Morning News -

THE HEADLINES:

All seven NCP MLAs join ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party in Nagaland.
Indian Army conducts field trials of next-gen indigenous defence technologies under simulated combat conditions across the country.
Defence Ministry initiates measures to shorten weapon procurement cycle to accelerate modernisation of armed forces.
NIA conducts search operations at 15 locations in eight states in connection with Pakistan-linked espionage case.
Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri crowned Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad.
And in IPL cricket, five-time champions Mumbai Indians to take on Punjab Kings in 2nd Qualifier in Ahmedabad this evening.

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In a major political development in Nagaland, all seven MLAs of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have joined ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), raising the NDPP’s strength to 32 in the 60-member state assembly. Speaker Sharingain Longkumer said that the seven MLAs presented themselves and submitted formal letters, stating their decision to merge with the NDPP. The Speaker noted that the merger met all constitutional and procedural requirements. More from our correspondent:

“In a major setback, for Ajit Pawar’s NCP, all seven NCP MLAs in Nagaland joined the ruling NDPP on Saturday. This gives Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s party an absolute majority in the 60-member State Assembly, raising its strength from 25 to 32.The MLAs who switched sides are Namri Nchang, Picto Shohe, Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Y. Mankhao Konyak, A. Pongshi Phom, P. Longon, and S. Toiho Yeptho. NDPP leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, told media last evening, the move strengthens Rio’s leadership and reflects a shift toward a state-focused party. He cited structural constraints within the NCP as a key reason for the decision. Asonuo, Akashvani News Kohima.”

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Indian Army is conducting trials of next-generation defence technologies at key locations across the country, including the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Babina Field Firing Ranges, and Joshimath. The Ministry of Defence in a statement said that these field trials are being conducted under near-combat conditions, integrating electronic warfare simulations to assess the performance of cutting-edge defence systems rigorously. Air Defence equipment demonstrations are also scheduled to take place in Agra and Gopalpur. The demonstrations feature a wide array of advanced technologies developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Speaking to Akashvani News, Defence expert Rajeev Chopra said:

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The Defence Ministry has initiated several measures to shorten weapon procurement cycle to accelerate the modernisation of the armed forces. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said the move will save around 69 weeks and the 2020 procurement rules are being revised to match present needs. Addressing a defence conclave in New Delhi, he said, the ministry has already slashed the timelines for some of the processes in the procurement cycle. The Defence Secretary said, there is a need to shift away from the traditional nomination-based procurement focused mostly on the public sector to a more competitive pricing model where both the public and private sector can compete for orders. He highlighted that the new approach is already being implemented for shipbuilding and recently for the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) project.

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As a demonstration of India’s steadfast commitment to eradicating terrorism, seven multiparty parliamentary delegations are engaged in high-level discussions during their official visits abroad.

The all-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule which is currently on a visit to Ethiopia, held interaction and discussions with top Ethiopian lawmakers, dignitaries and African Union Commission. During the meetings, the delegation members underscored the continued threat of cross-border terrorism and deliberate attempts to sow social discord in India. The Ethiopian side emphasized its own zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and condemned the terrorist act committed on 22nd April against innocent citizens. Addressing the diaspora, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule said that the delegation has arrived here as a unified team representing all parties.

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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 Lance Naik Karam Singh, who displayed incredible bravery during the India-Pakistan war of 1947-48.

“Born in 1915 in Punjab, Lance Naik Karam Singh was enrolled in 1 Sikh regiment in 1941. During the long battle of Tithwal in India-Pakistan War of 1948, Lance Naik Karam Singh played a pivotal role in holding the Indian lines. On the night of October 13th, Lance Naik Karam Singh’s outpost came under a massive enemy assault supported by heavy shelling. Despite being vastly out numbered and short on ammunition, he repelled eight attacks, moving from trench to trench under fire to encourage his men to continue the fight and beat back the enemy with grenades. He was wounded twice but refused evacuation and continued to hold on to the first line trenches. During the fifth assault, two enemy soldiers came very close to his position. To avoid the dangers of friendly fire, Karam Singh leapt from his trench and killed both enemy soldiers with a bayonet. His fearless action demoralised the attackers, who ultimately failed to break the Indian defences. Three more attacks were repulsed by Karam Singh and his men. Lance Naik Karam Singh was an inspiration for his comrades and terror to the enemy. For his extraordinary bravery and leadership, Lance Naik Karam Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, becoming a symbol of courage and resilience in the battle of Tithwal. Saklen Akhtar, Akashvani News, Delhi.”

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted search operations at 15 locations in eight states in a Pakistan-linked espionage case. In a statement, NIA said that searches were conducted at the premises of suspects linked with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam and West Bengal.

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Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri has been crowned Miss World 2025 at the 72nd Miss World Pageant held in Hyderabad last evening. Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszková crowned Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri, marking the culmination of the month-long cultural exchange and competition. More from Our Correspondent:-

“In a stunning culmination of grace, beauty, and strength, Opal beat 107 other national winners from around the world, marking Thailand’s first win in the beauty pageant. She edged out Hasset of Ethiopia in the grand finale, who has been the runner-up. Donned in a white gown adorned with floral motifs, Opal emphasised on sticking on to core values as success mantra. Earlier, India’s hopes to get the coveted title were extinct in early rounds as Nandini Gupta, who represented India, failed to enter the Top 8 finalists. Lakshmi, Akashvani News, Hyderabad.”

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World Milk Day is being celebrated today to highlight the importance of milk as a global food and a key source of livelihood for millions. With an impressive 239 million tonnes of milk production annually, India now contributes a quarter of global milk production. Among India’s leading states in milk production, Gujarat stands tall. Contributing 7.5 percent to the nation’s total output, Gujarat today produces over 18 million tonnes of milk annually. We have a report:-

“Over the last two decades, Gujarat has witnessed a phenomenal increase of 11.8 million tonnes in milk production, securing the fourth position in the country. While the national milk production has grown by 5.7% annually, Gujarat has outpaced this with a 9.26% annual growth rate, thanks to consistent efforts and policy support. Advanced breeding technologies like sexed semen dosing and IVF subsidies are also empowering farmers to improve cattle breeds and enhance milk yields. With the support of cooperative giants like Amul and the commitment of livestock farmers, Gujarat’s dairy sector has become a powerful engine for rural development and economic growth. Aparna Khunt, Akashvani News, Ahmedabad.”

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The 3rd Lavender Festival will begin today at Bhaderwah in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh will inaugurate the two-day event. Organised by CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, the festival will also host an Agri Startup Expo, showcasing innovations in value-added products and technologies related to Lavender. More from our correspondent:

“This year’s Lavender Festival will be unique in many ways, as it celebrates the growing success of lavender cultivation under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, not only across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir but also in extended regions such as Uttarakhand and the North-Eastern states. Under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, more than 50 distillation units across J&K were installed to support local-level processing of lavender produce. Tehsil Bhaderwah in District Doda has emerged as a model region under the mission, wherein farmers have sold Quality Planting Material of Lavender worth over Rs. 1 crore. Local growers have produced 15 hundred kilograms of lavender oil and 93 thousand kilograms of dried lavender flowers, which were successfully marketed. This is N. Gulshan Raina For Akashvani News, From Jammu.”

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Moving on to the world of Sports, Punjab Kings will face Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this evening. The match will begin at 7:30 PM. We have more from our Sports Desk:

“Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles so far, while the Punjab Kings will be looking to win its maiden title in the competition’s history. The winner of this game will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final match on Tuesday at the same venue.

Next we have from Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 Player Auction, where on the Day 1, Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui became the first-ever player in PKL history to breach the 2-crore rupees mark for three consecutive seasons. Moreover, last season’s standout raider Devank Dalal became the second most expensive player after Bengal Warriorz signed him with a massive bid of 2.2 crore rupees.

In Football, the All India Football Federation has announced a set of amendments to its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, which will come into effect from today. The reforms focus on enhancing player welfare, supporting women’s and youth football more effectively, and improving regulatory transparency in accordance with FIFA standards. WITH REETU SRIVASTAVA, CHIRAG JHA, SPORTS DESK.”

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NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

All dailies have widely noticed the Mock drill that was held across several border states while also noticing the Prime Minister’s remarks in Bhopal during an event.
The Sunday Tribune notes, ‘Amid border tensions, states hold Mock drill for war, disaster preparedness.’
Hindustan Times headlines, ‘Sindoor now a symbol of courage, says Modi.’ The Asian Age writes, ‘Bullets will be answered with cannonballs: Modi warns Pakistan.’
Sunday Pioneer notes, ‘Colombia withdraws condolence to Pakistan.’
The Hindu informs, ‘COVID-19 cases hit three thousand, three hundred, ninety five; wastewater viral load rises.’
And finally, for Indian viewers, the first wildlife documentaries they saw had Valmik Thapar, not David Attenborough. All dailies have paid tribute to Thapar on his passing away. The Sunday Tribune writes, ‘Valmik Thapar, iconic tiger crusader and wild’s roaring voice, falls silent at 73.’

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN

All seven NCP MLAs join ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party in Nagaland.
Indian Army conducts field trials of next-gen indigenous defence technologies under simulated combat conditions across the country.
Defence Ministry initiates measures to shorten weapon procurement cycle to accelerate modernisation of armed forces.
NIA conducts search operations at 15 locations in eight states in connection with Pakistan-linked espionage case.
Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri crowned Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad.
And in IPL cricket, five-time champions Mumbai Indians to take on Punjab Kings in 2nd Qualifier in Ahmedabad this evening.