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Category: DJF

  • Delhi: Rain brings much-needed relief from humid weather

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Several parts of Delhi received rainfall on Monday morning, offering much-needed relief from the hot and humid conditions that had gripped the city over the past few days.

    Rain began early in the day, with low-hanging clouds blanketing the sky across the capital. The showers helped bring down temperatures and eased the persistent humidity.

    However, the downpour also led to waterlogging in several areas, including the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, where vehicles were seen wading through waterlogged streets.

    “Whenever it rains, the roads get waterlogged for up to five kilometres,” said one stranded commuter.

    Amit, another commuter, added, “It’s very problematic. The roads get waterlogged in just an hour of rain. My car also got a puncture.”

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Monday, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls across all districts of Delhi, including North, North-East, North-West, South, South-West, South-East, and West Delhi.

    As of now, no such alerts have been issued for the upcoming days.

    According to the IMD, the weather in Delhi is expected to remain normal, with a forecast of “generally cloudy skies, very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning” over the next two to three days. Parts of Delhi had also received rainfall on Sunday morning.

    The IMD reported that the monsoon trough at mean sea level currently passes through Suratgarh, Sirsa, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Daltonganj, Bankura, Digha, and then southeastwards to the northeast Bay of Bengal. Additionally, an upper-air cyclonic circulation lies over Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Punjab at 1.5 km above mean sea level.

    Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy showers, is likely over Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and East Madhya Pradesh on July 7. The IMD also predicted that heavy to very heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue over Northwest India, the West Coast, and Northeast India over the next 6–7 days.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • PM Modi urges responsible AI, stronger South-South ties at BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for strengthening multilateralism, deepening economic cooperation, and ensuring responsible governance of Artificial Intelligence during his address at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil.

    Addressing the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Prime Minister Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for inviting him to share India’s views with partner countries from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

    “It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity to share my views with friendly countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia in the BRICS Outreach Summit,” he said.

    Highlighting the increasing relevance of BRICS in a changing global order, the Prime Minister said, “Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. Today, as the world order faces pressures from all sides and the world is going through many challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should together consider how BRICS can become a guide for the multipolar world in the times to come.”

    The Prime Minister put forward four key suggestions to strengthen BRICS cooperation.

    Firstly, he underlined that economic cooperation within BRICS is progressing steadily, with the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance playing an important role. He welcomed Brazil’s emphasis on reforms in the International Financial System under its presidency.

    “In the form of BRICS New Development Bank, we have offered a strong and credible alternative to support the development aspirations of countries in the Global South. While approving projects, the NDB must focus on demand-driven approaches, long-term financial sustainability, and healthy credit rating. Strengthening our internal systems will further enhance the credibility of our call for reformed multilateralism,” he said.

    Secondly, the Prime Minister said that the countries of the Global South have special expectations from BRICS and the group should work together to meet them.

    “For instance, the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, is a valuable initiative to enhance collaboration in agricultural research. It can become a medium for sharing research and best practices in topics such as agri-biotech, precision farming, and climate change adaptation. We can also extend its benefits to countries in the Global South,” he said.

    He also highlighted India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative to expand access to academic resources and proposed a collective BRICS Science and Research Repository for the benefit of the Global South.

    Thirdly, the Prime Minister called for cooperation to secure and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and technologies. “It’s important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others,” he said.

    Fourth, speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister stressed the need for global standards for responsible and ethical use of AI.

    “In the 21st century, the progress and well-being of people largely depends on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. On one hand, AI can greatly improve everyday life; while on the other hand, it also raises concerns about risks, ethics, and bias,” he noted.

    He added, “India’s approach and policy on this topic are clear: We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and potential. Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All’, today we’re widely and actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, governance in India.”

    He said equal focus must be given to addressing concerns and promoting innovation in AI governance. “Global standards must be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content, so that we can identify the source of the content and maintain transparency and prevent misuse,” he said, adding that the Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of AI released at the meeting is a positive step in this direction.

    Prime Minister Modi announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partner countries to participate. “We hope for your active participation to make this summit a great success,” he said.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South, the Prime Minister said, “The Global South has many hopes from us. To fulfil them, we must follow the principle of ‘Lead by Example’. India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals.”

  • PM Modi urges responsible AI, stronger South-South ties at BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for strengthening multilateralism, deepening economic cooperation, and ensuring responsible governance of Artificial Intelligence during his address at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil.

    Addressing the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Prime Minister Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for inviting him to share India’s views with partner countries from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

    “It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity to share my views with friendly countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia in the BRICS Outreach Summit,” he said.

    Highlighting the increasing relevance of BRICS in a changing global order, the Prime Minister said, “Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. Today, as the world order faces pressures from all sides and the world is going through many challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should together consider how BRICS can become a guide for the multipolar world in the times to come.”

    The Prime Minister put forward four key suggestions to strengthen BRICS cooperation.

    Firstly, he underlined that economic cooperation within BRICS is progressing steadily, with the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance playing an important role. He welcomed Brazil’s emphasis on reforms in the International Financial System under its presidency.

    “In the form of BRICS New Development Bank, we have offered a strong and credible alternative to support the development aspirations of countries in the Global South. While approving projects, the NDB must focus on demand-driven approaches, long-term financial sustainability, and healthy credit rating. Strengthening our internal systems will further enhance the credibility of our call for reformed multilateralism,” he said.

    Secondly, the Prime Minister said that the countries of the Global South have special expectations from BRICS and the group should work together to meet them.

    “For instance, the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, is a valuable initiative to enhance collaboration in agricultural research. It can become a medium for sharing research and best practices in topics such as agri-biotech, precision farming, and climate change adaptation. We can also extend its benefits to countries in the Global South,” he said.

    He also highlighted India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative to expand access to academic resources and proposed a collective BRICS Science and Research Repository for the benefit of the Global South.

    Thirdly, the Prime Minister called for cooperation to secure and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and technologies. “It’s important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others,” he said.

    Fourth, speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister stressed the need for global standards for responsible and ethical use of AI.

    “In the 21st century, the progress and well-being of people largely depends on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. On one hand, AI can greatly improve everyday life; while on the other hand, it also raises concerns about risks, ethics, and bias,” he noted.

    He added, “India’s approach and policy on this topic are clear: We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and potential. Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All’, today we’re widely and actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, governance in India.”

    He said equal focus must be given to addressing concerns and promoting innovation in AI governance. “Global standards must be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content, so that we can identify the source of the content and maintain transparency and prevent misuse,” he said, adding that the Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of AI released at the meeting is a positive step in this direction.

    Prime Minister Modi announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partner countries to participate. “We hope for your active participation to make this summit a great success,” he said.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South, the Prime Minister said, “The Global South has many hopes from us. To fulfil them, we must follow the principle of ‘Lead by Example’. India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals.”

  • PM Modi urges responsible AI, stronger South-South ties at BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for strengthening multilateralism, deepening economic cooperation, and ensuring responsible governance of Artificial Intelligence during his address at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil.

    Addressing the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Prime Minister Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for inviting him to share India’s views with partner countries from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

    “It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity to share my views with friendly countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia in the BRICS Outreach Summit,” he said.

    Highlighting the increasing relevance of BRICS in a changing global order, the Prime Minister said, “Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. Today, as the world order faces pressures from all sides and the world is going through many challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should together consider how BRICS can become a guide for the multipolar world in the times to come.”

    The Prime Minister put forward four key suggestions to strengthen BRICS cooperation.

    Firstly, he underlined that economic cooperation within BRICS is progressing steadily, with the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance playing an important role. He welcomed Brazil’s emphasis on reforms in the International Financial System under its presidency.

    “In the form of BRICS New Development Bank, we have offered a strong and credible alternative to support the development aspirations of countries in the Global South. While approving projects, the NDB must focus on demand-driven approaches, long-term financial sustainability, and healthy credit rating. Strengthening our internal systems will further enhance the credibility of our call for reformed multilateralism,” he said.

    Secondly, the Prime Minister said that the countries of the Global South have special expectations from BRICS and the group should work together to meet them.

    “For instance, the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, is a valuable initiative to enhance collaboration in agricultural research. It can become a medium for sharing research and best practices in topics such as agri-biotech, precision farming, and climate change adaptation. We can also extend its benefits to countries in the Global South,” he said.

    He also highlighted India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative to expand access to academic resources and proposed a collective BRICS Science and Research Repository for the benefit of the Global South.

    Thirdly, the Prime Minister called for cooperation to secure and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and technologies. “It’s important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others,” he said.

    Fourth, speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister stressed the need for global standards for responsible and ethical use of AI.

    “In the 21st century, the progress and well-being of people largely depends on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. On one hand, AI can greatly improve everyday life; while on the other hand, it also raises concerns about risks, ethics, and bias,” he noted.

    He added, “India’s approach and policy on this topic are clear: We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and potential. Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All’, today we’re widely and actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, governance in India.”

    He said equal focus must be given to addressing concerns and promoting innovation in AI governance. “Global standards must be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content, so that we can identify the source of the content and maintain transparency and prevent misuse,” he said, adding that the Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of AI released at the meeting is a positive step in this direction.

    Prime Minister Modi announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partner countries to participate. “We hope for your active participation to make this summit a great success,” he said.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South, the Prime Minister said, “The Global South has many hopes from us. To fulfil them, we must follow the principle of ‘Lead by Example’. India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals.”

  • PM Modi urges responsible AI, stronger South-South ties at BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for strengthening multilateralism, deepening economic cooperation, and ensuring responsible governance of Artificial Intelligence during his address at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil.

    Addressing the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Prime Minister Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for inviting him to share India’s views with partner countries from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

    “It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity to share my views with friendly countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia in the BRICS Outreach Summit,” he said.

    Highlighting the increasing relevance of BRICS in a changing global order, the Prime Minister said, “Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. Today, as the world order faces pressures from all sides and the world is going through many challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should together consider how BRICS can become a guide for the multipolar world in the times to come.”

    The Prime Minister put forward four key suggestions to strengthen BRICS cooperation.

    Firstly, he underlined that economic cooperation within BRICS is progressing steadily, with the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance playing an important role. He welcomed Brazil’s emphasis on reforms in the International Financial System under its presidency.

    “In the form of BRICS New Development Bank, we have offered a strong and credible alternative to support the development aspirations of countries in the Global South. While approving projects, the NDB must focus on demand-driven approaches, long-term financial sustainability, and healthy credit rating. Strengthening our internal systems will further enhance the credibility of our call for reformed multilateralism,” he said.

    Secondly, the Prime Minister said that the countries of the Global South have special expectations from BRICS and the group should work together to meet them.

    “For instance, the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, is a valuable initiative to enhance collaboration in agricultural research. It can become a medium for sharing research and best practices in topics such as agri-biotech, precision farming, and climate change adaptation. We can also extend its benefits to countries in the Global South,” he said.

    He also highlighted India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative to expand access to academic resources and proposed a collective BRICS Science and Research Repository for the benefit of the Global South.

    Thirdly, the Prime Minister called for cooperation to secure and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and technologies. “It’s important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others,” he said.

    Fourth, speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister stressed the need for global standards for responsible and ethical use of AI.

    “In the 21st century, the progress and well-being of people largely depends on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. On one hand, AI can greatly improve everyday life; while on the other hand, it also raises concerns about risks, ethics, and bias,” he noted.

    He added, “India’s approach and policy on this topic are clear: We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and potential. Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All’, today we’re widely and actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, governance in India.”

    He said equal focus must be given to addressing concerns and promoting innovation in AI governance. “Global standards must be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content, so that we can identify the source of the content and maintain transparency and prevent misuse,” he said, adding that the Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of AI released at the meeting is a positive step in this direction.

    Prime Minister Modi announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partner countries to participate. “We hope for your active participation to make this summit a great success,” he said.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South, the Prime Minister said, “The Global South has many hopes from us. To fulfil them, we must follow the principle of ‘Lead by Example’. India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals.”

  • PM Modi urges responsible AI, stronger South-South ties at BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for strengthening multilateralism, deepening economic cooperation, and ensuring responsible governance of Artificial Intelligence during his address at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil.

    Addressing the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Prime Minister Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for inviting him to share India’s views with partner countries from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

    “It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity to share my views with friendly countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia in the BRICS Outreach Summit,” he said.

    Highlighting the increasing relevance of BRICS in a changing global order, the Prime Minister said, “Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. Today, as the world order faces pressures from all sides and the world is going through many challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should together consider how BRICS can become a guide for the multipolar world in the times to come.”

    The Prime Minister put forward four key suggestions to strengthen BRICS cooperation.

    Firstly, he underlined that economic cooperation within BRICS is progressing steadily, with the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance playing an important role. He welcomed Brazil’s emphasis on reforms in the International Financial System under its presidency.

    “In the form of BRICS New Development Bank, we have offered a strong and credible alternative to support the development aspirations of countries in the Global South. While approving projects, the NDB must focus on demand-driven approaches, long-term financial sustainability, and healthy credit rating. Strengthening our internal systems will further enhance the credibility of our call for reformed multilateralism,” he said.

    Secondly, the Prime Minister said that the countries of the Global South have special expectations from BRICS and the group should work together to meet them.

    “For instance, the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, is a valuable initiative to enhance collaboration in agricultural research. It can become a medium for sharing research and best practices in topics such as agri-biotech, precision farming, and climate change adaptation. We can also extend its benefits to countries in the Global South,” he said.

    He also highlighted India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative to expand access to academic resources and proposed a collective BRICS Science and Research Repository for the benefit of the Global South.

    Thirdly, the Prime Minister called for cooperation to secure and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and technologies. “It’s important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others,” he said.

    Fourth, speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister stressed the need for global standards for responsible and ethical use of AI.

    “In the 21st century, the progress and well-being of people largely depends on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. On one hand, AI can greatly improve everyday life; while on the other hand, it also raises concerns about risks, ethics, and bias,” he noted.

    He added, “India’s approach and policy on this topic are clear: We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and potential. Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All’, today we’re widely and actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, governance in India.”

    He said equal focus must be given to addressing concerns and promoting innovation in AI governance. “Global standards must be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content, so that we can identify the source of the content and maintain transparency and prevent misuse,” he said, adding that the Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of AI released at the meeting is a positive step in this direction.

    Prime Minister Modi announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partner countries to participate. “We hope for your active participation to make this summit a great success,” he said.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South, the Prime Minister said, “The Global South has many hopes from us. To fulfil them, we must follow the principle of ‘Lead by Example’. India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals.”

  • PM Modi urges responsible AI, stronger South-South ties at BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for strengthening multilateralism, deepening economic cooperation, and ensuring responsible governance of Artificial Intelligence during his address at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil.

    Addressing the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Prime Minister Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for inviting him to share India’s views with partner countries from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

    “It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity to share my views with friendly countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia in the BRICS Outreach Summit,” he said.

    Highlighting the increasing relevance of BRICS in a changing global order, the Prime Minister said, “Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. Today, as the world order faces pressures from all sides and the world is going through many challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should together consider how BRICS can become a guide for the multipolar world in the times to come.”

    The Prime Minister put forward four key suggestions to strengthen BRICS cooperation.

    Firstly, he underlined that economic cooperation within BRICS is progressing steadily, with the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance playing an important role. He welcomed Brazil’s emphasis on reforms in the International Financial System under its presidency.

    “In the form of BRICS New Development Bank, we have offered a strong and credible alternative to support the development aspirations of countries in the Global South. While approving projects, the NDB must focus on demand-driven approaches, long-term financial sustainability, and healthy credit rating. Strengthening our internal systems will further enhance the credibility of our call for reformed multilateralism,” he said.

    Secondly, the Prime Minister said that the countries of the Global South have special expectations from BRICS and the group should work together to meet them.

    “For instance, the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, is a valuable initiative to enhance collaboration in agricultural research. It can become a medium for sharing research and best practices in topics such as agri-biotech, precision farming, and climate change adaptation. We can also extend its benefits to countries in the Global South,” he said.

    He also highlighted India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative to expand access to academic resources and proposed a collective BRICS Science and Research Repository for the benefit of the Global South.

    Thirdly, the Prime Minister called for cooperation to secure and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and technologies. “It’s important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others,” he said.

    Fourth, speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister stressed the need for global standards for responsible and ethical use of AI.

    “In the 21st century, the progress and well-being of people largely depends on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. On one hand, AI can greatly improve everyday life; while on the other hand, it also raises concerns about risks, ethics, and bias,” he noted.

    He added, “India’s approach and policy on this topic are clear: We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and potential. Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All’, today we’re widely and actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, governance in India.”

    He said equal focus must be given to addressing concerns and promoting innovation in AI governance. “Global standards must be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content, so that we can identify the source of the content and maintain transparency and prevent misuse,” he said, adding that the Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of AI released at the meeting is a positive step in this direction.

    Prime Minister Modi announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partner countries to participate. “We hope for your active participation to make this summit a great success,” he said.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South, the Prime Minister said, “The Global South has many hopes from us. To fulfil them, we must follow the principle of ‘Lead by Example’. India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals.”

  • Nearly 70,000 devotees perform Amarnath Yatra in first four days; 8,605 more join today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 70,000 pilgrims have undertaken the annual Amarnath Yatra in the first four days since it began on July 3, officials confirmed on Monday. Of these, 21,512 devotees had Darshan at the holy cave shrine on Sunday alone, marking a strong turnout for one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimages.

    Early Monday morning, another batch of 8,605 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the base camps in Kashmir Valley. According to officials, the first convoy comprising 3,486 pilgrims is en route to the Baltal base camp in north Kashmir, while the second convoy, carrying 5,119 Yatris, is heading toward the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which manages the pilgrimage, said thousands of pilgrims are also arriving directly at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps to register on the spot and join the Yatra. Officials confirmed that two pilgrims have died of natural causes since the Yatra began.

    This year’s pilgrimage is taking place under tight security arrangements, especially in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. In response, authorities have deployed an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to reinforce the presence of the Army, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and local police.

    The entire Yatra route, including all transit camps and pilgrim accommodations, has been placed under multi-tiered security cover. The pilgrimage starts at Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar and proceeds toward the two base camps, eventually leading up to the holy cave shrine located at 3,888 meters in the Himalayas.

    Amid the tense security environment, local residents in Kashmir have come out in full support of the Yatra, continuing a long-standing tradition of hospitality. As the first batch of pilgrims entered the Valley through Qazigund, they were warmly greeted by Kashmiris holding garlands and placards—a symbolic response to the recent acts of terror. On Sunday, locals offered cold drinks and drinking water to pilgrims returning from the Baltal camp. Many Yatris expressed heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown by the local population.

    The 2025 Amarnath Yatra will continue for 38 days, concluding on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims undertake the journey via two traditional routes: the 46-kilometre trek from Pahalgam, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, and the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route, which allows for a same-day return after Darshan.

    This year, helicopter services have been suspended due to security reasons, making the Yatra a wholly ground-based journey.

    At the heart of the Yatra lies the sacred Amarnath cave shrine, which houses a naturally forming ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva. The structure is said to wax and wane with the lunar cycle and symbolizes divine presence.

    (With agencies inputs)

  • Nearly 70,000 devotees perform Amarnath Yatra in first four days; 8,605 more join today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 70,000 pilgrims have undertaken the annual Amarnath Yatra in the first four days since it began on July 3, officials confirmed on Monday. Of these, 21,512 devotees had Darshan at the holy cave shrine on Sunday alone, marking a strong turnout for one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimages.

    Early Monday morning, another batch of 8,605 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the base camps in Kashmir Valley. According to officials, the first convoy comprising 3,486 pilgrims is en route to the Baltal base camp in north Kashmir, while the second convoy, carrying 5,119 Yatris, is heading toward the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which manages the pilgrimage, said thousands of pilgrims are also arriving directly at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps to register on the spot and join the Yatra. Officials confirmed that two pilgrims have died of natural causes since the Yatra began.

    This year’s pilgrimage is taking place under tight security arrangements, especially in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. In response, authorities have deployed an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to reinforce the presence of the Army, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and local police.

    The entire Yatra route, including all transit camps and pilgrim accommodations, has been placed under multi-tiered security cover. The pilgrimage starts at Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar and proceeds toward the two base camps, eventually leading up to the holy cave shrine located at 3,888 meters in the Himalayas.

    Amid the tense security environment, local residents in Kashmir have come out in full support of the Yatra, continuing a long-standing tradition of hospitality. As the first batch of pilgrims entered the Valley through Qazigund, they were warmly greeted by Kashmiris holding garlands and placards—a symbolic response to the recent acts of terror. On Sunday, locals offered cold drinks and drinking water to pilgrims returning from the Baltal camp. Many Yatris expressed heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown by the local population.

    The 2025 Amarnath Yatra will continue for 38 days, concluding on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims undertake the journey via two traditional routes: the 46-kilometre trek from Pahalgam, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, and the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route, which allows for a same-day return after Darshan.

    This year, helicopter services have been suspended due to security reasons, making the Yatra a wholly ground-based journey.

    At the heart of the Yatra lies the sacred Amarnath cave shrine, which houses a naturally forming ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva. The structure is said to wax and wane with the lunar cycle and symbolizes divine presence.

    (With agencies inputs)

  • Initial phase of Bihar’s special intensive revision almost over

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ‘is almost complete’, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement on Sunday. The process, aimed at updating the electoral rolls, is progressing smoothly with strong ground-level support from electors, officials, and volunteers.

    According to ECI, over 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms — accounting for 21.46% of the total 7.90 crore electors in the state — were received as of 6:00 PM on July 6. Notably, more than 65 lakh forms were collected in the last 24 hours alone. With 19 days still remaining until the July 25 deadline, officials are optimistic about achieving full coverage.

    Uploading of forms is also underway, with 7.25% already digitized. Electors can also submit or upload their filled forms via the ECINET App or the ECI portal.

    A workforce of 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) is conducting door-to-door visits to assist voters, often capturing live photographs to ease the process. An additional 20,603 BLOs are being appointed to ensure timely completion of the drive. Nearly 4 lakh volunteers — including government staff, NCC cadets, and NSS members — are supporting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

    The revision is being carried out strictly in line with SIR guidelines dated June 24, 2025. Draft electoral rolls will be published on August 1, incorporating names from forms received before the July 25 deadline. Any deficiencies can be rectified during the subsequent claims and objections period.

    The extensive effort is being coordinated by 239 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 963 Assistant EROs, 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar. Additionally, 1.54 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from various political parties are actively supporting the campaign.

    Officials have urged all eligible voters to cooperate and ensure timely submission of forms to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll.

     

  • Initial phase of Bihar’s special intensive revision almost over

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ‘is almost complete’, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement on Sunday. The process, aimed at updating the electoral rolls, is progressing smoothly with strong ground-level support from electors, officials, and volunteers.

    According to ECI, over 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms — accounting for 21.46% of the total 7.90 crore electors in the state — were received as of 6:00 PM on July 6. Notably, more than 65 lakh forms were collected in the last 24 hours alone. With 19 days still remaining until the July 25 deadline, officials are optimistic about achieving full coverage.

    Uploading of forms is also underway, with 7.25% already digitized. Electors can also submit or upload their filled forms via the ECINET App or the ECI portal.

    A workforce of 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) is conducting door-to-door visits to assist voters, often capturing live photographs to ease the process. An additional 20,603 BLOs are being appointed to ensure timely completion of the drive. Nearly 4 lakh volunteers — including government staff, NCC cadets, and NSS members — are supporting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

    The revision is being carried out strictly in line with SIR guidelines dated June 24, 2025. Draft electoral rolls will be published on August 1, incorporating names from forms received before the July 25 deadline. Any deficiencies can be rectified during the subsequent claims and objections period.

    The extensive effort is being coordinated by 239 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 963 Assistant EROs, 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar. Additionally, 1.54 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from various political parties are actively supporting the campaign.

    Officials have urged all eligible voters to cooperate and ensure timely submission of forms to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll.

     

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New governance for Health New Zealand

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is today announcing the reestablishment of the Health New Zealand Board, with new appointments to drive its priority of ensuring timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.  The re-established Health New Zealand Board will take over from the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners appointed last year to stabilise the organisation and set a clear direction.  “Under Professor Lester Levy’s leadership as Commissioner, Health New Zealand has delivered a strong financial plan, and a clear Health Delivery Plan is now in place. He is refocusing the organisation on patients and driving progress on the Government’s health targets, which are seeing waitlists reduced,” Mr Brown says.  Professor Levy has been appointed Chair of Health New Zealand for a 12-month term to ensure continuity of leadership. His appointment will maintain momentum on the Government’s health targets and keep the focus firmly on patients. Mr Brown also announced his intention to begin a nomination process later this year for a permanent Chair to take effect from 1 July 2026.  “I have also appointed an experienced team of Board members who will support Health New Zealand to deliver for patients, including the appointment of Dr Andrew Connolly as Deputy Chair. Dr Connolly is an experienced surgeon and clinical director who has also held numerous appointments across Governments, including Chair of the Medical Council, Crown Monitor, and Commissioner on District Health Boards.  “I am also appointing Hamiora Bowkett as a Crown Observer to keep a close watch on performance and support the Board with independent oversight. This role will focus on supporting the Board’s re-establishment and ensuring Health New Zealand delivers on the Government’s health targets. Mr Bowkett will advise me directly, with a particular focus on Health New Zealand’s financial position and the delivery of health targets.” “We’re also tackling one of the biggest barriers to better care – our ageing health infrastructure – by establishing a dedicated Infrastructure Committee to make sure our Government’s significant investment in health infrastructure delivers modern facilities, on time and on budget.  “This is about accountability. Patients care about seeing a doctor sooner, getting their hip surgery faster, being treated in a hospital that works. That’s what these governance changes are designed to achieve.”  The key appointments include: 
     

    Professor Lester Levy, currently Commissioner of Health New Zealand and Chair of the Health Research Council, has been appointed Chair of the Health New Zealand Board for a 12-month term.
    Dr Andrew Connolly, a senior surgeon and clinical leader, is appointed Deputy Chair.
    Board members include Roger Jarrold, Dr Frances Hughes, Parekawhia McLean, Peter McCardle, and Terry Moore.
    Hamiora Bowkett is appointed as Crown Observer to support and monitor Health New Zealand.
    A new Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Dr Margaret Wilsher, will oversee the delivery of critical health projects, supported by experienced members: Mark Binns, James Christmas, Sarah Sinclair, Evan Davies, and Roger Jarrold. 

    “I want to acknowledge the work of Professor Levy as Commissioner, and thank Deputy Commissioners Roger Jarrold, Ken Whelan, and Kylie Clegg for the rapid progress they have made in refocusing Health New Zealand on patients.  “There is still much work to do, and I look forward to working with the Health New Zealand Board to deliver for patients, achieve the Government’s health targets, and continue driving progress on the key priorities I announced in March.  “These changes ensure we have the right people in the right roles to get it done.”  Appointed members will assume their roles on 23 July 2025, when the Commission ends. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Israel’s Netanyahu says he believes Trump can help seal ceasefire deal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believed his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday would help advance talks on a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal, as Trump predicted an agreement could be reached this week.

    Israeli negotiators taking part in the ceasefire talks that resumed in Doha on Sunday have clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire agreement under conditions that Israel has accepted, Netanyahu said on Sunday before flying to Washington.

    “I believe the discussion with President Trump can certainly help advance these results,” he said, adding his determination to ensure the return of hostages held in Gaza and to remove the threat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas to Israel.

    It will be Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump returned to power nearly six months ago.

    Trump said he believed a hostage release and ceasefire deal could be reached this week, which could lead to the release of “quite a few hostages.”

    “I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week,” Trump told reporters before flying back to Washington after a weekend golfing in New Jersey.

    Public pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to secure a permanent ceasefire and end the war in Gaza, a move opposed by some hardline members of his right-wing coalition. Others, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, have expressed support.

    Palestinian group Hamas said on Friday it had responded to a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal in a “positive spirit”, a few days after Trump said Israel had agreed “to the necessary conditions to finalize” a 60-day truce.

    But in a sign of the potential challenges still facing the two sides, a Palestinian official from a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing in southern Israel to Egypt and clarity over a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals.

    The first session of indirect Hamas-Israel ceasefire talks in Qatar ended inconclusively, two Palestinian sources familiar with the matter said early on Monday, adding that the Israeli delegation didn’t have a sufficient mandate to reach an agreement with Hamas.

    Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that changes sought by Hamas to the ceasefire proposal were “not acceptable to Israel”. However, his office said the delegation would still fly to Qatar to “continue efforts to secure the return of our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel agreed to.”

    Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a demand the militant group has so far refused to discuss.

    Netanyahu said he believed he and Trump would also build on the outcome of the 12-day air war with Iran last month and seek to further ensure that Tehran never has a nuclear weapon. He said recent Middle East developments had created an opportunity to widen the circle of peace.

    HOSTAGES

    On Saturday evening, crowds gathered at a public square in Tel Aviv near the defence ministry headquarters to call for a ceasefire deal and the return of around 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The demonstrators waved Israeli flags, chanted and carried posters with photos of the hostages.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory military assault on the enclave has killed over 57,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, displaced the population, mostly within Gaza, and left the territory in ruins.

    Around 20 of the remaining hostages are believed to be still alive. A majority of the original hostages have been freed through diplomatic negotiations, though the Israeli military has also recovered some.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel’s Netanyahu says he believes Trump can help seal ceasefire deal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believed his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday would help advance talks on a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal, as Trump predicted an agreement could be reached this week.

    Israeli negotiators taking part in the ceasefire talks that resumed in Doha on Sunday have clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire agreement under conditions that Israel has accepted, Netanyahu said on Sunday before flying to Washington.

    “I believe the discussion with President Trump can certainly help advance these results,” he said, adding his determination to ensure the return of hostages held in Gaza and to remove the threat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas to Israel.

    It will be Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump returned to power nearly six months ago.

    Trump said he believed a hostage release and ceasefire deal could be reached this week, which could lead to the release of “quite a few hostages.”

    “I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week,” Trump told reporters before flying back to Washington after a weekend golfing in New Jersey.

    Public pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to secure a permanent ceasefire and end the war in Gaza, a move opposed by some hardline members of his right-wing coalition. Others, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, have expressed support.

    Palestinian group Hamas said on Friday it had responded to a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal in a “positive spirit”, a few days after Trump said Israel had agreed “to the necessary conditions to finalize” a 60-day truce.

    But in a sign of the potential challenges still facing the two sides, a Palestinian official from a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing in southern Israel to Egypt and clarity over a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals.

    The first session of indirect Hamas-Israel ceasefire talks in Qatar ended inconclusively, two Palestinian sources familiar with the matter said early on Monday, adding that the Israeli delegation didn’t have a sufficient mandate to reach an agreement with Hamas.

    Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that changes sought by Hamas to the ceasefire proposal were “not acceptable to Israel”. However, his office said the delegation would still fly to Qatar to “continue efforts to secure the return of our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel agreed to.”

    Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a demand the militant group has so far refused to discuss.

    Netanyahu said he believed he and Trump would also build on the outcome of the 12-day air war with Iran last month and seek to further ensure that Tehran never has a nuclear weapon. He said recent Middle East developments had created an opportunity to widen the circle of peace.

    HOSTAGES

    On Saturday evening, crowds gathered at a public square in Tel Aviv near the defence ministry headquarters to call for a ceasefire deal and the return of around 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The demonstrators waved Israeli flags, chanted and carried posters with photos of the hostages.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory military assault on the enclave has killed over 57,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, displaced the population, mostly within Gaza, and left the territory in ruins.

    Around 20 of the remaining hostages are believed to be still alive. A majority of the original hostages have been freed through diplomatic negotiations, though the Israeli military has also recovered some.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sustainable fishing applications open

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Applications for marine fish culture licences and the use of government-provided deep sea cages in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) are open from today until September 6, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department announced.

     

    The department explained that it hopes to encourage the intensification of production for fishermen in the new fish culture zones while adopting a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of operation, together with the use of cages that are resilient to strong wind and water currents.

     

    To reduce the start-up cost for fishermen, the department will set up two sets of steel truss deep sea cages and three sets of high density polyethylene deep sea cages equipped with modern aquaculture facilities in phases in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) by the end of this year. The deep sea cages will be provided to local fishermen associations through licence agreements.

     

    Applicants shall provide a detailed business plan, including an introduction to the proposed sustainable mariculture business, as well as a demonstration of their eligibility to use government cages and compliance with the relevant environmental protection and mitigation measures.

     

    While the department added that people interested in operating in the new fish culture zone may consider applying for the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, it also stressed that the fund cannot be used to pay for the licence fees of government cages.

     

    A briefing session will be held on July 17 to introduce the application process and licensing requirements of marine fish culture licences and the use of deep sea cages.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following significant damage to cellular tower, Lindis Pass

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attribute to Detective Phill Hamlin, Criminal Investigations Cromwell:

    Cromwell Police are appealing for information following significant damage caused to a rural cellular tower in the Lindis Pass-Tarras Road / State Highway 8 area.

    Police were called at around 10.50am with reports of significant damage that had been caused to a cellular tower on Lindis Pass-Tarra Road, between Forest Range Station and Goodger Road.

    Detective Phill Hamlin says the tower provides cellular service for residents and travellers in the area.

    “Cellular service is especially critical in this rural and alpine area,” he says.

    “Rural areas tend to rely on fewer cell towers to cover larger areas, and damage to these towers can cause significant reduction or complete loss of cell service in the area.”

    Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour at or near the tower to please contact us immediately.

    We are also asking for anyone who travelled along Lindis Pass-Tarras Road between 7am and 1pm on 6 July, and has dashcam footage, to please get in touch.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250707/0047.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following significant damage to cellular tower, Lindis Pass

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attribute to Detective Phill Hamlin, Criminal Investigations Cromwell:

    Cromwell Police are appealing for information following significant damage caused to a rural cellular tower in the Lindis Pass-Tarras Road / State Highway 8 area.

    Police were called at around 10.50am with reports of significant damage that had been caused to a cellular tower on Lindis Pass-Tarra Road, between Forest Range Station and Goodger Road.

    Detective Phill Hamlin says the tower provides cellular service for residents and travellers in the area.

    “Cellular service is especially critical in this rural and alpine area,” he says.

    “Rural areas tend to rely on fewer cell towers to cover larger areas, and damage to these towers can cause significant reduction or complete loss of cell service in the area.”

    Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour at or near the tower to please contact us immediately.

    We are also asking for anyone who travelled along Lindis Pass-Tarras Road between 7am and 1pm on 6 July, and has dashcam footage, to please get in touch.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250707/0047.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Trump calls Musk’s formation of new party ‘ridiculous’ and criticizes his own NASA pick

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump on Sunday called Elon Musk’s plans to form a new political party “ridiculous,” launching new barbs at the tech billionaire and saying the Musk ally he once named to lead NASA would have presented a conflict of interest given Musk’s business interests in space.

    A day after Musk escalated his feud with Trump and announced the formation of a new U.S. political party, the Republican president was asked about it before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, as he returned to Washington upon visiting his nearby golf club.

    “I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party. We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way, but it’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion,” Trump told reporters.

    “It really seems to have been developed for two parties. Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous.”

    Shortly after speaking about Musk, Trump posted further comments on his Truth Social platform, saying, “I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks.”

    Musk announced on Saturday that he is establishing the “America Party” in response to Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill, which Musk said would bankrupt the country.

    “What the heck was the point of @DOGE if he’s just going to increase the debt by $5 trillion??” Musk wrote on X on Sunday, referring to the government downsizing agency he briefly led. Critics have said the bill will damage the U.S. economy by significantly adding to the federal budget deficit.

    Musk said his new party would in next year’s midterm elections look to unseat Republican lawmakers in Congress who backed the sweeping measure known as the “big, beautiful bill.”

    Musk spent millions of dollars underwriting Trump’s 2024 re-election effort and, for a time, regularly showed up at the president’s side in the White House Oval Office and elsewhere. Their disagreement over the spending bill led to a falling out that Musk briefly tried unsuccessfully to repair.

    Trump has said Musk is unhappy because the measure, which Trump signed into law on Friday, takes away green-energy credits for Tesla’s electric vehicles. The president has threatened to pull billions of dollars Tesla and SpaceX receive in government contracts and subsidies in response to Musk’s criticism.

    NASA APPOINTMENT ‘INAPPROPRIATE’

    Trump in his social media comments also said it was “inappropriate” to have named Musk ally Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator considering Musk’s business with the space agency. In December Trump named Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut, to lead NASA but withdrew the nomination on May 31, before his Senate confirmation vote and without explanation.

    Trump, who has yet to announce a new NASA nominee, on Sunday confirmed media reports he disapproved of Isaacman’s previous support for Democratic politicians.

    “I also thought it inappropriate that a very close friend of Elon, who was in the Space Business, run NASA, when NASA is such a big part of Elon’s corporate life,” Trump said on Truth Social. “My Number One charge is to protect the American Public!”

    Musk’s announcement of a new party immediately brought a rebuke from Azoria Partners, which said on Saturday it will postpone the listing of its Azoria Tesla Convexity exchange-traded fund because the party’s creation posed “a conflict with his full-time responsibilities as CEO.” Azoria was set to launch the Tesla ETF this week.

    Azoria CEO James Fishback posted on X several critical comments about the new party and reiterated his support for Trump.

    “I encourage the Board to meet immediately and ask Elon to clarify his political ambitions and evaluate whether they are compatible with his full-time obligations to Tesla as CEO,” Fishback said.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump calls Musk’s formation of new party ‘ridiculous’ and criticizes his own NASA pick

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump on Sunday called Elon Musk’s plans to form a new political party “ridiculous,” launching new barbs at the tech billionaire and saying the Musk ally he once named to lead NASA would have presented a conflict of interest given Musk’s business interests in space.

    A day after Musk escalated his feud with Trump and announced the formation of a new U.S. political party, the Republican president was asked about it before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, as he returned to Washington upon visiting his nearby golf club.

    “I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party. We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way, but it’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion,” Trump told reporters.

    “It really seems to have been developed for two parties. Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous.”

    Shortly after speaking about Musk, Trump posted further comments on his Truth Social platform, saying, “I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks.”

    Musk announced on Saturday that he is establishing the “America Party” in response to Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill, which Musk said would bankrupt the country.

    “What the heck was the point of @DOGE if he’s just going to increase the debt by $5 trillion??” Musk wrote on X on Sunday, referring to the government downsizing agency he briefly led. Critics have said the bill will damage the U.S. economy by significantly adding to the federal budget deficit.

    Musk said his new party would in next year’s midterm elections look to unseat Republican lawmakers in Congress who backed the sweeping measure known as the “big, beautiful bill.”

    Musk spent millions of dollars underwriting Trump’s 2024 re-election effort and, for a time, regularly showed up at the president’s side in the White House Oval Office and elsewhere. Their disagreement over the spending bill led to a falling out that Musk briefly tried unsuccessfully to repair.

    Trump has said Musk is unhappy because the measure, which Trump signed into law on Friday, takes away green-energy credits for Tesla’s electric vehicles. The president has threatened to pull billions of dollars Tesla and SpaceX receive in government contracts and subsidies in response to Musk’s criticism.

    NASA APPOINTMENT ‘INAPPROPRIATE’

    Trump in his social media comments also said it was “inappropriate” to have named Musk ally Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator considering Musk’s business with the space agency. In December Trump named Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut, to lead NASA but withdrew the nomination on May 31, before his Senate confirmation vote and without explanation.

    Trump, who has yet to announce a new NASA nominee, on Sunday confirmed media reports he disapproved of Isaacman’s previous support for Democratic politicians.

    “I also thought it inappropriate that a very close friend of Elon, who was in the Space Business, run NASA, when NASA is such a big part of Elon’s corporate life,” Trump said on Truth Social. “My Number One charge is to protect the American Public!”

    Musk’s announcement of a new party immediately brought a rebuke from Azoria Partners, which said on Saturday it will postpone the listing of its Azoria Tesla Convexity exchange-traded fund because the party’s creation posed “a conflict with his full-time responsibilities as CEO.” Azoria was set to launch the Tesla ETF this week.

    Azoria CEO James Fishback posted on X several critical comments about the new party and reiterated his support for Trump.

    “I encourage the Board to meet immediately and ask Elon to clarify his political ambitions and evaluate whether they are compatible with his full-time obligations to Tesla as CEO,” Fishback said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legislation – FamilyBoost changes will exacerbate inequity of ECE access – CTU

    Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is warning that the FamilyBoost changes announced today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis will fail to make early childhood education more affordable for the families who need it most and will instead widen inequities.

    “The Government has missed an opportunity to reflect on the failure of the FamilyBoost scheme and pivot towards improving access and affordability through expanding universal free-fees entitlements and moving towards a quality public ECE system,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

    “FamilyBoost puts an administrative burden on whānau and teachers while failing to deal with the key issues in early childhood education, which include low wages, systemic underfunding, and a private model that results in high profits for big corporates.

    “The changes announced today disproportionately benefit high-income households, who are already much more likely to be able to afford to send their kids to ECE centres. This means the benefit of the scheme will be weighted against those who need it most.

    “Access to quality early childhood education helps ensure that children have the best possible start in life, and no families should be denied that due to costs.

    “The revised scheme does nothing to support the development of new centres or to help low-income groups into ECE provision. Instead, the Government has loaded up its support for higher-income groups, once again demonstrating their priorities,” said Ansell-Bridges.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Employment – First-ever strike at Pharmac – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Health economists, Māori health experts, and medical practitioners who are members of the New Zealand Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi at Pharmac will strike this week, the first-ever at the agency, after their employer proposed an unacceptable pay offer and an extensive clawback of conditions.
    The strike will involve walking off the job on Wednesday 9 July at 10:30am for one hour.
    “The team at Pharmac, like many other Government agencies, are constantly being asked to deliver more with less,” PSA National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons says.
    “Pharmac does essential work getting life-saving medicines to New Zealanders. Workers and their families deserve a fair pay increase and decent conditions of work, not this terrible pay offer and a reduction in their conditions of work.”
    The PSA initiated bargaining over a year ago in June 2024, but Pharmac did not bargain until October.
    At the bargaining, Pharmac management proposed a number of reductions in terms and conditions of employment, including a service eligibility for step pay progression and only making redundancy available to permanent staff, as well as a pay offer of just 0.2 per cent.
    In June this year, the PSA proposed mediation after Pharmac proposed to remove members’ step pay system.
    In mediation, Pharmac proposed a number of new reductions in terms and conditions. Most notably, it proposed a reduction in the size of step pay increases in exchange for a one-off ‘buyout’ of the step increase employees would have otherwise received this year.
    “The public servants at Pharmac care deeply about serving New Zealanders. All they ask in return is the right pay and conditions so that they can do their jobs effectively,” Fitzsimons says.
    Pharmac staff will be picketing outside their office at 40 Mercer Street from 10:30am-11:30am during the industrial action.
    The parties are attending mediation with the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment on 16 and 17 July 2025.
    Other PSA statements on Pharmac:
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Already short-staffed Wellington Hospital gynaecology ward losing beds – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    The Wellington Hospital gynaecology ward that is losing beds to its Emergency Department in a trial, was already short-staffed more than a quarter of all shifts, figures obtained by NZNO show.
    It has been revealed that Wellington Hospital is cutting beds from its maternity and gynaecology wards in a trial designed to make more room for patients from its overcrowded Emergency Department (ED).
    The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōputanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) has obtained figures under the Official Information Act showing safe staffing levels identified by the Care Capacity Demand Management (CCDM) programme from January to October last year.
    NZNO delegate Michelle Cotton says the figures show the gynaecology ward was already short staffed 27% of all shifts.
    “That means there are not enough nurses already for more than a quarter of all shifts.
    “NZNO is concerned this trail is aimed at meeting the Coalition Government’s arbitrary and unfunded six-hour wait time target for EDs,” she says.
    “This trial is starting after the only gynaecological oncologist at Wellington Hospital retired and wasn’t replaced. This is partly the cause of empty beds because those women are being treated in Christchurch.
    “The trial requires the ante and postnatal services to be reduced from three pods to two. There will be less options for partners to stay and more women will be required to share rooms.
    “This trail is putting the health care of women and their newborn babies at risk. They deserve better at this crucial time in their lives,” Michelle Cotton says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • South Korea court to hold July 9 hearing on ex-leader Yoon’s detention warrant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Seoul court plans to hold a hearing on Wednesday to review a request by special prosecutors to detain former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a court official said on Monday.

    The special counsel team investigating Yoon’s martial law declaration in December has filed a request to the Seoul Central District Court to detain Yoon on allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.

    Yoon has been accused of mobilising presidential guards to stop authorities from arresting him in January. He eventually was taken into custody but released from jail after 52 days on technical grounds.

    The special prosecution that kicked off its investigation after new leader Lee Jae Myung was elected in June has been looking into additional charges against Yoon, who is already on trial for insurrection related to his short-lived martial law.

    The detention warrant request was made on the grounds of the risk of him being a flight risk and concerns that he might interfere with witnesses linked to his case, local media reported, citing a special prosecutors’ request.

    Yoon’s lawyers have rejected the allegations against him.

    (Reuters)

  • Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan with record winds, injuring hundreds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Typhoon Danas lashed southern Taiwan with record winds and strong rain early on Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 330 in a rare hit to the island’s densely populated west coast, where businesses and schools were shut.

    Taiwan is regularly struck by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.

    Typhoon Danas, at one point listed by Taiwan’s weather authority at the second-strongest level, headed northerly towards the Taiwan Strait after making landfall along its southwestern coast late on Sunday.

    It has greatly weakened since and was forecast to hit eastern China later this week.

    “The typhoon track is rare… the whole of Taiwan will be affected by the wind and rain one after another,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook, urging citizens to make preparations.

    Power to more than half a million homes was cut and over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled, government data showed. The north-south high-speed rail line scaled back services.

    The National Fire Agency said one person was killed by a falling tree while driving and another died after their respirator malfunctioned due to a power cut.

    Record winds of around 220 kilometres per hour were recorded in the southwestern county of Yunlin, while more than 700 trees and street signs were blown over across western cities and towns, government data showed.

    There was no major report of damage in the Tainan Science Park that houses tech giants such as TSMC 2330.TW.

    (Reuters)

  • Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan with record winds, injuring hundreds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Typhoon Danas lashed southern Taiwan with record winds and strong rain early on Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 330 in a rare hit to the island’s densely populated west coast, where businesses and schools were shut.

    Taiwan is regularly struck by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.

    Typhoon Danas, at one point listed by Taiwan’s weather authority at the second-strongest level, headed northerly towards the Taiwan Strait after making landfall along its southwestern coast late on Sunday.

    It has greatly weakened since and was forecast to hit eastern China later this week.

    “The typhoon track is rare… the whole of Taiwan will be affected by the wind and rain one after another,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook, urging citizens to make preparations.

    Power to more than half a million homes was cut and over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled, government data showed. The north-south high-speed rail line scaled back services.

    The National Fire Agency said one person was killed by a falling tree while driving and another died after their respirator malfunctioned due to a power cut.

    Record winds of around 220 kilometres per hour were recorded in the southwestern county of Yunlin, while more than 700 trees and street signs were blown over across western cities and towns, government data showed.

    There was no major report of damage in the Tainan Science Park that houses tech giants such as TSMC 2330.TW.

    (Reuters)

  • Amit Shah marks 4 years of Ministry of Cooperation with major announcements in Anand, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Underlining that cooperation has been an integral part of Indian society since the Vedic era, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave this tradition a formal structure by establishing the Ministry of Cooperation four years ago.

    Shah was speaking at a special event in Anand, Gujarat, marking the fourth anniversary of the ministry’s formation and commemorating the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

    The event, organised by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), featured several major launches, inaugurations, and policy highlights aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative movement.

    He said that PM Modi institutionalized this tradition by establishing a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation four years ago, breathing new life into over 8.4 lakh cooperative societies linked to nearly 31 crore people.

    Shah said that the Ministry has undertaken more than 60 initiatives over the past four years, all built upon a strategic foundation of “Five Ps”: People, PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), Platform, Policy, and Prosperity. He explained that these initiatives aim to directly benefit citizens, empower PACS at the grassroots level, promote digital platforms for cooperative activity, ensure member-focused policies, and deliver shared prosperity for society as a whole.

    A major milestone announced during the event was the launch of the newly formed multi-state cooperative body, Sardar Patel Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited, along with the unveiling of its official logo. Shah highlighted that this federation will help complete a sustainable cycle in the dairy sector, involving fair milk procurement, input services, price compensation, and circular economy practices. He further explained that the model will mirror the success of Amul and will directly benefit dairy farmers across India.

    Also unveiled were the expansion of Amul’s Chocolate Plant at Mogar, worth ₹105 crore, and the Cheese Plant at Khatraj, valued at ₹260 crore. The chocolate plant’s capacity will now double from 30 to 60 tonnes per day. The modernized cheese plant will also manufacture UHT milk, mozzarella cheese, whey-based beverages, and include facilities for smart warehousing and cheese packaging.

    The Union Minister inaugurated the Ready-to-Use Culture (RUC) Plant developed by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) at a cost of ₹45 crore. He also inaugurated the new office of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI)—the Maniben Patel Bhawan—constructed at a cost of ₹32 crore, and laid the foundation stone of NDDB’s new headquarters building in Anand.

    Shah spoke about the newly formed Kutch District Salt Cooperative Society, describing it as a model that would empower salt-producing laborers, similar to how Amul transformed dairy farming. He added that initiatives such as establishing 2 lakh new PACS, a National Cooperative University, a National Cooperative Database, and several national-level cooperatives for grains and dairy sectors are part of the government’s effort to further strengthen the cooperative landscape.

    In the spirit of the International Year of Cooperatives, Shah stressed the need to embed three critical values in cooperative functioning—transparency, adoption of technology, and keeping cooperative members at the center of decision-making. He cautioned that a lack of transparency weakens cooperation, and institutions that resist technology or overlook member interests often fail to survive.

    The event was attended by dignitaries including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S.P. Singh Baghel, and Union Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani.

    Paying tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary, Shah recalled his contributions to India’s unity and sovereignty, particularly his role in integrating Kashmir and West Bengal into the Indian Union. He praised Dr. Mookerjee’s famous call for “one constitution, one flag, and one Prime Minister,” noting that his ultimate sacrifice laid the groundwork for national unity.

    Shah called on cooperative leaders and members across the nation to internalize the values of transparency, technology, and inclusivity to ensure the sustainability and success of India’s cooperative model.