THE HEADLINES::
- President Droupadi Murmu to present Padma awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi today.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, government has excluded all tribal communities from ambit of Uniform Civil Code.
- Petrol price hiked by 2 rupees 61 paise per litre, while that of diesel by 2 rupees 71 paise per litre.
- National Testing Agency postpones CUET UG 2026 examinations scheduled for 28th of this month.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says, India and US have strong interest in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
- US President Donald Trump says, India can trust on him. Also says he is a big fan of Prime Minister Modi.
- In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
<><><>
President Droupadi Murmu will present the Padma Awards at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening. Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian awards of the country, are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. In the first civil investiture ceremony of 2026 today, the President will confer 66 Padma Awards including 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri. The remaining Padma Awards will be given in the second round of the civil investiture ceremony to be held later. We have a report:
“This year, the Government has announced a total of 131 Padma Awards. These include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Among the awardees, 19 are women, while 16 individuals will be awarded posthumously. The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in the year 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The Award seeks to recognize work of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements in various fields and disciplines, including Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs and Trade and Industry. Priya Mondal, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
<><><>
News Services Division of Akashvani will brodcast special programmes as part of our series, ‘People’s Padma on Akashvani’.
In these episodes, we provide listeners insights into the work and life of Padma awardees. To listen to the episodes, tune into 100.1 Akashvani Gold today from 9.10 AM onwards. It can also be heard on News On Air App and NEWS ON AIR OFFICIAL Youtube channel.
<><><>
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the government has made special provisions to exclude all tribal communities from the ambit of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), ensuring that their rights are fully protected. Addressing the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam in New Delhi, Mr Shah said the UCC will not infringe upon any tribal rights.
The Home Minister also said that the tribal welfare budget, which stood at 28 thousand crore rupees during the Congress-led government, has been increased to one lakh 50 thousand crore rupees under the Narendra Modi government.
<><><>
Petrol price has been hiked by 2 rupees 61 paise per litre, while that of diesel by 2 rupees 71 paise per litre today, marking the fourth hike in two weeks. With this revision, petrol will now cost 102 rupees 12 paise per litre in Delhi, while diesel will now cost 95 rupees 20 paise per litre in the National Capital.
<><><>
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026 examinations scheduled for the 28th of this month. NTA said that this decision was taken in view of the change in the date of the Id-ul-Zuha or Bakrid holiday as per the Government notification. The agency informed that revised exam dates for affected candidates will be announced soon. NTA also advised candidates to regularly visit its official website for the latest updates.
<><><>
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has extended the last date for obtaining scanned photocopies of answer books for Class 12 board examinations by one more day, until today. CBSE said that the decision was taken to provide adequate time to students for submitting requests. The Board advised candidates to avail of this extended timeline and submit their applications accordingly. It stated that the start date for accepting re-evaluation requests shall be communicated soon.
<><><>
For quick news updates, round the clock,follow us on our X handle @airnewsalerts.And for details of stories and more,log on to our website <<www.newsonair.gov.in>> and download News On Air App.
<><><>
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that India and the United States have a strong interest in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Addressing the gathering at 250th Independence Day celebration of the United States in New Delhi yesterday, Dr Jaishankar said that India and US must always be clear about zero tolerance for terrorism.
The External Affairs Minister said that both nations have a common interest in de-risking the global economy and providing the world with more choices. He said that many convergences make both nations effective strategic partners in multiple domains.
Mentioning the visit of US Secretary of State and NSA Marco Rubio, Dr Jaishankar said, this visit, highlights the significance of India-US ties in contemporary times.
<><><>
US President Donald Trump dialed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during an event celebrating America’s 250 years of Independence at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi yesterday. Mr Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend and stated that ties between the two nations had never been so close. Mr Trump said, he loves India, and even called himself a “big fan” of PM Modi. Mr Trump said, India can count on him 100 per cent. The US ambassador held his phone to a microphone for the audience to hear Trump’s remarks.
The event was graced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador Sergio Gor. US President’s remarks came amid Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s four-day visit to India.
<><><>
US President Donald Trump said that he has told his representatives not to rush into any deal with Iran, as his administration played down hopes of an imminent breakthrough in the three-month old war.
He said that any future deal with Iran under his administration would involve no financial concessions and would be fundamentally different from the agreement reached during former US President Barack Obama’s tenure. He also criticised the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal and claimed his proposed agreement would prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons and the deal will differ from the one crafted by former US President Barack Obama.
<><><>
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a farewell call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday. According to a post by the High Commission of India in Bangladesh on social media platform X, the Prime Minister thanked Mr Verma for his contributions towards strengthening India-Bangladesh relations and conveyed best wishes for his next assignment. Mr Verma reaffirmed India’s willingness to deepen multifaceted engagement with Bangladesh for the mutual benefit and shared prosperity of the peoples of both countries.
<><><>
The annual five-day Haj pilgrimage commences today amidst regional tension in West Asia, as more than 1.6 million Muslims from across the world, including India begins their journey from holy city of Mecca to assemble in tent-city of Mina in Saudi Arabia. They will spend the night there and move towards plains of Arafat at dawn tomorrow for the day’s main ritual of Haj-reciting prayers. About one lakh seventy five thousand pilgrims from India are participating in this year’s Haj pilgrimage.
<><><>
In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata last night. Delhi Capitals set a target of 204 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In reply, KKR scored only 163 runs in 18.4 overs.
Put into bat, Delhi Capitals posted 203 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in stipulated 20 overs.
Earlier in the day, in another fixture, Rajasthan Royals defeated Host Mumbai Indians by 30 runs at Wankhede stadium.
<><><>
India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heat wave conditions today in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab. Parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Telangana are also likely to witness severe heat wave conditions during the day.
<><><>
In our bilingual live phone-in programme “Public Speak” tonight at 9.30, we will bring an insightful discussion on One-Stop Digital Support for Senior Citizens: JEEVAN and SHATAYU Apps with Monali P. Dhakate, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
During the programme, listeners can ask questions on recently launched apps by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to support senior citizens in accessing healthcare, information on welfare schemes and ensuring their safety and care.
To participate, simply dial the telephone numbers 011-23310481, 011-23717117, 011-23717106 and 011-23314444, 9:30 PM onwards tonight.
Alternatively, you can also send your queries via WhatsApp 9289094044.
<><><>
TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS,
- Talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is covered prominently by the dailies. “India & US reaffirm strategic ties; push trade, energy deals” leads The Asian Age.”Rubio, Jaishankar stress need for ‘unimpeded’ maritime trade” writes The Hindu.
- The Statesman quoting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says “US Pakistan alliance ‘not at the expense’ of ties with India.”
- “West Bengal orders setting up of holding centres for illegal foreigners awaiting deportation” reports The Tribune.
- The Pioneer in its editorial piece states “Addressing India’s jobs crisis.” The paper says “The employment question is not merely economic-It is deeply linked to dignity and aspiration of the youth and affects national confidence. Any nation that aspires to be super power must be backed by its youth that is meaningfully employed and has a positive mindset. Indeed, India is one of the youngest nation of the world has a sizable youthful energy. But if it is not engaged in constructive work there is a high chance of it going wayward. In keeping with his commitment to provide jobs Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the 19th edition of the Rozgar Mela.
- “Quad grouping is vital says Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi” reports The Hindu.
- Finally, “Delhi’s shopping problem just became a business.” Well, The Pioneer reports that “Carrymen, which began operations in Lajpat Nagar in April, offers shoppers a trained assistant who accompanies them through the market, carries their bags, holds their spot in queues, helps them navigate stores.”
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- President Droupadi Murmu to present Padma awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi today.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, government has excluded all tribal communities from ambit of Uniform Civil Code.
- Petrol price hiked by 2 rupees 61 paise per litre, while that of diesel by 2 rupees 71 paise per litre.
- National Testing Agency postpones CUET UG 2026 examinations scheduled for 28th of this month.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says, India and US have strong interest in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
- US President Donald Trump says, India can trust on him. Also says he is a big fan of Prime Minister Modi.
- In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
<><><>
For details of these stories and more, log on to our website www.newsonair.gov.in and News On Air App.
<><><>