Morning News -

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirms that government is fully committed to establishing peace in Naxal-affected areas.
Central Consumer Protection Authority issues notices to E-commerce platforms over sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise.
Jawaharlal Nehru University suspends MoU with Turkey’s Inonu University in view of national security considerations.
Russia and Ukraine to hold direct peace talks in Istanbul today.
Indian top shuttlers to play their pre-quarterfinal matches at Thailand Open Badminton in Bangkok.
And, Khelo India Youth Games to conclude in Bihar today; Maharashtra leads medal tally with 149 medals.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the government is fully committed to establishing peace in the Naxal-affected areas and connecting them with the mainstream of development. Mr. Modi said this after thirty one Maoists, including 16 female Maoists, were killed in the anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh.

Sharing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s social media post, Mr Modi said, that the success of the security forces shows that the campaign towards rooting out Naxalism is moving in the right direction. A total of twenty one encounters took place during this operation which was conducted from April 21 to May 11 this year. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed that the security forces have eliminated 31 notorious Naxals in a massive operation against Naxalism, conducted on the Kurraguttalu Hills (KGH) on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. In a social media post, Mr Shah termed this operation as a historic success in the resolve to make India Naxal-free by next year.

He said, the government is committed to eradicating Naxalism from its root. Briefing about the Naxal operation, Central Reserve Police Force-CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh said that this operation was lasted for about twenty one days on Karregutta hill situated on the Telangana border in Bijapur district of the state.

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Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued notices to Amazon India, Flipkart, Ubuy India, Etsy, the Flag Company and the Flag Corporation over the sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise. In a social media post, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, such insensitivity will not be tolerated. He said, E-commerce platforms have been directed to immediately remove all such content and adhere to National laws.

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Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi has suspended a memorandum of understanding with Turkey’s Inonu University. In a social media post, JNU said that the decision was taken in view of national security considerations. Under the MoU, there were plans for faculty and student exchange programmes, among other initiatives.

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Pakistan publicly pledges to combat terrorism, but continues to provide space and legitimacy to globally sanctioned terrorists. In a stark reminder of Pakistan’s deep-rooted nexus between politics and terrorism, Faisal Nadeem alias Abu Qatal and the nephew of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was recently seen addressing a political rally in Karachi. Faisal Nadeem’s appearance shows that he is an active part of Pakistan’s political life. This mainstreaming of extremists and terrorists has long been a key feature of Pakistan’s polity. Faisal Nadeem’s visibility and vitality raise serious concerns about Islamabad’s duplicity in acting against terrorism.

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India’s Operation Sindoor is being widely praised as a decisive military success by international experts. British political commentator and writer David Vance voiced strong support for the operation, calling it long overdue and a necessary step. He echoed his earlier comments from a 2018 United Nations address, where he described Pakistan as a failed state and a terrorist incubator.

Mariam Solaimankhil, member of Afghanistan’s Parliament in exile, expressed strong support for India’s Operation Sindoor, describing it as a necessary step against terrorism. She said that Pakistan has long been a hub for terrorist activities and is responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians in Kashmir. She said that India’s actions were measured and focused, targeting terrorist camps and military facilities that aid extremist groups.

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The historic success of Operation Sindoor has filled the entire nation with pride and the courage and strategy displayed by the Indian Army during this operation serve as an inspiration for every citizen. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that in honor of this remarkable achievement, a Tiranga Yatra will be held in Jammu today. Tiranga Yatras’ will be held at the levels of District, Mandal, Wards and so on to express support for our Armed Forces. These Yatras will be held till the 25th of May in J&K.

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In Jammu and Kashmir, an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nader in Tral area of Awantipora in Pulwama district early this morning.

A police spokesperson in a social media post said, J&K Police Police and other security agencies are on the job. Details are awaited.

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As we celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, the Nation salutes the valour of the Indian Soldiers.

As a tribute to the Armed Forces, Akashvani News brings in a special series. Today we remember, Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War.

“During the Kargil War, Captain Batra’s unit was tasked with capturing Point 4875 a strategically important mountain peak in the Dras sub-sector. On the night of 7th July 1999, despite adverse weather conditions Captain Batra advanced to capture point 4875. Leading from the front, he rallied his men and pressed on the attack and achieved a near impossible military task in the face of heavy enemy fire. Captain Batra’s bravery led to India’s capture of Point 4875 but sadly he succumbed to his injuries. One of his radio message during the war, Yeh Dil Maange More later on became the catch-line for the Kargil War. The inspiring words reverberates even today.

Captain Vikram Batra’s bravery, camaraderie and devotion to his duty were extraordinary and find an exalted place in the annals of India military history. He was awarded India’s highest military decoration Param Vir Chakra posthumously. The Nation salutes his courge, valour and sacrifice. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

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Ukraine and Russia are close to reviving direct peace talks for the first time since the last face-to-face discussions ended three years ago. Delegations from Russia and Ukraine will hold direct peace talks in Istanbul, Türkiye today.

Meanwhile, Russia has announced that President Vladimir Putin will not attend the peace talks. Instead, the Kremlin has confirmed that Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation. Other members of the delegation include Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, General Staff Director Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

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Baloch nationalist leaders have declared independence from Pakistan, citing decades of violence, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations in the region. Social media was flooded with images of Balochistan’s proposed national flag and maps of an independent Baloch state, as ‘Republic of Balochistan’ trended widely across platforms.

“The Baloch independence movement has deep historical roots, tracing back to 1947, when the princely state of Kalat briefly declared independence following the partition of British India. In 1948, it was forcibly annexed by Pakistan, a move that Baloch nationalists have never accepted. Activists, including Mir Yar Baloch, argue that the region’s vast natural resources, particularly gas and minerals, have been exploited by Islamabad, while the local population remains marginalized. Today, Balochistan remains Pakistan’s poorest and least developed province. “VISHNU PS, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

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In Bihar, curtains for Khelo India Youth Games will come down today. The grand closing ceremony will be held at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Kankarbagh, Patna, at 6:30 PM. The Youth Games had commenced on the 4th of this month. Maharashtra lead the medal tally with 149 medals, including 56 gold and 45 silver.

“Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat dominated the initial days of the Khelo India Youth Games, but the final phase belonged to Haryana. Yesterday, Haryana’s athletes put on a stellar performance in weightlifting, boxing, and athletics, winning a series of medals and surpassing Rajasthan to claim the second spot. The performance of players from Manipur, Jharkhand, and Bihar was also commendable.

Manipur won seven medals in the martial art Thang-Ta. Jharkhand clinched the gold medal in the boys’ football final by defeating Odisha. Bihar’s Khushi Yadav won a gold medal in the 2000-meter steeplechase, and the state also added two gold medals in Thang-Ta, improving its position in the medal tally. The colourful closing ceremony will be attended by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and many other dignitaries. Dharmendra Kumar Rai , Akashvani News, Patna.”

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In Badminton, top Indian shuttlers will be in action at the pre-quarterfinals of Thailand Open in Bangkok this morning. In men’s singles, Tharun Mannepalli will take on Denmark’s Anders Antonsen. Mannepalli secured his spot in the last 16 with an impressive straight-sets victory over Malaysia’s Justin Hoh, 21-19, 21-16.

In women’s singles, top Indian shuttler Malvika Bansod will face Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon. Another Indian shuttler Unnati Hooda will also be up against a local favourite, Pornpawee Chochuwong, while Akarshi Kashyap will challenge another Thai shuttler, Supanida Katethong later in the day.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall over East, West, Central and Northeast regions of the country during the next 2-3 days. IMD said, light to moderate rainfall is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Konkan, Goa, Maharashtra, Andaman and Nicobar Islands till 17th May.

The weather agency also forecast heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura today. The rainfall is also expected in Maharashtra, Tamilnadu Puducherry, Karaikal, Karnataka, Kerala, Andaman, Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the next 2 days.

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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-

News about Operation Sindoor continue to figure prominently on the front pages of newspapers. “India jammed Chinese air defences used by Pakistan”, reads a headline in Hindustan Times. “Operation Sindoor sparks trade fallout with Turkey”, says The Pioneer. Business Standard writes that India Incorporated’s cyber shield held firm against the cyberattacks on Indian businesses that spiked dramatically following the launch of Operation Sindoor.
“First time, Pak says willing to discuss Indus terms”, notes The Indian Express.
“Creative naming won’t alter reality: India slams China”, writes The Tribune, adding that India has termed Beijing’s attempts to rename 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh as preposterous.
The news about Justice B R Gavai being sworn as Chief Justice of India has been reported on the front pages.
And finally, a survey of global fund managers by Bofa Securities has found that pipping Japan, India has become the most preferred market to invest in now in Asia, reports The Times of India.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirms that government is fully committed to establishing peace in Naxal-affected areas.
Central Consumer Protection Authority issues notices to E-commerce platforms over sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise.
Jawaharlal Nehru University suspends MoU with Turkey’s Inonu University in view of national security considerations.
Russia and Ukraine to hold direct peace talks in Istanbul today.
Indian top shuttlers to play their pre-quarterfinal matches at Thailand Open Badminton in Bangkok.
And, Khelo India Youth Games to conclude in Bihar today; Maharashtra leads medal tally with 149 medals.

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