THE HEADLINES:-
- West Bengal set to become the 36th State or Union Territory to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
- National Testing Agency releases exam city intimation slip for NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled to be held on June 21.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone II Conference in Chandigarh today.
- New Delhi says, Indonesia is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy.
- Iran fires waves of missiles at Israel for first time since April ceasefire.
- And in Tennis, Germany’s Alexander Zverev secures his maiden Grand Slam title with five-set victory over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in French Open final.
<><><>
West Bengal is set to become the 36th State or Union Territory to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY which is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme. National Health Authority and the Government of West Bengal will sign a Memorandum of Understanding today for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in the State.
“Today in Delhi, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with the central government’s National Health Authority (NHA) to this effect in presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda. With today’s MoU signing, West Bengal will become the last state to join the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana among 36 states and union territories. Although the central government launched the Ayushman Bharat project in 2018, the Trinamool Congress government did not implement it in the state. During election campaigning, the BJP had promised that after coming to power the people of the state would receive the benefits of this scheme. After taking oath as Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari announced that the 6 crores people who were receiving benefits under the state’s Swasthya Sathi project would now be brought under the central Ayushman Bharat scheme. In addition, new applications can also be submitted for the project. SANDIPON DASGUPTA, AKASHVANI NEWS, KOLKATA.”
<><><>
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the exam city intimation slip for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, scheduled to be held on 21 of this month. Our correspondent reports that registered candidates can now check their allotted exam city by logging in to the official website using their application number and password.
“According to a public notice issued by the agency, the re-examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. The NTA clarified that the exam city intimation slip is not the admit card and is being issued solely to inform candidates about the city where their examination centre will be located. The agency further urged candidates to stay updated through its official websites for the latest announcements regarding the examination and admit card release. The NEET-UG for admissions into medical courses took place on May 3 this year but was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 amid allegations of paper leak. The CBI is currently investigating this matter, and a retest is scheduled for June 21. Aman Yadav, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
<><><>
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the three-day Zone-II Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, in Chandigarh today.
“Arrival of presiding officer and legislators from across the country has started for the CPA conference for the northern zone 2 of the Indian region, which is being hosted by the Haryana assembly. The conference will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at 3 PM. Prior to it, he will be accorded a guard of honour. After which, Om Birla and other dignitaries will address the inaugural session. After the inaugural session, a culture evening program will be organised at a hotel, where a special theatrical performance based on the values of the Indian Constitution and democratic traditions will be presented. During the 3-day conference, deliberations will be held on significant topics like the role of legislatures in the nation-building Viksit Bharat 2047, artificial intelligence and making democratic institutions more effective. Ashwini Kumar Sharma, Akashvani News, Chandigarh.”
<><><>
Akashvani is celebrating its 90 years today. This day, on June 8th 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was renamed All India Radio. This red letter day marks a special moment in the cultural, information and broadcasting history of the country, where a voice was born that would echo through generations.
Post-independence, All India Radio expanded rapidly, adopting the name Akashvani in 1956. Today, Akashvani operates 591 stations, reaching 98 percent of India’s population, broadcasting in 23 languages and 146 dialects. Akashvani’s External Services Division broadcasts to over 100 countries, projecting India’s voice globally and connecting with the diaspora. Living up to its noble ideals of Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya, the News Services Division (NSD) of All India Radio strives to provide news and views to every dweller in this vast country in varied terrains, 24X7, in all major languages and dialects, while adhering to highest professional ethics and standards in Radio Broadcasting.
<><><>
India has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 12 years. During this period, the Modi government carried out many flagship initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of the poor, farmers, women and youth. Akashvani News brings you a special feature on the Government’s efforts over the last 12 years across key sectors. Today, we focus on the measures taken by the government towards environmental protection.
“Over the last twelve years, India has achieved a sustained environmental transformation through deliberate policy action and consistent implementation. The country has expanded forest and tree cover, restored wetlands, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems, and advanced river rejuvenation through the Namami Gange Programme. A total of 524 projects have been sanctioned, out of which 355 projects have been completed till February this year. Talking to Akashvani News, Saurav Gupta said that due to this programme, significant improvement to the cleanliness of Ganga is visible.
The Green India Mission launched in 2015 is a flagship initiative dedicated to forests and ecosystem restoration. India’s forest and tree cover stands at 8.27 lakh square kilometer, accounting for over 25 percent of the country’s geographical area. India has achieved a significant milestone in global forest statistics by advancing to the 9th position worldwide in terms of total forest area. In 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, which has emerged as one of the world’s largest public environmental movements. A total of over 262 crore saplings were planted till December last year. Talking to Akashvani News, Ashok Bhardwaj of Haryana said that he participated in Bhiwani District in plantation drive under this campaign.
As climate change, resource pressures, and environmental degradation intensify globally, India has adopted a balanced approach that combines conservation, sustainability, and development. Anand Kumar, Akashvani News Delhi.”
<><><>
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said Indonesia is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, as Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Rooted in deep civilisational linkages, the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to grow from strength to strength across established and new areas of cooperation, MEA said. The two ministers also co-chaired the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting yesterday. According to the MEA, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations under the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
<><><>
Iran launched waves of missiles at Israel last night, marking its first such attack since the 8th April ceasefire, according to Israel Defence Forces. Iran’s state broadcaster also confirmed the missile attacks. Our West Asia correspondent has filed this report:
“Tehran framed the operation as a calibrated act of deterrence. The Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters, the command centre of Iran’s armed forces, had warned that any strike on the Lebanese capital would cross a red line. By targeting a specific military installation rather than population centres, Iranian military leadership signalled it wanted to impose a cost on Israel without collapsing ongoing negotiations toward a lasting regional peace agreement. The strikes also carried a broader message toward Washington. Iranian officials, including parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, had expressed deep frustration over the ongoing U.S. naval blockade restricting maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and alleged that Washington effectively authorised Israel’s latest Lebanon operations. THIS IS VINOD KUMAR , AKASHANI NEWS FROM DUBAI”
<><><>
In Philippines, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale shook the Mindanao region in southern Philippines early this morning, with a tsunami likely on some regional coasts. Power outages were reported and people were urged to go to higher ground. No further information on damage or casualties was immediately available. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves up to 3 meters are possible on some coasts of the Philippines.
<><><>
In tennis, Germany’s Alexander Zverev clinched his maiden Grand Slam title, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a thrilling five-set final to win the French Open crown at Roland Garros. The world number three prevailed 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 in a four-hour-and-20-minute contest on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The victory ended Zverev’s long wait for a major title after runner-up finishes at the US Open in 2020, the French Open in 2024, and the Australian Open in 2025.
The 29-year-old became the first German man to win the French Open since Henner Henkel in 1937.
<><><>
In our bilingual live phone-in programme “Public Speak” tonight at 9.30 PM, we will bring an insightful discussion on Khet Bachao Abhiyan: Restricting Fertilizers Use and Promoting Soil Health with Dr. J.P.S. Dabas, Former Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
During the programme, listeners can ask questions on the subject.
To participate, simply dial the telephone numbers 011-23310481, 011-23717117, 011-23717106 and 011-23314444, from 9:30 PM onwards tonight.
<><><>
TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:
- A top front page headline in The Statesman writes “Nepal signals pragmatic reset in ties with India during Foreign Minister’s visit” backing bilateral route on border issue.
- Ministry of Home Affairs approves deployment of 670 companies of CAPFs marking one of the largest ever multi-layered security arrangements for Amarnath yatra reports The Asian Age.
- An editorial in Hindustan Times states how SAARC offers India what other forums cannot. It empowers Delhi amidst global turmoil with no gurantee needed from any external actor in setting the terms of the organisation.
- In an extraordinary arrangement “NEET paper setters to be in lockdown till re-exam; no phone, net, team housed at secret location”says The Times of India.
- The Economic Times states “Leh old town to get Heritage make-over to enhance infrastructure and improved public amenities.”
- The Indian Express quoting the government says “Despite second price revision of LPG gas cylinders since crisis in West Asia, Oil marketing companies are still losing 700 rupees.”
- And finally, In a historic first for Punjab, celebrated music composer and singer A R Rahman delivered a live performance at the Attari Border on Sunday paying tribute to the Border Security Force through a stirring rendition of his patriotic song ‘Jai Ho’, notes The Tribune.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- West Bengal set to become the 36th State or Union Territory to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
- National Testing Agency releases exam city intimation slip for NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled to be held on June 21.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone II Conference in Chandigarh today.
- New Delhi says, Indonesia is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy.
- Iran fires waves of missiles at Israel for first time since April ceasefire.
- And in Tennis, Germany’s Alexander Zverev secures his maiden Grand Slam title with five-set victory over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in French Open final.
<><><>
