder Pal Singh from Bengal Tigers who made his experience count in the New Year’s match in Rourkela on Wednesday, as he scored two goals from a penalty corner and a penalty stroke. Manpreet Singh scored one goal for Team Gonasika. First goal was scored by Rupinder Pal Singh for Bengal Tigers in 31st minute.
But this celebration lasted less than a minute as Gonasika equalised by Manpreet’s goal. Third goal of the match was at 48 minute by Rupinder Pal Singh for Tigers. With this, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won by 2-1. Player of the match, Abhishek said,
Match between Surma Hockey Club vs UP Rudras will be played today at 8.15 pm. You can listen to daily report on Hockey India League on Akashwani. This is Pratishtha Jain for Akashvani News.
[]<<<>>>[]
In Football, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will host Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata this evening. Mohun Bagan Super Giant are leading in the points table with 29 points from 13 games, while Hyderabad FC are struggling in the 12th place, having secured just eight points from 13 matches.
[]<<<>>>[]
In Women’s Football, India will face the Maldives in the second of two FIFA international friendlies this afternoon at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The match is set to kick off at 3:30 PM IST.
India dominated the first match with an impressive 14-NIL victory. Manager Joakim Alexandersson has made six changes to the 23-player squad for today’s game.
[]<<<>>>[]
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold day to severe cold day conditions at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh today. The weather department also predicted cold day conditions over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh today.
The IMD added that a western disturbance as a Cyclonic Circulation lies over west Iran which is likely to cause light to scattered rainfall and snowfall over Western Himalayan region today and tomorrow.
According to IMD, dense fog conditions are likely to prevail in the night and morning hours of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal today.
[]><><><[]
TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS hEADLINE,
- “Union Cabinet extends 2 major schemes for benefit of farmers” leads The Asian Age. The paper quotes the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying “Goverment’s first decision in 2025 will boost farmers’ prosperity”.
- On the annual exchange of civilian prisoners and fishermen by both India and Pakistan, The Statesman reports “Pakistan asked to expedite repatriation of prisoners”.
- “Ministry of Defence to modernise armed forces in ‘Year of Reforms’ “says Business Standard.
- “Data protection rules get home ministry’s go-ahead” reports Financial Express.
- “Ukraine halts transit of Russian gas to Europe” informs The Hindu.
- “Government shortlists sites for memorial to Manmohan Singh” notes The Tribune.
- And finally, Hindustan Times under the caption “Revllers clog Central Delhi on January 1st”, carries a photo on its front page of a massive rush of people and vehicles, like every year, on New Year’s Day at India Gate in New Delhi.
[]><><><[]
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- 40 years after Bhopal gas tradegy, toxic waste lifted from Union Carbide factory for safe disposal.
- 11 Maoists surrender before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli district.
- GST collection increases by 7.3 percent to 1.77 lakh crore rupees in December 2024 compared to corresponding month in 2023.
- Sale of tickets for Republic Day Parade 2025 and Beating Retreat begins today.
- Atleast 15 people killed and 35 injured in terrorist attack in New Orleans, US.
- And, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers beat Team Gonasika 2-1 in Hockey India League in Rourkela.
[]<<<>>>[]