THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, India is standing as the model of high growth and low inflation for the world.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar asserts that no country has a say on how India develops its relations with others.
- Government directs IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay.
- Nation pays homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
- Quad members India, Japan, Australia and US condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
- Indian Shooter Suruchi Singh wins Women’s 10 metre air pistol gold with junior world record at ISSF World Cup Final in Doha.
- And in Men’s Cricket, India beat South Africa by nine wickets in third and final ODI in Visakhapatnam; Clinch the series 2-1.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India currently stands as the model of high growth and low inflation for the world. Addressing an event in New Delhi, Mr Modi highlighted that the 8 percent GDP growth rate during the 2nd Quarter of the current financial year is a reflection of the country’s rising progress.
Talking about India’s role on the global stage, the Prime Minister said that in a world plagued by challenges and uncertainties, the nation stands tall in a league of its own. He added that at a time when people are talking about economic slowdown, India is etching its growth story.
Mr Modi further said that for transforming tomorrow, change is firmly rooted in the strong foundation being built today. He mentioned that India’s potential has long been untapped but conventionally underdeveloped sectors like the North-east, villages, tier-2 and 3 cities, women and youth, blue economy and space sector are now realizing their full potential.
The Prime Minister noted that trust between the people and government has now strengthened. He said that earlier, the system was sceptical of its own people but now the citizen-centric approach has streamlined governance. Mr. Modi called for people’s support and urged them to look at the coming ten years as a clear time frame to free the nation from every trace of this colonial mindset.
<><><>
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Centre is working to simplify the tax system, noting that income tax should no longer be seen as a tiresome exercise. Addressing the leadership summit of a private media organisation in New Delhi today, the Minister highlighted that the income tax slabs need to be made more transparent, simplified and compliant, for the upliftment of the citizens. The Minister also said that a complete overhaul of the customs framework will be the next big assignment. She added that the government has steadily brought down custom duties in the last two years and is finding ways to simplify customs, making them more transparent.
<><><>
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today said that no country has a say on how India develops its relations with others. Addressing an event in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar emphasized that India has a freedom of choice in geo-politics and enjoys strategic autonomy.
Dr Jaishankar also dismissed that the Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit would negatively affect India’s relationship with the US or stall the expected Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with them. He added that there is no lack of communication or negotiations with the American side. Dr Jaishankar stressed on how President Putin’s visit has reimagined the existing relationship between India and Russia and helped build new facets and dimensions. The External Affairs Minister highlighted that the mobility agreement and joint ventures on fertilizers for food security have been extremely crucial. He said that a significant share of India’s challenges, including terrorism, stems from the Pakistani Army and asserted that New Delhi will deal with the threat while it exists.
<><><>
The government has directed IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated that refunds for all cancelled or disrupted flights be completed by 8 PM tomorrow. Our correspondent reports that the Directive has been issued following a large number of flight cancellations by Indigo causing disruption and inconvenience to passengers across the country.
”To ensure seamless grievance redressal for passengers, the government has asked IndiGo to set up dedicated support and refund facilitation cells. These units will proactively reach out to affected travellers and process refunds and alternative travel arrangements without the need for repeated follow-ups. The automatic refund system has also been instructed to remain active until operations regain complete stability. In addition, IndiGo has been directed to trace and deliver all baggage separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays within the next 48 hours. Airlines have been further advised to maintain transparent communication on tracking and delivery timelines and to provide compensation wherever required under existing passenger rights norms. With strengthened oversight and coordinated efforts among airlines, airports and security agencies, the latest measures aim to minimise inconvenience for travellers during the ongoing disruption. Improved facilitation for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, students, patients and those requiring urgent travel is expected to ensure smoother movement and protect passenger rights. The focus remains on restoring full operational normalcy at the earliest. With Rohan, Bhanu Pratap Singh for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
<><><>
The Mahaparinirvan Diwas which commemorates the death anniversary of the Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was observed in various parts of the country. On the occasion several leaders paid homage to Dr Ambedkar’s legacy on this solemn day by reflecting on his teachings and commitment to building a just and inclusive society.
“Babasaheb Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution whose thoughts on social justice, equality, and democracy continue to inspire generations. A visionary reformer and tireless advocate of equality, Dr Ambedkar recognized that caste oppression was fracturing the nation and sought transformative measures to address these deep-rooted injustices. From launching the newspaper Mooknayaka to amplify the voices of the downtrodden to establishing the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha to address societal inequalities. Dr Ambedkar dedicated his life to championing equality and eradicating caste-based discrimination To mark the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent leaders paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar in New Delhi today. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan highlighted that Dr Ambedkar’s relentless struggle for equality, dignity and fraternity laid the foundation of a modern, progressive and inclusive country. Prime Minister Modi hailed Babasaheb’s visionary leadership and said that his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutional values continue to guide India’s national journey. With Rohan, Adarsh for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Dr Ambedkar established the highest ideals of social justice by ensuring rights for labourers, farmers and the weaker sections of society. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also termed Dr Ambedkar, as the guiding light of equality and justice while paying floral tribute to him in the national capital
<><><>
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan today gave a clarion call to the youth to wake up and work together to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Sardar@150 National Padyatra at the Statue of Unity, the Vice President hailed the youth as the engine for the country’s growth, stressing that India’s huge young population represents a great national power. Recalling Sardar Patel’s immense contribution to national unity and nation-building, he urged the youth to imbibe Sardar’s values in their lives.
<><><>
India, Japan, Australia, and the United States unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and expressed their condolences for the Red Fort terror incident. The two-day 3rd Quad Counter Terrorism Working Group meeting was held between members India, Japan, Australia, and the United States in New Delhi on the 4th and 5th of this month. During the meeting, the Quad member countries exchanged assessments on the terrorism threat landscape, including developments in the Indo-Pacific region. The members also underscored the importance of ensuring that the Indo-Pacific remains open and free from the threats of terrorism.
<><><>
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the 4th C17 aircraft, third one carrying Bailey Bridge units arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka today to restore essential connectivity in the cyclone affected region. In a social media post, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed that the aircraft had about 55 tonnes of Bailey Bridge stores, a JCB and 13 personnel from Engineer corps.
<><><>
India made a strong start at the season-ending ISSF World Cup Final in Doha today, with Suruchi Singh securing the women’s 10 metre air pistol gold and setting a new junior world record. Compatriot Sainyam added silver, delivering a commanding opening for the Indian contingent. Suruchi shot 245.1 in the final, surpassing Manu Bhaker’s six-year-old junior world record of 244.7. Sainyam followed with 243.3 to complete a one-two finish for India. Bhaker, a double Olympic bronze medallist, reached the final but was placed fifth with 179.2.
<><><>
In Men’s Cricket, India defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the third and final ODI of the three-match series in Visakhapatnam, tonight. The men in blue achieved the target of 271 runs in just 39.5 overs. For India, Yashaswi Jaiswal scored unbeaten 116 runs, while half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli helped the team comfortably chase down the target. With this win, India sealed the series 2-1. The visitors were all out for 270 runs in 47.5 overs. For South Africa, Quinton de Kock scored 106, while skipper Temba Bavuma added 48 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna took four wickets each. Earlier, the hosts won the toss and elected to field first.
<><><>
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold wave conditions at isolated places over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha tomorrow. The Met Department has said that dense fog conditions are likely to prevail during the early morning hours in northeast India over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura till tomorrow.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, India is standing as the model of high growth and low inflation for the world.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar asserts that no country has a say on how India develops its relations with others.
- Government directs IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay.
- Nation pays homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
- Quad members India, Japan, Australia and US condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
- Indian Shooter Suruchi Singh wins Women’s 10 metre air pistol gold with junior world record at ISSF World Cup Final in Doha.
- And in Men’s Cricket, India beat South Africa by nine wickets in third and final ODI in Visakhapatnam; Clinch the series 2-1.
<><><>