Today is specifically dedicated to celebrating the joy animal companions bring to our lives and highlighting the importance of animal adoption. Today is National Pet Day is celebrated annually on April11th to honour the joy pets bring, promote animal welfare, and encourage adoption. This day focuses on celebrating the bond with allpets—from dogs and cats to smaller companions—and raising awareness for those in shelters, as many pets are surrendered or need homes. ·
Research, including studies by the National Institutes of Health shows that pets improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure. Apart from thi we have a couple of other observance also today which we will discuss in our dateline section. But before that what’s going on around us…. let’s start with the news headlines:
- पश्चिम एशिया में स्थायी शांति समझौते के लिए इस्लामाबाद में अमरीका और ईरान के बीच वार्ता आज।
- Refugees in the country to receive full constitutional rights and infiltrators to be expelled, asserts Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- राष्ट्रपति, उपराष्ट्रपति और प्रधानमंत्री ने आज समाज सुधारक महात्मा ज्योतिबा फुले की जयंती पर श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की।
- Electric cars priced upto 30 lakh rupees and registered in Delhi, to be granted hundred percent exemption on road tax and registration fee till 2030.
- भारत में डिजिटल भुगतान – यूपीआई के 10 वर्ष पूरे।
- Ayush Shetty enters men’s singles finals of Asia Badminton Championship in Zhejiang, China.
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Now, time for our segment Dateline India, in which we take a look at the developments taking place at the national or global level. Today, we will talk on two topics: World Parkinson’s Day & National Safe Motherhood Day.
World Parkinson’s Day is being observed today across the globe to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a kind of neurodegenerative disorder. The theme for this year is ‘Bridge the Care Gap’. The theme “bridge the care gap” highlights the important healthcare challenge. While medical research continues to advance, many individuals still struggle with inconsistent access to specialists, rising treatment costs, and a lack of integrated support systems. Bridging this gap means moving beyond the basic diagnosis to provide comprehensive care. Bridging this gap for patients and their families means this mission is more than just clinical treatment. It’s about ensuring that every person living with Parkinson’s disease has the resources and specialized care they need to maintain their quality of life.
पार्किंसन रोग दुनिया भर में लाखों लोगों को प्रभावित करता है, फिर भी शुरुआती चरणों में कई मरीज़ों का निदान नहीं हो पाता। इस दिन का उद्देश्य लोगों को इस बीमारी के बारे में जागरूक करना, शीघ्र निदान को बढ़ावा देना और बेहतर देखभाल और अनुसंधान की वकालत करना है। इस दिन के प्रति जागरूकता लोगों को इस बीमारी को समझने में मदद करती है और उन्हें डॉक्टरों से जल्द परामर्श लेने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करती है।
Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine gradually degenerate. Dopamine is essential for smooth and coordinated body movements.As dopamine levels decrease, patients develop characteristic symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. The disease usually develops after the age of 50, although younger individuals can also be affected.It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting millions globally.
पार्किंसन रोग को समझने की यात्रा में दो दशकों से भी अधिक का समय लगा है। चिकित्सा अनुसंधान ने धीरे-धीरे इस जटिल तंत्रिका संबंधी विकार के कारणों, कार्यप्रणाली और उपचारों का पता लगाया है। इस अवसर पर, अखिल भारतीय आयुर्विज्ञान संस्थान (AIIMS), नई दिल्ली ने पार्किंसन रोग के बढ़ते प्रसार और इसके प्रभावी प्रबंधन की रणनीतियों की आवश्यकता पर प्रकाश डाला है।
AIIMS will also organise several awareness programmes, including a walkathon and public outreach events on the 18th and 19th of this month. Talking to Akashvani News, Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS New Delhi, Dr P. Sarat Chandra stressed that Parkinson’s symptoms, which typically appear in the elderly, are now increasingly being observed among younger patients.
One of the biggest challenges with Parkinson’s disease is that its early symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked. One should not ignore the early Signs of Parkinson’s disease.
Here are some early warning signs:
Tremors :A slight shaking in hands, fingers, or even the chin; especially when at rest.
Slowed Movement :Simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or walking may take longer than usual.
Muscle Stiffness : Stiffness in arms, legs, or neck that doesn’t go away.
Changes in Handwriting : Writing becomes smaller and more cramped ,a condition called micrographia.
Loss of Facial Expression : A reduced ability to show emotions, often called “masked face.”
Balance Issues : Frequent falls or difficulty in maintaining posture.
These symptoms may seem minor at first, but over time they can interfere with daily life. Observing World Parkinson’s Disease Day helps people recognize these early signs and seek timely help.
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Motherhood is one of life’s most transformative experiences, and India commemorates this profound journey with National Safe Motherhood Day on April 11 each year. This day emphasizes the significance of safe maternal health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum phase. It shines a spotlight on the critical need for improved maternal care, particularly in rural regions where access to healthcare remains limited. This year, National Safe Motherhood Day advocates for collective action to make maternal health a priority and ensure no mother is left behind.
राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षित मातृत्व दिवस की शुरुआत सबसे पहले 2003 में ‘व्हाइट रिबन अलायंस इंडिया’ (WRAI) द्वारा की गई थी। इस दिन को महात्मा गांधी की पत्नी कस्तूरबा गांधी के सम्मान में चुना गया था, जो महिलाओं और बच्चों के कल्याण की एक प्रबल समर्थक थीं। उनकी जयंती भारत में मातृ स्वास्थ्य की वकालत की निरंतर आवश्यकता की याद दिलाती है।
Pregnancy is a life-changing journey that demands utmost care and attention. Maternal health is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.Pregnancy-related complications can be prevented with timely medical care and regular check-ups, which is why spreading awareness on the importance of maternal care is essential.Providing better healthcare services and ensuring skilled assistance can significantly reduce the risk of maternal death.
गर्भावस्था के दौरान होने वाली संभावित जटिलताओं-जैसे एनीमिया, जेस्टेशनल डायबिटीज़ या हाई ब्लड प्रेशर-की शुरुआती पहचान करने में प्रसव-पूर्व जाँचें (Antenatal visits) अहम भूमिका निभाती हैं। इन नियमित जाँचों की मदद से स्वास्थ्य सेवा प्रदाता पोषण, व्यायाम और जीवनशैली में बदलावों के बारे में ज़रूरी सलाह दे पाते हैं, जिससे गर्भावस्था के परिणाम बेहतर हो सकते हैं।
गर्भावस्था और प्रसव ऐसे महत्वपूर्ण समय होते हैं, जब चिकित्सा विशेषज्ञों का होना अत्यंत आवश्यक है। कुशल डॉक्टरों, दाइयों और नर्सों की उपलब्धता से, प्रसव के दौरान होने वाली परेशानियों का खतरा काफी हद तक कम हो जाता है। सुरक्षित प्रसव, माँ और शिशु दोनों के लिए जीवन और मृत्यु के बीच का अंतर साबित हो सकता है; यही कारण है कि दुनिया भर की मातृ स्वास्थ्य देखभाल प्रणालियों में इसे एक मुख्य केंद्र-बिंदु माना जाता है।
While physical health is paramount during pregnancy, emotional support is just as important. Having a support system of family, healthcare providers, and community workers is vital for a healthy, safe pregnancy. Communities can raise awareness on maternal health topics such as breastfeeding, infant care, and postpartum recovery. Maternal deaths, though preventable, remain an issue in many regions. The primary causes of death include complications that could have been managed with timely medical intervention. National Safe Motherhood Day 2026 focuses on improving access to healthcare, increasing awareness, and ensuring skilled care is available to every mother during pregnancy and childbirth.
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क्षेत्रीय विशेष –
Bohag Bihu is here, bringing with it the joy of spring, new beginnings, and vibrant celebrations across Assam. The rhythms of dhol and pepa echo the spirit of togetherness and cultural pride. Amid this festive mood, the Asomi Bohagi Mela begins today at Lalfield in Haflong.
“In a vibrant celebration of Assam’s cultural spirit, the three-day Asomi Bohagi Mela 2026 begins today at Haflong in Dima Hasao District, bringing with it the colours, rhythms, and flavours of Bohag Bihu, the season of renewal. The event will continue till the 13th, drawing people from across the region to experience the essence of Rongali Bihu in the serene hills of Dima Hasao. The event is being organised by the District Rural Development Agency and the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, in collaboration with the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council. It stands as a tribute to the rich and diverse traditions of the state, with the fairgrounds coming alive with vibrant folk music, energetic Bihu dances, and indigenous cultural performances. A major highlight of the mela is its emphasis on grassroots entrepreneurship. Stalls set up by Self Help Groups showcases a wide array of locally made products, including traditional cuisine, fresh fruit juices, pickles, and handmade items. These platforms not only celebrate local craftsmanship but also provide rural artisans and producers an opportunity to connect with a broader market and strengthen their livelihoods. The mela also plays a significant role in promoting community-based economic activities in the district by encouraging SHG-led enterprises and local innovation. Rakesh Doley, Akashvani, Guwahati.”
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पश्चिम बंगाल में, चुनावों से पहले, चुनाव आयोग फ़ेक न्यूज़, प्रोपेगैंडा और आदर्श आचार संहिता के उल्लंघन पर रोक लगाने के लिए अपनी निगरानी व्यवस्था को मज़बूत कर रहा है। इस पहल के तहत, पश्चिम बंगाल और चुनाव वाले अन्य राज्यों में 24 घंटे काम करने वाला एक विशेष मीडिया निगरानी केंद्र स्थापित किया जा रहा है।
“Ahead of the elections, the Election Commission is strengthening its surveillance mechanism to curb fake news, propaganda, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct. As part of this initiative, a dedicated 24-hour me dia monitoring centre is being set up in West Bengal, along with other poll-bound states. The Commission has sent a communication to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state in this regard. According to the letter, these “dedicated 24×7 media monitoring centres” will be established to quickly identify violations related to elections and take real-time action. The centres will monitor both television news channels and social media platforms. As per the instructions, a separate monitoring room must be created in the CEO’s office, equipped with multiple screens to continuously track at least 10 major news channels. Round-the-clock surveillance will be ensured through shift-based deployment of personnel. Additionally, a separate desk with proper internet connectivity must be set up for monitoring social media. In case of any electoral violation, it will be mandatory to immediately inform higher authorities and prepare daily reports. The Commission has also directed the creation of dedicated WhatsApp groups for faster information sharing. Meanwhile, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer has convened a video conference with district-level officials recently to discuss issues related to SVEEP, media monitoring, and overall preparedness. Susmita Mandal, Akashvani, Kolkata.”
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तमिलनाडु का मध्य ज़िला तिरुचिरापल्ली, जिसे ‘मंदिरों का शहर’ भी कहा जाता है, 2026 के तमिलनाडु विधानसभा चुनावों की तैयारियों में पूरी तरह से जुट गया है; इन तैयारियों में विशेष जागरूकता कार्यक्रमों पर खास ज़ोर दिया जा रहा है।
“Elections play a vital role in a democratic country like India, where citizens have the power to elect their representatives. The Election Commission of India ensures that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. As the 2026 Assembly elections approach in Tamil Nadu, the Commission has launched several programs to create awareness among voters. One of the major initiatives is the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) program, which focuses on increasing voter registration and participation. Through rallies, campaigns, and educational activities in schools and colleges, citizens-especially young and first-time voters-are encouraged to understand the importance of voting. The Election Commission has also introduced digital services such as online voter registration, correction of details, and mobile applications like the Voter Helpline to make the process simple and accessible. These technological efforts help reduce confusion and improve participation. Special attention is given to inclusive elections by supporting persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women, and rural communities. Awareness programs also educate voters about ethical practices, including rejecting bribery and following the Model Code of Conduct. The initiatives taken by the Election Commission of India for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections aim to build an informed and responsible electorate. Shanti Ramesh, Akashvani, Tiruchirappalli.”
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खेल हलचल –
आयुष शेट्टी बैडमिंटन एशिया चैंपियनशिप के फाइनल में पहुंच गए हैं। आयुष ने सेमीफाइनल में मौजूदा चैंपियन कुनलावुत वितिदसर्न को हराकर फाइनल में जगह बनाई। फाइनल में आयुष का मुकाबला एक अन्य सेमीफाइनल के विजेता से होगा। यह सेमीफाइनल चीनी ताइपे के चाउ टिएन-चेन और चीन के शी यु की के बीच होना है।
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In IPL Cricket, put into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad were 175 for 3 in 14.3 overs against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh when reports last came in. In another match, Chennai Super Kings will take on Delhi Capitals at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai this evening.
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भारत की मीनाक्षी गोयत ने किर्गिज्स्तान के बिश्केक में एशियाई कुश्ती चैंपियनशिप में रजत पदक जीता। महिलाओं के 53 किलोग्राम वर्ग के सेमीफाइनल में मीनाक्षी गोयत ने दक्षिण कोरिया की सियोयंग पार्क को 4-2 से हराया। मोनिका ने 65 किलोग्राम और हर्षिता ने 72 किलोग्राम वर्ग में कांस्य पदक जीते।
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पुण्यतिथि, जयंती या जन्मदिन।
BIRTH/DEATH
Phanishwar Nath Renu was a Hindi journalist and novelist best remembered for his ‘Maila Anchal’ (1954), which introduced regional writing to Hindi fiction, which brought the authentic voices, dialects, and cultural nuances of rural India-specifically the Mithila region of Bihar-into mainstream Hindi literature. He was one of the most influential Hindi writers of the post-Independence era. He participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942. In 1975, he famously returned his Padma Shri award to protest the proclamation of internal Emergency by the Indian government. While his debut novel Maila Anchal isoften celebrated as a milestone in Hindi literature, its significance lies notjust in its literary achievement but also in its moral clarity. Renu gave voice to the margins and remembered the forgotten, crafting a new style in literature. His short story “Maare Gaye Gulfam” was adapted into a film Teesri Kasam by Basu Bhattacharya in 1966 for which he also wrote the dialogues. Later his short story “Panchlight” was made into a TV short film.
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महान साहित्यकार विष्णु प्रभाकर की आज पुण्यतिथि है। साल 2009 में आज ही के दिन उन्होंने इस दुनिया को अलविदा कहा, लेकिन उनका साहित्य आज भी जीवित है। विष्णु प्रभाकर हिंदी के प्रसिद्ध साहित्यकार, नाटककार और कहानीकार थे। उन्होंने अपनी रचनाओं में समाज की सच्चाइयों, मानवीय मूल्यों और जीवन के संघर्षों को बहुत ही सरल और प्रभावी ढंग से प्रस्तुत किया। उनकी प्रसिद्ध कृति आवारा मसीहा आज भी पाठकों के बीच बेहद लोकप्रिय है और साहित्य जगत में एक महत्वपूर्ण स्थान रखती है। अपने उत्कृष्ट साहित्यिक योगदान के लिए उन्हें पद्म भूषण से सम्मानित किया गया।
कहानी जब मिट्टी की खुशबू लेकर आए… तो वह दिल के बहुत करीब लगती है… ऐसे ही सशक्त लेखन के लिए जाने जाते थे फणीश्वरनाथ रेणु, जिनकी आज पुण्यतिथि है। साल 1977 में आज ही के दिन उन्होंने इस दुनिया को अलविदा कहा, लेकिन उनकी रचनाएँ आज भी हमारे बीच जीवित हैं।
फणीश्वरनाथ रेणु हिंदी साहित्य के महान कथाकार थे, जिन्होंने अपने लेखन में गाँव, समाज और आम आदमी की जिंदगी को बहुत ही सजीव रूप में प्रस्तुत किया। उनकी कहानियों में सादगी, संवेदना और सच्चाई की झलक साफ दिखाई देती है। उनका प्रसिद्ध उपन्यास मैला आंचल आज भी हिंदी साहित्य की महत्वपूर्ण कृति मानी जाती है, जिसने उन्हें खास पहचान दिलाई। अपने साहित्यिक योगदान के लिए उन्हें पद्मश्री से सम्मानित किया गया।
“Ardhanarishwar”: He won the prestigious Sahitya AkademiAward in 1993 for his novel Ardhanarishwar (The AndrogynousGod or Shiva).·He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2004.
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Kamal Ranadive was a pioneering Indian biomedical scientist who founded India’s first tissue culture lab and advanced cancer, immunology and women-led science. Her scientific focus on cancer, tumour viruses, hormones and immunology laid astrong experimental foundation for modern oncology research. She alsoco-founded the Indian Women Scientists’ Association, encouraging women’s participation in science. Her career combined laboratory excellence, public health research and national scientific leadership.
Her studies clarified links between hormones, tumour viruses and cancers such as leukaemia, breast cancer and oesophageal cancer using animal models and cellular analysis.
Her foundational work on leprosy related bacteria contributed to the scientific basis for leprosy vaccine development and strengthened understanding of immune responses.
She led nutrition and health studies among tribal children in Maharashtra, notably the 1989 Akola taluk survey, connecting laboratory science with grassroots health outcomes.
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Kundan Lal Saigal, often abbreviated as K. L. Saigal though his fans would popularly know him as Kundan Lal Saigal Famous Songs, in his initial days of his career he used the name ‘Saigal Kashmiri’ for his first three films as an actor-singer.
An early dropout from school, Saigal started earning money as a time-clerk in the railways and later on joined pvt company as a salesman. During this period, he had to tour several places all over the country when he came across various people attached to the music industry. In one such interaction, he came across the famous classical musician & a music director Sri Harishchandra Bali, who eventually introduced him to R.C. Boral at Calcutta Radio Station. Here at the Calcutta radio station he came across Pankaj Mallik – the person who actually helped him in steering his career. He introduced Saigal to Hindusthan Record.
K.L. Saigal, throughout his career recorded almost every song for Hindusthan Record. Famous songs by Kundan Lal Saigal are ‘Jhulana Jhulao’,‘Panchhi Kahe Hote Udaas’, ‘Babul Mora Naihara’ & many more which carved his way to fame. These recordings were for his own performances as an on-screen actor. Thus, while most singers in Hindi cinema became playback singers, Saigal was not.
उन्होंने कई यादगार फिल्मों में काम किया, जिनमें देवदास खास तौर पर बहुत प्रसिद्ध रही। इस फिल्म में उनके अभिनय और गायन दोनों को खूब सराहा गया। उनके गाए हुए गाने, जैसे जब दिल ही टूट गया, आज भी संगीत प्रेमियों के बीच बेहद लोकप्रिय हैं।
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आज जयंती है सोमदत्त बट्टू की, जिनका जन्म 1938 में हुआ था। सोमदत्त बट्टू हिन्दुस्तानी शास्त्रीय संगीत के जाने-माने गायक हैं, जो पटियाला घराना से जुड़े रहे। उनके गायन में परंपरा की गहराई और सुरों की मिठास साफ सुनाई देती है। उन्होंने अपने संगीत के जरिए शास्त्रीय गायन को नई ऊँचाइयों तक पहुँचाया और संगीत प्रेमियों के दिलों में खास जगह बनाई। उनके उत्कृष्ट योगदान के लिए उन्हें हिमाचल गौरव से सम्मानित किया गया, जो उनके संगीत सफर की एक बड़ी उपलब्धि है।
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Today marks the Birth Anniversary of Navin Nischol, a charismatic actor who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Nischol, known for his effortless charm and screen presence, carved a successful path in Bollywood for over four decades.
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