THE HEADLINES:-
- Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members of Axiom-4 mission to return to earth today.
- President Droupadi Murmu to attend annual convocation of Ravenshaw University at Cuttack in Odisha today.
- India achieves 50 percent clean energy capacity five years ahead of target.
- Delhi government sets 20-day pollution clearance deadline for Green Category industries to boost ease of doing business.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to attend SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting at Tianjin in China today.
- In cricket, England beat India by 22 runs in 3rd Test to take 2-1 lead in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
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Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members of Axiom-4 mission will return to earth today after spending 18 days at the International Space Station (ISS). They departed from the orbiting laboratory ISS yesterday onboard the SpaceX Dragon for the approximately 22-hour journey to Earth. The splashdown is expected to take place off the coast of California in US at 3 pm IST today.
“Axiom-4 mission’s space odyssey began on June 25th when the Falcon-9 rocket carrying the Dragon space capsule blasted off from Florida towards the ISS. Group Captain Shukla is only the second Indian to have gone to space. His trip came 41 years after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Russian Soyuz in the year 1984. During his stay aboard the ISS, Mr Shukla conducted seven India-specific microgravity experiments, These experiments are designed to generate critical data for future planetary missions and long-duration space habitation. On Sunday, NASA’s Expedition Crew organised a traditional ceremony for the Axiom-4 crew. Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Mr Shukla described his space journey as truly incredible.
This mission, dubbed Akash Ganga, is a collaborative effort between Axiom Space, NASA, and ISRO. AISHWARYA RAI NIGAM, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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President Droupadi Murmu will attend 13th annual convocation of Ravenshaw University and lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls’ High School at Cuttack in Odisha today. She is also scheduled to grace the birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das, a great Odia poet and scholar born in 15th Century and present the Kalinga Ratna Award for 2024 also at Cuttack. Security has been beefed up ahead of the President’s visit to Cuttack.
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India has achieved a landmark in its energy transition journey by reaching 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources – five years ahead of the target.
“This significant milestone underscores the country’s steadfast commitment to climate action and sustainable development, and signals that India’s clean energy transition is not only real but also accelerating. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said, in a world seeking climate solutions, India is showing the way. He said, achieving 50 per cent non-fossil fuel capacity five years ahead of the 2030 target is a proud moment for every Indian. Mr Joshi said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership continues to drive Bharat’s green transformation – paving the path towards a self-reliant and sustainable future. Flagship programmes such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, solar park development, and the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy have laid a strong foundation for this transformation. Despite having one of the lowest per capita emissions globally, India remains among the few G20 countries that are on track to meet – or even exceed – their Nationally Determined Contributions commitments. HARPEET KAUR, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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Delhi government has set a 20-day pollution clearance deadline for Green Category industries to boost the ease of doing business. Delhi’s Environment and Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that this a sharp reduction from the earlier 120-day timeframe. This reform will directly benefit over 65 types of industries classified under the Green Category – typically non-polluting and low-risk sectors – which were earlier subjected to long and complex approval procedures.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting at Tianjin city in China today. Dr Jaishankar arrived in Beijing yesterday on a two-day visit to China. The Foreign Ministers will exchange views on SCO cooperation in various fields and major international and regional issues. Dr. Jaishankar held bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing yesterday. External Affairs Minister underlined the need for cooperation on trans-border rivers, including resumption of provision of hydrological data by the Chinese side. He also took up restrictive trade measures and roadblocks to economic cooperation.
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In Bihar, more than 6.6 crore voters have submitted their enumeration forms during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of voters list, covering 83.66 percent of 7.89 crore electorates.The ECI has said the verification work of over 88 percent voters has also been completed.
“After completion of verification of over 88 percent of the voters from the Electoral Roll under Special Intensive Revision drive in Bihar, it has been found that out of approximately 7 crore voters, 12 lakh voters have deceased.
Additionally, more than 17 lakh voters are permanently residing outside Bihar. The Election Commission has stated that approximately 5.5 voters lakh, have their names registered at two locations. After the completion of this process, it is estimated that more than 35 lakh voters’ names will be eliminated after the existing voter list after the verification.
The Commission has clarified that after the publication of the draft voter list, voters will have the right to file claims and objections, which will be investigated.WITH dharmendra kumar from patna, NEELAM KAUSHIK, Akashvani News.”
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In Sikkim, country’s first Digital Nomad Village is officially inaugurated at Yakten village in Pakyong district yesterday. This marks a step towards creating a sustainable, community-driven destination for digital nomads from across the country and the world.
“The Nomad Sikkim is a joint initiative of the Pakyong district administration and Sarvahitey NGO to develop a digital nomad hub for working professionals. It is designed for professionals seeking a balance between remote work and a peaceful lifestyle. The Yakten village is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi networks to ensure reliable connectivity, while also promoting eco-friendly practices and fostering a sustainable remote work environment. This initiative has already begun hosting its first digital nomads. Manas Pratim Sarma, Akashvani News, Gangtok. “
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India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alert for rainfall over parts of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh today. According to the IMD, extreme heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for the next two days. IMD also predicted heavy rainfall over Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand today.
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Intermittent rainfall continues across most parts of Himachal Pradesh. Meteorological Centre Shimla has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts today. An Yellow Alert has been issued for heavy rainfall in Bilaspur, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts.
“In Himachal Pradesh, intermittent rainfall has been continuing since last night in the state capital Shimla and most other areas. According to scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma from the Meteorological Centre Shimla, the state has recorded over 19% more rainfall than normal so far in this monsoon season. As per the latest report of State Emergency Operations Centre, 22 cloudbursts, 31 flash floods, and 18 landslides have been reported in the state the Meteorological Department has advised people living near riverbanks and dams to remain alert and follow the instructions issued by the administration. Ritesh Kapoor, Akashvani News, Shimla.”
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Flood like situations have arisen in some districts of Rajasthan due to continuous heavy rain from the last 2 days. In the last 24 hours, 10 inches of rain was recorded in Chittorgarh. 9 inches of rain each has been recorded in Bijolia of Pali and Bhilwara and 5 inches of rain has been recorded in Kota. The Met department has issued a red alert for heavy rains in Ajmer, Nagaur and Pali. Also, an orange alert has been issued for 10 districts of the state.
“Normal life has been badly affected in many districts of the state due to Due heavy rain. The low-lying areas of Pali, Kota, Bundi and Jodhpur have been submerged. The district administration has declared a holiday for schools in Kota and Pali today. More than 12 people have died in rain-related accidents in the last two days. Apart from this, 6 youths were swept away in the Chambal river in Kota. The met department has forecast that heavy rains will continue for the next two days. with Jitendra Dwivedi FROM jaipur , YASHASHVI KIRYAL, AKASHVANI NEWS .“
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And now news from the world of sports,
“Chasing a target of 193 runs set by the hosts, India were bowled out for 170 despite Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61. Yofra Archer and Ben Stokes took 3 wickets each. Earlier, both teams scored 387 in their first innings. Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match. With this England now lead the five-match series 2-1.
In badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lead India’s charge at the Japan Open, kicking off today. P.V Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and teen star Unnati Hooda also return to action in their opener rounds.
In chess, four Indian women Vaishali, Harika, Humpy, and Divya advanced to the pre-quarters of the FIDE Women’s World Cup. Vaishali and Harika won dramatic tie-breaks, while Humpy and Divya cruised through.
And in football, India’s U-20 women’s team held Uzbekistan to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match. Sulanjana Raul scored the equalizer. The two sides meet again tomorrow ahead of next month’s AFC qualifiers. WITH MAYUR JAIN’S REPORT MANIK SHARMA Akashvani News DELHI.”
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India has strongly condemned the disruption caused during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto. He called the act despicable and urged Canadian authorities to take action against those responsible. In response to media queries on the incident, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, we have seen reports regarding disruption created by mischievous elements during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto. He said, such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony.
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US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a secondary 100 per cent tariff on countries that import oil, gas and uranium from Russia, saying he is very unhappy with Moscow’s refusal in finding an end to the war with Ukraine. Speaking to reporters with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House, he gave a 50-day deadline for the punitive tariff to take effect if Russia does not make a peace deal with Ukraine.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-
- The story of DGCA ordering inspection of fuel switch locking system in most Boeing planes is widely covered as headline in The Hindustan Times.
- The Hindu headlines ” India, China must move forward on de-escalation, Jaishankar tells Wang”. The Tribune headlines ” EAM raises LAC de-escalation, restrictive trade with Beijing.
- All papers report the homecoming of Shubanshu Shukla after 18 days in space. The Statesman headlines ” Shukla undocks from ISS, begins journey back home”
- The Economic Times Headlines ” Retail inflation at 6 year low; wholesale price index turns negative”
- And finally the passing away of the oldest marathoner at 114 years, Fauja Singh who smashed many age group world records is splashed across the front pages of all newspapers.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members of Axiom-4 mission to return to earth today.
- President Droupadi Murmu to attend annual convocation of Ravenshaw University at Cuttack in Odisha today.
- India achieves 50 percent clean energy capacity five years ahead of target.
- Delhi government sets 20-day pollution clearance deadline for Green Category industries to boost ease of doing business.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to attend SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting at Tianjin in China today.
- In cricket, England beat India by 22 runs in 3rd Test to take 2-1 lead in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
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