ASSAM RIFLES CONDUCTS YOGA SESSIONS AT UNAKOTI ROCK CARVINGS AND JAMPUI HILLS ::: YOGA reports from NAGALAND

ASSAM RIFLES CONDUCTS YOGA SESSIONS AT UNAKOTI ROCK CARVINGS AND JAMPUI HILLS

As part of celebrations of International Day of Yoga, 2026, Radhanagar Battalion of Assam Rifles in Tripura organised Yoga Sessions at the iconic tourist destinations of Unakoti Rock Carvings and Jampui Hills.

The yoga sessions were conducted amidst the serene and scenic surroundings of the two renowned locations, providing an ideal environment for promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and holistic health. 

Participants performed various yoga asanas and pranayama exercises aimed at enhancing flexibility, concentration, relaxation and overall wellness.

Assam Rifles personnel and other participants at Unakoti Rocks, Tripura 

The unique setting of these historic and picturesque sites added to the experience, resulting in greater enjoyment, calmness and rejuvenation among all participants. 

The event highlighted the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life for maintaining a healthy body and mind, an official source said. 

The initiative also served to spread awareness about the significance of yoga and encouraged individuals to embrace a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

The sessions concluded with participants expressing their commitment towards regular yoga practice and extending their support for the upcoming International Day of Yoga celebrations.

As part of the activities leading up to #InternationalDayOfYoga2026, #AssamRifles under #SpearCorps organised a specialised Yoga Session for Stress Management at Kiphire, #Nagaland and Tamenglong, #Manipur. 

A total of 200 personnel enthusiastically participated by practicing various asanas, breathing exercises and meditation techniques. The session highlighted the vital role of Yoga in enhancing concentration, maintaining emotional balance and ensuring operational readiness.

More Yoga snaps from Nagaland 

More Yoga snaps : 

Tuensang district/Nagaland -- not far from Myanmar border 

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West Bengal will play a crucial role in the new maritime era, says PM Modi ::::: "Progress made in 12 years shows how changes can be achieved when policy is clear and direction is right"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "West Bengal will play a crucial role in the new maritime era that India is embarking on today. It has the potential for ports, the potential for industries, the talent, the skills, and the ability to take the maritime economy to new heights. 

"I am confident that in the coming years, West Bengal will become a vital hub for India's blue economy, maritime manufacturing, logistics, and coastal development. India has always considered the sea a medium of cooperation, but India also knows that strength is equally essential for maintaining peace," he said on the occasion of Tri Commissioning ceremony of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak in Kolkata. 

"Security is essential for safeguarding prosperity, and self-reliance is essential for building the future. Today, INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak joined the Indian Navy, symbolizing this spirit." 

"They symbolise an India that recognizes its potential in the 21st century, believes in its capabilities, and is constantly moving forward with renewed confidence and determination, brimming with speed, energy, and resolve before the world...", PM said.  

Modi also said:

"Today India is strengthening its entire maritime ecosystem. Therefore, India is modernising its ports, creating new capacity, building new connectivity, expanding river waterways, and developing a multi-modal logistics network. 

Initiatives like Sagar Mala are part of this broader vision. This is reducing trade costs, stimulating industries, and creating new opportunities in coastal areas... 

"Defence equipment manufactured in India is now reaching more than 80 countries around the world. Much remains to be done on the journey towards self-reliance. In my opinion, this is just the beginning." 

"But the progress made in the last twelve years shows how significant changes can be achieved in a country when policy is clear, when direction is right, and when we work together...", he said. 

Modi further maintained:

"... There was a time when India was recognised as one of the world's largest defense importers. This dependence has posed both strategic and security challenges. 

After forming the government in 2014, we resolved to change the situation. To this end, major policy reforms were implemented. Self-reliance in the defence sector has been prioritized. 

As a result of these efforts, new possibilities have emerged for design, manufacturing, and export in the defense sector. Until 2014, the country's total defense production was around Rs 40,000 crore. 

"Today, it has increased to approximately Rs 1,80,000 crore. While defence production in the country has grown rapidly, our defence exports are also growing at an unprecedented pace. 

By 2014, India exported defense products worth approximately Rs 700 crore. Today, this figure has risen to nearly Rs 40,000 crore...", he said. 

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PM in Kolkata on Yoga Day ::: Modi hails yoga as a force that ensures healthy ageing and brings the world together

"The theme 'Yoga for healthy ageing' must be seen as one for people of all ages, not just for the elderly. Yoga is not just essential for our lifestyle, it is also a necessity for a better future for the world," 

- PM Narendra Modi said in his 15-minute-long speech in Kolkata. 

He also urged people not to limit Yoga to a one-day celebration and encouraged them to practise it throughout the year.

A necessity for better future of the world: PM Modi on International Yoga Day

Addressing a crowd in Kolkata's iconic Red Road, PM Modi also urged people not to limit yoga to a one-day celebration and encouraged them to practise it throughout the year for better health and ageing.

Namo in Kolkata

Modi hailed yoga as a force that not only ensures healthy ageing but also brings the world together, championing humanity.  

"Let us take a pledge: we will not limit yoga to just one day. We will make yoga a part of our lives, part of our families, and we will make it a part of our coming generations". 

In his speech, PM Modi was heard emphasising the health benefits of Yoga multiple times. He said that practising yoga regularly helps prevent a decline in human potential as people age.

"When we speak of Yoga for healthy ageing, it means that we can work to ensure that age does not reduce human potential. Yoga can help human life aspire to constant growth," the PM was heard saying in the address.

PM PAID TRIBUTE TO BENGAL SAINTS ON INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

Along with emphasising the health benefits of yoga, the Prime Minister also hailed Bengali saints like Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda for introducing yoga to the world.

"It is very special to be in Bengal today on the occasion of Yoga Day. The sacred land of Bengal, where saints like Ramakrishna Paramhansa descended, Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the entire world from here," the PM said.

He also said that the collective experience of practising yoga on the land of Bengal, from where it has achieved new heights, provides a unique spiritual experience.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the West Bengal Governor, RN Ravi, and the Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, in Kolkata. Before him, both of them addressed the crowd and spoke about the benefits of yoga.

Assam-based Nirmaya organises 'periodical' Yoga demonstrations for school children in NCR

Yoga Demonstration in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 

"Our target must be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. Our target must be to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Yoga helps us tune our bodies to be flexible. It keeps our energy level high. It also helps us maintain a calm, stress-free life," PM Modi said.

"The lifestyle we adopt today forms the foundation of our health and happiness in the times to come. Yoga helps a person remain active and self-reliant even as they age. 

At the same time, it also provides mental peace and emotional balance," - President Droupadi Murmu 

President Murmu 

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Bangladesh on Saturday issued a nationwide security alert over possible unrest ::: Awami League has so far made no announcement, but party activists likely to hoist national and AL flags on June 23

 In fear of unrest, Dhaka issues nationwide security alert ahead of Awami League's anniversary

Law enforcement agencies have been directed to enforce maximum vigilance during the next few days and take all necessary measures to prevent any acts of sabotage, unrest, or attempts to disrupt public order surrounding the occasion, home minister Salahuddin Ahmed said

Bangladesh on Saturday issued a nationwide security alert over possible unrest ahead of the founding anniversary of the now-disbanded Awami League, the party of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The party was disbanded by the  interim government after Hasina's government was toppled on August 5, 2024, following a violent student-led street protest dubbed the July Uprising.

"We have intelligence information that Awami League may try to create unrest and instability in the country surrounding June 23," Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said.

Law enforcement agencies have been directed to enforce maximum vigilance during the next few days and take all necessary measures to prevent any acts of sabotage, unrest, or attempts to disrupt public order surrounding the occasion, he said.

Ahmed also said that the government is closely monitoring the situation, and the incumbent government does not consider the Awami League a political party and instead treats it as a "mafia organisation".

Earlier on Friday, in an internal communication to its field-level offices and units, the police headquarters said that the leaders and activists belonging to the Awami League might try to hoist party flags at local offices and bring out processions carrying banners to mark its founding anniversary in different parts of the country.

It added that such activities could trigger confrontations with activists of other political outfits, especially members of the student-led National Citizen Party, creating a risk of deterioration in law and order.

However, Dhaka Metropolitan Police ruled out any specific security threat but said they remained on high alert.

The Awami League has so far issued no notification on their online platforms, but some media reports suggest that the party activists were directed to hoist national and party flags at party offices and stage flash street processions.

US Vice Prez Vance says --- Releasing the full text of its MoU with Iran delayed because Pakistan and Qatar lack freedom of Press

Pakistan doesn't have press freedom: Vance on delay in releasing Iran deal terms

US Vice President JD Vance said the US delayed releasing the full text of its MoU with Iran partly because Pakistan and Qatar lack freedom of the press like America. Vance's remarks come as another major embarrassment for Pakistan.  

There seems to be no end to embarrassment for Pakistan regarding the US-Iran peace deal, which it helped broker along with Qatar. 

In a podcast, US Vice President JD Vance said the delay in releasing the details of its MoU with Iran was partly due to press freedom standards in Pakistan. 

Even as US President Donald Trump announced the interim peace deal on June 15, the official text of the MoU was released two days later.  

The US Vice President, speaking in the podcast 'Interesting Times with Ross Douthat', explained that Washington took time to release the details due to concerns over transparency.

"We actually wanted to get it out. I think part of the misalignment here is that in the Pakistani and Qatari systems, they don't quite have the First Amendment and freedom of the press," Vance said.  

Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy and point man for West Asia, led the American negotiating team in back-channel talks with Iranian interlocutors. He played a central role in working out the framework deal and worked closely with Pakistani mediators to narrow differences between the two sides. 

Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a former senior White House adviser, was also part of the broader American effort in an informal role, using his West Asia contacts from Trump's first term to help the negotiations along with Witkoff and Vance.

On the Iranian side, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Iran's supreme leader, played a decisive but largely behind-the-scenes part in the peace talks. 

He backed direct negotiations with the US and approved the memorandum of understanding, despite reservations, after receiving assurances that Iran's national interests and regional allies would be protected. 

Pezeshkian emerged as the public face of Tehran's diplomatic push, guiding the negotiations through Iran's Supreme National Security Council and securing support from the country's top leadership before signing the memorandum with the US.

Ali Larijani, the secretary of the powerful Supreme National Security Council, was the de facto leader of Iran after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28 until his own killing in mid-March in US-Israeli strikes. 

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi became one of Iran's most influential foreign policy voices during the conflict with the US. 

He played a key role in managing Iran's ties with global powers, neighbouring countries and international institutions, and was Iran's main representative in discussions with Pakistan's mediating team. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, seen as a hardliner, was also a key figure and served as Iran's chief negotiator in the first direct talks with the US in decades, held in Islamabad in early April.

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"It feels as if West Bengal has been freed from its chains," - says PM Modi in address after BJP's Bengal win ::: "When attempts were made to include the whole of Bengal in Pakistan, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee raised his voice"

 "It feels as if Bengal has been freed from its chains," -- Modi 

"Poriborton uplifted people's spirits" : PM 

It was evident how much change a single vote and an election could bring. 

The Prime Minister extended his greetings to the people of the state on West Bengal Day.  

In his first address after the Bharatiya Janata Party’s historic victory in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took sharp jibes at the Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties, while crediting the Suvendu Adhikari-led government with revitalising the state after what he described as decades of decline under previous administrations.

"There is a new freshness in the air of Bengal. It feels as if Bengal has been freed from its chains," he said while addressing a gathering in Hooghly district.  

He also commended the ongoing efforts towards cleanliness, emphasising that it remained essential for the progress of the state. 

"Work is progressing at a superfast pace to address the damage and shortcomings created by the Left and the TMC over decades in Bengal. As part of this effort, foundation stones have been laid for projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees," he said.  

Modi said: "... Observing West Bengal Day is not merely about commemorating a date but about honoring our entire history and paying tribute to Bengal’s millennia-old heritage. 

It is essential to repeatedly impress upon the younger generation the significance of this day and help them understand the events of that era. 

"When attempts were being made to include the whole of Bengal in Pakistan, the Congress had capitulated to the conspirators, and at that critical juncture Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee raised his voice against it...

"As a result, those who sought to divide Bengal realized it would not be possible, and thus West Bengal remained with India, and the same spirit that saved it was needed to carry it forward after independence," he said. 

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Thousands of Hindus march in Dhaka protesting "desecration" of a Lord Ram image ::: Hindus want to build a Ram temple one by one in all 64 districts

Chaos in Dhaka as Hindus hold massive protest, raise Jai Shri Ram chants

Thousands of Hindus marched in Dhaka protesting the alleged desecration of a Lord Ram image and the halting of a statue project. The protests renewed focus on minority rights concerns in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

The fresh tension in Bangladesh comes days after the construction of an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Ram in Palashbari in northern Gaibandha district was put on hold. 

The Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple committee, which is behind the project, claimed the authorities received threats from Islamist groups. The incident has again brought to the forefront concerns over minority rights in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. 

Massive protests erupted across Bangladesh's Dhaka over the alleged desecration of a picture of Lord Ram by radical Islamists opposing the construction of the tallest statue of the deity in Rangpur. 

With the construction now halted, thousands of Hindus in Bangladesh held a torchlight procession in Dhaka and raised 'Jai Shri Ram' chants on Friday, demanding the arrest of those behind the alleged desecration.  

While a case has been filed, no arrests have been made so far. 

On Friday, several Hindu organisations and students gathered at the key Shahbagh intersection and marched to the National Press Club. The protest call was given by the Hindu Mahajot. The outfit also organised a human chain in front of the National Press Club. 

Another section staged a protest near the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) building.   

In Rangpur, there was a minor scuffle after the police stopped Hindus from holding a demonstration.

The protesters claimed that an Islamist mob desecrated an image of Lord Ram by placing a shoe on it during a demonstration in Gaibandha earlier this month.

Accusing the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government of inaction, the protesters issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the arrest of those involved. If not met, the Hindu community warned of further rallies and protests. A memorandum will also be submitted to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Saturday.

Separately, the Hindu Mahajot asserted that if the construction of the Lord Ram statue was not allowed to resume, they would build a Ram temple one by one in all the 64 districts of Bangladesh.  

The statue of Lord Ram was being built as part of a temple complex at Palashbari. Almost 80% of the work has been completed.

The proposed project, estimated to cost around 22 crore Bangladesh taka (around Rs 15.6 crore), also includes a 50-foot statue of Lord Krishna and a 30-foot statue of Lord Shiva.

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