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Category: Government of India

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • First section of bullet train’s undersea tunnel opens in Maharashtra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major boost to India’s first high-speed rail project, the construction of the first section of the 21 km undersea tunnel between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Thane has been successfully completed. This undersea tunnel is part of the ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, which is being built in collaboration with Japan using advanced Shinkansen technology.

    According to the latest update from the Ministry of Railways, civil construction across the 508 km corridor is progressing rapidly. So far, 310 km of viaducts have been constructed, alongside the completion of 15 major river bridges, while work on four more bridges is at an advanced stage. Of the planned 12 stations along the route, five have already been completed and three more are nearing completion.

    One of the engineering highlights of the project is the Mumbai terminus at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This station will be located 32.5 metres below ground level and has been designed with a robust foundation capable of supporting a 95-metre high building above ground, showcasing cutting-edge construction capabilities.

    In a major boost to India-Japan technological cooperation, the Japanese government has confirmed that the next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains will be deployed on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor. Notably, these trains will debut simultaneously in Japan and India, underlining the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The entire bullet train corridor is being built using state-of-the-art Shinkansen technology, which is globally recognised for its exceptional speed, safety and reliability standards. This project aims to redefine India’s passenger rail experience and set new benchmarks for infrastructure development in the country.

    Track laying, installation of overhead electrical wires, and procurement of operational systems are also progressing in parallel, ensuring that the project stays on schedule.

  • CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025; food inflation turns negative

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation for June 2025 has dropped to its lowest level in more than six years, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that headline inflation for June stood at 2.10 percent for the country overall, with rural inflation at 1.72 percent and urban inflation at 2.56 percent. This marks the lowest headline CPI since January 2019, offering a significant respite to households grappling with cost pressures over recent years.

    Food inflation, which has often been the primary driver of household expenses, remained in the negative for the second month in a row. The Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) recorded a deflation of 1.06 percent in June, with rural areas seeing a 0.92 percent decline and urban areas witnessing a 1.22 percent fall in food prices. Compared to the same period last year, the drop in food inflation has been substantial, mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, meat and fish, sugar and spices.

    On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation in June rose by 0.62 percent, while food inflation increased by 1.08 percent, largely in line with seasonal trends and normal price movements. Meanwhile, certain core categories continue to show moderate yet steady increases. Housing inflation in urban areas came in at 3.24 percent, slightly higher than May’s 3.16 percent. Education inflation was recorded at 4.37 percent compared to 4.12 percent in the previous month, while health expenses rose by 4.43 percent, up from 4.34 percent. Transport and communication costs remained stable, increasing marginally to 3.90 percent from 3.85 percent. Fuel and light inflation dropped to 2.55 percent from 2.84 percent in May.

    The ministry highlighted that the price data for this calculation was gathered from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, with 100 percent coverage in rural areas and over 98 percent coverage in urban centres. This robust coverage ensures that the estimates reflect prevailing market conditions across the country.

    Economists believe that the sustained decline in food prices will offer relief to households, but they also point out that the persistent rise in services such as health, education and housing requires careful monitoring. The latest figures suggest that inflation is well within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 2 to 6 percent, giving policymakers more room to focus on growth and employment in the coming months.

    The final inflation report for June will be released on August 12. Until then, the latest numbers present a clear picture of easing consumer prices and a cautious optimism for economic planners who have been grappling with fluctuating global commodity prices and unpredictable weather patterns affecting agricultural output.

  • CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025; food inflation turns negative

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation for June 2025 has dropped to its lowest level in more than six years, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that headline inflation for June stood at 2.10 percent for the country overall, with rural inflation at 1.72 percent and urban inflation at 2.56 percent. This marks the lowest headline CPI since January 2019, offering a significant respite to households grappling with cost pressures over recent years.

    Food inflation, which has often been the primary driver of household expenses, remained in the negative for the second month in a row. The Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) recorded a deflation of 1.06 percent in June, with rural areas seeing a 0.92 percent decline and urban areas witnessing a 1.22 percent fall in food prices. Compared to the same period last year, the drop in food inflation has been substantial, mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, meat and fish, sugar and spices.

    On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation in June rose by 0.62 percent, while food inflation increased by 1.08 percent, largely in line with seasonal trends and normal price movements. Meanwhile, certain core categories continue to show moderate yet steady increases. Housing inflation in urban areas came in at 3.24 percent, slightly higher than May’s 3.16 percent. Education inflation was recorded at 4.37 percent compared to 4.12 percent in the previous month, while health expenses rose by 4.43 percent, up from 4.34 percent. Transport and communication costs remained stable, increasing marginally to 3.90 percent from 3.85 percent. Fuel and light inflation dropped to 2.55 percent from 2.84 percent in May.

    The ministry highlighted that the price data for this calculation was gathered from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, with 100 percent coverage in rural areas and over 98 percent coverage in urban centres. This robust coverage ensures that the estimates reflect prevailing market conditions across the country.

    Economists believe that the sustained decline in food prices will offer relief to households, but they also point out that the persistent rise in services such as health, education and housing requires careful monitoring. The latest figures suggest that inflation is well within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 2 to 6 percent, giving policymakers more room to focus on growth and employment in the coming months.

    The final inflation report for June will be released on August 12. Until then, the latest numbers present a clear picture of easing consumer prices and a cautious optimism for economic planners who have been grappling with fluctuating global commodity prices and unpredictable weather patterns affecting agricultural output.

  • CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025; food inflation turns negative

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation for June 2025 has dropped to its lowest level in more than six years, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that headline inflation for June stood at 2.10 percent for the country overall, with rural inflation at 1.72 percent and urban inflation at 2.56 percent. This marks the lowest headline CPI since January 2019, offering a significant respite to households grappling with cost pressures over recent years.

    Food inflation, which has often been the primary driver of household expenses, remained in the negative for the second month in a row. The Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) recorded a deflation of 1.06 percent in June, with rural areas seeing a 0.92 percent decline and urban areas witnessing a 1.22 percent fall in food prices. Compared to the same period last year, the drop in food inflation has been substantial, mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, meat and fish, sugar and spices.

    On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation in June rose by 0.62 percent, while food inflation increased by 1.08 percent, largely in line with seasonal trends and normal price movements. Meanwhile, certain core categories continue to show moderate yet steady increases. Housing inflation in urban areas came in at 3.24 percent, slightly higher than May’s 3.16 percent. Education inflation was recorded at 4.37 percent compared to 4.12 percent in the previous month, while health expenses rose by 4.43 percent, up from 4.34 percent. Transport and communication costs remained stable, increasing marginally to 3.90 percent from 3.85 percent. Fuel and light inflation dropped to 2.55 percent from 2.84 percent in May.

    The ministry highlighted that the price data for this calculation was gathered from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, with 100 percent coverage in rural areas and over 98 percent coverage in urban centres. This robust coverage ensures that the estimates reflect prevailing market conditions across the country.

    Economists believe that the sustained decline in food prices will offer relief to households, but they also point out that the persistent rise in services such as health, education and housing requires careful monitoring. The latest figures suggest that inflation is well within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 2 to 6 percent, giving policymakers more room to focus on growth and employment in the coming months.

    The final inflation report for June will be released on August 12. Until then, the latest numbers present a clear picture of easing consumer prices and a cautious optimism for economic planners who have been grappling with fluctuating global commodity prices and unpredictable weather patterns affecting agricultural output.

  • AI 171 crash: preliminary report finds no mechanical or maintenance faults, says Air India CEO

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Monday said that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report on AI-171 plane crash in Ahmedabad has not found “mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or engines” and urged people not to draw any “premature conclusions” before the investigation is completed.

    In an internal communication, Wilson said the report confirmed that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed and there were no faults with the quality of fuel used. He added that no abnormalities were found in the aircraft’s take-off roll.

    According to the letter, the pilots had passed their mandatory pre-flight breathalyser tests and there were no concerns regarding their medical status.

    “The report has identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over,” Wilson said. He assured that Air India would continue to fully cooperate with investigators to ensure a thorough and comprehensive inquiry.

    He added that until the final report is released, speculation and sensational headlines are likely to continue, but urged staff to remain focused on their work. “We must stay true to the values that have guided Air India’s transformation over the past three years — integrity, excellence, customer focus, innovation and teamwork,” he said.

    Wilson reiterated that the airline’s priorities remain standing by the bereaved families and the injured, working together as a team, and ensuring a safe and reliable air travel experience for customers.

    The AAIB’s Preliminary Report released on Friday said that both the engines of the aircraft were moved from “run” to “cutoff,” in quick succession, which resulted in the fuel supply to be cut off. The report says that in the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why he did the cutoff, which the other pilot denied ever doing so.

    “The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS at about 08:08:42 UTC and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec. The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off,” the preliminary report said.

    The crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, Gujarat claimed the lives of 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.

    (Input from agencies)

  • Coaching Centres Have Turned Out To Be Poaching Centres; Have Become Black Holes For Talent In Regimented Silos: Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Sovereignty Will Not Be Lost Through Invasions, But Through Dependence On Foreign Digital Infrastructure, Says VP
    Technological Leadership Is The New Frontier Of Patriotism, Says VP
    Coaching Centres Must Use Their Infrastructure To Transform Into Skill Centres, Urges VP
    The Obsession With Perfect Grades And Standardized Scores Have Compromised Curiosity, Cautions VP
    Coaching Centers Are Against The Flow Of The National Education Policy, Says VP
    We Must Rise As Architects Of Our Own Digital Destiny; Influence The Destiny Of Other Nations, Emphasis VP
    We Need To Build Bharatiya Systems For Bharatiya Users And Globalize It, Says VP
    Vice-President Addresses 4th Convocation Of Indian Institute Of Information Technology, Kota

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “Coaching centres have turned out to be poaching centres. They have become black holes for talent in regimented silos. Coaching centres are mushrooming. This is menacing for our youth who are our future. We must address this malice that is worrisomely concerning. We cannot allow our education to be so smeared and tarnished.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1943984230503264468

    Shri Dhankahr further added, “Nations will no longer be compromised or colonized by armies as armies have now been replaced by algorithms. Sovereignty will not be lost through invasions, but through dependence on foreign digital infrastructure”, he noted.

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1943955750759674059

    The Vice-President called for a new vision of patriotism rooted in technological leadership, “We are getting into a new era, an era of new Nationalism. Technological leadership is the new frontier of Patriotism. We have to be world leaders in technological leadership.”

    Shri Dhankhar raised concerns over import dependence in critical sectors like defence, saying, “If we get technology driven equipment from outside, especially in sectors such as defence, that country has the power to bring us to a standstill.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1943955066417033546

    He explained how global power dynamics are changing in the digital age, saying, “The battleground of the 21st century is no longer land or sea. Gone are the days of conventional warfare. Our prowess, our power has to be determined by code, cloud and cyber.”

    Addressing the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Kota in Rajasthan today as Chief Guest, Shri Dhankhar said, “How can we even speak of Gurukuls today—among the 22 visual depictions in the Indian Constitution, there is also an image of a Gurukul. We have always believed in the donation of knowledge. Coaching centres must use their infrastructure to transform into skill centres. I urge civil society and public representatives before me and outside to appreciate the urgency of this disease. They must converge to restore sanity in education. We need coaching for skill”, he mentioned.
     
    Shri Dhankhar underlined how obsession with marks is harming the spirit of learning, saying, “The obsession with perfect grades and standardized scores have compromised curiosity,  which is an inalienable facet of human intelligence. The seats are limited but coaching centers are all over the country. They prepare the minds of students for years together and robotize them. Their thinking has absolutely stymied. A lot of psychological problems can arise out of it.”

    The Vice-President encouraged students to look beyond grades, saying, “Your marksheets and grades will not define you. When you take a leap into the competitive world, your knowledge and thinking mind will define you.”

    Turning to the digital world, the Vice-President emphasized, “A smart app that doesn’t work in rural India is not smart enough. An AI model that doesn’t understand regional languages is incomplete. A digital tool that excludes the disabled is unjust.”

    Shri Dhankhar encouraged the youth to become leaders in building local solutions for global impact, saying, “Youth of Bharat must be conscious keepers of the tech world. We need to build Bharatiya systems for Bharatiya users and globalize it.”

    Urging Indians to lead the world in digital self-reliance, he said, “We must rise as architects of our own digital destiny and also influence the destiny of other nations. Our coders, data scientists, blockchain innovators, and AI engineers are the modern-day nation builders. India, once a global leader cannot afford to be at rest just being a passive user nation of borrowed technologies. Earlier we used to wait for technology. The gap was decades. It has narrowed down to weeks now. We should actually be exporting technology.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1943968806189383966

    Shri Dhankhar strongly opposed the idea of education being treated like an assembly line, saying, “We must end this assembly-line culture, because this culture is very dangerous for our education. Coaching centers are against the flow of the National Education Policy. This creates unnecessary hiccups and impediments in growth and progress.

    “Money is poured into billboards and advertisements in newspapers. This money comes from those who either take loans or who painstakingly paid to make their future brighter. This is not optimal utilisation of money, and these advertisements are alluring but they are eyesores for our civilisational ethos.”, he noted.

    He concluded with a sharp critique of rote learning culture, saying,  “We are facing the crisis of cramming culture which has transformed vibrant minds into mechanical repositories of temporary information. There is no absorption. There is no understanding. It is creating intellectual zombies rather than creative thinkers. Cramming creates memory without meaning. Cramming creates memory without meaning and adds degrees without depth.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1943942628577583237

    Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Governor of Rajasthan, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) A.K. Bhatt, Chairperson, BoG, IIIT, Prof. N.P. Padhy, Director and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

  • NITI Aayog releases third edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly,’ highlights India’s trade resilience and impact of US trade policy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s trade performance in the third quarter of FY 2024–25 demonstrated cautious resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions and fluctuating global demand, according to the latest edition of Trade Watch Quarterly released by NITI Aayog on Monday.

    The third edition of the quarterly report, unveiled by NITI Aayog Member Dr. Arvind Virmani, presents a data-driven analysis of India’s trade performance during a period of international uncertainty and policy realignments.

    According to the report, India’s merchandise exports grew 3% year-on-year in Q3, reaching $108.7 billion. Imports, however, rose by a sharper 6.5% to $187.5 billion, widening the merchandise trade deficit. Despite this gap, robust growth in the services sector played a balancing role.

    Services exports surged by 17% during the quarter, generating a surplus of $52.3 billion.

    The report highlights stability in export composition, with notable gains in specialized sectors. Aircraft, spacecraft, and related parts broke into the top ten export categories for the first time, posting a year-on-year growth of over 200%.

    Regionally, North America and the European Union continued to dominate India’s export destinations, together accounting for nearly 40% of outbound shipments.

    India’s prowess in the digital space was also reinforced, with the country ranking as the world’s fifth-largest exporter of Digitally Delivered Services (DDS), accounting for $269 billion in 2024.

    Furthermore, high-tech merchandise exports, led by electrical machinery and arms/ammunition, have sustained robust momentum since 2014, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%.

    This quarter’s thematic focus analyzes the impact of evolving US trade policy, particularly shifts in tariffs. The report identifies India’s relative tariff advantage over key competitors as a strategic window to expand its footprint in the American market.

    Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electrical machinery are especially well-positioned to capitalize on these changes. The report stresses that timely and adaptive policymaking will be crucial in leveraging these changes to enhance India’s export competitiveness.

  • North Eastern Region SDG index highlights strong progress, regional disparities

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The North Eastern Region of India has shown notable improvement in its journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the NER District SDG Index 2023–24 released by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER), with support from the UNDP. The second edition of the index, launched on July 7, offers a detailed district-level analysis across the eight states, capturing the performance of 121 districts on 15 of the 17 SDGs.

    The index reveals that all districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura have achieved Front Runner status, with Mizoram’s Hnahthial emerging as the top-performing district in the region. The findings underscore the impact of national flagship schemes, targeted localisation, and initiatives like the aspirational districts programme in driving development. States like Nagaland and Tripura have shown balanced and sustained progress across multiple goals, while Sikkim demonstrated the smallest gap between its top and bottom-ranked districts, indicating uniform development.

    Compared to the 2021–22 edition, the share of front runner districts has increased from 62% to 85%. Significant gains were observed in goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, and clean water and sanitation. Programmes like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission played a crucial role in these improvements. However, challenges persist in areas like climate action, reducing inequalities, and responsible consumption and production.

    Among the top 10 districts, Mizoram had three entries, including the top-ranked Hnahthial, while Tripura and Nagaland contributed three districts each, and Sikkim had one. At the state level, Assam showed a strong performance with 89% of its districts in the Front Runner category, while Arunachal Pradesh displayed a more mixed profile with progress in select goals but lagging in infrastructure and climate action. Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland also showed encouraging trends, although regional disparities remain.

    The report highlights the importance of improved data systems, collaborative planning, and regular monitoring in sustaining development momentum. It also identifies the need for continued focus on remote and newly formed districts where data gaps and development challenges persist.

    The NER District SDG Index 2023–24 not only reflects the North East’s developmental strides but also acts as a vital tool for policy-making, enabling targeted interventions and fostering greater cooperation among districts. While progress is evident, the report underscores the need for sustained efforts to address inequality, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth in the region.

  • BIS urges use of certified helmets: A life-saving call for two-wheeler riders

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a strong push for road safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Department of Consumer Affairs have launched a nationwide campaign urging two-wheeler riders to use only BIS-certified helmets. The initiative, themed “Helmet – More Than Just a Shell. Choose Smart. Ride Safe,” highlights the critical importance of wearing scientifically tested and approved head protection, especially in a country where two-wheelers account for nearly 45% of road accident deaths.

    Modern helmets, though commonplace today, trace their legacy to ancient headgear used for protection in battle and harsh environments. Yet despite advances in design and technology, helmet usage in India is still driven more by fear of penalties than genuine concern for safety. Many riders don helmets only near police checkpoints, often opting for low-cost, uncertified versions that offer little to no real protection.

    According to the World Health Organisation, wearing a proper helmet can reduce the risk of death by six times and brain injury by up to 74%. However, thousands of substandard helmets -often with fake ISI marks – continue to flood roadside markets. These counterfeit products fail key safety checks and can shatter or slip off in accidents, providing a false sense of security that can prove fatal.

    Under a Quality Control Order in effect since 2021, only helmets conforming to IS 4151:2015 and certified by BIS are legally permitted for use by two-wheeler riders. As of June 2025, 176 manufacturers across India are licensed to produce BIS-certified helmets. These helmets undergo rigorous testing for impact absorption, strap strength, visibility, sound penetration, and durability in extreme conditions.

    To combat the menace of fake helmets, BIS has intensified enforcement. In 2024–25 alone, it carried out over 30 raids, seizing more than 2,500 non-compliant helmets from illegal manufacturers in Delhi and over 500 from retail points across 17 locations. Legal action against offenders is underway. Meanwhile, District Magistrates and police departments have been instructed to take action against the sale of non-certified helmets, and awareness drives are being conducted in cities like Chennai through public roadshows and free distribution campaigns.

    BIS is also stepping up consumer outreach. Tools like the BIS Care App now allow riders to verify certification details and report suspicious products. Campaigns such as “Quality Connect,” led by local volunteers called Manak Mitras, are actively engaging with communities to raise awareness about helmet safety and the risks of uncertified gear.

    As India’s roads grow busier and accidents more frequent, the message is clear: helmets are not just accessories – they are life-saving equipment. Choosing a BIS-certified helmet is not about avoiding fines, but about valuing life. In the critical moments of an accident, it’s not the look of the helmet that matters, but the science behind it. The difference between a certified and a counterfeit helmet is not just a label – it’s the difference between life and death.

  • Indian investors flock to silver as returns overtake those from gold

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian investors, traditionally obsessed with stockpiling gold, are increasingly turning to silver, which was trading near a 14-year high on Monday, as its returns this year outpaced those of gold.

    Imports fill most of the demand in the world’s largest consumer of silver, where domestic prices touched a record high of 114,875 rupees ($1,336) a kg as a production shortfall spurred investors’ hopes for a further rally.

    “Gold’s done pretty well for me over the last couple of years,” said Umesh Agarwal, a regular buyer of gold coins, who recently made his first purchase of a one-kilogram bar of silver.

    “Now I’m hoping silver follows the same path and gives similar returns.”

    Domestic prices of silver have risen 21% in the past three months, outstripping a rise of 5% in gold, as opposed to the scenario of the past year, when gold prices surged 34%, compared to a rise of 23% in silver.

    The appetite for silver is driven both by investment and industry needs in areas such as solar energy and electric vehicles, outpacing production, said Chirag Thakkar, chief executive of Amrapali Group Gujarat, a leading silver importer.

    “Usually, investors cash in when prices hit record highs, offloading coins and bars or pulling out of exchange-traded funds (ETFs),” he added.

    “However, this time, even at record highs, people are investing, rather than selling.”

    Silver ETFs attracted inflows of a record 20.04 billion rupees in June, up from 8.53 billion in May, data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India showed.

    In the June quarter, silver ETFs attracted inflows of 39.25 billion rupees, far outpacing the 23.67 billion flowing into gold ETFs.

    Such ETFs offer investors a convenient way to gain exposure to silver, which is heavy and costly to store and transport, said Vikram Dhawan, head of commodities and fund manager at Nippon India Mutual Fund, which manages metal ETFs.

    Volatility in equity markets following U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs has also pushed investors to diversify, said a Mumbai-based bullion dealer with a silver importing bank.

    Traditionally the choice of budget-conscious rural consumers, silver is increasingly attracting urban buyers as an investment, the dealer added.

    Indian retail investment demand rose 7% in the first half of 2025 on the year, fuelled by expectations of a price rally, the Silver Institute said this month.

    Silver imports jumped 431% in May on the year to 544.1 tons, while gold imports fell 25% to 30.5 tons, trade ministry data showed.

    (Reuters)

  • PMKVY trains 1.63 crore in 10 years, empowers workforce across traditional and emerging sectors

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    PMKVY has evolved from a large-scale training initiative into a dynamic tool for national development. After its initial pilot skilled almost 20 lakh candidates, PMKVY 2.0 expanded to strategically support the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ campaigns, training 1.10 crore candidates. PMKVY 3.0 focused on precision-targeted training, seamlessly aligning with the National Education Policy and rapidly equipping COVID-19 frontline workers to meet the nation’s most urgent needs. This phase integrated training modules such as the Customised Crash Course Programme for COVID Warriors (CCCP for CW) and the Skill Hub Initiative (SHI), which mainstreamed vocational training with general education as envisaged under the National Education Policy, 2020. Under PMKVY 4.0, over 25 lakh candidates have been trained in the last three years, bringing the total number of trained candidates to 1.63 crore. The training imparted under PMKVY makes candidates employable in diverse industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, electronics, and retail.

    Since its inception in 2015, PMKVY has steadily evolved into a key pillar of the Skill India Mission (SIM), aiming to bridge the gap between youth aspirations and employability through structured, industry-aligned training. The programme has expanded far beyond short-term courses, now encompassing apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, global workforce readiness, and traditional crafts preservation.

    As of July 11, over 25 lakh youth have been trained under PMKVY 4.0—the latest phase of the scheme—reflecting a significant leap toward preparing India’s youth for both domestic and international job markets. This version of the programme integrates cutting-edge features like digital tracking, AI-based analytics, credit portability through the Academic Bank of Credits, and links with the Skill India Digital Hub to provide a seamless experience connecting training, education, and employment.

    An Integrated Approach to Skill Development

    The broader Skill India Mission was restructured in 2022 to unify PMKVY, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme under a single framework, enhancing operational efficiency and maximising outreach across both urban and rural areas.

    PMKVY began as a pilot in 2015–16, training nearly 20 lakh individuals. It scaled up significantly with PMKVY 2.0, aligning with national missions such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat, and Digital India. The subsequent version, PMKVY 3.0, responded to emerging challenges, launching initiatives like the Skill Hub (aligned with NEP 2020) and a crash course programme for frontline COVID-19 workers, training over 1.2 lakh health personnel.

    Inclusion and Innovation at the Core

    At the heart of PMKVY lies an unwavering focus on inclusion. Nearly 45% of the trained candidates are women, with strong representation from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The scheme also undertook region- and community-specific projects: training Bru-tribe youth in Tripura, vocational programmes for prison inmates in Assam and Manipur, and upskilling women in Jammu & Kashmir through Namda craft revival initiatives.

    PMKVY’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component has played a crucial role in certifying the skills of informal sector workers—especially artisans and weavers in J&K and Nagaland—without the need for extended training, boosting their mobility in the job market.

    Balancing Heritage with Future-Ready Skills

    One of PMKVY’s defining strengths has been its dual focus—preserving traditional skills while embracing future technologies. Beneficiaries are being equipped for careers in manufacturing, healthcare, electronics, retail, and IT, but increasingly also in emerging fields like drones, mechatronics, AI, and the Internet of Things.

    In this effort, Centres of Excellence launched at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad and Chennai in June 2025 are set to become national reference points for high-quality instructor training and specialised skilling.

    Complementary Schemes Expanding the Skilling Ecosystem

    The momentum created by PMKVY has been bolstered by several complementary schemes. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched in 2023, aims to support artisans from 18 traditional trades with training, toolkits, credit access, and marketing support. As of July 2025, over 2.7 crore applications have been received, with 29 lakh registrations completed.

    Meanwhile, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), which targets rural youth, has trained nearly 17 lakh individuals since its launch in 2014, with over 11 lakh successfully placed in employment. Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), operated in partnership with banks, have trained more than 56 lakh people this financial year alone, fostering entrepreneurship in rural India.

  • Bitcoin climbs to record $123,000 as US to debate crypto rules

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Bitcoin surpassed $120,000 for the first time on Monday, marking a milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week.

    Bitcoin scaled a record high of $123,153.22 before pulling back slightly to trade 2.4% higher around $122,000.

    Later in the day, the U.S. House of Representatives will debate a series of bills to provide the digital asset industry with the nation’s regulatory framework it has long demanded.

    Those demands have resonated with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called himself the “crypto president” and urged policymakers to revamp rules in favour of the industry.

    “It’s riding a number of tailwinds at the moment,” said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore, citing strong institutional demand, expectations of further gains and support from Trump as reasons for the bullishness.

    “It’s been a very, very, strong move over the past six or seven days and it’s hard to see where it stops now. It looks like it can easily have a look at the $125,000 level,” he said.

    The surge in bitcoin, which is up 30% so far this year, has sparked a broader rally across other cryptocurrencies over the past few sessions even in the face of Trump’s chaotic tariff policies.

    Ether, the second-largest token, scaled a more than five-month peak of $3,059.60, while XRP and Solana gained about 3% each.

    The sector’s total market value has swelled to about $3.81 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

    “What we find interesting and are watching closely are the signs that bitcoin is now being seen as a long-term reserve asset, not just by retail investors and institutions but even some central banks,” said Gracie Lin, crypto exchange OKX’s Singapore CEO.

    “We’re also seeing increasing participation from Asia-based investors, including family offices and wealth managers. These are strong signs of bitcoin’s role in the global financial system and the structural shift in how it is perceived, suggesting that this isn’t just another hype-driven rally,” Lin said.

    Earlier this month, Washington declared the week of July 14 as “crypto week,” during which members of Congress are set to vote on the Genius Act, the Clarity Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

    The most significant bill is the Genius Act, which would create federal rules for stable coins.

    Elsewhere, prices of crypto stocks and exchange traded funds advanced.

    In U.S. premarket trading, shares of crypto exchange Coinbase surged 1.7%, while bitcoin holder Strategy climbed 3.3%. Crypto miner Mara Holdings jumped 4.6%.

    Hong Kong listed spot bitcoin ETFs launched by China AMC, Harvest and Bosera all hit record highs.

    (Reuters)

  • Bitcoin climbs to record $123,000 as US to debate crypto rules

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Bitcoin surpassed $120,000 for the first time on Monday, marking a milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week.

    Bitcoin scaled a record high of $123,153.22 before pulling back slightly to trade 2.4% higher around $122,000.

    Later in the day, the U.S. House of Representatives will debate a series of bills to provide the digital asset industry with the nation’s regulatory framework it has long demanded.

    Those demands have resonated with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called himself the “crypto president” and urged policymakers to revamp rules in favour of the industry.

    “It’s riding a number of tailwinds at the moment,” said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore, citing strong institutional demand, expectations of further gains and support from Trump as reasons for the bullishness.

    “It’s been a very, very, strong move over the past six or seven days and it’s hard to see where it stops now. It looks like it can easily have a look at the $125,000 level,” he said.

    The surge in bitcoin, which is up 30% so far this year, has sparked a broader rally across other cryptocurrencies over the past few sessions even in the face of Trump’s chaotic tariff policies.

    Ether, the second-largest token, scaled a more than five-month peak of $3,059.60, while XRP and Solana gained about 3% each.

    The sector’s total market value has swelled to about $3.81 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

    “What we find interesting and are watching closely are the signs that bitcoin is now being seen as a long-term reserve asset, not just by retail investors and institutions but even some central banks,” said Gracie Lin, crypto exchange OKX’s Singapore CEO.

    “We’re also seeing increasing participation from Asia-based investors, including family offices and wealth managers. These are strong signs of bitcoin’s role in the global financial system and the structural shift in how it is perceived, suggesting that this isn’t just another hype-driven rally,” Lin said.

    Earlier this month, Washington declared the week of July 14 as “crypto week,” during which members of Congress are set to vote on the Genius Act, the Clarity Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

    The most significant bill is the Genius Act, which would create federal rules for stable coins.

    Elsewhere, prices of crypto stocks and exchange traded funds advanced.

    In U.S. premarket trading, shares of crypto exchange Coinbase surged 1.7%, while bitcoin holder Strategy climbed 3.3%. Crypto miner Mara Holdings jumped 4.6%.

    Hong Kong listed spot bitcoin ETFs launched by China AMC, Harvest and Bosera all hit record highs.

    (Reuters)

  • India’s wholesale inflation turns negative in June as food, fuel prices fall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s wholesale inflation slipped into negative territory for the first time in 2025, with the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation falling to -0.13% in June, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday. The decline was primarily driven by a drop in food and fuel prices.

    Food prices, which account for 24.38% of the WPI basket, fell 0.26% year-on-year, while fuel and power prices, comprising 13.15% of the index, dropped by 2.65% compared to June 2024.

    On the other hand, manufactured products, which represent the largest share of the index at 64.23%, rose by 1.97% year-on-year. However, the pace of increase moderated, down from 2.04% in May and 2.62% in April.

    This wholesale disinflation aligns with the recent moderation in retail inflation. Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation cooled to 2.82% in May, its lowest level since February 2019.

    Responding to the softer inflation outlook, the RBI in its monetary policy review last month cut the repo rate by 50 basis points, from 6.0% to 5.5%, in a bid to stimulate economic growth.

    Additionally, the central bank announced a phased reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), from 4% to 3%, to be implemented in four tranches of 25 basis points each.

    With headline CPI well below the RBI’s medium-term target of 4%, the central bank also revised its inflation forecast for 2025–26 down from 4.0% to 3.7%.

  • More than 30 killed in sectarian clashes in Syria’s Sweida, interior ministry says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    More than 30 people were killed and 100 injured in armed clashes in Syria’s predominantly Druze city of Sweida, the Syrian interior ministry said early on Monday, in the latest bout of sectarian clashes.

    The violence erupted after a wave of kidnappings, including the abduction of a Druze merchant on Friday on the highway linking Damascus to Sweida, witnesses said.

    This is the first time sectarian fighting has erupted inside the city of Sweida itself, the provincial capital of the mostly Druze province.

    Last April saw clashes between Sunni fighters and armed Druze residents of Jaramana, southeast of Damascus, which later spread to another district near the provincial capital.

    “This cycle of violence has exploded in a terrifyng way and if it doesn’t end we are heading toward to a bloodbath,” said Rayan Marouf, a Druze researcher based in Sweida who runs the Suwayda24 website.

    The clashes involving Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias were centered in Maqwas neighborhood east of Sweida, which is inhabited by Bedouin tribes, and was encircled by armed Druze groups and later seized.

    The Syrian ministry of interior said that its forces will begin direct intervention in Sweida to resolve the conflict, calling on local parties in the Druze city to cooperate with the security forces.

    Armed Bedouin tribesmen also launched attacks on Druze villages on the western and north outskirts of the city, residents said.

    A medical source told Reuters that at least 15 bodies had been taken to the morgue at Sweida’s state hospital. Around 50 people were injured, with some transported to Deraa city for medical care.

    The violence marked the latest episode of sectarian bloodshed in Syria, where fears among minority groups have surged since Islamist-led rebels toppled President Bashar al-Assad in December, installing their own government and security forces.

    Those concerns intensified following the killing of hundreds of Alawites in March, in apparent retaliation for an earlier attack carried out by Assad loyalists.

    It was the deadliest sectarian flare-up in years in Syria, where a 14-year civil war ended last December with Assad fleeing to Russia after his government was overthrown by rebel forces.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi distributes over 51,000 appointment letters at 16th Rozgar Mela

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth during the 16th Rozgar Mela held on Saturday. The event was conducted at 47 locations across the country, marking yet another milestone in the government’s commitment to generate employment opportunities for the nation’s youth.

    Addressing the new recruits, Prime Minister Modi congratulated them and highlighted the importance of their role in shaping a stronger, more self-reliant India. The newly inducted employees have joined various Central Government Ministries and Departments, including the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Posts, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services, and Ministry of Labour and Employment, among others. The Rozgar Mela continues to reflect the government’s vision of equitable and inclusive development by bringing employment closer to the youth across the nation.

    Organised under the aegis of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), an initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the Rozgar Mela aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, particularly in the private sector. NSDC works in close coordination with Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) to source reputable private companies for participation in the Melas, ensuring a wide array of employment opportunities for youth.

    A Rozgar Mela typically functions as a half-day employment fair, where employers and job seekers interact directly. Targeting youth aged between 18 and 35 years, the initiative accommodates a wide spectrum of educational qualifications—ranging from candidates with 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade certifications to those holding ITI, diploma, and graduate degrees. It also includes trained and certified individuals who meet the standards of the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).

    To ensure the broadest possible outreach, job seekers are informed about the events through print advertisements, SMS campaigns, social media, and workshops at educational institutions. Besides job interviews and recruitments, the Rozgar Melas also offer career counseling sessions for youth and their families, Kaushal Melas to register for new skill development programs under PMKVY and PMKK, Mudra Loan Facilitation Counters, and skill exhibitions showcasing training modules and job roles.

    Rozgar Melas are not limited to NSDC-led events alone. Affiliated organisations like SSCs, PMKKs, and training partners under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) also organise these events on various scales throughout the year, extending the benefits of job matchmaking and skill awareness across multiple districts.

    The Rozgar Mela initiative, launched nationally on 22nd October 2022, has seen consistent expansion. The inaugural edition saw over 75,000 appointment letters distributed. Subsequent editions have continued to strengthen the momentum, with appointment letters ranging from 51,000 to over 1 lakh being distributed in each event. Notably, the 12th edition in February 2024 marked a record, with the Prime Minister distributing over one lakh appointment letters and laying the foundation stone for Phase I of the Integrated Complex “Karmayogi Bhavan” in New Delhi.

  • Widespread rainfall predicted across India; Delhi-NCR to see light showers: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India continues to witness an active monsoon phase, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting extremely heavy rainfall (over 21 cm ) at isolated places in Rajasthan on Monday and Tuesday. Similar intense showers are likely over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and southeast Jharkhand on July 14, and Chhattisgarh on July 15.

    Very heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on July 14 and 15.

    West Rajasthan may receive heavy showers on July 16, while west Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Region are likely to experience similar conditions on July 14.

    Eastern Madhya Pradesh is forecast to receive heavy rainfall on July 16 and 17.

    Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha will continue to receive heavy rain on July 15, while Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are set for heavy rainfall between July 14 and 16.

    Bihar is expected to receive heavy rainfall during July 14 and 16, while eastern Uttar Pradesh is likely to experience heavy showers on July 17.

    Southern states including Kerala & Tamil Nadu, and coastal Karnataka are likely to receive continuous heavy rainfall through the week from July 14 to 20.

    This weather activity is being driven by a well-marked low-pressure area currently over northeast Rajasthan and adjoining northwest Madhya Pradesh, and another system over southeast Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh.

    In the past 24 hours, Odisha has already recorded extremely heavy rainfall, while very heavy rain (7–20 cm) was observed at isolated places in Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Madhya Pradesh.

    Several other regions – including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, and Tripura – reported heavy rainfall (7–11 cm).

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In Delhi-NCR, the IMD has predicted generally cloudy skies and light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the next four days.

    On Monday, the city is likely to experience strong surface winds between 20–30 kmph, gusting up to 40 kmph. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain in the range of 31–33°C, which is 3–5°C below normal.

    On July 15, very light to light rain is forecast, with similar wind patterns and temperatures ranging between 32–34°C (maximum) and 24–26°C (minimum), both slightly below normal.

    The weather will remain partly cloudy on July 16 and 17, with occasional light rain and thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will hover between 33–35°C, and nighttime temperatures between 24–26°C. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast, with moderate speeds in the afternoon, easing by evening.

    Overall, Delhi is expected to see relatively cooler and wet weather this week, while the rest of northern, eastern, and central India remains on alert for heavy rainfall and potential flooding in vulnerable regions.

  • Sawan Somwar: Devotees flock to Ujjain for ’84 Mahadev Yatra’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On the occasion of the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan (Sawan), large numbers of devotees thronged Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to participate in the sacred ’84 Mahadev Yatra’. July 14 marked the first Monday (Somwar) of this year’s Shravan month.

    Each Shravan Monday holds special spiritual significance for devotees and is considered auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva, while Tuesdays (Mangalwar) are devoted to Goddess Parvati, Shiva’s divine consort.

    Devotees observe fasts, chant Shiva mantras, sing devotional bhajans, and perform Rudrabhishek – the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, curd etc.

    When Lord Shiva vanquished the demon named Dushan in Ujjain, drops of the demon’s blood fell at 84 different spots. At each of these locations, Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested in 84 distinct forms. These places later became known as the 84 Mahadev temples.

    According to the Skanda Purana, after wandering through 84 lakh life forms (yonis), a soul is born as a human. It is believed that to be freed from the sins of past lives, one must undertake the pilgrimage (yatra) of the 84 Mahadev temples.

    It is said that performing this sacred pilgrimage grants liberation (moksha) to the devotee and frees them from the cycle of 84 lakh life forms.

    Earlier on Friday, devotees also gathered at Ujjain’s revered Mahakaleshwar Temple to mark the beginning of Sawan. The sacred Bhasma Aarti – a ceremonial offering of sacred ash – was performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, on the first day of the month.

    This year, Sawan began on July 11 and will conclude on August 9.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Wickets tumble as Australia nose ahead in pink-ball test vs West Indies

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Cameron Green’s unbeaten 42 kept Australia in the driver’s seat of the day-night third and final test against West Indies after 15 wickets tumbled on a frenetic second day of the pink-ball contest in Kingston on Sunday.

    Having posted a modest 225 in the first innings, Australia bundled out West Indies for 143 after the hosts had resumed on 16-1 at the Sabina Park.

    Batting under lights on a lively track, Australia then suffered a collapse of their own and finished day two on 99-6 for an overall lead of 181 as they look to complete a series sweep.

    Green had skipper Pat Cummins on five at the other end.

    Earlier, West Indies struggled against Australia’s all-pace attack with Scott Boland (3-34) justifying his selection at the expense of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.

    For the hosts, John Campbell (36) and Shai Hope (23) offered some resistance with the bat before they caved in to concede a lead of 82 in the low-scoring contest.

    Australia’s top order struggled under the lights once again with Alzarri Joseph (3-19) and Shamar Joseph (2-26) leading the home side’s fight back.

    Opener Sam Konstas ended his miserable tour with a duck, while his opening partner Usman Khawaja dragged a Shamar Joseph delivery onto his stumps.

    Alzarri Joseph dismissed Steve Smith for five after the batter had been spilled in the slip when on one.

    Green survived a potential run out to remain unbeaten after a stellar knock, which included six fours.

    “It was good fun … We wanted seven wickets and got six. I’m pleased with the performance,” said Shamar Joseph.

    “Anything around or less than 200, I’m confident we’ll chase it down.”

    (Reuters)

  • Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands region, geophysics agency says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands region on Monday, the country’s geophysics agency said, adding there was no tsunami potential.

    The quake was at a depth of 98 km (60.89 miles), the agency said.

    The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the quake was of 6.8 magnitude and at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles).

    Tremors were felt in several small towns in eastern Indonesia, the agency said.

    There was no immediate reports of damage, said Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency.

    Indonesia straddles the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly seismically active zone, where different plates on the Earth’s crust meet and create a large number of earthquakes and volcanic activity.

    (Reuters)

  • Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari dies in London, PM Modi offers condolences

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who led Africa’s most populous country from 2015 to 2023 and was the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through the ballot box, died in London on Sunday, a presidential spokesperson said.

    “President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m. (1530 GMT), following a prolonged illness,” President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson said in a statement.

    The spokesperson said Tinubu had directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and his chief of staff to travel to London to collect and accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Buhari’s demise.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari. I fondly recall our meetings and conversations on various occasions. His wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out. I join the 1.4 billion people of India in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family, the people and the government of Nigeria.

    A Muslim, Buhari was expected to be buried according to Muslim rites in his home state of northwestern Katsina, government officials said.

    Buhari, 82, first led the country as a military ruler after a coup in the 1980s. He earned a devoted following for his brand of anti-corruption conviction politics.

    He referred to himself as a “converted democrat” and swapped his military uniform for kaftans and prayer caps.

    “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” was a constant refrain Buhari told supporters and critics alike.

    Buhari defeated Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 in what was judged to be Nigeria’s fairest election to date. Many hoped the retired major general would crack down on armed groups, just as he had as the country’s military head of state.

    Instead, violence that had mostly been confined to the northeast spread. That left swathes of Nigeria outside the control of its security forces as gunmen in the northwest, armed separatists and gangs in the southeast roamed unchecked.

    Much of his appeal lay in the anti-corruption ethos that was a central plank of his agenda both as a military and civilian ruler. He said endemic corruption in Nigeria’s political culture was holding people back.

    ‘BABA GO SLOW’

    But Buhari quickly disappointed after his 2015 win.

    He took power as Nigeria was reeling from jihadist group Boko Haram’s kidnapping of nearly 300 schoolgirls from the northeastern town of Chibok.

    He took six months to name his cabinet. During that time, the oil-dependent economy was hobbled by low crude prices, prompting people to call him “Baba Go Slow”.

    He retained his popularity in poor, largely Muslim northern Nigeria, where voters propelled him to his second victory in 2019, despite his first term being blighted by Nigeria’s first recession in a generation, militant attacks on oilfields, and repeated hospital stays for an undisclosed illness.

    On the economy, Buhari applied the same approach that failed when he was in power in the 1980s – keeping the currency artificially high, as a matter of national pride. Just as in his first stint in power, the president ignored the IMF’s advice to devalue the naira.

    In 2022 the production of oil – by far Nigeria’s greatest export – fell to its lowest level in more than two decades due to crude theft in the Niger Delta.

    His anti-corruption crackdown also ran into criticism and failed to yield high-profile convictions.

    Rights groups said Buhari never let go of his autocratic tendencies. In a major flashpoint, unarmed demonstrators protesting against police brutality were gunned down in 2020. Nationwide street violence followed, marking some of the most widespread civil unrest since military rule ended in 1999.

    KIDNAP PLOT

    Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari enrolled in the army at 19. He would eventually rise to the rank of major-general.

    He seized power in 1983 as a military ruler, promising to revitalise a mismanaged country. He took a tough line on everything from the conditions sought by the International Monetary Fund to unruliness in bus queues.

    In 1984, his administration attempted to kidnap a former minister and vocal critic living in Britain. The plot failed when London airport officials opened the crate containing the abducted politician.

    His first stint in power was short-lived. He was removed after only 18 months by another military officer, Ibrahim Babangida.

    Buhari spent much of the following 30 years in fringe political parties and trying to run for president until his eventual victory over Jonathan in 2015.

    Buhari said he aimed to improve the lives of Nigerians through social welfare programmes, the construction of train lines, roads, dams, airports and power infrastructure.

    The infrastructure projects laid the foundation for a strong Nigerian economy, he said.

    (With inputs from Reuters)

  • Heavy rain batters UP, HP, Rajasthan as northern India braces for continued Monsoon surge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India is currently in the midst of an active monsoon phase, with widespread rainfall and dynamic weather conditions affecting large parts of the northern and central regions on Monday.

    According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in New Delhi, the past 24 hours witnessed significant precipitation across several states, notably Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Isolated pockets in Uttar Pradesh recorded very heavy rainfall, with Mahroni in Lalitpur receiving 163 mm, Lalitpur 147 mm, and Fatehpur Tehsil (Banki) 140 mm.

    Additional heavy showers were reported in Banda, Bijnor, and Varanasi, with Beberu in Banda district recording 110 mm of rainfall.

    In Rajasthan, Manoharthana in Jhalawar received 115 mm, Sallopat in Banswara 95 mm, and Jaswantpura in Jalour 78 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, Murari Devi registered 126 mm, while Manethi in Haryana saw 82.3 mm. Thunderstorms and lightning were reported across eastern Uttar Pradesh and various parts of Northwest India, except Haryana.

    Isolated hailstorms were observed in Jammu and Kashmir, while gusty winds swept through Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

    The seven-day forecast indicates sustained rainfall across the region. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience fairly widespread to widespread showers through July 19.

    Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are likely to see scattered to fairly widespread rainfall, while Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi may witness scattered showers, which are expected to taper off to isolated activity later in the week.

    Rajasthan is likely to receive moderate rainfall, with eastern Rajasthan likely to see more consistent precipitation compared to the western parts.

    Maximum temperatures across the plains of northwest India are expected to remain stable over the next five days.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) advises residents to stay updated via the MAUSAM app for location-specific forecasts, the Meghdoot app for agricultural advisories, and the Damini app for lightning alerts.

    (IANS)

  • Pilgrims praise Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as spiritually uplifting and seamlessly organised

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The ongoing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route is drawing widespread praise from pilgrims and officials alike, with many describing the journey as both spiritually uplifting and exceptionally well-managed. Pilgrims returning from the sacred pilgrimage have expressed deep gratitude for the arrangements made by Indian authorities, particularly the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).

    Rajendra Chettri, Chief Executive Officer of STDC, lauded the success of this year’s Yatra, noting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. According to Chettri, the fourth batch of pilgrims has successfully completed the Yatra and is currently en route to Lhasa, while the fifth batch is stationed at Sherathang, preparing to cross into Tibet. Chettri is scheduled to visit Nathu La on Monday to personally oversee arrangements for the group’s movement into the Tibetan region.

    “The Yatris are extremely happy with the facilities provided by STDC,” he said. “At any given time, two batches are in the Tibetan region—one entering and one returning.” Most of the batches comprise 45 to 48 pilgrims and are accompanied by two Liaison Officers deputed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The final batch is expected to depart on August 7, cross into Tibet by August 12, and return by August 23. All pilgrims are scheduled to head home by August 24.

    Chettri highlighted the improvements made since the last Yatra in 2019, especially in hygiene and accommodation. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Chinese authorities, calling their support “welcoming and encouraging.”

    Pilgrims have described the Yatra as deeply emotional and spiritually fulfilling. A female pilgrim, who undertook the journey with her husband, called it a divine experience. “It is by the grace of God that we were chosen for this Yatra. Everything was managed so well that we never felt any discomfort. The welcome was overwhelming—Yogi ji himself greeted us and offered gifts, marking a spiritual start to our journey.”

    Reflecting on her visit to Mount Kailash, she added, “Even now, I get goosebumps recalling the moment. Our journey was not only smooth but truly divine. I am grateful to everyone—the Indian and Chinese authorities and the countless people working behind the scenes.”

    Ravi Verma, a pilgrim from Pune, described the experience as both physically and spiritually uplifting. “Despite the long trek and high altitude, I didn’t feel any of my usual knee or muscle pains. That itself felt miraculous.” He recounted his trek through Yamadwar, Deraphuk, and Dolma Pass—one of the most physically demanding segments of the Yatra. “Even Dolma Pass, with its low oxygen and steep climb, felt safe and manageable. Collecting water from Gaurikund was a special moment.”

    Verma also shared a personal connection to the Yatra, revealing that his parents had completed the journey on foot in 1997, covering nearly 500 kilometres. “Their dedication inspired me. Though I walked only 40 kilometres, the experience was equally divine. I believe all my success in life is a blessing from Mount Kailash.”

    Devendra Tiwari, a pilgrim from Bhopal, echoed similar sentiments. He praised the discipline among fellow pilgrims and credited the Government of India, MEA, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and STDC for their seamless coordination. “Not even rain or clouds came in our way. We completed darshan and puja peacefully. I truly feel blessed.”

  • EU ready to hit US with 21-billion-euro tariff list, Italy foreign minister says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union has already prepared a list of tariffs worth 21 billion euros ($24.52 billion) on U.S. goods if the two countries fail to reach a trade deal, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a newspaper interview on Monday.

    President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU starting on Aug. 1, after weeks of negotiations with major U.S. trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive deal.

    Tajani also told daily Il Messaggero that to help the euro zone economy the European Central Bank should consider a new “quantitative easing” bond-buying-programme, and more interest rate cuts.

    The European Union said on Sunday it would extend its suspension of countermeasures to U.S. tariffs until early August and continue to press for a negotiated settlement.

    Tajani said the 21-billion-euro package of tariffs the EU has already prepared could be followed by a second set if a deal with the U.S proves impossible. He added, however, that he was confident that progress could be made in negotiations.

    “Tariffs hurt every one, starting with the United States,” he said. “If stock markets fall that puts at risk the pensions and the savings of the Americans.”

    He said the goal should be “zero tariffs” and an open market among Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe.

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday he would work intensively with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to resolve the escalating trade war with the United States.

    (Reuters)