THE HEADLINES:
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off extended Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses National Security Summit 2.0 in New Delhi; Describes Pakistan as a centre for International Terrorism and India as a hub of Information Technology.
- Supreme Court asks Centre to consider amending law on terminating pregnancy of rape survivors beyond 20 weeks.
- IMD forecasts heat wave conditions over West Rajasthan for next three days.
- In IPL Cricket, Gujarat Titans to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad this evening.
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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today flagged off the extended Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat Express service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The train, which previously operated from Srinagar up to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run upto Jammu Tawi. The Regular services on the extended route will begin from Saturday. The train will now operate with 20 coaches instead of eight, which will significantly enhance the capacity, connectivity, and comfort. With the extension of Vande Bharat train, the passengers can travel between Jammu and Srinagar in less than five hours. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vaishnaw said that significant transformation has been witnessed in the railway sector over the past twelve years. He noted that following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the region has witnessed a continuous flow of development. Mr Vaishnaw said, keeping in view the rising passenger demand, the number of coaches in this train has been increased from 8 to 20 coach.
Our correspondent reports that the move is expected to particularly benefit pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine and those undertaking the Amarnath Yatra, as it enables a seamless rail journey connecting key pilgrim destinations without interchange.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express in June last year with eight coaches.Since then, the train has consistently been running at full capacity, with an overwhelming response from passengers. In view of the increasing passenger demand, the train has now been extended up to Jammu, and the number of coaches has been increased to 20. The train will commence operations for the general public from Saturday and it is expected to benefit pilgrims, tourists, traders, as well as local residents. The first service will depart from Jammu Tawi at 6:20 in the morning and will halt at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal stations. The train is scheduled to reach Srinagar at 11:10 AM, after completing the journey in around four hours and fifty minutes. On its return journey, the train will leave Srinagar at 2:00 in the afternoon and arrive at Jammu Tawi at 6:50 PM, on the same day. With Dipendra kumar from Jammu, for Akashvani News.
Our correspondent spoke to some of the passengers, who welcomed the initiative taken by the Ministry of Railways.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today described Pakistan as a centre for International Terrorism and India as a hub of Information Technology. Speaking at the National Security Summit 2.0 in New Delhi, he said that Operation Sindoor gave a message to the world that India will not tolerate any terrorist activity under any circumstances. Mr Singh said that India is no longer the country that moves forward with that old mindset, where terrorist attacks happen on our soil, and we just keep issuing diplomatic statements. He reaffirmed the government policy of no distinction to be made between terrorism and its sponsors. He
The Minister also highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in the country and said that the technology has become an integral part of India’s forces. He added that In this New World Order, AI is becoming an indispensable part of a country’s strategic preparedness.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today met his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in New Delhi. The Defence Minister will hold bilateral talks with the Italian Counterpart. Both leaders will discuss a range of issues related to defence cooperation between the two countries. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues in the context of the evolving security landscape.
Earlier in the day, the Italian Defence Minister laid wreath at the National War Memorial and inspected the Guard of Honour.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be on a two-day visit to Ladakh, beginning today. In a social media post, Mr Shah said that during his visit, he will be attending the first ever international exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, commencing on the 1st of May, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. The Home Minister noted that devotees from different parts of the world will offer veneration to the relics of Lord Buddha in the exposition.
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A special one-day session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly began in Bhubaneswar this morning, with deliberations centred on “Participation of Women in Indian Democracy.” Convened amid renewed national debate on women’s political representation, the session focuses on strengthening women’s role in governance, policy-making, and legislative institutions.
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The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Puducherry, has made elaborate arrangements for the counting of votes for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled on May 4. Counting will be held across all four regions-Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam-at six designated centres under strict security protocols. More from our correspondent:
A total of 166 tables have been arranged for EVM and VVPAT counting, along with 35 tables for postal ballots. For EVM and VVPAT counting, 218 Counting Supervisors, 221 Counting Assistants and 232 Micro Observers have been deployed. For postal ballot counting, 47 Counting Supervisors, 94 Counting Assistants and 47 Micro Observers have been engaged. Three-tier security arrangements have been put in place as per Election Commission guidelines, with Central Armed Police Forces and local police ensuring security. Only authorised persons with valid identity cards will be allowed inside counting halls, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited. Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar inspected the counting centres and stated that all arrangements are in place for a transparent and orderly counting process. The public can follow real-time counting trends and results through the Election Commission’s official website and the ECINET mobile application. Bibin S Nath, Akashvani News, Puducherry.
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The Supreme Court today strongly objected to a plea filed by AIIMS seeking to set aside its earlier order that permitted a 15-year-old girl to medically terminate her 30-week pregnancy. The court also asked the Centre to consider amending the law to allow rape survivors to terminate unwanted pregnancies even beyond 20 weeks. It observed that in cases of pregnancy arising from rape, there should not be a rigid time limit. The court stressed that law must remain organic and aligned with changing times.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said this was a case of child rape. It noted that the survivor will carry lifelong trauma if the termination is not allowed. The court added that if the mother does not suffer from any permanent medical disability, the procedure should be permitted. It also directed AIIMS to counsel the parents of the survivor on the issue. The court underlined that the final decision must rest with the person concerned.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah today extended his greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Third Guru of Sikhism, Guru Amar Das. In a social media post, Mr Shah remembered Sikh Guru for inspiring humanity to renounce ego and embrace the path of service, dedication, and remembrance of the Divine Name.
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Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today said that the Somnath temple is a symbol of India’s self-respect, resilience, and indomitable spirit. The Minister said this while inaugurating the Somnath Swabhiman Parv Yatra in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shekhawat said that the move will motivate the citizens to take inspiration from India’s past, from ancestors, and from the spirit of rising again even after being knocked down.
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The India Meteorological Department has forecast heat wave conditions over West Rajasthan for the next three days. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal will experience hot and humid weather for the next two days. IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim tomorrow. Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal will experience heavy rainfall till the 2nd of May. Further, thunderstorms and lightning will prevail over Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and north-eastern states tomorrow. Similar conditions will prevail over East Rajasthan, South Interior Karnataka, Telangana, Coastal Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, North Interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema tomorrow.
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Amidst a forecast of a heatwave for two days in Gujarat, there has been partial relief today as temperatures dropped by one to two degrees Celsius. A report;
According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperatures recorded today were 36.4°C in Amreli and Bhavnagar, 36.2°C in Ahmedabad and Rajkot, and 35.4°C in Bhuj in Kutch. However, temperatures are likely to remain between 40°C and 43°C for the next three days. Due to the current conditions, roads in Gujarat are seen empty in the afternoon. At the same time, hospitals have reported a rise in cases of heatstroke and dehydration due to the heat. Regarding the heat, the Meteorological Department has advised people to carry water bottles while going out and to consume plenty of water, lemonade, buttermilk, coconut water, or other fluids. It has also appealed to people to avoid spicy, high-protein, and stale foods, and not to go out unnecessarily between 12 noon and 4 pm.
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Benchmark domestic equity indices pared some of their early losses and were trading around 0.7 per cent lower in the afternoon session. The Sensex dropped 553 points to 76 thousand 943, while the Nifty lost 191 points to 23 thousand 987 when reports last came in. The broader market on the National Stock Exchange was also trading in negative zone. The Mid-cap 100 was trading 1.1 per cent lower, while the Small-cap 100 dipped half a per cent, a short while ago.
On the sectoral front, Broad based selling was observed across the market, with the Metal, PSU Bank and Realty sectors leading the decline, while IT bucked the trend.
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Global crude oil prices continued to surge, extending gains from their highest close in nearly four years. As Washington has signalled no easing of its naval blockade and moved to seize tankers linked to Tehran, raising fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
Yesterday, Brent crude futures hovered near 120 US dollars per barrel after jumping more than 6 per cent to its highest level since June 2022.
Today, Brent Crude was trading 3.5 per cent up from the previous close, trading at 122 US dollars and 20 cents per barrel.
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In IPL Cricket, today, Gujarat Titans will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will start at 7.30 PM. Last night, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN: –
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off extended Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses National Security Summit 2.0 in New Delhi; Describes Pakistan as a centre for International Terrorism and India as a hub of Information Technology.
- Supreme Court asks Centre to consider amending law on terminating pregnancy of rape survivors beyond 20 weeks.
- IMD forecasts heat wave conditions over West Rajasthan for next three days.
- In IPL Cricket, Gujarat Titans to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad this evening.
For details of these stories and more, log on to our website
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AND WITH THAT WE END THE MID DAY NEWS.
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