NewzIntel.com

Category: India

  • Israeli fire kills 67 people seeking aid in Gaza, medics say, as hunger worsens

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they waited for U.N. aid trucks in northern Gaza on Sunday, the Gaza health ministry said, as Israel issued new evacuation orders for areas packed with displaced people.

    The ministry said dozens of people were also wounded in the incident in northern Gaza. It was one of the highest reported death tolls among repeated recent cases in which aid seekers have been killed, including 36 on Saturday. Another six people were killed near another aid site in the south, it said.

    Israel’s military said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands of people in northern Gaza on Sunday to remove what it said was “an immediate threat”.

    It said initial findings suggested reported casualty figures were inflated, and it “certainly does not intentionally target humanitarian aid trucks”.

    It did not immediately comment on the incident in the south.

    The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) said that shortly after entering Gaza, a WFP convoy of 25 trucks carrying food aid encountered “massive crowds of hungry civilians” who then came under gunfire.

    “WFP reiterates that any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable,” it said in a statement.

    A Hamas official told Reuters that the militant group was angered over the mounting deaths and the hunger crisis in the enclave, and that this could badly affect ceasefire talks underway in Qatar.

    In total, health authorities said 90 people had been killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across the enclave on Sunday.

    DISPLACED GAZANS EVACUATE

    After Israel’s military dropped leaflets urging people to evacuate from neighbourhoods in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, residents said Israeli planes struck three houses in the area.

    Dozens of families began leaving their homes, carrying some of their belongings. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have been sheltering in the Deir al-Balah area.

    Israel’s military said it had not entered the districts subject to the evacuation order during the current conflict and that it was continuing “to operate with great force to destroy the enemy’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area”.

    Israeli sources have said the reason the army has so far stayed out is because they suspect Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in captivity in Gaza are believed to still be alive.

    Hostage families demanded an explanation from the army.

    “Can anyone (promise) to us that this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones?” the families said in a statement.

    ACCELERATING STARVATION

    Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of war and there are fears of accelerating starvation.

    Palestinian health officials said hundreds of people could soon die as hospitals were inundated with patients suffering from dizziness and exhaustion due to the scarcity of food and a collapse in aid deliveries.

    “We warn that hundreds of people whose bodies have wasted away are at risk of imminent death due to hunger,” said the health ministry, which is controlled by Hamas.

    The United Nations also said on Sunday that civilians were starving and needed an urgent influx of aid.

    Pope Leo called for an end to the “barbarity of war” as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza that killed three people on Thursday.

    Gaza residents said it was becoming impossible to find essential food such as flour. The health ministry said at least 71 children had died of malnutrition during the war, and 60,000 others were suffering from symptoms of malnutrition.

    Later on Sunday, it said 18 people have died of hunger in the past 24 hours.

    Food prices have increased well beyond what most of the population of more than two million can afford.

    Several people who spoke to Reuters via chat apps said they either had one meal or no meal in the past 24 hours.

    “As a father, I wake up in the early morning to look for food, for even a loaf of bread for my five children, but all in vain,” said Ziad, a nurse.

    “People who didn’t die of bombs will die of hunger. We want an end to this war now, a truce, even for two months,” he told Reuters.

    Others said they felt dizzy walking in the streets and that many fainted as they walked. Fathers leave tents to avoid questions by their children about what to eat.

    UNRWA, the U.N. refugee agency dedicated to Palestinians, demanded Israel allow more aid trucks into Gaza, saying it had enough food for the entire population for over three months which was not allowed in.

    Israel’s military said that it “views the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as a matter of utmost importance, and works to enable and facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community”.

    TRUCE TALKS

    Some Palestinians suggested the move on Deir al-Balah might be an attempt to put pressure on Hamas to make more concessions in long-running ceasefire negotiations.

    Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.

    The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.

    The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

    (Reuters)

  • Israeli fire kills 67 people seeking aid in Gaza, medics say, as hunger worsens

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they waited for U.N. aid trucks in northern Gaza on Sunday, the Gaza health ministry said, as Israel issued new evacuation orders for areas packed with displaced people.

    The ministry said dozens of people were also wounded in the incident in northern Gaza. It was one of the highest reported death tolls among repeated recent cases in which aid seekers have been killed, including 36 on Saturday. Another six people were killed near another aid site in the south, it said.

    Israel’s military said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands of people in northern Gaza on Sunday to remove what it said was “an immediate threat”.

    It said initial findings suggested reported casualty figures were inflated, and it “certainly does not intentionally target humanitarian aid trucks”.

    It did not immediately comment on the incident in the south.

    The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) said that shortly after entering Gaza, a WFP convoy of 25 trucks carrying food aid encountered “massive crowds of hungry civilians” who then came under gunfire.

    “WFP reiterates that any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable,” it said in a statement.

    A Hamas official told Reuters that the militant group was angered over the mounting deaths and the hunger crisis in the enclave, and that this could badly affect ceasefire talks underway in Qatar.

    In total, health authorities said 90 people had been killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across the enclave on Sunday.

    DISPLACED GAZANS EVACUATE

    After Israel’s military dropped leaflets urging people to evacuate from neighbourhoods in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, residents said Israeli planes struck three houses in the area.

    Dozens of families began leaving their homes, carrying some of their belongings. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have been sheltering in the Deir al-Balah area.

    Israel’s military said it had not entered the districts subject to the evacuation order during the current conflict and that it was continuing “to operate with great force to destroy the enemy’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area”.

    Israeli sources have said the reason the army has so far stayed out is because they suspect Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in captivity in Gaza are believed to still be alive.

    Hostage families demanded an explanation from the army.

    “Can anyone (promise) to us that this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones?” the families said in a statement.

    ACCELERATING STARVATION

    Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of war and there are fears of accelerating starvation.

    Palestinian health officials said hundreds of people could soon die as hospitals were inundated with patients suffering from dizziness and exhaustion due to the scarcity of food and a collapse in aid deliveries.

    “We warn that hundreds of people whose bodies have wasted away are at risk of imminent death due to hunger,” said the health ministry, which is controlled by Hamas.

    The United Nations also said on Sunday that civilians were starving and needed an urgent influx of aid.

    Pope Leo called for an end to the “barbarity of war” as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza that killed three people on Thursday.

    Gaza residents said it was becoming impossible to find essential food such as flour. The health ministry said at least 71 children had died of malnutrition during the war, and 60,000 others were suffering from symptoms of malnutrition.

    Later on Sunday, it said 18 people have died of hunger in the past 24 hours.

    Food prices have increased well beyond what most of the population of more than two million can afford.

    Several people who spoke to Reuters via chat apps said they either had one meal or no meal in the past 24 hours.

    “As a father, I wake up in the early morning to look for food, for even a loaf of bread for my five children, but all in vain,” said Ziad, a nurse.

    “People who didn’t die of bombs will die of hunger. We want an end to this war now, a truce, even for two months,” he told Reuters.

    Others said they felt dizzy walking in the streets and that many fainted as they walked. Fathers leave tents to avoid questions by their children about what to eat.

    UNRWA, the U.N. refugee agency dedicated to Palestinians, demanded Israel allow more aid trucks into Gaza, saying it had enough food for the entire population for over three months which was not allowed in.

    Israel’s military said that it “views the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as a matter of utmost importance, and works to enable and facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community”.

    TRUCE TALKS

    Some Palestinians suggested the move on Deir al-Balah might be an attempt to put pressure on Hamas to make more concessions in long-running ceasefire negotiations.

    Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.

    The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.

    The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – CommBank Next Chapter Innovation partners help to address financial abuse in First Nations communities

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    CommBank releases its FY26-28 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) .

    CommBank has announced its 2025 Next Chapter Innovation partners, maintaining the program’s focus on supporting innovative, community-led programs that address financial abuse in First Nations communities.  

    This announcement coincides with the release of CommBank’s FY26-28 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and reflects its ambition to be a trusted partner to First Nations peoples as they achieve their social, cultural and economic aspirations.

    Over the next 18 months two First Nations-led organisations, Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation(NSW) and Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan (QLD) will each receive access to grants of up to $200,000 plus tailored non-financial assistance, including, executive mentoring, and capability-building support from across CommBank.

    Supporting solutions designed by the community, for the community

    Now in its third year, CommBank’s Next Chapter Innovation program is part of the bank’s broader commitment to help address domestic and family violence (DFC) and financial abuse, to support victim-survivors on their path to long-term financial independence.  

    Recent research by the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) highlights that financial abuse can affect First Nations peoples in unique ways. The ICAN report explores how financial control within relationships and the exploitation of cultural obligations can create financial stress. It also emphasises the importance of culturally safe, community-led solutions to overcome barriers to seeking support.

    The Next Chapter Innovation program is investing in First Nations-led place-based initiatives that provide culturally informed, practical responses to financial abuse – creating safer pathways to financial security.

    Introducing CommBank’s 2025 Next Chapter Innovation partners

    This year’s partners were nominated by members of CommBank’s First Nations Employee Network and have been selected for their innovative, community-based approaches to supporting recovery in First Nations communities.

    Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation (NSW) – Mudgin-gal – meaning “Women’s Place”, has stood at the heart of Redfern as a sanctuary for Aboriginal women and families. Entirely led by Aboriginal women, the organisation has become a beacon of community strength, cultural healing, and early intervention in the fight against family violence. Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation will deliver Sacred Circles – trauma-informed, healing-led sessions that blend cultural practice with practical financial education, supporting women’s recovery and financial empowerment.  
    Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan (QLD) – With more than 35 years of experience providing healthcare and accommodation services to women and children of Queensland’s Cape York, NPA, and Torres Strait regions, Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan is continuing the legacy of their Aunties by establishing the ‘Building Futures, Building Communities’ program. The initiative will create a social enterprise that supports victim-survivor recovery and generates income by harnessing traditional knowledge of plants, to make medicinal healing products, empowering women with both cultural and economic strength.

    CommBank will also continue to work with its 2024 Next Chapter Innovation partners, Strong Women Talking and the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA).

    Mitchell Heritage, CommBank Executive Manager looking after First Nations business banking and a member of CommBank’s Indigenous Leadership Team said: “CommBank’s Next Chapter Innovation program was established to help break the cycle of financial abuse and empower people to rebuild long-term financial independence. This year, we are pleased to support First Nations communities through the program by investing in innovative, culturally informed programs. We are proud to back community-led organisations that are delivering real change on the ground.”

    For further details on CommBank’s Next Chapter support, visit: commbank.com.au/nextchapter

    CommBank launches FY26-28 Elevate RAP

    This announcement aligns with the delivery of the Bank’s eighth Reconciliation Action Plan. Through the FY26-28 RAP, CommBank has reaffirmed its commitment to deliver 12 reconciliation priorities that will strengthen the Bank’s engagement with First Nations people across four key areas – reconciliation and community, education and careers, business success and growth, and financial inclusion.

    In endorsing the Bank’s latest RAP, Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia said: “Commonwealth Bank’s FY26-28 Elevate RAP sets out their priorities in further strengthening their engagement with First Nations peoples. It builds on the Bank’s previous reconciliation commitments; through listening to the voices and expertise of First Nations people and using that knowledge to continually expand their strategies, the Bank demonstrates a sustainable approach to their reconciliation program, now and into the future.”

     For further details on CommBank’s FY26-28 Elevate RAP, including the Bank’s FY26-28 RAP priorities, visit: commbank.com.au/reconciliation.

    Anyone worried about their finances because of domestic or family violence or coercive control can contact the Next Chapter Team on 1800 222 387 for support – no matter who they bank with. 

    If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au or 13 YARN (13 92 76 or www.13yarn.org.au).

    In an emergency or if you’re not feeling safe, always call 000.

    Further information: demonstrated impact of the Next Chapter Innovation program through independent evaluation

    An independent evaluation of CommBank’s Next Chapter Innovation program conducted by UNSW found that the first cohort of partners delivered significant outcomes, with broad reach across communities and the sector.  

    Key program results:  

    Engagement with nearly 600 clients and service users.
    Collaboration with more than 150 stakeholders through workshops and consultations.
    The development of two new practice models and guidelines to strengthen responses to financial abuse.

    Unique achievements of the individual partners include:

    • Afghan Women on the Move worked with 500 Afghan and multicultural women to build financial skills, improve digital literacy, recognise financial abuse and explore employment and small business opportunities  
    • YFS Ltd enhanced sector-wide knowledge of technology facilitated abuse, engaging 90 victims-survivors and 133 sector workers to improve safety, wellbeing and response capability. 
    • EACH engaged 35 national stakeholders to co-design a service model addressing financial abuse in small business, intended for future implementation through a National Centre for Financial Abuse in Small Business. 
    • Indian (Sub-Cont) Crisis Support Agency developed a framework for communities and practitioners to better identify and respond to dowry abuse in South Asian communities.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global athletics talents descend on Bochum for University Games

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

    A star-studded athletics roster offers a taste of the Olympics, with Olympians and defending champions set to compete from July 21 to 27 at the FISU World University Games.

    The throwers’ showdown between Cierra Jackson of the United States and Antonia Kinzel of Germany in the women’s discus on July 24 will be a highlight on the field in the Lohrheidestadion in Bochum.

    Jackson, 22, set a championship record of 65.82 meters on her way to grabbing the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship title this summer. That prompted the former Fresno State student to turn professional and then, in her first outing as a full-time athlete, Jackson improved her personal best to 67.82m, just 1.68m short of her compatriot Valarie Allman’s gold-winning distance of 69.50m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    Defending champion Kinzel, who set her own PB of 62.64m in May, can be counted as a potential challenger to Jackson while competing on home soil.

    “It’s a special feeling to compete in this internationally renowned event in your own country,” Kinzel said.

    “I want to build on my experiences from two years ago in Chengdu, defend my title in the discus throw, and I am really looking forward to the special atmosphere of the FISU Games, giving a little taste of the Olympics.”

    Bayanda Walaza of South Africa is a notable name on the track. He claimed silver in the men’s 4x100m relay at Paris 2024. Aged just 18, and originally a reserve, Walaza ran the leadoff leg in the final, as South Africa won its first ever medal in the event.

    Walaza, who also won the individual sprint double at the U20 World Championships last year, has kicked on this year too. After becoming just the ninth South African to clock under 10 seconds for the 100m, he improved his PB to 9.94 seconds in Zagreb in May. Weeks earlier, Walaza set a South African junior record of 20.08s in the 200m.

    Both PBs meet the qualification criteria for the senior World Athletics Championships, taking place in Tokyo in September.

    Walaza, along with teammate Lythe Pillay, will be looking to secure a 100m-200m-400m clean sweep. Pillay is the 2022 400m U20 world champion and a reigning World Athletics Relays 4x400m gold medalist.

    Fellow South African sprinter Marlie Viljoen is back as the defending champion after she set a PB of 51.42s in the 400m in March.

    Laura Pellicoro (front) of Italy crosses the finish line during the athletics women’s 1500m final at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Aug. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

    The other returning champion is Laura Pellicoro of Italy. Now 24, she won the middle-distance double two years ago and is part of a stellar Italian lineup.

    Dalia Kaddari (Italy) is expected to add something to her long list of achievements which already includes being a two-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), European Championship bronze medal in 2022 (4x100m relay), European U23 champion in 2021 (200m) and Youth Olympic Games silver medal in 2018 (200m).

    Edoardo Scotti has been at the center of an impressive 12 months for Italian athletics. He helped his nation finish sixth in the 4x400m mixed relay and seventh in the men’s 4x400m relay at Paris 2024. Then he inspired the team to double silver in the 4x400m mixed and 4x400m men’s relays at the 2024 European Championships in Rome.

    China’s Shu Heng, who is the Asian men’s long jump champion, will try to improve on his PB of 8.22m achieved in May at the Asian Athletics Championships.

    India’s Pooja Singh, at just 1.70 meters tall, will compete as the newly crowned women’s Asian high jump champion. Singh grew up in rural India, with her father taking out loans to fund an athletics journey that began with bamboo poles as crossbars and landing mats fashioned from rice husk and hay.

    Bridget Mbwali from Uganda, a double sprint gold medal winner at last year’s East African University Games, is another decorated runner from Africa. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump Marks Six Months in Office with Historic Successes

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Today, President Donald J. Trump celebrates the most successful first six months in office for any President in modern American history.

    • Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, thereby delivering the largest tax cut in American history, increasing Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300, and terminating benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who were gaming the system.
    • Congress passed President Trump’s historic rescissions package, which will save taxpayers $9 billion in wasteful, politically-motivated funding for leftwing foreign aid scams and biased NPR and PBS.
    • The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down 53%, or $3.09, since the inauguration and is down 62%, or $5.08, from its March peak.
    • The U.S. economy has now added a net of 671,000 jobs since January 2025, with jobs numbers beating expectations four months in a row. Native-born workers have accounted for all job gains, with native-born employment increasing 2,079,000 while foreign-born employment has fallen 543,000.
    • U.S. Customs and Border Patrol encountered just 6,070 illegal immigrants at the southern border in June — setting a new record low (15% lower than the previous record set in March). Additionally, zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. on parole in June, compared to 27,766 a year prior.
    • The administration has ramped up deportations, breaking a record for the number of deportation flights in a month in June. President Trump’s self-deportation push has also been a massive success. Additionally, over 600 known and suspected terrorists have been removed from the United States.
    • At President Trump’s direction, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has arrested over 100,000 illegal alien criminals, including over 2,700 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang.
    • Following President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency, the U.S. has reached its fastest rate of new oil and gas drilling permits in years, exceeding the Biden administration by 44%.
    • Since President Trump took office, core inflation has tracked at just 2.1% — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable — and has come in below or at economists’ expectations every single month. Meanwhile, wholesale inflation remained flat in June, while import prices came in far below expectations.
    • Summer gas prices reached their lowest point since 2021, and, inflation-adjusted, are near a 20-year low.
    • President Trump’s deregulatory efforts have already saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, with the rollback of automobile-related rules alone expected to save consumers more than $1.1 trillion.
    • President Trump secured a historic agreement for NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP – a foreign policy feat long thought impossible.
    • Under President Trump’s strong and decisive leadership, the U.S. obliterated Iran’s nuclear program.
    • President Trump secured ceasefires between India and Pakistan and Israel and Iran, a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a pathway to stability for Syria.
    • As a result of his historic peacemaking efforts, President Trump has already received three Nobel Peace Prize nominations since returning to office.
    • In May, blue-collar wage growth saw its largest increase in nearly 60 years since President Trump’s return to office.
    • Companies and foreign governments have pledged over $7.6 trillion in investments into the U.S.
    • The U.S. Treasury has taken in nearly $90 billion in tariff duties since January 2025, with the agency posting a record $27.2 billion surplus in June – the first June surplus since 2005.
    • President Trump has once again proved to be the Dealmaker-in-Chief, inking a minerals deal with Ukraine, a $14 billion “perpetual Golden Share” sale of U.S. Steel, and trade deals with the United Kingdom, China, and Indonesia.
    • President Trump has signed over 170 executive orders, delivering on key campaign promises such as closing the border, protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation, removing men from women’s sports, unleashing American energy, ending federal censorship, ending the radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling, and ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing.
    • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq market indices have reached multiple record highs.
    • The Supreme Court consistently bolstered the Trump administration’s agenda, blocking activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions, permitting “third-country deportations,” greenlighting the revocation of temporary protected status (TPS) from more than 500,000 migrants and approving efforts to shrink the federal bureaucracy.
    • President Trump signed several pieces of landmark legislation, including the Genius Act, the Halt Fentanyl Act, the Laken Riley Act, and the Take It Down Act.
    • The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force all reached their recruitment goals months in advance.
    • The Trump administration has made incredible strides in its effort to Make America Healthy Again, with roughly 35% of the American food industry making a commitment to eliminate the use of artificial dyes, including Hershey, Consumer Brands and dozens of ice cream companies representing more than 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the U.S.
    • President Trump has ensured U.S. benefit programs serve U.S. citizens, with the administration now having protected more than $40 billion in benefit programs from illegal aliens since POTUS signed an Executive Order in February “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”
    • President Trump inked an agreement to provide billions of dollars of military equipment to Ukraine, with NATO footing the bill.
    • President Trump has cracked down on international cartels, designating eight Latin American cartels as terrorist groups, including Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel.
    • President Trump has solidified the U.S.’s position as the world leader in artificial intelligence, attracting north of $1 trillion in AI investment, including $90 billion in groundbreaking AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania.
    • The U.S. is on track for its lowest murder rate on record following President Trump’s reinstatement of law and order.
    • Following President Trump’s February executive order, universities and school systems have stopped allowing men in women’s sports, including the University of Pennsylvania, the Virginia High School League and the University of Maine System.
    • Hospitals and hospital systems across the country have halted so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors following President Trump’s executive order “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation.”
    • In his first six months, President Trump has met with 23 foreign leaders, including three visits from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as two visits from the NATO Secretary General — compared to thirteen foreign leaders and the UN Secretary General, the NATO Secretary General, and the Chinese Foreign Minister for Obama and just five in-person visits for Biden. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Statement by PJSC NK Rosneft in connection with the illegal EU sanctions against the Nayara Energy refinery

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    PJSC NK Rosneft considers the decision of the European Union to introduce restrictive measures against the Indian Nayara Energy refinery to be unfounded and illegal. These sanctions are another example of the extraterritorial application of politically motivated restrictions that grossly violate international law and infringe on the economic interests of a sovereign state.

    Rosneft emphasizes that it is not the controlling shareholder of Nayara Energy – the Company’s share in the authorized capital of the enterprise is less than 50%. The enterprise is managed by an independent Board of Directors.

    The EU’s reason for imposing sanctions is completely far-fetched and false in content, Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity whose economic activity is aimed at developing the asset. The company is taxed entirely in India. Nayara Energy shareholders have never received dividends, and the accumulated profits were used exclusively for the development of oil refining and petrochemicals, as well as the company’s retail network in India.

    The Nayara Energy refinery is a strategically important asset of the Indian energy sector, ensuring stable supplies of petroleum products to the country’s domestic market. The introduction of sanctions against the enterprise directly threatens India’s energy security and will negatively affect its economy.

    Such actions by the EU demonstrate a complete disregard not only for international law, but also for the sovereignty of third countries. Rosneft views these sanctions as part of the EU’s destructive policy aimed at destabilizing global energy markets. The restrictions on Nayara Energy are yet another example of the EU using unfair competition practices.

    We expect that Nayara Energy will take measures to protect the legitimate interests of its shareholders and consumers, which will be supported by the governments of Russia and India.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Statement of Rosneft Oil Company Regarding Illegal EU Sanctions on Nayara Energy Refinery

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft Oil Company considers the European Union’s decision to impose restrictive measures on the Indian refinery of Nayara Energy as unjustified and illegal. These sanctions are yet another example of extraterritorial implementation of politically motivated restrictions that blatantly violate international law and infringe on the economic interests of a sovereign state.

    Rosneft emphasizes that it is not a controlling shareholder of Nayara Energy – the Company’s share in the authorized capital of the enterprise is less than 50%. The enterprise is managed by an independent Board of Directors.

    The European Union’s grounds for imposing sanctions are completely far-fetched and false in content, Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity whose economic activity is aimed at the development of its asset. The entity is taxed entirely in India. Nayara Energy shareholders have never received dividend payments and the accumulated profits have been used exclusively for the development of the refinery and petrochemicals and the company’s retail network in India.

    The Nayara Energy refinery is a strategically important asset for the Indian energy industry, providing a stable supply of petroleum products to the country’s domestic market. The imposition of sanctions against the refinery directly threatens India’s energy security and will have a negative impact on its economy.

    Such actions of the European Union demonstrate complete disregard not only for international law, but also for the sovereignty of third countries. Rosneft views these sanctions as part of the EU’s destructive policy aimed at destabilizing global energy markets. The restrictions on Nayara Energy are yet another example of the EU’s use of unfair competition practices.

    We are counting on the fact that Nayara Energy will take measures to protect the legitimate interests of its shareholders and consumers, which will be supported by the governments of Russia and India.

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: ALL4 Mining Highlights XRP Breakout: Cryptocurrency Surges Past $3, Daily Profits Become Accessible to All

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ALL4 Mining, a global cloud-based crypto earning platform, highlights the surge of XRP as it crosses the $3 threshold — a major milestone in the cryptocurrency market. This development has helped XRP resurface as one of the most impactful digital assets. After several years of legal proceedings and maturing technology, Ripple’s token is regaining institutional momentum. With increasing global demand, investor confidence is being revived, drawing renewed attention to the XRP ecosystem.

    Behind XRP’s Breakout: What’s Fueling the Growth?
    The rise in XRP’s value is not accidental. It is driven by tangible market developments and enhanced functionality within the Ripple ecosystem.
    Key Catalysts Propelling XRP’s Surge:
    Remedial Legal Proceedings: Ripple’s legal win against the SEC in 2024 removed a significant legal impediment and restored faith in the token. 
    Enterprise Usage: The largest financial institutions-mostly in the U.S., India, U.K., and Japan etc.-have started to use XRP to provide lightning-fast borderless payments. 
    Technical Development: The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has been upgraded to provide smart contracts so many different innovative use-cases can now be introduced and complex financial applications or decentralized applications could be developed. 
    Bigger Footprint: Ripple have made progress in many of the emerging economies, which now includes many out of their ecosystems to include XRP into critical flows of cross-border financial movement. 
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    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Museveni Calls for Household Census in Kampala to Refine Parish Development Model (PDM) Budgeting

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed local authorities in Kampala’s five divisions to establish accurate data on the number of households within their jurisdictions to help in the equitable allocation of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

    The call was made on Saturday, July 19, 2025, during his visit to Kyambogo Complex Parish in Nakawa Division, where he met with PDM beneficiaries, including a standout success story, Ms. Mbabazi Lillian.

    The President emphasized the need for a data-driven approach to planning and budgeting for the PDM program, highlighting that the uniform allocation of UGX 100 million per parish annually is insufficient for urban centers with dense populations and high demand for financial support.

    “So, this is the kibalo (calculation) I want in the town: to know how many parishes and how many homesteads are in each parish so that when we plan, we shall give over one million, plus some additional funding, based on the number of homes in that parish,” said President Museveni.

    He noted that urban parishes, like those in Kampala, are experiencing overwhelming demand for PDM funds, and the current funding structure fails to cater effectively to the high number of eligible households.

    During the meeting, President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, also toured the poultry enterprise of Ms. Mbabazi, a PDM beneficiary who used her UGX 1 million funding to launch a successful poultry business.

    Mbabazi initially purchased 125 broiler chicks with UGX 350,000 and invested the remaining funds in feed and poultry housing. After a month, she sold the broilers for UGX 1.5 million and reinvested in a second round, earning UGX 2.6 million. Her success did not stop there. She later bought 250 more chicks at UGX 700,000 and sold them for UGX 3.2 million. Eventually, she transitioned into layer chicken farming for egg production, purchasing chicks at UGX 6,500 each. After three months, her hens began laying, and she now collects six trays of eggs daily.

    Standing beside her husband, Mr. Samuel Rukundo, Mbabazi expressed gratitude to the President and the government for initiating the PDM.

    “Now I have some achievement because I was badly off due to COVID-19. My children now go to school, and we’re doing well. I have UGX 3 million in savings and have also started a small juice and chips business,” she said.

    Despite her success, she voiced concern over her lack of permanent land, stating that her current residence is on Kyambogo University property, which restricts her expansion.

    Moved by her story, President Museveni congratulated Mbabazi for exemplifying the benefits of PDM when effectively implemented.

    He offered her UGX 10 million to scale up her poultry business and pledged to buy her two acres of land for permanent settlement and farming.

    “When I come here and see that Rukundo and Mbabazi have implemented one of the seven items under the four-acre model, then I feel very happy,” President Museveni stated.

    Additionally, the President extended UGX 10 million in cash to each PDM beneficiary from the Kyambogo complex parish.

    President Museveni used the opportunity to reflect on Uganda’s economic transformation journey since independence. He underscored the challenge of transitioning the population from subsistence farming to a money economy, citing that in the 1960s, only 4% of households were integrated into the monetary system.

    He explained that Uganda’s traditional economy revolved around “3 Cs and 3 Ts”—cotton, copper, coffee, tobacco, tea, and tourism. While some communities, particularly in Buganda and Northern Uganda, engaged in commercial farming, the majority remained in subsistence agriculture.

    “In my district, Ntungamo, there were six shops for Indians and Arabs. But we had land, banana plantations, and cows, just for home consumption. This has been our struggle,” President Museveni said.

    To reverse this, he initiated the four-acre model, a strategic framework advocating for diversified farming focusing on items such as coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy, food crops, and backyard enterprises such as poultry, piggery, or fish farming.

    “Those who listened have moved. Masaka focused on coffee and is doing well. Poultry and dairy are also transforming lives,” he remarked.

    President Museveni narrated the historical evolution of government-led wealth creation initiatives, from the Entandikwa program through LC structures to NAADS and eventually Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). While OWC saw a marked improvement in integrating Ugandans into the money economy, reaching 61% by 2020, President Museveni expressed discontent over reports of favoritism by UPDF officers.

    “I started hearing stories that the soldiers were “baali beegabira bokka” (giving to friends and relatives), spoiling the name of the UPDF. I told them, let the army get out. Let’s give money directly to people at their parishes. If they misuse it, God is there; he will deal with them,” the President said.

    He cited the success of Mbabazi as a vindication of the shift to direct disbursement of funds under the PDM.

    Highlighting the case of Kawempe Division, President Museveni noted that with 22 parishes each receiving UGX 100 million annually, a total of UGX 6.6 billion has been injected into approximately 7,000 households over the past three years.

    “This money, if used wisely, can transform lives. You don’t need a moneylender who charges UGX 400,000 per month, UGX 5.8 million a year. With PDM, you return UGX 1 million plus UGX 120,000 interest in two years,” H.E. Museveni explained, further urging beneficiaries to understand the revolving nature of PDM and not expect lump-sum access to the fund, emphasizing that with patience, all will benefit.

    President Museveni’s visit to Kyambogo marked one of the penultimate events of his nationwide PDM sensitization tour, which has seen him crisscross the country to evaluate impact, inspire uptake, and recalibrate the program’s delivery.

    The grand finale will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, where a mega rally is expected to draw thousands of Kampala residents.

    The event in Kyambogo was also attended by key government figures, including Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, National PDM Coordinator Hon. Denis Galabuzi Ssozi, KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki and her deputy Mr. Benon Kigenyi, Presidential Advisors Hajjat Sarah Kanyike and Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, among others.

    – on behalf of State House Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • PM Modi to visit UK and Maldives from July 23–26: MEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, further reinforcing India’s global diplomatic engagements.

    At the invitation of UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, PM Modi will undertake an official visit to the United Kingdom from July 23 to 24. This marks his fourth visit to the UK.

    During his stay, the Prime Minister will engage in wide-ranging discussions with Starmer, covering the full spectrum of India-UK bilateral relations. The leaders are also expected to exchange views on pressing regional and global issues. 

    PM Modi is also scheduled to call on His Majesty King Charles III.

    The visit will include a comprehensive review of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with particular emphasis on cooperation in trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate action, health, education, and people-to-people ties, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

    In the second leg of the tour, the PM will pay a State Visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, at the invitation of the Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu. This will be PM Modi’s third visit to the island nation, and notably, the first visit by a Head of State or Government to the Maldives under President Muizzu’s administration.

    PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Maldivian Independence on July 26. 

    During his visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with Muizzu on areas of mutual interest and strategic cooperation. The two leaders will also review the progress of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ which was established during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.

    The visit underscores India’s commitment to its maritime neighbour and reiterates the centrality of Maldives in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the broader Vision MAHASAGAR. It is expected to provide fresh momentum to the growing partnership between the two nations and further deepen their longstanding ties.

  • PM Modi among those with highest attendance in Parliament, says Kiren Rijiju

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among those with the highest attendance in Parliament, noting that the Prime Minister makes it a point to attend proceedings unless he is travelling abroad or visiting a state for official engagements.

    Briefing the media after an all-party meeting convened ahead of the Monsoon Session, the Minister hit out at the Opposition parties’ attempts to create an unnecessary controversy over PM Modi’s presence during proceedings.

    “Demanding the Prime Minister’s presence at all times in the House is against established norms,” Mr. Rijiju said. “Whenever questions pertaining to the Prime Minister’s Ministry are scheduled during Question Hour, he is present. He has not missed such proceedings.”

    The Minister reiterated the government’s readiness to engage with the Opposition on national issues and pending legislation during the upcoming session. He noted that 51 parties participated in the meeting, with many raising demands for smoother functioning of the House.

    Responding to concerns raised by smaller parties over inadequate speaking time, Mr. Rijiju said the matter would be taken up for appropriate redress. “It is the joint responsibility of the government and the Opposition to ensure Parliament functions smoothly,” he said.

    The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to commence on July 21 and will continue till August 21, with 21 sittings planned.

    IANS

  • Centre holds all-party meet ahead of Monsoon Session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre on Sunday convened an all-party meeting in the national capital, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

    Briefing reporters after the meeting, Rijiju said the government was ready to hold discussions on several key issues, including Operation Sindoor. “The government noted the suggestions of various parties. We have appealed to both the ruling and Opposition sides to work in coordination. Irrespective of ideological differences, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of Parliament,” he said.

    Rijiju described the meeting as “constructive” and said representatives from 51 parties participated. “A total of 54 leaders attended, with 40 putting forth the views of their parties. The Opposition shared their priorities; so did NDA partners and non-aligned parties,” he said, adding that final decisions on the schedule of discussions would be taken by the Business Advisory Committee.

    On the Opposition’s demand for a discussion on Operation Sindoor — India’s evacuation operation in West Asia — Rijiju said, “This is a very good suggestion. Delegations to countries after the operation were well received. All those experiences should be shared in Parliament.”

    He also addressed the impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Verma, saying more than 100 MPs have signed the motion and that the process will be undertaken with consensus. “This is not just a government initiative,” he said.

    The Monsoon Session is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 21.

    The government is set to introduce several bills, including the Manipur GST (Amendment) Bill, Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, and the National Sports Governance Bill. Also on the agenda are the Indian Ports Bill, Income Tax Bill, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, and the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill.

    As part of ongoing parliamentary reforms, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has initiated digitisation and transparency measures under the guidance of the Speaker.

  • Amit Shah inaugurates projects worth ₹1,271 crore at Uttarakhand Investment Festival 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹1,271 crore in Uttarakhand, during the ‘Uttarakhand Investment Festival 2025’ held in Dehradun. The event also marked the realization of ₹1 lakh crore worth of investment in the hill state, following commitments made during the 2023 Global Investors Summit.

    The event was attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, among other dignitaries.

    Speaking at the event, Shah praised the state government for successfully translating investment MoUs into action. “At the 2023 Global Investors Summit, Uttarakhand received MoUs worth ₹3.56 lakh crore. Today, ₹1 lakh crore worth of investments have materialized, creating over 81,000 jobs. Ancillary industries are expected to generate another 2.5 lakh employment opportunities,” he said.

    Shah lauded the Dhami-led administration for maintaining a balance between industrial growth and environmental sustainability. “Bringing investment to a landlocked, hilly state like Uttarakhand is no small feat. But the Chief Minister has achieved this by ensuring transparent policies, swift implementation, and strategic planning,” he added.

    Highlighting Uttarakhand’s spiritual and cultural importance, Shah described it as the “Dev Bhoomi,” and emphasized that no force could hinder its progress. “This is the land of one Jyotirlinga, three Shakti Peethas, the Char Dham, Panch Prayag, Panch Kedar, and Sapt Badri. Uttarakhand represents a confluence of nature, culture, and spirituality,” he said.

    He announced that infrastructure projects like the ₹2,700 crore Govind Ghat–Hemkund Sahib ropeway and the ₹4,000 crore Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway would further boost tourism. “Once the Char Dham all-weather road project is complete, tourists will visit Uttarakhand year-round,” he said.

    The home minister also targeted the opposition for allegedly obstructing development works. “The practice of disrupting state development must stop. When the state progresses, it is the responsibility of every political party to support it,” he remarked.

    On national development, Shah said that the Modi government had shattered the belief that industrial progress and welfare couldn’t go hand in hand. “From free food grains to over 80 crore people, to free medical treatment under Ayushman Bharat, to tap water and toilets for crores of households — these efforts prove inclusive growth is possible,” he said.

    Shah further added that Uttarakhand was benefiting from stable policies and sector-specific initiatives such as tourism, AYUSH, startups, film policy, and logistics. Ayurveda, yoga, organic farming, and natural therapies, he said, would form the four pillars of the state’s development.

    Drawing comparisons with the UPA era, Shah said that while the previous government provided ₹53,000 crore to Uttarakhand between 2004 and 2014, the Modi-led government had allocated ₹1.86 lakh crore from 2014 to 2024. “This includes ₹31,000 crore for roads, ₹40,000 crore for railways, and ₹100 crore for airport development. Overall, the funding has been more than four times higher,” he said.

    Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation for a developed India by 2047, and that dream would not be possible without the holistic development of small and eastern states, including Uttarakhand.

  • Team India arrives in Manchester ahead of fourth Test against England at Old Trafford

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Team India arrived in Manchester on Sunday ahead of the fourth Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford from July 23.

    Among those spotted arriving were team captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

    Other players who arrived included left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan, right-handed batter Karun Nair, uncapped player Abhimanyu Easwaran, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared pictures of several other players, including all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur, along with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.

    Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh were also seen arriving, along with left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

    https://x.com/BCCI/status/1946773827184414953

    India currently trail 1-2 in the five-match series, after narrowly losing the third Test at Lord’s by just 22 runs, despite a fighting effort from the tailenders and Ravindra Jadeja while chasing a target of 193.

    India’s squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

  • Kremlin says Putin is ready to discuss peace in Ukraine but wants to achieve goals

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscow’s main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

    Peskov said that the world was now accustomed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s sometimes “harsh” rhetoric but pointed out that Trump had also underscored in comments on Russia that he would continue to search for a peace deal.

    “President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy,” Peskov said told state television reporter Pavel Zarubin.

    “The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear,” Peskov said.

    -Reuters

  • Peace will be established by destroying entire terror machinery, says J&K L-G

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that peace in the Union Territory will not be purchased but established by dismantling the entire terror machinery.

    Speaking at a function here, the L-G emphasized that the administration is not working to “buy peace,” but to build a lasting and just one in the region.

    Sinha said that while no innocent person will be harmed, the guilty will not be spared. He also highlighted the pivotal role being played by the J&K Police in dismantling the terror ecosystem.

    “J&K Police has a crucial responsibility to eliminate the support system of terrorists, whether financial, logistical, or otherwise. It is not just the terrorists who must be dealt with, but the entire machinery that supports them,” the L-G stressed.

    He criticised the past approach in which individuals linked to terror activities were given government jobs, while victims of terrorism were neglected and left to fend for themselves.

    “The administration is now actively working to rehabilitate families who have suffered at the hands of terrorists. Many have lost their loved ones. In some homes, only elderly parents remain after their sons were brutally killed. Thousands were murdered at the behest of Pakistan. On July 13, forty terror victim families in Baramulla were provided appointment letters,” he said.

    “Some youths lost their fathers when they were just two years old. Today, we are ensuring that their pain is acknowledged and justice is delivered. Naya Jammu and Kashmir is not just a slogan—it is a reality that has evolved over the past few years. Now, pens and laptops have replaced stones in the hands of the youth. Schools and colleges remain open year-round without hartals. The days of separatist slogans and shutdown calendars are over,” the L-G added.

    “Today, our calendars are filled with national and international events,” he said.

    L-G Sinha further said that the rattle of guns has been replaced by the hum of factories. People now freely participate in religious and cultural events like Muharram processions and Eid melas, and families can move about without fear—even watching movies in cinema halls.

    “People must join hands with the security forces. Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope. And we are committed to making that peace a permanent reality,” he said.

    Earlier, L-G said that all properties of terror victims usurped by vested interests backed by terrorists will be restored to their rightful owners by August this year.

    IANS

  • Peace will be established by destroying entire terror machinery, says J&K L-G

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that peace in the Union Territory will not be purchased but established by dismantling the entire terror machinery.

    Speaking at a function here, the L-G emphasized that the administration is not working to “buy peace,” but to build a lasting and just one in the region.

    Sinha said that while no innocent person will be harmed, the guilty will not be spared. He also highlighted the pivotal role being played by the J&K Police in dismantling the terror ecosystem.

    “J&K Police has a crucial responsibility to eliminate the support system of terrorists, whether financial, logistical, or otherwise. It is not just the terrorists who must be dealt with, but the entire machinery that supports them,” the L-G stressed.

    He criticised the past approach in which individuals linked to terror activities were given government jobs, while victims of terrorism were neglected and left to fend for themselves.

    “The administration is now actively working to rehabilitate families who have suffered at the hands of terrorists. Many have lost their loved ones. In some homes, only elderly parents remain after their sons were brutally killed. Thousands were murdered at the behest of Pakistan. On July 13, forty terror victim families in Baramulla were provided appointment letters,” he said.

    “Some youths lost their fathers when they were just two years old. Today, we are ensuring that their pain is acknowledged and justice is delivered. Naya Jammu and Kashmir is not just a slogan—it is a reality that has evolved over the past few years. Now, pens and laptops have replaced stones in the hands of the youth. Schools and colleges remain open year-round without hartals. The days of separatist slogans and shutdown calendars are over,” the L-G added.

    “Today, our calendars are filled with national and international events,” he said.

    L-G Sinha further said that the rattle of guns has been replaced by the hum of factories. People now freely participate in religious and cultural events like Muharram processions and Eid melas, and families can move about without fear—even watching movies in cinema halls.

    “People must join hands with the security forces. Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope. And we are committed to making that peace a permanent reality,” he said.

    Earlier, L-G said that all properties of terror victims usurped by vested interests backed by terrorists will be restored to their rightful owners by August this year.

    IANS

  • India taking steady, confident steps towards oil self-sufficiency: Hardeep Singh Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India is taking steady and confident steps towards oil self-sufficiency, and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country is securing its energy future, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Sunday.

    With one million square kilometres of offshore area now open for oilfield exploration and 99 per cent of ‘No-Go’ areas cleared, the minister announced on social media platform X that the groundwork is being laid for major energy progress.

    The oil and gas blocks offered under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) have already attracted interest from both global and domestic energy players, and Round X is expected to set new benchmarks for participation and investment.

    “25 blocks under OALP-X; 154 exploration blocks active; 14 new oil and gas discoveries; ₹792 crore invested in Mission Anveshan; 6,200 GLKM of seismic data already collected; ONGC producing 34,000 BOPD oil and 3 MMSCMD gas,” he said.

    This month, the Petroleum Ministry invited feedback and suggestions on the Draft Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, Model Revenue Sharing Contract (MRSC), and Petroleum Lease – part of a series of pathbreaking policy reforms aimed at promoting exploration and production in the oil and gas sector.

    The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, was amended in March 2025, and the new PNG Rules were issued within three months, ahead of OALP Round X – the largest exploration and production bidding round globally, aligned with PM Modi’s vision for the sector.

    “This is a great time for entrepreneurs and industry leaders to look at oil and gas exploration in India. It has never been easier, faster, or more profitable to invest in India’s energy future,” Puri said.

    The minister also highlighted that clean cooking fuel is now part of daily life for nearly every Indian, with close to 100 per cent geographic and population coverage.

    “From 55 cities in 2014 to 300+ cities and towns, from 25 lakh kitchens to 1.5 crore homes today – India’s city gas distribution networks have ushered in a revolution under PM Modi,” he added.

    IANS

  • Will continue to inspire: Tributes pour in on Sheila Dikshit’s death anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday paid tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on her death anniversary.

    Taking to social media, Gupta said, “Humble tribute to former Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Sheila Dikshit ji on her death anniversary.”

    Dikshit, a senior Congress leader and the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi, led the city for three consecutive terms from 1998 to 2013.

    Remembering her contribution, the Congress party said on X: “Respectful tribute on the death anniversary of Delhi’s former Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit ji. Her commitment to development and dedication to public service will always continue to inspire us all.”

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage, describing Dikshit as a visionary leader. “On her punyatithi, we pay our heartfelt tributes to the former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who profoundly transformed the city. Her progressive policies and unwavering dedication to the well-being of its citizens created a lasting legacy of inclusivity and growth,” he said.

    Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also joined in remembering her, saying, “On the death anniversary of Delhi’s former Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, I pay my respectful homage to her.”

    Dikshit entered national politics under the leadership of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who included her in his council of ministers in 1984. She represented Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj constituency in the Lok Sabha from 1984 to 1989, serving as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and later working in the Prime Minister’s Office.

    During her parliamentary tenure, she served on the Estimates Committee of the Lok Sabha and chaired the committee for the commemoration of 40 years of India’s Independence and Jawaharlal Nehru’s centenary. Dikshit also represented India at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women from 1984 to 1989.

    Although she lost the 1998 Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi, Dikshit made a swift political comeback that same year, taking charge as Chief Minister of Delhi. She served three full terms, representing the Gole Market constituency in 1998 and 2003, and the New Delhi constituency from 2008.

    Sheila Dikshit passed away in 2019 at the age of 81.

    IANS

  • PM Modi lauds TVS Motor company for chronicling the beauty of Kutch

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it was a delight to meet top executives from TVS Motor Company and commended them for their efforts in capturing the beauty of Kutch.

    Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, and Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, met the Prime Minister and presented him with the TVSM x Rann Utsav 2025 Coffee Table Book.

    “Glad to have met Shri Venu Srinivasan Ji and Mr. Sudarshan Venu. I commend them for their effort to chronicle the beauty of Kutch and also encourage motorcyclists to visit the region,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

    The executives described the meeting as an honour.

    “In February this year, TVS Motor Company, in partnership with Gujarat Tourism, curated an extraordinary motorcycling experience at Rann Utsav, showcasing the region’s culture, landscapes, and heritage — inspired by PM Modi’s vision to promote Kutch as a tourist destination among the youth,” they said on X.

    The coffee table book highlights Kutch’s rich heritage and mesmerising landscapes.Created around the theme Saari Muzaafiri, the book captures key locations and destinations in the Rann of Kutch from dawn to dusk, offering a visual treat for readers.

    “We can say with certainty that Kutch is a motorcyclist’s delight! Come, bike there… you will be awestruck for life,” Srinivasan said on X.

    Earlier this year, PM Modi had invited everyone to Gujarat’s iconic Rann Utsav, which concluded in March.

    Promising an unforgettable experience for hodophiles, PM Modi shared a video on X capturing the scenic beauty of Kutch, writing, “Kutch awaits you all! Come, discover the pristine White Rann, the spectacular culture, and the warm hospitality of Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav.”

    In a separate LinkedIn post, the Prime Minister wrote: “The White Rann beckons! An unforgettable experience awaits! Come, immerse yourself in a unique mix of culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty.” The post also featured photos from his visit to Kutch, along with a write-up titled Rann Utsav – A Lifetime Experience.

    —IANS

  • World Championship of Legends: India-Pakistan clash called off amid player and sponsor boycott

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) has officially been called off, following strong objections from Indian players and a principal tournament sponsor.

    The decision was announced by the tournament organisers, who issued a formal apology for “hurting sentiments” and “causing discomfort” to the Indian legends.

    In a statement, WCL organisers said the India-Pakistan fixture was scheduled in the spirit of fostering goodwill, taking inspiration from a recent friendly volleyball match between the two nations. However, they acknowledged that the move had backfired, creating discomfort among Indian players and sparking widespread backlash.

    “The fixture was planned to create happy memories for fans,” the statement read. “But we understand that it may have caused unease to the Indian legends and fans. We sincerely apologise for hurting sentiments and have decided to cancel the match.”

    The cancellation follows public declarations from former India cricketers, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, who stated they would not participate in the match.

    In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dhawan shared an email he had sent to WCL organisers on May 11, clearly stating his unwillingness to play against Pakistan.
    “Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota”
    (I stand by the decision I made on May 11. My country is everything for me, and nothing is greater than the nation), Dhawan wrote.

    Sources suggest that other Indian players have also privately communicated their decision to skip the Pakistan fixture.

    The controversy deepened after one of WCL’s main sponsors, travel-tech company EaseMyTrip, reaffirmed its longstanding policy of non-participation in any match involving Pakistan. The company, which signed a five-year sponsorship deal with the tournament two years ago, reiterated its stance in a statement shared on social media.

    “Despite entering into a five-year sponsorship agreement with WCL, our stance has always been clear—EaseMyTrip will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan,” the company posted. “We proudly continue to support the India Champions but will not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan. This position was unambiguously communicated to the WCL team from the start. Bharat First. Always.”

    India and Pakistan were scheduled to face off in Birmingham on Sunday in what would have been their first cricket encounter since the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. Rising tensions had already cast a shadow over the fixture, prompting fan backlash and political debate.

    India Legends are the defending champions of the WCL, having defeated Pakistan in last year’s final, with both Shahid Afridi and the Indian stalwarts participating.

    —IANS

  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to chair all-party meeting today ahead of Monsoon Session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju will chair an all-party meeting on Sunday, as part of preparations for the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is set to commence on Monday, July 21.

    The meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Committee Room of the Parliament House Annexe.

    This customary pre-session meeting aims to foster cooperation and coordination among all political parties to ensure the smooth and productive functioning of both Houses — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — during the upcoming session.

    Floor leaders of all major political parties in Parliament have been invited to attend the meeting.

    During the interaction, the central government is expected to present its legislative agenda and seek consensus on key issues to be taken up during the session.

    The Monsoon Session will run from July 21 to August 21 and will include 21 sittings. Notably, no sittings are scheduled between August 12 and August 18.

    Addressing the media earlier, Minister Rijiju said that the government is fully prepared to discuss important national matters and pending legislation.

    “Parliament is about to begin. Whatever issue comes up in Parliament, we will listen to it. Yesterday, I had a very good meeting with Kharge ji and Rahul ji. I keep having regular meetings with leaders of other opposition parties. Being the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, it is my responsibility to maintain coordination with everyone,” he said.

    Among the key bills likely to be taken up during this session are the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. In total, seven pending bills have been listed for consideration and passage, while eight bills are proposed to be restored for discussion.

    —IANS

  • Death toll rises to 37 after cruise ship capsizes in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tragedy struck northern Vietnam as a cruise ship carrying dozens of tourists capsized in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, following a sudden and severe storm. According to the Vietnam News Agency, the death toll has now risen to 37, with rescue operations still underway.

    The incident occurred on Saturday around 1:30 p.m. local time, when the vessel encountered a powerful storm that swept across the region. By 2:05 p.m., the ship had lost all contact with authorities and subsequently sank beneath the waters of the bay, officials confirmed.

    The cruise boat was carrying 48 passengers at the time — 24 men and 24 women — many of them reportedly young people and children.

    Local media outlet Tien Phong reported that most of the passengers were Vietnamese families visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site from the capital, Hanoi.

    Despite challenging weather conditions and heavy rainfall, rescue teams have managed to pull 11 people from the water alive. However, dozens remain missing, prompting a large-scale rescue effort that is expected to continue through the night.

    Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and has called for a thorough investigation into the accident.

    In a statement, the government emphasised that any violations contributing to the incident would be “strictly handled.”

    Ha Long Bay, famed for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands, is one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions. In 2019 alone, it welcomed over 4 million visitors, both domestic and international.

    As the search for survivors continues, the nation mourns the lives lost in one of its most iconic natural landmarks.

    —IANS

  • Hong Kong issues highest storm warning as typhoon Wipha approaches

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hong Kong issued its highest storm warning on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha, packing winds of more than 167 kilometres (103 miles) per hour, brought heavy rain and strong winds across the territory, forcing the cancellation of more than 200 flights.

    The city’s weather observatory raised its storm signal to No. 10 at 9:20 a.m. (0120 GMT) and said it expected the signal to remain at that level “for some time.”

    According to the warning, Wipha will pass approximately 50 km south of the observatory. Hurricane-force winds are affecting the southern part of Hong Kong, the observatory said.

    Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK) cancelled all flights arriving at or departing from Hong Kong International Airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. The airline waived ticket change fees and made arrangements for customers to rebook.

    Most public transport services were suspended on Sunday, including ferries, due to high sea swells.

    -Reuters

  • South Korea: Death toll rises sharply as heavy rains trigger deadly landslides in Sancheong

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Torrential rains that pounded South Korea for four consecutive days have left at least nine people dead and several others missing, after downpours triggered deadly landslides in the southern Sancheong County, officials said.

    A person in their 60s was found in cardiac arrest after a landslide, triggered by heavy rain, engulfed homes in a village in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, on Saturday morning.

    In a separate incident, a landslide in another village in Sancheong killed two others in their home, while a deadly mudslide swept through homes in a different village in the county shortly after noon, leaving two people dead and one missing, according to fire authorities.

    Also in Sancheong, another individual was found in cardiac arrest around noon after their home was inundated by rain. Sancheong County issued an alert urging all residents to evacuate to safety, Yonhap News Agency reported.

    In the nearby city of Miryang, also in South Gyeongsang Province, a driver in his 60s was killed after floodwaters swept away his car.

    Authorities said five people were confirmed dead, two were missing, and two others were found in cardiac arrest in the province on Saturday alone, as record rainfall battered the region. Firefighters continued rescue operations to locate those still unaccounted for.

    South Gyeongsang is among the regions hardest hit by the recent downpours, with some areas receiving more than 700 millimetres of rain between Wednesday and Saturday.

    The National Fire Agency issued a nationwide firefighting mobilisation order in response to the landslides.

    So far, central and local government authorities have reported five deaths and four missing persons since the onset of the rain on Wednesday. Four of the five people killed in South Gyeongsang on Saturday were not yet included in the official death toll.

    The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is expected to release updated figures on casualties and damage assessments later in the day.

    Weather authorities have warned that up to 250 mm of additional rainfall could fall within the day, raising concerns about further damage and casualties.

    Evacuation orders have been issued for 7,029 residents from 4,995 households, with more than 2,800 people still unable to return home.

    The torrential downpours have inundated roads, triggered landslides, and flooded homes across the country. Overnight rainfall remained extreme in many regions.

    Incheon’s Yeongheung Island saw 98.5 mm of rain fall in just one hour, between 12:50 a.m. and 1:50 a.m., while Boseong in South Jeolla Province received 88 mm in the same time frame.

    Some areas have already received over 40 percent of their annual average rainfall in the past four days. Seosan recorded 558.6 mm of rain from Wednesday to Friday morning — equivalent to 45 percent of its yearly average.

    A total of 729 cases of public infrastructure damage have been reported, including 388 flooded roads, 133 landslides, and 57 river facility collapses. Private property damage reached 1,014 cases, including 64 flooded buildings and 59 instances of submerged farmland.

    -IANS

  • South Korea: Death toll rises sharply as heavy rains trigger deadly landslides in Sancheong

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Torrential rains that pounded South Korea for four consecutive days have left at least nine people dead and several others missing, after downpours triggered deadly landslides in the southern Sancheong County, officials said.

    A person in their 60s was found in cardiac arrest after a landslide, triggered by heavy rain, engulfed homes in a village in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, on Saturday morning.

    In a separate incident, a landslide in another village in Sancheong killed two others in their home, while a deadly mudslide swept through homes in a different village in the county shortly after noon, leaving two people dead and one missing, according to fire authorities.

    Also in Sancheong, another individual was found in cardiac arrest around noon after their home was inundated by rain. Sancheong County issued an alert urging all residents to evacuate to safety, Yonhap News Agency reported.

    In the nearby city of Miryang, also in South Gyeongsang Province, a driver in his 60s was killed after floodwaters swept away his car.

    Authorities said five people were confirmed dead, two were missing, and two others were found in cardiac arrest in the province on Saturday alone, as record rainfall battered the region. Firefighters continued rescue operations to locate those still unaccounted for.

    South Gyeongsang is among the regions hardest hit by the recent downpours, with some areas receiving more than 700 millimetres of rain between Wednesday and Saturday.

    The National Fire Agency issued a nationwide firefighting mobilisation order in response to the landslides.

    So far, central and local government authorities have reported five deaths and four missing persons since the onset of the rain on Wednesday. Four of the five people killed in South Gyeongsang on Saturday were not yet included in the official death toll.

    The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is expected to release updated figures on casualties and damage assessments later in the day.

    Weather authorities have warned that up to 250 mm of additional rainfall could fall within the day, raising concerns about further damage and casualties.

    Evacuation orders have been issued for 7,029 residents from 4,995 households, with more than 2,800 people still unable to return home.

    The torrential downpours have inundated roads, triggered landslides, and flooded homes across the country. Overnight rainfall remained extreme in many regions.

    Incheon’s Yeongheung Island saw 98.5 mm of rain fall in just one hour, between 12:50 a.m. and 1:50 a.m., while Boseong in South Jeolla Province received 88 mm in the same time frame.

    Some areas have already received over 40 percent of their annual average rainfall in the past four days. Seosan recorded 558.6 mm of rain from Wednesday to Friday morning — equivalent to 45 percent of its yearly average.

    A total of 729 cases of public infrastructure damage have been reported, including 388 flooded roads, 133 landslides, and 57 river facility collapses. Private property damage reached 1,014 cases, including 64 flooded buildings and 59 instances of submerged farmland.

    -IANS

  • Clashes rage in Druze region as Syria struggles to enforce ceasefire

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Sectarian clashes escalated on Saturday in Syria’s predominantly Druze region of Sweida, with machine gun fire and mortar shelling heard after days of bloodshed, as the Islamist-led government struggled to enforce a ceasefire.

    Reuters reporters heard gunfire from inside Sweida city and saw shells landing in nearby villages. There were no immediate, confirmed reports of casualties.

    The government had announced that security forces were being deployed to the southern region in an effort to maintain peace and urged all parties to halt fighting after nearly a week of factional violence in which hundreds have been killed.

    Late on Saturday, the interior ministry said clashes in Sweida city had subsided and the area had been cleared of Bedouin tribal fighters following the deployment.

    The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, reported that at least 940 people had been killed in clashes around Sweida since last week. Reuters could not independently verify the death toll.

    Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that “Arab and American” mediation had helped restore calm before the latest escalation. He also criticized Israel for conducting airstrikes earlier in the week.

    Violence in Druze Region Challenges Damascus

    The fighting poses a fresh challenge to the authority of Sharaa’s Islamist-dominated government, which assumed power after rebels ousted autocratic President Bashar al-Assad in December.

    The unrest began last week as clashes between the Druze—a religious minority native to southern Syria, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and parts of Lebanon and Jordan—and Syrian Bedouin tribes. Government forces intervened to defuse tensions but ended up clashing with Druze gunmen and attacking Druze communities.

    Saturday’s violence once again pitted Druze fighters against Bedouin tribesmen, according to eyewitnesses.

    The conflict has drawn in neighboring Israel, which launched airstrikes in southern Syria and on the defense ministry in Damascus while Syrian government forces battled Druze fighters. Israel claims it is acting to protect the Druze, who also form a notable minority in Israel.

    However, Israel and Washington remain divided over Syria. The U.S. supports a centralized Syrian state under Sharaa’s leadership, which has pledged to govern for all citizens. Israel, however, argues that the government is dominated by jihadists and poses a threat to minorities.

    In March, Syrian government forces were implicated in mass killings of members of the Alawite minority, from which much of Assad’s elite hailed.

    Tensions at a Boiling Point

    On Saturday, the Syrian presidency issued a statement announcing an immediate ceasefire and called for an end to hostilities. President Sharaa declared that Syria would not become “a testing ground for partition, secession, or sectarian incitement.”

    He blamed Druze gunmen for the latest outbreak, accusing them of launching revenge attacks against Bedouins.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned Sharaa’s remarks, saying he was siding with the attackers. “In al-Sharaa’s Syria, it is very dangerous to be a member of a minority—Kurd, Druze, Alawite, or Christian,” he wrote on X.

    On Friday, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack announced that Syria and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire. Barrack, who serves as both U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Washington’s Syria envoy, called on Druze, Bedouins, Sunnis, and other minority groups to “build a new and united Syrian identity.”

    Israel has repeatedly targeted Syrian military facilities since Assad’s fall, saying it wants southern Syria, particularly areas near its border, to remain demilitarized. On Friday, an Israeli official said Israel had agreed to allow Syrian forces limited access to Sweida for two days.

    Sweida Hospital Overwhelmed

    Mansour Namour, a resident of a village near Sweida city, reported that mortar shells were still falling near his home on Saturday afternoon, with at least 22 people wounded.

    Dr. Omar Obeid, director of a local hospital in Sweida, said the facility was overwhelmed. “The hospital is full of bodies and wounded from the past few days. All the injuries are from bombs—some with chest wounds, others with shrapnel injuries to their limbs,” he said.

    –Reuters

  • Japan heads to polls in key test for Prime Minister Ishiba

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japanese voters could unleash political turmoil as they head to the polls on Sunday in a tightly contested upper house election, with rising prices and immigration concerns threatening to weaken Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s grip on power.

    Opinion polls suggest Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito may fall short of the 50 seats needed to retain control of the 248-seat upper house of parliament, in an election where half the seats are up for grabs.

    Polls show that smaller opposition parties pushing for tax cuts and increased public spending are set to gain — among them, the right-wing Sanseito, which vows to curb immigration, oppose foreign capital inflows, and reverse gender equality initiatives.

    A poor showing by the coalition could shake investor confidence in the world’s fourth-largest economy and disrupt critical trade talks with the United States, analysts said.

    Ishiba may have to choose between stepping aside for a new LDP leader or scrambling to secure the backing of some opposition parties through policy compromises, said Rintaro Nishimura, an associate at the Asia Group in Japan.

    “Each scenario requires the LDP and Komeito to make certain concessions, and will be challenging, as any potential partner has leverage in the negotiations,” he added.

    After the election, Japan faces a deadline of August 1 to strike a trade deal with the United States or risk punishing tariffs in its largest export market.

    Such import levies could squeeze the economy and further pressure the government to provide financial relief to households already reeling from inflation — including a doubling of rice prices since last year.

    With an eye on a jittery government bond market, the LDP has called for fiscal restraint, rejecting opposition demands for major tax cuts and increased welfare spending to soften the blow.

    Ishiba’s administration lost its majority in the more powerful lower house in October — the LDP’s worst showing in 15 years — roiling financial markets and leaving the prime minister vulnerable to no-confidence motions that could topple his administration and trigger a fresh general election.

    Police said a male driver had been shot while being assaulted by onlookers and was taken to a hospital. His condition remains unknown.

    Ruled by the LDP for most of the post-war period, Japan has so far largely avoided the social divisions and political fracturing seen in other industrialised democracies.

    Voting ends at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), when media outlets are expected to project results based on exit polls.

    -Reuters

  • Yuva Spiritual Summit a milestone in Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign, says PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared an article highlighting the significance of the Yuva Spiritual Summit, calling it a major step toward achieving a drug-free India.

    In reply to a post on X by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, PM Modi said, “Union Minister Dr. @mansukhmandviya elaborates on how the Yuva Spiritual Summit marks a major step in building a drug-free India. Have a read!”

    Organised by the MY Bharat initiative, the ‘Youth Spiritual Summit’ was held on the sacred ghats of Kashi with the theme “Drug-Free Youth for a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). The summit is part of the Modi government’s broader campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Movement), aimed at tackling substance abuse through youth-led initiatives.

    Dr. Mandaviya, in his post, emphasised that the summit was more than just a spiritual gathering — it represents the beginning of a nationwide youth movement against drug addiction. “This is a spiritual awakening for a national cause. The youth of India are taking the lead in shaping a future free from the menace of drugs,” he wrote.

    The event brought together young leaders, spiritual guides, and social influencers who discussed holistic approaches to fighting drug abuse through mental wellness, spirituality, and community engagement.

    As part of the summit, awareness sessions, pledges, and youth-centric campaigns were launched to inspire collective action and reinforce the message of a healthier, addiction-free India.

    The Prime Minister’s endorsement of the initiative underlines the government’s emphasis on involving youth in the mission to create a developed, drug-free India by 2047.

  • Badminton Asia Jr Championships: India mixed team storms into QFs with convincing win over UAE

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships with a dominant 110–83 victory over the United Arab Emirates in their Group D clash on Saturday in Indonesia.

    This win follows India’s impressive opening-day triumph over Sri Lanka on Friday. With Hong Kong China also registering two wins from as many matches, both teams have now confirmed their progression to the knockout stages. The two sides will face off on Sunday to determine the Group D winner.

    The tournament is being played under a relay scoring format, where teams race to 110 points across 10 matches. India got off to a flying start, with girls’ singles player Rujula Ramu defeating Mysha Khan 11–5, followed by the mixed doubles pairing of C. Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri, who extended the lead to 22–11.

    India maintained the lead throughout the contest, despite spirited resistance from the UAE in a few matches. At the halfway stage, the scoreboard read 55–41 in India’s favour.

    US Open finalist Tanvi Sharma then delivered a clinical performance to stretch the lead to 66–46 against Madhumita Sundarapandian.

    Lalramsanga returned to the court, this time partnering Reshika U in the second mixed doubles rubber, where they outplayed Adithya Kiran and Mysha Khan 11–5 to take India further ahead at 77–51, effectively putting the team in the driver’s seat.

    India will now look to maintain their momentum and finish top of the group with a win against Hong Kong China on Sunday.

    The team event follows a relay format, with the first side to reach 110 points declared the winner.

    The championships are also seen as a key stepping stone towards the BWF Junior World Championships, which will be held at the state-of-the-art National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati later this year.

    IANS