Morning News

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meeting amid growing tensions in West Asia.
Prime Minister Modi also discusses West Asia situation with UAE President and Israeli Prime Minister.
External Affairs Ministry advises foreign nationals in India to contact Foreigners Regional Registration Office for any Visa assistance.
US military confirms destruction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard headquarters in large-scale strike; Nine Iranian naval vessels sunk, claims President Trump.
Prime Minister Modi to hold delegation-level talks with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney in New Delhi today.
In Cricket, India storm into semi-final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beating West Indies by 5 wickets in Kolkata.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence yesterday. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the CCS – the nation’s top decision-making body on security and strategic affairs. The meeting came in the wake of rapidly evolving global situation arising from the escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing situation in West Asia. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that he conveyed India’s concerns over the recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority.

Mr Modi also spoke with President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Prime Minister strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. The Prime Minister said, India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times.

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Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory asking foreign nationals in India who have been affected by the ongoing security situation in West Asia to approach the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office for assistance with visa extensions or regularisation of stay. The advisory comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia which have led to widespread travel disruptions, airspace closures and operational uncertainties across the region. India has also issued separate travel and safety advisories for its citizens in the region. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has urged Indian nationals to exercise “utmost caution,” avoid non-essential travel, remain close to designated shelters and follow official updates. A 24/7 helpline has been activated for emergency assistance. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, expressing India’s concerns over regional stability and discussing the evolving situation.

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The Civil Aviation Ministry has said that the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) under the Ministry is actively addressing grievances and queries of air travellers in view of the ongoing developments in West Asia. In a social media post, the Ministry informed that the Control Room has resolved 411 passenger grievances during the ongoing situation, in coordination with airlines and airport operators. It further advised that passengers can reach out for support through the Ministry’s official social media platforms, the AirSewa portal, or by contacting the helpline numbers 011-24 60 42 83 and 011-24 63 29 87.

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The US military has confirmed the destruction of the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a large-scale strike. US military’s has also informed that 3 US service members have been killed, while 5 were seriously wounded during the US operations against Iran. In a social media post, the US Central Command said as part of Operation Epic Fury, several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions, and are in the process of being returned to duty. Meanwhile, in a video posted to his Truth Social account, US President Donald Trump has warned that attacks on Iran will continue until all of America’s objectives are achieved and has promised to avenge the deaths of three American soldiers. Trump said that he has been informed that 9 Iranian Naval Ships have destroyed and sunk, with some of them relatively large and important. Trump further informed that in a different attack, the US largely destroyed Iran’s Naval Headquarters.

Israeli military also reported conducting strikes on dozens of Iranian military command centres, including those belonging to the IRGC, intelligence headquarters, IRGC Air Force command centres, and internal security headquarters. The joint US-Israeli operations continued yesterday, following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Explosions occurred in Tehran last night, with Israel stating that its attacks targeted the heart of the capital. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at Israel, US military installations in the Gulf region, the Saudi capital, and Dubai.

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The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany have slammed Iran’s missile attacks calling it indiscriminate and disproportionate. In a joint statement the leaders of E3 countries have extended their support to the US. The E3 leaders said they are ready to take steps to defend their interests in the region after missile attacks by Iran. The statement further said they have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posted a video message saying he has granted permission to the United States to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles. The comments came hours after the UK said a Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter shot down an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.

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Global oil prices have jumped after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran over the weekend. Brent crude and Nymex light sweet oil both jumped by more than 10 percent when energy markets opened this morning in Asia. Brent crude was up by almost 9 percent at 79.30 dollars a barrel, while Nymex was around 8.5 percent higher at 72.70 dollars.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney will hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi today. Both leaders will review the progress achieved till date across diverse areas of the India-Canada Strategic Partnership. They will also take stock of ongoing cooperation in key pillars including trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, agriculture, education, research, and innovation, and people-to-people ties. The two leaders will exchange views on regional and global developments. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney will also attend the India-Canada CEOs Forum this afternoon.

The Canadian Prime Minister, who assumed office in March last year, is on his first full-fledged bilateral visit to India. Canada is a key strategic partner of India and one of India’s most important partners in North America, with strong ties in trade, technology, education, and people-to-people relations. India and Canada engage in dialogue and cooperation on global security issues, including counter-terrorism, cyber security, and regional stability. India and Canada share a growing partnership in the energy sector, encompassing both conventional and renewable energy resources. With Canada’s vast natural resources and India’s expanding energy demand, energy cooperation remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. The meeting between the leaders today will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the positive momentum in ties and shared vision of India and Canada in building a forward-looking partnership. Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi.

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Canadian Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi yesterday after a productive Mumbai leg. In a social media post, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed that Mr Carney was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada and was also accorded a ceremonial static guard reception.

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President Droupadi Murmu will launch the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana today at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in the national capital. The existing Ladli Scheme has been expanded and restructured into the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana. We have a report:

Under the previous structure, 11 thousand rupees was deposited in the name of each eligible girl child in case of an institutional birth and ten thousand rupees in case of a home birth. Additionally, five thousand rupees was deposited at key educational milestones admission to Classes one, six and nine, passing Class 10th, and admission to Class 12th. The Chief Minister clarified that under the new scheme, both the financial assistance and the overall vision have been significantly enhanced. The scheme will benefit families with an annual income not exceeding 1 lakh 20 thousand rupees and who have been residing in Delhi for the past three years. The girl child must have been born in Delhi. The Chief Minister stated that the scheme is inspired by the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which seeks to place daughters at the centre of nation-building through education, dignity and self-reliance. With Dipendra Kumar, Vishnu PS for Akashvani News, Delhi.

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In Cricket, India stormed into the semi-final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beating West Indies by 5 wickets in a must-win Super Eight clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata last night. Chasing a target of 196 runs set by the West Indies, Sanju Samson’s unbeaten innings of 97 runs off just 50 balls helped Men in Blue to chase the target with 4 balls remaining. He was also adjudged Player of the Match. Earlier, after being invited to bat first, West Indies made 195 runs at the loss of 4 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Roston Chase scored highest 40 runs. For India, Jasprit Bumrah bagged 2 wickets.

India will now face England in the second semifinal match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Before that, South Africa will take on New Zealand in the first semifinal clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

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In our bilingual live phone-in programme “Public Speak” at 9.30 PM today, we will bring an insightful discussion on Importance of Organ Donation. During the programme, listeners can ask questions on the subject.

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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE,

The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Iran’s Supreme leader for nearly four decades is covered prominently by most of the dailies. “Tehran rocked as Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes” leads The Asian Age. The paper adds “Modi chairs CCS meet as Mideast conflict escalates”.
“Missiles in sky, fear on phone: 10 million Indian diaspora faces war” says The Indian Express.
“Modi speaks to UAE President, condemns attack by Tehran” reports The Tribune.
“Turbulence in the skies” headlines Financial Express, about the after effects of the war raging in West Asia. The paper says “Indian carriers cancel 750 flights in two days, thousands stranded”.
The Hindustan Times in its editorial page writes, “Spectre of a regional war”. The paper says “The conflict in West Asia has ramifications for India’s economic and strategic interests.” The paper further adds that “West Asia is facing one of the most volatile moments in its recent history following the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, which triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran that targeted Israel and military bases in several Arab countries used by the US forces.”
“Sanju’s 97 not out seals India’s semifinal berth” writes The Pioneer about India’s T20 World Cup super eight Match against the West Indies.
And finally, in Women’s Cricket, “Captain Alyssa Heally bows out on a high as Aussies complete sweep” against India, reports The Hindu.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meeting amid growing tensions in West Asia.
Prime Minister Modi also discusses West Asia situation with UAE President and Israeli Prime Minister.
External Affairs Ministry advises foreign nationals in India to contact Foreigners Regional Registration Office for any Visa assistance.
US military confirms destruction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard headquarters in large-scale strike; Nine Iranian naval vessels sunk, claims President Trump.
Prime Minister Modi to hold delegation-level talks with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney in New Delhi today.
In Cricket, India storm into semi-final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beating West Indies by 5 wickets in Kolkata.