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India should focus on global good, welfare during G20 presidency: Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Describing India’s G20 presidency as a great opportunity, prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India should focus on global good and welfare during its presidency. India will take over the G20 presidency on 1 December from Indonesia. Addressing the nation through the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, he said that India has solutions to fight the challenges for global peace and sustainable development.
“The Presidency of G-20 has arrived as a big opportunity for us. We have to make full use of this opportunity and focus on Global Good, world welfare. Whether it is peace or unity, sensitivity towards the environment, or sustainable development, India has solutions to challenges related to these,” Modi said.
He further said that the theme proposed by India for the presidency, “One Earth, One Family, One Future” shows the country’s commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means the world is one family.
Noting that the G-20 countries comprise two-thirds of the world’s population, three-fourths of world trade, and 85% of global GDP, he said that it is it is “great opportunity” for India and every Indian.
“This becomes even more special because India was awarded this responsibility during Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal,” he said.He further said in the coming days, many programs related to G-20 will be organized in different parts of the country.
“During this period, people from different parts of the world will get a chance to visit your states. I am sure that you will bring the diverse and distinctive colors of your culture to the world and you also have to remember that the people coming to the G-20, even if they come now as delegates, are tourists of the future,” he said.
The prime minister urged schools, colleges and universities to create opportunities for discussions, debates and competitions related to G-20.Speaking on a range of issues, Modi also talked about the growth of India’s space sector with private players coming in and the progress in the deployment of drones in remote areas.
He mentioned ‘Vikram-S’, first rocket designed and prepared by the private sector of India. It was recently sent into space.
“This is the beginning of a new era full of self-confidence for the country,” Modi said.
He also said that India is sharing its success in the space sector with its neighbouring countries as well. “Just yesterday, India launched a satellite, which has been jointly developed by India and Bhutan. This satellite will send pictures of very good resolution which will help Bhutan in the management of its natural resources.”
He emphasised that the launching of this satellite is a reflection of the strong Indo-Bhutan relations.
Talking of the growing interest in India music and culture across the globe, he said that over the last eight years the export of musical instruments from India has increased three and a half times.
“Talking about Electrical Musical Instruments; their export has increased 60 times. This shows that the craze for Indian culture and music is increasing all over the world,” the prime minister said.The major buyers of Indian musical instruments are developed countries including the US, Germany, France, Japan and the UK.
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PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
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Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
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