Akashvani , National news, All India Radio News

THE HEADLINES:

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urges BRICS countries to make sincere efforts to reform UN Security Council and combat terrorism.

• India conducts successful training launch of Agni-1 ballistic missile.

• UPI hits record 9 billion transactions worth 14 lakh crore rupees .

• In Hockey, India lift Men’s Junior Asia Cup for fourth time, defeating Pakistan in Oman.

• Lakshya Sen and Kiran George progress to Men's Singles quarterfinals of Thailand Open Badminton tournament in Bangkok.

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called upon the BRICS nations to demonstrate their sincerity in reforming multilateral institutions including that of the United Nations Security Council. Addressing the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Capetown in South Africa yesterday, Mr Jaishankar said, the global environment today, demands that the BRICS nations approach the key contemporary issues seriously, constructively and collectively. He said, the gathering must send out a strong message that the world is multipolar, that it is rebalancing, and that old ways cannot address new situations.

The External Affairs Minister said, India undertook the Voice of the Global South exercise to place several issues before the G20. He said, India urge that BRICS gives it a particular consideration and promote the economic decentralization that is so essential to political democratization.

Mr Jaishankar said, all nations must take resolute measures against the menace of terrorism including its financing and propaganda.

The five-nation grouping BRICS which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa brings together the largest developing countries of the world.

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Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will be on a two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh starting today. State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will receive Mr Dahal at the airport.

"Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will visit to Mahakaal in Ujjain after arriving Indore. Shri Prachanda will take stock of the work of the Solid Waste Management Plant along with the discussion about the cleanliness drive of Indore. Indore has been ranked cleanliness city of India first for six consecutive years. Shri Prachanda will visit TCS and Infosys Special Economic Zone in Indore tomorrow. There will also be cultural presentations focusing on the art and culture of Madhya Pradesh in honour of the Prime Minister Prachand. Sanjeev Sharma, Akashvani News, Bhopal."

The Nepalese Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday on a four-day visit to India. The Visiting dignitary held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the talks, India and Nepal signed seven agreements in various fields. The Nepal Prime Minister also called on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar last evening.

Briefing media, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, Nepal occupies a very special place under India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy'.

The Foreign Secretary said, during their talks, Prime Minister Modi and his Nepal counterpart engaged in comprehensive, constructive and future-oriented discussions directed towards taking the bilateral relationship forward. He said the discussions and outcomes covered the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

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India conducted a successful training launch of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-1 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha yesterday. The launch was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command. Defence Ministry said, the missile is a proven system, capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision. It said, the user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the people of Manipur that the Central Government will firmly stand to safeguard the territorial integrity of the State. Briefing media in Imphal yesterday, the Union Home Minister said, the Centre has always stood for the territorial integrity of Manipur and this has not changed. He said, however, the priority of the Government at present is to restore normalcy and communal harmony in the State. 

The Union Minister also announced a relief package for the kin of those who lost their lives in the violent incident.

Mr Shah said, those carrying weapons must surrender before the police. He said, combing operations will start soon and if weapons are found with anyone, strict actions will be taken.

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As the NDA Government completes nine years in office, Akashvani News brings a series of special stories on the initiatives taken by the government. Today, we take a look at the Agnipath scheme for recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces.

"AGNIPATH allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The youth selected under this scheme are known as Agniveers. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh announced the Agnipath scheme on 14th June last year.

This scheme recruits soldiers into the three defence services - Armed Force, Indian Navy and Air Force. The recruits undergo training for six months and serve for the remaining period. After four years, they can apply for regular employment in the armed forces. Main aim of the scheme is to make the Army a future-ready fighting force, capable of meeting multiple challenges across the full spectrum of conflict. Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi."

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The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) registered record nine billion transactions last month amounting to over 14 lakh crore rupees. According to the National Payments Corporation of India NPCI, UPI recorded a total of 9.41 billion transactions in May 2023. UPI had recorded 8 billion transactions in January this year, followed by 7.5 billion in February, 8.7 billion in March, and 8.89 billion in April. In Financial Year 2022-23, the payment system processed a total of 83 billion transactions, amounting to a value of 139 lakh crore rupees.

India's homegrown payments system Unified Payments Interface is one of the globally accepted payment systems and has emerged as a trusted payment mode ever since its launch in 2016.

In monthly Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded country's digital strides, asserting that small online payments are helping build a big digital economy. He said, digital transactions are not only increasing facilities but also encouraging an environment of honesty.

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Telangana is celebrating its Formation Day today. Union Culture and Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the two-day festivities with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the historic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Reddy said, the people's aspirations have not been fulfilled during the past 9 years and the state has become debt ridden and place of corruption. He assured that the Centre stand by people of Telangana and support the development of the state. 

Cultural performances will be held in the evening. The celebrations will be in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

The Ministry of Culture, said it is celebrating the Telangana Formation Day at the Golconda Fort under the aegis of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Ministry said the celebration is part of the Narendra Modi government's efforts to commemorate the legacy of martyrs who were part of the statehood movement and celebrate the rich culture of Telangana. The activities to be held include a march past, photograph and painting exhibition and classical dance performances. The public will also have the opportunity to witness performances by renowned Telugu singers. The day will conclude with a spectacular performance by renowned singer Shankar Mahadevan.

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President Droupadi Murmu has greeted people of Telangana on their Statehood Day. In a tweet, the President said, endowed with forests and wildlife, Telangana is also uniquely blessed with a rich cultural heritage and talented people. She said, this beautiful state is emerging as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. President Murmu conveyed best wishes for the continued growth and prosperity of Telangana.

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In Hockey, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan, 2-1 in a thrilling final match to clinch the title of Men's Junior Asia Cup at Salalah in Oman last night.  This was India’s fourth title at Men's Junior Asia Cup, having won it previously in 2004, 2008 and 2015. With the title win, India have become the most successful country in the history of the tournament. Pakistan are the second-most successful team in the tournament with three titles but their last win came 27 years ago in 1996.

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In Badminton, Indian shuttlers Lakshya Sen and Kiran George have progressed to the quarterfinals of Men's Singles of Thailand Open in Bangkok. Lakshya defeated fourth seeded Li Shi Feng of China. He will face qualifier Leong Jun Hao of Malaysia in the last eight this afternoon.

Kiran overpowered world number 26, Weng Hong Yang of China. He will face Toma Junior Popov of France in the last eight clash this afternoon.

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TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE:

• The dailies lead with the news of launching of several projects between India and Nepal. “Will take India-Nepal ties to Himalayan heights” Hindustan Times quotes the Prime Minister.

• GST collections crossing 1.5 lakh crore rupees for the fifth time, up 11.5% in May, has been mentioned by all the dailies today.

• Quoting the Home Minister, The Hindu writes “Judicial panel to probe Manipur violence”, adding “the CBI will also begin investigation.”

• The Economic Times notes “Major players looking at India as next chip-making destination” for a supportive ecosystem in semiconductor manufacturing.

• Emphasising on reducing the content load, the NCERT has removed topics on periodic classification of elements from science text book, writes The Tribune.

• And Finally, The Prime Minister lauds the initiative of the Times of India on its Tiger Anthem towards highlighting the importance of tiger conservation, which has garnered over four crore views since its launch.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN: 

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urges BRICS countries to make sincere efforts to reform UN Security Council and combat terrorism.

• India conducts successful training launch of Agni-1 ballistic missile.

• UPI hits record 9 billion transactions worth 14 lakh crore rupees .

• In Hockey, India lift Men’s Junior Asia Cup for fourth time, defeating Pakistan in Oman.

• And, Lakshya Sen and Kiran George progress to Men's Singles quarterfinals of Thailand Open Badminton tournament in Bangkok.

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