THE HEADLINES:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, principle of Nation First has been driving force behind India’s transformation into a fast-growing, credible and reliable global power.
- President Droupadi Murmu to confer Padma awards during second round of civil investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
- Uttar Pradesh government suspends four officials in connection with Lucknow Fire incident; Four accused arrested.
- Four ships carrying fertilizers heading towards Indian ports after crossing Strait of Hormuz.
- Qatari authorities confirm death of 12 Indian nationals in Ras Laffan LNG explosion.
- Lakshya Sen and Tanvi Sharma to lead India’s challenge at US Open Super Badminton Tournament, beginning today in California.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the principle of Nation First has been the driving force behind India’s transformation into a fast-growing, credible and reliable global power. Addressing a summit organized by a private media house in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the country’s achievements over the past decade were rooted in trust, stability and a commitment to the larger global good.
Referring to his recent participation in the G7 Summit, Mr Modi said world leaders recognise India’s unwavering commitment to putting national interests first, a philosophy that continues to shape the country’s policies and development agenda. Highlighting the government’s 12 years in office, the Prime Minister said initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, Make in India, promotion of khadi and support for local products succeeded because citizens embraced the spirit of nation-building.
Mr Modi said nearly 25 crore people had moved out of poverty in recent years, leading to the emergence of a large neo-middle class and boosting economic activity.
<><><>
President Droupadi Murmu will present the Padma Awards at the second 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, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. President will confer 65 Padma Awards today.
“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. Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, actor Mammootty, playback singer Alka Yagnik and cricketer Rohit Sharma are among 65 prominent personalities who will receive the Padma Awards from the President today. Instituted in 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 is broadcasting special programmes as part of our series, ‘People’s Padma on Akashvani’. Through these episodes, we bring insights into the lives and contributions of Padma awardees.
The programmes will be broadcast today on 100.1 Akashvani Gold from 9.10 AM onwards. They can also be heard on News On Air App and NEWS ON AIR OFFICIAL YouTube channel.
<><><>
Uttar Pradesh government has suspended four state government officials in connection with the Lucknow fire incident, which claimed lives of 15 students. The State police has registered a case against six individuals and arrested four accused persons last night. More from our correspondent:
“Four officials from the Lucknow Development Authority, Fire Department, and Electricity Department have also been suspended following directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Aliganj Police has registered an FIR under relevant sections of the BNS and the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Act against six named accused and other responsible persons. State government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the fireincident. A special investigation team (SIT) was formed to investigate the incident, and its members will submit their report within seven days. At least 15 people, mostly students aged 16 to 25, died in the tragic fire yesterday afternoon. The fire broke out at an animation coaching center operating above a shop in the Puraniya area of Aliganj, triggering panic among students. Nine students were injured and have been admitted to at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. Most of the death swere caused by suffocation. SUSHIL CHANDRA TIWARI, AKASHVANI NEWS, LUCKNOW.”
<><><>
Four cargo ships, carrying shipments of Urea, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), and Sulphur are heading towards Indian ports after successfully crossing the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels are on their way to designated ports across the country, including Krishnapatnam and Kakinada ports in Andhra Pradesh, Paradeep port in Odisha, and the Mundra port in Gujarat. Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry said that these fresh imports will immediately offload to supplement the nation’s existing fertilizer buffers and secure ongoing agricultural requirements. The ministry said that the country’s cumulative fertilizer stock position stands at a robust 196 lakh tonnes, compared to 168 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period last year.
<><><>
The Indian Embassy in Doha has announced that Qatari authorities have confirmed the deaths of 12 Indian nationals in Sunday night’s Ras Laffan LNG explosion. In a social media post, the Embassy extended its condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the departed souls. It also stated that Qatari authorities confirmed all those injured in the incident are in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical treatment. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has expressed grief over the loss of lives and injuries, including those of Indian nationals. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said that the Indian Embassy in Doha continues to be in touch with Qatari authorities and is reaching out to render assistance to the families of Indian nationals affected by the tragedy. At least 13 people have been killed and 66 injured after an explosion at Qatar’s largest gas facility.
<><><>
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on key aspects of bilateral engagement including progress in normalisation of the ties between two countries. The talks were held on the sidelines of the ongoing 16th BRICS National Security Adviser’s Meeting in New Delhi yesterday. In the meeting, Mr Doval underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations will contribute to building trust and better understanding between the two sides. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said the two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted progress towards gradual normalisation.
<><><>
Star shuttlers Lakshya Sen and Tanvi Sharma will lead India’s challenge at the US Open Super Badminton Tournament, beginning today in California.
World No. 14 Lakshya Sen, seeded second, will take on Belgium’s Julien Carraggi in the opening round of the men’s singles event.
Former World Championships silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth, seeded fifth, will face Chinese Taipei’s Liao Jhuo-Fu in his first-round match.
In women’s singles, India has a strong contingent of seven players in the main draw, led by fifth seed Tanvi Sharma and sixth seed Devika Sihag. Seventeen-year-old Tanvi will open her campaign against Germany’s Yvonne Li.
<><><>
In the opening match of the London round of the FIH Pro League, the Indian men’s hockey team will take on arch-rivals Pakistan today. This will be the first encounter between India and Pakistan since their Asian Champions Trophy clash in Hulunbuir, China, in 2024, where India emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. The head-to-head record over the last 10 years heavily favors India, who remain undefeated across 17 matches, with 15 wins and two draws.
<><><>
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Assam, Meghalaya, Sub Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim for the next two days. IMD said that heavy rainfall conditions are also expected over Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka, Madhya Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, Telangana, Kerala and North- eastern parts of the country today.
[]><><><[]
NOW, FOR A LOOK AT TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS,
- The blaze in a building in Lucknow, and the death of Indians in Qatar LNG hub blast are the top stories in most dailies today.
- Keir Starmer resigning from the prime ministership of the United Kingdom appears on the front page of newspaper. “Under pressure, Starmer quits as PM; sixth Prexit in UK in 10 years”, headlines The Times of India. “Fresh power shift in UK as Starmer quits”, writes Hindustan Times.
- “US, Iran forge 60-day roadmap to final deal”, reads the headline in The Tribune. The US has temporarily lifted curbs on Iranian oil sales and dollar-denominated payments, writes the paper.
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre of the Ministry of Home Affairs has sounded the alarm over a new cyber fraud known as “Boss Scam” or CEO impersonation fraud, reports The Pioneer.
- An engineer from Rajasthan used Artificial Intelligence to hack into the Rajasthan Public Service Commission portal and delete his competition for a government job, writes The Indian Express, highlighting the misuse of AI platforms.
- And finally, to enhance ease of commuting and strengthen availability of amenities, the NHAI is developing vehicle repair and puncture service facilities along National Highways and Expressways, reports The Asian Age.
[]><><><[]
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, principle of Nation First has been driving force behind India’s transformation into a fast-growing, credible and reliable global power.
- President Droupadi Murmu to confer Padma awards during second round of civil investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
- Uttar Pradesh government suspends four officials in connection with Lucknow Fire incident; Four accused arrested.
- Four ships carrying fertilizers heading towards Indian ports after crossing Strait of Hormuz.
- Qatari authorities confirm death of 12 Indian nationals in Ras Laffan LNG explosion.
- Lakshya Sen and Tanvi Sharma to lead India’s challenge at US Open Super Badminton Tournament, beginning today in California.
<><><>