THE HEADLINES::
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes Nari Shakti Vandan Act must be implemented on time for more participation of women to strengthen the country’s democracy.
- Campaigning for Assembly Elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu gains momentum; Top leaders of various political parties hold back to back rallies.
- Supreme Court dismisses plea challenging removal of names from voter list prepared under Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal.
- Thousands bid tearful farewell to legendary singer Asha Bhosle as her last rites held with full state honours in Mumbai.
- Met Department forecasts below-normal monsoon this year due to El Nino.
- And in IPL Cricket, match underway between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India’s Nari Shakti has reached new heights through their hard work, courage and confidence. He urged everyone to come together to empower Women by expanding opportunities. Mr Modi was addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan in New Delhi today.
Recalling the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act in the new Parliament building in 2023, the Prime Minister noted that it was passed unanimously with all parties agreeing that it should be implemented by 2029 in any case.
Mr Modi remarked that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act must be implemented on time so that women’s participation strengthens our democracy, for which a special session of Parliament’s Budget Session will begin from 16th of this month.
The Prime Minister said, that from the freedom struggle to the decisions of the Constituent Assembly, Indian women have made immense contributions to laying the foundations of independent India. He said, Panchayati Raj institutions are a remarkable example of women’s leadership.
Congress, Janata Dal United and Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) have issued a three line whip to all its MPs in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to remain present in the House and support the party stand.
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Campaigning for Assembly Elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu has gained further momentum as less than 10 days remain for polling. Star campaigners from various parties are holding meetings, rallies, and public gatherings.
Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah today addressed a public rally at Raniganj in Paschim Bardhaman district. He emphasized on making infiltration free Bengal and appealed the people of the state to vote for BJP.
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the BJP for deletion of names under SIR in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee today joined a public rally at raghunathpur of Paschim Bardhaman. She also addressed public rally and held a road show in Bankura district.
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Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with the party workers of Tamil Nadu under Mera Booth Sabse Majboot Samvaad through Namo App. During the interaction, Mr Modi said that a new atmosphere is emerging among the people of Tamil Nadu, and they are looking at the BJP and the NDA with hope for change in the state.
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DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi today campaigned in the Tirunelveli constituency urging voters to support party’s developmental agenda. During her speech Kanimozhi highlighted that the state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin has fulfilled several of its key electoral promises. She pointed to welfare schemes targeting women, students, and farmers, stating that these initiatives have brought tangible benefits across Tamil Nadu and would be expanded further if the party voted to power again.
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The Supreme Court today declined to entertain a plea challenging the deletion of names from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision exercise in West Bengal, terming it premature. A bench headed by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the petitioners to approach the designated appellate tribunals set up to hear such grievances.
The court noted that nearly 30 to 34 lakh appeals are pending, with each tribunal handling over one lakh cases. It emphasised that due process must be followed and said judicial intervention at this stage could disrupt the electoral process.
The court also directed that security cover for judicial officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal must continue until the completion of the upcoming Assembly elections. The direction comes in the backdrop of the 1st April incident in Malda, where judicial officers were allegedly held captive by a mob.
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President Droupadi Murmu has called upon future doctors to embrace technological advancements in the health sector. The President was addressing the inaugural convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot today. The President said institutions like AIIMS have a vital role to play in research and development to ensure quality and accessible healthcare for all.
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The government is ensuring the hundred percent supply of LPG for domestic households and no dry out has been reported at any LPG distributors in the country. Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma has said, domestic supply of LPG is normal across the country while commercial supply of LPG has been restored to 70 percent. She was addressing the Inter-Ministerial briefing in New Delhi this afternoon. Ms Sharma said, over 1 lakh 82 thousand tonnes of commercial LPG sales has been registered since 14th of the last month.
Additional Secretary at Ministry of Heavy Industries, Dr Hanif Qureshi said, government has also extended subsidies for electric three-wheelers.
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United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly ruled out British involvement in any US-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating that London will not be dragged into a conflict with Iran. Mr. Starmer emphaiszed the UK’s commitment to keeping vital shipping lanes accessible without escalating military tensions. His remarks came as Iran threatened ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it would begin blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports tonight. The blockade will be applied impartially to vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports, including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
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Thousands of people bid a tearful farewell to legendary singer Asha Bhosle as her last rites were performed with full state honours in an emotional ceremony at Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai today. Asha Tai passed away yesterday due to multi-organ failure at the age of 92 at a private hospital in Mumbai. More from our Mumbai correspondent:
“People lined the streets, gathered on rooftops and at windows, and hundreds walked along the path of Asha Tai’s final journey from her residence in Parel to Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar. A giant photograph of Asha Tai, radiant in a red sari with her trademark bindi and an ornate nose ring, was placed on a vehicle adorned with white flowers. Chants of “Asha Tai amar rahe” rang out among the crowds gathered for a last glimpse of the music legend who ruled our playlists, and perhaps our hearts, for eight decades. Upon reaching the crematorium, dignitaries from all spheres of life paid their homage to the legendary singer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a floral wreath, which was laid by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to honour beloved Asha Tai. The tricolour wrapped around her body was then ceremoniously handed over to Asha Bhosle’s son Anand Bhosle, followed by a gun salute. Anand Bhosle then lit the funeral pyre in the presence of Mangeshkar family members and thousands of fans. As people left the venue with teary eyes and heavy hearts, Asha Tai’s voice kept resonating, reminding us that she may be gone, but her songs will live on forever… Ankita Apte, Akashvani News, Mumbai.
This was the last recorded song of the iconic singer.
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The southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall from June to September is expected to be below normal this year. Briefing media in New Delhi today, Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD) Dr. Mrityunjaya Mohapatra said that the seasonal rainfall over the country is likely to be 92 percent of long period average with a model error of plus-minus five percent.
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In IPL Cricket, hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad were 202 for 5 in 19 overs against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, when reports last came in. Rajasthan Royals have won the toss and opted to bowl.
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President Droupadi Murmu has extended greetings to the citizens on the eve of the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. In her message, the President paid tribute to Dr Ambedkar, pointing that he was a jurist, economist, profound thinker, legal scholar and a strong advocate of an egalitarian social system. The President also extended greetings on the eve of Baisakhi, Vishu, Vishuv, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu to all citizens living in the country and abroad. In her message, the President said through these festivals, people express gratitude towards Mother Earth and Annadata farmers.
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In our bilingual live phone-in programme “Public Speak” tonight at 9.30 PM, we will bring an insightful discussion on “Census 2027: How to do Self Enumeration” with Biswajit Das, Deputy Director General, Office of Registrar General of India.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes Nari Shakti Vandan Act must be implemented on time for more participation of women to strengthen the country’s democracy.
- Campaigning for Assembly Elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu gains momentum; Top leaders of various political parties hold back to back rallies.
- Supreme Court dismisses plea challenging removal of names from voter list prepared under Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal.
- Thousands bid tearful farewell to legendary singer Asha Bhosle as her last rites held with full state honours in Mumbai.
- Met Department forecasts below-normal monsoon this year due to El Nino.
- And in IPL Cricket, match underway between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad.
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