THE HEADLINES:-
- Suvendu Adhikari to be first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal; Swearing-in tomorrow morning at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.
- TVK Chief C. Joseph Vijay gets support from Congress, VCK, IUML and Left Parties; To take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister tomorrow.
- Supreme Court expresses concern over rising drug menace in Punjab; Calls for fundamental shift in state’s policy and nab major traffickers.
- India and Singapore agree to enhance information sharing in countering terrorism.
- In Archery, Simranjeet Kaur advances to semi final of women’s recurve event at World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai.
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Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari will be the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. BJP Legislature Party in the state elected him the leader in a meeting held in Kolkata today, paving the way for him to become the first BJP Chief Minister of the state.
Addressing the media, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, Mr Adhikari’s name was proposed at the meeting and since no other nomination was received, his name was finalised.
Mr Shah expressed gratitude to people for giving a strong verdict to the BJP despite numerous instances of violence and brutality. The Home Minister said, freedom of expression had become virtually impossible in Bengal. He asserted that the BJP government in Bengal will stop infiltration and cow smuggling.
Mr Shah further said that, the expectations the people of Bengal have placed on them, and the mandate they have given with hope and trust, they will make every effort to ensure that their faith is not broken in any way.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister designate Suvendu Adhikari said, whatever guarantees have been announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP government in the state will fulfil all responsibilities.
Tomorrow morning, the oath-taking ceremony of the government will be held at the Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the host of Union Ministers, and several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states will attend the ceremony. As the ceremony is being held on the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti, cultural performances will also form part of the programme.
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In Tamil Nadu, the new entrant to the electoral politics in the State the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) led by its Actor-turned politician C. Joseph Vijay is all set to form the Government tomorrow. The 51 year old leader will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu tomorrow at 11 a.m. He today met State Governor Vishwanath Arlekar and staked a claim to form the Government for the third time since the results of Assembly Elections were announced. After two days of hectic parlaying, the TVK has received letters of support from CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML. With this, the alliance now commands the required number of support in the Assembly, crossing the majority mark.
TVK has 107 MLAs, the Congress has five, while the VCK, CPI, and CPI(M), IUML have two MLAs each.
Meanwhile, National Democratic Alliance Chief Ministerial candidate N. Rangasamy met Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and staked claim to form the next government in Puducherry. Mr. Rangasamy handed over letters of support from the majority of MLAs to the Lieutenant Governor. NDA alliance MLAs and alliance leaders accompanied him.
Earlier, a meeting of NDA alliance parties and elected MLAs elected Rangasamy as the Chief Ministerial candidate.
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Somnath Amrit Parv will be celebrated to mark the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of Somnath Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Somnath Amrit Parv on the 11th of this month at Prabhas Patan, Somnath. Speaking to the media, Gujarat State cabinet Minister Jitu Bhai Vaghani said various events will be organised at Somnath as part of the Somnath Amrit Parv, showcasing India’s rich cultural and heritage traditions. More from our correspondent
“During his visit, Mr. Modi will perform the ‘Kumbhabhishek,’ ‘Dhvaj Puja,’ and ‘Maha Puja’ at the Somnath temple. A spectacular air show by the Surya Kiran team and a shower of flower petals by helicopters over the temple will be the major highlights of the event. Following the spiritual ceremonies, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a large public gathering at Sadbhavana Ground in Prabhas patan. Despite repeated destructive attacks, the Somnath Temple continues to stand as a symbol of self-respect and courage. 75 years ago, on 11th May, the reconstructed temple was inaugurated by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. Aparna Khunt Akashvani News Ahmedabad.”
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The Supreme Court today expressed concern over the rising drug menace situation in Punjab. The Apex court called for a fundamental shift in how the state tackles narcotics, saying that human toll is alarming. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi referred to a recent incident involving a mother who lost all her five sons to drug addiction. The bench also pulled up state police for focusing on low-level offenders for publicity while allowing major traffickers to remain at large. The apex court also highlighted the huge pendency cases lodged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. To address this, the bench pledged to facilitate the creation of specialized NDPS courts across all states to expedite trials.
The bench said the menace has reached a point where central government intervention may be necessary.
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India and Singapore have stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism as strategic partners. The fifth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime between India and Singapore was held in New Delhi yesterday. The Joint Working Group discussed cooperation in combating terrorists and terror groups listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. It also agreed on the need to further strengthen information sharing to enhance timeliness and effectiveness of responses to cross-border threats.
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The 10ᵗʰ edition of Defence Policy Talks between India and Australia took place in New Delhi today, led by Defence Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Australian First Assistant Secretary International Policy Department of Defence Bernard Philip. Ministry of Defence said that the discussion reaffirmed the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting, both sides welcomed the recent advancements in bilateral defence cooperation and acknowledged the recent finalization of key implementing arrangements and continued high momentum of first-time milestones.
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India-Canada Joint Statement on the Conclusion of the Second Round of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Negotiations concluded in New Delhi today. The discussions were held in accordance with the Terms of Reference signed by the Trade Ministers of both countries on 2nd March this year.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that negotiations witnessed constructive and productive engagement between the two sides.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today stated that the India-Trinidad and Tobago relationship reflects a unique convergence of history, human connection, and shared aspirations. He stressed that in this increasingly turbulent and unpredictable world, these ties must use their deep complementarities to evolve into a pillar of strength and stability for both countries. He said this in an Op-Ed in the Trinidad and Tobago Daily Express newspaper.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said the national security goes beyond border protection and includes the safety of society, environment and citizens. Addressing an event marking 10 years of Tiranga Mountain Rescue with the Indian Army in New Delhi, he said a strong India ensures secure borders, confident communities and protection of lives during disasters. He added that Tiranga Mountain Rescue has become a key support system for the armed forces and local communities in the Himalayas.
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Health Ministry has activated precautionary surveillance measures amid low Global Risk Assessment of Hantavirus cases. Sources said the Health Ministry is closely monitoring the evolving situation relating to reported cases of hantavirus infection onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. This is being done in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, World Health Organization, and other international health authorities.
Sources stated that as per preliminary information shared through WHO under the International Health Regulations framework, a total of eight probable cases of hantavirus infection have been reported onboard the vessel, of which five cases have been laboratory confirmed. Three deaths have also been reported. WHO was notified of the incident in the first week of this month.
In view of the evolving situation, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under NCDC convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials to assess the situation and review preparedness measures.
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Government has said domestic LPG supply across the country is smooth and no dry out has been reported at any distributorship. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma said that government’s effort has been to ensure that domestic consumers do not face any shortage of gas and that prices remain stable amid the evolving situation in West Asia.
Director of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Opesh Kumar Sharma said that Government continues to engage with every stakeholder to ensure the welfare of all Indian seafarers and uninterrupted maritime operations.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said that the Government continues its outreach to countries in the Gulf. He informed as part of that that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid an official visit to UAE yesterday.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have successfully conducted the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon off the coast of Odisha yesterday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, IAF, DcPP, and the industry for the maiden flight-trial. He described it as a significant development in advancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities. TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system that converts unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons.
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India’s Simranjeet Kaur advanced to the semi final of the women’s recurve individual event at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai today. Simranjeet defeated her Chinese Taipei counterpart Fong You Jhu 6-nil in straight sets in the quarter final to move within one win of her maiden World Cup medal. Simranjeet will now face world No. 1 Kang Chaeyoung of South Korea in the semifinals.
Indian women’s recurve team has already assured the country’s first medal in the tournament with a stunning win over record 10-time Olympic champion South Korea in the semifinal yesterday.
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In Football, India scripted history by qualifying for the quarter finals of the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time with a commanding 4-nil victory against Lebanon in their final Group B fixture at Suzhou in China today. For India, Pritika Barman in 7th and 85th, Alva Devi Senjam in 36th, and Joya in 72nd minute scored goals. Reaching the semifinals of this tournament would guarantee India a spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals have set a target of 143 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Put into bat, Delhi Capitals scored 142 runs losing 8 wickets in stipulated 20 overs.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and opted to bowl.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- Suvendu Adhikari to be first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal; Swearing-in tomorrow morning at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.
- TVK Chief C. Joseph Vijay gets support from Congress, VCK, IUML and Left Parties; To take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister tomorrow.
- Supreme Court expresses concern over rising drug menace in Punjab; Calls for fundamental shift in state’s policy and nab major traffickers.
- India and Singapore agree to enhance information sharing in countering terrorism.
- In Archery, Simranjeet Kaur advances to semi final of women’s recurve event at World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai.
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