Morning News -

THE HEADLINES : –

India firms up global outreach plan to expose Pakistan on terrorism.
Indian economy to grow at 6.3 percent during current fiscal, ahead of China, US, and European Union, says UN report.
UIDAI achieves major milestone with over 150 billion Aadhaar authentications.
US court sentences Salman Rushdie’s attacker Hadi Matar to 25 years in prison.
Neeraj Chopra finally breaches 90 metre mark but finishes 2nd in Doha leg of prestigious Diamond League Meeting series.
In Chess, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa wins Superbet Chess Classic in Bucharest, Romania.

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Government is planning to send multi party delegations to different countries to present India’s stand against Pakistan sponsored terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor. Sources said, each delegation is expected to have a group of MPs from both ruling and Opposition parties. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters in New Delhi that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has spoken to his party President Mallikarjun Kharge over this diplomatic outreach initiative. The move is intended to further highlight New Delhi’s stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan to the global community and is expected to kick start next week.

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In a significant nationwide outreach effort, the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ is being held in various parts of the country to honour the courage and sacrifice of Indian armed forces following the successful ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to horrific Pahalgam terror attack. In Tamil Nadu, state BJP unit held Tiranga rallies at various places in the districts of Tenkasi, Tirupattur, Thoothukudi, Vellore and Theni. BJP workers, leaders, ex servicemen and youth participated at the rally. The participants held the tri colour flag and raised slogans supporting the pride and sacrifice of the defence forces.

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In Telangana, a couple from Nanganoor Magdumpur village of Siddipet district shown their patriotism by naming their new born baby as ‘Sindoora’ while people are showing their solidarity to our jawans by joining Tiranga Yatras across the country. Vikram-Kavyashri couple named their new born baby Sindoora inspired by the concept behind the Operation Sindoor. Vikram shared his feelings with Akashvani News stating he is proud of his country.

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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 is presenting a special series. Today we remember, Param Vir Chakra awardee Rifleman Sanjay Kumar who displayed exemplary bravery during the Kargil War.

A native of Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar joined the 13th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1996. During the Kargil War on 4th July 1999, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar was the leading scout of a team tasked to capture Area Flat Top of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley. During the attack when enemy automatic fire from one of the sangars posed stiff opposition and stalled the column, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, realizing the gravity of the situation and with utter disregard to his personal safety, charged at the enemy. In the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he killed three of the intruders and was himself seriously injured. Despite his injuries, he charged onto the second sangar. Taken totally by surprise, the enemy left behind a Universal Machine Gun and started running. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar picked up the UMG and killed the fleeing enemy. Although bleeding profusely, he refused to be evacuated. The brave action on his part motivated his comrades and they overcoming the treacherous terrain and charged onto the enemy and wrested the area Flat Top. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar displayed most conspicuous gallantry, cool courage and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order in the face of the enemy. The Nation salutes him. In February 2022, he received the rank of Subedar Major and is posted to the National Defence Academy in Pune. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.

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Indian economy will grow at 6.3 percent during the current financial year, ahead of China, US, and European Union, a UN report said. According to the UN’s mid-year update of World Economic Situation and Prospects, India’s growth is being fuelled by strong household spending, solid government investments and booming services exports. We have a report:

India continues to shine, even as the global economy stands on shaky ground. United Nations said that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world this year. While the growth figure has been slightly revised from the 6.6 percent forecast in January, India is still ahead of other big economies like China, US, and the European Union. Next year, India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.4 percent. On the global front, the picture is far less rosy. UN said, the world economy is at a precarious moment, pointing to rising trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Many countries are now expected to grow slower than previously thought. China is expected to grow at 4.6%, the US at 1.6%, Japan at 0.7%, and the European Union at just 1%. Germany may even see a negative growth of -0.1%. The report also shared some good news on inflation and jobs in India. Inflation is likely to ease from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, well within the central bank’s comfort zone. VISHNU PS, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.

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The total number of Aadhaar authentication transactions have crossed 150 billion marks, making it a milestone moment in the journey of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and for the broader Aadhaar ecosystem. We have a report:

The landmark highlights the extensive usage and utility of Aadhaar, and the growth of digital economy in the country. Ministry of Electronics and IT in a statement said that the cumulative number was achieved by the end of April 2025, since inception. The Ministry added that in April alone, almost 210 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions were carried out which is nearly eight percent more than the same month in 2024. It added that Aadhaar based authentication has been playing a stellar role in aiding ease of living, in effective welfare delivery, and voluntarily availing various services offered by service providers. WITH DIPENDRA’S REPORT, CHIRAG JHA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various people centric projects worth 708 crore rupees in Gandhinagar today. These include the projects of Gandhianagar Municipal Corporation, Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority (GUDA) and Gandhinagar district administration. More from our correspondent:

“Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate a series of key infrastructure and public service projects in his Loksabha Constituency Gandhinagar today. These include the inauguration of the newly constructed Primary Health Centre at Vavol, the inauguration of underbridge connecting the newly developed Sectors 21 and 22 of the capital city Gandhinagar, the inauguration of a Primary Health Centre in Pethapur and the newly developed Kolvada Lake, near the ONGC Well in Kolwada. During the programme, the Minister will distribute the benefits of various postal schemes to the beneficiaries and address the public rally. Tomorrow, Mr. Shah will attend several programmes in Ahmedabad. Aparna Khunt, Akashvani News, Ahmedabad.”

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The Railway Board has approved an important new rail line project between Karhi and Sagma worth over 165 crore rupees, strengthening rail infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. The proposed chord rail line under the West Central Railway (WCR) zone will be 5.31 kilometers long. The bi-directional chord line between Karhi and Sagma will connect the Lalitpur-Singrauli new line to the existing Itarsi-Manikpur line.

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Indian Institute of Mass Communication is set to launch its Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Mass Communication and Journalism from the upcoming academic year. The institute has notified the rules for the program, with admission details to be announced later. Vice Chancellor of IIMC, Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar has confirmed the launch of the new course and said that the institution is ready to take the responsibility.

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The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This marks a key step in expanding IIFT’s global presence and strengthening India’s engagement in international business education. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that this truly reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, marking a new chapter in the internationalisation of Indian education and its growing role in shaping thought leadership globally.

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An American-Lebanese man, Hadi Matar has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2022 knife attack on author Salman Rushdie at a cultural event in New York. Convicted of attempted murder and assault, 27-year old Matar received the maximum sentence for the attack, which left Mr. Rushdie blind in one eye. He was also given a separate seven-year sentence for assaulting the event moderator.

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Nepal’s flagship multi-sectoral dialogue forum Sagarmatha Sambad kicked off yesterday. Prime Minister of Nepal K. P. Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Environment Minister of India, Bhupendra Yadav and COP29 President and Azerbaijan’s Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev are among host of dignitaries participating in the three-day event.

Addressing the gathering at the Summit, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasised India’s unwavering commitment to global climate action and the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the Himalayas and other mountain ecosystems. He expressed India’s dedication to addressing the global climate crisis.

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In sports, records tumbled in athletics, while Indian players shone in both chess and football. Meanwhile, the IPL is back, promising more excitement for cricket fans. A detailed report:

Star Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finally breached the 90-metre mark at the Doha Diamond League yesterday. Despite a record-breaking 90.23-meter throw, Neeraj had to settle for second place behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who surprised everyone with a final throw of 91.06 meters. Additionally, India’s Parul Chaudhary broke her own national record with a time of 9 minute 13 seconds in the women’s 3000 metre steeplechase event. She finished sixth.

In Chess, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the Superbet Chess Classic in Bucharest, Romania. He triumphed after a tense tiebreak against Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

In Football, India stormed into the final of SAFF Under-19 Championship 2025 with a commanding 3-nil victory against Maldives in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh yesterday. Hosts India will now face Bangladesh in the final match tomorrow.

And in Cricket, Indian Premier League 2025 is all set to resume today after a week-long gap, with the match between hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The match will begin at 7:30 PM. MANIK SHARMA, NEWS DESK.

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A LOOK AT TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS :-

“Indirect terror funding’: Rajnath slams International Monetary Fund on 1 billion dollar loan to Pakistan” leads The Times Of India.
“India to rebuild canals, dig new ones to tap into Indus”, reports Hindustan Times.
“Multi-Party outreach to expose Pakistan propaganda” informs The Statesman.
“New North-East link to Kolkata will be via sea, giving Bangladesh a miss”, states The Indian Express.
“Man who stabbed Rushdie on stage gets 25 years in jail”, reports The Hindu.
“Neeraj Chopra makes history, breaches 90m mark”, notes The Tribune.
“Russia, Ukraine hold first direct peace talks in three years”, says The Hindu Business Line.
“Scholar Rambhadracharya and lyricist Gulzar honoured with Jnanpith Award “reports Financial Express.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :-

India firms up global outreach plan to expose Pakistan on terrorism.
Indian economy to grow at 6.3 percent during current fiscal, ahead of China, US, and European Union, says UN report.
UIDAI achieves major milestone with over 150 billion Aadhaar authentications.
US court sentences Salman Rushdie’s attacker Hadi Matar to 25 years in prison.
Neeraj Chopra finally breaches 90 metre mark but finishes 2nd in Doha leg of prestigious Diamond League Meeting series.
In Chess, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa wins Superbet Chess Classic in Bucharest, Romania.