Morning News

HEADLINES: –

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with Ghana President John Dramani Mahama in Accra; Two countries sign 4 agreements.
Prime Minister Modi conferred with Ghana’s highest state honour in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.
Monsoon Session of Parliament to begin on July 21 and continue till August 21.
Annual Amarnath Yatra begins from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes in Jammu and Kashmir amid tight security.
In football, India edge closer to Women’s Asia Cup qualification after thrashing Iraq 5-nil in Thailand.

<><><>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House in Accra last night. Both leaders discussed various ways to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations. Four MoUs were signed following the talks including in the areas of cultural exchange and traditional music. In his joint press statement following the talks, Prime Minister Modi announced that they have decided to give India-Ghana partnership the form of a Comprehensive Partnership.

Mr Modi was also conferred with Ghana’s highest state honour in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership. Prime Minister arrived in Accra yesterday on a state visit to Ghana. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome by President Mahama, including a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute at the airport. We have a report from our correspondent covering the Prime Minister’s visit:

“Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, digital technology, capacity building, infrastructure, and people-to-people ties. They welcomed growing bilateral trade and Indian investments in Ghana, and also spoke of defence and security cooperation.

Both sides committed to deepen development partnership through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects, offering expertise in health, pharma, UPI, and skill development. The two leaders also discussed UN reforms and agreed on stronger global counter-terrorism cooperation.

Following the talks, four MoUs in culture, standards, Ayurveda and traditional medicine, and a joint commission mechanism were exchanged.

Later, at a State Banquet hosted by President Mahama, the Prime Minister received the national honour of Ghana – Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana – in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.”

ALOK RAI AKASHVANI NEWS.

<><><>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago tonight in the second leg of his five-nation visit. He will hold talks with the President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and discuss further strengthening of bilateral relations. Our correspondent reports that the visit is historic as this year marks 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago.

“The leaders of the countries are expected to hold talks on digital transformation, food processing, trade, health, maritime security, transportation and overall economic and cultural cooperation.

The strong relations between the two countries can be assessed from the bilateral trade of US $ 368.96 Million in FY 2023-24. Beside the trade, the MoU on setting up of integrated Automatic Fruit and Vegetable Primary Processing Activity in T&T done last year between the PMs of the two countries on the sidelines of India-CARICOM summit, is an example of deeper cooperation between the two countries. India is also helping T&T in developing efficient Digital payment platform on the line of UPI of India. It may be noted that T&T is the 1st country in the Caribbean region to adopt the UPI platform. On the cultural front, both countries have several programs like Know India Program for the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago, promotion of Hindi and Sanskrit among the youth. The schemes lie OCI, Pravasi Bhartiye Samman Award are various means of engaging the vibrant Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. It is worth noting that T&T President HE Christine Kangloo, graced 2025 Pravasi Bhartiye Diwas virtually as a Chief Guest and was conferred with the samman. The PM HE Kamla Persad Bissessar has been conferred with the Samman in 2012.

During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of T&T and also address a huge gathering of India Diaspora at the National Cycling Velodrome in Port of Spain. This Bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad & Tobago is happening after a long wait and hold importance as its being seen to further strengthen the deep diplomatic, economic, cultural relations between the two countries. Sakshi Singh, Akashvani News, Port of Spain.”

<><><>

In an exclusive interview with Akashvani, High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Pradeep Rajpurohit, touched on various aspects of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the country. He said that both countries are commemorating 180 years of their relations, and the PM’s visit is a momentous occasion for the Indian Diaspora, who have preserved their culture and traditions thousands of miles away from their home in such a celebratory manner.

<><><>

The Monsoon Session of Parliament will begin on July 21 and continue till August 21. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said President Droupadi Murmu has approved the government’s proposal to convene the Monsoon Session from 21st July to 21st August, 2025. In a social media post, Mr Rijiju said that in view of the Independence Day celebrations, there will be no sittings on 13th and 14th of August.

<><><>

The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra formally began this morning from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes amid tight security. More from our correspondent:

“More than 5000 pilgrims reached yesterday safely at Base Camps of Pahalgam and Baltal in Kashmir region. Yatris received a grand welcome from local populace, civil society members and district administration.

Lakhs of devotees from across the country are expected to pay obeisance this year at Holy Cave in the Himalayas in Kashmir region. In light of Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, elaborate fool proof security arrangements have been put in place for the safe, seamless and secure pilgrimage. TARIQ RATHER, Akashvani News, Srinagar.”

<><><>

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura today. The weather agency predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms and lightning over the east, central, northwest, and northeast parts of the country during the next 6 days. Similar conditions is likely to prevail over Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, and Telangana.

In Delhi, there is a forecast of very light to light rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning today.

<><><>

Heavy rains, landslides, and cloudburst have caused significant loss of life and property in Himachal Pradesh. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of continued adverse weather conditions with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected at several locations across the state till July 8. A report:

“In Himachal Pradesh efforts are underway to restore normalcy in areas affected by the heavy monsoon rainfall. The state government has directed the respective district administrations to provide all possible assistance to those impacted. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with the victims and assured them of all possible help. He announced that the state government will provide a special relief package to the affected people. In Thunag, to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity, intra-circle roaming has been activated until July 11, allowing users to connect to any available mobile network regardless of their original service provider. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall in many districts until July 8. In view of this, people have been advised to take necessary precautions. Ritesh Kapoor, Akashvani News, Shimla.”

<><><>

The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed deep concern at the abduction of three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Mali. The incident occurred on the first of this month when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took the Indian nationals as hostages. The Ministry said in a statement that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali in the west African country were attacked by terrorists.

<><><>

Moving on to the world of sports. In football, Indian women’s team produced a commanding performance during their 5-nil win over Iraq to edge closer to AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification in Thailand. We have a report:

“India’s women’s football team delivered a strong performance, beating Iraq with first-half goals from Sangita Basfore and Manisha. In the second half, Karthika Angamuthu, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, and Ratanbala Devi added to the score. The Blue Tigresses now top Group B with 9 points and a +22 goal difference and just one win away from qualifying for the Women’s Asian Cup. Their final group match is against hosts Thailand on Saturday. While Iraq, Mongolia, and Timor-Leste are out of the race.

In cricket, India ended day one of the second Test against England at Edgbaston with 310 for 5. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 114, with Ravindra Jadeja on 41.

The 15th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship is set to begin today in Ranchi. The tournament runs until July 14 and features 28 teams.

In Kho Kho, Sudhanshu Mittal has been re-elected as President of the Kho Kho Federation of India, Played in 58 countries, the sport aims to expand to 90 nations this year, with hopes of inclusion in the 2030 Asian Games and 2032 Olympics. With MAYUR JAIN this is ASHISH ABRAHIM, Akashvani News Delhi.”

<><><>

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the 29th International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Media Technology-BES EXPO 2025 in New Delhi today.

The theme of the conference for this year is Transforming the Media Landscape through AI: Create, Collaborate, and Monetize.

During the three-day conference, eminent broadcasters, media industry professionals, and speakers from the country and abroad will be delivering lectures and discussing state-of-the-art broadcasting topics.

In the exhibition, broadcasting equipment manufacturers, broadcast professionals, and service providers from all over the world will display their latest products, state-of-the-art technologies, and services.

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE: –

Hindustan Times writes about the four nation QUAD group coming together to condemn the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The headline says “Quad calls for Pahalgam attackers to be punished.”
The Hindu quoting Prime Minister Modi on his five nation tour writes “BRICS will help create a multi-polar world.”
Dalai Lama asserting right to find successor says “Trust will decide my incarnation; China to have no role” writes The Asian Age.
In the upcoming GST council meeting later this month “After IT relief, GST rates may come down on household items” hoping to bring cheer to middle class, cites The Pioneer.
The Economic Times states “Niti Aayog set to unveil plan for elderly care” in line with International best practices.
The Indian Express mentions a story of Mizoram with 98.2 percent literacy rate standing ahead of Goa and Tripura as the ‘first fully literate state’ of India under centre’s ULLAS program.

[]><><><[]

THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN: –

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with Ghana President John Dramani Mahama in Accra; Two countries sign 4 agreements.
Prime Minister Modi conferred with Ghana’s highest state honour in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.
Monsoon Session of Parliament to begin on July 21 and continue till August 21.
Annual Amarnath Yatra begins from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes in Jammu and Kashmir amid tight security.
And in football, India edge closer to Women’s Asia Cup qualification after thrashing Iraq 5-nil in Thailand.