Pioneer in Short

UCC in 21 States by 2029: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said BJP-led NDA governments in all 21 states under their rule would introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before 2029. Addressing reporters while highlighting the Centre’s 12-year record and the BJP’s 25-year journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said the abolition of triple talaq had given Muslim women equal rights and that the UCC had already been introduced in several states. On national security, Shah said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A had been achieved without bloodshed and asserted that Kashmir was now fully integrated with India. He also said the government had ended five decades of Naxalism.

India retain Junior Asia Cup

India retained the men’s Junior Asia Cup title with a commanding 4-1 win over Korea in the final on Sunday, securing a berth in the Junior World Cup. The victory gave India a record sixth continental crown, extending their status as the tournament’s most successful team. India had previously won the title in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2024. Ajeet Yadav opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a deflected strike before captain Anmol Ekka doubled India’s lead four minutes later.

Prabhdeep Singh made it 3-0 in the 21st minute with a fine finish, leaving Korea with a mountain to climb at half-time. India continued to dominate after the break and Ashu Maurya converted in the 50th minute to make it 4-0. Korea pulled one back four minutes later after captain Lee Minhyeok converted a penalty stroke, but India’s disciplined defence saw out the contest comfortably. Hockey India rewarded the champions with `3 lakh for each player and `1.5 lakh for every support-staff member.