Morning News -

THE HEADLINES:-

Government launches revamped Overseas Citizen of India portal, making it more user-friendly; Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, new OCI portal marks a major step forward in boosting citizen-friendly digital governance.
Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal to be inducted into Maharashtra Cabinet today.
IMD issues orange alerts for heavy rainfall in Karnataka during next two days.
US President Donald Trump says, Russia and Ukraine to start immediate and direct negotiations for ceasefire and possible end to war.
Inaugural edition of Khelo India Beach Games begins with a colourful opening ceremony at Ghoghla Beach in Diu; Prime Minister describes it a watershed moment in the country’s sporting history.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the new Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal in New Delhi yesterday. The new portal will provide enhanced functionality, advanced security, and a user-friendly experience for the existing over 5 million OCI cardholders and new users. On this occasion, the Home Minister said that India is continuously striving to provide world-class immigration facilities to the OCI cardholder.

He said that a revamped OCI portal with an updated user interface has been launched to simplify the registration process for Overseas Citizens

According to the Home Ministry, the existing OCI Services portal was developed in 2013 and is currently operational in over 180 Indian missions abroad as well as 12 Foreigners Regional Registration Offices, processing approximately 2000 applications per day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also lauded the launch of the new OCI portal. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that with enhanced features and improved functionality, the new Portal marks a major step forward in boosting citizen friendly digital governance.

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Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal will be inducted into Maharashtra Cabinet today. Governor CP Radhakrishnan will administer him the oath of office and secrecy at 10 am at Raj Bhawan in Mumbai.

In a major development in Maharashtra politics, veteran OBC leader and one of the most experienced politicians, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, will take oath as a Cabinet minister today. Bhujbal could be given the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection ministry – a department that he had handled earlier. The swearing in, comes ahead of the monsoon session of the legislature. From NCP , there is one vacancy in the ministry , as earlier this year Dhananjay Munde had to resign in the wake of public outrage after his close aide was arrested in an extortion and murder case.

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has appreciated the Netherlands for strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Dr Jaishankar’s remarks came as he held discussions with his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp in the Hague yesterday. The External Affairs Minister is on six-day visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.

In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said he had wide-ranging discussions on deepening our bilateral partnership and engagement with the EU and exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multipolarity. Besides the Foreign Minister, he also met strategic experts with discussions focused on deeper engagement between India and the Netherlands.

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India’s Ambassador to Israel J P Singh has said that it is high time that Islamabad hands over chiefs of Pakistan-based global Islamist terror organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to India. In an interview with Israel’s TV channel, Mr Singh highlighted that these Pakistani outfits have been involved in innumerable terror attacks on India, including the heinous April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

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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 the valour of Param Vir Chakra awardee Naib Subedar Bana Singh during Operation Meghdoot in 1987.

A native of Jammu, Naib Subedar Bana Singh was enrolled in 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in January 1969. During June 1987, 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was deployed in Siachen Area. It was discovered that a large number of Pakistani infiltrators had intruded into the area.The ejection of these infiltrators was necessary and a special task force was constituted for the purpose. Naib Subedar Bana Singh voluntered to join the force. The Pak intrusion had taken place at a height of 6500 metres. Their position was virtually an impregnable glacier fortress with ice walls, 457 metres high on either side. Naib Subedar Bana Singh led his men through an extremely difficult and hazardous route with courage and leadership. The task force clawled and closed in on the adversary. Lobbing hand grenedes, charging with bayonet and moving from trench to trench he cleared the post of all intruders. He inspired the team by his indomitable courage and leadership. For Conspicous gallantry and leadership under most adverse conditions Naib Subedar Bana Singh was awarded Param Vir Chakra. The Nation salutes his bravery. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people of the country and abroad in the Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani on 25th of May. It will be the 122nd episode of the monthly radio programme. People can submit their ideas and suggestions for the programme through the toll-free number 1800-11-7800. They can also share their input online via the Narendra Modi App or the MyGov Open Forum. Suggestions for the upcoming episode will be accepted until the 23rd of this month.

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The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert warning for Karnataka to predict very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the next two days. IMD has also issued a red alert warning for Karnataka and adjoining sreas during the next 3 days. Talking to media, Senior Scientist in IMD, RK Jenamani said that Mumbai will also receive moderate to heavy rainfall from tomorrow.

Meanwhile, six people have died in different parts of Jharkhand due to heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning. Three deaths were reported from Meral village in Garhwa district, two from Ramgarh district, and one from Hazaribagh district.

The Met Department has forecast heavy rain and thundershowers in several parts of the state starting tomorrow and continuing for the next two days.

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Rain continues to lash Bengaluru city with civic agencies working round the clock to drain out water flooding roads and houses. The city received over 25 MM rainfall during the night. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar held a meeting with the senior officials of Municipal Corporation yesterday evening to take stock of the situation.

Bengaluru continues to suffer due to heavy showers as low lying areas in the city were submerged in water. Boats and tractors were used to rescue people from flooded areas. Due to long winding traffic jams, the companies have provided the option of working from home to their employees. There are 166 vulnerable localities identified that are facing the onslaught of rain fury and flood prevention works are being carried out here. Minister D K Shivakumar has said that traffic police have identified 132 spots that are flooded. He said a sum of 2000 crore was being spent on taking up storm water drains in the city and the problem of flooding will be resolved. Sudhindra Akashvani News Bengaluru.

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The ongoing Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is witnessing an overwhelming influx of pilgrims. Since the sacred pilgrimage began on April 30th, over one million devotees have visited the holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri within just twenty days.

According to official data, around four lakh pilgrims have visited Kedarnath, two lakh pilgrims have reached Badrinath, and more than 3 lakh sixty five thousands have paid obeisance at Gangotri and Yamunotri combined.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine will begin direct negotiations for a ceasefire and a possible end to the war, following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said the conversation was positive and both sides are ready to talk.

President Putin confirmed that Moscow is prepared to work with Ukraine on a potential peace agreement, stating that the talks are on the right track. He emphasized the need to identify the most effective pathways to achieving peace amid the ongoing conflict.

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The inaugural edition of Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) began at Ghoghla Beach in Diu last evening. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya formally declared the Games open at a colourful ceremony. The opening ceremony showcased India’s rich diversity through traditional dance forms. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mandaviya reiterated India’s commitment to become a sporting superpower by 2047.

Over 1,350 athletes from over 30 states and Union Territories will compete in the KIBG. Athletes will compete across six medal sports: football, volleyball, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencak silat and open water swimming. Mallakhamb and tug-of-war are the two non-medal (demonstration) disciplines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games as a watershed moment in the country’s sporting history. He said, the vibrant energy of sports goes beyond entertainment and has become a transformative force, symbolising national pride and aspirations of our youth.

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In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 cricket, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been eliminated from playoffs race as they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets in Lucknow last night. Chasing a target of 206 runs, Sunrisers Hyderabad made 206 for the loss of four wickets in 18.2 overs.

Today, Chennai Super Kings will lock horns with Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The match will begin at 7:30 PM.

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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES :-

“Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s statement of non involvement of United States in ceasefire talks has been carried prominently by all the leading dailies.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan says, farmers will get due share of water from Indus river, according to The Hindu.
Key sites under security review after operation Sindoor, Headlines The Tribune.
Pakistan targeted Golden Temple, while all drones and missiles were shot down, says Army – is the top story in The Indian Express.
Putin, Zelensky to begin peace talks immediately, according to Trump, Says a report in Hindustan Times.
Supreme Court dismisses Telcos’ plea for AGR waiver, is the headlines in Business Standard.
And finally, Ex US President Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer, reports The Times of India.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-

Government launches revamped Overseas Citizen of India portal, making it more user-friendly; Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, new OCI portal marks a major step forward in boosting citizen-friendly digital governance.
Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal to be inducted into Maharashtra Cabinet today.
IMD issues orange alerts for heavy rainfall in Karnataka during next two days.
US President Donald Trump says, Russia and Ukraine to start immediate and direct negotiations for ceasefire and possible end to war.
Inaugural edition of Khelo India Beach Games begins with a colourful opening ceremony at Ghoghla Beach in Diu; Prime Minister describes it a watershed moment in the country’s sporting history.

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