THE HEADLINES:-
- Government revokes security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services, citing national security concerns.
- After JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia suspends MoUs with institutions in Turkey over support to Pakistan.
- UN says, India remains fastest-growing economy at precarious moment for world.
- Bharat Pavilion inaugurated at Cannes Film Festival in France.
- UK High Court rejects fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi’s bail plea.
- In Chess, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin finishes as runner-up at Asian Championship in Al Ain, UAE.
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The Government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India Private Limited with immediate effect. In an order, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security said that the decision was taken in the interest of national security. The security clearance for this company had been approved by the BCAS Director General in November 2022. Celebi Aviation provides passenger handling, flight operations, cargo and postal services, as well as management of aerobridges and warehouse services at airports across nine cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur.
In compliance with a directive from BCAS, Delhi International Airport Limited has formally ended its association with Çelebi entities responsible for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
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After Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia announced the immediate suspension of all Memoranda of Understanding with institutions affiliated with the Government of Turkey. In a social media post, Jamia said, it “stands firmly with the Nation.”
Several leading Indian universities have suspended their academic MoUs with Turkish institutions, citing national security concerns. Adding to the wave of academic disengagement, the Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad has cancelled its academic MoU with the Yunus Emre Institute in Turkey with immediate effect. The University had signed an MoU with Yunus Emre Institute in 2024 for a period of five years, under which a diploma in Turkish language was started at the School of Languages, Linguistics and Indology. Earlier, JNU suspended its own MoU with Inonu University in Turkey. The agreement, signed earlier this year, was intended to promote collaborative research and student exchanges. These decisions came amid a broader deterioration in India-Turkey relations, spurred by Ankara’s support for Pakistan and criticism of India’s recent strikes on terror camps across the border. Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan on key strategic and defence issues has triggered domestic calls in India for the boycott of Turkish products and tourism. VISHNU PS, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.
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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that India has set a new global benchmark by striking terrorism with precision while upholding the vision of peace. He emphasised that terrorism is no longer a concern of a single nation, but a threat to global security. Speaking at the inauguration of the Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Smriti Pustakalaya in Jaipur, the Vice President said that for the first time, India carried out precise strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba hideouts across international borders-and the world did not demand proof. This was a clear demonstration of India’s rising power and global standing.
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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 Manoj Kumar Pandey who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War.
“A resident of Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey joined the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1st Battalion, 11th Gorkha Rifles. Captain Pandey took part in a series of boldly led attacks during Operation Vijay, forcing back the intruders with heavy losses in Batalik, including the capture of Jubar Top. His words “If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill death” was a powerful expression of his unwavering determination and courage. On the night of 2nd and 3rd July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective, it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Captain Pandey fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position, killed two enemy personnel and destroyed the second position by killing two more. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead. This singular daredevil act of Lieutenant Pandey provided the critical firm base for the companies, which finally led to capture of Khalubar. He however, succumbed to his injuries. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey showed most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, exemplary personal valour, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order, in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice. He was awarded Paramveer Chakra posthomously. The Nation salutes him. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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In Kerala, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi flagged off The Tiranga Yatra in Thrissur District last evening to honour the Armed Forces involved in India’s Operation Sindoor. While addressing the event, Mr Gopi said that Operation Sindoor serves as a strong warning to terrorism, extremism and religious fundamentalism across the globe. Hundreds of people of all ages from different walks of life participated in the yatra holding flags and tri colour balloons. BJP leaders Shobha Surendran and B. Gopalakrishnan also participated in the yatra.
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In a powerful demonstration of patriotism and solidarity with the Indian Armed Forces, around ten thousand emotionally charged citizens took part in a massive “Tiranga Yatra” in Jammu last evening. Under the banner of ‘Citizens for National Security’, the Yatra commenced from JDA Parking at Indira Chowk and traversed through the city’s bustling streets before culminating at the Press Club, Jammu. Waving the national flag and chanting slogans like Jai Hind, Vande Mataram, and Indian Army Zindabad, the participants expressed unflinching support for the nation’s soldiers.
The event witnessed participation of Civil society members from all spectrum of life and prominent leaders, Army veterans, saints, members of various social and trade organisations.
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Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has criticized the US for not blocking 1 billion dollar bailout package by International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Pakistan. He called Pakistan one of the ‘world’s most corrupt countries’ and accused it of using terror as state policy. Rubin argued that the IMF’s decision also indirectly benefits China, given Islamabad’s close ties with Beijing. He condemned the release of funds at a time when Pakistan-based terrorists had recently carried out brutal attacks in India, calling the IMF’s action a snub to President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce tensions between the two nuclear powers.
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India remains the fastest-growing large economy, according to the United Nations (UN). As per UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-year report, Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.3 per cent this fiscal year, even as the global economy faces a “precarious moment.”
Ingo Pitterle, a senior UN economist, said the growth is driven by strong private consumption and public investment.
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India made a strong presence at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival with the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting its cinema on the global stage. The Pavilion promotes Indian cinema globally and fosters international collaborations.
The event saw the presence of renowned personalities including filmmaker and IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur and veteran actor Anupam Kher. On the occasion, Mr. Shekhar Kapur spoke on the growing influence of India as a creative powerhouse and the role of cinema in fostering global unity. Actor Anupam Kher, in his address talked about the journey of Indian cinema and his own development in conjunction with the nation’s film industry.
The Pavilion has been set up by the National Film Development Corporation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry The event also featured the launch of the IFFI 2025 poster and trailer. Besides, the India Film Guide was launched, promoting India’s film talent, co-production incentives, and filming locations. The guide is intended to project India as a viable partner for international collaborations. The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off on Tuesday with filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles from across the world in attendance. Several Indian actors and filmmakers walked the red carpet on Wednesday, and multiple Indian films were screened as part of the prestigious event. AISHWARYA RAI NIGAM, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.
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The High Court of Justice in London has rejected a fresh bail petition filed by diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is held in a prison there and wanted in India in the 13,000 crore rupees Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case orchestrated with his uncle Mehul Choksi.
Nirav Modi approached the court in London yesterday seeking his release on bail pending the decision on his extradition request.
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In sports, India had a brilliant day in chess yesterday, along with notable updates from the world of athletics and cricket.
Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin finished as runner-up at the Asian Championship held in Al Ain, UAE. The top-seeded player from Kerala defeated Iran’s Bardiya Daneshvar in the final round clash held between the joint overnight leaders. However, Sarin had to settle for silver due to an inferior tie-break score, with both players finishing with seven points from nine rounds. Despite narrowly missing the title, Nihal secured a spot in the upcoming FIDE Chess World Cup, set to be held in India later this year.
In some more chess news, Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa ended his run of draws to take sole lead ahead of the final round of the Superbet Classic in Bucharest, Romania. He defeated Filipino-American Grandmaster Wesley So in the eighth round. Praggnanandhaa leads the leaderboard with five points. The ninth and final round will be played today.
In athletics, India’s two-time Olympic medallist and reigning World Champion in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, will participate in his first Diamond League meet of the season in Doha, Qatar today.
And in Women’s Cricket, BCCI has announced ODI and T20I squads for India’s upcoming tour of England, scheduled from June 28 to July 22. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the Women in Blue in both formats, with Smriti Mandhana serving as her deputy. MANIK SHARMA, NEWS DESK.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-
- Hindustan Times, in its top story, quotes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as saying that the global nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency, must monitor ‘rogue’ Pakistan’s nuclear weapons arsenal.
- Indus Waters Treaty to remain on hold till Pakistan stops exporting terror, says External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, writes The Times of India.
- “Trump frowns on Apple push to make in India; claims Delhi to drop all tariffs”, headlines The Indian Express. “External Affairs Minister refutes Trump on zero tariffs claim”, reads The Pioneer
- In a major breakthrough in counter-insurgency operations, at least 10 militants were killed in gunfight with Assam Rifles in Manipur, yesterday, reports The Asian Age.
- And finally, the Supreme Court yesterday gave the State of Telangana a choice between restoring the Kancha Gachibowli forest where trees were felled for an IT infrastructure project, or face the prospect of its Chief Secretary and officials being sent to jail, writes The Hindu.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Government revokes security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services, citing national security concerns.
- After JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia suspends MoUs with institutions in Turkey over support to Pakistan.
- UN says, India remains fastest-growing economy at precarious moment for world.
- Bharat Pavilion inaugurated at Cannes Film Festival in France.
- UK High Court rejects fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi’s bail plea.
- In Chess, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin finishes as runner-up at Asian Championship in Al Ain, UAE.
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