THE HEADLINES :-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Combined Commanders Conference at Indian Army’s Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata today.
- Prime Minister to launch several development projects worth more than 40,000 crore rupees at Purnea, in Bihar this afternoon.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approves ‘Defence Procurement Manual 2025’ to fast track Procurement and support domestic industry.
- Leaders of Arab-Islamic countries to hold emergency meeting today in response to Israel’s recent strikes in Qatar.
- In Cricket, India thrash Pakistan by 7 wickets in Asia Cup at Dubai; Skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicates the victory to Indian Armed forces.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Combined Commanders Conference at the Indian Army’s Eastern Command Headquarters, Vijay Durg in Kolkata today. The Conference will continue till 17th September. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present in the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kolkata on Sunday evening and spent the night at Raj Bhawan in Kolkata. Technological advancements, coordination among the three branches of the armed forces, modernization and other aspects will be discussed in the backdrop of the present political situation of the world in the three day long Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several development projects worth more than 40,000 crore rupees at Purnea district in poll-bound state, Bihar today. More from our correspondent:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting at Sheesha Bari in Purnea and inaugurate several developmental projects for the state. The Prime Minister will launch flight services from the newly constructed Purnea Airport. He will also inaugurate the National Makhana Board, which will benefit the Makhana-producing farmers from the region. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for railway projects worth more than 6,000 crore rupees in Bihar. He will also lay the foundation stone of a railway line between Vikramshila and Kataria, to be built at a cost of around 2,200 crore rupees, providing direct rail connectivity across the Ganga River. Mr. Modi will flag off a new Vande Bharat Express between Danapur and Jogbani, and also inaugurate two Amrit Bharat trains. To promote self-reliance in Bihar’s power sector, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the 2,400 MW Pirpainti Thermal Power Project, which will involve a private sector investment of 25,000 crore rupees. In addition, he will lay the foundation stone for the first phase of the Kosi-Mechi River Interlinking Project, which will greatly help in flood control and enhancing irrigation facilities. Dharmendra Kumar Rai, Akashvani News, Purnea.
<><><>
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India will become a nation of thirty trillion dollar economy by 2047. Mr Goyal said this during an interactive session at the annual conclave of a private media organization in New Delhi yesterday. Stressing on inflation being in control under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Minister said that cost controlling was the Government’s priority when it came to power in 2014. Mr Goyal said that the Reserve Bank of India was mandated to continuously monitor India’s fiscal and monetary policy. The Minister also highlighted government’s effort to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He underlined the Next Generation GST reforms have reduced hassle and simplified the taxation system.
<><><>
On this Independence Day from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Next Generation of GST reforms. The Prime Minister’s vision of creating a more efficient and citizen friendly economy was realised as the GST Council on 3rd September approved rates rationalisation with a focus on the common man. The Council has simplified the indirect tax system into a two-tier structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent from a four-tier structure of 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. These reforms have reduced tax rates in many sectors easing the life of citizens. Today we look at the reforms undertaken for medical devices and medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy, which will come into effect from 22nd of this month.
The GST Council on 3rd of this month announced a series of Next Generation GST reforms, providing a big relief to the common man through the significant tax reduction in the healthcare sector. The Council has reduced the tax rate from 12 percent to 5 percent on various medicines related to ayurveda, unani and homoeopathy. Also, the New GST rates on devices for medical, dental and veterinary needs have been brought down to 5 per cent from earlier 18 per cent. Additionally, tax rate on medical grade oxygen has been slashed down from 12 percent to 5 percent. The reduction of GST on medicines is expected to ease the burden on hospitals which will benefit patients, especially families with low income. The new rates on medical devices will support domestic manufacturing in the pharma and medical equipment sectors, making healthcare more accessible. With Dilnashi Arzoo, Drishti for Akashvani News, Delhi.
<><><>
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Defence Procurement Manual 2025 to expedite revenue procurement for the Services, enable the domestic industry through simplified processes, promote innovation, and support enterprise. In a statement, the Defence Ministry said that the revised document will cater to the emerging requirements of the Armed Forces in the era of modern warfare. It will foster jointness among the three Services and help in maintaining the highest level of military preparedness through expeditious decision making.
<><><>
The Supreme Court will pronounce its interim order today, regarding the power to denotify properties declared as waqf by courts, waqf by user, or waqf by deed. This issue arose during the hearing of pleas challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih had reserved the order on May 22 after marathon arguments over three days, starting on May 20.
<><><>
Guided by the mantra of Seva and Sushasan, that is, Public Service and Good Governance, the Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been working tirelessly to bring transformation and progress. Today, in this Special Series- “Seva Parv”, we bring to you, how Modi government has positively transformed our Environment and Biodiversity. A report:
From the whisper of ancient Vedic wisdom- ‘The Earth is our mother and we are her children’, India’s journey towards environmental harmony unfolds as a living tapestry. Over the last 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ancient wisdom has been turned into strong and practical action.
From Project Tiger and Project Lion to the ambitious Project Cheetah, the nation has strengthened habitats and restored species once thought lost. Today, India hosts the largest wild tiger population in the world. Asiatic lion population has risen to 891, marking a significant 70 per cent rise in their population during the last decade. While Cheetahs returned to the country after seven decades, giving birth to new cubs on Indian soil as part of the pioneering Project Cheetah.
Our wetlands, often called the earth’s kidneys, are also receiving renewed attention. India now has 91 Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia, safeguarding migratory birds and fragile ecosystems.
On the ground, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign has seen over 142 crore trees planted, weaving ecology with emotion. Meanwhile, forest cover has steadily expanded, adding to India’s natural carbon sink. Through clear policies, public participation, the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working to build a greener, healthier and more secure future for everyone.
<><><>
Leaders from Arab-Islamic nations are meeting today to discuss a possible joint response to Israel’s recent strike in Doha that killed six people, including five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer.
Among the leaders attending will be Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also be in Doha, but his presence at the meeting is yet to be confirmed.
<><><>
India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last night, extending their unbeaten run and moving closer to a Super Fours berth.Pakistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, crumbled to a meager 126 all out in 19.3 overs. We have a report:
“In his post-match remarks, Captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to India’s armed forces, referencing the Pahalgam terror attack. He said the team stood with the victims’ families and expressed solidarity with military personnel engaged in operations.
The win followed India’s dominant performance against the UAE, where they bowled out the hosts for just 57 runs. With a spot in the Super 4s nearly secured, India aim to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their combinations ahead of the knockout stages. Vinod Kumar for Akashvani news dubai.
<><><>
The Indian women’s hockey team put up a spirited performance in the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Hangzhou, finishing with a proud silver medal. Despite a tough 1-4 result against hosts China in the final yesterday, the team’s journey to the title clash highlighted their determination, teamwork, and rising stature in Asian hockey.
India made a dream start when Navneet Kaur scored in the very first minute through a penalty corner. China, however, equalised in the 21st minute through captain Ou Zixia. Both teams went into halftime locked at 1-1. China then sealed the match with two quick goals in the final quarter to finish 4-1 winners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on securing a Silver Medal. In a social media post, the Prime Minister lauded the team’s performance, saying that their determination and team spirit are simply outstanding. He said that the Indian Women’s Hockey Team has made the nation proud.
<><><>
India’s Anandkumar Velkumar made history by winning country’s first-ever senior medal at the Speed Skating World Championships, claiming bronze in the 500m+ D sprint. The achievement comes just weeks after he won another bronze in the 1000m sprint at the World Games in Chengdu, China, also a first for India.
<><><>
FOR A LOOK AT TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS :-
- In an effort to advance the recent improvement in their ties, Hindustan Times writes about New Delhi and Washington planning a high level meeting “Jaishankar and Rubio could meet on UNGA sidelines.”
- The Economic Times says “The International Finance corporation plans to double down on India investments in next five years.”
- The Pioneer cites about a first of its kind test under the headline “Testing the best: Baghpat police conducts exam to assess cops skill” titled ‘Baudhik Kshamata Pareeksha’.
- The Hindu refers to the latest Sample Registration System statistical report which notes West Bengal has the highest proportion of females getting married before the age of 18.
- Finally, The Tribune on its front page writes about two Haryana districts celebrating their daughters who delivered sporting glory for the nation by bringing two golds at the World Boxing Championship.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Combined Commanders Conference at Indian Army’s Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata today.
- Prime Minister to launch several development projects worth more than 40,000 crore rupees at Purnea, in Bihar this afternoon.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approves ‘Defence Procurement Manual 2025’ to fast track Procurement and support domestic industry.
- Leaders of Arab-Islamic countries to hold emergency meeting today in response to Israel’s recent strikes in Qatar.
- In Cricket, India thrash Pakistan by 7 wickets in Asia Cup at Dubai; Skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicates the victory to Indian Armed forces.
<><><>
For details of these stories and more, log on to our website
www.newsonair.gov.in and News On Air App.
<><><>