THE HEADLINES ::
- India and Guyana sign ten agreements to enhance cooperation in health, hydrocarbons, agriculture and other sectors.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, India stood with CARICOM member countries and moved forward like a trustworthy partner.
- Dominica confers its highest national honour upon Prime Minister Modi.
- President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Utkal Keshari, Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab in New Delhi today.
- National Public Broadcaster Prasar Bharati launches its OTT platform - WAVES.
- CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams to begin from February 15.
- And in Hockey, India beat China 1-0 to win Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar.
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India and Guyana have signed ten agreements to enhance cooperation in several areas including health, hydrocarbons, agriculture and allied sectors. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on cooperation in the field of medical products, Janaushadhi scheme, Cultural Exchange Programme, deployment of UPI like system in Guyana and cooperation and collaboration in field of broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and National Communications Network, Guyana. Besides these, and MoU was also signed between National Defence Institute, Guyana and Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat. The agreements were signed between the two countries following the delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Guyana, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali at Georgetown yesterday evening. Prime Minister Modi reached Guyana yesterday on a three day visit to the country.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and Guyana agree that dialogue and diplomacy should be used to resolve all issues. He said, both the countries are unanimous that reform of global institutions is the need of the hour.
Earlier, Mr Modi was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of honour at State House in Georgetown.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the National Assembly of Guyana today. He will pay floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the Arya Samaj monument. Mr Modi is scheduled to visit Saraswati Vidya Niketan School. He will interact with prominent personalities and cricketers from Guyana and the Caribbean region. The Prime Minister will also visit the Indian Arrival Monument before returning to Delhi he will address the diaspora. The Indian diaspora in Guyana arrived 186 years ago in 1838. Around 40 per cent of the population today is of Indian origin and they are a vital link between India and Guyana. Anupam Mishra, Akashvani News, Delhi."
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has stood with the CARICOM member countries and moved forward like a trustworthy partner whether it is covid or natural disasters, capacity building or development issues. In his opening remarks at 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana last night, Mr Modi said, this summit is being held after five years and in these five years, the world has seen several changes and the mankind had to face some huge hardships. He said, it has severely affected the nations of Global South.
The Prime Minister co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, along with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, the current chair of CARICOM. Mr Modi thanked Guyana President Dr. Irfaan Ali for hosting the Summit. The summit saw participation from Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers of the Member States.
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The Commonwealth of Dominica has bestowed its highest national honour - the Dominica Award of Honour, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President of Dominica Sylvanie Burton conferred the Award in recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Dominican counterpart Roosevelt Skerrit on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana last night. Mr Modi thanked him for the conferment of Dominica’s highest award.
Mr Modi also met President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Chan Santokhi on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. Both leaders reviewed progress on India-Suriname partnership and emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation.
During the visit Prime Minister Modi also met Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Bahamas, Philip Brave Davis, Prime Minister of Grenadian, Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne and exchange the view on strengthening economic ties and capacity building for Small Island Developing States.
Mr Modi also met his counterpart from St. Lucia Philip J Pierre and stressed the need to further reinforce India-St Lucia bilateral relations.
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President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Utkal Keshari, Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab in New Delhi today. During the event, a special commemorative stamp and coin will be released in the honour of Dr. Mahtab.
Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab was born on 21st November 1899, in Agarpara, Odisha. He was a multifaceted leader in Indian history, known as a freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, social reformer, and journalist.
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President Droupadi Murmu will be on a two-day visit to Telangana beginning today. During her visit, the President will participate in the Koti Deepotsavam-2024 in Hyderabad today. Tomorrow, President Murmu will deliver the inaugural address at the Lokmanthan-2024 in Hyderabad.
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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the board exams for classes 10th and 12th will begin from 15th February 2025. The board announced that the class 10 exams will conclude on 18th March and class 12 exams will end on 4th April.
CBSE said, it has ensured that there is a sufficient gap between examinations of subjects that are generally offered by the same student. For the first time, the CBSE has released the date sheet nearly 86 days before the examinations.
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National Public Broadcaster Prasar Bharati has launched its OTT platform, WAVES. It was unveiled yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. WAVES, while catering to the growing demand for digital streaming services, aims to revive nostalgia while embracing modern digital trends. WAVES features timeless shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log. The platform will connect audiences with India's cultural and emotional heritage.
Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal said that WAVES is unique compared to other OTT platforms, offering clean and family-oriented entertainment along with other services.
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After a grand opening ceremony yesterday, the formal Day one of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to feature an array of screenings and events throughout the day. Over forty films across various genres will be screened today.
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnav has emphasized IFFI's role as a milestone in India's film industry. He also expressed hope that the festival would inspire collaborations and nurture young talent.
Minister of State Dr. L Murugan focused on IFFI's Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative, where hundred young creative individuals will have the opportunity to be mentored by film stalwarts.
Mr Murugan also informed that the single-window system of film facilitation started by I & B Ministry has made obtaining clearances for film-shooting easier.
"Today promises to be an action-packed day at IFFI 2024, with a wide range of films, from regional cinema to international productions, to be screened. Films including Swatantrya Veer Sawarkar, 12th Fail, and Ghar Jaisa Kuch will be showcased in the Indian Panorama, which this year has 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films.
The Film Bazaar, dedicated to discovering, supporting, and showcasing South Asian films and talent in filmmaking, production, and distribution, will continue to serve as a platform for facilitating the sales of world cinema within the South Asian region.
Apart from this, renowned personalities including filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, actor Manoj Bajpayee, and lyricist Prasoon Joshi, among others, will lead masterclasses and panel discussions.
The Creative Minds of Tomorrow program, aimed at identifying and nurturing young Indian cinematic talent, continues to be a major highlight of the festival. Durgesh Bhadauria for Akashvani News, Goa.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from China, Laos, and Malaysia in Vientiane, on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) yesterday. Mr. Singh is on a three-day visit to Laos to attend this meeting and address the forum on regional and international security issues.
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In Hockey, India beat China to win the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
" In a thrilling finale at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar last evening, the Indian women's hockey team defeated China with a 1-NIL victory. The first half saw China pushing hard for a goal, but the Indian defense kept the Chinese at bay. The defending champions found their rhythm in the second half and broke the deadlock in the third quarter when Deepika converted a penalty corner to score the only goal of the match. Deepika also earned the Player of the Tournament award, for her stellar performance, finishing as the top scorer with an impressive 11 goals.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have congratulated the Indian Hockey Team for winning the Women's Asian Champions Trophy. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced 10 lakh rupees each player for the team. VISHNU PS, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.
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In badminton, Indian shuttlers will be in action today in the pre-quarterfinals of the China Masters 2024 tournament in Shenzhen, China. In the Men's Singles pre-quarterfinal, ace shuttler, Lakshya Sen will take on Rasmus Gemke of Denmark. In Women's Singles, two time Olympic medal winner, PV Sindhu will square off with Yeo Jia Min of Singapore.
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The Air Quality in Delhi-NCR is in the very poor category, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 381 was recorded at 7 this morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, some areas of the city have breached the 400 AQI levels. India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that smog and shallow to moderate dense fog conditions are likely in the night and morning hours in Delhi and NCR during the next two to three days.
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TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE,
- All papers have widely noticed the exit polls of two assembly elections that grabbed headlines the past few days. Hindustan Times writes, "Exit polls give NDA edge in Maharashtra, split on Jharkhand." The Asian Age reports, "Most exit polls predict edge for NDA in Maharashtra and Jharkhand".
- The Hindu also writes, "At 65 per cent, Maharashtra clocks better turnout than in 2019." The Indian Express notes, "Maharashtra sees highest turnout in 30 years: victory sign, say both alliances."
- Delhi Tribune informs, "50 per cent Delhi government staff to work from home as AQI remains 'severe'."
- Good news for Andhra Pradesh as The Economic Times reports, "Rs 60,000 crore BPCL project to come up near AP port."
- And finally, The Pioneer writes, "Chak diya! India beats China, becomes Asian Champions," as Indian women's hockey team retained the Asian Champions Trophy title with a narrow 1-0 win over Olympic silver medallist China in a pulsating final.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- India and Guyana sign ten agreements to enhance cooperation in health, hydrocarbons, agriculture and other sectors.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, India stood with CARICOM member countries and moved forward like a trustworthy partner.
- Dominica confers its highest national honour upon Prime Minister Modi.
- President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Utkal Keshari, Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab in New Delhi today.
- National Public Broadcaster Prasar Bharati launches its OTT platform - WAVES.
- CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams to begin from February 15.
- In Hockey, India beat China 1-0 to win Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar.
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