Morning News -

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share his thoughts in Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani at 11 this morning.
Prime Minister to also chair meeting of Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states in New Delhi today.
Centre approves 8.25 percent interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund deposits for 2024-25 fiscal.
Heavy rain and strong winds lash Delhi NCR, bringing much-needed respite from heatwave.
Government to organise Khelo India Northeast Games every year to strengthen sports ecosystem in the region.
And in shooting, India’s Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar clinches Gold medal at ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany.

<><><>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people of the country and abroad in the Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani at 11 AM today. It will be the 122nd episode of the monthly radio programme. The programme will be broadcast across the entire Akashvani and Doordarshan network, the AIR News website, and the Newsonair mobile app. It will also be live-streamed on the YouTube channels of AIR News, DD News, the PMO, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Akashvani will broadcast the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast.

<><><>

Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ruled states will be participating in a day-long brainstorming session on good governance issues in the national capital today. Our Correspondent reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the meeting and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also participate in the deliberations.

“20 Chief Ministers and 18 Deputy Chief Ministers belonging to all 20 NDA ruled governments will discuss good governance issues in Delhi today. This meeting organised by the BJP’s Good Governance Department, will also pass two resolutions. In the first resolution they will congratulate Indian defence forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of Operation Sindoor and in another resolution they will congratulate Central Government for its decision to conduct caste enumeration at the time of ensuing Census. Leaders at this conclave will also discuss the best practices by different NDA state governments. The State Chief Ministers will give presentations on their initiatives. Meeting will also deliberate upon forthcoming events including first anniversary of NDA Govt, Completion of a Decade of International Yoga Day and 50th Loktantra Hatya Diwas which is 50th anniversary of Imposition of Emergency. Saklen Akhtar for Akashvani News, Delhi .”

<><><>

The All-party Party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to the United States has highlighted how India responded in a precise and calibrated manner to terrorist bases, headquarters, and launchpads in Pakistan following the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack. During an interaction at the Consulate in New York, Mr Tharoor said India is not interested in warfare with Pakistan, emphasizing that the country would much rather be left alone to grow its economy and uplift its people as they prepare for the 21st-century world. Pointing out that Pakistan is a revisionist power, Mr. Tharoor said that it covets territory under India’s control and seeks to acquire it at any cost through terrorism, something that is completely unacceptable

<><><>

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 Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore who made the supreme sacrifice during the India -Pakistan War in 1965.

“Born in Mumbai in 1923, Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore was commissioned in Poona Horse in April 1951. The biggest tank battle of the Indo-Pak war in 1965 took place at Phillora in Sialkot Sector. During the southern thrust of Indian Army on Kaloi-Phillora axis the 17 Horse commanded by Lt Col A B Tarapore advanced on the right flank. The regiment was assigned the task of delivering the main armoured thrust for capturing Phillora. It decided upon launching a surprise attack on Phillora from the rear. When the regiment was thrusting forward between Phillora and Chawinda, it was suddenly counter attacked by enemy’ heavy armour from Wazirwali. Lt Col Tarapore defied enemy’s charge, held his ground and gallantly attacked Phillora with one of his squadrons supported by an infantry battalion. Though under continuously enemy tank and artillery fire he remained unperturbed throughout his action. When wounded he refused to be evacuated. Later Lt Col Tarapore, led his regiment to capture Wazirwali. Unmindful of his injury, he led his regiment and captured Jassoran and Butur-Dongradi. In this battle his own tank was hit several times. But despite the odds, he maintained his pivots at both places and helped the supporting infantry to attack Chawinda from the rear. Inspired by his leadership the regiment fiercely attacked the enemy armour and destroyed around sixty enemy tanks. Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore was mortally wounded in this action. The valour displayed by him in this battle lasting over six days was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore was awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously. The Nation Salutes Him. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS.”

<><><>

The Centre has approved 8.25 percent interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the financial year 2024-25. This will benefit over 7 crore salaried employees across India. This rate was recommended earlier this year by the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The approved rate remains unchanged from 2023-24 fiscal, while it was 8.15 percent in 2022-23.

<><><>

Heavy rain and strong winds lashed Delhi NCR late last night, bringing much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat. However, uprooted trees and water logging hampered vehicular traffic in several areas of the national capital. The rain was reported hours after the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of severe thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and squally winds reaching speeds of up to 100 km per hour. The IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in the national capital and neighbouring region over the next 5-6 days. We spoke to Senior Scientist at IMD R.K. Jenamani.

<><><>

With the onset of southwest monsoon, heavy rain is continuing in Kerala. Heavy rain alert has been issued till 28th of this month. A report:

“ Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts are under red alert today. As monsoon intensifies widespread damage is being reported from across Kerala with northern districts being the worst hit. Fishing in Kerala Karnataka Lakshadweep coasts has been banned till 28th of this month. Coastal regions and hilly areas are on high alert. Around 4000 relief camps are opened and district level control rooms are also operational. The State Health department had urged the public to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Mayusha for Akashavani News from Thiruvananthapuram.”

<><><>

In Tamil Nadu, regional met department has issued a red alert for two districts – Coimbatore and Nilgiri for two days. Rains are also likely in Thoothukudi and Rameswaram districts due to a depression at Bay of Bengal. More from our correspondent:

“Due to the prediction of heavy rains at Nilgiris and Coimbatore round the clock vigil has been maintained by the district administration. A 30 member team of NDRF personnels has been camping at Coimbatore Valparai Top slip and Pollachi. Warning signal number 3 and 1 have been posted at various ports in Tamil Nadu due to deprsesion in Bay of Bengal. 456 relief camps are ready at Nilgiris. NDRF teams are camping at places where landslides are likely to occur at Nilgiris Hills. JOY, CHENNAI.”

<><><>

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that government will organise Khelo India Northeast Games in one of the eight states every year. Addressing Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, he said that Government is fully committed to strengthening the sports ecosystem in the region through multiple initiatives.

<><><>

Moving on to the world of sports, in Shooting, India’s Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar clinched gold medal in the women’s 10 meter air rifle event at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany last night. Moreover, another Indian Ojasvi Thakur bagged silver medal in the same event. We have more from Sports Desk:

“Kshirsagar’s win was more resounding as she held the lead from the very beginning despite a solid challenge from her teammate Ojasvi Thakur. The pair had started well alongside Li Shijia of China, with Carlotta Salafia of Italy and Olympic silver medallist Huang Yuting of China close behind. With this, India has jumped to the top of the ISSF Junior World Cup points table with a total of 8 medals including 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals.

In Tennis, Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic has scripted another history by becoming the third man to reach 100 career ATP Tour titles. Djokovic defeated Hubert Hurkacz in the Geneva Open final in Switzerland to reach this milestone.

In IPL T-20 Cricket, Delhi Capitals ended their campaign on a high with a commanding six-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Jaipur last night. Chasing a stiff target of 208, Delhi Capitals crossed the winning mark in the final over with Sameer Rizvi’s maiden half-century, who was also adjudged Player of the Match. Today, hosts Gujarat Titans will face Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from 03:30 PM, followed by another clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from 07:30 PM. CHIRAG JHA, SPORTS DESK.”

<><><>

TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE:

The Prime Minister’s comments at the 10th governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog have attracted front page headlines across all major news papers, ” Help India make a developed nation by 2047, Modi reaches out to states at Niti Aayog meet”, headlines The Sunday Tribune.
The decision to appoint 25 year old Shubman Gill to captain the Indian Team in the Challenging England tour, has led Hindustan Times to note ” Gill in charge as India’s Test futures takes shapes”.
The Monsoon’s early arrival in Kerala has The Hindustan Times informing ” Monsoon hits Kerala, earliest onset since ‘2009″.
And finally, The Indian Express informs that the Amrit Bharat Trains project to modernise trains and Railway stations inaugurated on 22nd May by Prime Minister Modi,will have 50 new affordable express trains that have features like Radium illuminated strips, toilets with vacuum evacuation, odour control and Electro-pneumatic assisted brake system.

<><><>

THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share his thoughts in Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani at 11 this morning.
Prime Minister to also chair meeting of Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states in New Delhi today.
Centre approves 8.25 percent interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund deposits for 2024-25 fiscal.
Heavy rain and strong winds lash Delhi NCR, bringing much-needed respite from heatwave.
Government to organise Khelo India Northeast Games every year to strengthen sports ecosystem in the region.
And in shooting, India’s Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar clinches Gold medal at ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany.