THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for giving more opportunities to young lawmakers to present fresh perspective as Winter Session of Parliament begins.
- Government says, it is not averse to taking up discussion on SIR drive of electoral rolls, and other issues.
- Vice President CP Radhakrishnan assumes charge as chairman of Rajya Sabha. Calls upon members to uphold Constitution and follow norms.
- India records 32 percent decline in HIV infections and a 69 percent fall in AIDS-related deaths.
- New Delhi hands over 53 tons of relief material to Cylone-hit Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
- In Hockey, India take on Namibia in opening match of Women’s FIH Junior World Cup in Chile.
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The Winter Session of Parliament began today. Addressing the media ahead of the commencement of the session this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, new generation of Members of Parliament should be encouraged to raise issues from their constituencies. He said, the House should benefit from the experiences of young lawmakers, and the nation should also gain from their fresh perspective.
The Prime Minister also urged all parties not to make the Winter Session a battleground for frustration born out of defeat, nor should it turn into an arena for arrogance born out of victory. He said, the Session is not just a ritual, but it fuels efforts to take India towards development.
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On the first day of the session today, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted in the Rajya Sabha that the government is not averse to holding a discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, electoral reforms and other issues. Mr Rijiju was responding to opposition parties demanding a discussion on the issue of SIR or electoral reforms in the House. The Minister said, the demand for discussion is under consideration.
Not satisfied with Mr. Rijiju’s response, opposition parties including Congress, DMK, TMC and others staged a walk out from the House.
After completing its scheduled business for the day, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till tomorrow.
Earlier, conducting the proceedings of the Upper House as a Chairman for the first time, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan urged Members of Parliament to uphold the Constitution and follow established norms, emphasising the Laxman Rekha of Parliamentary conduct.
Welcoming Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on the first day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Mr Radhakrishnan’s rise from an ordinary background to the Vice Presidency reflects the true strength of the country’s democracy.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence that Mr Radhakrishnan will be impartial and treat the opposition and the treasury benches equally.
Leaders of different political parties also welcomed Mr Radhakrishnan on assuming the Chair.
Meanwhile, on the opening day of the Winter Session today, the Lok Sabha witnessed multiple adjournments amid uproar by opposition parties on various issues including SIR of electoral rolls in several States and Union Territories. Amidst the opposition ruckus, the Lok Sabha passed the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 with voice vote. The bill seeks to amend the Manipur Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Later the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.
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Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu today informed the Rajya Sabha that some flights reported Positioning System (GPS) spoofing in the vicinity of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi while using GPS based landing procedures. In a written reply to a question on GPS spoofing, Mr Naidu told the House that contingency procedures were used for GPS spoofed flights approaching to Runway 10. He added that operations of flights on other runway ends remained unaffected due to the availability of conventional navigational aids. He added that Global Navigation Satellite System Interference Reports are being received from Kolkata, Amritsar, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai airports. Civil Aviation Minister said, India is participating in global platforms to keep itself abreast of the latest methodology and technology for timely implementation of the same. He also said that to enhance cyber security against global threats, Airport Authority of India is implementing advanced cyber security solutions for IT Networks and Infrastructure.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held a telephonic conversation with the President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake and assured him India’s continued support to Sri Lanka under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu in providing rescue and relief to distressed persons. Mr Modi assured that India, in line with its Vision MAHASAGAR and its established position as the First Responder, will continue to extend all necessary assistance in the coming days. During the conversation, President Dissanayake also conveyed his deep gratitude for India’s assistance in the wake of the disaster and appreciated the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief material.
Meanwhile, India has so far handed over a total of 53 tons of relief material to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.In coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities, two Indian Navy ships handed over 9.5 tons of emergency rations in Colombo following Cyclone Ditwah. While three Indian Air Force aircrafts have also been deployed to airlift another 31.5 tons of relief materials, including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines, and surgical equipment. An additional 12 tons of relief supplies have been dispatched on board Indian Navy Ship Sukanya. Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in under the operation. The rescued individuals included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Cyclone Ditwah recently caused severe flooding and widespread disruption across Sri Lanka.
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Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda today highlighted that India recorded a 32 percent decline in new HIV infections and a 69 percent reduction in AIDS-related deaths. Mr Nadda was addressing the commemoration of World AIDS Day in New Delhi.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today said India values Thailand as a long time friend apart from being an important maritime neighbour. In his opening remarks at meeting with his Thailand counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar said India and Thailand have historically shared close and friendly ties. He highlighted that India’s ‘Act East’ Policy has found a match in Thailand’s Act West Policy.
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The total gross Goods and Services Tax, GST collections grew 0.7 per cent to over 1.70 lakh crore rupees last month as compared to same month previous year. The total gross GST revenue was 1.69 lakh crore rupees in the same month last year.
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The Government has said, over two thousand nominations have been received for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, 2025. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said that the awards aim to recognize the contribution of civil servants across the country. The awards are scheduled to be conferred by the Prime Minister on 21st April next year on the occasion of Civil Services Day in New Delhi.
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In Nagaland, the 26th edition of Hornbill Festival began today at the heritage village of Kisama in Kohima. Coinciding with Nagaland’s Statehood Day, the ten-day extravaganza is bringing together all major Naga tribes under one roof, celebrating tradition, folklore, music, craft and cuisine. This year, the festival is hosting six partner countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Austria, Malta and Switzerland, while Arunachal Pradesh as the State Partner. More from our Correspondent:
“Kisama came alive today with the echoes of folk songs and dance as the Festival of Festivals-the Hornbill Festival-got underway at the Unity Plaza in the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. Thousands of tourists from across the country and abroad flocked to the venue to experience one of India’s most vibrant cultural showcases.
Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, officially declared the Festival open by beating the traditional gong.
In his welcome address, the Governor, who is also the Chief Host, greeted visitors from across the country and the world.
The evening reverberated with music and the rich folk tunes of Nagaland’s tribes, featuring a spectacular performance titled “Hornbill Dream” by the Task Force for Music and Arts.
Asonuo, Akashvani News Kohima.”
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In our bilingual live phone-in programme “Public Speak” tonight, Akashvani News will bring an insightful discussion on Understanding OTP Related Scams and How to Protect Your Phone from Fraudsters with Cyber Security Experts Amit Dubey and Dr. Anup Girdhar.
During the programme, listeners can ask questions by simply dialing the telephone numbers 011 – 23310481, 011- 23717117, 011- 23717106 and 011 – 23314444, 9:30 PM onwards tonight.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal andcostal Andhra Pradesh till tomorrow. The Met Department said cold wave conditions are likely to occur at Haryana,Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Punjab.
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In Hockey, India kicked off their campaign at the Women’s FIH Junior World Cup against Namibia in Santiago, Chile, this evening. The match is currently underway and India is leading by 12-NIL when reports last came in. For the first time in the tournament’s history, 24 teams will contest for the title. India’s only medal at this level came in 2013, when the team clinched a dramatic bronze medal. India have named an 18-member squad which is being led by skipper Jyoti Singh with Tushar Khandker serving as the chief coach.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for giving more opportunities to young lawmakers to present fresh perspective as Winter Session of Parliament begins.
- Government says, it is not averse to taking up discussion on SIR drive of electoral rolls, and other issues.
- Vice President CP Radhakrishnan assumes charge as chairman of Rajya Sabha. Calls upon members to uphold Constitution and follow norms.
- India records 32 percent decline in HIV infections and a 69 percent fall in AIDS-related deaths.
- New Delhi hands over 53 tons of relief material to Cylone-hit Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
- In Hockey, India take on Namibia in opening match of Women’s FIH Junior World Cup in Chile.
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