NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, on Saturday said that ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, stands as a shining testament to the unparalleled prowess of the Indian Air Force.

He also said that this operation demonstrated IAF’s capability to deliver swift, precise and decisive blows to the enemy.

Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, near here, Singh said Operation Sindoor has showcased exceptional coordination, synergy and integration within the armed forces.

BHOPAL [Maha Media]: Today, a training camp for BJP legislators and MPs begins at the hill station of Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the three-day event this afternoon.

The camp runs from today until June 16, and it will include all ministers, legislators, and members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from the Madhya Pradesh government. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will be present for all three days, meaning the entire Madhya Pradesh government will operate from Pachmarhi during this time.

A total of 201 participants, including BJP legislators and MPs from Madhya Pradesh, will take part in this camp. Key figures include National Organization General Secretary B.L. Santosh and Union Ministers Bhupender Yadav, C.R. Patil, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Savitri Thakur, D.D. Uike, and L. Murugan. National General Secretaries Vinod Tawde, Mahendra Singh, and Shivprakash will also guide various sessions.

V.D. Sharma announced that all MPs and legislators will take part in a tree planting campaign called "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam." The camp will feature both theory and practical sessions on different topics, including how the BJP is working in the country. He highlighted that the BJP is a unique party that is built on a strong organizational structure.

There will also be a special exhibition at the camp site. It will showcase the achievements of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past 11 years, focusing on service and good governance. The exhibition will also highlight the party's journey from its early days, featuring leaders like Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and others up to the present.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Rajasthan’s Mahesh Kumar has topped the medical entrance exam NEET-UG, while Madhya Pradhesh’s Utkarsh Awadhiya has bagged the second rank, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced on Saturday.

More than 12.36 lakh candidates out of 22.09 lakh test takers qualified the exam. The number is down from last year’s 13.15 lakh qualifying candidates. However, the number of test takers was also higher last year at over 23.33 lakh.

Maharashtra’s Krishang Joshi and Delhi’s Mrinal Kishore Jha bagged the third and fourth ranks, respectively.

Among females, Delhi’s Avika Aggarwal emerged topper, bagging the fifth rank nationally.

The maximum qualifying candidates are from Uttar Pradesh (over 1.70 lakh), followed by Maharashtra (over 1.25 lakh) and Rajasthan (over 1.19 lakh).

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is the largest entrance exam in the country in terms of the number of candidates appearing for the test.

The NTA conducts the NEET every year for admission into medical colleges. A total of 1,08,000 seats are available for the MBSS course — approximately 56,000 in government hospitals, and about 52,000 in private colleges.

Admissions to undergraduate courses in dentistry, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha also utilise NEET results for admission.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Saturday expressed optimism about India’s potential to mediate in the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following a telephonic conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"India has avenues for dialogue with both sides. It can indeed play a role. We are happy to have this sincere dialogue with India, which is a very good friend... We listen carefully to your concerns. I think they are legitimate," Azar said in an interview with PTI Videos.

The remarks came amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with both Israel and Iran launching strikes against each other.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Congress leader Pawan Khera slammed the Union Government over India's stance of abstaining during voting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) over the ceasefire in Gaza.

He termed it as an act of "shameful betrayal" of the country's "anti-colonial legacy".

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a permanent resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

In a detailed 'X' post, Pawan Khera highlighted India's history of standing with Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Khera stated that India became the first non arab nation to recognise Palestine in 1974 and invited PLO leader Yasser Arafat to attend the 7th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit held in New Delhi in 1983.

Pawan Khera criticised the Union Government and mentioned that it "grovels" before Tel Aviv in the present time, forgetting its principles that once made the country a moral compass of the world.

He further accused the Union Government of taking a "U-Turn" from India's December 2024 UNGA vote in favour of the Gaza ceasefire, which has proved that the government remembers "nothing".

Pawan Khera also highlighted a BJP MP's "theatrics of glorifying India's support of Palestine" exposes the abstention as an "epitome of hypocrisy and this government's schizophrenic foreign policy."

The Congress leader further mentioned that global leadership cannot be built on "silence" and "sycophancy". He said that India's strength has always been from the moral weight of its choice, and if the country refuses to defend innocent lives overseas, then it also impacts moral capital, which protects Indian lives abroad.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pawan Khera said that his complicity has "abandoned India's conscience" as Israel continues to bomb Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Iran.

He also stated that the world never listens to a nation which speaks loudly but to a nation that speaks with clarity, courage and conscience.

A total of 149 countries voted in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza in the UNGA; meanwhile, 19 countries abstained and 12 nations voted against the resolution.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu will chair a high-level meeting on air safety on Saturday in the national capital, two days after an Air India Plane crashed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives on board.

The meeting will take place at 10:30 AM in the Ministry office and will be attended by the Civil Aviation Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials, and other senior ministry officials.

Earlier, the government constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee for examining the causes leading to the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport (London) on June 12, that left 241 people dead.

The Committee will examine the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such occurrences and suggest comprehensive guidelines for dealing with such instances in the future," an order issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry read.

"The Committee will not be a substitute for other enquiries being conducted by relevant organisations but will focus on formulating SOPs for preventing and handling such occurrences in the future," the order clarified.

"The committee will have access to all records, including, among others, flight data, cockpit voice recorders, aircraft maintenance records, ATC Log and witness testimonies," it stated, adding that the committee will publish its report within three months.

It said that the Committee will be headed by the Home Secretary and will include representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Air Force and Aviation experts.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Candidates who have passed the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable Recruitment Exam will receive their appointment letters on Sunday, June 15. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will distribute the appointment letters.

60244 candidates will receive the appointment letters at an event to be held at the Defence Expo Ground in Lucknow.

Out of the total 60244 posts for the direct recruitment of constables, 12048 are women. This is the first time a large number of women will get appointment letters in any security force.

In the last eight years, 8.50 lakh people got government jobs in UP.

With the help of police administration, 1174 examination centres were selected in 67 districts of the state for the Constable Recruitment Exam.

Sharing a video clip of one of the selected candidates on X, UP Police wrote, "One voice out of 60,000+ dreams. Behind every newly recruited constable in Uttar Pradesh is a story of merit, determination, and an exam process that left no room for doubt. This is a glimpse of that journey -- made possible by the unwavering commitment of the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment & Promotion Board, which conducted one of the largest, most transparent, and technology-driven recruitment drives in the country."

Meanwhile, on Thursday, UP CM Yogi Adityanath felicitated 166 meritorious students who ranked in the top 10 of the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams (2024-25) across different education boards in Uttar Pradesh. These include the top 10 students each from the UP Board, the Sanskrit Education Council, CBSE, and ICSE boards. Each student received 1 lakh rupees, a tablet, a certificate and a medal.

Along with the main state-level event, district-level programmes will be organised to honour meritorious students. A total of 1,508 students will be awarded at these local ceremonies. Each student will receive Rs 21,000, a tablet, a certificate, and a medal.
 

BHOPAL [Maha Media]: Today, June 14th, is not Zero Shadow Day in Bhopal. Zero Shadow Day occurs when the sun is directly overhead, causing vertical objects to cast no shadow. This phenomenon happens twice a year for locations between the tropics (Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn). 

While Bhopal experiences Zero Shadow Day, it falls on different dates. Specifically, it occurs around June 13th and June 28th. Therefore, today, June 14th, is not one of those dates. 

At precisely 12:20 PM today, the sun will be positioned directly overhead in the northern part of Bhopal, leading to a brief 1 to 2-minute span during which shadows will not be visible. According to national award-winning science communicator Sarika Gharu, this fascinating phenomenon occurs due to the tilt of the Earth and the sun’s orbit, and is only observable in regions located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

When the sun is directly overhead, any shadow cast by a person or object shrinks to the ground, rendering it invisible for a moment. Sarika explained that this is not magic but rather a natural scientific occurrence. Residents are encouraged to look around them this afternoon when they may notice the sudden absence of their own shadows, signifying the occurrence of Zero Shadow Day.

As Bhopal stretches from north to south, this celestial event occurs at slightly different times across the city. The southern areas viewed the phenomenon a day earlier on June 13, while today, it will be experienced in the northern parts. This unique event will occur again on June 28, when the sun will return to the same position during its journey.
 

BHOPAL [Maha Media]: The southwest monsoon is expected to reach Madhya Pradesh in the next 3 days, around June 15-16. Before it arrives, the weather will be very different across the state. Some areas will experience intense heat, while others may have storms and rain. On Saturday, there is a heat wave warning for Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, and Chhatarpur. Heavy rain is possible in Ratlam, Jhabua, and Alirajpur. 

According to the Meteorological Department, strong storms, thunder, and light rain may occur in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Agar-Malwa, Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Damoh, Panna, Satna, Mauganj, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat on Saturday. 

On Friday, many districts in the state saw strong storms and rain. Two factories that made gatta from straw near Kakarvaya village in Shivpuri were heavily damaged. The storm uprooted the pillars and roofs of both factories, causing straw and bricks to wash away in the rain.
 

GANGTOK [Maha Media]: Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, and discussed with him various issues related to the development of the state.

Mathur also called on Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital on Friday.

During the meeting with the PM, various issues related to the development of Sikkim were discussed in detail, said a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan on Saturday.
 

BHOPAL [Maha Media]: The state reported 100 active Covid-19 cases on Friday, pushing the total tally to 139. In the past 24 hours, 14 new active cases were recorded. So far, the state has reported three Covid-related deaths in 2025.

A 52-year-old Covid-positive woman from Ratlam died a couple of days ago in Indore, marking the third coronavirus-related death this year. The second death was of a 44-year-old woman from Khargone, who died on June 6 at MRTB Hospital. The first was a 74-year-old kidney patient from Indore, who died at Aurobindo Hospital on April 27.

Doctors are noting a change in the symptom profile with the current JN.1 variant. Two prominent differences compared to earlier strains are gastrointestinal issues and a persistent low-grade fever.

Gandhi Medical College (GMC) HoD of Pulmonology, Dr. Lokendra Dave, said, “A distinguishing symptom of JN.1 is the heightened occurrence of digestive problems, including nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea.

While these were seen in earlier variants, they were less frequent and mild. Now, they’re more pronounced and affect more patients.”

On fever patterns, Dr. Dave said, “Unlike earlier strains that caused high fever with chills and sweating, JN.1 often results in a consistent low-grade fever. People may feel slightly warm for several days, which is easy to overlook or confuse with fatigue or other mild conditions.”
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to probe a terror conspiracy by the banned outfit Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) to radicalise Muslim youth, officials said.

Three locations were extensively searched in Bhopal and two at Jhalawar in Rajasthan as part of the agency’s continuing probe into the activities of HuT and its members, they said.

The searches were part a case registered by the NIA as part of its efforts to destroy various terrorist and radical networks and outfits trying to spread mayhem across India, that relates to an HuT conspiracy to radicalise and recruit vulnerable Muslim youth, according to a statement issued by the probe agency.

“The youth were being motivated to spread violence in a bid to overthrow India’s democratically-elected government and establish an Islamic State governed by Shariah law,” it said.

The NIA teams seized digital devices during the searches, which will be sent for forensic analysis, the statement said. 
 

BHUBANESWAR [Maha Media]: An interstate arms supply gang has been busted and five people have been detained in Odisha's Bhubanweswar, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police (BCCP), Suresh Dev Datta Singh, told ANI on Saturday that three belong to Uttar Pradesh's Ballia and one each from Madhya Pradesh's Bind and Cuttack's Salepur.

"Under BCCP's Airport PS area, an interstate arms supply gang has been busted. Six firearms were seized from them, and five people have been detained".

These locals had come to take delivery of an assignment, which they would supply further, he said, adding, " They were living in a house in Jatni and supplying arms from there"

Four semi-automatic pistols, a six-round revolver, a single-shot weapon, live ammunition, and a car were seized from them, the police officer added.

"We are investigating their forward and backwards linkages... They were supplying throughout Odisha. It is a big racket..."

In a similar operation on Thursday, Amritsar Rural Police have busted an illegal Arms smuggling module and arrested four operatives along with the recovery of nine weapons, officials said.

In a post on X, the DGP Punjab Police said, "In an intelligence-led operation, Amritsar Rural Police busts an illegal Arms smuggling module linked to #Italy based Gurpreet Singh @ Gopy working in close coordination with #Pakistan-based smugglers and arrests four operatives and recovers 9 weapons. Further investigation is underway to trace the supply routes, identify additional accomplices, and establish deeper linkages with foreign handlers. An FIR is registered under Arms Act and NDPS Act, PS Gharinda."
 

CHIKKABALLAPUR [Maha Media]: The Karnataka Cabinet is set to convene atop the iconic Nandi Hills on June 19, with a major announcement on a Rs 150 crore fully government-funded international flower market expected to headline the meeting, giving a significant boost to Chikkaballapur district's agrarian economy.

The market, long demanded by local stakeholders, is being developed without a public-private partnership, signalling direct State investment in strengthening the district’s renowned flower and vegetable trade. “The government has agreed to invest the full amount, and the announcement is likely to be made during the Cabinet session,” local MLA Pradeep Eshwar said.

In preparation for the high-profile meet, Nandi Hills is undergoing a major facelift. From road repairs to ornamental landscaping, officials from the Public Works and Horticulture Departments are overseeing intensive civic work. The venue — the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation’s (KSTDC) Mayura Pine Top restaurant — is being spruced up with new air-conditioning, upgraded restrooms, and boosted Wi-Fi bandwidth to support live streaming of the proceedings.

“This will be a milestone for KSTDC,” said Mayura Pine Top manager Manoj Kumar, adding that infrastructure upgrades were in full swing.

The Cabinet hall, offering sweeping views of Chikkaballapur, will house Ministers, while separate arrangements are being made for supporting staff and officials. In view of the meeting, public access to Nandi Hills will be restricted from 6 pm on June 16 to 5 am on June 20.

Officials also said that proposals under consideration include increasing the Jakkalamadagu reservoir’s capacity, giving final approval for the Nandi Hills ropeway project, and recommending the historic Bhoga Nandishwara temple for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
 

IMPHAL [Maha Media]: Five militants were arrested from various parts of Manipur on charges of extortion, police said on Saturday.

The arrests were made from Thoubal, Kakching, Imphal West and Tengnoupal districts on Friday, they said.

A member of the United Peoples' Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) was arrested from Langmeidong Maning Leikai in Kakching district. The suspect, identified as Akoijam Robinson (51), was accused of extorting schools in Imphal, police said.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting with the officials at the airport in Ahmedabad in the wake of the Air India plane crash incident. The visuals show PM Narendra Modi chairing the meeting while the officials brief him about the accident.

PM Modi, earlier on Friday, visited the Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad and reviewed the ground situation, a day after the AI-171 flight bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport.

Sharing an X post, the Prime Minister wrote, "Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams are working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy."

The Prime Minister arrived in the city this morning and proceeded to the site where the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed. He was briefed by officials on the situation.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other officials accompanied PM Modi during his visit. PM Modi then proceeded to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to meet with those injured in the mishap.
 

AHMEDABAD [Maha Media]: The Prime Minister visited the Air India plane crash site and reviewed the ground situation, a day after the AI-171 flight bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport.

The Prime Minster arrived in the city this morning and proceeded to site where the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner -- carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed. He was briefed by officials on the situation.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other officials accompanied PM Modi during his visit.

Upon his arrival in the city today, PM Modi was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and CR Paatil.

PM Modi then proceeded to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to meet with those injured in the mishap.

There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national on board the crashed plane. Miraculously, one person, a British national of Indian origin, survived the crash, airline authorities said.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC.

Immediately after departing Runway 23, the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter. An official said heavy black smoke was coming from the accident site.

Yesterday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and obtained detailed information about the entire incident.

Shah said that there was no chance of saving anyone in the London-bound Air India plane crash because of the high temperature caused by the burning of almost 125,000 litres of fuel in the aircraft.

Expressing condolences to family members of those killed, Shah said the exact number of deaths will be officially released only after DNA tests. Shah revealed that approximately 1000 DNA tests have been conducted so far.

"The plane carried almost 125,000 litres of fuel, and due to the high temperature, there was no chance of saving anyone... "I visited the crash site," the Home Minister told mediapersons.

"In just 10 minutes of the incident, we got the information. After that, I informed the Prime Minister, the Gujrat Home Minister, the Control Room of the Home Department, the Civil Aviation Department and the Civil Aviation Minister. "The Prime Minister instantly called back, and the personnel from the Union and state governments jumped in jointly for the relief and rescue operations," he said.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is a division of the Ministry of Civil Aviation tasked with probing aircraft accidents in India.A formal investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the deadly crash of Air India flight 171 that killed 241 people onboard, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed on Thursday.

"Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)," Naidu posted on X.

He informed that the Indian government was also constituting a high-level committee of people with expertise in multiple disciplines to examine the crash incident and devise ways to strengthen aviation safety by preventing such incidents in the future.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a federal agency authorised by Congress to investigate civil aviation accidents in the United States (US), is gearing up to send a team of investigators to India to assist with probing the deadly Ahmedabad plane crash.

The Tata group-owned airline has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call +91 8062779200.

The Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: A process of DNA sampling for identification of deceased passengers of the Air India 171 flight is underway at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

Till late Thursday night, family members of the plane crash victims arrived at the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, providing DNA samples from across Gujarat and other states to help identify their relatives.

The post-mortem examination of the victims of London-bound Air India flight AI171 carrying 242 passengers and crew members operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, that crashed in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area near the city’s airport is underway at the Civil Hospital Asarwa.

Senior government officials told The Indian Express that by Thursday midnight, samples for nearly 200 passengers had been collected at the BJ Medical College’s Kasauti Bhavan (examination hall) on the civil hospital campus, the place designated by the authorities for DNA sample collection. “Since all bodies have not been identified, we are collecting the DNA samples. The BJMC staff is collecting blood samples of first degree family members. So far, samples for around 200 passengers have been collected and the process is on. The confirmation is likely to come within 72 hours of sample collection,” a senior government official, on the condition of anonymity, told this paper.

The civil hospital has arranged counselling staff at the Kasauti Bhavan for the grief-stricken family members. Meanwhile, near the sample collecting area, several family members were inconsolable even as others were waiting their turn to share their DNA samples. The staff from the Ahmedabad Collector office has also been deployed with a list of passengers on board to verify who all have given the DNA samples. A help desk has also been set up for the family members by the police.

A total of 241 people onboard the Boeing 787-8, Air India flight 171, including 12 crew members, have died in the deadly Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India confirmed post-midnight on Friday.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said he was in touch with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and also with his Canadian and Portuguese counterparts in connection with the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Besides 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals were on board the flight that crashed on Thursday.

Air India has confirmed that 241 people, who were on board were killed in the crash. One person has survived and is currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the accident.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Officials from the British High Commission have arrived at a domestic airport in Ahmedabad in the wake of a devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of 241 people, onboard the Boeing 787-8, Air India flight 171, including 12 crew members, Air India confirmed post-midnight on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Friday morning arrived in Ahmedabad, took stock of the site of the Air India plane crash and then proceeded to the Civil Hospital in the city to meet with those injured in the mishap that took place a day ago.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi accompanied PM Modi during his visit. Upon his arrival in the city today, PM Modi was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and Union Minister CR Paatil.

On Friday, Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson visited the AI-171 plane crash site in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. "The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 Hours, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform you that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital, Air India posted on X.

The flight, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. The passenger plane crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat's Ahmedabad into a resident doctors' hostel building shortly after take-off on Thursday.

Miraculously, one person has survived the deadly crash, the airline authorities said, adding that the survivor was a British national of Indian origin. A formal investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the deadly crash of Air India flight 171 that killed 241 people onboard.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours. According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC.

Immediately after departing Runway 23, the aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. An official said heavy black smoke was coming from the accident site. The Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: ISRO on Friday said safety and mission integrity were its top priority as NASA and Axiom Space said they were working to address an issue related to a leak at the International Space Station.

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla along with three other astronauts are scheduled to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 commercial mission that has now been put on indefinite delay, as space agencies address various issues that have cropped up ahead of the launch.

“Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities,” ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said in a post on X.

He said ISRO is working closely with Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX, as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the delay.

India’s return to spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 private mission has run into further delay as NASA announced on Thursday that it was examining a leak onboard the ISS’ Russian module.

“NASA and Axiom Space are postponing the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station,” a NASA statement said.

The astronauts were originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29, which was put off to June 8, June 10 and June 11, when SpaceX, the providers of the launch rocket and the space capsule, detected a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket.

Former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, Peggy Whitson, will command the commercial mission, while Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot.

The two mission specialists are European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

The 14-day mission will “realise the return” to human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary.

“Setbacks and delays are a normal part of spaceflight. Our Ax-4 crew remains upbeat and looking forward to a safe and successful flight to the Space Station,” Whitson said in a post on X.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The southwest monsoon, which regained momentum this week, is expected to cover most parts of northwest India, including Delhi, by June 25, well ahead of the usual dates, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The primary rain-bearing system reached Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it arrived on May 23.

Aided by strong low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon advanced quickly over the next few days, covering parts up to central Maharashtra, including Mumbai, and the entire northeast by May 29.

However, it stalled from May 28-29 until June 10-11 before becoming active again.

The lack of rainfall since early June led to a sharp rise in temperatures, triggering heatwave conditions across large parts of northwest and central India since June 8-9.

According to the IMD’s extended range forecast, the monsoon is now likely to cover the remaining parts of central and eastern India and some areas of northwest India by June 18.

It is expected to advance over most of northwest India between June 19 and June 25.

An IMD official said the system is likely to reach Delhi by June 22-23, ahead of the normal onset date of June 27.

Meteorologists say the date of monsoon onset does not directly correlate with the total seasonal rainfall. An early or delayed arrival in Kerala or Mumbai does not necessarily indicate similar progress in other parts of the country.

They say the monsoon is influenced by complex global, regional and local factors, marked by significant variability.

In May, the IMD forecast that India is likely to receive 106 per cent of the long-period average rainfall of 87 cm during the June-September monsoon season.

Rainfall between 96 and 104 per cent of this 50-year average is considered “normal”.

Above-normal rainfall is expected in most parts of the country, except Ladakh, adjoining areas of Himachal Pradesh, the northeast, and some parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.

Some isolated areas in Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu may record below-normal rainfall.

The monsoon is crucial for India’s agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of around 42 per cent of the population and contributes 18.2 per cent to the GDP.

It also plays a key role in replenishing reservoirs essential for drinking water and power generation.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In view of the evolving security situation in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory to all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin residing in the country.

The embassy has urged the Indian community to remain vigilant, avoid all non-essential movements and strictly adhere to safety protocols issued by local authorities.

It has also advised that individuals stay updated by following the official social media accounts of the Embassy.

"In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the embassy’s Social Media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities," the advisory said.
 

SHILLONG [Maha Media]: The killers of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi had a plan to murder any woman and burn her body to pass it as that of his wife Sonam so that she would be able to be in hiding for a few more days till the truth is known, a Meghalaya police officer said.
    
The police also found out that Raj Kushwaha, a suspected boyfriend of Sonam, was the mastermind in the murder plot, and she is the co-conspirator.
    
On the first day of interrogation of Sonam, Raj and three others, who were arrested in connection with the killing of the Raja Raghuvanshi, also revealed that she fled from Meghalaya in a burqa and reached the Madhya Pradesh city using various modes of transport like taxi, bus and train.
    
"The conspiracy to eliminate Raja was hatched in Indore, shortly before his wedding with Sonam on May 11, and the mastermind is Raj while the woman had agreed to the plot," East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told PTI.
    
A few days after the wedding, Raja (29) and Sonam (24) had come to picturesque Sohra in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district and went missing on May 23. His body was found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2, while a search continued for Sonam.
    
She emerged in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away, in the early hours of June 9 and surrendered. The police had also arrested her alleged boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha and three others – Vishal, Akash and Anand - who, till now, were suspected to have been contract killers.
    
“The three young people were friends, and one of them is a cousin of Raj. It was not a typical contract killing. Yes, the plan was to kill and they did it as a favour to their friend Raj,” Syiem said.
    
Raj had given them Rs 50,000 for the expenditures, he said.
    
The planning started in February in Indore and they had thought of ways about how Sonam would disappear after the killing of Raja.
   
 “One plan was to make people believe that she would wash away by a river. Another plan was to murder any woman, burn the body and claim that it was of Sonam. However, none of the plans fructify,” the police officer said.
    
The group had come a few days before the newly-wed couple reached Assam on May 19 and they had initially planned to eliminate Raja somewhere in Guwahati.
    
As that did not work for some reason, Sonam planned to go to Shillong and Sohra, and according to understanding, all met at Nongriat, the officer said.
    
Syiem said they started together for Weisawdong Falls, and there all three hit Raja with a machete they bought in Assam and killed him in front of Sonam between 2 pm and 2.18 pm on May 23 before throwing the body in a gorge.
    
Sonam gave Akash the raincoat she was wearing as his shirt had a blood spot. They left Weisawdong on scooters, and Akash threw the raincoat later as it too had blood stains. They also abandoned the two-wheeler hired by Sonam and Raja at a place, the SP said.
    
The police recovered the raincoat and the two-wheeler when Sonam was thought to have been missing.
    
“Raj had given Vishal a burqa which he has handed over to Sonam. She wore it, went to the Police Bazaar and took a taxi to Guwahati. From Guwahati, she reached Siliguri (in West Bengal) on a bus. From there, she took buses to go to Patna and Arah and boarded a train for Lucknow. From Lucknow, Sonam took a bus and reached Indore,” he said.
    
In the meantime, Meghalaya media interviewed a tour guide who said he had seen Sonam and Raja with three people.
    
Raj told Sonam to leave Indore and emerge somewhere in Siliguri and claim herself as a victim of abduction.
     
But on June 8, when Sonam had left Indore, two police teams from Meghalaya reached UP and Madhya Pradesh in civil dress.
    
“When the first arrest (Akash) was made in UP, Raj panicked and told Sonam to call up her family and tell them she just escaped from an abduction gang. That's how this whole thing came to light in Ghazipur,” Syiem said.
    
They had thought that Raja's body would not be discovered as it was remote and the police enquiry would take one to two months. So she thought of playing the victim card.
    
“We are recording their statements. We are questioning them. We will gather more evidence and reconstruct the crime scene,” Syiem said.
    
The officer said the police are confident to file a charge sheet in the case within the mandatory 90 days.
    
All five were remanded to eight days of police custody on Wednesday.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Madhya Pradesh is expected to receive heavy rainfall on June 15 and 16, especially in the southern districts. 

According to the Meteorological Department, areas like Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, and Khandwa may receive 2.5 to 4.5 inches of rain in the next 24 hours. The monsoon is also likely to enter the state during this period.

A thunderstorm & rain alert has been issued for Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Badwani, Dhar, Khargone, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Sehore, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Katni, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, Balaghat.

Despite approaching rains, the heat continues to trouble people. On Friday, a heatwave alert was issued for 12 districts in the Ujjain, Sagar, and Gwalior-Chambal divisions. Chhatarpur district recorded the highest temperature, with Khajuraho reaching 45.8°C and Nowgong at 45°C.

According to meteorologists, the monsoon has stalled in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh for the past 15 days, delaying its entry into Madhya Pradesh. 

However, it is now becoming active again, and the department has predicted that the southwest monsoon will enter parts of central and eastern India, including MP, around June 14-15. The usual arrival date for the monsoon in MP is June 15. Last year, it entered on June 21.

Among the major cities are - Gwalior was the hottest at 44.2°C, Ujjain recorded 43.5°C, Indore at 41.6°C, Bhopal at 41°C, Jabalpur at 40.7°C.

Weather expected in next two days
June 14: Thunderstorm & Rain Alert predicted in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Badwani, Dhar, Khargone, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Sehore, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Katni, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, Balaghat.

June 15: Heavy Rain Alert issued for Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Balaghat, Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Alirajpur, Badwani, Khargone, Agar-Malwa, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Sehore, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Katni, Seoni, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Katangi, Sidhi, and Singrauli.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM [Maha Media]: A ‘National Cyber Security Conference', organised by the National Cyber Security Research Council (NCSRC), is being held at Technopark Phase-1 in Kerala on Friday.

This national event is part of three statewide conferences that will bring together cybersecurity experts, industry leaders and innovators in the domain.

Sandip Kumar, IAS, Director, Kerala State IT Mission, Sparjan Kumar IPS, Inspector General of Police and Dr E Khalieraaj, Director, (NCSRC), will address the inaugural session.
 

BHUBANESWAR [Maha Media]: The Odisha government extended the suspension of internet services in parts of the Bhadrak district by 12 more hours till 6 pm on Friday, a restriction imposed since June 12 following the death of a man during a clash over cattle smuggling.

The internet services will remain suspended in Bhadrak, Tihidi and Dhamnagar blocks, and areas under the Bhadrak Municipality and the Dhamnagar Notified Area Council (NAC) till 6 pm, district magistrate-cum-collector Dilip Routrai told PTI.

The district collector said the situation was "well under control and there is no untoward incident so far".

AMRITSAR [Maha Media]: The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Border Range, Amritsar, busted a cross-border narco-smuggling racket and apprehended two smugglers with 4.5 kg of heroin and Rs 11 lakh.

Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav shared the development on X and said that the smugglers, identified as Gurbhej Singh and Abhijeet Singh, were arrested.

"In a breakthrough, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Border Range, Amritsar, busts a cross-border narco-smuggling racket, arrests two smugglers--Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja and Abhijeet Singh alias Happy--and recovers 4.5 kg of heroin and Rs 11 lakh in drug money," posted the DGP.

"Preliminary investigation reveals that Gurbhej is in direct contact with Pakistan-based smuggler Rana and coordinates the consignment delivery. Both accused are caught while attempting to sell the heroin," he said.

The official further said in the post, "An FIR under the NDPS Act is registered at PS #ANTF, SAS Nagar. Further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the network."

Punjab Police reiterated that it remains committed to breaking the backbone of Pakistan-sponsored narco-terror networks and ensuring a 'DrugFreePunjab.'

On Thursday, the Amritsar Rural Police busted an illegal Arms smuggling module and arrested four operatives along with the recovery of nine weapons, officials said.

In a post on X, the DGP Punjab Police said, "In an intelligence-led operation, Amritsar Rural Police busts an illegal Arms smuggling module linked to Italy-based Gurpreet Singh alias Gopy working in close coordination with #Pakistan-based smugglers. Four operatives are arrested, and nine weapons are recovered. Further investigation is underway to trace the supply routes, identify additional accomplices, and establish deeper linkages with foreign handlers. An FIR is registered under Arms Act and NDPS Act, PS Gharinda."

"Punjab Police remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling organised criminal syndicates and safeguarding the peace and security of the state," the post further stated.
 

IMPHAL [Maha Media]: Security personnel and Manipur Police launched operations in three different areas during the last 24 hours and recovered arms and ammunition.

The police said a 9 mm carbine with magazine, two 9 mm pistols with magazine, live rounds and empty cases were recovered from a hideout at Karyam village in Tengnoupal district.

In another operation, two 12 bore single barrel rifle, one .32 pistol along with one empty magazine, live rounds, cartridge, and other items were recovered from Champhai Village, Imphal East district.

In another operation one 303 rifle along with a magazine, 9 mm pistol along with magazines , clothes, war like materials recovered from Ikop Pat under Thoubal-PS, Thoubal District.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, terming it "heartbreaking beyond words."

In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his condolences and assured assistance to those affected.

According to the post, PM Modi has been closely monitoring the situation and is in constant communication with state authorities.

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," the Prime Minister wrote.

In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief, she said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is en route to Ahmedabad to assess the situation following the plane crash which occurred near the city's airport today, according to sources. Shah had also spoken with Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, and Ahmedabad's Police Commissioner on Thursday and took stock of the situation regarding the crash.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with HM Shah, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, with Naidu informing the PM that he will be rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground.

"Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad to assess the situation," Shah said in a post on X.

Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda, on Thursday, instructed all the party workers to engage in relief and rescue operations following the crash incident in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight bound for London.

In a post on X, Nadda expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

"The news of many casualties in the plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is extremely sad," he said.

The BJP President also said he talked to the Gujarat BJP Chief and State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel over the preparedness.

"Regarding this tragic incident, I spoke to Gujarat BJP State President and Union Minister Shri @CRPaatil ji and the State Health Minister Shri @irushikeshpatel and took information about health facilities and relief work," Nadda said.

"I appeal to all BJP workers to engage in relief and rescue operations and provide all possible help to the affected families. I pray to God to give strength to the bereaved families to bear the unbearable pain and to provide speedy recovery to the injured," JP Nadda said.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) Chief Sharad Pawar has expressed grief over the Air India plane crash incident in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

In a post on X, Pawar said that it is also sad to hear that there has been a huge loss of life in the accident.

"The incident of the crash of an Air India passenger plane in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is heartbreaking. It is also very sad to hear that there has been a huge loss of life in this accident. I pray that the agencies treating the injured passengers and those working at the scene of the accident will be strengthened and that the injured will recover soon," the NCP-SCP chief said.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress MP Jairam Ramesh expressed their deep condolence following the plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, involving an Air India flight bound for London.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi shared, "My heart goes out to the families of the passengers and crew on board the Air India flight. The whole nation is hoping against hope that your loved ones survive this horrifying crash. May God be with all of you."

Mallikarjun Kharge extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the passengers, pilot and the crew.

In a post on X, Kharge shared, "Absolutely shocked to know about the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where several passengers and crew members were on board. It's heart-wrenching to see the horrific visuals. Our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers with the families of the passengers, pilot and the crew. I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all assistance and support to the victims and their loved ones."

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed his grief after receiving the report of the plane crash.

"Received the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. This news is extremely sad and heartbreaking. I pray to God for the safety of all the passengers and staff," Ashok Gehlot said.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh shared, "The Indian National Congress is shocked by the devastating tragedy that overtook AI-171 minutes after its takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. While full details are awaited, local Congress workers have already been directed to assist in rescue, relief, and other efforts. Our prayers continue for the passengers and the crew. It is a moment of utmost grief."

Flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport have been suspended temporarily until further notice following the Air India plane crash after takeoff, according to an official spokesperson.

A total of three Natural Disaster Response Force teams have been moved from Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad, comprising 90 personnel. Three teams from Vadodara are also moving to Ahmedabad.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Several casualties were feared.

The Boeing aircraft, which could be seen losing altitude quickly, crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Ahmedabad international airport around 2 pm.

“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle,” Air India posted on X.

Several of the injured were taken to the city civil hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation, having consulted both Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah. The Prime Minister instructed the Civil Aviation Minister to expedite his arrival at the crash site to oversee rescue operations and ensure immediate assistance is provided.

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing for miles around. Some camera crews accessed the crash area and showed visuals of the wreckage.

Emergency responders reached the site promptly and have launched intensive rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations. “We are acquiring details about the casualties,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kanan Desai.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze, said fire officer Jayesh Khadia.

Initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation indicate immediate investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident. The plane, commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar, disappeared from communications soon after issuing a mayday call.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has emphasised that judicial activism is bound to stay, but it should not be turned into judicial terrorism.

CJI Gavai said the power of judicial review should be used sparingly and only if a statute is violative of the basic structure of the Constitution.

"Judicial activism is bound to stay. At the same time, judicial activism should not be turned into judicial terrorism. So, at times, you try to exceed the limits and try to enter into an area where normally the judiciary should not enter," Gavai said in response to a question from a legal news portal.

Gavai described the Constitution as a "quiet revolution etched in ink" and a transformative force that not only guarantees rights but actively uplifts the historically oppressed.

Speaking at the Oxford Union in London on the theme 'From Representation to Realisation: Embodying the Constitution's Promise' on Tuesday, the CJI, the second Dalit and the first Buddhist to hold India's highest judicial office, highlighted the positive impact of the Constitution on marginalised communities and gave his example to drive home the point.

"Many decades ago, millions of citizens of India were called 'untouchables'. They were told they were impure. They were told that they did not belong. They were told that they could not speak for themselves.

"But here we are today, where a person belonging to those very people is speaking openly, as the holder of the highest office in the judiciary of the country," the CJI said.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that his government in its 11 years has brought innumerable benefits for people by leveraging the power of technology.

“Powered by the youth of India, we are making remarkable progress in innovation and application of technology. It is also strengthening our efforts to become self-reliant and a global tech powerhouse,” he said on X.

The prime minister said the use of technology has greatly boosted service delivery and transparency. Furthermore, technology has become a means of empowering the lives of the poorest of poor, he added.

A thread of posts from a government handle and highlighted by Modi said India ensured transparency at scale through direct benefit transfer (DBT), noting that over Rs 44 lakh crores were credited to beneficiaries of over 322 schemes regulated by 56 ministries.

Over Rs 3.48 lakh crores were saved by cutting out leakages, it added.

From digital deserts to a data-driven democracy—India’s tech journey over the last 11 years is nothing short of revolutionary, another thread said.

Under Modi’s leadership, India has transformed into a hub of digital innovation, tech-led governance, and global trust. From manufacturing to space tech, from digital payments to rural connectivity—the change is visible, impactful, and lasting, it said It added, “But this is not just about devices and platforms. It’s about seamless governance, citizen empowerment, and building a tech-first Viksit Bharat.” From the surge of UPI into becoming India’s “financial heartbeat”, it noted that the country is also the world’s cheapest mobile data providers, fuelling digital inclusion.

With over 94 crore broadband connections and 120 crore telephone subscribers, tele-density has soared from 75 per cent in 2014 to 85 per cent in 2025.

ISRO’s incredible feat of launching 393 foreign satellites showcases our capability, it said.

One of the posts said, “11 years ago, a silent digital revolution began—reshaping how India connects, governs, and grows. Under PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, the Digital India initiative has turned technology into a tool for empowerment—bridging gaps, unlocking opportunities, and making governance more accessible and transparent for every citizen.” It added, “From internet access in remote villages to real-time digital payments leading the world, this transformation is not just about numbers—it’s about people, progress, and possibility.” Technological initiatives ensured that every rupee reaches the targeted beneficiary, with DBT seeing a 90 fold rise in 10 years, transforming welfare delivery with speed and transparency.

It highlighted digital marketplace for government procurement, passport delivery service, roll out of Cowin platform for vaccination against coronavirus and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission for health insurance among other measures powered by tech in delivering benefits and services to citizens.
 

MATHURA [Maha Media]: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will participate in a special training camp for workers during his three-day visit to Mathura beginning Thursday.

Bhagwat will take part in the ongoing 20-day ‘Karyakarta Vikas Varg Pratham Camp’ at the Deen Dayal Gau Vigyan Anusandhan Evam Prashikshan Kendra in Parkham, Farah, according to a release issued by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The camp is focused on skill development of ‘pravasi’ (migrant) RSS workers.

During his stay, the RSS chief will conduct sessions aimed at providing clarity on various ideological and organisational topics. He will also engage in doubt-clearing discussions with participants, the release stated.

The camp, which began on May 28, is being attended by 251 participants from different parts of the country. It is scheduled to conclude on June 18.

Last weekend Bhagwat was on a two-day visit to Kanpur after which he left for Patna on Monday.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will address trainee officers today at the valedictory ceremony of the 127th Induction Training Programme at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie. The training programme is specifically designed for officers promoted from the State Administrative Services to the Indian Administrative Service.

According to the correspondent says that A total of 97 officers promoted from the services of 19 states are participating in the programme, including 73 male officers and 24 female officers. The programme is inspired by the national vision of “Viksit Bharat-2047” and the transformative goals of “Mission Karmayogi.” It provides a structured platform to facilitate the smooth transition of officers from state-level administrative roles to responsibilities of national leadership. It aims to prepare ethical, capable, and future-ready administrative officers for policy-making, inter-regional coordination, and institutional leadership. The programme is based on seven key thematic pillars- good governance, personality development, collaborative learning, technology, leadership insights, entrepreneurship, and regional understanding.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday highlighted the achievements of the central government's digital initiatives and said that India has emerged as a leading digital economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11 years of governance.

The Home Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed every sector of the economy and society through the digital revolution.

"The Modi government democratised the use of technology and harnessed its power for the business sector, making Bharat a leading digital economy in the world in the 11 years of Digital India. Whether it is healthcare, education, trade, or commerce, PM Narendra Modi has transformed every sector of the economy and society through the digital revolution," posted Shah on X.

Earlier on Tuesday, Amit Shah expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Union Cabinet approved the two multitracking projects across Indian Railways covering seven Districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

In a post on X, Shah said that the projects will "turbocharge" the growth journey of these states.

"Gratitude to PM @narendramodi Ji for approving the project of multi-tracking of railways in 7 districts across Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The projects will turbocharge the growth journey of these states, speeding up the prosperity of businesses and individuals and creating ample employment opportunities for the youth," Amit Shah said.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, approved two projects of the Ministry of Railways worth Rs 6,405 crore, with the aim to improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions.

The two projects covering seven Districts across the states of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 318 km. The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately. 1,408 villages, which have a population of about 28.19 lakh.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India has ranked 131 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025, slipping two places from its position last year. With a parity score of just 64.1 per cent, India is among the lowest-ranked countries in South Asia, according to the report released on Thursday. India ranked 129 last year.

The Global Gender Gap Index measures gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. The Indian economy's overall performance improved in absolute terms by +0.3 points. "One of the dimensions where India increases parity is in Economic Participation and Opportunity, where its score improves by +.9 percentage points to 40.7 per cent. While most indicator values remain the same, parity in estimated earned income rises from 28.6 per cent to 29.9 per cent, positively impacting the subindex score," the report said. 

Scores in labour force participation rate remained the same (45.9 per cent) as last year -- India's highest achieved to date. In educational attainment, the report said, India scored 97.1 per cent, reflecting positive shifts in female shares for literacy and tertiary education enrolment, which result in positive score improvements for the subindex as a whole. "India also records higher parity in health and survival, driven by improved scores in sex ratio at birth and in healthy life expectancy," it said.

However, similar to other countries, parity in healthy life expectancy is obtained despite an overall reduction in the life expectancy of men and women, the report said. "Where India records a slight drop in parity (-0.6 points) since the last edition is in Political Empowerment. Female representation in Parliament falls from 14.7 per cent to 13.8 per cent in 2025, lowering the indicator score for the second year in a row below 2023 levels," it said. 

Similarly, the share of women in ministerial roles falls from 6.5 per cent to 5.6 per cent, moving the indicator score (5.9 per cent) further away this year from its highest level (30 per cent in 2019), it said. With notable gains in political empowerment and economic participation, Bangladesh emerged as the best performer in South Asia, jumping 75 ranks to rank 24 globally. Nepal ranked 125, Sri Lanka 130, Bhutan 119, Maldives 138 and Pakistan 148. The report said the global gender gap has closed to 68.8 per cent, marking the strongest annual advancement since the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

BHOPAL [Maha Media]: After a blistering day under a relentless sun, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a dramatic shift in weather on Wednesday evening. Around 9 p.m., Bhopal was swept by gusty winds, followed by a refreshing spell of rain, providing much-needed relief to residents.

In Tikamgarh’s Mau Ghat, thunder cracked across the sky as rain lashed the area, accompanied by pea-sized hailstones, the report said.

Similar weather conditions were reported from Vidisha and Raisen, where skies opened up after a day of oppressive heat. The India Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert for lightning, moderate thunder, and rainfall across Burhanpur, Khandwa, Harda, Vidisha, Raisen, and Barwani. Nighttime thunderstorms are also anticipated in Bhopal, Indore, Dewas, Sagar, Shajapur, Sehore, Rajgarh, Dhar, and Harda. The arrival of the monsoon is now imminent.

According to the Meteorological Department, monsoon activity has picked up pace and is likely to enter Madhya Pradesh between June 14 and 15, advancing from the eastern districts—Mandla, Seoni, Dindori, Balaghat, and Anuppur—where the heaviest rainfall is expected. The entire state is projected to be under monsoon cover by June 20. This year’s monsoon is ahead of schedule; in 2024, it arrived on June 21.

Meanwhile, the pre-monsoon heat has remained intense.

On Wednesday, six cities recorded temperatures exceeding 44 degrees C. Naugaon in Chhatarpur district was the hottest at 44.8 degrees C, followed by Guna at 44.5 degrees C, and Gwalior and Shajapur at 44.2 degrees C. Shivpuri and Tikamgarh also reached 44 degrees C. Major urban centres also experienced sweltering conditions, with Bhopal recording a temperature of 42.6 degrees C, Indore 41.6 degrees C, Ujjain 42.8 degrees C, and Jabalpur 40.6 degrees C. Khajuraho, Narmadapuram, and Narsinghpur hovered above 43 degrees C.

A heatwave alert remains in place for the Gwalior, Chambal, Ujjain, and Sagar divisions until June 12. Although showers are forecast from June 13 onward, heat will likely persist in districts that remain dry. May brought a string of meteorological surprises. For the first time in recorded history, Madhya Pradesh experienced storms or rain every single day of the month, weather experts said.

Fifty-three districts—including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior—received measurable rainfall. Ujjain set a new record for May rainfall with 111.8 mm.

“This unusual pattern is attributed to persistent cyclonic circulation, western disturbances, and active trough systems that influenced the state throughout May,” said a meteorologist. These systems are expected to continue shaping the weather into mid-June, with storm and rain alerts valid through June 12.

Looking ahead, while the advancing monsoon promises relief, forecasters warn of a final wave of intense heat. Historical patterns show pre-monsoon heatwaves are typical in early June, especially in Gwalior-Chambal and the western divisions. However, night temperatures are expected to drop by 8 to 10 degrees once the rains arrive. In Bhopal, temperatures are expected to remain high until June 15, the weather department said.

Over the past decade, the capital has seen temperatures exceed 45 degrees C in early June, with night lows plunging to 17.4 degrees C. In 2020, the city recorded 16 inches of rain in June; last year, it saw 10.9 inches—five of them within a single day. In the last 24 hours, rainfall was recorded at isolated locations in the Indore, Jabalpur, and Shahdol divisions, while the rest of the state remained dry.

A heatwave prevailed across Bhopal, Ratlam, Chhindwara, Khajuraho, Nowgong, Sagar, Tikamgarh, Guna, and Pachmarhi, with severe conditions noted in Narmadapuram. No significant changes in maximum temperatures were observed across divisions. The forecast warns of thunderstorms with lightning and gusts reaching 40–50 kmph, along with heatwave conditions, in isolated areas of Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, and Narmadapuram.

Similar conditions are expected in parts of Betul, Harda, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Dewas, Shajapur, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, and Pandhurna.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The US is constantly making statements which can only be interpreted to mean that it is hyphenating India and Pakistan, the Congress said on Thursday and stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should leave aside his “stubbornness” to call an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh asserted in a post on X that decades of diplomatic progress cannot be allowed to be weakened so easily.

“It is reported that Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir has been invited to the event organised in Washington DC on the occasion of US Army Day (14 June). This news is a big setback for India from a diplomatic and strategic point of view,” Ramesh said in the post in Hindi.

“This is the same person who used provocative and inciting language just before the Pahalgam terror attack – the question arises what is America’s intention,” the Congress general secretary said.

Recently, the head of the US Central Command also stated that Pakistan is a “great partner” of America in the fight against terrorism, Ramesh said.

“The Modi government is saying that Operation Sindoor is still going on. In such a situation, the Pakistani army chief’s participation as a guest in the US Army Day is definitely a matter of serious concern,” he said.

Ramesh said the Trump administration is constantly making statements which can only be interpreted to mean that it is “hyphenating” India and Pakistan.

“The prime minister is welcoming the delegation that returned after informing the entire world, including the US, about Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism, and at the same time, such news is coming from Washington DC makes India’s diplomatic position even more uncomfortable,” Ramesh said.

“The prime minister should now leave aside his stubbornness and concern for prestige and call an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament, so that the nation can clearly express its collective will and a concrete roadmap can be presented to the country,” he said.

Decades of diplomatic progress cannot be allowed to be weakened so easily, he added.

With US Army General Michael Kurilla, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), calling Pakistan a “phenomenal partner” in the counterterrorism world, the Congress on Wednesday asked what PM Modi had to say about this and whether it was not a “diplomatic setback”.

The opposition party also referred to remarks by a Trump administration spokesperson highlighting President Donald Trump’s diplomatic and negotiating skills as having the power to end “generational differences”, wondering whether something is cooking in Washington DC. It asked Prime Minister Modi to issue a clarification on it.

Ramesh had also cited a media report which claimed that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir is scheduled to visit Washington DC for the US Army Day celebrations and said this is “another huge diplomatic setback for India”.

US Army General Michael Kurilla, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), has said the United States has to have a relationship with Pakistan and with India, and noted that it cannot be a “binary switch” where Washington cannot have ties with Islamabad if it has relations with New Delhi.

Kurilla made the comments during a testimony before the US House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

Pakistan is “in an active counterterrorism fight right now and they have been a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world”, the general said.

Kurilla’s comments came days after an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation visited the US to convey India’s strong resolve to combat terrorism emanating from Pakistan in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
 

KHANDWA [Maha Media]: An anti-encroachment drive carried out in the Shakkar pond area of Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, and around 100 illegal houses were demolished.

Officials said residents were served notices over the past four months, and houses with court stay orders were not removed.

Speaking to news agency, Khandwa Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Priyanka Rajawat said, "This is the Shakkar pond area. We are running an anti-encroachment drive here today. We have been making announcements and giving notices to vacate the place for the last 4 months. About 100 illegal houses have been demolished. 25 house owners had a stay from the court, they have been left..."

Earlier, the district administration of Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain carried out a demolition drive to remove illegal structures in Begum Bagh locality in the city amid tight security on Wednesday. The locality is situated near Mahakaleshwar temple and a total seven structures were removed.

Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) CEO Sandeep Soni told ANI, "Around two years ago, UDA had cancelled the lease of structures built here on both sides of the roads for violating the terms of the lease. After which four plots on which seven structures were built here, still some commercial operations are going on, were served notices. Since after cancellation of the lease, all these structures become government property and construction on the land falls under illegal encroachment."

"Considering those properties as encroachment, a final notice was issued. After that with the help of district administration, municipal corporation and police, UDA took possession of the property today and began the removal action," he added.

Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nitesh Bhargav said that a heavy police force was deployed in the area to monitor and look after the law and order situation.

"Seven structures at four locations in Beghu Bagh locality are being removed under Ujjain Development Authroity's action and a heavy police force is deployed in the area to look after the law and order situation. A total of 150 police personnel are present at the spot. All the action is being executed peacefully," ASP Bhargava said.
 

BARDOLI [Maha Media]: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in Surat on Thursday to take part in several programmes, including a farmer interaction in Bardoli under the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp' Abhiyan.

During his visit, he will interact with farmers in Bardoli, Gujarat, and discuss their practical problems. Before that, he will attend Kisan Chaupal to listen to them personally.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will also be present during the visit aimed at addressing farmers' concerns and promoting advanced, region-specific agricultural research.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Chouhan interacted with farmers during a 'Kisan Chaupal' event held in Tigipur village, Delhi, and emphasised his deep commitment to farmers, declaring that,"serving farmers was like the service of God to him."

Speaking at the event, the Minister said that serving farmers was like the serving of God to him. He added that this was the reason he was going among farmers across the country and interacting with them.

The Minister highlighted that while the 'Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign' drew close, it marked "a new beginning" in India's agricultural policy direction.

The program was organised as part of the nationwide 'Developed Agriculture Sankalp Abhiyan', which concludes today.
 

LUCKNOW [Maha Media]: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday called child labour a "curse" and urged citizens to unite against the practice by ensuring that every child receives education, security and dignity.

Taking to social media platform X on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour, the CM stressed that only through awareness and collective effort against child labour can a sensitive and empowered society be built for the future.

"Child labour is a curse, it cannot be accepted! Let us, on this World Day Against Child Labour, pledge to connect every child with education, safety, dignity and values," he said.

Observed annually on June 12, the World Day Against Child Labour was launched by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002 to highlight the plight of child labourers worldwide.

The day aims to generate awareness and action to eliminate all forms of child labour, especially its worst forms, which include hazardous work, forced labour and exploitation.
 

GUWAHATI [Maha Media]: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the state government's current policy is to push back foreigners even if their names are found in the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The way the NRC was carried out in Assam leaves a lot of scope for doubt, and it cannot be the only document for determining a person's citizenship, Sarma said.

The NRC, an official record of bonafide Indian citizens living in Assam, was updated under the supervision of the Supreme Court and released on August 31, 2019, leaving out more than 19 lakh applicants. However, it has not been notified by the Registrar General of India, leaving the controversial document without any official validity.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted searches in Rajasthan and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged Rs 2,700 crore fraud with investors, official sources said.

The case filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) stems from a Rajasthan Police FIR against a company called Nexa Evergreen.

The company is alleged to have duped investors to the tune of Rs 2,700 crore by promising higher returns and plots of land in Dholera city of Gujarat, the sources said.

In Rajasthan, ED teams carried out operations in cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu. Simultaneous raids were also conducted in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and parts of Delhi. The crackdown is being executed under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Red Nexa Evergreen project reportedly lured investors with promises of high returns or property allocations — either flats, land, or premium rates after a fixed tenure. 

Allegations suggest that a significant number of investors were duped in the process. Rajasthan Police had earlier registered an FIR against multiple individuals involved in the fraudulent scheme.The ED's investigation aims to uncover the financial trail and identify key beneficiaries of the scam. More details are expected to emerge as the search operations continue. Around 24 places are being raided in Rajasthan and Gujarat and Delhi. The investors in this project were lured to invest their money till a particular time and told that they can get plots and flats in return for their investments. However investors were duped as none of the promises were allegedly fulfilled.

In the end the frustrated investors filed many FIRs in this regard. The raids have been conducted keeping money laundering in mind, said officials. Once the search operation is done, action will be taken against those involved in the fraud. Rajasthan police were acting in the matter till now, however now that the ED has come into the picture, fresh facts are expected to come out soon in the case, said sources.
 

KOLKATA [Maha Media]: Security tightened in the Rabindra Nagar area of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal on Thursday after a clash broke out between Police and miscreants yesterday.

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders in the state alleged that a Shiva Temple was vandalised in Ward No. 7, Maheshtala, under the Metiabruz Assembly constituency, near Rabindra Nagar Police Station.

Meanwhile, Adhikari on Thursday approached the SP of Diamond Harbour Police District and DGP of West Bengal to visit Maheshtala and meet the victims of the Hindu families.

In a post on X, Adhikari said the visit is a step towards understanding the grievances of affected Hindu shopkeepers and families and ensuring their voices are heard.

"I have approached the SP of Diamond Harbour Police District and DGP @WBPolice so that today, I, along with one MLA can visit Maheshtala under Rabindranagar Police Station to meet and express solidarity with the victims of the Hindu families and the affected Hindu shopkeepers who came under the attack of the Jihadis yesterday. This visit is a step towards understanding their grievances and ensuring their voices are heard. "I hope that the Administration doesn't obstruct my visit," Adhikari said on X.

This comes months after violence in some parts of West Bengal in the wake of protests against the Waqf Board Amendment Act.