THE HEADLINES:
India welcomes ceasefire between US and Iran; Says it will lead to lasting peace in West Asia.
Ministry of External Affairs issues advisory to Indian nationals to exit Iran expeditiously over evolving situation in West Asia crisis.
Global oil prices crash upto 20 per cent amid US- Iran ceasefire agreement; Sensex jumps nearly 4 per cent, Nifty surges over 800 points; Rupee gains 39 paise against US Dollar.
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged; Projects India’s real GDP growth for current fiscal at 6.9 per cent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana on completing 11 years; Says it has proven beneficial in promoting self employment among youth.
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India has welcomed the ceasefire reached between United States and Iran. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia and unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry stated that India has continuously advocated de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, essential to bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict. It added that, the conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. Meanwhile, in view of the rapidly evolving situation in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Iran has advised Indian nationals who are currently in Iran to expeditiously exit Iran, in coordination with the Embassy and using the routes suggested by the Embassy. In the advisory , it said that there should be no attempt to approach any international land border without prior consultation and coordination with the Embassy. Meanwhile, It has requested the Indian nationals to monitor official updates closely.
The embassy can be contacted through Mobile Numbers +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102 and +989932179359. The email of the embassy is cons.tehran@mea.gov.in.
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In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, halting weeks of direct military confrontation that had pushed West Asia to the brink of an all-out war. The agreement, brokered through intermediaries, calls for an immediate halt to strikes on both sides and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Oil prices fell sharply on the news, dropping from above 115 dollar per barrel to below 95 dollars within hours of the announcement. US President Donald Trump confirmed the deal in Washington, calling it a win for diplomacy. He also said that it is a big day for World Peace. In a statement, he said the United States would assist in managing maritime traffic and ensure stability in the region during this period.
On the other side, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also announced that Iran will agree to a ceasefire if attacks against Iran are halted. In a statement, he announced that for a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible. He said, this will take place via co-ordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council claimed a historic victory asserting the US accepted Tehran’s 10-point plan.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports the United States decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, but clarified that the pause does not extend to Lebanon, where fighting with Hezbollah continues.
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Global crude oil prices plunged, after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran that includes a commitment to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Benchmark domestic equity indices surged nearly four per cent in the afternoon session We have a report:
“The Sensex skyrocketed over 2,800 points to 77 thousand 485, while the Nifty jumped 850 points to 23 thousand 975 when reports last came in. On the sectoral front, all sectors were trading in the green, with Realty, Auto, and Banking stocks emerging as the biggest gainers.
In the forex market today, the Indian rupee extended its gains for a fourth consecutive session against the US dollar. The currency appreciated by 39 paise to trade at 92 rupees and 59 paise against the dollar.
In the commodities market, global crude oil prices plunged upto 20 per cent, after ceasefire with Iran that includes a commitment to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In intraday trade, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped to as low as 91 US dollars 11 cents per barrel, while Brent crude fell to as low as 91 US dollars 72 cents per barrel.
At the latest update, Brent crude was trading 13.3 per cent down at 94 US dollars and 77 cents per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude was trading14.9 per cent lower at 96 US dollars and 16 cents per barrel, when reports last came in. INTEKHAB KAMAL FOR AKASHVANI NEWS DELHI.”
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The Reserve Bank of India has kept interest rates unchanged at 5.25 percent. Announcing the first bi-monthly monetary policy for the current fiscal, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra today said that, the Monetary Policy Committee has unanimously decided to retain the repo rate at 5.25 per cent with a neutral stance. Consequently, the standing deposit facility rate remains at 5 per cent and the marginal standing facility rate and the Bank Rate remains at 5.50 per cent.
Monetary policy Committee has also expected that, GDP for last financial year will be at 7.6 per cent while for current fiscal it will be at 6.9 per cent.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will hold a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman this afternoon in New Delhi. Mr Rahman arrived in New Delhi last evening on a three day visit to India. During his visit, Mr Rahman is also expected to meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This marks the first visit to New Delhi by a Bangladeshi Minister since the BNP-led government took office in February.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has proven to be highly beneficial in promoting self-employment among the youth. The scheme, which was launched in 2015, has completed 11 years today. In a social media post, Mr Modi stated that the success of the scheme has shown that when individuals are provided with the right opportunities, they can become self-reliant and also contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. He said that PM Mudra Yojana has redefined access to credit by empowering millions with the confidence to dream and the means to fulfil it. More from our Correspondent:-
“Around 58 crore loans worth more than 40 lakh crore rupees have been sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana till date. Two-thirds of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs. Approximately one-fifth of all the loans were extended to first-time entrepreneurs. This initiative has been designed to bridge the gap in financial accessibility, offering streamlined, easy collateral-free loans up to 20 lakh rupees to support small-scale business ventures. MUDRA loans are being offered in four categories namely, Shishu, Kishor, Tarun and TarunPlus which signifies the stage of growth or development and funding needs of the borrowers. With Dipendra Kumar, Akshit Vaidyan, Akashvani News Delhi.”
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Polling for all 140 Assembly constituencies in Keralam, 126 in Assam, and 30 seats in Puducherry will be held in a single phase tomorrow. Authorities have tightened security and administrative measures to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. Let us move to our Thiruvananthapuram Correspondent to know more about polling arrangements in Keralam:
“Extensive measures have been put in place to ensure strict compliance with green protocol guidelines across all polling booths and related centres in Keralam. Single use plastics and thermocol items have been completely banned, with steel utensils and glassware provided through Kudumbashree units. A scientific waste management system has been arranged with the support of the Haritha Karma Sena.A “Green Button” campaign has been conducted for the past three weeks to promote awareness. Strict inspections have led to fines exceeding ₹8 lakh statewide. Notably, green protocol initiatives in Keralam, during last year’s local body elections had drawn national attention. Smithy M Palluruthy, Akashvani News, Thiruvananthapuram.”
We have more details on polling arrangements from Assam:
“The stage is set for over 2.5 crore voters to decide the fate of 722 candidates on April 9th. To ensure a transparent process, Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel has announced that all 31,490 polling stations will be under live webcasting surveillance. Beyond security, the Commission has tried prioritized voter comfort-introducing mobile phone storage, rest areas, and ramps at every center. A significant milestone has already been reached, with over 34,000 elderly and specially-abled citizens exercising their franchise from home via postal ballots. With 1.5 lakh polling personnel and over 43,000 VVPAT machines deployed, the administration is leaving no stone unturned for a smooth election. Saswati Bhattacharjee, Akashvani, Silchar.”
In Puducherry district alone, a total of 4,116 polling personnel have been deployed on election duty. A report:-
“The strong rooms at Women’s Engineering College, Motilal Nehru Government Polytechnic College, and Tagore Government Arts and Science College were opened around 8 AM today under tight security. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs are being dispatched to polling stations, with priority given to remote and far-flung areas. Reserve EVMs have been kept ready under the custody of Returning Officers and are securely stored at designated locations, including Bahour and Nettapakkam. Tomorrow, reserve machines will be handed over to Sector Officers to address any technical issues. After polling, all used EVMs will be brought back and stored constituency-wise in the same strong rooms under strict security. Unused and defective reserve EVMs will be stored separately at secure locations in Puducherry, Mahe, and Yanam. In Puducherry district alone, a total of 4,116 polling personnel have been deployed for election duty. Security arrangements include over 3,000 police personnel, 45 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, and a special unit from the Karnataka Police. Additionally, 155 micro-observers have been appointed across 137 sensitive polling stations to ensure close monitoring. Bibin S Nath, Akashvani News, Puducherry.”
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The last date for filing nominations for the second and final phase of the Assembly Election in West Bengal is tomorrow. Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee filed her nomination today.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India today assured that the Elections in West Bengal would surely be free of any fear, violence, intimidation, inducement and without any Booth Jamming and Source Jamming. The Commission said this in a social media post after meeting a Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation.
Earlier, the TMC delegation which includes senior leaders Derek O’Brien, Sagarika Ghose, Saket Gokhale and Menaka Guruswamy submitted a memorandum to the commission and raised their concerns regarding the neutrality, fairness and transparency of the electoral process in West Bengal.
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In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals will take on Gujarat Titans in the 14th Match of the tournament at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The match will begin at 7:30 PM.
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Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty has delivered a stunning performance at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China. In the opening round today, Shetty defeated World No. 7 Li Shi Feng in straight games, 21-13, 21-16, in a match lasting just over 50 minutes. Shetty will next face Taiwanese player Chi Yu Jen for a place in the quarterfinals.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
India welcomes ceasefire between US and Iran; Says it will lead to lasting peace in West Asia.
Ministry of External Affairs issues advisory to Indian nationals to exit Iran expeditiously over evolving situation in West Asia.
Global oil prices crash upto 20 per cent amid US- Iran ceasefire agreement; Sensex jumps nearly 4 per cent, Nifty surges over 800 points; Rupee gains 39 paise against US Dollar.
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged; Projects India’s real GDP growth for current fiscal at 6.9 per cent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana on completing 11 years; Says it has proven beneficial in promoting self employment among youth.
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