THE HEADLINES: –
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemns attack on UAE’s Fujairah resulting in injuries to three Indian nationals; Calls for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability across West Asia.
- US and Iran launch fresh attacks in Gulf as two sides wrestle control over Strait of Hormuz.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holds talks with his Jamaican counterpart Kamina J Smith; Calls for stronger economic ties between two countries.
- Political activities begin for government formation in West Bengal Tamil Nadu and Keralam after declaration of Assembly polls results.
- Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasises need to transform India’s research ecosystem to deliver innovation-driven outcomes.
- In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals to take on Chennai Super Kings in Delhi this
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attacks on UAE’s Fujairah that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. In a social media post, Mr Modi stated that targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable. He asserted that India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Mr Modi underlined that ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring regional peace, stability and global energy security. Yesterday, three Indian nationals were injured after a fire broke out at the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone (FOIZ) in the UAE, following a drone attack from Iran.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the attack in the UAE, calling it unacceptable. The Ministry in a statement called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians. The Ministry said, India continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy to address the situation, so that peace and stability may be restored across West Asia. India also called for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. The Ministry further asserted that India stands ready to support all efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the issues.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh attacks in the Gulf, escalating tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz and undermining an already fragile ceasefire. Two US Navy guided-missile destroyers have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Arabian Gulf, after navigating sustained and coordinated Iranian barrage, marking the opening phase of Washington’s “Project Freedom” operation. The USS Truxtun and USS Mason, supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft, came under fire yesterday from small boats, missiles, and drones during the passage. However, neither vessel was hit, with defensive systems intercepting or deterring all incoming threats. Meanwhile, the conflict has spread beyond the strait.
“US Central Command chief Admiral Bradley Cooper says American forces have sunk six Iranian fast boats that were attempting to target commercial vessels in the Strait, while Iranian cruise missiles aimed at US Navy destroyers were intercepted by US air power.US President Donald Trump has called on South Korea to join the mission, a request Seoul says it will review. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the developments show there is no military solution to what he described as a political crisis.“Iran’s foreign ministry told Gulf states that its actions were defensive , while also warning them not to let the U.S. or Israel use their territory against Iran.
President Trump, however, warned that Iran would be decimated if US Navy ships come under attack, even as he stopped short of formally declaring the ceasefire over.
South Korea’s ministry of oceans and fisheries ordered nearby South Korean vessels to relocate to safer waters and convened an emergency meeting, while Seoul faces growing pressure from Washington to formally join Project Freedom – a step that risks straining its relations with Iran and drawing it deeper into a volatile regional conflict.Fujairah’s strategic importance to the day’s events cannot be overstated. The emirate sits on the UAE’s eastern coast on the Gulf of Oman, beyond the strait entirely, and a pipeline running from Abu Dhabi’s oilfields to its port has allowed the UAE to keep some crude flowing to world markets despite the blockade. Striking it signals a clear Iranian intent to close off that alternative route as well.While day one of Project Freedom was described as a tactical success by US commanders, restoring the pre-conflict flow of around 120 vessels a day through the strait remains a distant prospect as long as Iran continues to present a credible threat to commercial shipping. VINOD KUMAR/AKASHVANI NEWS/DUBAI.”
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The International Monetary Fund has said the global economy could face far more severe consequences if the West Asia conflict extends into 2027, potentially driving oil prices to around 125 dollar per barrel. Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva said, current conditions including a prolonged conflict, oil prices remaining at or above 100 dollar per barrel, and rising inflationary pressures have already triggered the IMF’s adverse scenario. Under the adverse scenario, global growth is expected to slow to 2.5 percent in 2026, while inflation could rise to 5.4 percent.
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The Government has said there has been no dry-out at LPG distributorships across the country and has assured that measures are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG amid the evolving situation in West Asia. During the Inter-Ministerial briefing in New Delhi last afternoon, officials asked citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG and to rely on official sources for accurate information. It said that Online LPG cylinder bookings across the country have increased to 99 per cent on an industry basis, and commercial LPG supply has been restored to around 70 per cent.
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External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar today said that development cooperation remains a key pillar of the partnership between India and Jamaica. Dr. Jaishankar was addressing the media after his meeting with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith and other Cabinet members. The External Affairs Minister said, the talks were comprehensive and substantive, covering the full spectrum of bilateral ties and identifying new avenues to further strengthen cooperation.
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Vietnam President, To Lam arrived at Bodh Gaya in Bihar today on a three-day State Visit to India. He was received at the airport by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
During his visit, President To Lam will offer prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He will also visit the Vietnamese Monastery in Bodh Gaya.
President To Lam is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several Ministers and senior officials of the Government of Vietnam along with a strong business delegation. The Vietnamese President will arrive in New Delhi later in the day.
Tomorrow, President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations as also on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
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Political activities have begun for the government formation in Tamil Nadu and Keralam after declaration assembly polls results. In Tamil Nadu actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as the single largest party in the state, winning 108 seats. Following the party’s strong electoral debut, newly elected TVK legislators have formally elected Mr Vijay as their leader in legislative party meeting at the party headquarters in Panaiyur, near Chennai. First-time elected members of the party were seen excited and enthusiastic at the meeting. Speaking exclusively to Akashvani News, newly elected MLA from Sivakasi, Keerthana, said she would fulfil the promises made in the party manifesto and looked forward to serving as an MLA.
In the 234-member Assembly, the ruling DMK secured 59 seats, while its main rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, won 47 seats. TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay won both Perambur and Tiruchy East seats.
Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has submitted his resignation to the Governor, which has been accepted. In a statement, DMK Chief Mr. Stalin said, party will function as a strong opposition.
In Keralam, the Congress-led UDF is holding informal discussions on the formation of a government.
“Even though informal discussions about government formation in Keralam are continuing in the Congress camp, details about the official legislative party meeting are still awaited. The Congress-led UDF, which secured a stunning victory with 102 out of the 140 Assembly constituencies in Keralam, will approach the Governor for ministry formation after the legislative party meeting. UDF sources have hinted that the legislative party meeting will be scheduled only after the arrival of All India Congress Committee representatives from Delhi.It may be noted that the present Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan, former Opposition Leader and former KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala, and the present KPCC President Sunny Joseph are the prominent senior Congress leaders among the newly elected MLAs.Smithy M Palluruthy Akashvani News Thiruvananthapuram.”
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Following the BJP’s sweeping victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, preparations are in full swing for the formation of the new government and the oath-taking ceremony in the state. The new cabinet members are likely to be sworn in on 9th of this month, the birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the ceremony.
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reiterated the government’s commitment to building a strong research and innovation ecosystem in the country. Addressing the IIT Madras Tech Summit in New Delhi today, Mr Pradhan emphasized the need to transform India’s research ecosystem to deliver innovation-driven outcomes. He said research should not remain limited to PhD theses and academic publications, but must lead to tangible innovations that benefit society.
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BJP MPs Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, and Rajendra Gupta today met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today to express concern over the alleged misuse of state machinery by the AAP-led government in Punjab. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Raghav Chadha accused the AAP-led Punjab government of using state machinery to target Rajya Sabha MPs who recently quit the party and joined the BJP.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also met President Droupadi Murmu in connection with the recent defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Mann said the merger of AAP MPs is unconstitutional and demanded their disqualification from the Rajya Sabha.
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News Just in,
The BJP has appointed senior party leader and Union Minister Amit Shah as Central Observer for the election of the Leader of the Legislative Party in West Bengal. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been appointed as the Central Co-observer in the state.
While Union Minister J P Nadda has been appointed as Central Observer for the election of the Leader of the Legislative Party in Assam. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has been appointed as the Central Co-Observer in the state. These names were approved by the BJP Parliamentary Board for Central Observers.
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In Bihar, twelve people lost their lives in separate incidents of storm, rain, and lightning yesterday. Five deaths were reported from East Champaran district, four from Aurangabad, and three from Gaya district. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has expressed deep grief over the incidents. He has directed that an ex-gratia amount of four lakh rupees each be provided to the next of kin of the deceased.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chattisgarh during the next two days. Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gangetic West Bengal are expected to experience similar conditions today.
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In IPL Cricket, Host Delhi Capitals will face Chennai Super Kings at Arun Jaitly Stadium this evening. The match will begin at 7:30 this evening.
Last night, Hosts Mumbai Indians defeated Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium. Chasing the target of 229 runs, Mumbai Indians overhauled the score in 18.4 overs with the loss of four wickets.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemns attack on UAE’s Fujairah resulting in injuries to three Indian nationals; Calls for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability across West Asia.
- US and Iran launch fresh attacks in Gulf as two sides wrestle control over Strait of Hormuz.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holds talks with his Jamaican counterpart Kamina J Smith; Calls for stronger economic ties between two countries.
- Political activities begin for government formation in West Bengal Tamil Nadu and Keralam after declaration of Assembly polls results.
- Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasises need to transform India’s research ecosystem to deliver innovation-driven outcomes.
- In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals to take on Chennai Super Kings in Delhi this
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