Morning News -

THE HEADLINES:-

Indian Army says, ceasefire with Pakistan is open-ended and does not have expiry date.
ISRO forms committee to probe reasons behind PSLV rocket’s failure to place earth observation satellite EOS-09 into intended orbit.
IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra during next 5 days.
NCC expedition team scales world’s highest peak Mt Everest.
US President Donald Trump to speak with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to end war in Ukraine.
In football, India beat Bangladesh 4-3 to retain SAFF Under-19 Championship title at Yupia in Arunachal Pradesh.

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Indian Army has rejected reports that claimed that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan ended yesterday. According to the Indian Army, there were no Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) level talks scheduled between the Indian and Pakistani side on 18th May. It said, as far as the continuation of a break in hostilities as decided in the DGMOs interaction of 12th May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it.

The last Director General of Military Operation level talks were held on 12th May between India and Pakistan. During the talks, issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive and inimical action against each other were discussed. It was also agreed that both sides consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas.

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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will brief Parliamentary Standing Committee today on Current Foreign Policy Developments regarding India and Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary is also expected to brief the Committee on Operation Sindoor and subsequent ceasefire announcement with Pakistan. He will also brief the committee about the Oral Evidence of the representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence aspect relating to maritime security in connection with examination of the subject Evaluation of India’s Indian Ocean Strategy.

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In Jammu and Kashmir, Reasi town was immersed in patriotic pride yesterday as citizens gathered in large numbers for a spectacular Tiranga Rally to celebrate the resounding success of Operation Sandoor. Organised as part of the “Yatra of India’s Glory,” the rally paid tribute to the courage of Indian armed forces and highlighted the unity and spirit of the nation.

BJP held Tiranga Yatras in different parts of the national capital yesterday, celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor multiple yatras were held throughout the city including in New Delhi, Janakpuri, Najafgarh, Matiala and Dwarka. Addressing a rally in R K Puram, New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj said that the Yatra has witnessed a huge support from women who have come forward to show solidarity for Operation Sindoor.

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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 Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran who gave supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.

Born in Bombay, Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran was granted a Short Service Commission in the Mahar Regiment in January 1972. Under the Indo-Sri Lanka agreement, many Indian Army units were dispatched to Sri Lanka to maintain law and order there. The Mahar, the unit of Major Parameshwaran, was also sent to Sri Lanka to participate in Operation Pawan. On 25th November 1987, Major Parameshwaran was returning with his column from a search operation late in the night. Suddenly, his column was ambushed by a group of militants. With great presence of mind, he encircled them from the rear and boldly charged on them. This completely surprised the militants. During hand to hand combat, one militant shot him in the chest. Undaunted by his grave injury, Major Parameshwaran snatched the rifle and shot him dead. Though critically wounded, he continued to give orders and inspired his men till he breathed his last. In this action, five militants were killed and three rifles and two rocket launchers were captured. Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was awarded Param Vir Chakra for most conspicuous bravery and supreme sacrifice. The Nation salutes him. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has formed a committee to investigate the incident in which a PSLV rocket failed to place earth observation satellite, EOS-09 into its intended orbit. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said that the committee held several rounds of discussions yesterday to identify the cause. ISRO failed to place its earth observation satellite in orbit after Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) rocket developed a fault minutes after launch from Sriharikota yesterday. Dr Narayanan said, the rocket is a four-stage vehicle. The first two stages were completed successfully.

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Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati has appointed Akash Anand as Chief National Coordinator of the party. The decision was taken at a national-level meeting in New Delhi. It was also decided that Akash Anand will take charge of the BSP’s future programmes in the country. The Party has also announced that it will contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar alone.

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National Cadet Corps (NCC) has reached a significant milestone as its expedition team successfully scaled Mount Everest. The team comprised 10 NCC cadets along with four Officers, two Junior Commissioned Officers, One Girl Cadet Instructor and 10 Non-Commissioned Officers. The ten cadets include five boys and five girls. We have a report:-

The expedition was flagged-off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from New Delhi on 3rd of April. Defence Ministry said that the selected cadets were novices, chosen from across the country. They underwent a strict selection and training process. As part of their preparation, they conducted a pre-Everest Expedition at Mt Abi Gamin. A team of 15 cadets was then selected to undergo winter and technical training at the Army Mountaineering Institute, Siachen Base Camp. After months of training, ten cadets were selected for the Mt Everest Expedition.

The team, comprising the youngest climbers with an average age of 19 years, became the centre of attraction and were noted for their fitness and discipline during acclimatisation training at various stages of the ascent.

Despite facing challenging weather and terrain, the cadets successfully unfurled the Tricolour and the NCC Flag atop the world’s highest peak. WITH SUPARNA’S REPORT, CHIRAG JHA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be on a six-day visit to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany beginning today.The Ministry of External Affairs said that Dr. Jaishankar will meet the leadership of these three countries. He will also hold discussions with his counterparts on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and global matters of mutual interest.

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U.S. President Donald Trump will hold separate conversations today with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and leaders of various NATO countries in an effort to end the war in Ukraine. In a social media post, Mr. Trump said the talks will focus on stopping the ongoing “bloodbath,” which is claiming the lives of over 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers each week.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that preparations are underway for the telephone conversation between President Putin and the US President.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia has sufficient military strength to carry out its campaign in Ukraine and achieve its stated objectives. In an interview with Russian State TV, Putin said that several attempts were made to force Russia to make the mistake of using nuclear weapons. However Russia have ample forces to meet its goals without resorting to such measures, he said.

Putin further explained that the objectives of the campaign include addressing the root causes of the conflict, the formation of conditions for long-lasting and sustainable peace, and the provision of security to Russia.

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The India Meterological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra during next 5 days.

IMD has issued a weather warning for Maharashtra from May 19 to 25. A low-pressure area is expected to form over the east-central Arabian Sea, off the Karnataka coast, around May 22, which will significantly affect the weather patterns across Maharashtra, leading to an increase in rainfall activity next week. More from our correspondent:

Yesterday, some parts of the Maharashtra like Sangli, Parbhani,Latur and jalgaon district had experience of very heavy rain with thunderstorm. IMD predicted that this situation will continue in the Konkan, central Maharashtra, and Marathwada regions till May 20.

These regions are likely to witness thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kilometre per hour.

The IMD has warned of rough sea conditions during this period and has appealed to the fishermen along the south Maharashtra-Goa coast to avoid entering into the sea on May 19 and 20. . In light of these risks, IMD has urged residents and travellers to remain updated on the latest weather advisories on IMD’s website. Bhavana, Aakashwani news Mumbai.

The heat wave conditions are likely over West Rajasthan from today till 22nd of this month. Hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over Odisha today. Meanwhile, conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest Monsoon over some more parts of south Arabian Sea, and some more parts of central and northeast Bay of Bengal during next 2 to 3 days.

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In Football, India beat Bangladesh, 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout to retain the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-19 Championship 2025 in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. We have more from our correspondent:

The high-stakes clash saw the defending champions, India, strike early, with captain Singamayum Shami finding the net in the second minute. However, the celebrations were short-lived, as Bangladesh levelled the score in the 61st minute. With both sides locked at 1-1 after full time, the match headed into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, and Captain Shami stepped up once again and scored the winning penalty, sealing victory for India.

Moving on to IPL Cricket, Gujarat Titans defeated Delhi Capitals by 10 wickets in Delhi last night. Chasing a target of 200 runs, Gujarat’s opening pair of Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill remained unbeaten and made the tough run-chase look easy. With this win, Gujarat Titans secured their spot in the Playoffs. The result also paved the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings to the Playoffs. The fight for the 4th spot will remain intact. VISHNU PS, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.

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In our bilingual live phone-in programme “Public Speak” at 9.30 PM tonight, we will bring an insightful discussion on “Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis” with Dr Saurabh Mittal, Associate Professor, Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS and Dr Rohit Kumar, HOD, Pulmonary Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital.

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NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE:-

Most papers widely report on their front page the understanding between India and Pakistan to cease military hostilities as open ended and not having an expiry date. The Hindustan Times headlines ” No expiry date set for our ceasefire with Pak says Indian Army” while The Asian Age headlines ” No expiry date for ceasefire with Pakistan, clarifies Army”.

The papers also report on ISRO’s PSLV failing to launch satellite into orbit after developing a fault minutes after launch from Shriharikota. The Indian Express headlines ” ISRO’s 101st mission fails as PSLV develops snag minutes after lift-off”.

The Pioneer has a story which says Ruchita Shah, founder of Heal Station a group that promotes wellness, makes passengers perform yoga in Mumbai local trains.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-

Indian Army says, ceasefire with Pakistan is open-ended and does not have expiry date.
ISRO forms committee to probe reasons behind PSLV rocket’s failure to place earth observation satellite EOS-09 into intended orbit.
IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra during next 5 days.
NCC expedition team scales world’s highest peak Mt Everest.
US President Donald Trump to speak with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy today to end war in Ukraine.
In football, India beat Bangladesh 4-3 to retain SAFF Under-19 Championship title at Yupia in Arunachal Pradesh.