Category: DJF

  • Centre launches BhashaSetu challenge to develop Real-Time Language Tech

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The centre on Monday launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025, inviting startups from across the country to develop an AI-based real-time multilingual translation solution under its flagship accelerator programme, WaveX.

    The challenge, titled ‘BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’, seeks to encourage the creation of innovative tools that can handle translation, transliteration, and voice localisation in real time across at least 12 major Indian languages. Officials said the initiative aims to foster inclusive and accessible communication technologies that are sensitive to India’s linguistic diversity.

    There is no minimum eligibility criterion for participation, allowing startups at any stage of development to apply. Startups have been encouraged to build scalable and cost-effective solutions, leveraging open-source or low-cost artificial intelligence models. Proprietary models may also be considered, provided they remain affordable for wide-scale deployment.

    The winning team will receive incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, which will include mentorship, workspace, and development assistance until the solution is fully developed and deployed. Registrations opened on June 30 and will close on July 22. Interested startups may submit their proposals through the official WaveX portal.

    WaveX was launched under the Ministry’s WAVES initiative to promote innovation in the media, entertainment, and language technology sectors. At the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai this May, over 30 startups pitched their ideas directly to government representatives, investors, and industry leaders.

    Officials said that WaveX will continue to support promising startups through hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and opportunities for integration with national platforms.

    Startups can register for the challenge at: https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretaries of Departments and Director of Bureau celebrate July 1 by supporting catering sector special offers (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretaries of Departments and Director of Bureau celebrate July 1 by supporting catering sector special offers  
         The Secretaries of Departments and Director of Bureau ordered a variety of dim sum and had morning tea, including shrimp dumplings at a discount of 29 per cent. The atmosphere there was lively and members of the public were enthusiastic about the dining discount activities. The catering sector special offers have received strong support, with the number of participating restaurants increasing each year, from more than 1 400 in 2023, to more than 2 200 in 2024, and reaching 4 100 this year.
     
         After morning tea, Mr Cheuk, Mr Wong and Mr Tsang enjoyed the Free Tram Day offer and arrived at Lee Tung Avenue, where they experienced the festive atmosphere featuring free distributions of ice cream, popcorn and panda-shaped balloons.
     
         The current-term Government has pioneered the practice of turning the anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR into a festival, which has received positive responses from all sectors of society. The Government and different sectors have jointly launched a series of special offers and activities covering public transport, culture and arts, leisure, food and consumption, among others, to encourage the public to go out for consumption, participate in activities, and joyfully celebrate Hong Kong’s return to the motherland on July 1.
    Issued at HKT 13:24

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • India, Bhutan hold Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Development Cooperation Talks between India and Bhutan were held in New Delhi on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

    The discussions focused on reviewing the entire spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation across key sectors.

    The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) in the MEA, Tanmaya Lal, while the Bhutanese side was headed by Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden.

    The talks focused on reviewing the full spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutual cooperation across key sectors. India has pledged support of ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–2029), covering Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and budgetary support through Programme Grants.

    Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, including 61 PTA projects worth ₹4,958 crore and 283 HICDPs amounting to ₹417 crore, currently at various stages of implementation. Revisions to PTA allocations were discussed in response to Bhutan’s evolving development priorities. India has also disbursed ₹750 crore for the ESP and ₹100 crore as Programme Grant.

    Bhutan presented the second tranche of PTA proposals under the 13th FYP, with 10 new projects worth ₹1,113 crore receiving joint approval. These initiatives span sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock.

    India reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Bhutan government in line with the shared vision of the Bhutan King and Prime Minister of India.

    The next round of Development Cooperation Talks will be held in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date.

  • India, Bhutan hold Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Development Cooperation Talks between India and Bhutan were held in New Delhi on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

    The discussions focused on reviewing the entire spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation across key sectors.

    The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) in the MEA, Tanmaya Lal, while the Bhutanese side was headed by Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden.

    The talks focused on reviewing the full spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutual cooperation across key sectors. India has pledged support of ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–2029), covering Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and budgetary support through Programme Grants.

    Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, including 61 PTA projects worth ₹4,958 crore and 283 HICDPs amounting to ₹417 crore, currently at various stages of implementation. Revisions to PTA allocations were discussed in response to Bhutan’s evolving development priorities. India has also disbursed ₹750 crore for the ESP and ₹100 crore as Programme Grant.

    Bhutan presented the second tranche of PTA proposals under the 13th FYP, with 10 new projects worth ₹1,113 crore receiving joint approval. These initiatives span sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock.

    India reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Bhutan government in line with the shared vision of the Bhutan King and Prime Minister of India.

    The next round of Development Cooperation Talks will be held in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date.

  • Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Inaugurates NMDC and MECON International Offices in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, led a high-level delegation to Dubai where he formally inaugurated the international offices of two major Indian public sector enterprises, NMDC Limited and MECON Limited, on June 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding global industrial presence in the Middle East.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Ambassador of India to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, Joint Secretary Ministry of Steel Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of SAIL Amarendu Prakash, Director Finance MECON, and other senior representatives from the Ministry of Steel, Embassy of India UAE, and the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

    NMDC’s new Dubai office represents a strategic expansion of India’s largest iron ore producer into international markets, designed to unlock new trade partnerships, enhance raw material security, and strengthen India’s self-reliance while boosting global competitiveness in the minerals sector. The Dubai office will serve as a strategic hub for NMDC, actively tracking developments in the mineral sectors across the MENA region, Africa, and Australia, including regulatory changes and government policies. It will focus on scouting mineral assets, conducting technical due diligence, and facilitating engagements with government bodies, business partners, and research institutions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, said, “Dubai represents a gateway to global opportunity. With this new office, NMDC is poised to redefine the mining landscape. With our expansion we are revolutionizing our approach to mineral development, securing India’s position as a leader in the mining industry, driving innovation in resource utilization.”

    The office will provide real-time market intelligence and timely decision support, enabling NMDC’s leadership to respond swiftly to global opportunities while building a reliable network for confidential insights on peer companies and exploring collaborations in Mining Equipment and Technology Services. As part of its global mineral diversification strategy, NMDC has been actively evaluating acquisition opportunities across 10 strategic mineral assets globally and exploring critical mineral block acquisitions in Africa, Australia and South America to strengthen its presence in the global critical mineral value chain.

    MECON Limited’s Dubai office inauguration follows the same strategic vision, with the engineering consultancy firm poised to expand India’s footprint in infrastructure and industrial consultancy across the Middle East and beyond. The establishment marks a significant step in showcasing India’s engineering expertise on the global stage, particularly in sectors including engineering, oil and gas, mining, and steel manufacturing. MECON is a frontline design, engineering, consultancy and contracting organisation under the Ministry of Steel, rendering the entire gamut of services from concept to commissioning for more than six decades for setting up projects in metals and mining, power, oil and gas, infrastructure and defense and strategic projects.

    The inauguration of MECON’s Dubai office represents a significant step forward in the company’s journey towards building global footprints for Indian engineering excellence with the unwavering support of the Ministry of Steel. MECON provides one-stop solutions for engineering projects with a workforce of over 800 engineers and experts from more than 30 different engineering disciplines. The company is positioned to explore mutual opportunities, deliver world-class services and contribute to the region’s growth.

    During his visit, the minister also engaged in productive discussions with leading CEOs and Managing Directors of major Indian-origin companies operating in the UAE. The interactions underscored the diplomatic significance of the industrial collaboration initiative, with discussions centered on strengthening industrial cooperation, advancing India-UAE economic ties, and creating new pathways for growth in steel, heavy industries, and strategic investments.

    NMDC Limited, formerly National Mineral Development Corporation, is India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter, founded in 1958 as a fully government-owned entity under the Ministry of Steel. The company produces more than 45 million tonnes annually and operates mines in Bailadila, Chhattisgarh, and Donimalai, Karnataka, while maintaining its position as one of India’s most profitable public sector enterprises involved in the exploration of iron ore, rock, gypsum, magnesite, diamond, tin, tungsten, graphite, and coal.

    MECON Limited, formerly known as Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants India Limited, is a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel established in 1959. The company provides design, engineering, and consultancy services for heavy industry including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, oil and gas, power, and infrastructure sectors, offering comprehensive services ranging from project conceptualization to implementation, including consultancy, design and engineering, procurement of plant and equipment, inspection, construction, project management, and turnkey project execution for both greenfield and brownfield industrial projects.

  • Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Inaugurates NMDC and MECON International Offices in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, led a high-level delegation to Dubai where he formally inaugurated the international offices of two major Indian public sector enterprises, NMDC Limited and MECON Limited, on June 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding global industrial presence in the Middle East.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Ambassador of India to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, Joint Secretary Ministry of Steel Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of SAIL Amarendu Prakash, Director Finance MECON, and other senior representatives from the Ministry of Steel, Embassy of India UAE, and the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

    NMDC’s new Dubai office represents a strategic expansion of India’s largest iron ore producer into international markets, designed to unlock new trade partnerships, enhance raw material security, and strengthen India’s self-reliance while boosting global competitiveness in the minerals sector. The Dubai office will serve as a strategic hub for NMDC, actively tracking developments in the mineral sectors across the MENA region, Africa, and Australia, including regulatory changes and government policies. It will focus on scouting mineral assets, conducting technical due diligence, and facilitating engagements with government bodies, business partners, and research institutions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, said, “Dubai represents a gateway to global opportunity. With this new office, NMDC is poised to redefine the mining landscape. With our expansion we are revolutionizing our approach to mineral development, securing India’s position as a leader in the mining industry, driving innovation in resource utilization.”

    The office will provide real-time market intelligence and timely decision support, enabling NMDC’s leadership to respond swiftly to global opportunities while building a reliable network for confidential insights on peer companies and exploring collaborations in Mining Equipment and Technology Services. As part of its global mineral diversification strategy, NMDC has been actively evaluating acquisition opportunities across 10 strategic mineral assets globally and exploring critical mineral block acquisitions in Africa, Australia and South America to strengthen its presence in the global critical mineral value chain.

    MECON Limited’s Dubai office inauguration follows the same strategic vision, with the engineering consultancy firm poised to expand India’s footprint in infrastructure and industrial consultancy across the Middle East and beyond. The establishment marks a significant step in showcasing India’s engineering expertise on the global stage, particularly in sectors including engineering, oil and gas, mining, and steel manufacturing. MECON is a frontline design, engineering, consultancy and contracting organisation under the Ministry of Steel, rendering the entire gamut of services from concept to commissioning for more than six decades for setting up projects in metals and mining, power, oil and gas, infrastructure and defense and strategic projects.

    The inauguration of MECON’s Dubai office represents a significant step forward in the company’s journey towards building global footprints for Indian engineering excellence with the unwavering support of the Ministry of Steel. MECON provides one-stop solutions for engineering projects with a workforce of over 800 engineers and experts from more than 30 different engineering disciplines. The company is positioned to explore mutual opportunities, deliver world-class services and contribute to the region’s growth.

    During his visit, the minister also engaged in productive discussions with leading CEOs and Managing Directors of major Indian-origin companies operating in the UAE. The interactions underscored the diplomatic significance of the industrial collaboration initiative, with discussions centered on strengthening industrial cooperation, advancing India-UAE economic ties, and creating new pathways for growth in steel, heavy industries, and strategic investments.

    NMDC Limited, formerly National Mineral Development Corporation, is India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter, founded in 1958 as a fully government-owned entity under the Ministry of Steel. The company produces more than 45 million tonnes annually and operates mines in Bailadila, Chhattisgarh, and Donimalai, Karnataka, while maintaining its position as one of India’s most profitable public sector enterprises involved in the exploration of iron ore, rock, gypsum, magnesite, diamond, tin, tungsten, graphite, and coal.

    MECON Limited, formerly known as Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants India Limited, is a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel established in 1959. The company provides design, engineering, and consultancy services for heavy industry including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, oil and gas, power, and infrastructure sectors, offering comprehensive services ranging from project conceptualization to implementation, including consultancy, design and engineering, procurement of plant and equipment, inspection, construction, project management, and turnkey project execution for both greenfield and brownfield industrial projects.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Southern Airlines Launches Direct Guangzhou-Tashkent Flights

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    GUANGZHOU, July 1 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines launched a direct flight route Monday linking Guangzhou, capital of southern China’s Guangdong Province, with the capital of Uzbekistan, the airline said.

    Flights numbered CZ3053/CZ3054 will operate on the new route three times a week: Guangzhou-Tashkent on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, and Tashkent-Guangzhou on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.

    The wide-body A330-300 will depart from Guangzhou at 19:35 Beijing time and arrive in Tashkent at 23:50 local time. In the opposite direction, the plane will depart at 01:30 local time and land at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 10:55 Beijing time.

    Travel time from Guangzhou to Tashkent is 7 hours 15 minutes, and the return journey is 6 hours 25 minutes.

    Earlier, China Southern Airlines launched direct flights Beijing/Daxing/-Tashkent, Urumqi-Tashkent and Urumqi-Samarkand, bringing the frequency of flights in both directions on these four routes operated by the airline to 18 per week.

    China Southern Airlines said the airline has actively responded to the Belt and Road Initiative and is constantly expanding its “Air Silk Road”.

    The opening of the Guangzhou-Tashkent flight will give a new impetus to transportation during the peak summer season this year, the air carrier said in a statement. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Allocates $3.08 Billion in New QDII Quotas

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) — China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) recently allocated investment quotas totaling $3.08 billion to qualified domestic institutional investors (QDIIs) to meet demand for overseas asset allocation, according to a statement released Monday.

    The allocation of new quotas is aimed at further supporting the QDII institution in carrying out cross-border investment activities in accordance with laws and regulations. Based on the principle of effective risk prevention, such a step is aimed at satisfying the reasonable needs of domestic residents for foreign investment, the GUVK said in a statement.

    The QDII program is a key institutional mechanism for opening up China’s financial market. It allows eligible domestic financial institutions to transfer both RMB and foreign currency overseas within set quotas to make investments in overseas financial markets.

    “Under the current stable and positive conditions in the foreign exchange market, the provision of quotas at an appropriate time can orderly meet the legitimate investment needs of market participants and promote the healthy development of the QDII system,” the department said in a statement.

    As follows from the same document, in the process of allocating quotas, such factors as the scale of asset management, as well as internal control and compliance with the requirements of QDII institutions are comprehensively taken into account. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump signs executive order to end sanctions on Syria — White House

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    WASHINGTON, June 30 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to end sanctions on Syria, the White House website reported.

    D. Trump “signed a historic executive order ending the sanctions program on Syria to support the country’s path to stability and peace,” the White House said in a statement.

    “The order lifts sanctions on Syria while leaving sanctions in place on Bashar al-Assad… The order authorizes the easing of export controls on certain items and lifts restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria,” the White House said.

    The order instructs US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “explore ways to ease sanctions at the UN to support stability in Syria.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll from Israeli strike on Tehran prison rises to 79

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TEHRAN, July 1 (Xinhua) — The death toll from the recent Israeli strike on Tehran’s Evin prison has risen to 79, Tasnim news agency reported on Monday, citing Iranian judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir.

    According to him, the victims of the attack included prison staff, prisoners, visiting relatives and residents of nearby houses, and several others were injured.

    A. Jahangir said that as a result of Israeli strikes on Iran between June 13 and 24, 935 Iranians were killed, including 38 children and 132 women.

    On June 13, Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on nuclear and military sites in the Islamic Republic, killing military leaders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded with several missile and drone attacks on Israel.

    On June 24, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the two countries, ending the 12-day standoff. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Türkiye to host NATO summit in 2026 – R.T. Erdogan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ANKARA, July 1 (Xinhua) — Türkiye will host the 2026 NATO leaders’ summit in its capital Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.

    “I hope that Turkey will host the NATO summit in July 2026. We will host NATO leaders in our capital Ankara and prepare the ground for making very important decisions,” he said at a press conference following the cabinet meeting.

    The president spoke at length about Turkey’s participation in the recent NATO summit held in The Hague on June 24-25, during which he stressed the need to lift trade restrictions in the defense industry within the bloc.

    “We have reflected in the alliance documents our readiness to remove barriers to trade in defense products,” Erdogan said, adding that he discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza both in closed sessions and in bilateral meetings with other leaders.

    The President stressed that Türkiye remains committed to actively promoting NATO unity and effectiveness, while continuing to raise humanitarian issues on global platforms.

    Türkiye has been a member of NATO since 1952 and hosts the headquarters of NATO’s ground forces. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s bond market issuances reach 7.2 trillion yuan in May

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    People walk on an overpass in Lujiazui, a finance zone in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 3, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Bond issuances in China neared 7.2 trillion yuan (about 1 trillion U.S. dollars) in May this year, data from the country’s central bank shows.

    Specifically, issuances of treasury bonds came in at 1.49 trillion yuan, while local government bond issuances amounted to 779.44 billion yuan, according to the People’s Bank of China.

    Financial bond issuances stood at 1.22 trillion yuan, and corporate credit bond issuances reached 902.27 billion yuan.

    Outstanding bonds held in custody came in at 187.2 trillion yuan at the end of May. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China firmly opposes forced closure of Hikvision’s business in Canada

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes Canada’s order to cease the operations of Chinese firm Hikvision in Canada, the Ministry of Commerce said Monday.

    China has noticed that the Canadian side has forcibly ceased Hikvision’s operations in Canada and banned Canadian government departments from purchasing or using Hikvision products under the pretext of “national security,” a spokesperson with the ministry said.

    The Canadian side’s so-called national security review lacks transparency and produces uncertain outcomes, the spokesperson said, calling it a typical act of overstretching the concept of national security.

    “Such a move undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, erodes the confidence for business cooperation between the both sides, and sabotages the normal economic and trade relations between the two countries,” the spokesperson added.

    China urges Canada to immediately rectify its erroneous actions, stop politicizing and overstretching the concept of national security in economic and trade issues, and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for businesses from all countries, including Chinese enterprises, to invest and operate in Canada, the spokesperson noted.

    China will take necessary measures to resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the spokesperson said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • Amit Shah chairs ‘Manthan Baithak’ to mark International Year of Cooperatives 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a “Manthan Baithak” with Cooperation Ministers from all States and Union Territories in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting was organised to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 and was hosted by the Ministry of Cooperation.

    In his address, Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi established the Ministry of Cooperation to revive India’s long-standing tradition of cooperation while addressing present-day needs.

    Highlighting the transformative work done over the past decade, Shah said, “When the Modi government came to power in 2014, nearly 60 to 70 crore people lacked basic facilities and had lived for generations in scarcity. In ten years, the government has provided housing, toilets, drinking water, food grains, healthcare, gas cylinders, and other essential facilities to crores of people.”

    He added that those who had benefited now aspired to become entrepreneurs but lacked sufficient capital. “For them, cooperation is the only way to do meaningful work with their limited resources,” he said, stressing that cooperation is vital for employment generation in a country of 140 crore people.

    Shah emphasised the need to revitalise cooperation for the welfare of small farmers and rural communities, noting that the sector holds vast potential. “With sensitivity, we must bring cooperation back to life,” he said.

    He also shared that the Government of India has launched 60 initiatives to ensure that every citizen secures employment and lives with dignity. One key step, he said, is the creation of the National Cooperative Database to identify gaps and ensure that every village has at least one cooperative institution. “Our goal is that within five years, there should not be a single village in the country without a cooperative,” Shah said.

    He pointed out three main reasons for the weakening of the cooperative movement in the past: outdated laws, lack of expansion, and nepotism in recruitments. “The Modi government has amended the laws and conceived the idea of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University to train cooperative personnel,” he said. He urged every state to establish at least one cooperative training institution affiliated with the Tribhuvan Sahkari University to strengthen the training system.

    Shah said that a new National Cooperative Policy will be introduced soon, covering the period from 2025 to 2045, leading up to the centenary of India’s independence. He said, “Under this policy, each state will prepare its own cooperative policy according to local needs and conditions. Every state should announce its cooperative policy before January 31, 2026.”

    He also called for discipline, innovation and transparency in the sector through the Model National Cooperative Policy Act. Stressing the importance of timely implementation, he said the target of setting up two lakh Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) for the financial year 2025–26 must be achieved by February next year.

    “Now that cooperative banks come under the Banking Act, and the Reserve Bank of India has shown flexibility, remaining issues can only be resolved if we run these banks transparently and recruit staff based on merit,” he said, underlining the need for transparency in Credit Cooperative Societies and Urban Cooperative Banks.

    Promoting natural farming was another key area of focus. Shah urged all State Cooperation Ministers to work with their Agriculture counterparts to encourage natural farming, which, he said, would benefit both public health and the environment.

    He further said that ‘Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives’ has been a proven and successful model in Gujarat and should be replicated nationwide. “This initiative is crucial for building national capacity and strengthening cooperatives across India,” he added.

    The meeting also discussed progress on setting up two lakh Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS) and the promotion of dairy and fisheries cooperatives to boost rural service delivery. The implementation of the world’s largest grain storage scheme in the cooperative sector was reviewed in detail.

     

  • Best wishes to all hardworking doctors on Doctors’ Day: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted doctors across the country on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, acknowledging their exceptional contribution in strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the medical fraternity and praised doctors for their skill, dedication and compassion.

    “Best wishes to all hardworking doctors on #DoctorsDay. Our doctors have made a mark for their dexterity and diligence. Equally notable is their spirit of compassion. They are truly protectors of health and pillars of humanity. Their contribution in strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure is indeed exceptional,” the Prime Minister said.

    Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also extended his wishes, saying, “On National Doctors’ Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all doctors for their selfless service to humanity. Their round-the-clock dedication brings hope and saves countless lives every single day. In every health emergency, you have stood tall at the frontlines, driven by compassion and an unshakable sense of duty. Your care, courage and sacrifice make you the true heroes of our society.”

    He also expressed his gratitude to all healthcare workers “whose relentless efforts are paving the way towards a Swasth Bharat.”

    National Doctors’ Day is observed every year on July 1 to commemorate Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy — a renowned physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal — whose birth and death anniversary both fall on this day. Dr. Roy was honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1961 for his outstanding contributions to medicine and public service. Established by the Government of India in 1991, the day also honours the dedication, compassion, and relentless efforts of the country’s medical professionals.

    Highlighting the vital role doctors play in society, PM Modi had also acknowledged their contribution in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday.

    “On the 1st of July, the country honours two very important professions — doctors and chartered accountants (CAs). Both are pillars of society that make our lives better. Doctors are the protectors of our health, and CAs are the guides of our economic life,” the Prime Minister said.

    —IANS

  • Indian stock market opens higher, Nifty above 25,500

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Tuesday amid positive global cues, with buying seen in the auto and IT sectors in early trade.

    At around 9:26 a.m., the Sensex was trading 188.66 points, or 0.23 per cent, higher at 83,795.12, while the Nifty rose 54.80 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 25,571.85.

    According to analysts, with US markets hitting new record highs, the mood in global equities remains upbeat, and West Asian geopolitical tensions are no longer perceived as a threat to the global economy.

    “Going forward, the market is likely to be influenced by developments on the tariff front. An India-US trade deal will be positive, but if it does not materialise, the market is likely to be impacted,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    The Nifty Bank index was up 51.95 points, or 0.09 per cent, at 57,364.70 in early trade. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,887.65 after adding 146.45 points, or 0.25 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index rose 52.50 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 19,127.60.

    Experts noted that the Nifty’s short-term trend remains positive, as it continues to hold above its nearest moving average support, the 5-day EMA.

    “The Nifty has partially filled the gap in the 25,640–25,740 range that was formed on October 3, 2024. Any move and close above 25,740 would negate this gap resistance and could potentially extend the Nifty’s upward rally towards the 26,000 mark. Immediate support for the Nifty comes in at 25,400,” said Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities.

    In the Sensex pack, Asian Paints, BEL, Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, PowerGrid, ITC, HCL Tech, Tata Motors, and Hindustan Unilever Limited were among the top gainers. Axis Bank, Trent, Tata Steel, Sun Pharma, Tech Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and Eternal were the top laggards.

    Experts said that the strong fundamentals of the Indian economy could attract increased fund flows into Indian equities. Sustained weakness in the dollar (with the dollar index now at 96.81) means the likelihood of heavy selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) is low; they may even continue to buy despite high valuations.

    FIIs were net sellers on June 30, offloading equities worth Rs 831.50 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers, purchasing equities worth Rs 3,497.44 crore.

    In Asian markets, China, Bangkok, Seoul, and Jakarta were trading in the green, while Japan was the only market trading in the red.

    In the previous trading session, the Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,094.77, up 275.50 points, or 0.63 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 31.87 points, or 0.52 per cent, at 6,204.94, while the Nasdaq closed at 20,369.73, up 96.27 points, or 0.47 per cent.

    —IANS

  • EAM Jaishankar arrives in Washington to attend Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM) scheduled for July 1.

    According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ministers will build on discussions held during the previous QFMM, which took place in Washington on January 21, 2025.

    “They will exchange views on regional and global developments, particularly those concerning the Indo-Pacific, and review the progress made on various Quad initiatives in the run-up to the Quad Leaders’ Summit, which India will host. The ministers are also expected to deliberate on new proposals to advance the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the MEA said.

    U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a press briefing that the meeting will reaffirm the shared commitment of the Quad countries – Australia, India, Japan, and the United States – towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    “Tomorrow, Secretary Rubio will welcome his Quad counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan to Washington, to reaffirm our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Bruce said.

    She added that the meeting will underscore the Quad’s collective resolve to uphold sovereignty, strengthen maritime security, and build resilient supply chains.

    Prior to his arrival in Washington, Jaishankar was in New York, where he attended the inauguration of an exhibition titled The Human Cost of Terrorism at the United Nations headquarters.

    Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism remains a global threat to peace and security.

    “A tribute to those who were taken from us and remembrance for lives shattered … we express solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims of terrorism. The campaign is a stark reminder of the urgency of our shared responsibility to combat terrorism in all its forms,” he said.

    Jaishankar described the exhibition as “a gallery of human courage,” where every image, artefact, and testimony tells the story of a life interrupted or lost.

    He also referred to the recent condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack by the UN Security Council, stressing the need for a unified global stance against terrorism.

    “The world must come to some basic concepts: no impunity to terrorists, no treating them as proxies, and no yielding to nuclear blackmail,” he said.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Real boosted by Mbappe’s return for Juventus clash at Club World Cup

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Kylian Mbappe looks set to make his Club World Cup debut when his Real Madrid side face Juventus in the last 16 at the Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday, in a major boost for the 15-time European champions.

    “It’s a big possibility,” Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso told a press conference on Monday when asked if the France forward, who missed all three group matches with acute gastroenteritis, would feature.

    Mbappe’s return comes as Real Madrid look to build on a squad boosted by the recoveries of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao.

    “Both Dani and Eder are coming back after a long recovery. It’s an advantage for them and the whole team to feel they’re close and involved,” Alonso said.

    “At this decisive stage, everyone – starters and those supporting – has an important role.”

    Alonso, who took over earlier this month, said the team’s priority was forging a collective identity.

    “We want a team that works as one, with the 11 players fully committed, whether we have the ball or not. Our collective strength will allow individual talents like Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrigo, and Bellingham to shine,” he added.

    Juventus coach Igor Tudor, meanwhile, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but insisted his side had come to compete, not just to prepare for next season.

    “We’ve got a top-level team. The draw wasn’t the best possible, but it must be accepted,” Tudor told a press conference.

    “We have to believe, run a lot, sacrifice, make no mistakes, and also have a bit of luck. I believe, the players believe, and we’ll see what happens when the match starts.”

    Tudor praised Real Madrid’s recent tactical evolution under Alonso, comparing it to Alonso’s successful work at Bayer Leverkusen.

    “Their last match looked a lot like what Leverkusen were doing – similar plays, systems, and style. Xabi Alonso has quickly implemented these ideas,” he said, noting that Madrid still have “some weaknesses we can exploit.”

    The winners will take on the victors of the clash between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey, who will face off in Atlanta on Tuesday.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Dangerous driving – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three male youths in relation to a dangerous driving incident that occurred this morning in Alice Springs.

    Around 1:40am, police received a report of two vehicles driving suspiciously in Alice Springs. One of the vehicles, a grey Subaru Outback, was identified as being reported stolen on 29 June. The second vehicle, a black Holden Commodore, was not reported as stolen. Both vehicles were sighted by police being driven by youths.

    Both vehicles failed to stop, and a resolution strategy was formulated involving members from Strike Force Viper, the Territory Safety Division, and general duties officers. A pursuit of the Holden Commodore was subsequently commenced after it began driving dangerously. The stolen Subaru drove from the area and remains outstanding, along with its unknown occupants.

    The Commodore subsequently clipped a kerb, resulting in damage to the vehicle. The three occupants, aged 13, 13, and 14, abandoned it in Araluen and attempted to flee on foot, but were apprehended and arrested by police.

    The two 13-year-olds were later released into the care of responsible adults pending further investigations. The 14-year-old has been charged and will appear in court this afternoon.

    Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P25175514. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025 Tax Time toolkit for small business now available

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Tax time doesn’t have to be stressful. The Tax Time toolkit for small business is designed to support you not just during tax time, but all year round.

    Inside the toolkit, you’ll find a directory of links to essential information, tools, calculators and learning resources. Whether you’re a sole trader or running a growing business, the toolkit can help you stay on top of your tax obligations and make informed decisions.

    The toolkit includes helpful information on:

    • home-based business expenses
    • motor vehicle expenses
    • travel expenses
    • digital product expenses
    • using business money and assets
    • pausing or permanently closing your business.

    With useful information and guides, this is your go-to resource for lodging with confidence this tax time.

    The toolkit is available to download and share at ato.gov.au/SBTaxTimeToolkit.

    Keep up to date

    We’ve set up tailored communication channels for small businesses. They will keep you updated on important information and changes.

    Read more articles in our Small business newsroom.

    Subscribe to our free to our monthly Small business email newsletterExternal Link

    Get email notifications about new and updated information on our website. You can choose to receive updates that matter to you. Select the ‘Business and organisations’ category. This way, your subscription will get notifications for more Small business newsroom articles like this one.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Registered agent lodgment program available now

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Registered agent lodgment program 2025-26 is available on our website now.

    You’ll find due dates listed by month, tax return and obligation type and learn how overdue prior year returns, or a lodgment prosecution can affect your clients’ due dates.

    The due dates for your clients’ tax returns will be available in ATO online services by the end of July.

    Tips for managing lodgments

    We provide the lodgment program to help you manage your workload; however, good planning and lodging progressively are still essential.

    We also recommend you:

    If you or your practice are experiencing challenges beyond your control, we have a range of support options to help you get back on track.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Exemptions and deferrals from lodgment

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    We can consider a deferral or extension of time to lodge. This has the effect of extending the due date for lodgment for the specified reporting period/s.

    Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual circumstances of the EDP.

    Some examples for granting a deferral or exemption can include where the EDP:

    • has only just become aware of their SERR reporting obligation and is unable to implement system changes in time to meet the reporting due date
    • requires additional time to prepare their report in the approved form, which is the SETP XML Schema
    • will be able to report all data values for the period but require additional time to prepare and submit the report
    • is in the process of implementing system changes but will be unable to obtain and report historic values (past data) once system changes have been implemented.

    There may also be an additional interim option available where an EDP has collected all required data except for one mandatory field which is preventing them from lodging. In this instance, we would need to liaise directly with the EDP to better understand their circumstances and provide the most appropriate support option. 

    To have an application for an exemption or deferral considered, email the deferral or exemption request to sharingeconomyreporting@ato.gov.au. Ensure you include the:

    • client name
    • ABN/ARN
    • reporting period
    • proposed lodgment date
    • reason for the deferral exemption request.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Debunking Division 7A myths

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    If you own a private company, understanding how Division 7A applies is crucial to avoiding costly tax consequences when accessing its money or other benefits.

    Division 7A is an integrity rule that prevents private company profits from being provided to shareholders or their associates tax-free. It doesn’t apply to payments of salary and wages, director fees, ordinary dividends or certain fringe benefits, but has broad application to other payments, loans and benefits. When Division 7A applies, the recipient of the payment, loan or other benefit will be deemed to have been paid an unfranked dividend that will be included in their assessable income.

    To support your understanding of your tax obligations when managing private company money, we’ve launched new content: Division 7A Myths debunked. This page debunks common myths about Division 7A, breaking these into topics such as business structure, record keeping, and payments to other entities.

    While Division 7A can be complex, most errors we see that result in its application are simple in nature, including:

    • not recognising that your company’s money is not your money, and you can’t access it for personal use without tax consequences
    • loans being made without complying loan agreements
    • applying the wrong benchmark interest rate when calculating Division 7A loan repayments.

    These errors are often the result of common myths about Division 7A and how it works. To help you avoid making simple, but costly, Division 7A errors, we encourage you to explore our new resource so you can be across these myths.

    Division 7A resources

    We also recommend you bookmark or favourite our private company benefits Division 7A dividends web content, so you can easily access our comprehensive information whenever you need it.

    Keep up to date

    We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.

    Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.

    Subscribe to our free:

    • fortnightly Business bulletins email newsletterExternal Link
    • email notifications about new and updated information on our website – you can choose to receive updates relevant to your situation. Choose the ‘Business and organisations’ category to ensure your subscription includes notifications for more Business bulletins newsroom articles like this one.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa Group appoints Kevin Markette as Senior Director – Regional Sales South Asia

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Markette as Senior Director – Regional Sales South Asia. Based in New Delhi, Kevin will oversee all commercial activities across the South Asia region, including the strategically important Indian market.

    A seasoned aviation executive, Kevin brings over 20 years of leadership experience within Lufthansa Group, having successfully managed commercial, customer, and operational teams across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Raised in Spain and South Africa and trained as a Commercial Pilot, Kevin offers a truly global perspective and strong intercultural fluency.

    Kevin began his career with Lufthansa in South Africa in 2000, eventually managing Pricing, Reservations, and Ticketing for Southern Africa. In 2008, he moved to Dubai to lead Marketing and Business Development for the Gulf States, and later became Country Manager for Ghana, where he was responsible for Lufthansa’s operations in Accra.

    From 2016 to 2020, Kevin served as Head of Sales for the Southeast USA, based in Atlanta, overseeing six major gateways operated by four Lufthansa Group airlines. He was subsequently promoted to Head of Customer Relations for the Americas, based in New York, where he managed service recovery, customer feedback strategy, and commercial insights across North and South America until the end of 2022.

    Since 2022, Kevin has been based in Nairobi as General Manager for East Africa, leading the Group’s commercial strategy and partnerships across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. In this role, he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, supported Brussels Airlines’ regional expansion, and championed sustainability efforts.

    According to Lufthansa Group Vice President Asia Pacific and Joint Ventures East, Felipe Bonifatti:

    “With over two decades at Lufthansa Group, Kevin brings extensive international experience to the Asia Pacific region. His sharp commercial insight and passion for our industry make him an invaluable addition. I am delighted to welcome him to Delhi, where he will lead all commercial activities for the Lufthansa Group in this strategically important market.”

    Kevin is passionate about building high-performing, cross-cultural teams and cultivating long-term partnerships with customers and stakeholders. Outside of work, he and his wife Jolene enjoy traveling, culinary adventures, and spending time outdoors.

    About Lufthansa Group

    The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations worldwide, Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €37.6bn in the financial year 2024. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complementary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

     

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Video: One Day, I Will: Dreams and Hopes of Children in Crisis | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    One Day, I Will is an ongoing series by photographer Vincent Tremeau, capturing children in crisis-affected settings as they dress up as who they want to become in the future.

    In 2025, one year after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, Vincent brought the project to local schools, inviting children to share their dreams, fears, and hopes in the wake of disaster.

    These portraits and testimonies are more than dress-up — they reveal resilience, imagination, and the enduring strength of children who continue to dream, despite difficult circumstances. Each of them reminds us: hope can grow even from the most challenging places. “One Day I Will” is one of the exhibits in the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai.

    The project was made available by OCHA (UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) with support from KUMON, a global after-school math and reading programme.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjoOiq9fK_s

    MIL OSI Video

  • Trump lawyer says no immediate deportations under birthright citizenship order, as judges to decide on challenges

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump’s administration will not deport children deemed ineligible for U.S. citizenship until his executive order curtailing birthright citizenship takes effect on July 27, a government lawyer said on Monday after being pressed by two federal judges.

    During separate hearings in lawsuits challenging Trump’s order, U.S. District Judges Deborah Boardman in Greenbelt, Maryland, and Joseph LaPlante in Concord, New Hampshire, set expedited schedules to decide whether the order can be blocked again on grounds that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday curbing the ability of judges to impede his policies nationwide does not preclude injunctions in class action lawsuits.

    Both judges asked U.S. Department of Justice lawyer Brad Rosenberg, who represented the government in both cases, for assurances that the Trump administration would not move to deport children who do not have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at least until the executive order takes effect.

    Rosenberg said it would not, which Boardman and LaPlante respectively asked him to confirm in writing by Tuesday and Wednesday.

    In the Maryland case, immigrant rights advocates revised their lawsuit just a few hours after the 6-3 conservative majority U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled in their case and two others challenging Trump’s executive order. The New Hampshire lawsuit, a proposed class action, was filed on Friday.

    The Supreme Court ruling did not address the merits or legality of Trump’s birthright citizenship order, but instead curbed the ability of judges to issue “universal” injunctions to block the Republican president’s policies nationwide.

    But while the Supreme Court restricted the ability of judges to issue injunctions that cover anyone other than the parties appearing before them, Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s opinion held out the possibility that opponents of a federal policy could still obtain the same type of relief if they instead pursued cases as class actions.

    William Powell, a lawyer for immigration rights groups and pregnant non-citizen mothers pursuing the case, told Boardman at a hearing on Monday that an immediate ruling was necessary to address the fears and concerns migrants now face as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision.

    “They want to see how fast we can get class relief because they are afraid about their children and their babies and what their status might be,” Powell said.

    Trump’s executive order, which he issued on his first day back in office on January 20, directs agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of U.S.-born children who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident, also known as a “green card” holder.

    In Friday’s ruling, the high court narrowed the scope of the three injunctions issued by federal judges in three states, including Boardman, that prevented enforcement of his directive nationwide while litigation challenging the policy played out.

    Those judges had blocked the policy after siding with Democratic-led states and immigrant rights advocates who argued it violated the citizenship clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which has long been understood to recognize that virtually anyone born in the United States is a citizen.

    Immigrant rights advocates in the hours after the Supreme Court ruled swiftly launched two separate bids in Maryland and New Hampshire to have judges grant class-wide relief on behalf of any children nationally who would be deemed ineligible for birthright citizenship under Trump’s order.

    The Supreme Court specified the core part of Trump’s executive order cannot take effect until 30 days after Friday’s ruling. Boardman on Monday pressed Rosenberg on what it could do before then.

    “Just to get to the heart of it, I want to know if the government thinks that it can start removing children from the United States who are subject to the terms of the executive order,” Boardman said at the end of the hearing.

    Boardman scheduled further briefing in the case to continue through July 9, with a ruling to follow. LaPlante scheduled a hearing for July 10.

    Rosenberg said the Trump administration objected to the plaintiffs’ attempt to obtain the same relief through a class action. He stood by the administration’s view of the constitutionality of Trump’s order.

    “It is the position of the United States government that birthright citizenship is not guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump lawyer says no immediate deportations under birthright citizenship order, as judges to decide on challenges

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump’s administration will not deport children deemed ineligible for U.S. citizenship until his executive order curtailing birthright citizenship takes effect on July 27, a government lawyer said on Monday after being pressed by two federal judges.

    During separate hearings in lawsuits challenging Trump’s order, U.S. District Judges Deborah Boardman in Greenbelt, Maryland, and Joseph LaPlante in Concord, New Hampshire, set expedited schedules to decide whether the order can be blocked again on grounds that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday curbing the ability of judges to impede his policies nationwide does not preclude injunctions in class action lawsuits.

    Both judges asked U.S. Department of Justice lawyer Brad Rosenberg, who represented the government in both cases, for assurances that the Trump administration would not move to deport children who do not have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at least until the executive order takes effect.

    Rosenberg said it would not, which Boardman and LaPlante respectively asked him to confirm in writing by Tuesday and Wednesday.

    In the Maryland case, immigrant rights advocates revised their lawsuit just a few hours after the 6-3 conservative majority U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled in their case and two others challenging Trump’s executive order. The New Hampshire lawsuit, a proposed class action, was filed on Friday.

    The Supreme Court ruling did not address the merits or legality of Trump’s birthright citizenship order, but instead curbed the ability of judges to issue “universal” injunctions to block the Republican president’s policies nationwide.

    But while the Supreme Court restricted the ability of judges to issue injunctions that cover anyone other than the parties appearing before them, Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s opinion held out the possibility that opponents of a federal policy could still obtain the same type of relief if they instead pursued cases as class actions.

    William Powell, a lawyer for immigration rights groups and pregnant non-citizen mothers pursuing the case, told Boardman at a hearing on Monday that an immediate ruling was necessary to address the fears and concerns migrants now face as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision.

    “They want to see how fast we can get class relief because they are afraid about their children and their babies and what their status might be,” Powell said.

    Trump’s executive order, which he issued on his first day back in office on January 20, directs agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of U.S.-born children who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident, also known as a “green card” holder.

    In Friday’s ruling, the high court narrowed the scope of the three injunctions issued by federal judges in three states, including Boardman, that prevented enforcement of his directive nationwide while litigation challenging the policy played out.

    Those judges had blocked the policy after siding with Democratic-led states and immigrant rights advocates who argued it violated the citizenship clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which has long been understood to recognize that virtually anyone born in the United States is a citizen.

    Immigrant rights advocates in the hours after the Supreme Court ruled swiftly launched two separate bids in Maryland and New Hampshire to have judges grant class-wide relief on behalf of any children nationally who would be deemed ineligible for birthright citizenship under Trump’s order.

    The Supreme Court specified the core part of Trump’s executive order cannot take effect until 30 days after Friday’s ruling. Boardman on Monday pressed Rosenberg on what it could do before then.

    “Just to get to the heart of it, I want to know if the government thinks that it can start removing children from the United States who are subject to the terms of the executive order,” Boardman said at the end of the hearing.

    Boardman scheduled further briefing in the case to continue through July 9, with a ruling to follow. LaPlante scheduled a hearing for July 10.

    Rosenberg said the Trump administration objected to the plaintiffs’ attempt to obtain the same relief through a class action. He stood by the administration’s view of the constitutionality of Trump’s order.

    “It is the position of the United States government that birthright citizenship is not guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump lawyer says no immediate deportations under birthright citizenship order, as judges to decide on challenges

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump’s administration will not deport children deemed ineligible for U.S. citizenship until his executive order curtailing birthright citizenship takes effect on July 27, a government lawyer said on Monday after being pressed by two federal judges.

    During separate hearings in lawsuits challenging Trump’s order, U.S. District Judges Deborah Boardman in Greenbelt, Maryland, and Joseph LaPlante in Concord, New Hampshire, set expedited schedules to decide whether the order can be blocked again on grounds that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday curbing the ability of judges to impede his policies nationwide does not preclude injunctions in class action lawsuits.

    Both judges asked U.S. Department of Justice lawyer Brad Rosenberg, who represented the government in both cases, for assurances that the Trump administration would not move to deport children who do not have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at least until the executive order takes effect.

    Rosenberg said it would not, which Boardman and LaPlante respectively asked him to confirm in writing by Tuesday and Wednesday.

    In the Maryland case, immigrant rights advocates revised their lawsuit just a few hours after the 6-3 conservative majority U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled in their case and two others challenging Trump’s executive order. The New Hampshire lawsuit, a proposed class action, was filed on Friday.

    The Supreme Court ruling did not address the merits or legality of Trump’s birthright citizenship order, but instead curbed the ability of judges to issue “universal” injunctions to block the Republican president’s policies nationwide.

    But while the Supreme Court restricted the ability of judges to issue injunctions that cover anyone other than the parties appearing before them, Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s opinion held out the possibility that opponents of a federal policy could still obtain the same type of relief if they instead pursued cases as class actions.

    William Powell, a lawyer for immigration rights groups and pregnant non-citizen mothers pursuing the case, told Boardman at a hearing on Monday that an immediate ruling was necessary to address the fears and concerns migrants now face as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision.

    “They want to see how fast we can get class relief because they are afraid about their children and their babies and what their status might be,” Powell said.

    Trump’s executive order, which he issued on his first day back in office on January 20, directs agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of U.S.-born children who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident, also known as a “green card” holder.

    In Friday’s ruling, the high court narrowed the scope of the three injunctions issued by federal judges in three states, including Boardman, that prevented enforcement of his directive nationwide while litigation challenging the policy played out.

    Those judges had blocked the policy after siding with Democratic-led states and immigrant rights advocates who argued it violated the citizenship clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which has long been understood to recognize that virtually anyone born in the United States is a citizen.

    Immigrant rights advocates in the hours after the Supreme Court ruled swiftly launched two separate bids in Maryland and New Hampshire to have judges grant class-wide relief on behalf of any children nationally who would be deemed ineligible for birthright citizenship under Trump’s order.

    The Supreme Court specified the core part of Trump’s executive order cannot take effect until 30 days after Friday’s ruling. Boardman on Monday pressed Rosenberg on what it could do before then.

    “Just to get to the heart of it, I want to know if the government thinks that it can start removing children from the United States who are subject to the terms of the executive order,” Boardman said at the end of the hearing.

    Boardman scheduled further briefing in the case to continue through July 9, with a ruling to follow. LaPlante scheduled a hearing for July 10.

    Rosenberg said the Trump administration objected to the plaintiffs’ attempt to obtain the same relief through a class action. He stood by the administration’s view of the constitutionality of Trump’s order.

    “It is the position of the United States government that birthright citizenship is not guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.

    (Reuters)

  • G7 urges talks to resume for deal on Iran nuclear program

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

     Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations said on Monday they supported the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and urged for negotiations to resume for a deal to address Iran‘s nuclear program, according to a joint statement.

    Since April, Iran and the U.S. have held talks aimed at finding a new diplomatic solution regarding Iran‘s nuclear program. Tehran says its program is peaceful and Israel and its allies say they want to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon.

    “We call for the resumption of negotiations, resulting in a comprehensive, verifiable and durable agreement that addresses Iran‘s nuclear program,” the G7 foreign ministers said.

    Last week, Trump announced a ceasefire between U.S. ally Israel and its regional rival Iran to halt a war that began on June 13 when Israel attacked Iran. The Israel-Iran conflict had raised alarms in a region already on edge since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023.

    Before the ceasefire was announced, Washington struck Iran‘s nuclear sites and Iran targeted a U.S. base in Qatar in retaliation.

    The G7 foreign ministers said they urged “all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.”

    U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff has said talks between Washington and Tehran were “promising” and that Washington was hopeful for a long-term peace deal.

    The G7 top diplomats denounced threats against the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog on Monday, after a hardline Iranian newspaper said IAEA boss Rafael Grossi should be tried and executed as an Israeli agent.

    On June 12, the U.N. nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years.

    Israel is the only Middle Eastern country believed to have nuclear weapons and said its war against Iran aimed to prevent Tehran from developing its own nuclear weapons.

    Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not. The U.N. nuclear watchdog, which carries out inspections in Iran, says it has “no credible indication” of an active, coordinated weapons program in Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • G7 urges talks to resume for deal on Iran nuclear program

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

     Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations said on Monday they supported the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and urged for negotiations to resume for a deal to address Iran‘s nuclear program, according to a joint statement.

    Since April, Iran and the U.S. have held talks aimed at finding a new diplomatic solution regarding Iran‘s nuclear program. Tehran says its program is peaceful and Israel and its allies say they want to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon.

    “We call for the resumption of negotiations, resulting in a comprehensive, verifiable and durable agreement that addresses Iran‘s nuclear program,” the G7 foreign ministers said.

    Last week, Trump announced a ceasefire between U.S. ally Israel and its regional rival Iran to halt a war that began on June 13 when Israel attacked Iran. The Israel-Iran conflict had raised alarms in a region already on edge since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023.

    Before the ceasefire was announced, Washington struck Iran‘s nuclear sites and Iran targeted a U.S. base in Qatar in retaliation.

    The G7 foreign ministers said they urged “all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.”

    U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff has said talks between Washington and Tehran were “promising” and that Washington was hopeful for a long-term peace deal.

    The G7 top diplomats denounced threats against the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog on Monday, after a hardline Iranian newspaper said IAEA boss Rafael Grossi should be tried and executed as an Israeli agent.

    On June 12, the U.N. nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years.

    Israel is the only Middle Eastern country believed to have nuclear weapons and said its war against Iran aimed to prevent Tehran from developing its own nuclear weapons.

    Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not. The U.N. nuclear watchdog, which carries out inspections in Iran, says it has “no credible indication” of an active, coordinated weapons program in Iran.

    (Reuters)