THE HEADLINES:

• Prime Minister  Narendra Modi says, every citizen should have Ease of Access to  government scheme to fulfil dreams of New India; Inaugurates Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi and launches NIRYAT portal.

• All development projects to be completed in the stipulated time period, asserts Mr Modi.

• 14th edition of BRICS Summit begins today; Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend virtually.

• Home Minister Amit Shah calls for adopting modern banking system in cooperative banks.

• Political crisis deepens in Maharashtra; rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde claims more MLAs will join his team.

• Voting underway for Bye-elections to three Lok Sabha and seven assembly seats. 

• Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says his Government will hold Donor Conference with India, Japan and China to tackle the financial crisis. 

• And, in the Ranji Trophy Final, Mumbai were all out for 374 runs in their first innings against Madhya Pradesh at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasised that to fulfil dreams of New India, it is important that every citizen should have Ease of Access to every government scheme. Inaugurating the new premises of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, Mr Modi said, the bridge between Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business is Ease of Access. He said, benefits of government schemes should reach everyone with ease of access and this is the only path to 'Sabka Vikas'.

The Prime Minister said, to respect every tax payer, the government is ensuring timely culmination of developmental  and infrastructural projects. He said, PM GatiShakti is a tech-led initiative that is now helping us in real-time monitoring of infrastructure projects, thus adding pace to development of the country.

Mr Modi said, today, India is ranked 46th in the Global Innovation Index and continuously improving. He said, despite every challenge like the collapse of the global supply chain, India exported goods worth 50 lakh crore rupees.

The Prime Minister said, New India's new SOP is that all development projects will now be completed in a stipulated time period.

Mr Modi also launched National Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade NIRYAT Portal. The Prime Minister said, the New Vanijya Bhawan and NIRYAT Portal represent the aspirations of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Mr Modi said, the New Vanijya Bhawan will create new aspirations that will be supported by ease of doing business which will lead to ease of living.

Our correspondent reports, the new portal, NIRYAT  has been developed as a one-stop platform for stakeholders to get all necessary information related to India’s foreign trade. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said, this is a digital building and it will not have the typical pile of papers. He said, the building is an example of whole of government approach.

Constructed near India Gate, the Vanijya Bhawan is designed as a smart building. It incorporates the principles of sustainable architecture with a special focus on energy saving. It will serve as an integrated and modern office complex. Vanijya Bhawan will be used by the two Departments under the Ministry, the Department of Commerce and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today attend the 14th BRICS Summit hosted by China. The summit will be held in virtual format under the theme of Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global Development. Chinese President Xi Jinping will also chair a High-Level Dialogue on Global Development with guest countries on the 24th of June which will be attended by the BRICS leaders and leaders of relevant emerging markets and developing countries. BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of common concern for all developing countries. BRICS countries have regularly called for reform of the multilateral system in order to make it more representative and inclusive.

Prior to the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also delivered a keynote speech virtually in the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum yesterday. Ahead of the virtual summit, India’s Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in which both discussed issues of mutual interest including the border issue and return of Indians to China. A report from our correspondent:

"14th BRICS Summit this year assumes importance as this will be the first BRICS Summit amid geopolitical tectonic shifts taking place due to Russia-Ukraine war and Russia – one of the BRICS members coming under severe economic sanctions by the US which has affected the BRICS countries and has the potential to upset the west centered world order. During the 14th BRICS Summit, deliberations are expected to be held in areas like terrorism, trade, health, traditional medicine, environment, Science & Technology, innovation and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. Discussions are also likely to be held on issues like reform of the multilateral system, combating COVID-19 pandemic and global economic recovery. India is the second-largest and the fastest growing economy in BRICS but it is still entangled in a protracted border standoff with Beijing. Indian Ambassador’s meeting with Chinese foreign minister on the eve of the summit therefore assumes importance as BRICS countries are trying to navigate through changing global security and economic scenario. Recently BRICS countries have made many agreements including in the fields of space cooperation and launch of BRICS vaccine R&D centre. BRICS New Development Bank has already added 4 new members and Russia and China have expressed their desire to expand the BRICS membership. Anshuman Mishra AIR NEWS BEIJING."

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NDA's Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu arrived in New Delhi today ahead of the filing of her nomination. She will file her nomination tomorrow. Ms Murmu was received by the BJP leaders at the airport on her arrival. Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha  will file his nomination on 27th of this month.

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Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today said that the Urban Cooperative Banks need to focus on symmetric development and adopt modern banking methods. He emphasized on transparency and inclusion of young professionals in the cooperative banks. Mr. Shah said this while addressing the National Conclave of Scheduled and Multi-State Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies on Future Role of Urban Cooperative Credit Sector in New Delhi. The Minister said, the cooperatives should do self-reflection  and reform to improve their functioning as per the changing times. Saying that cooperative is the only way for inclusive development in the country, Mr Shah asserted, the government is committed to address the issue of cooperative in the country. 

Mr Shah said, the Centre is in the process of establishing Cooperative University and Cooperative data bank.

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In Maharashtra, the political crisis continues as more Shivsena legislators have joined the party's rebel leader Eknath Shinde in Guwahati. Amidst claims and counter claims, it is learnt that five more MLAs reached Guwahati today. Yesterday, 40 Shiv Sena legislators as claimed by Mr. Shinde reached Guwahati from Surat. More from Our Mumbai Correspondent --

"Deepak Kesakar (MLA from Sawantwadi), Mangesh Kudalkar (Chembur) and Sada Sarvankar (Dadar) took a morning flight from Mumbai to Guwahati, a close associate of Eknath Shinde. He has support of more than 40 MLAs. Meanwhile, Shivsena rebel Sanjay Sirsat wrote letter on behalf of all MLA's to Chief Minister Udhhav Thackarey, stated that it is very embarassing that we are unable to meet Chief Minister directly. Doors of 'Varsha' bungalow was closed for them during last two and half years . Extremely abusive treatment to MLA's, Shirsat said in the letter.  NCP leader Jayant Patil, said that they are giving full support to CM Uddhav Thackarey. Shivsena group leader  Choudhary accepted Sanjay Shirsat letter and told that action will be taken. Bhavana Gokhale, AIR news, Mumbai".

Assam BJP leader and State Minister Ashok Singhal today visited the hotel in Guwahati where the Shivsena rebel MLAs are staying. The Eknath Shinde camp has claimed that more MLAs will join them. Mr. Shinde is holding meetings with his fellow legislators on the future course of action.

Meanwhile, members of the Assam Unit of Trinamool Congress held a protest outside the hotel where the Shivsena MLAs are staying.

On the other hand, NCP, a key constituent of the Maha Vikas Aaghadi Government, has called a meeting of its MLAs today. Talking to media persons, NCP leader Jayant Patil said, the MLAs would be briefed on the current developments at the meeting to be held at Y. B. Chavan Centre in Mumbai at 5 P.M.

Last evening, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had offered to resign. He said, he could make way for another Shivsena leader to become the Chief Minister. Later, Mr Thackery vacated 'Varsha', the official residence of the Chief Minister and returned to Matoshree, his family residence.

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Voting is  underway for bypolls to three Lok Sabha and seven Assembly seats. These seats are spread over Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Delhi.

Bypolls for the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat in Punjab was necessitated following the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after winning the Assembly Election from Dhuri constituency earlier this year.

Voting is taking place for two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. While the Rampur seat fell vacant after Azam Khan won the elections from the Rampur assembly seat, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav won the Karhal Assembly seat leaving the Azamgarh seat vacant.

In Delhi, polling for the Rajinder Nagar by-election is underway amid tight security, with total 14 candidates in the fray. 

In Tripura, voting is taking place for four assembly seats - Borodvali town, Agartala, Surma and Jubarajnagar.

In Andhra Pradesh, Atmakur assembly seat was vacated by the sudden demise of YSR Congress MLA Mekapati Goutham Reddy in February this year.

In Jharkhand, Mandar assembly constituency fell vacant after Bandhu Tirkey who had won the seat in 2019, was disqualified following his conviction in a disproportionate assets case.

The counting of votes will be taken up on June 26.

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Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO has successfully launched communication satellite GSAT-24 from Kourou in French Guiana early this morning. GSAT-24, built by ISRO for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), was launched by French company Arianespace. GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku band communication satellite weighing 4180 kg with pan-India coverage for meeting DTH application needs. It was the first demand driven communication satellite mission undertaken by NSIL post space sector reforms.

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In flood-hit Assam, rescue and relief operations have been intensified by the District Administrations. Official sources in Guwahati said that rescue operation has been carried out extensively in Barak valley among other places. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma undertook aerial survey of flood situation in Barak valley today. He will also hold meeting with senior officials.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Cachar district Keerthi Jalli said that all efforts are being made to provide food to flood-hit people. Helicopters have been pressed into service to provide relief materials. Nearly three thousand 700 persons have been shifted to higher places in the last 24 hours. Twelve persons lost their lives yesterday taking the death toll to 83 so far. Overall 54 lakh people are affected due to floods in 32 districts. Flood water also damaged standing crops and fisheries.

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In Uttar Pradesh, 11 people died while six others were seriously injured in a road accident in Pilibhit district. The accident took place in the wee hours today when a jeep carrying devotees from Haridwar collided with a tree near Gajraula on National Highway 730.

Six people lost their lives in another incident in Hamirpur district of the state last evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and sorrow over the incidents.

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The AIADMK Party General Council Meeting was held in Chennai today, amid differences between the supporters of its Coordinator O. Panneerselvam and co-coordinator Edappadi Palaniswamy over the leadership issue. The meeting today ended inconclusive. It has been announced by the Deputy Coordinator K. P. Munusamy that the General Council will again meet on  11th of July with the single point agenda of resolving the leadership issue.

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And now, let's listen to our special programme, 'Azadi ka Safar' highlighting the importance of the day during the freedom struggle.

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Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu today paid tributes to  devout nationalist, eminent statesman and educationist, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Death Anniversary. In a tweet, Mr Naidu said, Dr Mookerjee devoted his life towards strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, every Indian is indebted to Dr Mookerjee for his unparalleled efforts towards furthering India’s unity. In a tweet, he said, Dr Mookerjee worked hard for India’s progress and dreamt of a strong and prosperous nation.

Paying tributes, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee's life was a wonderful amalgamation of new ideas of national unity, cultural dedication, education and development.

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The News Services Division of All India Radio will bring an Exclusive interview with Executive Director of International Monetary Fund Dr Surjit Bhalla at 9.30 tonight.

In his interview with AIR News, Dr Surjit Bhalla, former Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council shared his perspective on what is behind the extraordinary political success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherein he has been the head of a government for 20 years running, first as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for three successive terms and for the last eight years as the prime minister of India.

In Modi @ 20 - Dreams meet Delivery, a compilation of chapters authored by eminent intellectuals and domain experts, Dr Bhalla has focused on the inclusive nature of the Modi Government in his chapter 'Success of people- centric policies'.

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Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayeed took oath as the 27th Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court today. Governor Rajendra Arlekar administered him the oath of office and secrecy at Raj Bhawan in Shimla. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur was present on the occasion along with some State Cabinet Ministers.

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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has told lawmakers that the country's debt-laden economy has completely collapsed after months of shortages of food, fuel and electricity. He told Parliament yesterday that the nation faces a very serious situation.

Mr Wickremesinghe said, Sri Lanka is unable to purchase imported fuel due to heavy debt owed by its petroleum corporation.

The Prime Minister also told Parliament that government will hold a Donor Conference with China, India and Japan, as the nation seeks overseas assistance to overcome the worst economic crisis since its independence.

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In the Ranji Trophy Final, Mumbai finished their first innings at 374 against Madhya Pradesh at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz Khan top-scored with 134 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal made 78 runs.

For Madhya Pradesh, Gaurav Yadav took four wickets while Anubhav Agarwal bagged three.

Madhya Pradesh were  23 for no loss when reports last came in.

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In Jammu and Kashmir, the Chamliyal Mela at the Indo-Pak International border in Ramgarh Tehsil of Samba district is being held today with full fervour and gaiety. Over two lakh devotees drawn from different parts of J&K, Punjab, Himachal and Haryana are expected to visit the holy shrine.

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Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the third consecutive day today even as over 600 Kashmir-bound stranded vehicles were cleared after road clearance operations and improvement of weather conditions.

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The Sensex and the Nifty today gained more than half a per cent in the afternoon trade. The two key domestic share indices appreciated amid mixed global cues. The Sensex was trading above the 52,000 mark. The Nifty was above the 15,500 level.

The Sensex at Bombay Stock Exchange climbed 308 points, or 0.59 per cent, to trade at 52,130. The Nifty at National Stock Exchange was trading 101 points, or 0.65 per cent, up to trade at 15,514, when reports last came in.

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Now, let us have a look at the weather forecast for today.

The National Capital Delhi will have a partly cloudy sky. The minimum temperature was 25 and the maximum will be around 38 degrees Celsius.

Mumbai will have generally cloudy sky with heavy rain. The minimum temperature was 24 and the maximum will be around 30 degrees Celsius.

Chennai will have generally cloudy sky with light rain. The minimum temperature was 27 and the maximum will be around 35 degrees Celsius.

Kolkata will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 27 and the maximum will be around 32 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar and Jammu will have mainly clear sky. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature was 10 and the maximum will be around 22 degrees Celsius. In Jammu, the minimum temperature was 19 and the maximum will be around 30 degrees Celsius.

Leh will have partly cloudy sky. The minimum temperature was 8 and the maximum will be around 22 degrees Celsius.

Gilgit will have partly cloudy sky. The minimum temperature was 13 and the maximum will be around 34 degrees Celsius.

Muzaffarabad will have mainly clear sky. The minimum temperature was 16 and the maximum will be around 32 degrees Celsius.

Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. In, Visakhapatnam, the minimum temperature was 28 and the maximum will be around 31 degrees Celsius. In Bengaluru, the minimum temperature was 20 and the maximum will be around 27 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was 28 and the maximum will be around 31 degrees Celsius.

Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. In Hyderabad, the minimum temperature was 23 and the maximum will be around 33 degrees Celsius. In Thiruvananthapuram, the minimum temperature was 25 and the maximum will be around 31 degrees Celsius.

Guwahati and Imphal will have generally cloudy sky with light rain or thundershowers. In Guwahati, the minimum temperature was 26 and the maximum will be around 35 degrees Celsius. In Imphal, the minimum temperature was 22 and the maximum will be around 29 degrees Celsius.

Agartala will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 26 and the maximum will be around 32 degrees Celsius.

Gangtok will have generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 17 and the maximum will be around 22 degrees Celsius.

Kohima will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 16 and the maximum will be around 25 degrees Celsius.

Shillong will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 16 and the maximum will be around 23 degrees Celsius.

Aizawl will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 18 and the maximum will be around 26 degrees Celsius.

Itanagar will have generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 21 and the maximum will be around 32 degrees Celsius. 

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN

• Prime Minister  Narendra Modi says, every citizen should have Ease of Access to  government scheme to fulfil dreams of New India; Inaugurates Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi and launches NIRYAT portal.

• All development projects to be completed in the stipulated time period, asserts Mr Modi.

• 14th edition of BRICS Summit begins today; Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend virtually.

• Home Minister Amit Shah calls for adopting modern banking system in cooperative banks.

• Political crisis deepens in Maharashtra; rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde claims more MLAs will join his team.

• Voting underway for Bye-elections to three Lok Sabha and seven assembly seats. 

• Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says his Government will hold Donor Conference with India, Japan and China to tackle the financial crisis. 

• And, in the Ranji Trophy Final, Mumbai were all out for 374 runs in their first innings against Madhya Pradesh at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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