THE HEADLINES:-
- Centre signs historic tripartite MoU with Assam and Nagaland governments for exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the two states.
- Government issues advisory about growing threat of cybercriminals using artificial intelligence to bypass security systems and target financial infrastructure.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calls for diversified supply chains and greater international cooperation amid ongoing conflicts.
- US President Donald Trump calls off new military strikes on Iran, citing breakthrough in talks to end war.
- Hosts England to take on Sri Lanka in opening match of ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Birmingham today.
- In Football, co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-nil in inaugural match of FIFA World Cup 2026.
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In a significant development, the Centre has signed a historic tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Governments of Assam and Nagaland for exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the two northeastern states. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shah said that the signing of the MoU is a historic moment and it will enhance the prospects for oil and natural gas exploration in the country.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the boundary issue between Assam and Nagaland is a long standing issue due to which the natural resources lying in the area could not be utilised for the nation.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has also termed the signing of the tripartite MoU for ‘Mineral Oil Operations in the Assam-Nagaland boundary areas’ as a historic milestone. We have more from our Correspondent in Kohima:
“Expressing gratitude to the Central Government, Mr Rio said its commitment to peace, stability, and development in the Northeast had made the agreement possible.He also thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Government of Assam for their cooperation and goodwill.Mr Rio said the MoU reflects the maturity of relations between the Nagaland and Assam and their shared commitment to regional development.
He noted that while unresolved border issues had hindered resource development for decades, the MoU provides a framework that will benefit both present and future generations.Mr Rio said, the agreement will unlock the economic potential of Sectors A to F along the Assam-Nagaland border, enhancing economic activity, resource management, inter-state cooperation, and creating new opportunities for the people. MARY, AKASHVANI NEWS, KOHIMA.”
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The Centre has issued an advisory about the growing threat of cybercriminals using artificial intelligence to bypass security systems and target financial infrastructure. According to the advisory issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to create realistic deepfake videos and synthetic identities. These technologies are being exploited to bypass facial authentication, liveness verification, video KYC processes, account recovery systems and unauthorized access to financial and digital services.
“The advisory highlights that fraudsters typically initiate contact through social media platforms, job portals, dating platforms, or phone calls. They collect facial data of victims, sometimes by convincing them to perform simple actions such as blinking, turning their head, or speaking on camera.The government has advised financial institutions, including fintech companies, to strengthen deepfake detection mechanisms and enhance customer onboarding systems. The individuals have also been urged to secure their biometric data, remain alert to suspicious login attempts, and regularly monitor email or SMS notifications related to financial activities. Citizens are also advised to report any suspicious financial transactions immediately through the national cybercrime reporting portal. With Dipendra Kumar, Priya Mondal, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has stressed the need for resilient and diversified supply chains, sustained diplomatic efforts and greater international cooperation to deal with the fallout of ongoing conflicts. Participating in a discussion on “Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition” at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, Dr Jaishankar said the impact of the conflicts extends far beyond the regions where they occur. He said, there is broad agreement that the international community must continue efforts to mitigate the consequences of conflicts and create conditions conducive to diplomacy. On energy security, Dr Jaishankar reiterated that India’s energy choices are guided by national interest and that purchases are based on considerations of affordability and availability.
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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 “12 Saal — Vishwas Ke, Vikas ke, Jankalyan ke.” Today, we focus on the measures taken by the government towards positioning India as a global leader through its foreign policy.
“Over the last 12 years, India emerged as a formidable global leader driven by bold initiatives that fuse ambition with action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has anchored these efforts in responsibility and inclusivity, ensuring India’s voice resonates across global platforms. India strengthened its old relationships while making new friends, infusing fresh energy into India’s foreign policy while keeping the principle of ‘India First’ supreme.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations are a vital part of India’s global engagement. Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka in November 2025 leaving hundreds dead, thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged. Standing in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Sri Lanka. The effort brought together the Indian Navy, Air Force, Army and disaster-response teams in a coordinated rescue and relief operation. India provided comprehensive support to Sri Lanka including immediate relief supplies, medical aid, search and rescue assistance and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Thanking the Indian government, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister for Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that India had shown immense warmth and solidarity toward the people of Sri Lanka.
The major highlight of India’s foreign policy came during the COVID-19 crisis when it launched the Vaccine Maitri initiative as a testament to its human-centric diplomacy. Since January 2021, India has supplied over 30.12 crore vaccine doses to 99 countries and two UN bodies. This included 1.51 crore doses gifted to over 50 nations and 5.2 crore doses through the COVAX mechanism.
Talking to Akashvani News, Dr. Jyotishko Biswas, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher based in Bangladesh said that the rapid dispatch of the vaccines from India was a profound gesture of goodwill. He extended thanks and best wishes to India, its government, and its people.
In the last 12 years, India has stepped up as a global leader through impactful initiatives like Vaccine Maitri and Operation Sagar Bandhu that blend vision with execution. Its commitment to humanitarian aid and regional partnerships is anchored in the civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Aman Yadav, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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US President Donald Trump has called off new military strikes on Iran, citing breakthrough in talks to end war. The move comes hours after he threatened to escalate the war by seizing control of Iran’s oil industry. In a social media post, Mr Trump credited progress in discussions with high-level Iranian leadership as cause for the sudden change. He also suggested that progress has been made in talks to extend the fragile ceasefire.
President Trump also said that a deal to end the war with Iran is nearly complete and is expected to be signed over the weekend in Europe. He made these remarks at the Oval Office in the White House yesterday.
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The 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup will begin today, with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The month-long tournament will be hosted across England and Wales with the final set to take place on 5th of July at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
India will start their campaign against arch rivals Pakistan on Sunday. Harmanpreet Kaur led Indian side will be looking to create history as they aim for their first Women’s T20 World Cup title.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off in Mexico City after a grand opening ceremony last night. Co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa by 2-nil in the inaugural match at the Azteca Stadium. Julian Quinones scored Mexico’s opening goal in the ninth minute to give the hosts a lead. Later, Raul Jimenez scored in the 67th minute, making it 2-nil for Mexico.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:
- In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has called homemakers nation builders, and quantified their monthly care at thirty thousand rupees, reports The Tribune.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been quoted in The Pioneer as saying that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act will be withdrawn from the entire Northeast next year, barring one or two states.
- In its editorial piece titled, “Green energy can’t yet bend climate curve,” The Indian Express argues that despite record growth in renewable energy, the world is still failing to slow global warming because major sectors remain dependent on fossil fuels. The paper says the clean-energy transition must be accompanied by deeper industrial change, stronger policy support, technological innovation and international cooperation.
- Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has sought ‘serious and binding’ Artificial Intelligence rules, and called for mandatory testing and government powers to block risky systems, reports Financial Express.
- And finally, The Asian Age has quoted US agency NOAA as confirming that the weather phenomenon El Nino has begun and will intensify into the end of the year, potentially to historic strength.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Centre signs historic tripartite MoU with Assam and Nagaland governments for exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the two states.
- Government issues advisory about growing threat of cybercriminals using artificial intelligence to bypass security systems and target financial infrastructure.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calls for diversified supply chains and greater international cooperation amid ongoing conflicts.
- US President Donald Trump calls off new military strikes on Iran, citing breakthrough in talks to end war.
- Hosts England to take on Sri Lanka in opening match of ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Birmingham today.
- And in Football, co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-nil in inaugural match of FIFA World Cup 2026.
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