3 days ago
News Menu, May 31: PM Modi in Bhopal today; security drill in Pak-bordering states
Good morning. On May 31, 1911, the RMS Titanic, the world's largest and most luxurious ship, was launched from Belfast. Symbolising human ambition and engineering prowess, the ship later sailed into history as one of the biggest tragedies of the 20th century. Let's see what else is waiting to make history with the news menu of India at Bhopal: PM Modi's Ahilyabai MahasammelanPrime Minister Narendra Modi visits Bhopal to mark Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary, addressing a conclave for women empowerment. He releases a 300 commemorative coin and stamp, presents the National Devi Ahilyabai Award, and receives a 'Sindoor Salute' from 15,000 women in sindoor-coloured sarees, honouring Operation Sindoor's Holkar (1725–1795), the revered Maratha queen of Malwa, is known for her administrative reforms, temple restorations, and patronage of arts. She is celebrated as a symbol of women's power and justice.
Modi also lays the foundation for 860 crore Kshipra River ghat projects, inaugurates Datia and Satna airports, launches Indore Metro's Yellow Line, and transfers funds for 1,271 Atal Gram Sushasan Bhawans. India Today tracks the event with visuals and Sambar: Operation Shield's Mock DrillsOperation Shield returns with massive mock drills across J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh to counter cross-border threats. Key events include Amritsar (drill at 6:00–7:00 PM, blackout 8:00–8:30 PM), Baramulla (drill at 1:30 PM at Showkat Ali Stadium, GDC Ground). India Today tracks this robust security push. From 5:00 Biryani: Amit Shah's 2026 Election KickoffadvertisementUnion Home Minister Amit Shah lands in Kolkata for a two-day visit, launching the BJP's 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign. His agenda peaks with a Karyakarta Sammelan at Netaji Indoor Stadium on June 1, focusing on Murshidabad's border security, infiltration, and Operation Sindoor's success. India Today tracks Shah's arrival and political developments, assessing the BJP's strategy against the TMC's governance Delight: BJP's 100-Day MilestoneDelhi's Rekha government marks 100 days with a mega event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, launching the first urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir at Tis Hazari Court complex. India Today unpacks this showcase of the BJP's governance in the Bite: Covid's NB.1.8.1 SurgeThe NB.1.8.1 Omicron subvariant, 1.5 times more contagious, spreads in India and China. Maharashtra reports 84 new cases (467 active), Gujarat 68 (265 active, 11 hospitalised), Karnataka records a third death, and Mizoram sees its first case in seven months. India Today tracks the mild but concerning surge, urging Mix: Floods and Red AlertsHeavy to extremely heavy rainfall batters Northeast India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu soaked. Assam's Guwahati faces severe flooding due to Meghalaya runoff, prompting a red alert. Karnataka records its highest May rainfall in 125 years. India Today navigates this monsoon Platter: Congress's Jai Hind SabhaadvertisementAs PM Modi addresses Bhopal, the Congress counters with a 'Jai Hind Sabha' rally in Jabalpur, spotlighting the BJP's alleged failures on governance, inflation, and women's safety. This political face-off tests both parties' strength in Madhya Pradesh. India Today tracks the brewing Idli: Shah, Nadda on Integral HumanismAmit Shah and JP Nadda headline a National Commemorative Seminar on May 31–June 1 at Delhi's NDMC Convention Centre, marking 60 years of Deendayal Upadhyaya's Integral Humanism lectures. The event explores the BJP's ideological roots in today's context. India Today follows this intellectual feast. BJP's ideological roots in today's context. India Today follows this intellectual Sizzler: Kamal Haasan Row EscalatesKamal Haasan's refusal to apologise for claiming 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' fuels outrage. The Karnataka Film Chamber and Kannada Rakshana Vedike demand an apology, threatening to burn theatres if Thug Life releases. Tamil actor Vinothini Vaidyanathan and the South Indian Artistes' Association back Haasan, calling the rage misplaced. India Today covers this linguistic Golgappa: China's Power PlayChina has launched the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), the world's first intergovernmental mediation body. Critics see it as a tool to expand China's influence, especially with Pakistan as a founding member. India Today unpacks this geopolitical Dal: Tejas Mk1A BoostThe first indigenous centre fuselage for Tejas Mk1A is handed over to HAL, accelerating production and boosting private sector roles. Shivani Sharma tracks this milestone in India's defence of self-reliance. India Today celebrates the Top Cop Transition: DGP Race Heats UpMay 31 marks DGP Prashant Kumar's last day, potentially the longest-serving UP DGP in 20 years. India Today tracks whether Kumar gets an extension or a new chief takes Achar: Naidu's Global VisionAndhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu envisions Amaravati as a global leadership hub, aiming to rival Davos. India Today explores his bold plan to elevate Andhra's Bite: The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg, claiming over 1,500 lives. Ironically, Millvina Dean, the last known survivor, died on the very same date the ship was launched– May 31, 2009, at 97–-closing a tragic chapter in maritime history. Sometimes life comes full circle in strange ways.
