Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said that a large-scale Yamuna cleaning drive was conducted across 28 ghats in the capital, with thousands of citizens joining the effort to clean the river and its surroundings. She noted that participants included people of all age groups, from children to senior citizens, who actively took part in the initiative.
Describing the waste collected during the drive, Gupta said items such as plastic bags, religious offerings, and broken idols were found along the riverbanks. She added that such drives need to be organized regularly to address the problem effectively. She further emphasized the need for targeted waste management based on the different types of waste found at riverfront sites, saying systems should be designed accordingly.
The Chief Minister also urged residents to contribute to keeping the Yamuna clean and to support ongoing environmental efforts. She highlighted that the government is working on improving the river through sewage treatment plants and plans to develop the riverbanks through cleanliness and tree plantation drives to make the city greener.
In her appeal, she also stressed the importance of properly disposing of worship materials, noting that they should be treated respectfully even after use. Recalling her participation in the campaign at Geeta Colony Ghat, she thanked youth groups, sanitation workers, volunteers, NGOs, and over 500 organizations involved in the drive. She said the large turnout reflected a shared responsibility toward keeping the Yamuna and its ghats clean. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to restore the Yamuna through public participation, improved waste management, and environmental conservation measures.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @gupta_rekha.
An Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Rally was conducted at Tangdhar under the aegis of Shakti Vijay Brigade with the objective of strengthening outreach, resolving grievances, and spreading awareness about various welfare schemes for veterans, Veer Naris, widows, and their dependents. The event saw active participation from the veteran community, including 154 Ex-Servicemen, 4 Veer Naris, and 25 widows. Representatives from multiple organisations and departments such as the Veterans Cell, ECHS Baramulla, JAK LI and JAK RIF Record Offices, civil administration, police, forest, employment, banking institutions, and education offices were also present. They interacted with participants, addressed their issues, and guided them regarding available welfare measures and government schemes.
During the rally, speakers paid tribute to the sacrifices and service of veterans and reaffirmed their commitment to their welfare. They highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including ESM rallies, Veer Nari meets, ECHS clinical camps, artificial limb camps, outreach programmes for Veer Mata-Pita, and the SPARSH data migration drive.
Participants were also informed about recent improvements such as the empanelment of additional hospitals under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) in the Kashmir Valley to enhance healthcare access. Veterans and families were encouraged to make full use of these welfare schemes and approach relevant authorities for timely grievance redressal.
They were further urged to contribute to nation-building by mentoring youth, raising awareness against drug abuse, and promoting peace and social harmony. As part of the programme, scholarships were awarded to 25 widows, 4 Veer Naris, and 10 meritorious students from ESM families for their academic and extracurricular achievements by Mrs. Sheela Yadav, wife of Brigadier Dharmendra Yadav, SM, Station Commander Tangdhar. In addition, five distinguished Ex-Servicemen were felicitated for their contributions to community development and nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Brigadier Dharmendra Yadav reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to the welfare of veterans, Veer Naris, and their families. He outlined various welfare initiatives and assured continued support in resolving their concerns. He also encouraged veterans to guide the younger generation, fight drug abuse, strengthen social harmony, and remain alert against misinformation and anti-national influences.
The rally concluded with an interactive session between the Station Commander and veterans, allowing for direct engagement and discussion, followed by a group photograph marking the occasion and the enduring bond between serving personnel and veterans. The event underscored the Indian Army’s continued dedication to honouring veterans and ensuring their dignity, welfare, and active participation in nation-building.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday strongly supported the recently concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement, describing it as one of the most ambitious trade deals ever reached, and assured Slovakia’s full backing for its rapid implementation. During the India–Slovakia exchange of MoUs and joint press statements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bratislava, Fico said the agreement would open up major economic opportunities for both sides and deliver significant benefits to Slovakia’s export-driven industries.
He noted that Slovakia welcomed the agreement between the EU and India, adding that it was among the most ambitious FTAs ever signed. He also said Slovakia would take all necessary practical measures to ensure its quick implementation. Highlighting the importance of the automotive sector in Slovakia, Fico said reduced tariffs on cars—set at around 10%—would be particularly beneficial for the country’s economy.
He also invited Indian companies to invest in Slovakia, pointing to the country’s political stability, investor-friendly environment, and ability to support foreign businesses. Fico further expressed support for expanding cooperation through public-private partnership (PPP) projects, saying such initiatives would be welcomed by his government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in turn, thanked Slovakia for its support in finalising the India–EU FTA and said India would work toward its early implementation so that businesses, startups, and traders on both sides could benefit. PM Modi also highlighted the growing economic ties between India and Slovakia and said both sides had discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technology, emphasizing the strong potential for future collaboration.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from YouTube/MEA.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has reaffirmed that it will continue its campaign for rights in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing the authorities of using force against peaceful protesters while failing to address long-standing grievances. In a statement shared on X, the group said its Charter of Demands had previously been acknowledged by both the Government of Pakistan and the PoJK administration. However, it alleged that political parties were now trying to distract from these issues and undermine the movement.
JAAC stated that various political actors had “a plan to suppress the people by deviating from these demands,” claiming that force was being used instead of dialogue. The committee’s demands include ending special privileges for the ruling elite, abolishing Assembly seats reserved for Pakistan-based refugees, ensuring free healthcare and standardized education, building an international airport, and removing job quotas for Pakistan-based refugees in PoJK.
It questioned the use of force against what it described as a peaceful protest movement, asking which part of its demands justified “firing on unarmed civilians.” JAAC also challenged officials who claim progress on implementing its demands, asking them to provide proof of such actions and alleging that those in power often ignore public concerns, especially when their own privileges are affected.
The group further claimed that dozens of its supporters have been killed, hundreds injured, and several others are missing, adding that many of the injured are not receiving proper medical care. Despite these allegations, JAAC reiterated that it would continue its struggle peacefully, stating that it would not compromise on its demands.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/ @JAAC__Official.
The Petroleum Ministry said fuel supplies are stable and there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG, or natural gas. It urged bulk users to shift back to their own consumer pumps to reduce pressure on retail outlets. The government also called the move temporary, aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smooth access for regular consumers.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson, and Pablo Maurer as the USA kick off their World Cup campaign. They discuss the US team’s dominant opening win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, suggesting they might actually be a strong side, with praise for Christian Pulisic. Elsewhere, Canada rescue a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Jesse Marsch’s triple substitution helping turn the game around, though Bosnia’s defending nearly held firm. They also preview upcoming fixtures such as Haiti vs Scotland, answer listener questions, and share some light moments from the studio.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A second batch of more than 1,000 pages of documents concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador has been made public. The files were expected to shed light on what ministers knew about Mandelson’s connections to Epstein and the vetting process behind his approval. Instead, they exposed internal government tensions and early concerns over Keir Starmer’s leadership. Lucy Hough talks with the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
