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Category: Government of India

  • Anisimova outlasts Sabalenka, Swiatek fells Bencic to lock in Wimbledon final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amanda Anisimova tore up the script and soared into her maiden Wimbledon final by outclassing world number one Aryna Sabalenka with fierce determination and fearless shot-making on Thursday and will meet Iga Swiatek for a shot at Grand Slam glory.

    Anisimova’s 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory extended her record over her equally powerful rival to 6-3, and kept alive American dreams of a third women’s Grand Slam champion this year after Madison Keys won the Australian Open and Coco Gauff won the French Open.

    Standing in her way will be five-times major winner Swiatek, who continued her new-found love affair with grass this year to blaze into her first final at the All England Club with a breezy 6-2 6-0 demolition of Tokyo Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.

    In Saturday’s final, Anisimova, 23, will look to become the first American to win Wimbledon since Serena Williams in 2016.

    “This doesn’t feel real right now, honestly,” a beaming Anisimova said shortly after her big battle.

    “Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there. Yeah, I don’t know how I pulled it off. I mean, she’s such an incredible competitor and she’s an inspiration to me and I’m sure so many other people.

    “We’ve had so many tough battles. To come out on top today and be in the final of Wimbledon is so incredibly special. The atmosphere was incredible. I know she’s the number one, but a lot of people were cheering for me. Huge thanks to everyone.”

    On an oven-like Centre Court where the temperature climbed to 30 degrees Celsius, Sabalenka twice rushed to the aid of ill fans by supplying bottles of cold water and an ice pack, before she cracked under pressure from her opponent in the 10th game.

    Anisimova, competing in her first Grand Slam semi-final since her 2019 French Open run as a gifted teenager, made her opponent sweat for every point and wrapped up the opening set when the Belarusian produced a double fault.

    With her back against the wall, Sabalenka fought like a tiger, the animal that has become her totem, and broke for a 4-3 lead en route to levelling the match at one set apiece after some sloppy errors from 13th seed Anisimova’s racket.

    Having matched each other’s decibel levels in a cacophony of grunting, the duo swapped breaks at the start of the decider but Anisimova pounced again when Sabalenka sent a shot long and went on to reach the showpiece match.

    COMPLETE DISBELIEF

    Anisimova, who took a mental health break in 2023, said that making the final of a Grand Slam for the first time at Wimbledon left her in complete disbelief.

    “It’s been a year turnaround since coming back and to be in this spot … I mean, it’s not easy and so many people dream of, competing on this incredible court,” Anisimova added.

    “It’s been such a privilege to compete here and to be in the final is just indescribable.”

    Watching the second semi-final that will determine her next opponent was very much on Anisimova’s mind despite a near three-hour workout in testing conditions.

    “It’s going to be an incredible match and whoever comes out on top, it’s going to be a battle in the final,” she said.

    “Hopefully I can finally spend some time with my family.”

    The 27-year-old Sabalenka, who was beaten in the Australian and French Open finals, was left to lick her wounds after missing the chance to become the first woman since Williams in 2014-15 to reach four straight major title matches.

    It was a more straightforward path to the final for Swiatek, the claycourt specialist who had never got past the last eight at Wimbledon before this year, as she broke Bencic twice in the first set and three times in the next to romp to victory.

    “Honestly I never even dreamt it was going to be possible for me to play in the final so I’m super excited and just proud of myself,” the Pole said.

    “Tennis keeps surprising me. I thought I’d lived through everything even though I’m young. I thought I’d experienced everything on the court. I didn’t experience playing well on grass so I’m super excited and enjoying it.”

    Saturday’s title showdown will crown a new Wimbledon champion for the eighth successive year.

    “I don’t think I’ve played Amanda on the WTA Tour. We played in juniors and she can play amazing tennis,” the 24-year-old Swiatek added. “She loves fast surfaces.

    “I’ll have to be ready for fast shots for her being proactive but I’m just going to focus on myself and prepare tactically tomorrow.”

    (Reuters)

  • PSG and Chelsea set for Club World Cup final showdown in US

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Paris St Germain (PSG) will face Chelsea in the final of FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup on Sunday, capping off a month-long tournament in the United States that, while sparking debates about the weather and calendar, has delivered drama akin to a nations’ World Cup.

    The French and English sides, two of European football’s most powerful and richest clubs, will compete for the honour of being the first champions of FIFA’s expanded competition, created with the promise of revolutionising club football and as a glittering curtain-raiser for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

    The final, scheduled for midday at a sweltering MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, follows a tournament filled with surprises, including shock exits for Manchester City and Inter Milan at the hands of underdogs Al Hilal and Fluminense.

    PSG have been in scintillating form, winning seven of their last eight matches without conceding a single goal. Luis Enrique’s side showcased their high-pressing, fast-paced, vertical style to devastating effect in a 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Two early turnovers, forced by PSG’s relentless press, led to a commanding two-goal lead within nine minutes.

    The Parisians, fresh off their maiden Champions League triumph last month, are chasing their first world title. Manager Luis Enrique has revitalised the team, replacing departing stars Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe with a youthful, dynamic squad committed to his total football ethos.

    Midfield orchestrator Vitinha has been pivotal, while flying fullbacks Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi provide width and pace. Up front, Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele has shone, delivering crucial goals and assists.

    PSG’s defensive solidity has also been remarkable, with their high turnover rate — averaging seven per hour of play —proving instrumental throughout the competition.

    Luis Enrique, who has already experienced glory leading Barcelona to a treble a decade ago, has never lost a one-off club final, winning 11 of 11.

    Chelsea, meanwhile, have taken the longer road to the final, arriving in the U.S. after winning Europe’s third-tier Conference League following a sub-par domestic campaign in which they barely managed a top-four Premier League finish.

    Chelsea have rallied in the tournament and the final gives manager Enzo Maresca a chance for redemption after being questioned due to struggles with a squad that cost Chelsea over 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) in recent years.

    The mid-tournament addition of Joao Pedro has proven inspired, with the Brazilian forward netting twice in their semi-final win over his childhood team Fluminense.

    He has combined well with Cole Palmer in attack, while Chelsea’s midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo has excelled at breaking up play and exploiting spaces.

    (Reuters)

  • Rubio to meet China’s Wang Yi in Malaysia amid trade tension

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, the State Department said, in what will be the first in-person meeting of the two counterparts.

    Washington’s top diplomat arrived in Malaysia on Thursday in his first trip to Asia since taking office, where he joined foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur and met with senior Malaysian officials and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

    The visit is part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific region and look beyond conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration’s attention.

    Rubio is attending the East Asia Summit and ASEAN regional forum on Friday, which include Japan, China, Russia, Australia, India, the European Union and more.

    Analysts said Rubio would be looking to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington’s main strategic rival, during the visit.

    His meeting with Wang comes amid escalating trade tensions, with China this week warning the United States against reinstating hefty tariffs on its goods next month.

    Beijing has also threatened to retaliate against nations that strike deals with the United States to cut China out of supply chains.

    China, initially singled out with tariffs exceeding 100%, has until August 12 to reach a deal with the White House to keep Trump from reinstating additional import curbs imposed during tit-for-tat tariff exchanges in April and May.

    Trump has also threatened to levy an additional 10% tariff on countries aligned with BRICS.

    Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS grouping is seen largely as China’s effort in establishing an economic grouping to counter Western powers and has since expanded to include members such as Indonesia and Iran.

    Rubio told reporters on Thursday that he would also likely raise with Wang U.S. concerns over China’s support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

    “The Chinese clearly have been supportive of the Russian effort and I think that generally, they’ve been willing to help them as much as they can without getting caught,” he said.

    Trump earlier this week said Washington lately has a really good relationship with China and that the two strategic rivals are getting along well.

    “We have had a really good relationship with China lately, and we’re getting along with them very well. They’ve been very fair on our trade deal, honestly,” Trump said, adding that he has been speaking regularly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    Rubio on Friday will also meet with the Japanese foreign minister and South Korea’s deputy foreign minister, just days after Trump announced 25% tariffs on both allies, effective August 1.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada, eyes 15%-20% tariffs for others

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose a 35% tariff on imports from Canada next month and planned to impose blanket tariffs of 15% or 20% on most other trading partners.

    In a letter released on his social media platform, Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney the new rate would go into effect on August 1 and would go up if Canada retaliated.

    The 35% tariff is an increase from the current 25% rate that Trump had assigned to Canada and is a blow to Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with Washington.

    An exclusion for goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on trade was expected to stay in place, and 10% tariffs on energy and fertilizer were also not set to change, though Trump had not made a final decision on those issues, an administration official said.

    Trump complained in his letter about what he referred to as the flow of fentanyl from Canada as well as the country’s tariff- and non-tariff trade barriers that hurt U.S. dairy farmers and others. He said the trade deficit was a threat to the U.S. economy and national security.

    Canadian officials say a miniscule amount of fentanyl originates from Canada but they have taken measures to strengthen the border.

    “If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump wrote.

    Carney’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The prime minister said last month that he and Trump had agreed to wrap up a new economic and security deal within 30 days.

    Trump has broadened his trade war in recent days, setting new tariffs on a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50% tariff on copper.

    In an interview with NBC News published on Thursday, Trump said other trading partners that had not yet received such letters would likely face blanket tariffs.

    “Not everybody has to get a letter. You know that. We’re just setting our tariffs,” Trump said in the interview.

    “We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it’s 20% or 15%. We’ll work that out now,” Trump was quoted as saying by the network.

    Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner after Mexico, and the largest buyer of U.S. exports. It bought $349.4 billion of U.S. goods last year and exported $412.7 billion to the U.S., according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

    Carney, who led his Liberal Party to a comeback election victory earlier this year with a pledge to tackle trade challenges with the U.S., had been aiming to negotiate a trade deal with its key trading partner by July 21.

    Trump, in his letter, did not specifically address how trade negotiations were proceeding, but he said the “tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country.”

    Last month, the Carney government scrapped a planned digital services tax targeting U.S. technology firms after Trump abruptly called off trade talks saying the tax was a “blatant attack.”

    (Reuters)

  • Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 sets stage for India’s rise as a global sporting powerhouse

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    For generations, sports in India were seen as a pastime squeezed between schoolwork and exams — a hobby on dusty fields rather than a career to aspire to. Limited infrastructure and a societal focus on academics meant few dared to dream of donning the national colours. But over the years, that narrative has steadily transformed, and today, with the launch of Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, India is set to redefine its sporting destiny.

    Launched under the vision ‘From Grassroots to Glory’, the landmark policy is poised to reshape the country’s sports ecosystem. Integrating with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Khelo Bharat Niti aims to bridge the gap between classrooms and playgrounds, recognizing sports as an essential component of holistic development. It prioritizes women’s empowerment, outreach to marginalized and tribal communities, and active engagement with the Indian diaspora.

    A Vision for the 2036 Olympics

    With its eyes set firmly on the global stage, India’s ambitious roadmap includes a strategic push to become a sporting powerhouse by the 2036 Olympics — and to stake its claim as a potential host. This vision is backed by substantial funding: for FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been allocated ₹3,794 crore, marking a 130.9% increase from FY 2014–15. Of this, ₹1,000 crore is earmarked for the flagship Khelo India programme alone.

    Building the Sporting Ecosystem

    The policy focuses on talent identification at the grassroots level, competitive leagues, world-class training, and sports science support. It calls for significant private sector participation through public-private partnerships, corporate social responsibility, and innovative funding models, laying the groundwork for a sustainable sports industry.

    Sports are also being positioned as a major economic driver, with an emphasis on boosting sports tourism, hosting international events, and nurturing sports startups. The goal is to transform sports from a niche pursuit into a vibrant sector generating livelihoods and national pride.

    A Network of Opportunity

    Since its inception in 2016–17 and subsequent expansion in 2021, Khelo India has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of India’s sports revolution. The initiative has approved 326 sports infrastructure projects, committing over ₹3,124 crore to enhance athletic facilities across the nation. Furthermore, it has been instrumental in creating a robust support system for athletes by establishing 1,045 Khelo India Centres and 34 State Centres of Excellence, complemented by 306 accredited academies. This expansive network provides comprehensive support to nearly 2,850 athletes, covering their training needs, equipment, medical care, and stipends. Khelo India also organizes several annual flagship events, including the Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, Para Games, and Winter Games. These 17 editions of events have collectively drawn over 50,000 athletes, showcasing a significant increase in participation and competitive opportunities within the Indian sports landscape.

    One of the programme’s standout initiatives is KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification), which scouts talent aged 9–18 through 174 Talent Assessment Centres. It aims to propel India into the top-10 sporting nations by 2036, and top-5 by 2047.

    Further, the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival is set to take place at Srinagar’s Dal Lake this August, featuring five sports and over 400 athletes — a testament to the policy’s vision of broadening India’s sporting horizons.

    Institutional Support for Excellence

    The National Sports University, established in Imphal in 2018, is another pillar supporting this vision. The university focuses on sports sciences, management, coaching, and research, training India’s next generation of elite athletes and sports professionals. With global partnerships and a motto of Sports Excellence through Education, Research and Training, it aims to bridge education with high-performance sport.

    Stories Beyond the Arena

    The impact of these initiatives is visible in countless inspiring journeys. Para-athlete Rohit Kumar, a PhD scholar in Delhi, credits government support for creating equal opportunities for athletes like him. “Progress is possible only when supported by the government and society,” he says. He sees Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 — especially its integration with the NEP — as a transformative step for athletes who wish to balance sports and education.

    Athlete Samantha Saver Siddi, from India’s historic Siddi community, echoes this optimism. Practising at Bengaluru’s Jay Prakash Narayan Sports Academy while pursuing her arts degree, Samantha dreams of winning medals for India and credits the policy for creating an environment where such dreams can thrive.

    Towards a Sporting Nation

    India’s medal tallies — from 57 at Incheon 2014 to 69 at Jakarta 2018, and a record 107 at Hangzhou 2023 — highlight a nation on the rise. As India aims to elevate its global standing, Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is set to be the blueprint for nurturing talent, expanding opportunities, and building a culture where sports and academics stand shoulder to shoulder.

    With its youth population of over 65%, India has the numbers — and now, the resolve — to transform playground dreams into podium moments. The journey from dusty fields to Olympic podiums is no longer a distant dream, but a goal within reach.

  • Indian Navy to induct first indigenous diving support vessel ‘Nistar’ on July 18

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Navy is set to commission its first indigenously designed Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on July 18, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

    The vessel, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, will be formally inducted into the Eastern Naval Command to support deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations, the Navy said in a statement on Thursday.

    According to the Navy, INS Nistar showcases the government’s focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Over 120 MSMEs contributed to the project, which has achieved more than 80 per cent indigenous content.

    The commissioning marks a step forward in the Navy’s vision of designing and building complex platforms within the country.

    The new DSV carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, ex-Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the erstwhile USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. The original Nistar served the Navy for two decades, playing a vital role in submarine rescue and diving operations.

    The ship’s motto, Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam — which translates to Deliverance with Precision and Bravery — reflects its mission profile and operational capabilities.

    At around 120 metres long and displacing more than 10,000 tonnes, INS Nistar is equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System that allows it to maintain its position with high accuracy during complex operations.

    Its onboard diving complex includes both air and saturation diving systems, along with underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Side Scan SONAR, significantly expanding its operational scope. As the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), the vessel will enhance the Navy’s submarine rescue preparedness.

    The ship is also equipped with an operation theatre, intensive care unit, eight-bed hospital and hyperbaric medical facilities, which are crucial for supporting rescue and diving missions.

    With an endurance of over 60 days at sea, the capacity for helicopter operations and a 15-ton subsea crane, INS Nistar is expected to be a versatile addition to India’s maritime fleet.

    The Navy said the induction of INS Nistar will boost India’s underwater operational capability and strengthen its strategic maritime posture across the Indian Ocean Region.

  • Bihar’s ‘Special Intensive Revision’ drive covers 66% voters, 15 days left for final submissions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has reached 66 per cent voter coverage, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI), with the final deadline still more than two weeks away.

    As of 6 pm on Thursday, 5.22 crore enumeration forms — 66.16 per cent of the total 7.89 crore existing electors in the state — had been collected since the revision drive began on June 24.

    The ECI credited the progress to the active participation of voters and the coordinated effort of 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), over 20,000 newly appointed BLOs, and more than four lakh volunteers who are helping elderly, differently-abled, sick, and vulnerable voters. In addition, 1.56 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by all recognised political parties are supporting the exercise.

    Nearly 7.90 crore forms were printed for the drive, and about 98 per cent — roughly 7.71 crore — have already been distributed to voters whose names were on the rolls as of June 24.

    The ECI said the collection exercise could be completed ahead of the July 25 deadline if the current pace continues.

  • FIFA rankings: India men’s football team slips to 133, lowest in nine years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian men’s football team has slipped to its lowest FIFA ranking in nine years, falling six spots to 133rd in the latest update released on Thursday. The drop comes after back-to-back defeats in June — a 0-2 loss to Thailand in a friendly on June 4, followed by a 0-1 defeat to lower-ranked Hong Kong in an Asian Cup qualifier.

    These results also led to head coach Manolo Marquez parting ways with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). India last ranked lower in December 2016, when it stood at 135. The team’s all-time best ranking remains 94, achieved in February 1996.

    India now has 1,113.22 rating points, down from 1,132.03, and stands 24th among 46 Asian nations, with Japan leading the continent at 17th in the global rankings. It has been a rough stretch for the Indian men’s team, with the recent loss to Hong Kong severely denting its hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

    Among Asian Football Confederation (AFC) members, India is ranked 24th out of 47 member associations.

    Under head coach Manolo Marquez, the team managed just one win in its last eight outings — a victory over the Maldives in March. In 2025 so far, India has played four matches, recording one win, one draw, and two defeats.

    The string of poor results led to the return of legendary striker and former captain Sunil Chhetri to the squad, but his comeback has done little to change the team’s fortunes.

    India’s next international fixture is an away match against Singapore in October, as part of the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers.

    Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Argentina tops the FIFA rankings among 210 nations, followed by Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia, in that order to complete the top 10.

    Costa Rica is the biggest climber in the rankings with a 14-place jump, while Honduras gained the most points.

    IANS

  • NITI Aayog unveils plan to boost state innovation ecosystem

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday unveiled NITI Aayog’s roadmap to bolster State Science and Technology Councils, calling on States to align their research priorities with the Centre’s push to make India a knowledge-driven economy.

    Speaking at the launch event at NITI Aayog, Singh described science and technology as the country’s “key growth engine” that would steer India’s aim of becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for overhauling India’s planning architecture by replacing the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog in 2014, calling it a shift towards long-term, evidence-based policymaking.

    The roadmap aims to create closer coordination between the Centre and States to unlock regional scientific talent and ensure grassroots-level impact of research. “State S&T Councils must become effective bridges between labs and communities,” Singh said, urging States to link up with industry to help start-ups scale and attract private investment.

    He underlined the Centre’s focus on public-private partnerships and called for reducing overdependence on government funding for innovation. “A mindset shift is crucial if we want to unlock innovation at scale,” he said.

    Singh also pointed to India’s recent scientific strides — from Chandrayaan-3 to indigenous vaccine development and gene therapy trials — as evidence of growing global credibility. Resident patent filings have jumped by over 50% and nearly two-thirds of India’s research output now comes from centrally funded institutions, he added.

    Describing the newly established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a “game-changer”, Singh said it would bridge gaps between academia and industry through co-investment in research. He also highlighted the liberalisation of India’s space and nuclear sectors and called for the government to play the role of facilitator rather than controller.

    NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery said the roadmap was necessary for States to align with national development goals and drive sustainable innovation. Member V.K. Saraswat stressed the need to embed sustainability into research and strengthen state-level capacity building.

    Senior officials including CSIR Director General Dr. N Kalaiselvi, Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. M Ravichandran, and ANRF CEO Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman were present at the launch.

  • Rivers in southwest China breach warning levels, thousands evacuated

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Twenty-five rivers in southwestern China exceeded safe levels on Thursday, state media said, after more than 10,000 people were evacuated as the remnants of former typhoon Danas converged with East Asian monsoon rains.

    Extreme rainfall and severe flooding, which meteorologists link to climate change, increasingly pose major challenges as they threaten to overwhelm ageing flood defences, displace millions and wreak havoc on a $2.8-trillion agricultural sector.

    Heavy rains also hit the capital, Beijing, with one area in the sprawling Chaoyang district receiving 68.2 mm (2.7 inches) of rain in a single hour on Thursday morning, the state-run Beijing Daily said.

    Ten southwestern rivers, including the Longyan, which flows through the densely populated region of Chongqing, could burst their embankments and levees at any time, broadcaster CCTV warned, citing the water resources ministry.

    The remaining 15 had exceeded levels at which they could burst their banks, but posed less of a risk, it added.

    More than 24 hours of torrential rain took levels in the Chishui River of Guizhou province to their highest since records began in 1953, the broadcaster said, while the Xiaocao River in Sichuan province stood at its highest in 29 years.

    More than 10,000 people were evacuated on Wednesday from cities in the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan, state media said, as the East Asian monsoon rains pushed north from India.

    One county in Yunnan recorded 227.8 mm (9 inches) of rainfall in 24 hours, for its highest total in a single day since records began in 1958 while two people died as torrential rain hit Yunnan’s Zhaotong city, Xinhua said on Thursday.

    Beijing health authorities warned that the combination of frequent downpours, high temperatures and humidity increased the risk of water and food contamination.

    -Reuters

  • NESTS launches multi-pronged initiatives with UNICEF, Tata Motors to boost education and employment for tribal youth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major push towards empowering tribal students, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has unveiled a series of initiatives to enhance education, life skills, and employability for students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country.

    On July 9, NESTS signed landmark agreements with UNICEF India, Tata Motors Limited, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to roll out programmes that will support over 1.3 lakh tribal students in their academic and professional journeys.

    At the centre of these efforts is TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub), an innovative national platform launched in partnership with UNICEF. TALASH aims to strengthen both academic learning and personal development by helping students discover their strengths, build essential life skills, and plan clear career pathways.

    Through psychometric assessments inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative, students will receive individual Career Cards suggesting suitable career options based on their aptitudes. The platform will also provide career counselling, dedicated life skills modules, and resources for teachers to guide students effectively. The phased national rollout has already begun, with 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs trained to lead sessions in their schools. By the end of 2025, TALASH is expected to reach all EMRSs in 28 states and 8 union territories.

    Complementing this, NESTS has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry-ready skills. Under this partnership, students passing out of Class 12 from EMRSs will be enrolled in Tata Motors’ Kaushalya Program — an ‘Earn & Learn’ initiative that combines a Diploma in Engineering with on-the-job training. Eligible students will be aged 18 to 23 and must have secured at least 60% marks in their Class 10 examinations.

    The program provides a monthly stipend, subsidised canteen and transport facilities, uniforms, safety equipment, insurance cover, and opportunities for high-performing students to pursue further technical studies such as B.Tech through tie-ups like BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Program. Placement support under a ‘One Trainee, One Job’ policy will ensure that trained graduates find employment within Tata Motors’ manufacturing and service locations nationwide.

    In a parallel move, NESTS has also signed a tripartite agreement with Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to offer focused coaching for competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET. This initiative will include dedicated residential Centres of Excellence at Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh), providing intensive in-person coaching for meritorious science stream students of Grades XI and XII. Additionally, online preparatory classes for Olympiad, NTSE, and KVPY exams will be made available to students from digitally equipped EMRSs, extending support to learners from Grade IX onwards.

    Together, these new measures are intended to close educational gaps, build confidence among tribal youth, and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled students ready to contribute to India’s development.

    According to Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, these collaborations are “a testament to our commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to realise their full potential. Through these initiatives, we aim to bridge gaps in education and empower the next generation of tribal leaders.”

    NESTS, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, runs Eklavya Model Residential Schools nationwide to ensure quality education for tribal students. UNICEF India continues to partner with the government in advancing inclusive education, while Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation bring industry experience and academic expertise to strengthen outcomes for tribal youth.

  • India’s quick commerce market to triple to Rs 2 lakh crore by FY28: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian quick commerce (Q-commerce) market’s gross order value is poised for exponential growth, nearly tripling from an estimated Rs 64,000 crore in FY25 to around Rs 2 lakh crore by FY28, according to a report on Thursday.

    India’s Q-commerce market is estimated to have reached around Rs 64,000 crore in FY25, growing at a staggering CAGR of 142 per cent during FY22-FY25, driven by evolving consumer preferences, hyperlocal infrastructure, and a lower base, according to the report by CareEdge Advisory, a subsidiary of CareEdge Ratings.

    “While growth remains strong, the focus is shifting from rapid expansion to reviving profitability and operational efficiency. Going forward, deeper penetration in Tier 2 and 3 cities, and tech-led innovations will likely define the next phase of India’s Q-commerce landscape,” said Tanvi Shah, Senior Director and Head, CareEdge Advisory and Research.

    The Q-commerce market revenue generated through fees has grown at a significantly faster pace than the GOV.

    The fee-based revenue, which stood at Rs 450 crore in FY22, has reached an estimated Rs 10,500 crore in FY25 and is further projected to reach Rs 34,500 crore by FY28, representing a significant CAGR of 26-27 per cent from FY25 to FY28.

    This sharp increase is due to increased platform fees by major players, resulting in higher revenue realisation and a substantial increase in overall GOV, the report added.

    Q-commerce industry is still just around 1 per cent of India’s massive grocery market, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting.

    “As more consumers embrace the speed and convenience it offers, Q-commerce is set to grow rapidly, even if the broader grocery market growth remains flat,” said Amir Shaikh, Assistant Director, CareEdge Advisory and Research.

    This digital backbone has enabled the rapid adoption of e-commerce and Q-commerce platforms. India had over 270 million online shoppers in 2024, making it the second-largest e-retail user base globally.

    The e-commerce market grew 23.8 per cent YoY in 2024 and is expected to maintain a CAGR of 21.5 per cent through 2030.

    India’s Q-commerce surge is strongly driven by rising digital adoption and expanding consumer spending power.

    As of early 2025, the country had over 1.12 billion mobile connections, with 806 million internet users, representing a 6.5 per cent YoY increase, and is projected to exceed 900 million users by year-end.

    (IANS)

  • Global end-user spending on GenAI models to reach $14.2 billion in 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Gartner report said on Thursday that worldwide end-user spending on generative AI (GenAI) models is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2025.

    End-user spending on specialised GenAI models, which include domain-specific language models (DSLMs), is estimated to total $1.1 billion this year.

    Specialised GenAI models are trained or fine-tuned on industry or business process-specific data.

    Gartner predicts that by 2027, more than half of the GenAI models used by enterprises will be domain-specific (that is, specific to an industry or business function), up from 1 per cent in 2024.

    “Foundation GenAI models (including LLMs) are trained on vast amounts of data and used for many different tasks. They are the first models supporting GenAI and will continue to represent the largest area of spending by organizations in the coming years,” said Arunasree Cheparthi, Senior Principal Research Analyst at Gartner.

    However, organisations are also turning to more domain-specific or vertical GenAI models because they offer improved performance, cost, reliability and relevance in targeted enterprise use cases over foundation models, she mentioned.

    An earlier Gartner report had said that global generative AI spending is expected to reach $644 billion in 2025, a surge of 76.4 per cent from 2024. GenAI spending in 2025 will be driven largely by the integration of AI capabilities into hardware, such as servers, smartphones and PCs, with 80 per cent of GenAI spending going towards hardware.

    GenAI spending is poised for significant growth across all core markets and submarkets in 2025. GenAI will have a transformative impact across all aspects of IT spending markets, suggesting a future where AI technologies become increasingly integral to business operations and consumer products, the report had mentioned.

    Foundational model providers are investing billions annually to enhance GenAI models’ size, performance, and reliability. This paradox will persist through 2025 and 2026.

    (IANS)

  • Global end-user spending on GenAI models to reach $14.2 billion in 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Gartner report said on Thursday that worldwide end-user spending on generative AI (GenAI) models is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2025.

    End-user spending on specialised GenAI models, which include domain-specific language models (DSLMs), is estimated to total $1.1 billion this year.

    Specialised GenAI models are trained or fine-tuned on industry or business process-specific data.

    Gartner predicts that by 2027, more than half of the GenAI models used by enterprises will be domain-specific (that is, specific to an industry or business function), up from 1 per cent in 2024.

    “Foundation GenAI models (including LLMs) are trained on vast amounts of data and used for many different tasks. They are the first models supporting GenAI and will continue to represent the largest area of spending by organizations in the coming years,” said Arunasree Cheparthi, Senior Principal Research Analyst at Gartner.

    However, organisations are also turning to more domain-specific or vertical GenAI models because they offer improved performance, cost, reliability and relevance in targeted enterprise use cases over foundation models, she mentioned.

    An earlier Gartner report had said that global generative AI spending is expected to reach $644 billion in 2025, a surge of 76.4 per cent from 2024. GenAI spending in 2025 will be driven largely by the integration of AI capabilities into hardware, such as servers, smartphones and PCs, with 80 per cent of GenAI spending going towards hardware.

    GenAI spending is poised for significant growth across all core markets and submarkets in 2025. GenAI will have a transformative impact across all aspects of IT spending markets, suggesting a future where AI technologies become increasingly integral to business operations and consumer products, the report had mentioned.

    Foundational model providers are investing billions annually to enhance GenAI models’ size, performance, and reliability. This paradox will persist through 2025 and 2026.

    (IANS)

  • Rajnath Singh hails PM Modi’s leadership, praises successful five-nation visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent five-nation official visit .

    “Under your able leadership, India is growing fast and getting stronger. Your recent 5-nation official visit is a testimony to India’s rising clout and stature,” said Rajnath Singh in a message addressed to PM Modi on the social media platform X.

    Earlier, PM Modi extended greetings to Rajnath Singh on his birthday, while the latter thanked all his party colleagues for their wishes and motivational words.

    “Pradhanmantriji, thank you for your good wishes and motivating words,” said the Defence Minister.

    In his birthday wishes, PM Modi said, “Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Ji on his birthday. He’s distinguished himself for his hardworking nature and wisdom. His efforts to make India self-reliant in defence and strengthen our armed forces are commendable. Praying for his long and healthy life.”

    he Prime Minister began his tour with a visit to Ghana on July 2-3- the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in over three decades. In Accra, he held bilateral talks with President John Mahama to review the existing partnership and explore new areas of cooperation in economic development, defence, maritime security, energy, and critical minerals. Both leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. President Mahama also conferred on PM Modi The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country’s highest civilian award.

    On July 3-4, PM Modi travelled to Trinidad and Tobago– the first Prime Ministerial visit since 1999. He met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and addressed the Parliament. During the visit, India announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation. PM Modi was also honoured with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest civilian honour.

    The third leg of the tour took PM Modi to Argentina on July 4-5- the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American country in nearly six decades. He held discussions with President Javier Milei to strengthen cooperation in defence, agriculture, mining, energy, trade, and investment. Describing the visit as productive, PM Modi said the talks would help deepen India-Argentina ties. He was also presented with the Key to the City of Buenos Aires by the city’s Chief, Jorge Macri.

    In the fourth leg of his visit, Prime Minister Modi attended the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7. He then travelled to Brasília, the capital of Brazil, for a State Visit and held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The two leaders discussed ways to expand the Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil in areas such as trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people exchanges. During the visit, President Lula conferred on Prime Minister Modi Brazil’s highest civilian honour, The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.

    In the final leg of his tour on July 9, Prime Minister Modi visited Namibia – marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the  country in 27 years. He addressed the Namibian Parliament, where he received a standing ovation from the members. During the visit, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred upon him The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian honour.

  • Rajnath Singh hails PM Modi’s leadership, praises successful five-nation visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent five-nation official visit .

    “Under your able leadership, India is growing fast and getting stronger. Your recent 5-nation official visit is a testimony to India’s rising clout and stature,” said Rajnath Singh in a message addressed to PM Modi on the social media platform X.

    Earlier, PM Modi extended greetings to Rajnath Singh on his birthday, while the latter thanked all his party colleagues for their wishes and motivational words.

    “Pradhanmantriji, thank you for your good wishes and motivating words,” said the Defence Minister.

    In his birthday wishes, PM Modi said, “Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Ji on his birthday. He’s distinguished himself for his hardworking nature and wisdom. His efforts to make India self-reliant in defence and strengthen our armed forces are commendable. Praying for his long and healthy life.”

    he Prime Minister began his tour with a visit to Ghana on July 2-3- the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in over three decades. In Accra, he held bilateral talks with President John Mahama to review the existing partnership and explore new areas of cooperation in economic development, defence, maritime security, energy, and critical minerals. Both leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. President Mahama also conferred on PM Modi The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country’s highest civilian award.

    On July 3-4, PM Modi travelled to Trinidad and Tobago– the first Prime Ministerial visit since 1999. He met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and addressed the Parliament. During the visit, India announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation. PM Modi was also honoured with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest civilian honour.

    The third leg of the tour took PM Modi to Argentina on July 4-5- the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American country in nearly six decades. He held discussions with President Javier Milei to strengthen cooperation in defence, agriculture, mining, energy, trade, and investment. Describing the visit as productive, PM Modi said the talks would help deepen India-Argentina ties. He was also presented with the Key to the City of Buenos Aires by the city’s Chief, Jorge Macri.

    In the fourth leg of his visit, Prime Minister Modi attended the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7. He then travelled to Brasília, the capital of Brazil, for a State Visit and held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The two leaders discussed ways to expand the Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil in areas such as trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people exchanges. During the visit, President Lula conferred on Prime Minister Modi Brazil’s highest civilian honour, The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.

    In the final leg of his tour on July 9, Prime Minister Modi visited Namibia – marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the  country in 27 years. He addressed the Namibian Parliament, where he received a standing ovation from the members. During the visit, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred upon him The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian honour.

  • Rajnath Singh hails PM Modi’s leadership, praises successful five-nation visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent five-nation official visit .

    “Under your able leadership, India is growing fast and getting stronger. Your recent 5-nation official visit is a testimony to India’s rising clout and stature,” said Rajnath Singh in a message addressed to PM Modi on the social media platform X.

    Earlier, PM Modi extended greetings to Rajnath Singh on his birthday, while the latter thanked all his party colleagues for their wishes and motivational words.

    “Pradhanmantriji, thank you for your good wishes and motivating words,” said the Defence Minister.

    In his birthday wishes, PM Modi said, “Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Ji on his birthday. He’s distinguished himself for his hardworking nature and wisdom. His efforts to make India self-reliant in defence and strengthen our armed forces are commendable. Praying for his long and healthy life.”

    he Prime Minister began his tour with a visit to Ghana on July 2-3- the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in over three decades. In Accra, he held bilateral talks with President John Mahama to review the existing partnership and explore new areas of cooperation in economic development, defence, maritime security, energy, and critical minerals. Both leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. President Mahama also conferred on PM Modi The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country’s highest civilian award.

    On July 3-4, PM Modi travelled to Trinidad and Tobago– the first Prime Ministerial visit since 1999. He met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and addressed the Parliament. During the visit, India announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation. PM Modi was also honoured with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest civilian honour.

    The third leg of the tour took PM Modi to Argentina on July 4-5- the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American country in nearly six decades. He held discussions with President Javier Milei to strengthen cooperation in defence, agriculture, mining, energy, trade, and investment. Describing the visit as productive, PM Modi said the talks would help deepen India-Argentina ties. He was also presented with the Key to the City of Buenos Aires by the city’s Chief, Jorge Macri.

    In the fourth leg of his visit, Prime Minister Modi attended the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7. He then travelled to Brasília, the capital of Brazil, for a State Visit and held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The two leaders discussed ways to expand the Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil in areas such as trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people exchanges. During the visit, President Lula conferred on Prime Minister Modi Brazil’s highest civilian honour, The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.

    In the final leg of his tour on July 9, Prime Minister Modi visited Namibia – marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the  country in 27 years. He addressed the Namibian Parliament, where he received a standing ovation from the members. During the visit, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred upon him The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian honour.

  • Govt committed to farmers’ welfare, says Piyush Goyal at Agri Leadership Conclave

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday underlined the government’s continued focus on empowering India’s farming community, citing multiple initiatives aimed at ensuring agricultural sustainability, better incomes, and global competitiveness.

    Speaking at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave in New Delhi, Goyal said over 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers across the country, promoting balanced fertiliser use and improved productivity. The Kisan Credit Card scheme, he added, has enhanced access to institutional credit for millions of farmers.

    Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to farmers, the minister said agriculture has remained central to the government’s development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Direct income support under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, he noted, has benefited a large number of rural families.

    To strengthen agri-marketing, Goyal said 1,400 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform, offering farmers real-time price information and wider market access.

    Goyal also highlighted efforts to keep fertilisers affordable, pointing to the continuation of subsidies and uninterrupted supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lauding farmers for maintaining stable agri-exports despite global headwinds, he said exports from agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries stood at ₹4 lakh crore in 2023–24.

    Basmati rice, spices, fresh produce, fisheries, and poultry continued to drive agri-export growth, supported by trade deals with Australia, the UAE, EFTA countries, and the UK, he added.

    Looking ahead, Goyal identified key growth areas including seed production, organic farming, and drip irrigation. He said digital technologies like AI, geospatial mapping, and weather forecasting tools are being integrated to modernise agriculture and empower Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

    The minister also stressed the need for value addition through food processing, branding, and improved packaging. He said the government is focusing on warehousing and storage infrastructure with dedicated funds for agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

    “Under the vision of Viksit Bharat, agriculture will remain a core pillar of India’s growth story,” he stressed.

  • Govt committed to farmers’ welfare, says Piyush Goyal at Agri Leadership Conclave

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday underlined the government’s continued focus on empowering India’s farming community, citing multiple initiatives aimed at ensuring agricultural sustainability, better incomes, and global competitiveness.

    Speaking at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave in New Delhi, Goyal said over 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers across the country, promoting balanced fertiliser use and improved productivity. The Kisan Credit Card scheme, he added, has enhanced access to institutional credit for millions of farmers.

    Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to farmers, the minister said agriculture has remained central to the government’s development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Direct income support under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, he noted, has benefited a large number of rural families.

    To strengthen agri-marketing, Goyal said 1,400 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform, offering farmers real-time price information and wider market access.

    Goyal also highlighted efforts to keep fertilisers affordable, pointing to the continuation of subsidies and uninterrupted supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lauding farmers for maintaining stable agri-exports despite global headwinds, he said exports from agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries stood at ₹4 lakh crore in 2023–24.

    Basmati rice, spices, fresh produce, fisheries, and poultry continued to drive agri-export growth, supported by trade deals with Australia, the UAE, EFTA countries, and the UK, he added.

    Looking ahead, Goyal identified key growth areas including seed production, organic farming, and drip irrigation. He said digital technologies like AI, geospatial mapping, and weather forecasting tools are being integrated to modernise agriculture and empower Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

    The minister also stressed the need for value addition through food processing, branding, and improved packaging. He said the government is focusing on warehousing and storage infrastructure with dedicated funds for agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

    “Under the vision of Viksit Bharat, agriculture will remain a core pillar of India’s growth story,” he stressed.

  • Iran urges UN nuclear watchdog to drop ‘double standards’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s president said on Thursday the U.N. nuclear watchdog should drop its “double standards” if Tehran is to resume cooperation with it over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme, Iranian state media reported.

    President Masoud Pezeshkian last week enacted a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the IAEA said it had pulled its last remaining inspectors out of Iran.

    Relations between Iran and the IAEA have worsened since the United States and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in June, saying they wanted to prevent Tehran developing an atomic weapon. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only and denies seeking atomic weapons.

    “The continuation of Iran’s cooperation with the agency (IAEA) depends of the latter correcting its double standards regarding the nuclear file,” state media quoted Pezeshkian as telling European Council President Antonio Costa by phone.

    “Any repeated aggression (against Iran) will be met with a more decisive and regrettable response,” he said.

    Tehran accuses the IAEA of failing to condemn the attacks by the United States and Israel, and says the nuclear watchdog paved the way for the bombing by issuing a resolution declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.

    “Failure to observe the principle of impartiality in reporting is one of the examples that casts doubt on the status and credibility of the IAEA,” Pezeshkian said.

    The bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities led to a 12-day war, during which Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel.

    IAEA inspectors have not been able to inspect Iran’s facilities since the bombing campaign, even though IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said it is his top priority.

    (Reuters)

     

  • Panch Sankalpa of NEP 2020 to guide universities in building Viksit Bharat: Education Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the two-day Vice-Chancellors’ Conference of Central Universities at Kevadia, Gujarat, on Thursday. The event brought together over 50 Vice Chancellors of leading central universities to review and strategize the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and to align their institutions with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    Pradhan highlighted the sweeping changes India’s higher education system has undergone in the past decade, calling it a fundamental transformation marked by flexibility, interdisciplinarity, inclusivity, and innovation. He noted that total student enrolment has increased to 4.46 crore—up 30% since 2014–15—with female enrolment growing by 38%. For the first time, the gross enrolment ratio (GER) for females now exceeds that of males. Ph.D. enrolment has almost doubled, and female Ph.D. scholars have increased by 136%. GER has also improved significantly among Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive education and social equity.

    The Minister introduced the “Panch Sankalpa” (five resolutions) of NEP 2020—Next-Gen Emerging Education, Multidisciplinary Education, Innovative Education, Holistic Education, and Bharatiya Education—as the guiding principles for transforming higher education institutions into future-ready, value-based learning centres. He urged Vice Chancellors to adopt a “Students-First” approach and ensure that institutions become engines of empowerment, skilling, and nation-building.

    Shri Pradhan stressed the importance of raising the GER in higher education to 50% by 2035. He said this goal would require urgent action in redesigning curricula, strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and encouraging multidisciplinary and multilingual approaches.

    Calling for full implementation of NEP 2020, the Minister urged each university to prepare a comprehensive strategy paper. This should include integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), adoption of technology-driven education, skilling initiatives, and the organisation of conferences like the VC Conference at the university level.

    The Minister also underlined the importance of the “Academic Triveni Sangamam”—celebrating India’s cultural past, recalibrating the present narrative, and shaping the future global role of Indian higher education.

    In his address, Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, emphasized the relevance of the six principles of Karmayoga and the foundational value of Indian Knowledge Systems in shaping both individual character and national progress.

    Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Vineet Joshi, reflecting on the five-year journey of NEP 2020, described the conference as an opportunity to assess achievements and refine future strategies. He reiterated that NEP 2020 reimagines higher education institutions not merely as degree-granting bodies but as ecosystems fostering innovation, critical thinking, and holistic development.

    Additional Secretary Dr. Sunil Barnwal underscored the five foundational pillars of NEP—Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability—emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to achieve the policy’s goals.

    In his concluding remarks, Prof. Rama Shanker Dubey, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, assured that central universities would take proactive steps to align their strategies with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

    Over the course of two days, the conference will feature ten thematic sessions focused on key dimensions of higher education reform, including curriculum redesign under NHEQF/NCrF, future job readiness, digital platforms like SWAYAM and AAPAR, university governance through the SAMARTH system, equitable access in higher education, promotion of education in Indian languages, innovation, internationalisation, faculty development through the Malaviya Mission, and integration of traditional knowledge systems.

    Participating institutions include the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Central University of Rajasthan, Central University of Kashmir, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Tripura University, Sikkim University, National Sanskrit University, and many others.

  • Heavy rainfall likely to continue over northwest, central India: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over northwest India for the next 2 to 3 days and over central India for the next 4 to 5 days.

    According to the latest IMD update, regions likely to witness very heavy rainfall today include Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

    Uttarakhand is expected to receive heavy showers on July 13, while western Rajasthan may see intense rainfall on July 14.

    East Rajasthan and western Madhya Pradesh are expected to be impacted between July 11 and 14, and eastern Madhya Pradesh from July 10 to 12.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR (July 10-13)

    In the Delhi-NCR region, the IMD has issued a detailed weather forecast.

    Today, the city is likely to experience a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rainfall across most areas and heavy rainfall at isolated locations, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 28°C and 30°C—significantly below normal by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

    On July 11, Delhi will see very light to light rain with thunderstorms and lightning, while maximum temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C and minimum temperatures will hover around 23–25°C. Both maximum and minimum temperatures will stay below seasonal averages.

    July 12 and 13 are expected to bring partly cloudy skies and light rainfall, along with occasional thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will range between 34°C and 36°C, while nighttime temperatures will stay near or slightly below normal.

    Surface winds in the region will vary in direction and speed, with light to moderate breezes expected throughout the forecast period.

  • Army emerges as lifeline for flood-hit villages in Himachal Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the mist-laden hills of Himachal Pradesh, where breathtaking landscapes have turned into scenes of devastation, the Indian Army has emerged as a vital support system for flood-affected villages grappling with nature’s fury.

    Relentless rain and floods have battered Mandi district, severely impacting remote villages such as Thunag, Degi, Rushad and Chapad. With roads blocked, communication lines disrupted and entire communities cut off, the Army’s relief columns have become a lifeline for hundreds of stranded families.

    Since July 6, Indian Army personnel have been working round the clock alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities. Despite patchy mobile coverage in the hilly terrain, the soldiers have maintained close coordination with the civil administration to deliver urgent assistance where it is needed most.

    Army medics have set up makeshift camps near damaged homes, providing essential medical care and distributing ration kits to affected families. Relief material has already reached isolated villages, with aid supplies delivered to Degi on July 7, Rushad on July 8 and Chapad on July 9.

    To ensure continuous operational connectivity in areas where mobile signals are weak or unavailable, satellite communications through ISAT phones and other advanced systems have been deployed.

    Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is expected to visit Thunag soon to review the ongoing relief work, while the Brigade Commander is in Mandi to oversee operations and coordinate further support. A meeting with the Chief Minister and Deputy Commissioner of Mandi is also planned to streamline response efforts.

    -IANS

  • MoS Harsh Malhotra inaugurates India Energy Storage Week 2025, highlights roadmap for electric mobility

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, on Thursday inaugurated a session on India’s Roadmap for Vehicle Electrification at India Energy Storage Week 2025, held at Yashobhoomi, Delhi.

    In his address, the Minister reiterated Modi Government’s strong commitment to green mobility and the development of a robust electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem. He cited the PM E-Drive and FAME-II schemes as crucial initiatives driving this transition.

    Malhotra emphasized that India’s journey towards clean mobility is not just a technological shift but a national imperative to meet climate targets, boost economic resilience, and ensure energy security. He noted that as the fastest-growing major economy, India is well on track with its sustainable mobility goals.

    Highlighting supportive policies like EV retrofitting regulations and toll tax exemptions, he said these measures aim to make electric transportation more accessible and affordable.

    The Minister also spoke about the Multi-Modal Logistics Parks being developed by the Ministry, which now include green energy infrastructure and EV-friendly facilities, contributing to reduced logistics costs, lower emissions, and positioning India as a clean and connected transport hub.

    He reaffirmed the government’s target to generate 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, calling on stakeholders to help build a future that is electric, inclusive, safe, and environmentally responsible.

    Stressing the importance of battery technologies suited to India’s unique climate and transport needs, Malhotra urged the industry to invest in R&D, promote local manufacturing, and adopt circular solutions such as battery recycling and reuse.

    Concluding his remarks, the Minister said that the industrial and business growth witnessed in the past 11 years is now being directed towards achieving India’s Net Zero target by 2070, which remains a pivotal focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

  • Lord’s Test: Archer, Bumrah return as England opt to bat first against India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    England won the toss and will bat first in the third test against India at Lord’s on Thursday under sunny skies at the home of cricket and conditions that should favour the batsmen.

    India’s crushing 336-run victory in the second test at Edgbaston levelled the series at 1-1 after England won the first match at Headingley by five wickets.

    England recalled fast bowler Jofra Archer for his first test appearance in more than four years in place of Josh Tongue.

    India brought back paceman Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked bowler who was rested for the second test as he manages a back injury, to replace Prasidh Krishna.

    England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir

    India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

  • Rivers in southwest China breach warning levels, with thousands evacuated

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The levels of 25 rivers in southwestern China exceeded safe levels on Thursday, state media said, after more than 10,000 people were evacuated as the remnants of former typhoon Danas converged with East Asian monsoon rains.

    Extreme rainfall and severe flooding, which meteorologists link to climate change, increasingly pose major challenges as they threaten to overwhelm ageing flood defences, displace millions and wreak havoc on a $2.8-trillion agricultural sector.

    Heavy rains also hit the capital, Beijing, with one area in the sprawling Chaoyang district receiving 68.2 mm (2.7 inches) of rain in a single hour on Thursday morning, the state-run Beijing Daily said.

    Ten southwestern rivers, including the Longyan, which flows through the densely populated region of Chongqing, could burst their embankments and levees at any time, broadcaster CCTV warned, citing the water resources ministry.

    The remaining 15 had exceeded levels at which they could burst their banks, but posed less of a risk, it added.

    More than 24 hours of torrential rain took levels in the Chishui River of Guizhou province to their highest since records began in 1953, the broadcaster said, while the Xiaocao River in Sichuan province stood at its highest in 29 years.

    More than 10,000 people were evacuated on Wednesday from cities in the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan, state media said, as the East Asian monsoon rains pushed north from India.

    One county in Yunnan recorded 227.8 mm (9 inches) of rainfall in 24 hours, for its highest total in a single day since records began in 1958.

    Beijing health authorities warned that the combination of frequent downpours, high temperatures and humidity swells the risk of water and food contamination.

    (Reuters)

  • Global stocks climb on AI and rate cut optimism, unfazed by Trump’s tariff moves

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Global stocks advanced on Thursday, underpinned by optimism around artificial intelligence and the prospect of upcoming interest rate cuts, while investors kept a cautious eye on U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing assault on international trade.

    U.S. copper futures widened their premium to the London benchmark overnight after Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports. He said the levies would come into effect on August 1.

    Trump also threatened a punitive 50% tariff on Brazil’s exports to the U.S. on Wednesday and issued tariff notices to seven minor trading partners.

    The latest tariff moves did little to rattle markets as European stocks gained, with Germany’s DAX up 0.1% and UK’s FTSE 100 rising 1% to their respective all-time highs.

    MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.5%. U.S. stock futures took a breather, with Nasdaq futures down 0.1% after the tech-heavy index closed at a record high on Wednesday.

    The market reaction to Trump’s tariff developments this week was less severe than in April, and Jeff Ng, SMBC’s head of Asia macroeconomic strategy, said investors had grown somewhat “numb” to the ever-changing situation.

    “They know that there is still room for negotiation. A lot of these announcements, they start off with eye-catching numbers, but they are not totally final, and they are still subject to changes. Even if they are implemented, they could also be reversed in the coming few months to year,” he said.

    Meanwhile, investors digested upbeat quarterly results from TSMC that reflected strong demand for the world’s largest contract chipmaker’s products, kept alive by surging interest in artificial intelligence applications.

    TSMC’s report came a day after AI chip giant Nvidia became the world’s first public company to hit a $4 trillion market value. Other tech-related stocks in Korea and Japan further got a boost.

    Also keeping stocks supported were expectations of at least two interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year.

    Minutes released on Wednesday showed “most participants” at the Fed’s meeting last month anticipated rate cuts would be appropriate later this year, with any price shock from tariffs expected to be “temporary or modest.”

    “Our view remains that in the balance of risks between employment and inflation, Fed would be more sensitive to employment than to inflation. Hence, if our view holds, and we get some weakness in the employment numbers over summer, Fed will respond by cutting rates in September,” said Mohit Kumar, an economist at Jefferies.

    DOLLAR EASES

    The dollar was on the back foot on Thursday against the euro, but holding its own against the yen JPY=EBS at 146.35, after a sharp rise earlier this week when Trump slapped Japan with 25% tariffs.

    The euro was up 0.17% to $1.1734 and sterling gained 0.15% to $1.36110.

    An exception was the Brazilian real, which languished near a one-month low at 5.5826 per dollar owing to Trump’s tariff threat on Latin America’s largest economy.

    The real’s volatility gauges spiked to the highest since late April when markets were still trying to get to grips with Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff threats.

    “Without a clear path yet to de-escalation, the real is likely to continue to trade on a softer footing in the near-term. The initial real sell-off was exacerbated by the unwind of popular carry trades,” Lee Hardman, a senior currency economist at MUFG said.

    “The risk is that carry trades continue to be unwound on the back of heightened trade risks and higher financial market volatility triggering a further reversal of real gains.”

    In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin was pinned near a record high and was last at $111,207, while ether was up 1.8% to $2,790.9.

    Elsewhere, crude prices were steady with Brent futures hovering at $70.2 per barrel, while U.S. crude was flat at $68.33 a barrel.

    Spot gold rose 0.22% to $3,320.59 an ounce.

    (Reuters)

  • OpenAI to release web browser in challenge to Google Chrome

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    OpenAI is close to releasing an AI-powered web browser that will challenge Alphabet’s market-dominating Google Chrome.

    The browser is slated to launch in the coming weeks, three of the people said, and aims to use artificial intelligence to fundamentally change how consumers browse the web. It will give OpenAI more direct access to a cornerstone of Google’s success: user data.

    If adopted by the 500 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s browser could put pressure on a key component of rival Google’s ad-money spigot. Chrome is an important pillar of Alphabet’s ad business, which makes up nearly three-quarters of its revenue, as Chrome provides user information to help Alphabet target ads more effectively and profitably, and also gives Google a way to route search traffic to its own engine by default.

    OpenAI’s browser is designed to keep some user interactions within a ChatGPT-like native chat interface instead of clicking through to websites, two of the sources said.

    The browser is part of a broader strategy by OpenAI to weave its services across the personal and work lives of consumers, one of the sources said.

    OpenAI declined to comment.

    The sources declined to be identified because they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

    Led by entrepreneur Sam Altman, OpenAI upended the tech industry with the launch of its AI chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022. After its initial success, OpenAI has faced stiff competition from rivals including Google and startup Anthropic, and is looking for new areas of growth.

    In May, OpenAI said it would enter the hardware domain, paying $6.5 billion to buy io, an AI devices startup from Apple’s AAPL.O former design chief, Jony Ive.

    A web browser would allow OpenAI to directly integrate its AI agent products such as Operator into the browsing experience, enabling the browser to carry out tasks on behalf of the user, the people said.

    The browser’s access to a user’s web activity would make it the ideal platform for AI “agents” that can take actions on their behalf, like booking reservations or filling out forms, directly within the websites they use.

    TOUGH COMPETITION

    OpenAI has its work cut out – Google Chrome, which is used by more than 3 billion people, currently holds more than two-thirds of the worldwide browser market, according to web analytics firm StatCounter. Apple’s AAPL.O second-place Safari lags far behind with a 16% share. Last month, OpenAI said it had 3 million paying business users for ChatGPT.

    Perplexity, which has a popular AI search engine, launched an AI browser, Comet, on Wednesday, capable of performing actions on a user’s behalf. Two other AI startups, The Browser Company and Brave, have released AI-powered browsers capable of browsing and summarizing the internet.

    Chrome’s role in providing user information to help Alphabet target ads more effectively and profitably has proven so successful that the Department of Justice has demanded its divestiture after a U.S. judge last year ruled that the Google parent holds an unlawful monopoly in online search.

    OpenAI’s browser is built atop Chromium, Google’s own open-source browser code, two of the sources said. Chromium is the source code for Google Chrome, as well as many competing browsers including Microsoft’s Edge and Opera.

    Last year, OpenAI hired two longtime Google vice presidents who were part of the original team that developed Google Chrome. The Information was first to report their hires and that OpenAI previously considered building a browser.

    An OpenAI executive testified in April that the company would be interested in buying Chrome if antitrust enforcers succeeded in forcing the sale.

    Google has not offered Chrome for sale. The company has said it plans to appeal the ruling that it holds a monopoly.

    OpenAI decided to build its own browser, rather than simply a “plug-in” on top of another company’s browser, in order to have more control over the data it can collect, one source said.

    (Reuters)

  • Shravani Mela begins in Deoghar, lakhs of Kanwariyas embark on 108 km pilgrimage

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Shravani Mela commenced on Thursday at Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, with lakhs of Kanwariyas thronging the sacred town to begin their month-long pilgrimage during the holy month of Sawan.

    The fair was formally inaugurated at Dumma, on the Jharkhand–Bihar border, in a traditional ceremony marked by Vedic chants. Jharkhand ministers Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Deepika Pandey Singh, and Sanjay Prasad Yadav jointly inaugurated the event.

    Baba Baidyanath Dham, home to Kamna Mahadev, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is considered one of the holiest Shaivite shrines in India. As per tradition, Kanwariyas fetch holy water from the Uttarvahini Ganga in Sultanganj, Bihar, and undertake a 108-kilometre barefoot pilgrimage to offer it at the Deoghar shrine.

    This annual Kanwar yatra, one of the largest in Asia, covers 108-km route from Sultanganj to Deoghar.

    This year’s pilgrimage began on Guru Purnima, adding to its spiritual significance. The roads were filled with thousands of Kanwariyas chanting “Bol Bam”, creating an electrifying and devotional atmosphere.

    The Jharkhand government has estimated that 50 to 60 lakh devotees from across India and abroad are likely to attend the fair this year.

    To manage the enormous footfall, the state government has made elaborate arrangements for accommodation, security, sanitation, and information dissemination. Tent cities equipped with essential amenities have been established at Kothiya and Baghmara along the Deoghar-Sultanganj route to provide rest stops for pilgrims.

    Facilities such as bathing rooms, toilets, medical camps, and information centres have been set up at key locations throughout the mela zone.

    For the first time, the fair has adopted a digital format, enabling devotees to access real-time updates through QR codes on their mobile phones. A dedicated chatbot service is also available to assist pilgrims with queries.

    Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyesh said that in view of the heavy influx of devotees, all VIP, VVIP, and out-of-turn darshan privileges have been suspended for the entire month of Sawan to ensure smooth crowd flow and fairness.

    Additionally, touch worship of the Jyotirlinga has been restricted. Devotees are required to offer holy water through the Argha, a ritual vessel placed inside the temple for this purpose.

    To further assist pilgrims, shuttle services have been launched for those arriving by bus. Holding points, clean drinking water, accommodation facilities, sanitation services, and healthcare camps are being closely monitored by authorities.

    Officials, magistrates, and police personnel have been deployed across the area and instructed to carry out their responsibilities diligently, ensuring a safe and peaceful experience for all devotees.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • HM Shah chairs Eastern Zonal Council meet in Ranchi, 20 key issues on agenda

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 27th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council commenced in Ranchi on Thursday, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

    The meeting, being held at Hotel Radisson Blu, brings together top leaders and officials from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha to deliberate on 20 crucial inter-state coordination issues.

    Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren welcomed Amit Shah on his arrival for the meeting.

    Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, are participating in the deliberations.

    Senior bureaucrats from the four states, including a 15-member IAS-IPS team from Jharkhand, are also attending.

    The agenda includes a wide range of interstate concerns. The Mayurakshi Dam water-sharing dispute between Jharkhand and Bengal tops the chart.

    Apart from that, cost-sharing of the Fulbari Dam under the Upper Mahananda Water Scheme; construction of the Indrapuri Reservoir Project in Bihar; formulation of a comprehensive silt management policy; expansion of banking services to remote villages; timely investigation of cases under the POCSO Act and crimes against women and children; status of fast-track special courts and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112); and delays in the establishment of BSF battalions and sector headquarters due to pending land acquisition in West Bengal are the issues being discussed.

    Additionally, unresolved matters dating back to the bifurcation of Bihar and Jharkhand are expected to be discussed — particularly those related to pension liabilities.

    The Union Home Ministry had earlier directed the Accountants General of both states to reconcile data, following disputes over inconsistencies in pension payment records.

    Key decisions on these issues are likely to be made during the day-long meeting.

    (IANS)