THE HEADLINES:
- Union Cabinet approves ten thousand crore rupees ATF price stabilisation fund to support Indian airlines; Also gives nod to National Capital Region Planning Board for old trucks and buses replacement in Delhi-NCR area.
- Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee appointed as Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
- Congress leader D K Shivakumar sworn in as 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka;Dr G Parameshwar becomes Deputy Chief Minister while 12 legislators also took oath as Cabinet Ministers.
- Massive fire in Malviya Nagar of Delhi claims 21 lives; Police files FIR under charges of culpable homicide .
- MeT Department warns of very heavy rainfall in Kerala and Mahe tomorrow.
- And in Badminton, India’s Ayush Shetty enters second round of Indonesia Open Super 1000 after defeating China’s Weng Hong Yang.
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The Union Cabinet has approved one-time budgetary support of ten thousand crore rupees for Oil Marketing Companies to provide Aviation Turbine Fuel, ATF price stabilisation support to Indian airlines for their domestic and international operations. The support will be provided to companies to facilitate stable ATF pricing for airlines during the ongoing period of exceptional fuel price volatility arising from the West Asia crisis.
Briefing media in New Delhi today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said this is a self sustaining revolving fund, which will help to stabilise ATF prices for scheduled Indian carriers.
The Union Cabinet has also approved a scheme for support to the National Capital Region Planning Board for replacement of old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR area. The scheme, with a total financial outlay of nine thousand 585 crore rupees seeks to incentivize owners of trucks and buses registered in the Delhi-NCR region that comply with BS-4 or earlier emission norms to replace them with BS-6 or electric vehicles.
Mr Vaishnaw also informed that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has also approved the construction of a new coastal Highway from Rameshwar to Paradeep in Odisha.
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In West Bengal, Social security scheme “Annapurna Yojana” was formally launched in the state today by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari transferring 3,000 rupees directly into the bank accounts of over 28 lakh women. Five women were symbolically handed approval letters during the ceremony.
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In a major political development in West Bengal, Ritabrata Banerjee has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The appointment follows the Assembly Speaker’s reported recognition of a rebel group of Trinamool Congress legislators as a separate legislature party. More from our correspondent:
“Ritibrata, a former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP who later joined the Trinamool Congress, secured the backing of nearly sixty MLAs-enough to cross the two-thirds mark required under the anti-defection law. The move has triggered a major split within the Trinamool Congress. Mamata Banerjee’s faction had earlier nominated Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition,
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Speaker, Ritabrata claimed that the dissident legislators now constitute the “real and main opposition” in the House. He said his group will act as a constructive opposition-supporting the government when needed, but standing firm against policies they oppose.
The development comes amid an intense political crisis within the Trinamool Congress, which has been facing internal dissension following the recent Assembly elections. The party had earlier expelled MLA Ritabrata and Sandipon Saha over alleged anti-party activities.
Political observers are calling this one of the most significant challenges to Mamata Banerjee’s leadership since she came to power, drawing comparisons to the Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra. Legal battles and further defections are expected in the days ahead. Sandipon Dasgupta, AKASHVANI NEWS, Kolkata.“
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To strengthen surveillance and infrastructure along the India-Bangladesh border, the West Bengal government has approved the transfer of nearly 32 acres of land to the Border Security Force. At today’s Cabinet meeting in Nabanna, approval was given for the permanent transfer of this land for building border fences, security posts, and other facilities.
After the meeting, Minister Dilip Ghosh announced that a total of around 32 acres across several border districts have already been transferred to the BSF.
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In Karnataka, senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of the state today. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office. Dr G Parameshwar, who held the Home portfolio in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. Twelve legislators also took oath as Cabinet Ministers.
Several senior Congress leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge, Chief Ministers of Telangana, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, attended the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated D K Shivakumar on taking oath as Chief Minister.In a social media post, Mr Modi conveyed best wishes to him for his tenure.
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In a massive fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar of Delhi this morning, twenty one people including foreign nationals lost their lives while 40 others were rescued. DCP of South Delhi, Anant Mittal said the fire has been successfully extinguished and the injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Twenty-six people are currently receiving medical treatment.Ten police personnel who rescued several trapped occupants were hospitalised after suffering suffocation during the operation. The Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges of culpable homicide in the incident. We have a report from our Correspondent:
“The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has ordered an investigation into the incident. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said that beginning tomorrow, a high-intensity month-long enforcement and prevention drive will be launched under the joint leadership of DMs, DCPs, and DCs of MCD to conduct rigorous fire compliance inspections, audits, and sealing of identified non-compliant establishments, including hotels, guesthouses, nursing homes, coaching centres, and other vulnerable premises. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI. “
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have extended condolence at the loss of lives due to the tragic fire incident.
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India has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 12 years. During this period, the Modi government carried out many flagship initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of the poor, farmers, women and youth. Akashvani News brings you a special feature on the Government’s efforts over the last 12 years across key sectors. Today, we focus on the measures taken by the government towards the welfare of the middle class.
“Over the past 12 years, the government has empowered India’s middle class through wide-ranging reforms. Simplified taxation, and stronger banking, insurance, and pension systems have enhanced their financial security. Under the new tax regime, individuals earning up to 12 lakh rupees annually are paying zero tax. For the middle class specifically, GST has delivered several tangible benefits by simplifying taxes and lowering everyday costs. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban launched in 2015, has transformed the lives of crores of people by providing them with secure housing. Out of the total one crore 25 lakh sanctioned houses, over 98 lakh are completed or delivered to beneficiaries across the country so far. Talking to Akashvani News, Abhisekh Kumar, from Uttar Pradesh said the scheme is ensuring housing for the poor and bringing relief to those living in rented accommodation.
Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has enabled 43.52 crore health cards, expanding access to healthcare protection. While, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme is providing quality generic medicines at 50 to 80 per cent lower prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Talking to Akashvani News, Brahmdev of Bihar said that the medicines at these Kendras are available at a very affordable price than the market.
The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, launched in 2015, has also evolved into a powerful instrument of empowerment. Under the scheme, 40 lakh crore rupees of loans have been disbursed to the beneficiaries so far. As incomes rise and opportunities expand, India’s middle class is actively driving the nation’s growth, ambition, and future prosperity. Anand Kumar, Akashvani News Delhi.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Mette Frederiksen on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Denmark for a remarkable third consecutive term. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, India and Denmark share an enduring partnership founded on mutual trust, shared values and a common commitment to a sustainable future. The Prime Minister said, he is looking forward to work closely with Mr Frederiksen to further strengthen the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and take the cooperation to new heights for the benefit of the people of both countries.
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United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has said that 99 per cent of the proposed India-US interim trade agreement has been finalised and both sides are working to resolve the remaining issues. Speaking at the Citi 2026 India Conference in Mumbai today, Mr Gor expressed confidence that the agreement could be concluded within the next few weeks.
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The Iran conflict has entered a severe new phase of escalation as Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck US military bases across Kuwait and Bahrain in the early hours today. A drone strike broke through Kuwait’s air defences and hit the main passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, killing one Indian national and injuring 63 others. Injuries ranged from blast wounds and amputations to head trauma and cerebral hemorrhages. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed the death of one of its nationals in the attack, expressing its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and saying the mission is closely coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities to provide all possible support.
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The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for heavy rainfall over Kerala and Mahe tomorrow. Heavy rainfall is also expected over Uttarakhand, Parts of North Eastern India, West Bengal, Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep during the next two days.
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In badminton, India’s Ayush Shetty advanced to the second round of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 with a comeback win over China’s Weng Hong Yang, 8-21, 22-20, 21-15. India also secured a mixed doubles victory as Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde defeated Chinese Taipei’s Yang Po-Hsuan and Hu Ling Fang.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Union Cabinet approves ten thousand crore rupees ATF price stabilisation fund to support Indian airlines; Also gives nod to National Capital Region Planning Board for old trucks and buses replacement in Delhi-NCR area.
- Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee appointed as Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
- Congress leader D K Shivakumar sworn in as 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka;Dr G Parameshwar becomes Deputy Chief Minister while 12 legislators also took oath as Cabinet Ministers.
- Massive fire in Malviya Nagar of Delhi claims 21 lives; Police files FIR under charges of culpable homicide .
- MeT Department warns of very heavy rainfall in Kerala and Mahe tomorrow.
- And in Badminton, India’s Ayush Shetty enters second round of Indonesia Open Super 1000 after defeating China’s Weng Hong Yang.
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