I am pleased to represent the Secretary-General at this important celebration. I will now read his remarks.
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Friends,
I am honoured to share a message of profound respect and heartfelt congratulations to this year’s laureates of the United Nations Population Award.
The work we celebrate today – from advancing population science to protecting reproductive rights – is central to sustainable development.
Because when every person can make informed decisions about their body and their future, we unlock opportunities, strengthen communities, and accelerate progress for all.
I thank Dr. Natalia Kanem for her dedication and leadership, as Secretary of the United Nations Population Award Committee and Executive Director of UNFPA.
I also salute the Chair, Ambassador Sidi Mohamed Laghdaf, of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, along with the committee members, for selecting this year’s honourees.
In the individual category, we celebrate Ms. Varsha Deshpande of India.
In a village in Maharashtra, young girls once faced futures decided for them.
Child marriage.
No education.
No choice.
But Varsha Deshpande stood up and said no.
For over 30 years, she has been a force for change.
Preventing hundreds of child marriages.
Providing legal aid to over 10,000 women.
And transforming the simple phrase “Lek Ladki Abhiyan”, “the cherished girl child”, into a movement of hope.
Halfway around the world in France, the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population, has spent nearly a century bridging the gap between data and dignity.
Every four years, they gather global experts to take a deep look at some of our most pressing population challenges, including migration, aging societies, and climate displacement.
The IUSSP ensures lives are not only counted – but understood and supported.
On behalf of the Secretary-General and the United Nations, congratulations.
We are all inspired by the work of today’s honourees and the future they help to shape.
A future of dignity, equality, and opportunity, for every woman, every child, and every person, everywhere.
NASA will provide live coverage of the undocking and departure of the Axiom Mission 4 private astronaut mission from the International Space Station. The four-member astronaut crew is scheduled to undock from the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft at approximately 7:05 a.m. EDT Monday, July 14, pending weather, to begin their return to Earth and splashdown off the coast of California. Coverage of departure operations will begin with hatch closing at 4:30 a.m. on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary, will have spent about two weeks in space at the conclusion of their mission. The Dragon spacecraft will return with more than 580 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from over 60 experiments conducted throughout the mission. NASA’s coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations): Monday, July 14 4:30 a.m. – Hatch closing coverage begins on NASA+. 4:55 a.m. – Crew enters spacecraft followed by hatch closing. 6:45 a.m. – Undocking coverage begins on NASA+, Axiom Space, and SpaceX channels. 7:05 a.m. – Undocking NASA’s coverage ends approximately 30 minutes after undocking when space station joint operations with Axiom Space and SpaceX conclude. Axiom Space will resume coverage of Dragon’s re-entry and splashdown on the company’s website. A collaboration between NASA and ISRO allowed Axiom Mission 4 to deliver on a commitment highlighted by President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station. The space agencies participated in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations. NASA and ISRO have a long-standing relationship built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration. The private mission also carried the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station. The International Space Station is a springboard for developing a low Earth orbit economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy off the Earth where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit provides the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions. Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at: https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space -end- Claire O’SheaHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100claire.a.o’shea@nasa.gov Anna SchneiderJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov
Secretary-General António Guterres said empowering young people in a fair and hopeful world reaffirms the UN promise that every person has the right to make informed choices about their lives and futures.
While many young people face economic uncertainty, gender inequality, health challenges, the climate crisis and a spike in conflicts – they are still leading with courage, conscience and clarity, “calling for systems that uphold their rights and support their choices,” he said in his message.
“Let’s listen to what young people want and support them in exercising their rights, making their own choices and enjoying a hopeful future,” said Natalia Kanem, Director of the UN sexual and reproductive rights agency, formally known as the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
An inclusive future
“Young people are not just thinking about their future children – they are thinking about the world those children will inherit,” one youth activist told UNFPA.
Mr. Guterres urged countries to invest in policies that will ensure young people have access to education, healthcare, and promoting the protection of reproductive rights.
“Let us stand with young people and build a future where every person can shape their destiny in a world that is fair, peaceful and full of hope,” he said.
2025 award winners
Each year, the Committee for the UN Population Award honours an individual and/or institution in recognition of outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health questions and to their solutions.
On this World Population Day, the 2025 recipients were recognised for their groundbreaking work in empowering women and addressing critical challenges facing demographic growth.
The winner in the individual category, Varshan Deshpande who founded Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, tirelessly works to empower women at the community level in India, by building vocational skills, connecting them to vital resources and services, and fostering financial independence.
The winner in the institutional category, the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), has played a pivotal role in advancing population science and policy, notably by helping establish regional population associations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Watch our interview with Natalia Kanem who is stepping down as UNFPA’s Director after more than eight years.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 111729
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1229 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
Valid 121200Z – 131200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CENTERED OVER EASTERN LOWER MICHIGAN AND OVER SOUTHWEST TEXAS…
…SUMMARY… Scattered damaging winds are possible across northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, and eastern Michigan on Saturday. Large hail and damaging gusts are possible over much of southwest Texas into southeast New Mexico during the afternoon and evening.
…Synopsis… A shortwave trough will eject northeastward out of the upper MS Valley, while a separate weaker system drifts east across the central to southern Plains. Meanwhile, weak ridging will remain over the Southeast, with a stronger upper high over southern CA.
At the surface, low pressure will move across Lower MI, with drying across the upper MS Valley as winds veer. A diffuse boundary will extend southwestward into parts of MO, KS, and OK, providing a focus for storms.
…Great Lakes Region… Strong heating will occur ahead of a cold front, with upper 60s F dewpoints over IN, OH, and much of Lower MI. Little cooling aloft is forecast with the glancing upper wave, but MLCAPE will likely exceed 2000 J/kg. Convergence within the surface trough will lead to scattered storms along the wind shift, with a few severe gusts and marginal hail possible. Low-level shear will be strongest over northern Lower MI, and an isolated supercell cannot be ruled out. Some uncertainty exist regarding overall storm coverage, as midlevel subsidence moves in late in the day.
…OH/Mid MS Valleys to the southern Plains… Ongoing storms with outflow may exist from parts of the South Plains into OK Saturday morning. Any associated boundaries may provide a focus for redevelopment during the afternoon, as 2000-3000 J/kg MUCAPE develops. Aside from that, moist easterly low-level flow through a deep layer will be favorable for thunderstorms across almost all of Southwest TX, including the Big Bend area. While shear will be weak, lightly veering winds with height along with steep lapse rates and strong instability should lead to a few robust, slow-moving storms with localized damaging hail and downburst potential.
..Jewell.. 07/11/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z
Twice defending champion Carlos Alcaraz tamed the towering Taylor Fritz to reach his third straight Wimbledon final, rediscovering his A-game when it mattered most to battle past the American in a 6-4 5-7 6-3 7-6(6) victory on Friday.
Eyeing a sixth Grand Slam title, the Spaniard was eventually too strong for the metronomically consistent Fritz, whose biggest weapons were still not damaging enough to unsettle the second seed under a fiery sun on Centre Court.
Alcaraz’s victory set the stage for a tantalising final against either world number one Jannik Sinner or 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, who will duel it out in the second semi-final on Friday.
Fritz broke Alcaraz for the first and only occasion to take the second set as the Spaniard’s intensity levels dropped, but the champion quickly regained the upper hand, breaking twice in the third set and coming through a tense tiebreak to clinch victory.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday distributed cheques of Rs 5 lakh each to 24 artisans whose stalls were damaged in a fire that broke out at Dilli Haat in April.
On the evening of April 30, a devastating fire broke out at Dilli Haat, INA, completely destroying 24 artisan stalls. Following the incident, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh for each affected artisan.
A total amount of Rs 1.20 crore was distributed to 24 artisans who were engaged in displaying handicrafts, jewellery, carpets, woodwork, textiles, and other traditional crafts.
“The newly elected government, blessed by the people of Delhi, stands firmly with the victims. Cheques of Rs 5 lakh each have been distributed to all affected artisans, and six months’ rent for their shops has been waived,” Gupta said.
The Delhi CM assured that the process of justice will no longer face delays and that every rightful claim will be settled on time.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, who was present during the cheque distribution ceremony, said the government is committed to protecting the interests of artisans and extending all necessary support to them. He added that the Delhi government stands with them, and through this ex gratia relief, aims to help them regain their footing.
“Our arts and crafts are the soul of our cultural heritage. Preserving them and supporting their custodians is our collective responsibility,” he said.
Mild tremors were felt across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday evening after an earthquake struck Haryana’s Jhajjar for the second day in a row.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), a 3.7 magnitude quake hit Jhajjar at 7.49 pm at a depth of 10 km. Jhajjar lies about 60 km from the national capital.
On Thursday morning, a stronger 4.4 magnitude earthquake had jolted the same area around 9 am, causing brief panic among residents.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday chaired the first Governing Council Meeting of the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association (NCCAA) at South Block, New Delhi. Addressing the delegation, the Defence Minister described the NCC as “a platform that presents an ideal for the youth of the country.”
He termed former NCC cadets as strong pillars of India who are contributing to the nation’s development across diverse fields — not passively, but as active drivers of change.
“We need to include the guidance of our former cadets to accelerate the goal of national development,” he said, expressing confidence that the NCCAA will provide new energy and direction to the NCC.
Singh also exhorted the NCC to spread the values and qualities of its cadets to a larger section of the population under the spirit of NCC Plus.
“NCC instills these values in the youth who are associated with it. Our effort should be to ensure that these values reach even those who could not join the NCC,” the Defence Minister said.
He further highlighted that the NCCAA can play an active role in nation-building efforts through programmes such as Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Swachhta Abhiyan, and various community development and social service schemes, which have the potential to impact a large segment of the population.
Lauding the NCC for its significant contribution to the all-round development of the youth, he said, “In the true spirit of its motto ‘Unity & Discipline,’ the NCC has always been committed to national unity and nation-building. It has helped lakhs of youth, including students from remote areas, to become disciplined and motivated.”
The NCCAA is a flagship association of NCC alumni, aimed at carrying forward the work of the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation by bringing together former and current cadets under one umbrella and enhancing their participation in the nation-building process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first registered member of the association, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is the second.
The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Department of Education) Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (Department of Youth Affairs) Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence Dipti Mohil Chawla, DGNCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, Joint Secretary (Training) Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, CEO LD Remedial World Bala Saraswathy Nair, and Secretary, NCCAA Col Gagan Sharma.
Three out of every four electors in Bihar have submitted their enumeration forms as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, taking the total coverage of the drive to 74.39 per cent, an official from the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday.
“As of 6 p.m. on Friday, 5.87 crore enumeration forms — 74.39 per cent of the total — have been collected over the last 17 days since the issuance of SIR instructions on June 24. Forms can be submitted until July 25,” the ECI said in a statement.
The official added that with 14 days remaining until the final deadline, the rest of the exercise is expected to be completed on schedule.
In the second phase of SIR, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door visits to assist electors and collect the filled-in enumeration forms, the statement said.
Field-level officials, including 38 District Registration Officers (DROs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies, and 963 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), are closely monitoring the progress of the drive.
Digitisation and uploading of forms are also proceeding smoothly. According to Para 3(h) of the SIR guidelines, BLOs have successfully digitised and uploaded 3.73 crore forms via the BLO App/ECINet, out of the total collected so far.
“A new module has been implemented in ECINet today for verification of the uploaded forms by AEROs and EROs,” the ECI added.
A total of 77,895 BLOs — including 20,603 newly appointed officers and other election staff — are working round the clock to complete the process. Additionally, over four lakh volunteers are supporting elderly, disabled, sick, and other vulnerable citizens. A proactive force of 1.56 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by recognised political parties, is also assisting in the effort.
Earlier, the Supreme Court asked the ECI to consider “in the interest of justice” whether documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards could be accepted for voter verification during the SIR in poll-bound Bihar.
A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing petitions that challenged the ECI’s June 26 directive to conduct the SIR, arguing that it could “arbitrarily” disenfranchise lakhs of voters and potentially impact free and fair elections.
Noting that the draft revised electoral rolls are scheduled to be published in August, the Supreme Court listed the matter for further hearing on July 28 before a regular Bench.
Three out of every four electors in Bihar have submitted their enumeration forms as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, taking the total coverage of the drive to 74.39 per cent, an official from the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday.
“As of 6 p.m. on Friday, 5.87 crore enumeration forms — 74.39 per cent of the total — have been collected over the last 17 days since the issuance of SIR instructions on June 24. Forms can be submitted until July 25,” the ECI said in a statement.
The official added that with 14 days remaining until the final deadline, the rest of the exercise is expected to be completed on schedule.
In the second phase of SIR, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door visits to assist electors and collect the filled-in enumeration forms, the statement said.
Field-level officials, including 38 District Registration Officers (DROs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies, and 963 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), are closely monitoring the progress of the drive.
Digitisation and uploading of forms are also proceeding smoothly. According to Para 3(h) of the SIR guidelines, BLOs have successfully digitised and uploaded 3.73 crore forms via the BLO App/ECINet, out of the total collected so far.
“A new module has been implemented in ECINet today for verification of the uploaded forms by AEROs and EROs,” the ECI added.
A total of 77,895 BLOs — including 20,603 newly appointed officers and other election staff — are working round the clock to complete the process. Additionally, over four lakh volunteers are supporting elderly, disabled, sick, and other vulnerable citizens. A proactive force of 1.56 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by recognised political parties, is also assisting in the effort.
Earlier, the Supreme Court asked the ECI to consider “in the interest of justice” whether documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards could be accepted for voter verification during the SIR in poll-bound Bihar.
A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing petitions that challenged the ECI’s June 26 directive to conduct the SIR, arguing that it could “arbitrarily” disenfranchise lakhs of voters and potentially impact free and fair elections.
Noting that the draft revised electoral rolls are scheduled to be published in August, the Supreme Court listed the matter for further hearing on July 28 before a regular Bench.
HONG KONG, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MultiBank Group, the world’s largest financial derivatives institution, has officially opened the waitlist for early access to its highly anticipated utility token, MBG. This marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to merge traditional finance with the Web3 ecosystem.
All waitlist participants will receive early access to the token presale and automatically enter a raffle for a pool of 27,000 MBG tokens. Registration is now available on the official token website with a simplified process requiring no KYC procedures or financial commitments at this stage.
Waitlist benefits
The MBG token waitlist presents a unique opportunity to reserve early access before the public sale begins. By joining the waitlist, participants secure their place among the first invited to purchase the token.
The early access program is designed to give the community time to study the project and make informed decisions about participating in the tokenized ecosystem of one of the world’s leading financial groups.
Token built on MultiBank’s solid financial heritage
The MBG token stands out in the volatile crypto market with its unique foundation—it is backed by real assets and revenues of MultiBank Group, a company with an impeccable 20-year reputation in the financial industry.
MultiBank Group, established in 2005, today holds 17 regulatory licenses across five jurisdictions and serves over 2 million clients in more than 100 countries. With daily trading volume exceeding $35 billion and net profit of $275.9 million in 2024, the company demonstrates financial stability that is rare in the Web3 world.
Notably, the token launch comes on the heels of MultiBank’s recent landmark $3 billion deal with MAG Lifestyle Development and Mavryk—the world’s largest real estate tokenization initiative. This deal, featuring premium properties like The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside at Keturah Resort, and Keturah Reserve, positions MBG as the next anticipated milestone in the company’s strategy, attracting attention from both institutional and retail investors.
Four pillars of the MBG ecosystem
The MBG token is integrated into MultiBank Group’s four-pillar ecosystem to maximize its utility:
1. MultiBank FX (TradFi Platform)
Current daily volume: $35 billion
2024 EBITDA: $284.9 million
Trading in Forex, metals, shares, indices, and commodities
2. MEX Exchange (Institutional ECN)
Independent valuation: $23.7 billion
First institutional ECN for emerging markets
Projected volume: $460 billion per day by year five
MBG holders gain access to benefits across the entire ecosystem: from trading discounts and priority execution to staking rewards and exclusive access to tokenized real estate assets.
MBG token benefits
The token offers an 11-tier loyalty system where holders of 1,000 to 550,000+ tokens receive progressive benefits: spot trading discounts up to 23%, fixed staking yields up to 45% annually, and substantial FX/CFD trading discounts up to 22.5%.
The staking program includes both fixed and variable APY options. Fixed programs offer predictable returns from 3% (30 days) to 29% (365 days), depending on the holder’s tier. The variable model is tied to ecosystem trading fees, creating a sustainable source of rewards.
Holders also receive priority trade execution, access to exclusive trading pairs including tokenized RWA assets, and early access to IEO listings on the platform. For social traders, the token unlocks advanced portfolio copying capabilities and trading signals from top traders.
At the institutional level, MBG provides on-chain trade recording for full transparency, simplified auditing for compliance requirements, and the ability to use tokenized assets as collateral for derivatives trading—creating a unique bridge between TradFi and DeFi.
MBG token: A window to the future
“MultiBank has extensive experience and an excellent reputation in the market, which allows us to proudly present a new promising project that will ensure seamless interaction between Web3 and traditional finance,” notes Zak Taher, founder and CEO of MultiBank.io.
The token also includes a deflationary buyback and burn model tied to platform revenues. The program envisions cumulative burning of up to $440 million over the first four years, potentially removing up to 50% of the total token supply.
Development prospects
The official launch of the MBG token is scheduled for July 2025 with listings on leading centralized and decentralized exchanges. Waitlist participants will receive notifications about all key dates and early participation opportunities.
To join the waitlist and get additional information about the MBG token, visit the project’s official website.
About MultiBank Group
MultiBank Group, established in California, USA in 2005, is a global leader in financial derivatives. With over 2 million clients in 100+ countries and a daily trading volume exceeding $35 billion, it offers a broad range of brokerage and asset management services. Renowned for innovative trading solutions, robust regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, the Group is regulated by 17+ top-tier financial authorities across five continents. Its award-winning platforms provide up to 500:1 leverage across Forex, Metals, Shares, Commodities, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. MultiBank Group has received over 80 international awards for trading excellence and regulatory compliance.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by MultiBank Group. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
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The country’s gold reserves grew by $342 million during the week, reaching $84.846 billion, according to the latest weekly data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday.
Along with gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased by $39 million to $18.868 billion.
Additionally, India’s reserve position with the IMF rose by $107 million to $4.735 billion, the data showed.
This uptick in reserves comes at a time when both domestic and global bullion markets are witnessing a sharp rally.
India’s forex reserves stood at $699.736 billion for the week ended July 4, the RBI said. In the previous reporting week, overall reserves had jumped by $4.849 billion to $702.784 billion. The reserves had touched an all-time high of $704.885 billion at the end of September 2024.
Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound, and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.
On Friday, gold and silver prices in India rose significantly, with silver prices hitting a new all-time high.
According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price of 24-carat gold climbed by Rs 465 to Rs 97,511 per 10 grams, up from Rs 97,046 a day earlier.
The price of 22-carat gold rose to Rs 89,320 per 10 grams, while 18-carat gold reached Rs 73,133 per 10 grams.
Meanwhile, silver prices surged by Rs 2,356 in the last 24 hours, setting a new record of Rs 1,10,290 per kilogram, breaking the previous all-time high of Rs 1,09,550 recorded on June 18.
Globally, precious metals were also trading higher. Gold rose 1.01 per cent to $3,358 per ounce, while silver jumped 2.92 per cent to $38.40 per ounce.
Analysts point to global economic uncertainty and fresh concerns over trade tariffs as the main reasons for the shift toward safe-haven assets like gold.
The country’s gold reserves grew by $342 million during the week, reaching $84.846 billion, according to the latest weekly data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday.
Along with gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased by $39 million to $18.868 billion.
Additionally, India’s reserve position with the IMF rose by $107 million to $4.735 billion, the data showed.
This uptick in reserves comes at a time when both domestic and global bullion markets are witnessing a sharp rally.
India’s forex reserves stood at $699.736 billion for the week ended July 4, the RBI said. In the previous reporting week, overall reserves had jumped by $4.849 billion to $702.784 billion. The reserves had touched an all-time high of $704.885 billion at the end of September 2024.
Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound, and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.
On Friday, gold and silver prices in India rose significantly, with silver prices hitting a new all-time high.
According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price of 24-carat gold climbed by Rs 465 to Rs 97,511 per 10 grams, up from Rs 97,046 a day earlier.
The price of 22-carat gold rose to Rs 89,320 per 10 grams, while 18-carat gold reached Rs 73,133 per 10 grams.
Meanwhile, silver prices surged by Rs 2,356 in the last 24 hours, setting a new record of Rs 1,10,290 per kilogram, breaking the previous all-time high of Rs 1,09,550 recorded on June 18.
Globally, precious metals were also trading higher. Gold rose 1.01 per cent to $3,358 per ounce, while silver jumped 2.92 per cent to $38.40 per ounce.
Analysts point to global economic uncertainty and fresh concerns over trade tariffs as the main reasons for the shift toward safe-haven assets like gold.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for infrastructure and development projects worth Rs 1,087.81 crore in Meghalaya.
Addressing an Integrated Public Programme at the LARITI — International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture in Shillong, Sitharaman praised the state’s progress and credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s leadership for effective implementation of central schemes.
The finance minister said Meghalaya had made full use of the Rs 5,400 crore allocated under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). “Some states are not able to utilise their share fully; here we have Meghalaya using its quota entirely,” she said.
Sitharaman said the Centre views the Northeast as a region that needs to be empowered and strengthened. She noted that over 540 km of roads have been built in the state and optical fibre coverage has increased five-fold since 2014.
She also highlighted Meghalaya’s performance in schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Sangma thanked the Centre for its continued support, saying Sitharaman’s visit would help address local concerns. “This visit is not only for official programmes but also to connect with citizens and understand firsthand the issues we face,” he said.
Reiterating the state’s goal of becoming one of India’s top ten states by 2032, Sangma said Meghalaya has tapped Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) as a major funding source for development. Total funding through various schemes and EAPs has reached nearly Rs 12,000 crore, he said.
lign=”center”>The private sector must embrace its role not just as an economic actor but as a co-architect of India’s future-VP India is on the right path of becoming a trusted economy, a reliable partner in the global value chain, a stable anchor in a volatile world-VP Global 2030 agenda for sustainable development cannot succeed without India’s participation; India has embraced this responsibility with clarity and conviction-VP Let us not treat sustainability as a compliance, but as a source of competitive advantage-VP Bharat seek prosperity with purpose, growth with inclusion, innovation with integrity, says VP to Industry Leaders Build “Brand India” on four pillars — quality, trust, innovation, and ancient wisdom reimagined for modern relevance, exhorts VP Government’s role is only of an enabler, it is industry that drives innovation, creates livelihoods-VP
The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that, “ Industry, friends, must be a force for inclusion by supporting MSMEs, promoting gender and caste diversity in leadership. It’s easier said than done. Gender and caste diversity has to be appreciated in the right sense. When it comes to gender, we champion affirmative action but the real problem is when gender discrimination is subtle. When gender discrimination cannot be imparted in words by the normal desire to dominate.”
Speaking as Chief Guest at the 19th Edition of the CII-ITC Sustainability Awards at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today, Shri Dhnakhar underlined, “The private sector must embrace its role not just as an economic actor but as a co-architect of India’s future……. We are not mercenaries, we don’t stand for exploitation. We believe in the positive unleashing of our energy to realise our dreams for the benefit of society at large. A truly developed nation is one where opportunity is not the privilege of the few but the right of all.”
Underlining the sustainable development credentials of Bharat, Shri Dhnakhar said, “Bharat is home to one-sixth of humanity. We are the world’s largest economy at number four and we are the torchbearers of a development paradigm that seeks to harmonize the economy, the ecological and the ethical…..the global 2030 agenda for sustainable development cannot succeed on the planet without India’s participation, without India’s contribution, without India’s proactive affirmative stance and fortunately, with the vision of its leadership, India has embraced this responsibility both with clarity and conviction……In this country, we seek prosperity with purpose, growth with inclusion, innovation with integrity……Let Indian industry become the torchbearer of this green revolution. Let us invest in renewable energy, green hydrogen, circular economy models, and carbon markets. Let us not treat sustainability as a compliance, but as a source of competitive advantage. The moment we take it in the compliance groove; the battle is lost.”
Exhorting the industry leaders present there, he stated, “ Indian industry must now expand its global presence — not just in markets, but in ideas, standards, and solutions. Let us build “Brand India” on four pillars — quality, trust, innovation, and ancient wisdom reimagined for modern relevance…..Let us go for Greenfield projects. Increasing the health sector, increasing the education sector, increasing facilities around metros is fine, but it does not lead to equitable balance and equitable balance is fundamental to cut into inequitable conduct. Therefore….if CSR funds of corporates are dealt with by corporates and conglomerates, then the areas that have been left out so far will get world-class institutions in health, education, and the like.”
“There was a time when the health and education sectors were means to give back to the society by businesses. Now there is a trend that health and education are turning out to be lucrative businesses. Commercialization and commodification of these vital segments that are essentially passages only to serve the society at large, to give back to the society, is an aspect on which the corporate India will have to reflect, devise a mechanism. Therefore, I urge the CII must lead by example by fostering a business culture that prioritizes equity, transparency and long-term value creation”, he added.
Highlighting the role of the private sector in taking the nation forward, Shri Dhankhar emphasized, “ Government’s role is only of an enabler. Heavy obligations are on the corporate world …. The government alone cannot, if I may say so, score the penalty goal. Government by itself cannot take those corners and corner kicks that result in goals. The private sector has a vital role to play because at the end of the day it is industry that drives innovation, creates livelihoods and builds the architecture of national development…….When I look at corporate India from a global perspective, I find it is an unparalleled reservoir of talent and exemplifies commitment and giving back to society. It has huge potential. Its synergetic exploitation with the government and government actors can lead to a quantum leap and geometric outcomes.”
“The Government of India has moved beyond a government-centric approach to a whole-of-society framework. Sub-national and local governments, civil society, private sector players and communities, all are vital cogs in this engine of progress. But friends, this engine has to fire on all cylinders if we have to achieve tangible success”, he further added.
Referring to the Indian economy’s potential, he stated, “ India is not merely aspiring to become a five trillion-dollar economy…..India is on the right path of becoming a trusted economy, a reliable partner in the global value chain, a stable anchor in a volatile world. The world at the moment is in turmoil and turbulence. Global configurations show no signs of abating. Supply chain disruption is taking place. In this disturbed scenario, Bharat is a prominent voice.”
Encouraging the industry to focus on research and development, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Industry must take the lead in research and development, invest in indigenous design. I would reflect for a moment on this, this is an area where there needs to be more attention, greater convergence of corporate world…research can’t be for the self, research can’t be for the shelf. Research cannot be just assimilation or surface scratching. Research has to correlate to making change on the ground”.
Drawing attention to the skill requirements of youth, he stated, “ Nearly two thirds of our population is below the age of 35. Demographic youth dividend. The median age being 28, we are 10 years younger than China and USA……duty of the corporates in particular is that, this[demographic dividend] our biggest asset has to be channelized in the right direction and therefore focus on youth and skilling is fundamental. The government is doing its bit by a number of innovative steps but major part has to be done for effective transformation by the industry. It is our biggest asset. but an asset is biggest only if we harness it with vision and urgency. I urge industry to work very closely with academia, training institutes, and the government to design future-ready curricula.”
The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.
This year’s deployment comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups, following recent operations in the Valley, officials said.
Planned in coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation aims to strengthen security along both the northern and southern routes of the pilgrimage.
According to the Army, over 8,500 troops have been deployed this year, supported by a multi-layered counter-terror grid, advanced surveillance tools and disaster response measures.
A dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid with over 50 systems and electronic warfare assets has been put in place to tackle possible drone threats. Continuous UAV surveillance missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the holy cave are also being carried out.
Engineer units have been tasked with building and repairing bridges, widening tracks and undertaking disaster mitigation work. Medical arrangements include over 150 medical personnel, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100-bed hospital and 26 oxygen booths stocked with two lakh litres of oxygen, the Army said.
Signal companies have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication, while bomb detection and disposal squads remain on standby. The Army has also kept helicopters ready for any emergencies.
Other arrangements include emergency rations for over 25,000 people, Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points and essential equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
High-resolution PTZ cameras and live drone feeds are being used to track convoys between Jammu and the cave shrine to enable early threat detection and swift response.
The Army said Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects its commitment to securing the annual pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage for devotees.
The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.
This year’s deployment comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups, following recent operations in the Valley, officials said.
Planned in coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation aims to strengthen security along both the northern and southern routes of the pilgrimage.
According to the Army, over 8,500 troops have been deployed this year, supported by a multi-layered counter-terror grid, advanced surveillance tools and disaster response measures.
A dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid with over 50 systems and electronic warfare assets has been put in place to tackle possible drone threats. Continuous UAV surveillance missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the holy cave are also being carried out.
Engineer units have been tasked with building and repairing bridges, widening tracks and undertaking disaster mitigation work. Medical arrangements include over 150 medical personnel, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100-bed hospital and 26 oxygen booths stocked with two lakh litres of oxygen, the Army said.
Signal companies have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication, while bomb detection and disposal squads remain on standby. The Army has also kept helicopters ready for any emergencies.
Other arrangements include emergency rations for over 25,000 people, Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points and essential equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
High-resolution PTZ cameras and live drone feeds are being used to track convoys between Jammu and the cave shrine to enable early threat detection and swift response.
The Army said Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects its commitment to securing the annual pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage for devotees.
The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.
This year’s deployment comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups, following recent operations in the Valley, officials said.
Planned in coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation aims to strengthen security along both the northern and southern routes of the pilgrimage.
According to the Army, over 8,500 troops have been deployed this year, supported by a multi-layered counter-terror grid, advanced surveillance tools and disaster response measures.
A dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid with over 50 systems and electronic warfare assets has been put in place to tackle possible drone threats. Continuous UAV surveillance missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the holy cave are also being carried out.
Engineer units have been tasked with building and repairing bridges, widening tracks and undertaking disaster mitigation work. Medical arrangements include over 150 medical personnel, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100-bed hospital and 26 oxygen booths stocked with two lakh litres of oxygen, the Army said.
Signal companies have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication, while bomb detection and disposal squads remain on standby. The Army has also kept helicopters ready for any emergencies.
Other arrangements include emergency rations for over 25,000 people, Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points and essential equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
High-resolution PTZ cameras and live drone feeds are being used to track convoys between Jammu and the cave shrine to enable early threat detection and swift response.
The Army said Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects its commitment to securing the annual pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage for devotees.
The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.
This year’s deployment comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups, following recent operations in the Valley, officials said.
Planned in coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation aims to strengthen security along both the northern and southern routes of the pilgrimage.
According to the Army, over 8,500 troops have been deployed this year, supported by a multi-layered counter-terror grid, advanced surveillance tools and disaster response measures.
A dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid with over 50 systems and electronic warfare assets has been put in place to tackle possible drone threats. Continuous UAV surveillance missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the holy cave are also being carried out.
Engineer units have been tasked with building and repairing bridges, widening tracks and undertaking disaster mitigation work. Medical arrangements include over 150 medical personnel, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100-bed hospital and 26 oxygen booths stocked with two lakh litres of oxygen, the Army said.
Signal companies have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication, while bomb detection and disposal squads remain on standby. The Army has also kept helicopters ready for any emergencies.
Other arrangements include emergency rations for over 25,000 people, Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points and essential equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
High-resolution PTZ cameras and live drone feeds are being used to track convoys between Jammu and the cave shrine to enable early threat detection and swift response.
The Army said Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects its commitment to securing the annual pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage for devotees.
The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.
This year’s deployment comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups, following recent operations in the Valley, officials said.
Planned in coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation aims to strengthen security along both the northern and southern routes of the pilgrimage.
According to the Army, over 8,500 troops have been deployed this year, supported by a multi-layered counter-terror grid, advanced surveillance tools and disaster response measures.
A dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid with over 50 systems and electronic warfare assets has been put in place to tackle possible drone threats. Continuous UAV surveillance missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the holy cave are also being carried out.
Engineer units have been tasked with building and repairing bridges, widening tracks and undertaking disaster mitigation work. Medical arrangements include over 150 medical personnel, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100-bed hospital and 26 oxygen booths stocked with two lakh litres of oxygen, the Army said.
Signal companies have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication, while bomb detection and disposal squads remain on standby. The Army has also kept helicopters ready for any emergencies.
Other arrangements include emergency rations for over 25,000 people, Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points and essential equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
High-resolution PTZ cameras and live drone feeds are being used to track convoys between Jammu and the cave shrine to enable early threat detection and swift response.
The Army said Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects its commitment to securing the annual pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage for devotees.
The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.
This year’s deployment comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups, following recent operations in the Valley, officials said.
Planned in coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation aims to strengthen security along both the northern and southern routes of the pilgrimage.
According to the Army, over 8,500 troops have been deployed this year, supported by a multi-layered counter-terror grid, advanced surveillance tools and disaster response measures.
A dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid with over 50 systems and electronic warfare assets has been put in place to tackle possible drone threats. Continuous UAV surveillance missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the holy cave are also being carried out.
Engineer units have been tasked with building and repairing bridges, widening tracks and undertaking disaster mitigation work. Medical arrangements include over 150 medical personnel, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100-bed hospital and 26 oxygen booths stocked with two lakh litres of oxygen, the Army said.
Signal companies have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication, while bomb detection and disposal squads remain on standby. The Army has also kept helicopters ready for any emergencies.
Other arrangements include emergency rations for over 25,000 people, Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points and essential equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
High-resolution PTZ cameras and live drone feeds are being used to track convoys between Jammu and the cave shrine to enable early threat detection and swift response.
The Army said Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects its commitment to securing the annual pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage for devotees.
The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.
This year’s deployment comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups, following recent operations in the Valley, officials said.
Planned in coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation aims to strengthen security along both the northern and southern routes of the pilgrimage.
According to the Army, over 8,500 troops have been deployed this year, supported by a multi-layered counter-terror grid, advanced surveillance tools and disaster response measures.
A dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid with over 50 systems and electronic warfare assets has been put in place to tackle possible drone threats. Continuous UAV surveillance missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the holy cave are also being carried out.
Engineer units have been tasked with building and repairing bridges, widening tracks and undertaking disaster mitigation work. Medical arrangements include over 150 medical personnel, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100-bed hospital and 26 oxygen booths stocked with two lakh litres of oxygen, the Army said.
Signal companies have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication, while bomb detection and disposal squads remain on standby. The Army has also kept helicopters ready for any emergencies.
Other arrangements include emergency rations for over 25,000 people, Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points and essential equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
High-resolution PTZ cameras and live drone feeds are being used to track convoys between Jammu and the cave shrine to enable early threat detection and swift response.
The Army said Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects its commitment to securing the annual pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage for devotees.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Burundi as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the eighth country in WHO’s African Region to reach this important milestone. Trachoma is also the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in the country.
“Eliminating a disease like trachoma is a major public health achievement that requires sustained effort and dedication,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “I congratulate the government and the people of Burundi and commend them for their hard work and commitment. It is great to see Burundi join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD”.
Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces and by flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring, in-turning of the eyelids, and ultimately blindness. Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.
“This validation marks a major milestone in our commitment to health equity”, said Dr Lydwine Baradahana, Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, Burundi. “It is a collective victory made possible by nearly 20 years of national mobilization and international solidarity. I thank all the partners, community actors and institutions in Burundi and beyond who made this historic achievement possible”.
Burundi’s progress
Before 2007, with no reported cases or epidemiological studies, the extent of trachoma endemicity in Burundi was largely unknown. That year, the country launched an initiative to tackle NTDs, which included integrated mapping of soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and trachoma. Following the mapping, the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS conducted further investigations. Baseline surveys carried out in 2009–2010 confirmed that trachoma was endemic in parts of the country. This prompted introduction of interventions based on the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy for 2.5 million people who needed them across 12 health districts.
Burundi’s trachoma elimination programme was supported technically and financially by CBM Christoffel Blindenmission, the END Fund, Geneva Global and WHO. The International Trachoma Initiative at the Task Force for Global Health donated azithromycin (Zithromax, Pfizer, New York NY, USA). WHO continues to support support the country’s health authorities to monitor communities in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence of the disease.
This achievement reflects the government’s resolve to protect its most vulnerable populations. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, and with the dedication of community health workers, support from key partners, and WHO’s technical guidance, this success was made possible” said Dr Xavier Crespin, WHO Representative in Burundi. “This win inspires us to press forward with the same determination to eliminate all remaining neglected tropical diseases.”
Disease prevalence
Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries with an estimated 103 million people living in areas requiring interventions against the disease. Trachoma is found mainly in the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East.
The African Region is disproportionately affected by trachoma with 93 million people living in at-risk areas in April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden. Significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma over the past few years and the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma in the African Region fell by 96 million from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction.
There are currently 20 countries in WHO’s African Region that are known to require intervention for trachoma elimination. These include: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The seven countries in the region previously validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania and Togo. A further 4 countries in the WHO African Region (Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Senegal) claim to have achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.
Global progress
With today’s announcement, a total of 57 countries have now eliminated at least one NTD. Of these, 24— (including Burundi)—have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Other countries that have reached this milestone include Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ghana, India, Iraq, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Refinery Capacity Report and Petroleum Supply Monthly Note:Refinery Capacity Report data are reported as of January 1 of each year, so changes in capacity that take place during a given year are represented in the newly reported total capacity number for the start of the following year.
California is set to lose 17% of its oil refinery capacity over the next 12 months because of two planned refinery closures. If realized, the closure of the facilities is likely to contribute to increases in fuel price volatility on the West Coast.
Phillips 66 announced plans last October to close its 139,000-barrel-per-day (b/d) Wilmington refinery in the Los Angeles area later this year. Valero submitted a notice in April to end refining operations at its 145,000-b/d Benicia refinery in the Bay Area by the end of April 2026. The refinery closures continue a trend of decreasing refinery capacity on the West Coast, following the end of petroleum refining operations at Phillips 66’s Rodeo refinery early last year and the closure of Marathon’s Martinez refinery in 2020.
California usually has higher retail gasoline prices compared with the national average. One reason is the relative lack of logistical connectivity on the West Coast to other refinery hubs in the United States, such as the Gulf Coast. Although the Los Angeles and Benicia refineries make up less than 2% of current U.S. refining capacity, they account for 17% of California refinery capacity and 11% of West Coast (PADD 5) capacity. The supply shortfall left by their exit is therefore likely to have an outsized impact on the region because it cannot be easily filled by other refineries elsewhere in the country.
Given the limited connectivity to other U.S refining hubs, the most likely source of replacement fuels will be imports from Asia, particularly imports of jet fuel and gasoline. California’s unique specification gasoline blendstock, known as CARBOB, can only be manufactured by properly equipped refineries. Phillips 66 is planning to produce some California-grade gasoline at its refinery in Washington, and some refineries in India and South Korea can meet these specifications. Arizona, which also has a unique gasoline blend, and Nevada receive fuel shipments from California refiners and are also likely to be affected by the reduced regional supply.
Data for late May 2025 showed total gasoline imports (including finished gasoline and blend components) into the West Coast above 210,000 b/d, setting a record on a four-week average basis. Although these imports have since come down in June, summer imports are likely to further increase next year after the two California refineries come offline.
Importing petroleum products presents certain risks for fuel supplies on the West Coast. Shipments of petroleum products across the Pacific Ocean will take longer to respond to market demands, meaning that unexpected shortfalls could contribute to temporary price increases or heightened volatility. Last year, the California state government instituted a new minimum inventory law, which could reduce the risk of potential shortfalls in gasoline supplies.
In our July Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast a small increase in West Coast retail gasoline prices next year in response to the capacity closures, in contrast to price decreases elsewhere in the country. We expect lower crude oil prices, which account for around half of the price of gasoline, in 2026 to counteract some of the effect of the refinery closures on retail gasoline prices in the near term.
The SWIFT constellation, shown not to scale in this illustration, will fly farther than its predecessors to improve space weather warning time. Steve Alvey
The burgeoning space industry and the technologies society increasingly relies on – electric grids, aviation and telecommunications – are all vulnerable to the same threat: space weather.
These ejections are bundles of magnetic fields and particles that originate from the Sun. They can travel at speeds up to 1,242 miles per second (2,000 kilometers per second) and may cause geomagnetic storms.
They create beautiful aurora displays – like the northern lights you can sometimes see in the skies – but can also disrupt satellite operations, shut down the electric grid and expose astronauts aboard future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars to lethal doses of radiation.
An animation shows coronal mass ejection erupting from the Sun.
Space is also a critical domain for military operations. Satellites provide essential capabilities for military communication, surveillance, navigation and intelligence.
As countries such as the U.S. grow to depend on infrastructure in space, extreme space weather events pose a greater threat. Today, space weather threatens up to US$2.7 trillion in assets globally.
In September 1859, the most powerful recorded space weather event, known as the Carrington event, caused fires in North America and Europe by supercharging telegraph lines. In August 1972, another Carrington-like event nearly struck the astronauts orbiting the Moon. The radiation dose could have been fatal. More recently, in February 2022, SpaceX lost 39 of its 49 newly launched Starlink satellites because of a moderate space weather event.
Today’s space weather monitors
Space weather services heavily rely on satellites that monitor the solar wind, which is made up of magnetic field lines and particles coming from the Sun, and communicate their observations back to Earth. Scientists can then compare those observations with historical records to predict space weather and explore how the Earth may respond to the observed changes in the solar wind.
Earth’s magnetic field naturally protects living things and Earth-orbiting satellites from most adverse effects of space weather. However, extreme space weather events may compress – or in some cases, peel back – the Earth’s magnetic shield.
This process allows solar wind particles to make it into our protected environment – the magnetosphere – exposing satellites and astronauts onboard space stations to harsh conditions.
At these distances, the satellites remain within Earth’s protective magnetic shield and can reliably measure the planet’s response to space weather conditions. However, to more directly study incoming solar wind, researchers use additional satellites located farther upstream – hundreds of thousands of miles from Earth.
The U.S., the European Space Agency and India all operate space weather monitoring satellites positioned around the L1 Lagrange point – nearly 900,000 miles (1,450,000 km) from Earth – where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth balance. From this vantage point, space weather monitors can provide up to 40 minutes of advance warning for incoming solar events.
The Lagrange points are equilibrium points for smaller objects, like the Earth, that orbit around a larger object, like the Sun. The L1 point is between the Earth and the Sun, where the gravitational pulls of the two objects balance out. Since the Sun’s pull is so much stronger than the Earth’s, the point is much closer to Earth. Xander89/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Advance warning for space weather
Increasing the warning time beyond 40 minutes – the current warning time – would help satellite operators, electric grid planners, flight directors, astronauts and Space Force officers better prepare for extreme space weather events.
For instance, during geomagnetic storms, the atmosphere heats up and expands, increasing drag on satellites in low Earth orbit. With enough advance warning, operators can update their drag calculations to prevent satellites from descending and burning up during these events. With the updated drag calculations, satellite operators could use the satellites’ propulsion systems to maneuver them higher up in orbit.
Airlines could change their routes to avoid exposing passengers and staff to high radiation doses during geomagnetic storms. And future astronauts on the way to or working on the Moon or Mars, which lack protection from these particles, could be alerted in advance to take cover.
Aurora lovers would also appreciate having more time to get to their favorite viewing destinations.
The Space Weather Investigation Frontier
My team and I have been developing a new space weather satellite constellation, named the Space Weather Investigation Frontier. SWIFT will, for the first time, place a space weather monitor beyond the L1 point, at 1.3 million miles (2.1 million kilometers) from Earth. This distance would allow scientists to inform decision-makers of any Earth-bound space weather events up to nearly 60 minutes before arrival.
Satellites with traditional chemical and electric propulsion systems cannot maintain an orbit at that location – farther from Earth and closer to the Sun – for long. This is because they would need to continuously burn fuel to counteract the Sun’s gravitational pull.
To address this issue, our team has spent decades designing and developing a new propulsion system. Our solution is designed to affordably reach a distance that is closer to the Sun than the traditional L1 point, and to operate there reliably for more than a decade by harnessing an abundant and reliable resource – sunlight.
SWIFT would use a fuelless propulsion system called a solar sail to reach its orbit. A solar sail is a hair-thin reflective surface – simulating a very thin mirror – that spans about a third of a football field. It balances the force of light particles coming from the Sun, which pushes it away, with the Sun’s gravity, which pulls it inward.
While a sailboat harnesses the lift created by wind flowing over its curved sails to move across water, a solar sail uses the momentum of photons from sunlight, reflected off its large, shiny sail, to propel a spacecraft through space. Both the sailboat and solar sail exploit the transfer of energy from their respective environments to drive motion without relying on traditional propellants.
A solar sail could enable SWIFT to enter an otherwise unstable sub-L1 orbit without the risk of running out of fuel.
NASA successfully launched its first solar sail in 2010. This in-space demonstration, named NanoSail-D2, featured a 107-square-foot (10 m2 ) sail and was placed in low Earth orbit. That same year, the Japanese Space Agency launched a larger solar sail mission, IKAROS, which deployed a 2,110 ft2 (196 m2 ) sail in the solar wind and successfully orbited Venus.
An illustration of the solar sail used on the IKAROS space probe. These sails use light particles as propulsion. Andrzej Mirecki, CC BY-SA
The Planetary Society and NASA followed up by launching two sails in low Earth orbit: LightSail, with an area of 344 ft2 (32 m2 ), and the advanced composite solar sail system, with an area of 860 ft2 (80 m2 ).
The SWIFT team’s solar sail demonstration mission, Solar Cruiser, will be equipped with a much larger sail – it will have area of 17,793 ft2 (1,653 m2 ) and launch as early as 2029. We successfully deployed a quadrant of the sail on Earth early last year.
If successful, the Solar Cruiser mission will pave the way for a small satellite constellation that will monitor the solar wind.
To transport it to space, the team will meticulously fold and tightly pack the sail inside a small canister. The biggest challenge to overcome will be deploying the sail once in space and using it to guide the satellite along its orbital path.
If successful, Solar Cruiser will pave the way for SWIFT’s constellation of four satellites. The constellation would include one satellite equipped with sail propulsion, set to be placed in an orbit beyond L1, and three smaller satellites with chemical propulsion in orbit at the L1 Lagrange point.
The satellites will be indefinitely parked at and beyond L1, collecting data in the solar wind without interruption. Each of the four satellites can observe the solar wind from different locations, helping scientists better predict how it may evolve before reaching Earth.
As modern life depends more on space infrastructure, continuing to invest in space weather prediction can protect both space- and ground-based technologies.
Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti receives funding from NASA. He is the Principal Investigator of Space Weather Investigation Frontier (SWIFT).
lign=”center”>The Strength Of A Nation Lies In The Originality Of Its Thought And The Timelessness Of Its Values, urges VP India Is A Civilizational Continuum—A Flowing River Of Consciousness, Inquiry, And Learning, says VP Indigenous Insights Were Dismissed As Relics Of The Primitive Past; Selective Remembrance Continued Even After Independence, Highlights VP Western Constructs Were Paraded As Universal Truths. There Was An Architecture Of Erasure And Decimation, says VP Colonization Produced Clerks And Yeomen Instead of Thinkers; Grades Replaced Critical Thinking, highlights VP A Genuine Indian Knowledge System Ecosystem Must Honour Both Text And Lived Experience, Emphasises VP Vice-President Addresses The Inaugural Annual Conference On The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) In New Delhi
The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “India’s rise as a global power must be accompanied by the rise of its intellectual and cultural gravitas. This is very significant as the rise without this is not lasting, and the rise without this is not in harmony with our traditions. The strength of a nation lies in the originality of its thought, the timelessness of its values, and the resilience of its intellectual traditions. That is the kind of soft power that endures, and soft power is potent in the world we live in”, he said.
Reaffirming India’s identity beyond the confines of post-colonial constructs, the Vice-President observed, “India is not just a political construct formed in the mid-20th century. It is a civilizational continuum—a flowing river of consciousness, inquiry, and learning that has endured.”
Critiquing the historical sidelining of indigenous wisdom, he said, “While indigenous insights were dismissed as relics of the primitive past, it was not an error of interpretation. It was an architecture of erasure, destruction, and decimation. What is more tragic is that the selective remembrance continued even after independence. Western constructs were paraded as universal truths. To put it more bluntly, untruth was camouflaged as truth.”
“What should have been our fundamental priority was not even on the radar. How can you not be cognizant of your core values?” he questioned.
Reflecting on the historical ruptures in India’s intellectual journey, the Vice-President remarked, “The Islamic invasion of India caused the first interlude in the glorious journey of Bharatiya Vidya Parampara (भारतीय विद्या परंपरा). Instead of embrace and assimilation, there was contempt and destruction. The British colonization brought forth the second interlude, when the Indian Knowledge System was stunted, stymied, and subverted. Centers of learning changed their motives. The compass was moderated. The North Star was changed. From bearing Sages and Savants, it started producing clerks and yeomen. The needs of the East India Company to have brown babus replaced the need of the nation to have thinkers.”
“We stopped thinking, contemplating, writing, and philosophizing. We started cramming, regurgitating, and swallowing. Grades, unfortunately, replaced critical thinking. The great Bharatiya Vidya Parampara (भारतीय विद्या परंपरा) and its allied institutions were systematically drained, destroyed, and decimated.”, he mentioned.
Addressing the inaugural Annual Conference on the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in New Delhi as the Chief Guest today, Shri Dhankhar said, “Long before the Universities of Europe came into being, Bharat’s universities had already established themselves as thriving centers of learning. Our ancient land was home to luminous centres of intellectual life—Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Vallabhi, and Odantapuri. These were the towering citadels of knowledge. Their libraries were vast oceans of wisdom, housing tens of thousands of manuscripts.”
He added, “These were global universities, where seekers came from lands near and far, such as Korea, China, Tibet, and Persia. These were the spaces where the intellect of the world embraced the spirit of Bharat.”
Calling for a more holistic understanding of knowledge, the Vice-President said, “Knowledge resides beyond manuscripts. It lives in communities, in embodied practices, in the intergenerational transmission of wisdom.”
He emphasised that, “A genuine Indian Knowledge Systems research ecosystem must honour both the written word and the lived experience—recognizing that insight emerges as much from context as it does from text.”
Calling for focused action to strengthen Indian Knowledge Systems, the Vice-President remarked, “Let us therefore turn our attention to tangible action because that is the need of the hour. The creation of digitized repositories of classical Indian texts is an urgent priority covering all classical languages such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Pali, and Prakrit, to name just a few.”
He added, “These repositories should be made widely accessible, enabling scholars in India and researchers around the world to engage meaningfully with these sources. Equally essential is the development of training programs that empower young scholars with robust methodological tools, blending philosophy, computational analysis, ethnography, and comparative inquiry to deepen their engagement with the Indian knowledge system.”
Quoting renowned scholar Max Müller, the Vice-President said, “If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions of some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant—I should point to India.”
“Friends, it was nothing but the articulation of eternal truth,” the Vice-President said.
Touching upon the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation, the Vice-President stated, “The wisdom of the past does not obstruct innovation—rather it inspires it. The metaphysical can speak to the material. Spiritual insight can coexist with scientific precision, but then you have to know what spiritual insight is.”
He continued, “The Rigveda’s hymns to the cosmos can find new relevance in the age of astrophysics. The Charaka Samhita can be read alongside global debates on public health ethics.”
“As we navigate a fractured world, we are stunned by global conflagration. So we are faced with a fractured world. Knowledge systems that have long reflected on the interplay between mind and matter, the individual and the cosmos, duty and consequence, become relevant and vital to shaping thoughtful, enduring responses.”, he concluded.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof. M. S. Chaitra, Director- IKSHA, Akhil Bharatiye Toli Sadasya, Prajna Pravah, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
lign=”center”>The Strength Of A Nation Lies In The Originality Of Its Thought And The Timelessness Of Its Values, urges VP India Is A Civilizational Continuum—A Flowing River Of Consciousness, Inquiry, And Learning, says VP Indigenous Insights Were Dismissed As Relics Of The Primitive Past; Selective Remembrance Continued Even After Independence, Highlights VP Western Constructs Were Paraded As Universal Truths. There Was An Architecture Of Erasure And Decimation, says VP Colonization Produced Clerks And Yeomen Instead of Thinkers; Grades Replaced Critical Thinking, highlights VP A Genuine Indian Knowledge System Ecosystem Must Honour Both Text And Lived Experience, Emphasises VP Vice-President Addresses The Inaugural Annual Conference On The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) In New Delhi
The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “India’s rise as a global power must be accompanied by the rise of its intellectual and cultural gravitas. This is very significant as the rise without this is not lasting, and the rise without this is not in harmony with our traditions. The strength of a nation lies in the originality of its thought, the timelessness of its values, and the resilience of its intellectual traditions. That is the kind of soft power that endures, and soft power is potent in the world we live in”, he said.
Reaffirming India’s identity beyond the confines of post-colonial constructs, the Vice-President observed, “India is not just a political construct formed in the mid-20th century. It is a civilizational continuum—a flowing river of consciousness, inquiry, and learning that has endured.”
Critiquing the historical sidelining of indigenous wisdom, he said, “While indigenous insights were dismissed as relics of the primitive past, it was not an error of interpretation. It was an architecture of erasure, destruction, and decimation. What is more tragic is that the selective remembrance continued even after independence. Western constructs were paraded as universal truths. To put it more bluntly, untruth was camouflaged as truth.”
“What should have been our fundamental priority was not even on the radar. How can you not be cognizant of your core values?” he questioned.
Reflecting on the historical ruptures in India’s intellectual journey, the Vice-President remarked, “The Islamic invasion of India caused the first interlude in the glorious journey of Bharatiya Vidya Parampara (भारतीय विद्या परंपरा). Instead of embrace and assimilation, there was contempt and destruction. The British colonization brought forth the second interlude, when the Indian Knowledge System was stunted, stymied, and subverted. Centers of learning changed their motives. The compass was moderated. The North Star was changed. From bearing Sages and Savants, it started producing clerks and yeomen. The needs of the East India Company to have brown babus replaced the need of the nation to have thinkers.”
“We stopped thinking, contemplating, writing, and philosophizing. We started cramming, regurgitating, and swallowing. Grades, unfortunately, replaced critical thinking. The great Bharatiya Vidya Parampara (भारतीय विद्या परंपरा) and its allied institutions were systematically drained, destroyed, and decimated.”, he mentioned.
Addressing the inaugural Annual Conference on the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in New Delhi as the Chief Guest today, Shri Dhankhar said, “Long before the Universities of Europe came into being, Bharat’s universities had already established themselves as thriving centers of learning. Our ancient land was home to luminous centres of intellectual life—Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Vallabhi, and Odantapuri. These were the towering citadels of knowledge. Their libraries were vast oceans of wisdom, housing tens of thousands of manuscripts.”
He added, “These were global universities, where seekers came from lands near and far, such as Korea, China, Tibet, and Persia. These were the spaces where the intellect of the world embraced the spirit of Bharat.”
Calling for a more holistic understanding of knowledge, the Vice-President said, “Knowledge resides beyond manuscripts. It lives in communities, in embodied practices, in the intergenerational transmission of wisdom.”
He emphasised that, “A genuine Indian Knowledge Systems research ecosystem must honour both the written word and the lived experience—recognizing that insight emerges as much from context as it does from text.”
Calling for focused action to strengthen Indian Knowledge Systems, the Vice-President remarked, “Let us therefore turn our attention to tangible action because that is the need of the hour. The creation of digitized repositories of classical Indian texts is an urgent priority covering all classical languages such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Pali, and Prakrit, to name just a few.”
He added, “These repositories should be made widely accessible, enabling scholars in India and researchers around the world to engage meaningfully with these sources. Equally essential is the development of training programs that empower young scholars with robust methodological tools, blending philosophy, computational analysis, ethnography, and comparative inquiry to deepen their engagement with the Indian knowledge system.”
Quoting renowned scholar Max Müller, the Vice-President said, “If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions of some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant—I should point to India.”
“Friends, it was nothing but the articulation of eternal truth,” the Vice-President said.
Touching upon the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation, the Vice-President stated, “The wisdom of the past does not obstruct innovation—rather it inspires it. The metaphysical can speak to the material. Spiritual insight can coexist with scientific precision, but then you have to know what spiritual insight is.”
He continued, “The Rigveda’s hymns to the cosmos can find new relevance in the age of astrophysics. The Charaka Samhita can be read alongside global debates on public health ethics.”
“As we navigate a fractured world, we are stunned by global conflagration. So we are faced with a fractured world. Knowledge systems that have long reflected on the interplay between mind and matter, the individual and the cosmos, duty and consequence, become relevant and vital to shaping thoughtful, enduring responses.”, he concluded.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof. M. S. Chaitra, Director- IKSHA, Akhil Bharatiye Toli Sadasya, Prajna Pravah, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
SAN ANTONIO — A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced July 9 for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Del Rio and various federal and state law enforcement agencies in South Texas conducted the investigation.
A federal judge sentenced Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the U.S. for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine. Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the U.S. for financial gain and aiding and abetting.
Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7 and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras, was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the U.S.
“This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”
“Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the U.S,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”
“In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the U.S,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”
“U.S Border Patrol’s Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Chief Scott Good of the Border Patrol’s Law Enforcement Operations directorate. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”
According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan and Colombia through Eagle Pass. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the U.S. In turn, the Brazil-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, to facilitate the aliens’ travel from South America to the U.S. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes” and stash house operators.
Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 and 3,000 aliens into the U.S in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every 10 illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those 10 illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.
One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the U.S with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The organization later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio.
In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization with firearms.
HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, yearslong investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center’s International Interdiction Task Force.
Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Matt Kass are prosecuting the case.
Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing the online tip form.
For more information about HSI San Antonio and its public safety efforts in Central and South Texas, follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.
The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹4.88 lakh (Rupees Four Lakh, Eighty-Eight Thousand only) on HDFC Bank Ltd. in exercise of powers vested in the Reserve Bank under the provisions of Section 11(3) of FEMA, 1999, for contravention of Paragraph 9.3.6 of ‘Master Direction – Foreign Investment in India’ dated January 04, 2018, while granting a term loan to its client.
The Reserve Bank of India had issued a Show Cause Notice to the bank, in response to which the bank had submitted a written reply and had also made oral submissions thereon. After considering the facts of the case and the response given by HDFC Bank Ltd. in the matter, the Reserve Bank of India came to the conclusion that the contraventions were established and warranted imposition of penalty.
This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.
The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹4.88 lakh (Rupees Four Lakh, Eighty-Eight Thousand only) on HDFC Bank Ltd. in exercise of powers vested in the Reserve Bank under the provisions of Section 11(3) of FEMA, 1999, for contravention of Paragraph 9.3.6 of ‘Master Direction – Foreign Investment in India’ dated January 04, 2018, while granting a term loan to its client.
The Reserve Bank of India had issued a Show Cause Notice to the bank, in response to which the bank had submitted a written reply and had also made oral submissions thereon. After considering the facts of the case and the response given by HDFC Bank Ltd. in the matter, the Reserve Bank of India came to the conclusion that the contraventions were established and warranted imposition of penalty.
This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.
