Heavy to very heavy rainfall to continue in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim & North Odisha during next two days: IMD
ECI begins review of poll preparedness in Telangana
Asian Games: India bags 69 medals; Lovlina Borgohain and Neeraj Chopra to play for gold
US House of Representative Speaker Kevin McCarthy ousted in a historic vote
PM SVANidhi scheme achieves momentous milestone of covering over 50 lakh street vendors, says Ministry of Housing of Urban Affairs
Assam govt to begin process for Socio-Economic Assessment of five indigenous Muslim communities
World Bank lowers Bangladesh’s growth projection for FY24
Punjab: Dhar police station in Pathankot district declared drug free
Rain continues in northern parts of Kerala; Widespread damage reported in Thiruvananthapuram
World Bank retains India's GDP growth at 6.3 % for 2023-24 despite global headwinds
THE HEADLINES:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the closing ceremony of 400th birth anniversary celebration of Assam's legendary war hero Lachit Barphukan in New Delhi today.
Election campaigning intensifies in Gujarat; leaders across political parties make every effort to woo the voters.
India’s proposal for enhanced protection to Leith’s softshell turtle adopted at wildlife summit in Panama.
In FIFA world cup today, Wales will take on Iran, Qatar will clash with Senegal and the Netherlands will lock horns with Ecuador.
In Cricket, first ODI between India and New Zealand underway at Auckland; DD Sports, Freedish and other DTH platforms broadcast the match live.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the closing ceremony of the 400th birth anniversary celebration of Ahom General Lachit Barphukan in New Delhi today. The Prime Minister greeted the nation on the occasion of Lachit Diwas yesterday. In a message, Mr Modi said, this Lachit Diwas is special because it marks the 400th birth anniversary of the great Ahom general Lachit Borphukan. He said Lachit Borphukon epitomised unparalleled courage, adding that he placed the well-being of people above everything else.
Lachit Barphukan was a famous General of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam, who defeated the Mughals and successfully halted the ever- expanding ambitions of the Mughals under Aurangzeb. Lachit Barphukan inspired the Assamese soldiers in the Battle of Saraighat fought in 1671, and delivered a crushing and humiliating defeat to the Mughals.
Yesterday, participating in the 400th birth anniversary celebration of Lachit Barphukan in New Delhi, Union Home minister Amit Shah asked the students of history to do research on 30 dynasties who have ruled for atleast 150 years in different parts of the country. He said that the time has come to revisit the course of history for the larger benefit of the people. Mr. Shah urged the Assam Chief Minister to get the books on Lachit Barphukan translated in atleast 10 languages.
People of Assam last night lit earthen lamps across the state following the appeal of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as a tribute to Lachit.
Talking to AIR News, Rajya Sabha member and Political Secretary to the Assam Chief Minister Pabitra Margherita hoped that this initiative of the Assam government would help in spreading the heroics of Lachit Barphukan.
In Gujarat, a high voltage election campaign is taking place in the state as just few days are left for the campaigning for the first phase of the Assembly elections. Senior BJP leader and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold public meetings in Mahuda, Jalod, Waghara and Naroda and lead a road show in Nandod today. Union Minister Smriti Irani will also address two public meetings in Valsad district. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will campaign for the party candidates among the Odia people in Surat. Union Minister Purushottam Rupala will address five election rallies in Navsari, Dang and Surat districts.
On the other hand, senior Congress leaders Rajeev Shukla and Alok Sharma will address press conferences in Ahmedabad today.
Meanwhile, senior leader of Aam Aadmi Party and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Man is also scheduled to hold road shows at various places.
Our correspondent reports that a total of 167 candidates, out of the 788 contesting for the 89 seats in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election have criminal cases against them. A report issued by the Association for Democratic Reforms-ADR based on the affidavit submitted by the candidates reveals that nearly 100 of them have been facing serious charges like murder and rape.
"The Aam Aadmi Party tops this list among major political parties in the fray with 36 percent of its candidates facing criminal cases. Thirty percent of the party's candidates have declared criminal cases of serious nature against themselves. Thirty-five percent of the candidates fielded by the Congress party have criminal cases against them, out of which 20 percent are facing serious criminal cases. The ruling BJP party, which is contesting from all the seats in the first phase of elections has fielded 16 percent candidates with criminal records. While 12 percent have serious allegations. With Aparna Khunt, Jitendra Dwivedi, AIR News, Surat. "
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will address the valedictory session of the UNESCO- India-Africa Hackathon 2022 as a Chief Guest at the Gautam Buddha University in Uttar Pradesh today. The Hackathon was inaugurated on 22nd of this month. This annual 36 hours event is a symbol of the close relation cherished by India and its African counterparts and embodies the spirit of collaboration to tackle the common challenges. The Hackathon provides a suitable platform allowing young innovators to find solutions for social, environmental and technical problems. The participating students get a chance to explore new technologies to solve real-world problems under the guidance of experts. It also serves as the foundation for creating potential start-ups.
Fire broke out in Chandni Chowk area of the national capital last night. Delhi Fire department said around 45 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. It said all efforts are on to bring the fire under control. The Fire Department has urged commuters to avoid roads and surrounding areas near Chandni Chowk and Bhagirath Palace in view of the fire.
India has strengthened protection to Leith’s Soft-shelled Turtle under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES. India’s proposal for transferring Leith’s Softshell Turtle from Appendix II to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora has been adopted by the Conference of Parties to CITES in its 19th Meeting at Panama. This will ensure that legal international trade in the species does not take place for commercial purposes. It will also ensure that international trade in captive-bred specimens only takes place from registered facilities and higher penalties are provided for illegal trade of the species.
The proposal was introduced by Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Environment Ministry, Chandra Prakash Goyal on 23rd November when the Committee I of CoP took up the proposal for consideration.
"Leith’s Softshell Turtle is a large fresh water soft-shelled turtle which is endemic to peninsular India and it inhabits rivers and reservoirs. The turtle species has been subject to intensive exploitation over the past 30 years. It has been poached and illegally consumed within India. It has also been illegally traded abroad for meat. The population of this turtle species is estimated to have declined by 90 percent over the past 30 years. The species is now difficult to find. It is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Suparna Saikia, AIR News, Delhi."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Anwar Ibrahim on his election as the new Prime Minister of Malaysia. Mr Modi in a tweet said he looks forward to working closely together to further strengthen India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Mr Anwar Ibrahim took the oath of office in a simple ceremony at the national palace yesterday. He has been Deputy Prime Minister of the country in the 1990s.
The second edition of ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa concluded with the award ceremony of the “53-Hour Challenge”. The competition provided a challenge to the 75 Creative Minds selected from all over the country to produce a short film on their idea of India@100, all in 53 hours.
"The competition was launched on Monday, by Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur. During the tight deadline, 5 short films were made. From the shoot, to the final film delivery, the filmmakers worked non-stop, to bring their scripts to life. The film ‘Dear Diary’ made by the Team Purple, has been adjudged as the best movie. The other four films made under the competition are Antardrishti, The Ring, Almost and Sau Ka Note. All five films will be telecast across India on Shorts TV on Sunday at 9 PM. Ashok Shukla. AIR News, Goa."
In the FIFA World Cup, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scripted World Cup history as Portugal kicked off their campaign with a 3-2 win over Ghana in a thrilling Group H match at Stadium 974, Doha in Qatar last night. After a goalless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a penalty to become the first man to score at five World Cups in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022. Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana, but Joao Felix and Rafael Leao scored their first World Cup goals to put Portugal 3-1 up.
In the Group 'G' match, Brazil began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia. The match between Uruguay and South Korea ended in a goalless draw. In another match, Switzerland defeated Cameroon, 1-0 in their opening game.
"Five-time champions Brazil have announced their arrival in style. After failing to break the Serbian defence for more than an hour, Richarlison scored twice in nine minutes to hand Brazil a comfortable win in the end. Vinicius Jr was involved in both the goals. In fact he played a role of schemer. Sabian goalkeeper had also made some decent saves but, all in vein. Brazil's decision to go with four forwards - Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha and Richarlison - in the attacking lineup paid off handsomely as the South Americans dominated the match and made Serbia work hard every time they went forward. Vinicius used his acceleration to good effect to constantly beat his man while Neymar, playing in a free role, but a well-drilled Serbian defence kept Brazil at bay in the first half. In another match Portugal, almost, crumbling in the end and managed to register a win against Ghana 3-2. Portuguese captain Ronaldo becomes the first player to score in five different editions of the World Cup after he converts penalty. What a style to take the shot, He literally mesmerised the goalkeeper. With a fluid swing of his right foot when he hits the ball exactly the way he wants to hit it, it sounds like music. The ball simply flew and burst the net. With Pratyush Ghosh, Anupam Mishra, Sports Desk."
Today, Wales will take on Iran, Qatar will clash with Senegal and the Netherlands will lock horns with Ecuador.
In Cricket, India were 101 for no loss in 20 overs against New Zealand in the first ODI of three-match series at Eden Park in Auckland this morning. The hosts won the toss and decided to field first. Shikhar Dhawan is leading the ODI team, in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul. Team India's spirits are high as the Men in Blue clinched the three-match T20 series against New Zealand 1-0 recently. The ODI matches are available on DD Sports, Freedish and other DTH platforms.
TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE:
Many newspapers have covered the Lachit Barphukan Birth anniversary celebrations. The Statesman writes "Kiren Rijiju, Assam CM recall legendary warrior Lachit Barphukan. Prime Minister to address closing ceremony".
The Times of India quotes Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Places of Worship Act as saying "No law above judicial scrutiny".
"Ex-ISI boss Munir is Pakistan army chief, played role in Pulwama" states The Tribune.
"Verify Aadhaar before accepting it as proof of identity, says UIDAI" writes the Business Standard.
"Ukraine works to restore power after devastating strikes" reports The Pioneer.
And finally, "Ronaldo creates theatre, history as Portugal edge past Ghana in breathless thriller" reports The Indian Express.
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
And, in Cricket, first ODI between India and New Zealand underway at Auckland; DD Sports, Freedish and other DTH platforms broadcast the match live.