THE HEADLINES:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Operation Sindoor extends beyond its original scope, symbolizing lifelong commitment to national progress.
- India’s FDI inflows surge 14 percent to over 81 billion dollars in last Financial Year.
- US orders halt in Student-Visa interview; Eyes expansion of social media vetting of applicants.
- IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall during southwest monsoon this season.
- In IPL Cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru register stunning victory over Lucknow Super Giants to seal place in the first qualifier.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Operation Sindoor will extend beyond its original scope, symbolizing a lifelong commitment to national progress. Addressing the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gandhinagar, Gujarat yesterday, Prime Minister Modi said Operation Sindoor is not merely a military initiative but a responsibility shared by every Indian citizen.
The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of economic self-reliance, advocating for the One District, One Product strategy to enhance local manufacturing and support indigenous industries. Encouraging national pride, the Prime Minister urged citizens to take pride in Made in India products and celebrate the country’s advancements.
On India becoming the fourth-largest economy, Mr. Modi noted that overtaking a former colonial power marked a historic achievement. He added that now the push to reach the third spot is gaining momentum. He also reiterated India’s ambition to host the Olympics in 2036, underscoring the country’s readiness to take on global leadership roles.
Prime Minister Modi concluded two day visit to Gujarat, during which he inaugurated and laid foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over 82,000 crore rupees. He launched projects worth 5,536 crore rupees at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar yesterday.
<><><>
Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has emphasized that national security requires indigenous strength, and that war is best avoided from a position of strength. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme in New Delhi, Mr. Dhankhar stated that peace is secured when a nation is ever ready for war. He added that strength comes not only from technological advancements and conventional military power, but also from the people.
Vice-President urged all members of the political spectrum to seriously reflect and reach a consensus on matters of national security, economic growth, and internal security, stressing that such critical issues demand unity above political differences.
<><><>
New Delhi’s message of zero tolerance against terrorism is echoing worldwide with India’s multi party delegations holding back to back interactions with world leaders, Parliamentarians, think tanks, media and civil society in different countries to further unmask Pakistan’s cross border terrorism.
In Panama, the all-Party Indian delegation headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held a meeting with the Panama Assembly President, Dana Castaneda. During his meeting, Mr. Tharoor said that India had no interest in starting a war, but felt that a terrorist act must not go unpunished.
In South Africa, the all-Party delegation led by NCP (SCP) Supriya Sule advocated India’s zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism. The delegation shared that Operation Sindoor, conducted by Indian in response, was calibrated, targeted and proportionate, demonstrating India’s commitment to countering terrorism without escalating tensions.
The delegation will visit Cape Town today for meetings in the South African Parliament and with Ministers of South African Government.
<><><>
In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced to establish a memorial in memory of the 26 victims of April 22 tragic terror attack at Baisaran near Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Following the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet meeting held at Pahalgam yesterday, the J&K Public Works Department was directed to start the work on the memorial. The Chief Minister added that suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectful.
<><><>
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 Subedar Joginder Singh who made the supreme sacrifice during the Sino-Indian war in 1962.
“During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Subedar Joginder Singh led a platoon in the Tawang Sector of NEFA, holding a strategic position on a ridge in the Tongpeng La area on the Bum La axis. On October 20, his platoon observed a significant Chinese troop buildup across the McMahon Line, signalling an impending attack. At dawn on October 23, the Chinese launched a major assault in three waves of roughly 200 soldiers each, supported by artillery and mortar fire. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Subedar Singh’s platoon offered fierce resistance, repelling the first waves with heavy enemy casualties. Wounded in the thigh, he refused evacuation and continued to inspire his men. As the final and most forceful wave advanced, with ammunition depleted and few men remaining, Subedar Singh took control of a light machine gun, inflicting significant damage. When the situation became desperate, he and his remaining soldiers charged the enemy with fixed bayonets. They engaged in close combat, killing many before being overwhelmed. For his extraordinary courage, leadership, and devotion to duty, Subedar Joginder Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. SAKLEN AKHTAR FOR AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
<><><>
India has received foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows worth 81.04 billion US dollars in the financial year 2024-25. It reflects a 14 percent increase from 71.28 billion US dollars in the financial year 2023-24.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a statement said that the services sector emerged as the top recipient of FDI equity in 2024-25 by attracting 19 percent of total inflows. It was followed by computer software and hardware at 16 percent and trading at 8 percent. FDI into the services sector also rose by 40.77 percent to 9.35 billion US dollars from 6.64 billion dollars in the previous year. The Ministry added that India is also becoming a hub for manufacturing FDI, which grew by 18 percent in financial year 2024-25 and reached 19.04 billion dollars as compared to 16.12 billion dollars in 2023-24. The Government has put in place an investor-friendly FDI policy, under which most sectors are open for 100 per cent FDI through the automatic route. With Anand’s report, Vishnu PS, Akashvani News Delhi.
<><><>
The Central Board of Direct Taxes- CBDT has extended the last date of filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs), from 31st July to 15th September this year. CBDT in its statement said that this extension will provide more time to people due to significant revisions in ITR forms, system development needs, and TDS credit reflections.
<><><>
The Co-ordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, an apex body of valley based civil society organisations of Manipur held a meeting with senior officials of the Home Ministry in New Delhi yesterday. The Committee were given a special invitation by the Ministry earlier this week. Advisor to the MHA on North-East Affairs, A.K Mishra and Joint Director MHA, Rajesh Kamble represented the Ministry.
The delegation deliberated regarding the 3rd May 2025 resolution which was adopted during a massive People’s Convention held at Imphal.
<><><>
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered US embassies and consular offices to stop scheduling new visa interviews for student applicants as Donald Trump administration is considering strict vetting of applicants’ social media profiles. This directive, would mark a broader application of existing vetting procedures to restrict foreign students’ entry to American schools and colleges.
Earlier, Trump administration decided to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students.
<><><>
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that rainfall across the country is likely to be above normal during this monsoon season. According to the IMD, the monsoon has arrived earlier than usual this year. Additionally, the department expects below-normal heatwave days in parts of Northwest India, as well as adjoining areas of Central and East India, over the next month.
For today, the IMD has forecast Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
“According to IMD, Assam, Meghalaya, Interior Karnataka, Goa, Central Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and Telangana are going to witness very heavy rainfall over the next two days. Similar conditions are expected over Gangetic West Bengal, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Vidarbha. The weather agency has said that Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty winds.
Meanwhile, heat wave-like conditions will likely be over West Rajasthan. Maximum temperature are also expected to rise by about 2 to 3 degree Celsius over Northwest India during the next 2 days. Adarsh for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
<><><>
In IPL T20 Cricket, stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma played a brilliant innings and helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in the final group stage match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow last night. Jitesh’s explosive 85 unbeaten off just 33 balls powered RCB to finish second on the points table, securing a spot in Qualifier 1. They will now face Punjab Kings tomorrow.
<><><>
TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-
- The Asian Age quotes PM Modi as saying, “Terrorism isn’t proxy war for Pakistan, but core strategy”. The Statesman also quoting him writes “India will respond to Pakistan’s terror war strategy”.
- The Hindu Business Line quotes the Prime Minister as saying, “Urban growth key to India’s rise as 3rd largest economy”.
- “5th generation stealth fighter jet project takes wing” reports The Tribune.
- “Trump administration moves to cut 100 million dollars in Harvard contracts” informs Hindustan Times.
- Business Standard quotes the US embassy telling foreign students, “Visa may be revoked for skipping classes”.
- “Frame guidelines for rehabilitation of stray dogs, High Court directs agencies in National Capital” notes The Hindu.
- And finally, “Government launches’ Know your DIGIPIN’ and ‘ Know your PIN Code’ web portals” reports The Statesman.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Operation Sindoor extends beyond its original scope, symbolizing lifelong commitment to national progress.
- India’s FDI inflows surge 14 percent to over 81 billion dollars in last Financial Year.
- US orders halt in Student-Visa interview; Eyes expansion of social media vetting of applicants.
- IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall during southwest monsoon this season.
- In IPL Cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru register stunning victory over Lucknow Super Giants to seal place in the first qualifier.
<><><>
