Government has blocked 14 messenger mobile applications that were largely used in Jammu and Kashmir for spreading terror. Sources said these apps were used  as communication platforms to transmit information in J&K. The banned messenger applications include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second line, Zangi and Threema. It was found that these apps were being used by terrorists  to communicate with their supporters and on-ground workers. 

Earlier, the Centre had banned several Chinese apps for being prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

India’s coal production has made a new record for highest production during the month of April 2023 achieving over 73 million tonnes of coal with a growth of over eight per cent as compared to last year.

The Coal Ministry said, Coal India Limited has reported production of over 57 million tonnes in April as compared to around 53 million tonnes in April 2022. 

The online nominations for the Padma Awards 2024 have opened today. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September this year. The Home Ministry said, the nominations or recommendations for Padma Awards will be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. The award will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day next year. 

The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The award seeks to recognise work of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements and service in all fields, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry. The Ministry said, all persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. 

NITI Aayog today released the “Best Practices in Social Sector: A Compendium, 2023” in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. To commemorate 75 years of India’s independence and highlight and laud the efforts of Union Ministries and State Governments, this compendium includes 75 case studies cutting across 14 key social sectors.

The case studies have been sourced from all States and Union Territories and 30 Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. The aim of this exercise has been to synthesise lessons for the future to expand, enhance and improve life at the grassroots level. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in South Korea today, May 2. The Indian delegation, comprising officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance departed last evening. 

The meetings will be attended by official delegations of ADB members, observers, non-governmental and civil society organisations, financial institutions and banks, and other private sector companies. During the four day visit, Ms Sitharaman will also participate in annual meeting focal events like the Governors’ Business, and also as a panelist in the ADB Governors’ Seminar on Policies to Support Asia’s Rebound.

President of Iran Ebrahim Raeisi met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval in Tehran yesterday, May 1. He reiterated his commitment to expanding bilateral economic and trade relations between Iran and India. Mr. Raeisi added that regional and international organizations like Shanghai and BRICS can play a more effective role given their significant power and resources.

President Raeisi noted that strengthening bilateral cooperation between Iran and India could have a constructive impact on resolving regional issues, including the Afghanistan issue. Earlier in the day, Mr. Doval held talks with Iranian officials, including Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
 

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh reached Maldives on his maiden visit yesterday, May 1. He was received by Maldives’ Defence Minister Mariya Didi and other officials from Maldives National Defence forces. 

AIR correspondent reports, the Raksha Mantri’s visit will be an important landmark in building the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries. He is scheduled to meet President Ibrahim Solih. In tune with India’s commitment to capacity building of friendly countries & partners in the region, Mr. Rajnath Singh will gift one Fast Patrol Vessel ship and a Landing Craft to the Maldives National Defence Forces. He will also visit the ongoing project sites in the country and interact with the Indian diaspora. He held a meeting with his Maldives counterpart Mariya Didi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's iconic monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat on All India Radio completed one hundred episodes today.

In today's programme, the Prime Minister said, like Vijayadashmi, Mann Ki Baat has also become an occasion to celebrate the goodness of Indians, their optimism, positivity and people’s participation. The Prime Minister said, the programme has become a spiritual journey for him.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh today visited the 175 year old London Science Museum and shared the experience of the initiative of setting up similar science museums undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the idea of setting up these museums is to help enable the common citizens particularly the youngsters to realise their hidden potential and sometimes even discover their inherent aptitude which they themselves may not be aware of. He said, it also ignites curiosity in them which then may help sharpen their scientific temper and inspire creative innovation.

The government has decided that all the states shall celebrate not only their own statehood day but also the statehood days of other states in order to promote Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Therefore, from now onwards, Raj Bhavans across the nation will commemorate statehood days of all the states.
 
Gujarat and Maharashtra are celebrating their statehood days today. Twenty states and all Eight Union territories have given their confirmation to celebrate statehood day of Gujarat and Maharashtra in their respective Raj Bhawans. 
 
The Residents of Gujarat and Maharashtra have also been invited to Raj Bhawans to celebrate the day together with the other states. Cultural programmes and speeches from the participants of both the states have also been planned during the event.