NewzIntel.com

Category: Government of India

  • Lok Sabha to take up Goa ST representation bill and Merchant shipping bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Parliament has a list of important businesses for Friday, which includes The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, and ‘The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024’.

    According to the list of business in the Lok Sabha, the bills will be moved for passage. The House also has private members’ business.

    Minister Prataprao Jadhav will make a statement regarding the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 137th and 150th reports of the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on Vaccine Development, Distribution Management and Mitigation of Pandemic Covid-19 pertaining to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    The Lok Sabha will take up the ‘The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024’ for further consideration.

    The bill was introduced by the Union Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, on December 17, 2024.

    The bill aims to enable reservation of seats in accordance with Article 332 of the Constitution for effective democratic participation of members of Scheduled Tribes and to provide for the readjustment of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa, in so far as such readjustment is necessitated by inclusion of certain communities in the list of the Scheduled Tribes in the State of Goa, according to the list of business in Lok Sabha.

    Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will move ‘The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024’ to update and unify existing law to align with international maritime treaties.

    The legislation will consolidate the law relating to ports, promote integrated port development, facilitate ease of doing business and ensure the optimum utilisation of India’s coastline; establish and empower State Maritime Boards for effective management of ports other than major ports; establish the Maritime State Development Council for fostering structured growth and development of the port sector; provide for the management of pollution, disaster, emergencies, security, safety, navigation, and data at ports; ensure compliance with India’s obligations under international instruments to which it is a party; take measures for the conservation of ports; provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes. The Bill will be tabled for consideration and passage.

    In the Rajya Sabha, seven ministers will lay papers on the table concerning their ministries.

    The House will also see statements made by two Ministers.

    Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekha will make the following statements regarding: (a) Status of implementation of the Recommendations contained in the 2nd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (18th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2024-25) pertaining to the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources).

    (b) Status of implementation of the Recommendations contained in the 6th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (18th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2025-26) pertaining to the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources).

    Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu will make a statement regarding the Status of implementation of Recommendations/Observations contained in the 3rd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways(18th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2025-26) about the Ministry of Railways.

    (IANS)

  • ‘Kashmir to Kevadia’: PM Modi welcomes Omar Abdullah’s Gujarat visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for visiting Gujarat’s Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity, calling it a gesture that sends a powerful message of national unity.

    “Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India,” PM Modi posted on X.

    The Prime Minister was responding to Abdullah’s post about his morning run at the riverfront during a two-day visit to Ahmedabad for a tourism promotion event.

    “While in #Ahmedabad for a tourism event, I took advantage of being here to get my morning run at the famed Sabarmati River Front promenade. It’s one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run, and it was a pleasure to get to share it with so many other walkers/runners. I even managed to run past the amazing Atal Foot Bridge,” Abdullah wrote.

    His visit comes amid efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to revive tourism in the Union Territory, following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that affected tourist inflow.

    During his Gujarat visit, Abdullah is meeting with tour operators and industry stakeholders to rebuild confidence in Kashmir as a safe and attractive travel destination.

    “Gujarat, along with Maharashtra and West Bengal, has always played a major role in Kashmir’s tourism economy,” he said, expressing optimism about the return of Gujarati tourists in large numbers.

  • Cabinet approves ₹2,000 crore grant to NCDC; Amit Shah thanks PM Modi for strengthening cooperative sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, on Thursday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Cabinet approved a grant assistance of ₹2,000 crore to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for the next four years.

    The grant will be disbursed at ₹500 crore per year, with the objective of boosting the cooperative sector, particularly in rural areas. Shah highlighted the move as a step forward in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation).

    “In line with PM Modi ji’s mantra of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’, the NCDC is playing a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy. This financial support will help cooperatives launch new projects, expand existing infrastructure, and offer loans, thereby benefiting crores of members,” Shah said in a post on X. He added that the initiative would empower women to become self-reliant and generate employment opportunities for the youth.

    In another post, the Home Minister also welcomed the Cabinet’s decision to approve an expenditure of ₹6,520 crore under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana’ (PMKSY), including an additional allocation of ₹1,920 crore. As part of the scheme, 50 multi-product food irradiation units and 100 food testing laboratories will be set up across the country. Shah stated that these facilities will aid in food preservation, ensure better safety and quality standards, and help farmers fetch higher prices for their produce.

    Further, Shah lauded the Cabinet’s approval of four railway multi-tracking projects covering 13 districts in six states from the eastern, central, and western regions. These projects, with a total outlay of ₹11,169 crore, will add 574 km to the country’s railway network. According to the minister, this will not only improve connectivity but also boost trade and industry, while opening up fresh avenues for employment.

  • PM Modi invites citizens to share ideas for Independence Day speech

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday invited citizens across the country to share their ideas and suggestions for this year’s Independence Day address.

    In a post on X, PM Modi urged the public to contribute their thoughts via the open forums on MyGov.in and the NaMo app.

    “As we approach this year’s Independence Day, I look forward to hearing from my fellow Indians! What themes or ideas would you like to see reflected in this year’s Independence Day speech? Share your thoughts on the Open Forums on MyGov and the NaMo App,” the Prime Minister wrote.

    As per tradition, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and addresses the nation every year on August 15.

    Last year, on India’s 78th Independence Day, PM Modi’s speech focused on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, which outlines the Government’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.

    The Prime Minister also spoke on various key issues, including Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), improving ease of living, the role of women in the Air Force, tackling nepotism in politics, the safety of Bangladeshi Hindus, the idea of a uniform civil code, and India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics.

    Continuing the ceremonial traditions, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and received a ‘Rashtriya Salute’ after hoisting the national flag. Last year, the salute was presented by the Punjab Regiment’s military band, which included one JCO and 25 other ranks, led by Subedar Major Rajinder Singh.

    This year marks PM Modi’s 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, making him only the third Indian Prime Minister-after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi-to achieve this milestone.

  • Mission Karmayogi crosses 1.26 crore users, expands digital training across govt

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Mission Karmayogi, the central government’s ambitious civil services capacity-building programme, is witnessing robust nationwide adoption. As of July 21, over 1.26 crore govt officials across central and state levels have registered on the iGOT-Karmayogi digital learning platform.

    In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that all ministries and departments of the central government have been fully integrated with the platform. The digital shift represents a transformative step in government training, moving away from conventional models to a more adaptive, role-based approach.

    The iGOT-Karmayogi portal provides customised training that aligns with the competency frameworks of individual departments. Of the total users, around 41 lakh are central government employees, while 85 lakh belong to various state services. The platform currently offers more than 3,000 live courses covering a range of functional, behavioural, and domain-specific competencies. Together, these courses have seen over 3.8 crore completions, reflecting the growing demand for continuous learning within public administration.

    Designed as a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem, iGOT-Karmayogi has been integrated with key training components such as induction sessions, mid-career programmes, and in-service development. It aims to equip civil servants with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to meet the evolving challenges of governance in the 21st century.

    To measure the initiative’s impact, the Department of Personnel and Training has introduced a Monitoring and Evaluation framework with clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track stakeholder performance and drive service delivery improvements.

  • Nifty, Sensex open lower as new Trump tariffs take effect

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets opened lower on Friday, tracking weak global cues following the announcement of new tariffs by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The pharmaceutical sector bore the brunt, with the Nifty Pharma index falling 2.75 per cent.

    At 9:25 AM, the Nifty 50 was down 51 points or 0.21 per cent at 24,716, while the BSE Sensex had declined 179 points or 0.22 per cent, trading at 81,005.

    In the broader market, both the BSE MidCap and BSE SmallCap indices posted marginal gains of 0.05 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty FMCG stood out as the sole gainer, rising 1.46 per cent. Meanwhile, Nifty IT slipped 0.80 per cent and Nifty Metal declined 0.99 per cent, in addition to sharp selling in pharma stocks.

    Within the Nifty 50 pack, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) was the top gainer, rising 4.45 per cent, followed by Tata Consumer Products, Hero MotoCorp, Maruti Suzuki, and Trent. On the losing side, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories led with a 1.41 per cent decline, followed by Cipla, ONGC, Larsen & Toubro, and Tata Steel.

    “Despite Nifty’s bounce yesterday, the index remains vulnerable unless it sustains a move above the 24,800 mark. A close above this level could potentially open the path toward 25,000. On the downside, immediate support lies at 24,600, followed by 24,500,” said Hardik Matalia, Derivatives Analyst at Choice Equity Broking.

    “As elevated volatility and conflicting technical signals prevail, traders are advised to follow a cautious ‘sell-on-rise’ approach, especially when using leverage. Book partial profits during rallies and maintain tight trailing stop-losses. Fresh long positions should only be considered if the Nifty sustains above 25,000,” he added.

    On July 31, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing revised “reciprocal” tariffs on several countries including Syria, Laos, South Africa, and Myanmar. The new tariff rates, ranging from 10 per cent to 41 per cent, are set to take effect from August 7.

    Strong earnings from U.S. tech giants Microsoft and Meta Platforms failed to lift Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell 0.37 per cent, marking its third straight day of losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.74 per cent, while the Nasdaq Composite remained flat with a marginal dip of 0.03 per cent.

    “In the near term, markets will be influenced by tariff-related developments. Since the implementation date is August 7, affected countries still have time to negotiate for revisions. Yesterday’s market behavior indicates that investors view the 25 per cent tariff as a short-term issue,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    Asian markets also opened weak. South Korea’s Kospi led the regional decline with a 2.94 per cent fall, followed by Japan’s Nikkei 225, which dropped 0.38 per cent. Shanghai Composite shed 0.10 per cent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up 0.13 per cent.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for a ninth consecutive session, offloading equities worth ₹5,588 crore on July 31. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers for the 19th straight session, investing ₹6,372 crore.

    -IANS

  • Manufacturing to research, India playing key role in new foldable series: Samsung

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    From local manufacturing to research and development, India has a significant role in the development of the new foldable series, JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia, said on Friday.

    According to him, the company engineers from the Bengaluru R&D facility have contributed significantly in the development of new Z Fold7 and the Z Flip7 devices.

    “I am happy to share that these new phones are being manufactured at our Noida factory,” Park said.

    “Our latest foldables represent the next leap in smartphone innovation. They are the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z series designs yet. They deliver cutting-edge performance and come with seamless Galaxy AI integration,” added Park.

    The company received a record 210,000 pre-orders for its seventh generation foldables – Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy ZFlip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – in just 48 hours in India – signalling rapid mainstreaming of the foldable form factor in the country.

    The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy Z Fold7 is surprisingly gaining significant traction from not only tier 3 markets, but also tier 4 and beyond, amid a resilient economy and rising aspirations across the country, the company informed.

    Park said the new devices will “help us mainstream the foldables in India”.

    “Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers the Ultra experience in the thinnest, lightest and most advanced Fold yet. Galaxy Z Flip7 packs flagship power, intelligence and personality into a compact and iconic form,” he mentioned.

    On AI, he said that today, on-device AI is independent of being in the cloud or a third-party source.

    “But tomorrow, I think it’s more of how people are using the AI. Like in India, you have so many dialects that you need someone to interpret. Tomorrow, it will all be done simultaneously on the devices. So you don’t have to memorise things. You don’t have to have an opinion of a lawyer or doctor. You just can have a massive intelligence that’s connected on your device to a cloud that can guide you to a better solution. I think that’s how the technology will evolve,” said Park.

    (IANS)

  • Trying to convince people to visit J&K, says Omar Abdullah to PM Modi’s praise of his Gujarat visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday responded warmly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for his recent visit to Gujarat, reaffirming the critical role tourism plays in J&K’s economy and national integration.

    In a post on X, Abdullah wrote: “I’m a firm believer that travel broadens the horizons & the mind, @narendramodi ji. It’s especially important for us in J&K, as tourism is a crucial part of our economy and has the potential to gainfully employ lakhs of people. That’s why my colleagues and I are trying to convince more of our fellow Indians to visit J&K, especially after the tragic events earlier this year.”

    His remarks came in response to a message from PM Modi, who had lauded Abdullah’s visit to the Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity during a recent tourism event in Ahmedabad.

    “Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

    Abdullah had earlier shared his experience from Gujarat, where he went for a morning run along the Sabarmati Riverfront.
    “While in #Ahmedabad for a tourism event, I took advantage of being here to get my morning run at the famed Sabarmati River Front promenade. It’s one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run, and it was a pleasure to share it with so many other walkers and runners. I even managed to run past the amazing Atal Foot Bridge,” he wrote.

    The J&K Chief Minister was on a two-day visit to Gujarat aimed at promoting the Union Territory as a travel destination, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to a temporary decline in tourist activity.

    During his visit, Abdullah met with tour operators and travel industry stakeholders to rebuild trust and attract more domestic tourists to the region. He also held a meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

    -IANS

  • Pakistan jails more than 100 members of ex-PM Imran Khan’s party for 2023 riots

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Thursday sentenced more than 100 members of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party to prison terms on charges related to riots that targeted military sites in 2023, a court order said.

    Fifty-eight of the defendants, who included parliamentarians and senior officials, were sentenced to 10 years in prison and the rest were given sentences ranging from one to three years, the court said.

    The accused include Omar Ayub Khan and Shibli Faraz, the leaders of Khan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) in the lower and upper houses of parliament respectively, the court order seen by Reuters read.

    “The prosecution has proved its case against the accused without a shadow of doubt,” it said in announcing the sentences.

    Khan, who has been in prison since 2023 facing charges of corruption, land fraud and disclosure of official secrets, is being tried separately on similar charges related to the riot.

    The government accuses him and other leaders of inciting the May 9, 2023, protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi.

    He denies wrongdoing and says all the cases are politically motivated as part of a military-backed crackdown to dismantle his party. The military denies it.

    Khan’s arrest had prompted the countrywide violent protests.

    Thursday’s ruling does not directly affect the incitement case against him in which prosecution is still presenting witnesses.

    The PTI party said it will challenge the verdict.

    The ruling is the third such mass conviction this month; Khan’s party says they have included at least 14 of its parliamentarians.

    They will lose their seats in parliament under Pakistani laws, which will shred Khan’s opposition party’s strength.

    Another 77 were acquitted for lack of evidence in the latest verdict, which is linked to an attack on the office of an intelligence agency in eastern city of Faisalabad, the court said.

    The party plans new protests starting on August 5, the second anniversary of Khan’s jailing, to demand his release.

    (Reuters)

  • Bihar government doubles honorarium for MDMS cooks, night watchmen, health instructors in schools

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major announcement ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday declared a significant hike in the honorarium for several categories of support staff in government schools, including cooks, night watchmen, and physical education and health instructors.

    The announcement was made via a post from the Chief Minister’s official X account, highlighting the government’s continued focus on strengthening the education sector through better compensation and support for ground-level workers.

    As per the revised honorarium, cooks employed under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) saw their monthly payment increase from Rs 1,650 to Rs 3,300, while night watchmen deployed in secondary and higher secondary schools have seen a monthly honorarium increase from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

    Similarly, physical education and health instructors’ monthly honorarium increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 apart from annual increment raised from Rs 200 to Rs 400 for eligible personnel.

    CM Nitish Kumar said, “These workers have played an important role in strengthening the education system. Doubling their honorarium will boost their morale and lead to greater dedication in their duties.”

    Highlighting the evolution of the education sector since his government took over in November 2005, the CM noted, “The education budget has risen from Rs 4,366 crore in 2005 to Rs 77,690 crore in 2025. Progress includes massive teacher recruitment, new school buildings, and infrastructure development.”

    Earlier, the journalist pension scheme increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000, social security pension for the elderly, disabled, and widows was hiked from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, ASHA workers’ incentive was raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, and MAMTA workers now get Rs 600 per delivery, up from Rs 300 earlier.

    These measures signal the government’s intent to consolidate support across various working-class and grassroots segments.

    (IANS)

  • Reinvigorate ‘Made in India’ as hallmark of unquestionable quality amid US tariffs: SBI report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The imposition of 25 per cent tariff on India with penalty is a “bad business decision” but the mysterious forces of global supply chain will auto adjust and cushion the impact, and Indian businesses and firms would do well to reinvigorate the ‘Made in India’ as a hallmark of unquestionable quality, an SBI Research report said on Friday.

    Not surprisingly, the US GDP, inflation and currency face a greater risk of downgrades compared to India, the report noted.

    Though the US is India’s top exporter (20 per cent in FY25), India has diversified its export destinations, and the top 10 countries only accounted for 53 per cent of total exports.

    The top 15 items exported to the US accounted for 63 per cent of total exports. Electronics, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals and nuclear reactors and machinery account for 49 per cent of India’s exports to the US.

    The earlier tariff imposed by the US on such articles varied from 0 per cent (on diamonds, smartphones, pharma products, among others) to a maximum of 10.8 per cent (other bed linen of cotton). Now all of them will face a 25 per cent tariff.

    “Exports of smartphones and photovoltaic cells to the US have seen a spurt by the PLI scheme of the government, and rationalisation of the GST on cut and polished diamonds has pushed gems and jewellery exports to the US. For the other products, it’s the robust demand from the US that led to higher exports, according to the SBI report.

    India has been a cornerstone of the global supply chain for affordable, high-quality and availability of essential medicines, particularly life-saving oncology drugs and antibiotics.

    In the generic drug market, India supplies nearly 47 per cent of the pharmaceutical needs of the US. If the US shifts manufacturing and API production to other countries or domestic facilities, it will take a minimum of 3-5 years for meaningful capacity. So, the tariff rise may lead to drug shortages and price increases for American citizens.

    As the US accounts for 40 per cent of India’s pharma exports, if a 25 per cent tariff continues, it may hit earnings of pharma companies by 2-8 per cent in FY26, as many big pharma companies’ revenue from the US stood in the range of 40-50 per cent.

    Further, the tariff will reduce competitiveness in the world’s largest pharma market and the profit margins pressure due to the inability to pass on costs, the report noted.

    “When we map the sectors with most favoured nation (MFN) tariffs imposed by India on the corresponding imports from the US, the average MFN tariff comes to around 20 per cent. Certain sectors like Automobile, FMCG, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, electrical equipment, textile and consumer durables stand out as the tariff applied is 15 per cent or more. The Indian government can think of reducing the tariffs in such sectors,” the SBI report suggested.

    (IANS)

  • Rain, thunderstorms likely in Delhi for next three days: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The national capital is expected to witness a fresh spell of rain over the next three days, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms between Friday and Sunday (August 3).

    According to the IMD’s Thursday bulletin, heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over parts of the Northeast and adjoining eastern India over the next seven days. In Delhi, however, the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease slightly starting Friday.

    On Friday, Delhi will witness very light to light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain below normal, ranging between 33 to 35 degrees Celsius and 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, respectively.

    Winds will initially blow from the northeast in the morning, shift to the southwest by afternoon, and then turn southeasterly in the evening and night, at speeds of 10–15 kmph.

    Rainfall is expected to continue through August 2 and 3, with mostly cloudy skies and light showers accompanied by thunderstorms.

    Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 34 to 36 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures will range between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, remaining a few degrees below the seasonal average. Winds will vary in direction but remain steady at 10–20 kmph, mostly from the northwest and northeast.

    Earlier on Thursday, parts of Delhi received moderate rainfall, while isolated areas saw heavy showers that led to localised waterlogging and traffic congestion.

    The maximum temperature recorded was 29.9 degrees Celsius, five degrees below normal, while the minimum stood at 24.7 degrees Celsius, two degrees below the usual.

    The met department also noted that Delhi has been experiencing irregular rainfall over the past few days, which has caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters in several areas of the city.

    With weather conditions remaining unstable and intermittent showers expected to continue, residents are advised to remain cautious, especially during peak travel hours.

    (IANS)

  • Centre accelerates efforts to fill vacant posts in ministries and departments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre is taking steps to fill vacant posts across central government ministries and departments, Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh informed Parliament on Thursday. As of March 1, 2021, there were 40,35,203 sanctioned posts under the central government.

    In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 24, Dr. Singh stated that the filling of vacancies is an ongoing process and depends on the specific requirements and conditions within different departments. The respective ministries and departments are responsible for maintaining detailed records of vacancies and appointments.

    The government has issued detailed instructions to all departments, including taking advance action to report direct recruitment vacancies to the relevant recruiting agencies. For promotions, a Model Calendar has been prescribed to streamline Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings and ensure the readiness of promotion panels when vacancies arise.

    For deputation-based appointments, the authority to fill posts up to Level 13A and below in the pay matrix has been delegated to individual ministries and departments.

    The government has also launched Mission Recruitment, a dedicated mission-mode initiative introduced in June 2022. As part of this effort, Rozgar Melas are being organized regularly across 45–50 cities, serving as a catalyst to expedite the appointment process across Central Government organizations.

    Annual reports containing consolidated data on sanctioned posts and persons-in-position are published by the Pay Research Unit of the Department of Expenditure. These reports are publicly accessible on the Department’s official website: https://doe.gov.in/hi/annual-report-pay-and-allowances.

  • Delhi’s Yamuna river cleaning sees progress, but pollution levels remain concerning: Jal Shakti Ministry

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that significant progress has been made in the ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna River in Delhi. However, pollution levels at several points in the river remain well above permissible limits, indicating the need for continued and intensified action.

    In a written reply, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said that water quality at key locations along the Yamuna—Palla, Nizamuddin Bridge, and Okhla Barrage—is being monitored monthly by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP). Parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Faecal Coliform (FC) are being tracked since January 2025.

    As per data provided by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the national capital generates around 3,596 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage. While Delhi has 37 operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 3,474 MLD, only 2,955 MLD of sewage is actually being treated. Out of this, 2,014 MLD from 23 STPs complies with the discharge norms set by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), while 14 STPs remain non-compliant. An estimated 641 MLD of sewage continues to be discharged untreated into the Yamuna or the city’s drainage system.

    The CPCB also conducts annual inspections of Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) in the Yamuna basin. In the last round of inspections carried out in 2024, a total of 189 GPIs were assessed in Delhi. Of these, 158 were operational and 31 had self-closed. Among the operational units, 49 were found to be violating discharge norms or lacked valid consent to operate. The concerned state pollution control boards issued 40 show-cause notices and 9 closure orders to the defaulting industries.

    To strengthen sewage treatment infrastructure under the Namami Gange Programme, nine projects worth ₹1,951 crore have been sanctioned for Delhi. These projects have added a treatment capacity of 1,268 MLD and include major initiatives such as the rehabilitation of trunk sewers, rising mains, and the upgradation of STPs at Kondli and Coronation Pillar. The Ministry confirmed that all nine projects have been completed.

    Since January 2025, a total of ₹140 crore has been allocated for Yamuna cleaning efforts, out of which ₹108.31 crore has already been utilized. The ministry stressed that river cleaning is a continuous process, and it is working closely with the states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the Government of NCT of Delhi to tackle Yamuna pollution through financial and technical assistance.

    Despite infrastructure upgrades, water quality data from 2025 paints a grim picture. Downstream stretches of the river, particularly at Nizamuddin, Okhla, and Asgarpur, continue to record BOD levels far exceeding the safe limit of 3 mg/L. Faecal Coliform counts in these areas were reported in the range of hundreds of thousands to millions per 100 ml, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement, expanded treatment coverage, and robust pollution control mechanisms.

  • India’s manufacturing PMI rises to 16-month high in July despite global uncertainties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s manufacturing sector gained momentum in the month of July as Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to a 16-month high of 59.1, up from 58.4 in June, despite global uncertainties and US tariffs, according to data released by S&P Global on Friday.

    The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to a 16-month high of 59.1, driven by strong gains in new orders and output, though business sentiment and hiring momentum showed signs of moderation.

    “India recorded a 59.1 manufacturing PMI in July, up from 58.4 during the prior month. This marked a 16-month high for the sector, which benefited from strong growth in new orders and output,” said Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC.

    “At the same time, however, business confidence fell to its lowest level in three years due to concerns over competition and inflation,” Bhandari added.

    India’s manufacturing sector remains on a strong footing entering the second half of FY25.

    The sustained manufacturing resilience comes on the back of robust domestic demand and continued output expansion.

    India’s private sector showed robust growth in July, fuelled by strong manufacturing and global demand. The headline HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 60.7 in July from 58.4 in June.

    International orders received by private sector firms in India rose sharply at the start of the second fiscal quarter (Q2 FY26). The Indian companies remained optimistic about output growth over the next 12 months.

    There is a firm pick-up in employment, especially in the service sector, suggesting healthy job creation accompanies the expansion of both India’s manufacturing and service sectors.

    Meanwhile, India is projected to see 6.4 per cent GDP growth in FY26 and FY27, with both numbers revised slightly upward, reflecting a more benign external environment than assumed in the April reference forecast, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO).

    The IMF revised upwards its outlook for India’s GDP growth for the current fiscal by 20 basis points (bps) to 6.4 per cent. The global agency also revised upwards its growth forecast for FY27 by 10 bps to 6.4 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • India inaugurates 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Kandla, advancing 2030 clean energy goals

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday inaugurated a 1 megawatt (MW) Green Hydrogen Plant at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, Gujarat terming it a “major step” in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2030 vision under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    Calling the development a significant milestone in India’s transition towards clean energy, Sonowal said, “This commissioning demonstrates our commitment to Net Zero and sets a new benchmark in India’s green hydrogen ecosystem.”

    The newly inaugurated unit is part of a 10 MW Green Hydrogen project, whose foundation was laid by the Prime Minister during his visit to Bhuj on May 26 this year. The completion of the 1 MW module within just four months has been lauded as a symbol of India’s enhanced capabilities in implementing complex green energy projects with speed and scale.

    “The DPA has turned that vision into reality — a shining example of speed, scale, and skill under the Maritime India Vision 2030,” the Union Minister said.

    The green hydrogen plant is expected to produce approximately 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually and will support maritime decarbonisation and sustainable port operations.

    Sonowal also praised DPA’s broader green initiatives, including the earlier deployment of the country’s first Make-in-India all-electric Green Tug. He noted that the hydrogen facility was fully developed by Indian engineers, making it a symbol of Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat and a model for ports across India to emulate.

    “This green hydrogen plant is a testament to the bold and transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It reflects his commitment to a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant India,” Sonowal added.

    Congratulating the DPA leadership and engineering partner L&T, the Minister said the project was executed with “remarkable speed and precision.”

    Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, who also attended the inauguration, called the project a proud moment for Gujarat and the nation. “This initiative reaffirms India’s growing leadership in clean energy and innovation. It’s a bold step towards a sustainable maritime future,” he said.

  • CM Rekha Gupta launches door-to-door cleanliness drive; says Delhi needs new Secretariat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday launched a month-long door-to-door cleanliness campaign from Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) Kashmiri Gate, aiming to improve sanitation and workplace conditions across the national Capital.

    The campaign will be conducted across all districts of Delhi and involve active participation from government officials, civic agencies, and local communities.

    Leading by example, the Chief Minister personally took part in the cleanliness drive by sweeping the premises at the ISBT, where she also inspected the condition of the offices and public facilities.

    Expressing concern over the deteriorating infrastructure and unhygienic conditions at government offices, CM Gupta said, “If our officers are working in such conditions, how will they benefit anyone? Water is dripping from here, and this is where an officer’s chair is placed. This is the kind of furniture provided, where people are expected to sit and work.”

    While inspecting the ISBT office area, the Chief Minister was visibly dissatisfied with the poor maintenance and lack of basic facilities, calling for immediate structural reforms and better upkeep of public infrastructure.

    In a significant announcement during the campaign launch, CM Gupta said the capital urgently requires a new secretariat building.

    “Delhi needs a new Secretariat. From today itself, we will begin identifying suitable locations so that all departments can operate from a single place,” she stated.

    The month-long campaign will focus not only on residential and commercial areas but also on government buildings, transport hubs, and public service offices, aiming to set a new standard for urban cleanliness in the national Capital.

    The Chief Minister urged citizens and officials alike to treat cleanliness as a shared responsibility. The initiative is being coordinated with municipal bodies and is expected to involve schoolchildren, non-government organisations, resident welfare associations, and volunteers in the coming weeks.

    (IANS)

  • Govt launches ‘Apna Ghar’ resting facilities for truck drivers across highways

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move to enhance the safety and well-being of truck drivers during long-haul journeys, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched an ambitious initiative called ‘Apna Ghar’. The programme aims to provide comfortable and hygienic resting spaces for truckers across major highways in the country.

    As of July 1, 2025, a total of 368 ‘Apna Ghar’ units with 4,611 beds have been set up by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) at retail fuel outlets along national and state highways. These facilities offer a range of services including dormitory accommodations, restaurants or dhabas, clean toilets, dedicated bathing areas, self-cooking spaces, and access to purified drinking water — all designed to improve the quality of life for truck drivers on the road.

    The initiative has seen a positive response from the trucking community, with a growing number of bookings, app downloads, and user registrations on the dedicated ‘Apna Ghar’ mobile application. Feedback collected from users reflects widespread appreciation for the comfort and convenience these resting spaces provide.

    The information was shared by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He said that the initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to support the country’s trucking workforce and to ensure better infrastructure and working conditions for those who keep India’s supply chains running.

  • Vice President election to be held on Sept 9, result on same day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Election Commission of India has announced that the election to choose the next Vice President of India will be held on September 9, with counting of votes to take place the same day.

    According to the schedule released on Friday, August 21 is the last date for filing nominations, while the deadline for withdrawal of candidature is August 25.

    The post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health concerns.

    “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution,” read Dhankhar’s resignation letter.

    On Thursday, the Election Commission confirmed that it has completed the preparation and finalised the Electoral College list for the 2025 Vice-Presidential election. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Commission stated that the list has been organised in alphabetical order based on the States and Union Territories of the respective Members of Parliament.

    The Vice President of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, and the voting is conducted by secret ballot.

    As per constitutional provisions, elections to fill a vacancy due to the end of a term must be held before the term expires. In cases where the position becomes vacant due to resignation, death, or removal, the election is to be held at the earliest possible date. The elected individual serves a full term of five years from the date of assuming office.

    -ANI

  • Mission Mausam aims to make India a “Weather-Ready, Climate-Smart” nation: Govt

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The government has launched the ambitious ‘Mission Mausam’ initiative aimed at transforming India into a “weather-ready and climate-smart” nation, Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

    The scheme, with a total outlay of ₹2,000 crore for the period 2024–2026, seeks to develop advanced weather surveillance technologies, strengthen forecasting capabilities, and improve last-mile dissemination systems. The budget allocation includes ₹258 crore for the financial year 2024–25 and ₹1,742 crore for 2025–26.

    Dr. Singh said the scheme focuses on enhancing atmospheric observation networks using next-generation radars, wind profilers, and satellite systems equipped with advanced payloads. The use of high-performance computing systems, Earth system models, and AI/ML-based data tools will also be central to the mission.

    A key element of Mission Mausam is the development of a state-of-the-art Decision Support System (DSS) to improve disaster preparedness and weather communication at the local level.

    The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), which has long provided customised weather forecasts for tourist and pilgrimage destinations, will leverage this mission to offer improved services. These include real-time updates for major events such as the Char Dham and Amarnath Yatras, as well as the Maha Kumbh Mela, held earlier this year.

    “Mission Mausam will significantly enhance our ability to monitor and forecast extreme weather and climate events. It will help tourists and tourism-related businesses plan better and reduce losses caused by adverse weather,” the minister said.

  • Thailand returns some Cambodian soldiers ahead of key border talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s army sent home two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 on Friday, ahead of a key meeting in Malaysia next week where defence ministers and military commanders will hold talks aimed at maintaining a ceasefire along their disputed border.

    Long-simmering tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border exploded into clashes last week, including exchanges of artillery fire and jet fighter sorties, the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade.

    The clashes claimed at least 43 lives and left over 300,000 people displaced.

    A truce was achieved on Monday, following a push by Malaysia and phone calls from U.S President Trump who threatened to hold off tariff negotiations with both countries until fighting stopped.

    Thailand and Cambodia previously faced tariffs of 36% for sending goods to the U.S., their largest export markets. Following further negotiations, they will now pay a 19% tariff, the White House announced on Friday.

    In Bangkok, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub told reporters on Friday that two Cambodian soldiers had been sent back, and the remaining 18 were being processed for violating immigration law.

    “The Cambodian soldiers intruded on Thai territory and the army took them into custody, treating them based on humanitarian principles,” he said.

    In a statement, the Cambodian defence ministry asked Thailand to return all the detained soldiers.

    “Cambodia is actively engaging in negotiations to secure their release, and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with the international humanitarian law,” a ministry spokesperson said.

    Defence ministers and military leaders from both sides, who were previously scheduled to meet in the Cambodian capital next week, will now hold talks in Malaysia, after Thailand sought a neutral venue for the meeting.

    The General Border Committee, which coordinates on border security, ceasefires, and troop deployments, will meet between August 4-7, Thai Acting Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit told reporters.

    “Defence attachés from other ASEAN countries will be invited as well as the defence attachés from the U.S. and China,” a Malaysian government spokesperson told reporters, referring to the Southeast Asian regional bloc that the country currently chairs.

    Thailand and Cambodia have for decades claimed jurisdiction over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of several ancient temples at the centre of disputes.

    In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish, leading to a troop build-up and a diplomatic crisis, which eventually snowballed into five-days of intense fighting in late July.

    (Reuters)

  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan assumes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan on Thursday assumed charge as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS). Soon after taking over, he paid homage to fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

    An alumnus of the 71st course of the National Defence Academy, Pune, Vice Admiral Vatsayan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1988. A specialist in Gunnery and Missile Systems, he brings over three decades of operational, command, and staff experience to his new role.

    He has served on several frontline warships, including as commissioning crew of INS Mysore and INS Nishank, and as Executive Officer of INS Mysore. His commands at sea include Coast Guard ship C-05, missile vessels INS Vibhuti and INS Nashak, missile corvette INS Kuthar, and guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri, which he commanded from commissioning.

    In February 2020, he assumed command of the Eastern Fleet during a critical period marked by increased maritime operations following the Galwan incident. He also held key staff appointments at Naval Headquarters, including as Director Naval Plans and Principal Director Naval Plans.

    Promoted to Flag Rank in 2018, Vice Admiral Vatsayan served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans) and later commanded the Eastern Fleet. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2021 for his exceptional leadership and distinguished service.

    He has held key positions in tri-services coordination, serving as Deputy Commandant at the National Defence Academy and later as Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (DCIDS), where he was instrumental in enhancing jointness, operational coordination, and policy formulation promoting indigenisation.

    Vice Admiral Vatsayan is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; Naval War College, Goa; and National Defence College, New Delhi.

  • India’s export loss due to higher US tariffs limited to 0.3 to 0.4 pc of GDP: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The direct export loss from the higher US tariffs announced on Indian exports could be limited to around 0.3-0.4 per cent of its GDP as the country’s largely domestic-driven economy and its relatively low share of goods exports to the US should provide some cushion, according to a CareEdge Ratings report released on Friday.

    “Not only is India’s overall export dependence relatively low, but its merchandise export exposure to the US is also low at around 2 per cent of GDP, offering additional resilience,” the report contends.

    Moreover, India’s services exports remain outside the scope of these tariffs and should continue to support the external sector, the report states.

    The report also projects the current account deficit (CAD) to remain manageable at 0.9 per cent of GDP in FY26.

    Any diversification in India’s oil imports away from Russia is expected to have a minimal impact on India’s CAD, as the price differential between Russian Ural and the benchmark Brent Crude has significantly narrowed to around $3 per barrel from an average of $20 per barrel in 2023.

    India’s merchandise exports to the US stood at $87 billion in FY25. Electronic goods accounted for the largest share of exports at 17.6 per cent. This was followed by pharma products (11.8 per cent) and gems & jewellery (11.5 per cent).

    The US accounts for 37 per cent of India’s total electronic exports. Select items from this sector have been temporarily exempted from the 25 per cent US tariffs. Additionally, India’s pharma exports to the US (accounting for 35 per cent of India’s total pharma exports) have also been excluded from the tariffs, the report states.

    However, the overarching risk of sector-specific tariff action remains. India has one of the highest numbers of US FDA-approved manufacturing facilities catering to the generic medicine requirements of the US. While tariff uncertainties persist, the sector’s fundamental competitive advantages offer some resilience, the report observes.

    India’s relative tariff advantage for its exports to the US compared to several Asian peers, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and South Korea, has effectively reversed following the 25 per cent US tariff, along with the possibility of an additional penalty linked to India’s trade ties with Russia, according to the report.

    However, India-US trade negotiations are expected to continue and could bring some relief. Still, India is likely to remain cautious about opening sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy, suggesting that the talks may take some time to conclude, the report said.

    Against this backdrop, it is too early to determine the clear winners and losers from the evolving tariff landscape. Volatility in global financial markets is likely to persist, and tariff-related developments will be critical to watch in the coming months, the report added.

    (IANS)

  • South Korea’s ex-leader Yoon Suk Yeol lay on floor of cell and refused to be questioned, prosecutors say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is in detention while on trial and facing various criminal probes, lay on the floor of his cell on Friday and refused to leave it for questioning, a spokesperson for a special prosecutor said.

    Yoon was removed from office in April by the Constitutional Court over his botched attempt last year to declare martial law and is now being investigated by a special prosecution team formed under new President Lee Jae Myung.

    Prosecutors investigating influence-peddling allegations connected to Yoon and his wife had tried to get him to comply with an arrest warrant and attend questioning voluntarily, a spokesperson for the special prosecution said.

    “But the suspect stubbornly refused to do so, while lying on the ground, not dressed in a prison uniform,” Oh Jung-hee told a news briefing. She said investigators would try again to bring him in, even if they had to use force.

    Yoon was dressed only in his undershirt and underwear when prosecutors came to his cell, the Yonhap News Agency reported, citing the special prosecution.

    Yu Jeong-hwa, one of Yoon’s lawyers, told Reuters that bringing up what he was wearing in a small space where the temperature was close to 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) was a public insult to his dignity and showed how the state was violating inmates’ human rights.

    The former president was put back in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Center in July, as prosecutors investigating his short-lived declaration of martial law in December sought additional charges against him.

    Yoon is already on trial for insurrection, a charge which is punishable by death or life imprisonment.

    He also faces a string of other investigations led by special prosecutors including one into scandals surrounding his wife, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, where the couple allegedly exerted inappropriate influence over elections.

    Yoon has denied any wrongdoing and his lawyers have accused prosecutors of conducting a politically-motivated witch hunt.

    The former president has repeatedly rejected requests by prosecutors to appear for questioning, citing health issues.

    His lawyers said on Thursday that he was unwell due to preexisting conditions, including a condition that meant there was a risk of him losing his eyesight.

    In a reference to Yoon’s position as a former top prosecutor, Oh, the spokesperson for the special prosecution, said the case was being closely scrutinised by the public.

    “The suspect has consistently highlighted the importance of laws, principles, fairness and common sense and through this case people are watching if the law applies equally to everyone,” Oh said.

    Separately, investigators requested that Yoon’s wife Kim, who has also denied any wrongdoing, attend questioning on August 6. Kim’s lawyers have said she would cooperate with the investigation.

    (Reuters)

  • Amarnath Yatra suspended from Jammu for second day; over four lakh pilgrims have visited so far

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Amarnath Yatra from Jammu to the Valley remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Friday, with authorities citing ongoing maintenance work along the Pahalgam route. Pilgrims were, however, allowed to proceed from the Baltal base camp.

    This year’s yatra, which began on July 3, is scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims undertake the journey either via the 46-km traditional Pahalgam route, which takes four days on foot, or the 14-km Baltal route, which allows same-day return after darshan. There are no helicopter services this year due to security reasons.

    Officials of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) confirmed that no yatri was allowed to move from Jammu or the Pahalgam base camp due to safety concerns along the traditional route. Movement towards the holy cave shrine, situated at 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, was permitted only from the Baltal axis.

    The number of pilgrims undertaking the yatra this year has crossed the 4 lakh mark, according to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also heads the SASB.

    “Baba Amarnath makes the impossible possible. With his blessings, the holy Yatra today crossed the figure of 4 lakh,” Sinha posted on X. “I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the pilgrimage a divine experience.”

    The holy cave houses a naturally forming ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva.

    Meanwhile, the Chhari Mubarak — Lord Shiva’s sacred mace — will begin its final journey from Srinagar’s Amareshwar Temple on August 4 and reach the cave shrine on August 9. Rituals and pujas will be conducted en route at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan, and Pahalgam.

    Security arrangements remain tight, with multiple layers of protection deployed along the yatra routes, especially after the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.

  • ENG vs IND: Chris Woakes ruled out of remainder of 5th Test with shoulder injury

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    England seamer Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the remainder of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India after injuring his left shoulder on Day 1 at The Oval, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday.

    In a statement, the ECB said: “Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury sustained on day one of the match against India. At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test. A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series.”

    The injury occurred during the 57th over of India’s first innings when Woakes, fielding at long-off, dived to stop a boundary hit by Karun Nair. He landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and remained on the ground clutching it before walking off with his arm in a makeshift sling.

    Before leaving the field, Woakes had bowled 14 overs and returned figures of 1/46. His absence compounds England’s injury concerns, with captain Ben Stokes already ruled out of the series decider due to a shoulder injury.

    Woakes, 35, has been a mainstay of England’s bowling attack this series and is one of only two seamers—alongside India’s Mohammed Siraj—to have featured in all five Tests. He has bowled 181 overs across the series, picking up 11 wickets at an average of 52.18.

    With Woakes sidelined, England’s bowling attack is left short on experience. The rest of the seamers in the squad have a combined total of just 18 Test caps.

  • IMD predicts heavy rainfall over northeast, eastern India; TN and Kerala in for week-long wet spell

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over Northeast and adjoining eastern India over the next seven days, with extremely heavy downpours expected in specific pockets. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, along with Meghalaya, are likely to receive intense rainfall on August 2 and 3. Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar are also forecast to witness extremely heavy rainfall on August 3.

    Southern states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala are expected to experience sustained heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next six to seven days. In contrast, subdued rainfall activity is likely over central and north peninsular India during this period.

    Additional bouts of very heavy rainfall are anticipated in various parts of north and central India in the coming days.

    Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive very heavy showers on August 1. Eastern Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh are expected to see intense rain on August 4, while eastern Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand may witness heavy showers on August 3 and 4. Tamil Nadu is likely to receive very heavy rainfall on August 4 and 5, followed by Kerala and Mahe on August 6 and 7.

    In the past 24 hours (leading up to 8:30 a.m. on August 1), isolated locations across Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall (ranging between 7 and 20 cm). Isolated heavy rainfall was also reported from parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh, and central Maharashtra.

    Weather outlook for Delhi-NCR

    On Friday, Delhi is likely to remain under a generally cloudy sky, with one or two spells of light rain and the possibility of moderate showers in isolated areas during the evening or night. Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected. Maximum temperatures are projected between 32°C and 34°C, which is 2 to 4 degrees below normal. Surface winds will predominantly blow from the south at 10–15 kmph during the afternoon, weakening to 5–10 kmph from the southwest by evening.

    On August 2, the capital will continue to witness a generally cloudy sky, accompanied by very light to light rain and occasional thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures may rise slightly, ranging from 34°C to 36°C, with minimums between 24°C and 26°C. Winds will shift from the west in the morning to the southwest by afternoon, reaching up to 20 kmph before subsiding to around 10–15 kmph in the evening.

    August 3 is forecast to bring light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms. Temperatures will dip slightly again, with maximums between 32°C and 34°C and minimums in the 24°C to 26°C range. Winds will initially come from the northwest at around 10–15 kmph and later shift to the southwest during the afternoon, before transitioning to the northeast in the evening.

    On August 4, the city is expected to remain under a cloudy sky, with light rainfall and thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures will continue to hover between 32°C and 34°C, while minimums may fall to 23°C to 25°C. Winds will begin from the northeast and increase from the east in the afternoon before calming again in the evening.

    Overall, the Delhi-NCR region is likely to experience relatively cooler days with intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms through the first week of August.

  • Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair assumes charge as Controller Personnel Services

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, AVSM, NM, has assumed charge as the Controller Personnel Services (CPS) at the Indian Navy on July 31. On taking over the new responsibility, the senior officer paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honouring the sacrifices of India’s brave soldiers.

    Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Vice Admiral Nair is a specialist in Communications and Electronic Warfare. Over his distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he has held several key command, operational, and staff appointments.

    A Surface Warfare Officer, the Flag Officer’s sea tenures include service on INS Krishna, INS Kora, and INS Mysore. He has served as Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer and later as Fleet Communications Officer of the Western Fleet, during which he was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff commendation for his contribution to the non-combatant evacuation of Indian nationals from Beirut during the Israel-Lebanon conflict in July 2006.

    Vice Admiral Nair has commanded INS Kirch (Missile Corvette), INS Chennai (Guided Missile Destroyer), and INS Vikramaditya (Aircraft Carrier). He has also served in various important shore appointments, including as Directing Staff at the Naval War College, Goa, Officer-in-Charge at Signal School, and Commodore (Personnel) at the Directorate of Personnel, Naval Headquarters. He was also a member of the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council (INSOC), the Indian Navy’s think tank.

    An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the US Naval War College, Newport, USA, Vice Admiral Nair has been the recipient of several prestigious international awards, including the Robert E. Bateman International Award, Vice Admiral James H. Doyle Military Operations and International Law Prize, and the International Leadership Prize. He holds an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies from Mumbai University.

    He was awarded the Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) in 2000 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in January 2025.

    Upon promotion to Flag rank, Vice Admiral Nair served as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy and Plans), where he played a pivotal role in formulating the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP 2022–37) and Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (MIPP 2022–37). He subsequently commanded the Western Fleet in 2023–24 and led Operation Sankalp to safeguard India’s maritime interests in the region.

    Before assuming his current post, he served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy.

  • Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh assumes charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh has taken over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He assumed the new responsibility on July 31, 2025, following his tenure as Director General Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement at the Army Headquarters.

    Commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) in December 1987, Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh brings with him over 38 years of rich experience in operational and strategic roles across the Indian Army.

    An alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow University, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the General Officer has served in several key operations including OP PAWAN, OP MEGHDOOT, OP ORCHID, and multiple tenures in OP RAKSHAK.

    He has commanded a Special Forces unit in the Kashmir Valley and along the Line of Control, an Infantry Brigade, and a Mountain Division during OP SNOW LEOPARD along the Line of Actual Control. He also served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of a Corps based in Himachal Pradesh, responsible for sensitive areas including Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot.

    Lt Gen Singh has undergone extensive training during his career, including the Staff Course at DSSC Wellington, Higher Defence Management Course at CDM Secunderabad, and the Advance Professional Programme in Public Administration at IIPA. He holds a Master’s in Management Studies from Osmania University and a Master’s in Philosophy from Punjab University.

    In recognition of his exemplary service, he has been decorated with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and a Bar to the Sena Medal.

     

  • Real Madrid’s request to postpone LaLiga opener denied, report says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Real Madrid will begin their LaLiga campaign with a home game against Osasuna as scheduled after Spain’s federation (RFEF) rejected their appeal to postpone the August 19 fixture on Thursday, local media reported.

    Real had requested a longer rest period and pre-season after playing in the Club World Cup in the U.S., where they lost to Paris St Germain in the semi-finals on July 9, according to the report.

    Reuters has contacted the RFEF and Real for comment.

    An RFEF judge ruled that in order to preserve the integrity of the competition only a case of force majeure would warrant a change to the official calendar, and that Real’s case did not justify an alteration, Europa Press news agency reported.

    “Finally, it should be added that although the requesting club claims to have the agreement of the opposing party, CA Osasuna, there is no record of this entity having responded to the request made by this judge,” the sole judge was quoted as saying in his ruling by the Europa Press

    -REUTERS