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Category: Government of India

  • 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)

  • Union Minister Raksha Khadse inaugurates final round of Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt Season 5 in Thiruvananthapuram

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse inaugurated the final round of the “Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt Season 5” on Sunday at Jyothis Central School in Thiruvananthapuram.

    Organised by the Global Givers Foundation in collaboration with Mera Yuva Bharat (MyBharat), Kerala, the talent hunt aims to inspire students by encouraging them to engage with the themes and messages shared in the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat. The initiative is designed to identify and nurture diverse talents, while also promoting national pride and youth-led development.

    In her address, the minister highlighted the transformative role of the Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt in empowering young minds. “This platform connects our youth with the nation’s heartbeat, cultivates critical thinking, and enhances communication skills. Through engaging with Mann Ki Baat, students not only learn about India but also grow into informed and responsible citizens ready to contribute to a developed India,” she said.

    The competitions eatured participants from high schools, higher secondary schools, and colleges, showcasing their skills in formats such as radio jockeying, debates, reel creation, and project presentations. Each activity drew inspiration from themes and ideas discussed in Mann Ki Baat broadcasts.

    The radio programme itself, aired on All India Radio, is among the world’s most widely broadcast and listened-to shows. It covers a broad range of topics including Indian traditions, culture, history, the freedom struggle, and citizen-led initiatives. The talent hunt leverages this content to motivate youth to engage with India’s rich heritage and ongoing progress.

    As with previous seasons, winners of Season 5 will be given the opportunity to visit Delhi during the 2025 Independence Day celebrations, where they will witness national events and interact with leaders, gaining invaluable exposure and inspiration.

     

  • Union Minister Raksha Khadse inaugurates final round of Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt Season 5 in Thiruvananthapuram

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse inaugurated the final round of the “Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt Season 5” on Sunday at Jyothis Central School in Thiruvananthapuram.

    Organised by the Global Givers Foundation in collaboration with Mera Yuva Bharat (MyBharat), Kerala, the talent hunt aims to inspire students by encouraging them to engage with the themes and messages shared in the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat. The initiative is designed to identify and nurture diverse talents, while also promoting national pride and youth-led development.

    In her address, the minister highlighted the transformative role of the Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt in empowering young minds. “This platform connects our youth with the nation’s heartbeat, cultivates critical thinking, and enhances communication skills. Through engaging with Mann Ki Baat, students not only learn about India but also grow into informed and responsible citizens ready to contribute to a developed India,” she said.

    The competitions eatured participants from high schools, higher secondary schools, and colleges, showcasing their skills in formats such as radio jockeying, debates, reel creation, and project presentations. Each activity drew inspiration from themes and ideas discussed in Mann Ki Baat broadcasts.

    The radio programme itself, aired on All India Radio, is among the world’s most widely broadcast and listened-to shows. It covers a broad range of topics including Indian traditions, culture, history, the freedom struggle, and citizen-led initiatives. The talent hunt leverages this content to motivate youth to engage with India’s rich heritage and ongoing progress.

    As with previous seasons, winners of Season 5 will be given the opportunity to visit Delhi during the 2025 Independence Day celebrations, where they will witness national events and interact with leaders, gaining invaluable exposure and inspiration.

     

  • Sensex, Nifty open lower amid weak earnings, US trade policy Jitters

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Sensex, Nifty open lower amid weak earnings, US trade policy Jitters

    Indian benchmark indices opened in the red on Monday as investor sentiment remained subdued following disappointing corporate earnings and renewed global uncertainty over US trade policy.

    The Sensex declined 212 points, or 0.24 percent, to 82,301, while the Nifty dropped 49 points, or 0.20 percent, to 25,104 as of 9:19 am.

    Some resilience was seen in the broader market, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 94 points, or 0.16 percent, to 58,736, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 advancing 25 points, or 0.14 percent, to 18,788.

    Analysts attributed the Nifty’s weakness primarily to declines in IT stocks, which were weighed down by lackluster earnings.

    “This weakness may persist, particularly since foreign institutional investors were heavy sellers in the cash market last Friday,” said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    He added that the market has already priced in the expected net interest margin (NIM) compression for banking stocks in the upcoming Q1 earnings. “Therefore, any dip in banking stocks may present a buying opportunity,” he said.

    Sectorally, auto, PSU banks, metals, real estate, and energy were trading in positive territory. In contrast, IT, financial services, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, media, and infrastructure sectors were under pressure.

    Top gainers on the Sensex included Trent, Power Grid, Sun Pharma, Titan, NTPC, Maruti Suzuki, Axis Bank, M&M, SBI, and Tata Steel.

    On the flip side, Bajaj Finance, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, L&T, HCL Tech, Tata Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and HUL were among the biggest losers.

    Most Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed as investors digested renewed trade tensions between the US and its trading partners.

    US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30 percent tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1, rattled global markets. In response, the EU deferred its planned 30 percent retaliatory tariffs to allow room for further negotiations.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Kentucky church shooting leaves three dead, including suspect

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A gunman killed two women at a church in Kentucky and shot and wounded a state trooper outside an airport on Sunday before police were able to shoot him to death, authorities said.

    The women were killed at the Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington. Two men were also wounded there, including one who was in critical condition, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers told an afternoon press conference.

    Authorities did not provide the suspect’s name or age.

    “There are days like today that are extremely difficult,” Weathers said. “Sometimes things happen, you just don’t have a reason why.”

    The suspect fired at the trooper after being pulled over near Blue Grass Airport at about 11:30 a.m. in Fayette County, Weathers said. The shooting happened on a road that rings the airport but was not connected to its operations, police said.

    The trooper was being treated at a nearby hospital and was in stable condition.

    The suspect then carjacked a vehicle about 10 miles (16 km) from the airport and fled to Richmond Road Baptist Church, where the individual began firing at people on the church grounds.

    Police tracked the location of the carjacked vehicle to the church.

    The police chief did not offer any motive for the shootings, but said there was some indication that the suspect may have known some of the people at the church.

    Weathers said Lexington police would conduct an internal review of the shooting, as required by department policies.

    The Blue Grass Airport posted on X at 1 p.m. ET (1700 GMT) that there was a law enforcement investigation affecting a portion of an airport road, but that all flights and operations were now proceeding normally.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump demands more concessions as EU holds off on US tariff countermeasures

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    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 as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration demanded more concessions from trading partners.

    Trump said on Saturday he would impose a 30% tariff on most imports from the EU and Mexico from August 1, adding to similar warnings for other countries and leaving them less than three weeks to hammer out framework deals that could lower the threatened tariff rate.

    White House Economic Adviser Kevin Hassett said on Sunday that countries’ trade deal offers so far have not satisfied Trump and “the tariffs are real” without improvements.

    “The president thinks that deals need to be better,” Hassett told ABC’s This Week program. “And to basically put a line in the sand, he sent these letters out to folks, and we’ll see how it works out.”

    Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU’s executive Commission which handles trade policy for the 27 member states, said the bloc would maintain its two-track approach: keep talking and prepare retaliatory measures.

    “We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case, and we will use the time that we have now,” von der Leyen told a press conference, adding that the bloc would extend its halt on countermeasures until August.

    Von der Leyen’s decision to resist immediate retaliatory measures points to the European Commission’s desire to avoid a spiralling tit-for-tat escalation in the trade war while there remains a chance of negotiating an improved outcome.

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday said he was “really committed” to finding a trade solution with the U.S., telling German public broadcaster ARD that he will work intensively on this with von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron over the next two and a half weeks.

    Asked about the impact of a 30% U.S. tariff on Germany, Merz said: “If that were to happen, we would have to postpone large parts of our economic policy efforts because it would interfere with everything and hit the German export industry to the core.”

    TEST OF UNITY

    The latest salvo from Trump and the question of how to respond may test the unity of member states, with France appearing to take a tougher line than Germany, the bloc’s industrial powerhouse whose economy leans heavily on exports.

    Macron said the Commission needed more than ever to “assert the Union’s determination to defend European interests resolutely”, and that retaliation might need to include so-called anti-coercion instruments.

    German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday the EU should be ready to take firm action if talks failed.

    “If a fair negotiated solution does not succeed, then we must take decisive countermeasures to protect jobs and companies in Europe,” Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, also vice chancellor in the ruling coalition, told Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

    While the EU has held back from retaliating against the U.S. in the months since Trump hit the bloc with tariffs, it has readied two packages that could hit a combined 93 billion euros of U.S. goods.

    A first package, in response to U.S. levies of 50% on imported steel and aluminium that would hit 21 billion euros in U.S. goods, was suspended in April for 90 days to allow time for negotiations. The suspension had been due to expire on Monday before the extension was announced.

    A second package in retaliation against Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs has been in the works since May and was set to target 72 billion euros of U.S. goods. These measures have not been made public and the final list requires approval by member states.

    ANTI-COERCION INSTRUMENT

    Von der Leyen said on Sunday that the use of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument was not yet on the table.

    The instrument allows the bloc to retaliate against third countries that put economic pressure on EU members to change their policies.

    “The (anti-coercion) instrument is created for extraordinary situations, we are not there yet,” she said.

    Possible retaliatory steps could include restricting EU market access to goods and services, and other economic measures related to areas including foreign direct investment, financial markets and export controls.

    In a sign of the EU’s desire to strike deals with more trading partners at a time of deepening uncertainty in trans-Atlantic relations, von der Leyen said a political agreement had been reached to advance an EU-Indonesia trade deal.

    France’s cheese producers warned of the damaging consequences of a 30% tariff for the local dairy industry, which exports nearly half its produce, including to the United States.

    “It’s a new environment we will have to get used to – I don’t think this is temporary,” Francois Xavier Huard, CEO of dairy association FNIL, told Reuters.

    (Reuters)

  • France’s Macron announces plan to accelerate military spending

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday announced a plan to push forward France’s defence spending, pledging to double the military budget by 2027 – three years earlier than originally planned – in response to a complex geopolitical moment.

    France had aimed to double its defence budget from 2017 levels by 2030. However, Macron pledged to reach the target by 2027. A military budget that stood at 32 billion euros ($37.40 billion) in 2017 will rise to 64 billion euros by 2027, with an additional 3.5 billion euros allocated for next year and another 3 billion euros in 2027.

    He said the accelerated spending, which comes as France is struggling to make 40 billion euros in savings in its 2026 budget, would be paid for by increased economic activity.

    “Our military independence is inseparable from our financial independence,” he said. “This will be financed through more activity and more production.”

    He said Prime Minister Francois Bayrou would provide more details in an address on his plans for the 2026 budget on Tuesday. Bayrou is facing an uphill battle to steer billions of euros worth of savings through a bitterly divided parliament, as France strives to lower its budget deficit to keep EU bean-counters and foreign investors at bay.

    (Reuters)

  • Kudermetova and Mertens win Wimbledon women’s doubles title

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Eighth seeds Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens fought back from a set down to win their first Grand Slam as a pair, beating Hsieh Su-Wei and Jelena Ostapenko 3-6 6-2 6-4 in the Wimbledon women’s doubles final on Sunday.

    It was the first major title for Russia’s Kudermetova, who was on the losing side in the 2021 final against Mertens and Hsieh. The second Wimbledon crown for Belgian Mertens took her to five Grand Slam doubles titles.

    “It’s been incredible,” a tearful Mertens said as she summed up a memorable Wimbledon campaign, having also reached the fourth round in the singles.

    In the first set, Kudermetova held to go 3-1 up but the fourth seeds then won five straight games. The 28-year-oldRussian led the charge in the second set, holding twice as the pair got three breaks in a row to force a third set.

    Hsieh, who has won seven majors in women’s doubles including four Wimbledon titles, won a prolonged exchange with Kudermetova from the baseline to get the first break of the third set, before Ostapenko held without losing a point to take 4-2 lead.

    But erroneous returns from Hsieh hit the net as the eighth seeds broke back, and Kudermetova held to go 5-4 up before Ostapenko went long to lose a 26-shot rally and bring up match point.

    Kudermetova’s backhand from close range cut across the court to secure the match, finally fulfilling her dream of lifting the trophy at the All England Club.

    “A few years ago I was playing in the final here against Elise… I lost that final and it was so painful. Today I said to myself, I really want this,” Kudermetova said.

    (Reuters)

  • England roar back to set up thrilling finale at Lord’s

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Fired-up England reduced India to 58-4 chasing 193 for victory in a highly-charged final session on day four on Sunday as a gripping third test at Lord’s headed for a tense finale.

    England fast bowler Jofra Archer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for nought, Brydon Carse removed Karun Nair and Shubman Gill, and captain Ben Stokes bowled nightwatchman Akash Deep in the final over to set up a thrilling last day.

    Indian opener KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 33 and the touring side need another 135 runs to go 2-1 up in the series after they had dominated the morning session at the home of cricket to move into a strong position.

    “The last hour’s viewing, our guys running in really well, there was an edge out there and it shows how important test cricket is and creates a great spectacle for everyone to be involved in,” England batting coach Marcus Trescothick said.

    With the pitch offering more assistance to the bowlers and variable bounce, England tried to bat positively but Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook all fell cheaply.

    Duckett played an audacious ramp shot to the boundary but two balls later he attempted to pull Mohammed Siraj through the leg side and was easily caught by Jasprit Bumrah at mid-on to depart for 12.

    Siraj roared at Duckett as he walked back to the pavilion as the tension between the teams that flared up late on Saturday continued to simmer.

    Pope never looked comfortable and was trapped lbw by Siraj for four after India successfully reviewed the umpire’s initial decision of not out.

    Crawley, on 22, played a loose drive at Nitish Kumar Reddy and the ball flew straight to gully where Jaiswal took a simple catch to put England in trouble at 50-3.

    Brook ramped Deep for consecutive fours before driving him over long-off for six, but the fast bowler quickly exacted revenge when he bowled the right-hander for 23 as he attempted a rash sweep to a straight full-pitched delivery.

    PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

    Joe Root, who scored 104 in the first innings, batted calmly, picking up mainly ones and twos as he and Stokes shared a patient partnership of 67 to revive England hopes.

    But Root, on 40, was bowled behind his legs by Washington Sundar and the spinner bowled in-form Jamie Smith for eight to reduce the hosts to 175-6 at tea.

    India wrapped up the innings early in the final session.

    Stokes was bowled by Washington for 33 attempting a big hit, and Bumrah bowled Carse with a rapid yorker for one before clipping the top of Chris Woakes’s off stump to dismiss him for 10.

    Washington completed excellent figures of 4-22 when he took the final wicket of Shoaib Bashir to dismiss England for 192.

    “India will win, probably just after lunch,” Washington said.

    “The position we’re in we’d have definitely taken. The fast bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the day, it was amazing.”

    Jaiswal skied Archer to wicketkeeper Smith with a wild swipe to give England early hope before Woakes dropped a simple chance to catch Rahul, on five, off his own bowling, and the opener responded by crashing the next two deliveries to the boundary.

    Carse trapped Nair lbw for 14 with the batsman offering no stroke to a straight delivery, and Gill fell the same way for six after failing to get the umpire’s decision overturned.

    Deep survived two huge appeals before he was bowled by Stokes for one to the delight of the majority of the Lord’s crowd.

    “I think it will be a brilliant final day for both teams,” Trescothick said. “There’s been great support for both sides and it’s fantastic to have.”

    (Reuters)

  • Palmer double fires Chelsea past PSG to Club World Cup glory

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Cole Palmer produced a scintillating first-half masterclass as Chelsea demolished a flat Paris St Germain 3-0 to win a one-sided Club World Cup final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

    The English attacking midfielder scored twice and provided an assist for Joao Pedro in a devastating display in the revamped tournament’s decider that left the European and French champions, who finished with 10 men, shell-shocked.

    After a stunning season, PSG were heavy favourites, while Chelsea arrived in the U.S. after winning Europe’s third-tier Conference League and on the back of a domestic campaign in which they just managed a top-four Premier League finish.

    Prior to the match, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said he was expecting a “game of chess” against PSG coach Luis Enrique, but what transpired was a quick checkmate for the Italian who gave a tactical masterclass.

    Chelsea, who won the 2021 Club World Cup in its previous format, struck first in the 22nd minute when PSG fullback Nuno Mendes gifted possession to Malo Gusto. While his initial effort was blocked by Mendes, Gusto collected the rebound and found Palmer unmarked in the middle and the midfielder made no mistake, slotting a tidy finish just inside the left post.

    Palmer doubled the lead after the 30th-minute cooling break with a goal of sublime quality. Latching onto a precise through ball from Levi Colwill, he cut inside before faking a pass to dummy a defender and firing into the bottom-left corner.

    Palmer then turned provider, running up the channel before finding Joao Pedro, who took the ball in his stride and beat the offside trap before chipping his finish beautifully over keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    PSG’s misery was completed when Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in the 83rd minute, as PSG’s players grew in frustration as the match progressed.

    The encounter turned ill-tempered at the end, with players going at each other after the final whistle, but the flare-ups quickly dissipated as Chelsea’s players went to celebrate with their fans.

    ‘GREAT FEELING’

    “It’s a great feeling. Even better because everyone doubted us before the game, we knew that. To put a fight on like we did, it’s good,” Palmer said.

    “The gaffer put a great gameplan out. He knew where the space was going to be. He tried to free me up as much as possible and I just had to repay him and score some goals.”

    Maresca’s team employed a relentless high press and emulated the tactics used by Brazilian outfit Botafogo, who had beaten PSG 1-0 in the group stage and were the only team to score against Luis Enrique’s side in the previous eight games.

    Their press caused PSG all sorts of trouble and when Maresca’s side couldn’t regain possession, they sat deep, frustrating the European champions, who were unable to play their usual game.

    The direct and pacey football we had become used to seeing from PSG was Chelsea’s game on Sunday, with Palmer, Gusto and Joao Pedro picking apart the PSG defence, especially on the left side.

    Other than an early golden opportunity forPSG’s Desire Doue that was wasted, the first half was all Chelsea’s and, after they opened their three-goal lead, the French side could never recover.

    “Chelsea were more effective than us, they worked well on our slight weakness,” PSG captain Marquinhos said.

    “Tactically, they caused us problems in the first half and we took a while to react. These are things we’ll need to change going forward. I think all teams will now study us closely to see what we do well and what we do badly. It’s up to us now to always be at the top of our game.”

    (Reuters)

  • England rout neighbours Wales to cruise into Euro 2025 quarter-finals

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Reigning champions England thrashed neighbours Wales 6-1 to reach the Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals on Sunday, securing second spot in Group D and cruising into the knockouts, where they will face Sweden, on a high note.

    Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones were all on target for England, who finished runners-up to France after their 5-2 victory over the Netherlands.

    Sarina Wiegman’s team will next face a Sweden side, who won all three of their games to top Group C, in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

    “It is going to be a difficult game. We watched (Sweden) the other night and they were really good. We need to be on our best game,” Toone said. “But we’re feeling confident, I think they should be scared.”

    The second-place finish, however, could be a bonus as provided they get past the Swedes, England would potentially avoid world champions Spain in the semi-finals.

    Stanway struck from the penalty spot in the 13th minute after a foul in the box, calmly sweeping her shot into the far-left corner past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Olivia Clark to open the floodgates.

    Toone found the back of the net with a scrappy goal eight minutes later. England capitalised on a sloppy clearance by Rhiannon Roberts, with the ball falling to Russo who nudged it into the path of Toone who fired home at the second attempt.

    Hemp nodded a third inside 30 minutes after a clever pass from Lauren James to Toone near the byline. Toone found Hemp at the far post with a deep cross for an easy header.

    Russo bagged her first goal of the tournament just before halftime when Toone made another dart to byline before cutting the ball back for Russo, who took one touch to control it before firing home and Mead cut inside a defender before slotting England’s fifth in the 72nd minute.

    Hannah Cain pulled one back to the delight of the Wales fans, who celebrated by singing their national anthem, in the 76th minute, but England’s Beever-Jones replied in the 89th with her first goal in a major tournament, heading home Mead’s cross.

    “We scored six goals and a big part of the game we dominated, a very good game,” Wiegman said. “Playing well is the most important, who scores is not that important.”

    Much was made about the rivalry between the two nations, with Wales wanting nothing better than to spoil England’s party. Thousands of loud Welsh fans cheered and sang throughout Sunday’s match, despite the scoreline.

    But Wiegman’s team, World Cup finalists in 2023, showed their vast experience against a Wales side making their major tournament debut.

    “We were really good. It is always hard to play against a team that sits in a low block,” Toone said. “It was nice we got an early goal in the first half and we enjoyed the game.”

    England have won 10 of the 11 meetings between the two teams, with Wales’ best result being a 0-0 draw in 2018.

    “This is the beginning of a journey for us,” Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock said. “We’ve played three of the best teams in the world at this tournament and we’ve found out how big that jump is.”

    (Reuters)

  • EAM Jaishankar visits Singapore to strengthen bilateral ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Singapore on Sunday, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with the Southeast Asian nation.

    During the visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and held separate discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade & Industry Gan Kim Yong, as well as Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

    According to MEA, both sides reviewed the progress made on key outcomes from the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the second round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR). Discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including investments, industrial parks, semiconductors, infrastructure, skill development, and connectivity. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including matters concerning ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.

    Dr. Jaishankar also met Teo Chee Hean, former Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, who is the Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings. Their conversation centered on the transformative developments underway in India and explored new avenues for Temasek to expand its investment footprint in the Indian market.

  • Bitcoin tops $120,000 for the first time

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

    Starting on Monday, 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 favor of the industry.

    Expectations of further tailwinds for the industry helped propel bitcoin BTC= to yet another record high of $121,207.55 in the Asian session on Monday. It last traded 1.5% higher at $120,856.34.

    The surge in bitcoin, which is up 29% for the year thus far, has sparked a broader rally across other cryptocurrencies over the past few weeks even in the face of Trump’s chaotic tariffs.

    Ether ETH=, the second-largest token, scaled an over five-month top of $3,048.23 on Monday and last stood at $3,036.24.

    The sector’s total market value has swelled to about $3.78 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

    (Reuters)

  • EAM Jaishankar meets Chinese Vice President, emphasises ‘mutually beneficial’ outcomes through normalised ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Monday, emphasised that the continued normalisation of India-China relations could lead to “mutually beneficial” outcomes.

    He underscored the importance of open dialogue and the exchange of perspectives as essential between the two neighbours and leading global economies.

    Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to China to attend the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, held talks with Vice President Han in Beijing soon after his arrival.

    In his opening remarks at the meeting, Jaishankar said, “Our bilateral relationship, as you have pointed out, has been steadily improving since the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. I am confident that my discussions in this visit will maintain that positive trajectory.”

    Marking the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic ties, Jaishankar highlighted a key milestone: the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions.

    “The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is also widely appreciated in India. Continued normalisation of our ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes,” he noted.

    Commenting on the current global context, Jaishankar added, “The international situation, as we meet today, is very complex. As neighbouring nations and major economies, an open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China is very important.”

    Following the meeting, Jaishankar said in a post on X, “Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after my arrival in Beijing today. Conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency. Noted the improvement in our bilateral ties. And expressed confidence that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory.”

    This is Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley face-off in June 2020, which severely strained bilateral relations.

    While he has interacted with his Chinese counterpart at multilateral forums since then, this visit marks a significant step in high-level diplomatic engagement amid ongoing border concerns.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India Signs Long-Term Fertilizer Supply Agreements with Saudi Arabia During Minister JP Nadda’s Visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers JP Nadda concluded his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, securing crucial agreements that will significantly enhance India’s fertilizer supply chain and strengthen bilateral cooperation in health and pharmaceutical sectors.

    The visit, which took place from July 11-13 in Dammam and Riyadh, focused primarily on enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in chemicals and fertilizers. Nadda led a high-level delegation that included the Secretary and other senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers and Ministry of External Affairs.

    During discussions with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef in Riyadh, both ministers witnessed the signing of long-term agreements between Maaden and Indian companies including IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL. These agreements will supply an enhanced 3.1 million metric tons of Diammonium Phosphate fertilizer per annum for five years from 2025-26 onwards, with provision for further extension of five years with mutual consent.

    The agreements represent a substantial increase from current supply levels. India’s imports of DAP fertilizer from Saudi Arabia totaled 1.9 million metric tons in 2024-25, reflecting a 17 percent increase over the 1.6 million metric tons imported during FY 2023-24. The new agreements will boost this supply to 3.1 million metric tons from the upcoming fiscal year.

    Both sides emphasized their commitment to broadening bilateral relations to include other key fertilizers such as Urea along with DAP, aiming to further ensure India’s fertilizer security. Discussions also covered facilitating mutual investments, with focus on exploring opportunities for Indian Public Sector Undertakings to invest in the Saudi fertilizer sector and reciprocal Saudi investments in India.

    The ministers deliberated on avenues for collaborative research, particularly in developing India-specific customized and alternative fertilizers to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. A joint team has been established led by Secretary Fertilizer on the Indian side and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs in the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources on the Saudi side to explore long-term collaboration in this sector.

    Nadda also held a bilateral meeting with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy and co-chair of the Economy and Investment Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council between India and Saudi Arabia, to discuss ways to enhance economic partnership between the two countries. The Prince hosted a lunch in honor of the Union Minister.

    In the health sector, Nadda met with Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, Saudi Vice Minister of Health, in Riyadh to discuss enhancing cooperation in medical services, health care, pharmaceuticals, digital health solutions, and knowledge exchange. They noted the significance of the bilateral MoU on Health signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to Saudi Arabia.

    The delegation visited Maaden facilities at Ras Al Khair and toured the Phosphate production plant. They were received by Hassan Al Ali, Chairman of Maaden Phosphate, and other senior officials. India represents a key export destination for fertilizers from Saudi Arabia, with Maaden being the leading company in this sector in the Kingdom.

    The successful conclusion of Nadda’s visit underscored the strong economic ties between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in fertilizers, while opening new avenues for cooperation in health and pharmaceutical sectors. The long-term fertilizer agreements are expected to provide greater supply security for India’s agricultural sector and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

  • Queues from Midnight: Pilgrims Offer Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on First Monday of Sawan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, a spiritual wave swept across Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi as lakhs of devotees gathered at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ and offer prayers.

    The sacred city of Varanasi echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as the Mangala Aarti and elaborate floral decorations marked the first Monday of Sawan.

    Devotees began queuing outside the temple late on Sunday night, with many waiting seven to eight hours for the temple doors to open. As the gates opened, the entire city resonated with spiritual fervor, and chants filled the morning air.

    Speaking about the arrangements, Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal said, “We are fully prepared. All senior officers are present on-site. Complete barricading has been done. Devotees are having darshan in a well-managed and systematic manner.”

    To ensure safety and smooth management, a massive security deployment was in place. The police commissionerate had stationed six Quick Response Teams (QRTs), three drone units, mounted police, and tourist police at key locations, including Godowlia Chowk, the Ganga Ghats, and the temple premises.

    As part of the warm welcome, officials greeted pilgrims with a shower of flower petals, creating a deeply moving and sacred atmosphere.

    A devotee expressed their joy, saying, “The arrangements are excellent, and we had a wonderful darshan by the grace of Mahadev.”

    DCP (Crime) Sarvan T. stated, “Today is the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan. Keeping this in mind, an adequate police force has been deployed to ensure the safety and security of the devotees.”

    (IANS)

  • Amarnath Yatra: Over Two Lakh Devotees Offer Prayers, Fresh Batch of 6,143 Leaves for Kashmir

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amarnath Yatra: Over Two Lakh Devotees Offer Prayers, Fresh Batch of 6,143 Leaves for Kashmir

    Over the last 11 days, since it began on July 3, more than two lakh pilgrims have undertaken the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. Another batch of 6,143 pilgrims departed from Jammu for Kashmir on Monday.

    Officials stated, “Another batch of 6,143 Yatris left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. The first escorted convoy of 100 vehicles carrying 2,215 Yatris left at 3:30 a.m. for the Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 135 vehicles carrying 3,928 Yatris left at 4 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.”

    On Sunday, nine yatris sustained injuries when four vehicles in their escorted convoy collided in the Kulgam district on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The injured were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Anantnag town, where doctors described their condition as stable.

    The Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday. The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of sadhus, led by its sole custodian, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar. In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. The Chhari Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

    Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra. These measures come in the wake of the cowardly attack on April 22, in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on their faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the local police.

    The Army has rolled out ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, deploying more than 8,500 troops alongside advanced surveillance and combat technology. As part of this extensive deployment, a dedicated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid featuring over 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been positioned to counter drone-based threats.

    “Live surveillance via UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring yatra convoys and the holy cave. Engineer task forces have been mobilized for infrastructure tasks like bridge laying, track widening, and landslide mitigation. The operation also includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths backed by 2 lakh litres of oxygen. Signal companies, EME technical detachments, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads have also been deployed,” the Army stated.

    All transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by security forces.

    This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

    Yatris approach the holy cave shrine, situated 3,888 meters above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, from either the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to complete. Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and can return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra.

    No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

    The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave.

    (IANS) 

  • Indian Railways to install CCTV cameras in all coaches and locomotives to boost passenger safety

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Railways on Sunday announced plans to equip all passenger coaches and locomotives across the country with CCTV cameras, aiming to strengthen passenger safety and security. The move follows the positive results of pilot projects where CCTV systems were successfully tested on select trains.

    Following a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on July 12, Indian Railways has been given the green light to install CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Railway Board.

    As per the new plan, each passenger coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras, strategically placed—two at each entrance—to monitor common movement areas while preserving passenger privacy. Each locomotive will be fitted with six CCTV cameras: one each at the front, rear, and both sides, along with a dome camera and two desk-mounted microphones in each cab.

    Railway officials confirmed that successful trials of this surveillance setup have already been conducted on the Northern Railway network. The new system aims to provide 360-degree coverage to deter and detect miscreants, including organised gangs that often target unsuspecting passengers.

    The Union Minister has directed that all surveillance equipment should meet stringent quality standards, including STQC certification. Emphasis was placed on ensuring high-resolution footage even at speeds exceeding 100 kmph and in low-light conditions. Furthermore, officials were encouraged to explore integrating artificial intelligence with the CCTV network in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission, to further enhance monitoring and safety capabilities.

    The Railways said that while safety is the primary objective, passenger privacy will be respected. Cameras will not be installed inside private compartments or seating areas but only in the common corridors near the doors.

  • Queues from Midnight: Pilgrims Offer Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath to Mark Start of Sawan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, a spiritual wave swept across Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi as lakhs of devotees gathered at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ and offer prayers.

    The sacred city of Varanasi echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as the Mangala Aarti and elaborate floral decorations marked the first Monday of Sawan.

    Devotees began queuing outside the temple late on Sunday night, with many waiting seven to eight hours for the temple doors to open. As the gates opened, the entire city resonated with spiritual fervor, and chants filled the morning air.

    Speaking about the arrangements, Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal said, “We are fully prepared. All senior officers are present on-site. Complete barricading has been done. Devotees are having darshan in a well-managed and systematic manner.”

    To ensure safety and smooth management, a massive security deployment was in place. The police commissionerate had stationed six Quick Response Teams (QRTs), three drone units, mounted police, and tourist police at key locations, including Godowlia Chowk, the Ganga Ghats, and the temple premises.

    As part of the warm welcome, officials greeted pilgrims with a shower of flower petals, creating a deeply moving and sacred atmosphere.

    A devotee expressed their joy, saying, “The arrangements are excellent, and we had a wonderful darshan by the grace of Mahadev.”

    DCP (Crime) Sarvan T. stated, “Today is the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan. Keeping this in mind, an adequate police force has been deployed to ensure the safety and security of the devotees.”

    (IANS)

  • Trump says US will send Patriot missiles to Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he will send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, saying they are necessary to defend the country because Russian President Vladimir Putin “talks nice but then he bombs everybody in the evening.”

    Trump did not give a number of Patriots he plans to send to Ukraine, but he said the United States would be reimbursed for their cost by the European Union.The U.S. president has grown increasingly disenchanted with Putin because the Russian leader has resisted Trump’s attempts to negotiate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has asked for more defensive capabilities to fend off a daily barrage of missile and drone attacks from Russia.

    “We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need, because Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening. But there’s a little bit of a problem there. I don’t like it,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews outside of Washington.

    “We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment. They are going to pay us 100% for that, and that’s the way we want it,” Trump said.

    He plans to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Ukraine and other issues this week.

    (Reuters)

  • Israeli missile hits Gaza children collecting water, IDF blames malfunction

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least eight Palestinians, most of them children, were killed and more than a dozen were wounded in central Gaza when they went to collect water on Sunday, local officials said, in an Israeli strike which the military said missed its target.

    The Israeli military said the missile had intended to hit an Islamic Jihad militant in the area but that a malfunction had caused it to fall “dozens of metres from the target”.

    “The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians,” it said in a statement, adding that the incident was under review.

    The strike hit a water distribution point in Nuseirat refugee camp, killing six children and injuring 17 others, said Ahmed Abu Saifan, an emergency physician at Al-Awda Hospital.

    Water shortages in Gaza have worsened sharply in recent weeks, with fuel shortages causing desalination and sanitation facilities to close, making people dependent on collection centres where they can fill up their plastic containers.

    Hours later, 12 people were killed by an Israeli strike on a market in Gaza City, including a prominent hospital consultant, Ahmad Qandil, Palestinian media reported. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the attack.

    Gaza’s health ministry said on Sunday that more than 58,000 people had been killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, with 139 people added to the death toll over the past 24 hours.

    The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its tally, but says over half of those killed are women and children.

    CEASEFIRE?

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that he was “hopeful” on Gaza ceasefire negotiations underway in Qatar.

    He told reporters in Teterboro, New Jersey, that he planned to meet senior Qatari officials on the sidelines of the FIFA Club World Cup final.

    However, negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire have been stalling, with the two sides divided over the extent of an eventual Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave, Palestinian and Israeli sources said at the weekend.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to convene ministers late on Sunday to discuss the latest developments in the talks, an Israeli official said.

    The indirect talks over a U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire are being held in Doha, but optimism that surfaced last week of a looming deal has largely faded, with both sides accusing each other of intransigence.

    Netanyahu in a video he posted on Telegram on Sunday said Israel would not back down from its core demands – releasing all the hostages still in Gaza, destroying Hamas and ensuring Gaza will never again be a threat to Israel.

    The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages there are believed to still be alive.

    Families of hostages gathered outside Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem to call for a deal.

    “The overwhelming majority of the people of Israel have spoken loudly and clearly. We want to do a deal, even at the cost of ending this war, and we want to do it now,” said Jon Polin, whose son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was held hostage by Hamas in a Gaza tunnel and slain by his captors in August 2024.

    Netanyahu and his ministers were also set to discuss a plan on Sunday to move hundreds of thousands of Gazans to the southern area of Rafah, in what Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has described as a new “humanitarian city” but which would be likely to draw international criticism for forced displacement.

    An Israeli source briefed on discussions in Israel said that the plan was to establish the complex in Rafah during the ceasefire, if it is reached.

    On Saturday, a Palestinian source familiar with the truce talks said that Hamas rejected withdrawal maps which Israel proposed, because they would leave around 40% of the territory under Israeli control, including all of Rafah.

    Israel’s campaign against Hamas has displaced almost the entire population of more than 2 million people, but Gazans say nowhere is safe in the coastal enclave.

    Early on Sunday morning, a missile hit a house in Gaza City where a family had moved after receiving an evacuation order from their home in the southern outskirts.

    “My aunt, her husband and the children, are gone. What is the fault of the children who died in an ugly bloody massacre at dawn?” said Anas Matar, standing in the rubble of the building.

    (Reuters)

  • Sinner dethrones Alcaraz to capture maiden Wimbledon crown

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 in a high-octane final to claim his maiden Wimbledon trophy and fourth Grand Slam crown on Sunday, avenging his loss to the Spaniard in last month’s epic French Open final.

    The hard-fought win over the two-times defending champion on the famous lawns of London ensured that Sinner became the first Italian to secure a Wimbledon singles title.

    “I would like to start with Carlos. An amazing tournament, but mostly thank you for the player you are,” Sinner said.

    “It’s so difficult to play against you, but we have an amazing relationship off the court and on the court … keep going, keep pushing.”

    The 23-year-old Sinner drew first blood in the first Wimbledon men’s final contested by a pair born in the 2000s, breaking for a 3-2 lead, but Alcaraz clawed back before hitting a spectacular return at full stretch to wrap up the opening set and he celebrated by cupping his ear and soaking up the cheers.

    Sinner was gained a break in the opening game of next set and he let out a rare yell of “Let’s go” after winning a point en route to holding in a tight game before surging ahead 3-1 after a brief interruption when a champagne cork flew from the stands and landed on Centre Court.

    The top seed shrugged off the distraction and hit a running crosscourt winner to take the second set, before tightening his grip on the contest by unleashing a superb volley at the net to break for 5-4 and then holding in the next game to seal the third set with minimum fuss.

    With shadows drifting across the main showcourt that had basked in bright sunshine, Sinner wheeled away to a 3-1 lead in the fourth set as Alcaraz began to display the smallest signs of dejection, and the monk-like world number one held firm from there to complete a famous victory.

    “It’s amazing to be in this position,” added Sinner.

    “We were talking actually before the match; we would never have thought to be in this position. Back in the days when I was young, this was only a dream, because it was so far away from where I’m from. So I’m just living my dream, it’s amazing.

    “I’d like to thank my team and everyone who came here for this special day. It means so much. You give me so much emotion on and off the court and we try to keep pushing and trying to become a better tennis player, but mostly a better person.”

    There was to be no Roland Garros-like resurrection for Alcaraz, who fought back from three match-points down in the Paris finale just 35 days ago, as the Spaniard’s bid to claim three successive All England Club titles was extinguished.

    “I’m just really happy and really proud about everything I’m doing,” the 22-year-old Alcaraz said.

    “At the beginning of the season, I struggled a little bit on the court, but then suddenly I started to bring joy on the court again and that excitement I have every time I step on the court.

    “It’s a great journey so far, which I’m really proud of.”

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi condoles demise of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility… He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

    Rao breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Known for his iconic performances across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films, Rao’s career spanned over four decades, with appearances in more than 750 films.

    Born on July 10, 1942, in Kanakipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, he began his journey as a stage artist and made his screen debut in 1978 with the film ‘Pranam Khareedu’, starring Chiranjeevi.

    A recipient of multiple accolades including the Padma Shri (2015) and several Nandi Awards, Kota also served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East (1999–2004).

    The actor had been battling age-related health issues in recent days. His declining health had sparked concern among fans after a recent photo went viral on social media. He had also suffered a personal tragedy in 2010, when his only son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, died in a road accident.

    Tributes poured in from across the film and political fraternity in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, remembering Rao’s contributions to Indian cinema and public life.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • SpaceX to invest $2 billion in Musk’s xAI startup, WSJ reports

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    SpaceX has committed $2 billion to xAI as part of a $5 billion equity round, deepening the ties between tech billionaire Elon Musk’s ventures as his artificial intelligence startup races to compete with rival OpenAI, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

    The investment follows xAI’s merger with X and values the combined company at $113 billion, with the Grok chatbot now powering Starlink support and eyed for future integration into Tesla’s Optimus robots, the report added.

    In response to a post on X about whether Tesla, could also invest in xAI, Elon Musk said on Sunday, “It would be great, but subject to board and shareholder approval,” without confirming or denying the Journal report on SpaceX’s investment plans in xAI.

    SpaceX, xAI and Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not immediately confirm the WSJ report.

    Despite recent controversies involving Grok’s responses, Musk has called it “the smartest AI in the world,” and xAI continues to spend heavily on model training and infrastructure.

    (Reuters)

  • Centre asks states to crack down on fake, substandard fertilizers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move to protect farmers and ensure the integrity of agricultural inputs, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, calling for immediate and strict action against the sale of fake and substandard fertilizers.

    The directive aims to curb the black marketing of subsidized fertilizers, the circulation of counterfeit products, and illegal practices such as forced tagging of nano or bio-stimulant fertilizers.

    Emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, the Minister stressed the importance of providing farmers with quality fertilizers on time, at affordable prices. He reminded states that the sale of substandard or fake fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which is part of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

    The Centre has directed states to monitor fertilizer distribution closely, take action against overpricing and diversion, and strengthen sampling and testing to detect counterfeit products. It also instructed authorities to immediately halt forced tagging practices and to take strict legal action, including license cancellations and FIRs, against violators.

    States have been encouraged to involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring efforts and to launch awareness campaigns to help them distinguish between genuine and fake fertilizers.

    Calling for a statewide crackdown, Chouhan said regular monitoring and strict enforcement would ensure lasting solutions and protect farmers’ interests.

  • Hungary’s opposition flags ‘New Deal’ to kickstart stagnating economy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar said on Saturday his Tisza party will launch a “Hungarian New Deal” to revive the stagnating economy with massive investment and predictable policy if it wins elections next year.

    Magyar, whose centre-right party has a firm lead over the ruling Fidesz in most opinion polls, poses the biggest political challenge to nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who after 15 years in power finds himself struggling to boost the inflation-hit economy.

    The risk of steep U.S. tariffs on EU imports also looms large over recovery prospects and Saturday’s announcement of 30% tariffs on the EU by President Donald Trump is bad news for the Central European country.

    Magyar announced his Hungarian New Deal plan to supporters at his party’s congress in the western city of Nagykanizsa.

    “We need economic growth, investments, predictable financial and economic policy in Hungary,” Magyar said, adding that Tisza would crack down on corruption and buy back state assets that he said had been stolen over the past 15 years.

    The main pillars of Tisza’s plan will be a major healthcare reform with additional funding of 500 billion forints ($1.5 billion) annually, a large-scale rental flat and home construction programme, a modernisation of state railways using EU and national funds, and investments in energy efficiency for households and in education.

    Magyar, a former government insider who burst into Hungarian politics last year, again pledged to unlock some 20 billion euros of suspended EU funds that Hungary has not received for years due to clashes between Brussels and Orban over a perceived erosion of democracy and corruption — accusations that Orban denies.

    The parliamentary election is set to take place early next year, though no date has been set. In June parliament passed Orban’s 2026 election year budget, including steep tax cuts for families, a key demographic group for Fidesz.

    “People are fed up with this regime. And Tisza is a kind of ‘collecting party’ which stood behind all this (discontent). People want change,” said Edit Piroska Borsi, a retired teacher at the congress.

    (Reuters)

  • West Indies bowl out Australia for 225 after dramatic collapse

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Australia lost seven wickets for 68 runs in a dramatic collapse to be all out for 225 on day one of the third and final test against West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

    West Indies finished the day on 16 for one — 209 runs behind — after Australia’s Mitchell Starc bowled Kevlon Anderson off the inside edge in the pacer’s 100th test.

    Starc, 35, is just the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to play 100 tests.

    Australia won the toss and opted to bat first for the day-night test but crumbled despite being 157-3 at one stage as the West Indies bowlers ripped through their middle order before being dismissed in 70.3 overs.

    Australia’s Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas shared a 28-run opening partnership before Justin Greaves provided the breakthrough for West Indies by removing Konstas. Steve Smith top-scored for Australia with 48, and shared a 61-run stand with Cameron Green, the visitors’ highest partnership of the day.

    West Indies quick Shamar Joseph finished with 4-33, the pick of the home bowlers, while Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves took three wickets each.

    For West Indies, opener Brandon King was batting on eight with skipper Roston Chase on three at the other end after losing Anderson for three runs.

    West Indies fielded a makeshift opening pair of Anderson and King after Mikyle Louis and John Campbell sustained injuries while fielding and were sent to hospital for scans.

    “Every pitch has been tough. The more balls you spend in the middle you hope it gets better but it just hasn’t been the case,” Green told broadcasters.

    “It’s a bit of a grind first time with these balls, but a lot of learnings. Time in the middle is key – just trying to get used to their bowlers, their conditions.

    “Very happy with our position (in this test). We wanted to give them a tricky last 45 minutes. To get them one down is crucial, and we’ll wait and see what happens tomorrow.”

    Australia won the first test by 159 runs and second by 133 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

    (Reuters)

  • Women’s Euro 2025: Sweden storm to group victory with 4-1 win over Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Sweden made the most of Germany defender Carlotta Wamser’s expulsion to sweep to a 4-1 win and secure top spot in their Group C clash on Saturday, with their opponents also going through to the quarter-finals as runners-up.

    The Swedes finished top of the group with a perfect nine points from three games and will take on the runners-up in Group D, which features France, England, Netherlands and Wales.

    The Germans will face the winners of Group D.

    Friday’s encounter was the first time the Germans conceded four goals at a Women’s Euros and the Swedes were good value for their win, punishing virtually every mistake the Germans made.

    Germany got off to a flying start, slicing Sweden open through the middle as Wamser slid the ball into the path of Jule Brand, who managed to slip it past Jennifer Falk despite the Swedish keeper getting a touch.

    The Swedes struck back within five minutes, striker Stina Blackstenius expertly timing her run behind the defence and latching on to Kosovare Asllani’s ball before flashing a shot past Ann-Katrin Berger to level.

    Though the Germans looked dangerous every time they crossed the halfway line, it was the Swedes who took the lead through Smilla Holmberg in the 25th minute, the fullback marauding into the box before losing control and then steering an attempted clearance into the net from a tight angle.

    RED CARD

    Germany’s challenge fell apart in the 32nd minute when Wamser was shown a straight red card for a deliberate handball to block a goal, and Fridolina Rolfo scored from the spot to make it 3-1 in her 100th international.

    “The red card was decisive,” Germany coach Christian Wueck said. “We couldn’t fight back into the game with one less player on the pitch.”

    Though the Germans made the odd dangerous foray in the second half, the Swedes exploited their numerical advantage and substitute Lina Hurtig put the game beyond reach with a close-range finish in the 80th minute.

    “It’s very important to build on a good feeling and gain confidence, now we can look forward,” goalscorer Blackstenius said.

    The Germans were disappointed with how the game turned out after such a good start.

    “We started the game very well. We were fully in it and the better team,” Klara Buhl said.

    “We then give the game away in 10 minutes, that’s incredibly bitter. We have to put that behind us as quickly as possible.”

    The Swedes play their quarter-final in Zurich next Thursday, while the Germans will have two extra days of rest before playing their game in Basel on Saturday.

    (Reuters)

  • 80.11% electors of Bihar submitted their enumeration forms: Election Commission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday said that it has made significant progress in Bihar by establishing direct contact with nearly all electors, achieving over 80% collection of Enumeration Forms (EFs) well ahead of the stipulated deadline of July 25.

    With the support of 77,895 existing Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 20,603 newly appointed BLOs, field-level operations are being rigorously monitored by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) across all 243 Assembly Constituencies, involving 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and 963 Assistant EROs (AEROs).

    As of 6:00 PM on Saturday, a total of 6,32,59,497 Enumeration Forms, amounting to 80.11% of the target, have been collected — indicating that four out of every five electors in the state have already submitted their forms.

    This extensive outreach is being supported by 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties, and over 4 lakh volunteers, with a focus on ensuring inclusion of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and other vulnerable groups.

    The ECI has completed 100% printing and nearly full distribution of EFs to electors found at their registered addresses. The collected forms are being swiftly digitised, with 4.66 crore EFs already uploaded onto ECINet, a newly developed integrated software system that replaces the earlier 40 ECI apps.

    Electors are encouraged to submit their EFs along with eligibility documents to ensure their inclusion in the draft electoral rolls, which will be published on August 1, 2025. Those needing more time can submit documents until August 30, the last date for filing claims and objections.

    With the current pace, the ECI is confident of surpassing its target well before the deadline, marking a major step forward in strengthening the electoral process in Bihar.

  • Shivraj Singh calls PM Modi’s tenure a ‘golden era’ for employment in India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure a ‘golden era’ for employment in India. He made the remarks while distributing appointment letters to successful candidates at the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Mela held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

    The nationwide employment drive saw over 51,000 youth across the country receiving appointment letters for government jobs. PM Modi also addressed the event virtually.

    Speaking at the event, Chouhan said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is a blessing for India. Under his leadership, we are on a grand mission to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’. There’s tremendous work happening across all sectors. In terms of employment, Prime Minister Modi’s current tenure is a golden era, as over 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line. He has uprooted poverty from its roots.”

    “Speaking of direct government jobs – more than 10 lakh youth have already been provided with employment”, he added.

    Chouhan emphasized that more than 51,200 youth have been appointed to various departments on Saturday, including the Railways, through a fully transparent, merit-based process.

    Congratulating the newly appointed candidates, he said their employment marks not only personal success but also their role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He also thanked PM Modi for his visionary leadership and continued commitment to youth empowerment.