Jammu, June 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi after inaugurating the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge, and the Anji Bridge, the country’s first cable-supported bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir, attacked Pakistan for conspiring and plotting to derail the tourism and hitting the livelihood of local Kashmiris, by killing innocent tourists in Pahalgam.Addressing the public gathering after inaugurating a slew of projects, PM Modi said that Pakistan-based terrorists deliberately and intentionally attacked tourists as their main motive was to hurt the livelihood of local Kashmiris.He said that terrorists from Pakistan targeted the innocent tourists as they wanted to bring Jammu and Kashmir’s growth to a halt and hurt the poor.He said that Pakistani cowards attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam, and their intention was to stoke riots in the country.He also took the name of Adil, the horse rider who was the sole breadwinner of his family and was killed in the April 22 Pahalgam attack.PM Modi, recalling Operation Sindoor, said the enemy was taught a lesson, exactly a month ago, as Pakistan-based terrorists saw doom befalling them.“Now, whenever Pakistan hears the name of Operation Sindoor, it will remember its shameful defeat,” PM Modi said, eliciting wide applause from the crowd.He said that Pakistan never imagined that Indian forces would enter their territory to take revenge for the terror attack and turn their buildings and installations into ruins.PM Modi also lauded the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth in defeating terror from across the border, stating, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have now made up their mind to give a befitting reply to terrorism.”He also announced additional assistance for the residents whose houses along the border were damaged in Pakistani shelling.“Those residents whose houses suffered major damage will get Rs 2 lakh additional assistance while those with little damage will get Rs 1 lakh additional assistance,” PM Modi announced.Briefing the people about the roaring success of Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said that the Armed Forces’ valour and ‘Made In India’ defence equipment and weapons taught the enemy a lesson.“Operation Sindoor showed the power of Atmanirbharata. Today, the world is talking about India’s military might,” he said, and also urged people to show their support for the Made in India initiative.“Our goal is to make India enter the league of top defence exporters, as this will open myriad opportunities for employment in the defence sector,” PM Modi told the gathering.–IANSmr/dpb

Mumbai, June 6 (IANS) “Housefull 5,” the latest installment in the popular comedy franchise, has…

Gandhinagar, June 6 (IANS) Gujarat Environment Management Institute (GEMI), under the Forest and Environment Department, concluded a statewide campaign themed #BeatPlasticPollution, which ran from May 22 to June 5. According to data released on Friday, as many as 1,640 citizens came together to clean 12 beaches across Gujarat, collecting more than 18,350 kgs of waste, including large quantities of plastic.The campaign saw public participation across beaches, urban neighborhoods, and villages, aiming to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable lifestyles.Clean-up activities were conducted at coastal sites including Dwarka, Shivrajpur, Umargam, Dandi, Dumas, Mahuva, Porbandar, and Ravalpir.Supported by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, local municipalities, forest officials, NGOs, and industries, the drive emphasised both citizen involvement and responsible disposal of waste.Beyond the coastlines, the campaign also focussed on public awareness through 37 street plays performed in urban and rural areas of 15 districts like Aravalli, Rajkot, Bharuch, Kutch, Dahod, Junagadh, and Dang. These performances reached over 4,100 people, educating them about plastic hazards and promoting eco-friendly practices.Additionally, in 10 residential societies in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, over 450 residents collected more than 250 kg of recyclable plastic.Participants were also given eco-friendly items like plant saplings in clay pots and compost kits to encourage green living at home. The initiative further included poster contests, workshops, digital reels, and upcycling competitions, drawing widespread public engagement.Gujarat, with its 1,600-km-long coastline, is home to several important and popular beaches such as Shivrajpur (a Blue Flag-certified beach), Dwarka, Dumas (Surat), Tithal (Valsad), Mandvi (Kutch), Ghoghla (Diu), Somnath, Dandi (Navsari), Porbandar, and Umargam.These beaches are not only vital to the state’s tourism economy but also hold ecological and historical significance. For instance, Dandi is associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s famous ‘Salt March’, while Shivrajpur’s Blue Flag status signifies high standards of cleanliness, safety, and environmental sustainability.However, increasing tourist footfall, local littering, and poor waste management have led to alarming levels of pollution, especially from single-use plastics.Plastic bottles, wrappers, fishing nets, and other non-biodegradable waste accumulate along the coast, endangering marine life such as turtles, crabs, and coastal birds. Polluted beaches also affect local livelihoods, particularly those dependent on fishing and tourism.–IANSjhanvi/rad

Patna, June 6 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Dashrath Nagar village in Gaya district on Friday as part of his outreach efforts in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections.During his visit, he met the family of the late Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the “Mountain Man” for single-handedly carving a path through a hill in Gehlor village to connect it with Wajirganj block in the district.Rahul Gandhi was received warmly by Bhagirath Manjhi, son of Dashrath Manjhi, who welcomed him with traditional hospitality.The Congress leader sat with the family, shared coconut water, and listened to their concerns, including their financial hardships.According to sources, Bhagirath Manjhi also expressed his interest in contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly election from the Bodh Gaya constituency, though no official announcement was made.Following his meeting in Dashrath Nagar, Gandhi proceeded to Gehlor village, where he garlanded the statue of Dashrath Manjhi as a mark of respect.He was accompanied by Bhagirath Manjhi and later departed for Rajgir to attend a scheduled programme.Earlier in the day, Gandhi landed at Gaya Airport, where he was welcomed by Congress leaders and supporters.This marks Rahul Gandhi’s sixth visit to Bihar in 2025, so far, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the Congress’ presence at the grassroots level in the run-up to the Assembly elections.Rahul Gandhi’s recent engagements in the state reflect the Congress party’s strategy to reconnect with local icons, marginalised communities, and symbolic figures, in an attempt to regain political ground in the stateFollowing his visit to Gaya, Rahul is scheduled to travel to Rajgir in Nalanda district to attend a Samvidhan Sammelan and return to Gaya to attend a ‘Mahila Samvad’ (Women’s Dialogue) programme and visit Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, as part of his outreach to marginalised communities and women across the state.–IANSajk/dpb

London, June 6 (IANS) Jean-Clair Todibo has completed a permanent transfer from OGC Nice after the defender had initially joined the Hammers on loan.
The France international defender arrived at the London Stadium in August 2024 on an initial season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent for an undisclosed fee.Todibo, 25, made a total of 29 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign. After seeing the middle of his season punctuated by injuries, Todibo returned to start 12 of the final 13 Premier League matches, including the impressive victories at Arsenal and Manchester United.The centre-back debuted for Spanish giants Barcelona at the age of 19 and is considered one of the brightest young defenders in European football.A strong tackler, elite reader of the game and superb distributor of the ball, Todibo helped Nice reach the Coupe de France final in 2022, UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals in 2022/23 and achieve two fifth-place finishes in Ligue 1 before departing for England.Meanwhile, the club also confirmed Carlos Soler and Evan Ferguson will return to their respective parent clubs, Paris St Germain and Brighton & Hove Albion, following the end of their loan spells.Soler, 28, joined in August 2024 and made 15 starts and 18 substitute appearances. The Spanish international midfielder scored one goal, in the 3-2 home win against Fulham in January – Graham Potter’s first Premier League win as Hammers boss.Ferguson, 20, arrived in January from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion. The Republic of Ireland international striker made one start and seven substitute appearances during his time at the Club.”Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Carlos and Evan for their contribution and commitment during their time at the Club, and wish them every success for the future,” read the statement by the club.–IANSaaa/bc

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) The number of registered startups has reached 1.76 lakh in the last 11 years, with 118 unicorns (startups with $1 billion valuation and above), thus fueling youth entrepreneurship, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday.In a post on social media platform X, the Finance Minister said that “youth in India are building startups and creating jobs”.This is “a glimpse of the work done for the youth in the last 11 years under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, she posted.Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said in a separate X post that in the last 11 years, seven new IITs have been opened, along with eight new IIMs and 16 new AIIMS.”1.6 crore+ youth trained under PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana) and 17.6 lakh+ direct jobs created from 1.6 lakh startups. Nearly 30,000 vocational education schools established, with more than 30 lakh students enrolled,” the minister said.In the last 11 years, “52.5+ crore collateral free Mudra loans disbursed to small businesses and up to Rs 33 crore loans worth Rs 1 lakh+ crore given. Under the PM Internship Scheme, internship opportunities were provided to 1 crore youth in the top 500 companies. About 490 new universities were established to spread higher education in every corner of the country”, Puri mentioned.Last month, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, notified the expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), which increases the ceiling on guarantee cover per borrower from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore.According to the government, the extent of guarantee cover provided has also been increased to 85 per cent of the amount in default for loan amounts up to Rs 10 crore and 75 per cent of the amount in default for loan amounts exceeding Rs 10 crore.In line with PM Modi’s vision for transforming India into an innovation-driven self-reliant economy, the notified expansions aim to address the financing needs of innovation-driven startups. The expanded scheme will further reduce the perceived risks associated with lending to startups in established financial institutions, enabling greater financial flow and runway for startups to undertake research and development experimentation, and create cutting-edge innovation and technologies.–IANSna/vd

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) It was a moment of immense pride and excitement for a group of students who had an opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi onboard the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra to Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. These students, selected through various competitions, were among the first passengers of the high-speed train flagged off by the PM, and shared their overwhelming experiences.One student remarked, “He interacted with us and asked what we did to get the chance to come here. There were many competitions, like poem recitation and drawing, from which we were selected. I felt very proud after meeting our Prime Minister. He is such a famous personality, and it is very rare to meet someone like him.”“It felt very special and made me feel extremely proud because he is the Prime Minister of the country…He was in front of us….Not everyone gets the opportunity to meet him,” she added.Another student from Delhi Public School (DPS) Katra said, “I never thought of meeting PM Modi in my lifetime. He is my idol, and I felt very nice and fortunate to meet him. He asked us what competitions we participated in, and we told him how we got selected. After winning these competitions, we got the opportunity to enter the train and meet the PM.”The occasion was part of a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir, as Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a series of transformative infrastructure projects, including the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, and the country’s first cable-supported rail bridge, the Anji Bridge.These projects mark a major leap in connectivity and development in the region.Following the inauguration, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express, a symbol of modern transportation, bridging key destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.The train’s maiden journey was marked not only by engineering marvels but also by unforgettable moments for the students who got to witness and be part of history, up close with the Prime Minister himself.–IANSrs/dpb

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has congratulated Yudhvir Singh on his appointment as the manager of the Indian team for the upcoming Test tour of England, starting on June 20.“Congratulations to Yudhvir Singh, former secretary of UPCA, on his appointment as Team India’s Manager for the upcoming Tour of England. We are proud to see one of our own serve the nation at the highest level,” wrote the UPCA on its social media accounts on Friday.Yudhvir has formerly served as the UPCA’s secretary and director and is currently their life member. He is travelling with the rest of the members of the Test team who departed for London from Mumbai via Dubai in the wee hours of Friday.India will face England in a five-match Test series, starting at Headingley in Leeds on June 20. The tour will also be right-handed batter Shubman Gill’s first assignment as the captain of the Indian Test team, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be India’s vice-captain on the tour of England.At 25 years and 258 days, Gill will also become the fifth-youngest cricketer to captain India in Tests. The all-important Test series, which runs from June 20 to August 4, will also see India and England play matches at Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord’s in London, Old Trafford in Manchester and The Oval in London.India are aiming to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. The Test series in England will also be India’s first assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. At the same time, the India women’s team will also be touring England for five T20Is and three ODIs, so as the men’s U19 team, who are scheduled to play 50-over and multi-day games.–IANSnr/

Bareilly (UP), June 6 (IANS) All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ) national President, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, on Friday urged Muslims to strictly follow the Delhi government’s advisory regarding animal sacrifice on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid or Bakrid.

The advisory, issued by the Delhi government, prohibits the illegal killing of animals such as cows, calves, camels, and other restricted species. The directive, effective from June 7, aims to ensure public hygiene and uphold animal welfare.Speaking to IANS, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi said: “Everyone should adhere to the government’s advisory and avoid sacrificing banned animals. While Islam permits the sacrifice of certain animals, the government has imposed legal restrictions on some of them. In India, a large section of the population holds cows in deep reverence. Hence, respecting the law and the sentiments of others is essential.”He further appealed to celebrate the festival with discipline and responsibility.”There are many animals that are not banned, and their sacrifice can be performed without issue. However, it should be done in a proper manner and location,” he said.The Maulana emphasised that sacrifices should not be carried out in public places and that remains of animals should not be discarded on streets, roads, or open areas.”Avoid letting blood flow into drains or public spaces. If you’re performing the sacrifice at home or in a designated area, make arrangements such as digging a small pit to bury the remains and blood. If that’s not feasible, collect the remains in a container and dispose of them through municipal garbage collection services,” he added.He added that such measures would not only ensure a respectful observance of the festival but also help avoid communal tensions.”By being mindful, you protect the sanctity of the festival and prevent giving others a reason to object or raise controversy,” he said.Maulana Razvi called on Muslims across cities and villages to comply with the government’s guidelines.”No matter where you live, follow the rules and celebrate the festival in a peaceful and law-abiding manner,” he said.–IANSjk/vd

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, who was a member of Indian team winning 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The 36-year-old announced his decision to retire from cricket through his Instagram account.“After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game. From representing India at the highest level to being part of the victorious 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup squads, every moment in this incredible journey has been nothing short of a blessing. These memories will forever remain etched in my heart.“A heartfelt thank you to the IPL franchises who placed their trust in me – Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. The Indian Premier League has been a truly special chapter in my career, and I have cherished every moment playing in it,” wrote Chawla.Chawla played 3 Tests, 25 ODIs and 7 T20Is for India from 2006 to 2012, and picked 43 wickets overall. He also grabbed 192 wickets in as many IPL matches, with his last stint coming with the Mumbai Indians from 2022 to 2024. He was also a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders team winning IPL 2014.“I owe my deepest gratitude to my coaches – Shri K.K. Gautam and Late Shri Pankaj Saraswat — for nurturing and shaping me into the cricketer I became. To my family, my eternal pillar of strength: your unwavering support has been my foundation through all the highs and lows. A special mention to my late father, whose belief in me lit the path I walked. Without him, this journey would never have been possible,” he added.His final competitive cricket appearance came for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in November 2024, when he picked 4-12 against Himachal Pradesh at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Chawla had also represented Gujarat in a few seasons of domestic cricket.“I also thank the BCCI, the UPCA (Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association), and the GCA (Gujarat Cricket Association) for providing me with the platform and opportunities to evolve and express myself as a cricketer.“Today is a deeply emotional day for me as I officially announce my retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. Though I step away from the crease, cricket will always live within me. I now look forward to embarking on a new journey, carrying with me the spirit and lessons of this beautiful game,” concluded Chawla.–IANSnr/bc