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Category: Government of India

  • Delhi: Students get another ‘Aarambh’ Library in Malviya Nagar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Thursday inaugurated the second ‘Aarambh’ Library, developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in Malviya Nagar.

    According to the L-G’s office, the library is designed to support students and aspirants in the national capital. It is equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, power outlets at every seat, personal lockers, a cafeteria, and an inviting outdoor seating area.

    The initiative comes a year after tragic incident in Rajender Nagar, where three UPSC aspirants lost their lives due to flooding in an underground library during heavy rainfall.

    The July 2023 incident prompted authorities to rethink the safety and infrastructure of student study spaces in Delhi. As a result, the government decided to repurpose underutilised DDA community centres into well-equipped libraries. The first ‘Aarambh’ Library was inaugurated in Rajendra Nagar in January 2025.

    Speaking at the inauguration, LG Saxena said, “You must have seen that a very tragic incident occurred in Rajendra Nagar where three children lost their lives. They were studying in a basement. After that, it was decided that we would convert DDA’s underutilised community centres into libraries. The first ‘Aarambh’ library was inaugurated in Rajendra Nagar, and today, many children are studying there and are very satisfied.”

    On the newly inaugurated facility, he added, “We are inaugurating the second Aarambh library, and soon two more libraries will be launched. The aim is to provide a nice atmosphere for the students coming from different parts of the nation to study in the city. Delhi is the Capital of the nation, and hence we do not want the students to get exploited by giving too much fees for libraries.”

    Highlighting student-friendly features, Saxena noted, “Several students have already been enrolled here and many will do the same in the coming days. There is also a canteen here, where students can get tea, snacks and food. I do believe that with this, the students get a fresh atmosphere and better facilities for studies.”

    Saxena further announced plans to open six such libraries across the city, with two already operational and the remaining four in the pipeline.

    Praising the developmental efforts, he commended Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, saying, “A wave of development is sweeping through Delhi under the current BJP government.”

    CM Rekha Gupta, addressing reporters at the event, expressed pride in the project and called it a significant milestone for the Capital.

    “This is a remarkable beginning. I believe a new chapter has been added to Delhi’s history. Every day, new policies, new initiatives, and a better vision are being delivered to the people of Delhi. Our Lieutenant Governor is doing commendable work,” she said.

    She also congratulated all those involved in making the project a success.

    “Through the DDA, Delhi is receiving beautiful gifts regularly. I congratulate everyone on the inauguration of this library,” she added.

    According to the L-G’s office, the Aarambh Libraries are part of a broader vision to provide safe, accessible, and high-quality study spaces for students, fostering an environment that supports educational excellence and career growth.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Piyush Goyal holds talks with Malaysian minister on review of ASEAN trade pact

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said he had a productive meeting with Tzafrul Aziz, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, during which he discussed the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).

    “Looking forward to fast-tracking discussions with ASEAN member states to ensure fair trade and balanced growth,” Piyush Goyal said in a post on X.

    “We also held discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between both countries,” the minister further stated.

    Malaysia is India’s permanent coordinator from ASEAN on economic matters.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also met his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar bin Ibrahim, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro this week, and among other issues, discussed the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement review.

    PM Modi congratulated Malaysia for its successful stewardship of ASEAN and welcomed its continued support for a strengthened ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including early and successful completion of ASEAN-India FTA review, according to an official statement.

    The AITIGA is a trade pact between the ten ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and India. It aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers to facilitate trade.

    The agreement was signed in 2009 and came into force on January 1, 2010, as part of a broader Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) framework.

    AITIGA focuses on trade in physical goods and does not cover trade in services, which are addressed in a separate agreement that was signed in 2014.

    AITIGA has contributed to increased trade between India and ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching $121 billion in 2023-24.

    The AITIGA is a significant step towards greater economic integration between India and ASEAN, and its review is expected to further enhance trade and investment opportunities.

    (IANS)

  • Centre launches two-year celebrations for Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Culture has announced a two-year official commemoration to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, honouring the enduring legacy of a leader whose contributions have shaped India’s political, cultural and educational journey.

    Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was the Chief Guest at the inaugural event held in the national capital, paid rich tributes to Dr. Mookerjee’s vision for national unity and self-reliance. He said that India today is fulfilling the dreams Dr. Mookerjee once envisioned.

    “He must be blessing us, seeing that India’s aircraft has reached the moon and that a son of India speaks with the Prime Minister from space,” the Minister said. Referring to the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “His soul must feel content that Tiranga Yatras are carried out fearlessly at Lal Chowk, and that all laws of India are fully implemented in Kashmir. Today, there is one nation, one flag and one Constitution.”

    Shekhawat further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is committed to realising Dr. Mookerjee’s vision of a united and developed India. “After Independence, how India should be built — to give shape to that vision, the present Modi government is moving ahead on the path shown by him,” he added.

    Speaking at the event, Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, highlighted Dr. Mookerjee’s ideals and their relevance in contemporary India. “He was a great patriot, a visionary educationist and a staunch believer in India’s unity and integrity,” he said. He added that the commemoration will not be confined to Delhi alone but will be observed across all states and union territories over the next two years.

    Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also addressed the gathering, described Dr. Mookerjee as one of the greatest scholars and statesmen of the pre-Independence era. He recalled Dr. Mookerjee’s courage in resigning from the government on matters of principle, saying, “That kind of integrity and conviction is rare.”

    President of the Ekatma Manav Darshan Anusandhan Evam Vikas Pratishthan, Dr. Mahesh Chandra Sharma, offered a detailed perspective on Dr. Mookerjee’s role during Partition and India’s constitutional history. He said Dr. Mookerjee firmly opposed the idea of Partition and worked to save parts of Bengal and Assam from being handed over to Pakistan.

    Chairman of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, Dr. Anirban Ganguly, traced Dr. Mookerjee’s journey from his early academic brilliance to his impact on national politics. He recalled how Dr. Mookerjee strongly opposed Article 370 and famously said, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan, aur do Nishan nahi chalenge.” He noted that Dr. Mookerjee became a Vice Chancellor at the age of 33, entered the Union Cabinet at 45, founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh at 50, and sacrificed his life at just 52.

    The inaugural programme featured a special exhibition showcasing rare photographs, archival material and multimedia displays highlighting Dr. Mookerjee’s contributions in education, nation-building and industrial development. A commemorative stamp and coin were also released by the Ministry to honour his memory.

    The National School of Drama staged a theatrical production on the life and times of Dr. Mookerjee, while young scholars from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training presented a soulful instrumental ensemble under the guidance of noted flautist Pt. Chetan Joshi.

  • Agri exports can rise to ₹20 lakh crore with focus on processing and branding: Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday addressing the ICC: Krishi Vikram thematic session in New Delhi, said that India’s agriculture and fisheries exports have reached ₹4.5 lakh crore and hold the potential to scale up to ₹20 lakh crore. The key to unlocking this potential, he said, lies in strengthening food processing, branding, and packaging standards.

    Highlighting India’s expanding footprint in global agri-markets, the Minister noted that newer items such as jamun, litchi, pineapple, and bottle gourd are now being exported. He cited recent shipments of jamun to the UK and litchis from Punjab to Doha and Dubai as signs of growing international demand for Indian produce. India’s export presence is increasing notably in Gulf nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

    Shri Goyal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global advocacy of millets through the International Year of Millets, which brought international attention to India’s traditional grains and their health benefits.

    He stressed the importance of building resilient agricultural supply chains, including inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and essential equipment. India, he said, must ensure self-reliance in agricultural inputs to buffer against global disruptions.

    A major focus of Shri Goyal’s address was on the adoption of drip irrigation, which he described as a game changer for Indian agriculture. He called for scaling up water conservation methods and turning them into a mass movement. Establishing small water bodies at the village level and widely adopting drip irrigation, he said, would make Indian agriculture more climate-resilient and export-ready by improving crop predictability and yield.

    To further support this transformation, the Minister recommended replacing outdated water pumps with energy-efficient smart pumps that can be remotely operated via mobile phones and provide real-time data on water usage. When used alongside drip systems, such pumps reduce water wastage, prevent crop damage from over-irrigation, and lower input costs.

    Encouraging agri-entrepreneurs to partner with farmers, Shri Goyal pointed to recent developments like the creation of the Turmeric Board to boost spice exports. He also noted that coffee exports have doubled, and spice exports continue to rise. However, he emphasised the need for more targeted efforts to scale India’s global presence in these sectors.

    He further spoke about the growing potential of natural and organic farming. To enhance credibility in the global market, the government is tightening certification norms using blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability. Additionally, it will support innovative packaging and design, helping Indian agri-products compete effectively in global markets.

    Shri Goyal stressed that when farmers, industries, and exporters collaborate, challenges can be resolved faster. The government, he said, will continue to provide support for packaging and design innovation as a means to boost exports.

    Reflecting on India’s agricultural transformation, the Minister said the journey has been both challenging and inspiring. He attributed the nation’s growing self-reliance in agriculture to the richness of Indian soil, the relentless efforts of farmers, and consistent government support. Citing the evolution from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he reiterated that agriculture has always been a national priority.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ income and productivity. Under PM-Kisan Yojana, financial support is being provided directly to farmers. The government has also absorbed rising fertiliser prices by increasing subsidies.

    Goyal shared that 1,400 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform to enable transparent price discovery, while Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are helping improve access to mechanisation. A ₹1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is aiding the development of rural agri-infrastructure.

    He also discussed the Drone Didi initiative, under which 1.5 lakh women have been trained to operate drones for fertiliser spraying. The government is promoting intercropping, horticulture, and floriculture, and is encouraging entrepreneurs to study and adopt international best practices to drive innovation in Indian farming.

  • PSG crush Real Madrid 4-0 to reach FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Paris St Germain’s Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz scored twice in a devastating first-half display as the French champions demolished Real Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday to book their place in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.

    Two defensive errors handed PSG their opening goals within nine minutes at MetLife Stadium.

    Raul Asencio’s poor control in the sixth minute gifted Ousmane Dembele possession and his first effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois before the rebound was picked up by Ruiz who scored into an empty net.

    Antonio Ruediger’s miskick as he attempted to pass three minutes later allowed Dembele to burst unmarked into the box before firing a tidy finish past Courtois.

    Ruiz struck again in the 24th minute after Achraf Hakimi made a great run down the right and the Spaniard held off defender Raul Asencio with a feint before finishing perfectly from close range.

    Substitute Goncalo Ramos completed the rout for European champions PSG three minutes from time, punishing a feeble Real Madrid side who failed to pose any attacking threat.

    “It was an incredible match, brilliant win,” player of the match Ruiz told DAZN.

    “Even under scorching heat, such difficult conditions to play in midday, the team responded really well and it’s an achievement to be proud of.

    “We made a perfect game and beat a top-level rival like Real Madrid in a great way. It’s job well done.”

    Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical gamble backfired spectacularly.

    Missing suspended defender Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alonso abandoned the five-man defence that had served them well in previous rounds, reverting to a four-man backline that proved woefully inadequate against PSG’s attacking prowess.

    PSG, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final last month, smelled blood from the opening whistle and never relented against opponents who looked clueless on how to approach Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal even with French forward Kylian Mbappe back in the starting side after illness.

    Dembele almost scored in the fourth minute with a curling strike from inside the box that Courtois stopped with a brilliant one-handed save before the keeper produced another stunning reflex block from a close-range strike by Ruiz.

    But there was nothing he could do to deny PSG from opening a three-goal lead and the French team had more chances to extend their advantage further before the break.

    Real made no changes at halftime and PSG stayed in control, with Desire Doue having a goal ruled out for an offside.

    The Spanish side never came close to causing Donnarumma a serious problem and Ramos added a fourth goal for PSG.

    “At the beginning, the setback was strong enough with a 2-0 down. We knew that the task was really tough,” Real coach Alonso told DAZN.

    “At the moment, the feeling is not the best, but we’ll have to try to learn from today. They are a team that has been built in two years and we are just starting here, so it will take time.

    “Right now what we need is a proper break. This is not the beginning of next year, this is just the end of this season. After just three weeks here, I think that we can take positives from this period, not from today. We take lessons from today.”

    (Reuters)

     

  • Rubio makes first visit to Asia as Trump tariffs loom

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday in his first visit to Asia since taking office, and will try to reassure them the region is a priority for Washington, even as President Donald Trump targets it in his global tariff offensive.

    Washington’s top diplomat will meet foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathered in Kuala Lumpur, and also hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who is in the Malaysian capital, according to the U.S. State Department.

    Rubio’s trip is part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific and look beyond the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration’s attention, with Rubio balancing dual responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser.

    However, Trump’s global tariff strategy is likely to cast a shadow over the trip, after the president announced steep tariffs to take effect on August 1 on six ASEAN members, including Malaysia, as well as on close Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea.

    Rubio will nevertheless seek to firm up U.S. relationships with partners and allies, who have been unnerved by the tariffs, and is likely to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington’s main strategic rival, experts said.

    “This is significant, and it’s an effort to try to counter that Chinese diplomatic and economic offensive,” said Victor Cha, president of the geopolitics and foreign policy department at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.

    Rubio will also meet with Lavrov later on Thursday, according to the U.S. State Department schedule. It would be the second in-person meeting between Rubio and Lavrov, and comes at a time when Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on.

    China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also expected to join talks from Thursday, but it was unclear if Rubio would meet with him.

    ‘BETTER LATE THAN NEVER’

    A senior U.S. State Department official told reporters on Monday that among Rubio’s priorities on the trip was reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the region, not just for its sake but because it promotes American prosperity and security.

    “It’s kind of late, because we’re seven months into the administration,” Cha said of Rubio’s trip. “Usually, these happen much sooner. But then again, it is extraordinary circumstances. But I guess better late than never.”

    Security cooperation is a top priority, including the strategic South China Sea, and combating transnational crime, narcotics, scam centers, and trafficking in persons, said the State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

    As well as their unease about Trump’s tariff policies, many in the Indo-Pacific have doubts about the willingness of his “America First” administration to fully engage diplomatically and economically with the region.

    Trump said this week he would impose a 25% tariff on Japan and South Korea and also took aim at ASEAN nations, announcing a 25% levy on Malaysia, 32% on Indonesia, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.

    Trump has also upset another key Indo-Pacific ally, Australia, which said on Wednesday it was “urgently seeking more detail” on his threat to raise tariffs to 200% on pharmaceutical imports.

    According to a draft joint communique seen by Reuters, ASEAN foreign ministers will express “concern over rising global trade tensions and growing uncertainties in the international economic landscape, particularly the unilateral actions relating to tariffs.”

    The draft, dated Monday, before the latest U.S. tariff rates were announced, did not mention the United States and used language similar to an ASEAN leaders’ statement in May. Both said tariffs were “counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation.”

    The State Department official said Rubio would be prepared to discuss trade and reiterate that the need to rebalance U.S. trade relationships is significant.

    The export-reliant ASEAN is collectively the world’s fifth-biggest economy, with some members beneficiaries of supply chain realignments from China. Only Vietnam has secured a deal with Trump, which lowers the levy to 20% from 46% initially.

    (Reuters)

  • Italy on the cusp of first T20 World Cup appearance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Cricket minnows Italy are on the cusp of sealing their first appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup after stunning Scotland in the European qualifying tournament on Wednesday.

    Their 12-run victory in Voorburg, the Netherlands, kept Italy top of the Europe Regional Final standings and in pole position for the 20-overs showpiece to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.

    A win over the Dutch, who are second in the standings, in their final match on Friday would seal their place but Italy’s superior net run rate means even a narrow loss could send them through if other results go their way.

    “I am really proud of the boys for this moment,” said captain Joe Burns, who played 23 tests for Australia before switching allegiance to Italy last year.

    “Hopefully this is the stepping stone for a lot to come. It’s a very emotional group at the moment. Being on the verge of a World Cup? It’s very surreal.”

    With the top two in the standings to advance, Scotland can still qualify but need a big win against Jersey on Friday and an Italy victory against the Dutch.

    “A lot of the credit has to go to Italy, who outskilled us with the ball in those conditions,” Scotland captain Richie Berrington said.

    “Obviously today’s a tough one, but it’s important we learn what we can from this game. We will be looking to come back strong.

    “We have to focus on coming back on Friday and looking to win that game then the rest takes care of itself.”

    (Reuters)

  • Lauren James double helps England bounce back at Euros with 4-0 win over Dutch

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    England’s Lauren James scored twice, while Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone also found the net to put the defending women’s European champions back on track at Euro 2025 with an emphatic 4-0 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday.

    Four days after a lacklustre 2-1 loss to France, aruthless England came out firing on all cylinders in front of a festive crowd that included Britain’s Prince William.

    England and the Netherlands both have three points from their opening two games in Group D, level with France who can go three points clear at the summit if they beat Wales later on Wednesday.

    England play tournament debutants Wales in their final group game on Sunday, when the Netherlands play France.

    James put England on the scoresheet in the 22nd minute when goalkeeper Hannah Hampton picked out Alessia Russo with a stunning long ball. Russo, who had a hat-trick of assists to win the player of the match award, slipped it to James on the edge of the box who worked the ball onto her left foot before unleashing a screamer into the top corner.

    Stanway doubled England’s lead seconds before halftime when the Dutch struggled to clear the ball and the midfielder was there to fizz a first-time shot past wrong-footed goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

    An unmarked James, who recently returned after missing almost three months with a hamstring injury, completed her double in the 60th with an easy shot from inside the box.

    James received a standing ovation — and a kiss blown from her proud dad — when coach Sarina Wiegman replaced her with Chloe Kelly midway through the second half.

    “I enjoyed it a lot. The goals say it all,” said James.

    “We bounced back from our previous game and today we showed we’re more than capable of showing the world what we can do.”

    MORE MISERY

    Toone, who had replaced Beth Mead in the starting 11, added more misery for the Dutch in the 67th minute. Russo held up the ball in the penalty area before sending it to a running Toone, who calmly slotted home.

    Wiegman, who coached the Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title, was delighted with her team’s response after the defeat to France, as they thoroughly smothered the Dutch, taking 17 shots to the Netherlands’ four.

    “How we came together, how we played down the pitch and of course I’m very happy with the score because that’s a massive help because goal difference can make the difference,” Wiegman said.

    “Also the days into this game, how we looked at each other’s eyes and said, ‘OK what do we do?’, and execution of the game plan. I think that really helped.”

    The Lionesses also kept Vivianne Miedema, who scored her 100th international goal in the Netherlands’ 3-0 win over Wales in their tournament opener, under wraps.

    “It’s tough, we need to accept it because we don’t deserve anything else today,” Miedema said. “England came out the way we thought they would and we weren’t intense anywhere on the pitch.

    “We need to look at ourselves — we wanted to press high which didn’t work because we couldn’t cover the distances. We know how good England are but I don’t think today really reflected how we are and how good we can be.”

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi wraps up five-nation tour, BRICS Summit participation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    rime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after concluding a five-nation tour that spanned July 2 to 9, covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit also included his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s chairmanship.

    The 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.

     

  • Sensex and Nifty open flat as market prepares for Q1 FY26 earnings season

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian benchmark indices opened flat on Thursday amid mixed global cues, with selling pressure seen in the auto and IT sectors during early trade.

    At around 9:29 am, the Sensex was trading 40.96 points or 0.05 per cent lower at 83,495.12, while the Nifty declined 17.70 points or 0.07 per cent to 25,458.40.

    Nifty Bank was up 29.50 points or 0.05 per cent at 57,243.05 in early trade. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,448, adding 108.40 points or 0.18 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index stood at 19,057.75, up by 50.35 points or 0.26 per cent.

    According to analysts, with trade and tariff news becoming more routine, the market is now focusing on the upcoming earnings season.

    “The big banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo, will start reporting next Tuesday. As of now, analysts expect 5.8 per cent earnings growth for the S&P 500 in the second quarter,” said Vikram Kasat, Head-Advisory, PL Capital.

    Expectations from the IT sector remain muted; however, midcap IT companies are likely to post good results along with positive commentary, experts added.

    “Banks, despite strong balance sheets and ample liquidity, are struggling with low credit growth. Outperformers in the banking segment will be those that report healthy credit growth. In autos, M&M and Eicher have the potential to outperform,” they noted.

    Among Sensex constituents, Tata Steel, Axis Bank, Power Grid, Bajaj Finance, M&M, ICICI Bank, and Titan were the top gainers. On the other hand, Tata Motors, Infosys, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel, TCS, Asian Paints, NTPC, and HDFC Bank were among the top losers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of equities worth Rs 77 crore on July 9, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were also net buyers, investing Rs 920 crore on the same day.

    In Asian markets, Hong Kong, Seoul, China, and Jakarta were trading in the green, while Japan was trading in the red.

    In the previous session, the Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,458.30, up 217.54 points or 0.49 per cent. The S&P 500 gained 37.74 points or 0.61 per cent to end at 6,263.26, while the Nasdaq closed at 20,611.34, up 192.87 points or 0.94 per cent.

    –IANS

  • India advocates maritime safety and gender inclusivity at 134th IMO Council Session in London

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has strongly reiterated its commitment to maritime safety and gender equality during the 134th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, currently being held from 07 to 11 July in London. The Indian delegation at the session is led by T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

    On the opening day of deliberations, India delivered a resolute statement in response to recent maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels operating in Indian waters. These incidents—linked to undeclared hazardous cargo and structural and stability deficiencies—have triggered growing concern about the safety protocols surrounding global container shipping operations.

    Calling for urgent action, India urged the IMO to initiate a comprehensive investigation and global review of such incidents. The delegation highlighted the critical role of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding life at sea and emphasized the pressing need to strengthen international safety frameworks. Particular attention was drawn to improving global standards around the packaging, declaration, stowage, and monitoring of lithium-ion batteries and other dangerous goods categorized under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

    As part of its proposal, India advocated for the establishment of IMO-led investigations into container ship accidents. According to the Indian delegation, such efforts would foster the development of global best practices, improve standardisation, and reinforce operational protocols for safer and more secure maritime activities.

    In addition to addressing maritime safety, India took an active role in the session’s discussions on gender equality, aligning its efforts with the IMO’s Gender Inclusion Strategy. The delegation showcased the national initiative “Sagar Mein Samman” (Honour at Sea)—launched on November 25, 2024, by the Directorate General of Shipping. This landmark programme is designed to cultivate a safe, respectful, and inclusive maritime environment, enabling women to participate and advance across all levels of the industry, from seafaring roles to executive leadership.

    India also highlighted a notable success: a 650% rise in the number of Indian women seafarers, demonstrating its strong commitment to building an equitable maritime workforce and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

     

  • Pant flays ‘irritating’ Dukes ball in England test series

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India vice captain Rishabh Pant said the Dukes balls being used in the current test series against England are losing their shape very quickly and cannot be good for the game.

    India captain Shubman Gill was the first to criticise the balls after his team levelled the five-match series with a comprehensive victory in the second test at Edgbaston.

    “I feel it’s a big problem because the ball is getting out of shape,” Pant told reporters on the eve of the third test at Lord’s beginning on Thursday.

    “When you see the ball, you can see it’s de-shaped but the rules are such … it’s not up to the players.”

    India, despite having rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, took 20 wickets at Edgbaston where they racked up 587 in the first innings and declared their second on 427-6.

    Pant could not recall another series where the ball lost its shape so quickly.

    “It’s definitely irritating for the players because every ball plays differently,” said the 27-year-old.

    “When it becomes softer it’s not doing much but as soon as they change the ball it starts to do enough.

    “As a batsman, you keep adjusting to it but at the same time, I feel it’s not good for cricket eventually.”

    India will take a late decision on whether to play left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav at Lord’s but Bumrah’s return is a major boost for the tourists.

    Asked for his view on what made Bumrah, arguably the best all-format bowler of his generation, so special, Pant said, “I think everything – how accurate he is and the way his mind works. He’s just amazing.”

    While batting against Bumrah is a tricky task, keeping to him is not a cakewalk either, Pant said.

    “I think it’s more difficult for the wicketkeeper behind the wicket than for a batsman, especially in England,” Pant said referring to the late movement that Bumrah regularly generates.

    (Reuters)

  • Tibetan glacial lake drainage triggered deadly flood in Nepal, climate body says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The deadly flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River that killed at least nine people and left more than two dozen missing this week was triggered by the draining of a supraglacial lake in the Tibet region of China, a regional climate monitoring body said on Wednesday.

    At least 19 people, including six Chinese workers at the Beijing-aided Inland Container Depot, remain missing in Nepal after Tuesday’s floods that also washed away the ‘Friendship Bridge’ that links Nepal and China.

    China’s official Xinhua news agency has said 11 people were unaccounted for on the Chinese side of the mountainous border region.

    The Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said satellite imagery showed the flood originated from the draining of the lake north of Nepal’s Langtang Himal range.

    “This is based on the preliminary analysis based on the available satellite images,” Sudan Maharjan, a remote sensing analyst and expert of glaciers at ICIMOD, told Reuters.

    A supraglacial lake is formed on the surface of glaciers, particularly in debris-covered areas. It often begins as small meltwater ponds that gradually expand and sometimes merge to form a larger supraglacial lake, experts say.

    Saswata Sanyal, another ICIMOD official, said such events were increasing at an “unprecedented” pace in the Hindu Kush mountains that are spread across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

    “We need to delve deeper into the triggers that are resulting in cascading impacts,” Sanyal said.

    The June-September monsoon causes massive floods and landslides in mountainous Nepal which, officials and experts say, is vulnerable to effects of climate change like extreme weather patterns, inconsistent rainfall, flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods.

    This year’s early monsoon rains have inflicted deadly damage elsewhere in Nepal where at least 38 people have been killed or are missing since May 29, according to data from the government’s National Disaster Relief, Reduction and Management Authority.

    (Reuters)

  • Gaza truce possible in one or two weeks but not in a day, Israeli official says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel and Hamas may be able to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal within one or two weeks but such an agreement is not likely to be secured in just a day’s time, a senior Israeli official said on Wednesday.

    Speaking during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, the official said that if the two sides agree to a proposed 60-day ceasefire, Israel would use that time to offer a permanent ceasefire that would require the Palestinian militant group to disarm.

    If Hamas refuses, “we’ll proceed” with military operations in Gaza, the official said on condition of anonymity.

    Trump met Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation in Gaza, with the president’s Middle East envoy indicating that Israel and Hamas were nearing an agreement on a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal after 21 months of war.

    Trump had previously predicted that a deal could be reached this week, raising speculation about a possible announcement before Netanyahu leaves for Israel on Thursday.

    On Wednesday, however, Trump appeared to extend the timeframe somewhat, telling reporters that while an agreement was “very close,” it could happen this week or even next – though “not definitely.”

    A source familiar with Hamas’ thinking said four days of indirect talks with Israel in Qatar did not produce any breakthroughs on main sticking points.

    The Israeli official, who briefed reporters in Washington, declined to provide details on the negotiations.

    Trump’s Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the anticipated agreement would involve the release of 10 living and nine deceased hostages.

    Netanyahu’s visit came just over two weeks after the president ordered the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites in support of Israeli air strikes. Trump then helped arrange a ceasefire in the 12-day Israel-Iran war.

    Trump and his aides have tried to seize on any momentum created by the weakening of Iran, which backs Hamas, to push both sides for a breakthrough to end the Gaza war.

    The Gaza conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures. Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

    Israel’s retaliatory war has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s health ministry says, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble.

    Netanyahu has used his U.S. visit to publicly thank Trump for joining with Israel in striking Iran.

    Trump has repeatedly declared that the U.S. bombing of three of Iran’s nuclear sites had “obliterated” them, though some experts have questioned the extent of the damage and raised the possibility that Iran had secreted away part of its enriched uranium stockpile before the strikes.

    The Israel official said Israeli intelligence indicated that Iran’s enriched uranium remained at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, the sites that the U.S. hit last month, and had not been moved.

    The official suggested, however, that the Iranians might still be able to gain access to Isfahan but it would be hard to remove any of the material there.

    Iran has always denied seeking a nuclear weapon.

    (Reuters)

  • Djokovic sets up Sinner showdown, Swiatek reaches first Wimbledon semi-final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of yet more career milestones continued unabated as he reached a record 14th Wimbledon semi-final and a showdown with world number one Jannik Sinner on Wednesday.

    The 38-year-old Serb recovered from a set down to beat Flavio Cobolli 6-7(6) 6-2 7-5 6-4 and is now only two victories away from an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title.

    Blocking his path next is a rather more formidable Italian in the form of Sinner who eased any worries about an elbow injury to beat American powerhouse Ben Shelton 7-6(2) 6-4 6-4.

    In the women’s quarter-finals, Poland’s claycourt specialist Iga Swiatek broke new ground by reaching her first Wimbledon semi-final, beating Liudmila Samsonova 6-2 7-5.

    The eighth seed will face Switzerland’s unseeded Belinda Bencic who edged out Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-6(3) 7-6(2) to also reach her first semi-final at the grasscourt slam.

    By reaching a record-extending 52nd Grand Slam semi, Djokovic also kept alive his hopes of equalling Roger Federer’s men’s record eight Wimbledon singles titles.

    It remains a tall order even for a player widely regarded as the greatest of all time, especially with top seed Sinner and Spain’s holder Carlos Alcaraz, the two new powers in men’s tennis, most people’s bet to contest the final on July 13.

    But no one should be writing off Djokovic who has won 44 of his last 46 matches at the All England Club and seems to know every single blade of grass on the historic Centre Court.

    “It means the world to me that at 38 I am able to play in the final stages of Wimbledon,” Djokovic, who suffered a nasty slip on match point but appeared unscathed, said.

    “Competing with youngsters makes me feel young, like Cobolli today. I enjoy running and sliding around the court. Speaking of the young guys, I will have Sinner in the next round so I look forward to that. That is going to be a great match-up.”

    SINNER INJURY

    Sinner may well have been back home in Italy had Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov not damaged his right pectoral muscle and retired with a two-set lead in the fourth round on Monday.

    The three-times Grand Slam champion also sustained an elbow injury early on in that match and there was some doubt about his physical state ahead of his clash with 10th seed Shelton.

    But he produced a clinical performance, reeling off seven successive points to win the first-set tiebreak and then pouncing in the 10th game of the next two sets to match his run to the semi-final two years ago when he lost to Djokovic.

    Sinner, bidding to become the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title, wore a protective sleeve on his right arm but was rock solid against the big-serving Shelton.

    “I had quite good feelings in the warm-up today,” Sinner, who dropped only six points on his first serve, said.

    “I put into my mind that I’m going to play today. So the concerns were not that big if I would play or not.

    “It was just a matter of what my percentage is. Today was very high, so I’m happy.”

    Swiatek appears to have finally overcome her grass court demons and the four-times French Open champion could not hide her delight at reaching the semi-final at the sixth attempt.

    “Honestly, it feels great. I have goosebumps after this win. I am super happy and super proud of myself and I will keep going. I worked really hard to progress here on this surface.”

    Former Olympic champion Bencic became the first Swiss woman to reach the semis since Martina Hingis in 1998 after stunning 18-year-old seventh seed Andreeva on Centre Court.

    “It’s crazy, it’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true,” the 28-year-old mother said. “I’m just speechless.”

    Bencic will face Swiatek on Thursday after top seed Aryna Sabalenka takes on 13th-seeded American Amanda Anisimova.

    The first silverware of this year’s tournament will also be decided on Thursday when Dutchman Sem Verbeek and Czech Katerina Siniakova face Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Brazil’s Luisa Stefani in the mixed doubles final on Centre Court.

    (Reuters)

  • Dominant France thrash Wales 4-1 at Euro 2025 to go top of group

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    France produced a dominant display to thrash Wales 4-1 and go top of Group D at Euro 2025 on Wednesday, outclassing their opponents who scored their first goal at a major championship.

    After England beat the Netherlands 4-0 earlier in the day, France went top of the group on six points, followed by the English and the Dutch on three points each.

    Wales, who face England in their final group game on Sunday, have yet to register a point but still have a mathematical chance of going through to the knockouts. France face the Netherlands in their last group game.

    Clara Mateo was at the centre of much of France’s attacking play and lashed them into an early lead, controlling a flick-on from a corner on her chest and firing a volley into the net in the eighth minute.

    The moment thousands of Wales fans had been waiting for came five minutes later when Ceri Holland broke down the left and though her first attempt to find Jess Fishlock was blocked, she managed to steer the ball to the 38-year-old, who poked home Wales’ maiden goal at the women’s European Championship finals.

    That was as good as it got for Wales, who looked set to go into the break level only for Holland to chop down Mateo in the box and Kadidiatou Diani’s spot kick crept over the line after striking the foot of keeper Safia Middleton-Patel.

    Middleton-Patel was at fault just after the break as she lost control of the ball in the box, allowing Mateo to tee up Amel Majri, who thumped it into the net.

    After that the Welsh wilted as the French dominated, with Grace Geyoro scoring their fourth in the 63rd minute, steering home a ball from the right following an extended period of possession to crown a convincing win.

    “We’ve got six points after two matches and that’s what we need to remember. It won’t be an easy (next) game because the Netherlands will have no choice but to attack and score goals,” France coach Laurent Bonadei said.

    Mateo was impressed with how her side bounced back from Fishlock’s equalising goal and how they went on to dominate.

    “We had a bit of a scare at the start of the game but we had confidence in ourselves. It was a great evening, there are different strikers and that’s important for everyone’s confidence,” she said.

    (Reuters)

  • Prime Minister Modi returns after five-nation visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after concluding a five-nation tour that spanned July 2 to 9, covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit also included his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s chairmanship.

    The 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.

    (ANI)

  • South Korea ex-leader Yoon Suk Yeol returns to jail as court grants warrant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to a solitary jail cell on Thursday after a court approved a warrant sought by prosecutors investigating his attempt to impose martial law last year.

    The Seoul Central District Court’s decision bolstered the special counsel investigation into allegations that Yoon’s move in December represented obstruction of justice and abuse of power.

    The court said in a statement it granted the request because of concerns Yoon could seek to destroy evidence, returning him to confinement at the Seoul Detention Center where he spent 52 days earlier in the year before being released four months ago on technical grounds.

    He moved back with his wife and his 11 dogs and cats to their 164 square metre (1,765 square feet) apartment in an upscale district of Seoul. The couple’s net worth is estimated at 7.5 billion won ($5.47 million), according to a government filing.

    But Yoon will now be housed in a 10 square-metre solitary cell and sleeping on a foldable mattress on the floor without an air conditioner, an official at the detention centre and media reports said.

    With a heat wave gripping the country, Yoon will have to rely on a small electric fan that switches off at night, Park Jie-won, an opposition lawmaker who had been incarcerated there, said on a YouTube talk show.

    The detention facility served a breakfast of steamed potatoes and mini cheese breads for inmates on Thursday, another official said.

    The conservative politician faces criminal charges of insurrection over his martial law decree, which could carry a sentence of life in prison or death.

    YOON SKIPS COURT HEARING

    Hours after he ended up in jail, the court held a hearing on Thursday morning for his insurrection trial, but Yoon did not attend.

    His lawyers told the court that he was unable to go to the hearing due to health issues, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

    The Constitutional Court ousted Yoon as president in April, upholding parliament’s impeachment for the martial law bid, which shocked South Koreans and triggered months of political turmoil.

    The special prosecution team launched its investigation after new leader Lee Jae Myung was elected in June, and it has been looking into additional charges against Yoon.

    The special counsel team is now expected to speed up its probe into allegations, including whether Yoon hurt South Korea’s interests by intentionally inflaming tensions with North Korea.

    The team plans to question Yoon on Friday, informing his wife and lawyers about his detention via letters, Park Ji-young, a deputy to the special counsel, told reporters on Thursday.

    Yoon attended the court hearing on Wednesday on the detention warrant, wearing a dark navy suit and a red tie, but did not answer questions from reporters.

    His lawyers have denied the allegations against him and called the detention request an unreasonable move in a hasty investigation.

    More than 1,000 supporters rallied near the court on Wednesday, local media reported, waving flags and signs and chanting Yoon’s name in searing 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) heat.

    In their warrant request, prosecutors said Yoon poses a flight risk, local media reported.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel says missile launched from Yemen was intercepted

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Thursday that a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted after air raid sirens sounded in several areas across the country.

    The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have been firing at Israel and attacking shipping lanes.

    Houthis have repeatedly said that their attacks are an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel’s military assault since late 2023 has killed more than 57,000 people, Gaza authorities say.

    Most of the dozens of missiles and drones they have launched have been intercepted or fallen short. Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes.

    (Reuters)

  • Incessant rains lash Delhi-NCR; waterlogging disrupts life, Himachal toll rises amid monsoon fury

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi and several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) have been experiencing continuous rainfall since Wednesday night, bringing relief from the recent spell of high temperatures and intense humidity.

    The downpour, which began on Wednesday evening, led to overcast skies across the region and brought much-needed respite to residents. However, the incessant rainfall also triggered widespread waterlogging in various parts of Gurugram, causing severe traffic disruptions. Vehicles were seen navigating through waterlogged roads as the city struggled with drainage issues.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is likely to witness a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” over the coming days. The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rain for the national capital over the next three days. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh has predicted similar conditions for Gurugram, with cloudy skies and intermittent spells of rain or thundershowers expected to continue for at least two more days.

    In Haryana, Ambala city also received a fresh spell of rainfall. The weather department has predicted that the region will continue to experience a generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers until tomorrow.

    Rajasthan’s Ajmer district has similarly been affected by heavy rainfall, with reports of waterlogging emerging from several areas of the city. The IMD has forecast thunderstorms with rain to persist in Ajmer until July 13.

    The IMD earlier confirmed that active monsoon conditions are expected to continue across the central parts of the country for the next four to five days, potentially impacting several states with heavy rainfall.

    In Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon season has turned devastating. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), a total of 85 lives have been lost so far. Of these, 54 deaths were directly attributed to rain-related disasters, while 31 others were caused by road accidents during poor weather conditions.

    The SDMA’s cumulative report reveals that landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and drowning incidents account for the majority of fatalities. Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit area, with 17 rain-related deaths. Other severely affected districts include Kangra, Hamirpur , and several others such as Kullu, Chamba, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una, Bilaspur, and Kinnaur, which have reported lower but still significant numbers. The report also notes 129 injuries and 34 people currently missing in connection with these natural calamities.

    As heavy rains continue to lash North India, authorities remain on high alert, especially in vulnerable districts, to mitigate further loss of life and damage to infrastructure.

    (With agencies inputs)

  • Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Brazil after spat with Lula

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the U.S. would impose a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil after a spat this week with his Brazilian counterpart who called him an unwanted “emperor.”

    Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva fired back on Wednesday, saying new tariffs would be met with reciprocal measures.

    In a letter, Trump linked the tariffs to Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial over charges of plotting a coup to stop Lula from taking office in 2023.

    The levies were imposed due “in part to Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans,” the letter said.

    Brazil’s real currency added to earlier losses to fall over 2% against the dollar after the announcement, and companies such as planemaker Embraer EMBR3.SA and oil major Petrobras PETR4.SA also suffered setbacks in the stock market.

    Lula, his vice-president, his finance minister, and others held an emergency meeting in Brasilia on Wednesday night to discuss the new levies.

    In a lengthy post to social media after the meeting, Lula said Trump’s accusations that trade between the two countries was unfair to the U.S. were false, stressing the U.S. runs a trade surplus against Brazil.

    “Sovereignty, respect, and the unwavering defense of the interests of the Brazilian people are the values that guide our relationship with the world,” Lula wrote.

    The U.S. is Brazil’s second-largest trading partner after China and the tariffs are a major increase from the 10% announced in April. Trump’s letter said the 50% tariff will start August 1 and will be separate from all sectoral tariffs.

    On Monday, Lula pushed back against Trump after the U.S. leader threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on the BRICS group of developing nations, which he called “anti-American.”

    “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor,” Lula told reporters when asked at a BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro about the possible BRICS tariff.

    BOLSONARO ‘WITCH HUNT’

    Tensions between the United States and Brazil had already intensified on Wednesday after Brazil’s foreign ministry summoned the U.S. Embassy chargé d’affaires over a statement defending Bolsonaro.

    Around the same time, Trump, speaking to reporters at an event with West African leaders at the White House, said Brazil “has not been good to us, not good at all,” adding the tariff rates would be based on “very, very substantial facts” and past history.

    The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia confirmed on Wednesday its chargé d’affaires had a meeting with officials from Brazil’s foreign ministry, though it declined to share details about the conversation.

    Trump’s support for Bolsonaro echoed his support for other global leaders who have faced domestic legal cases like French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump has called cases against those leaders a “witch hunt,” a term he used for cases he faced himself in the U.S. after the end of his first term in office.

    Trump said in a social media post on Monday that Bolsonaro was the victim of such a “witch hunt.” The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia issued a statement on Wednesday to the local press echoing his remarks.

    “The political persecution of Jair Bolsonaro, his family and his supporters is shameful and disrespectful of Brazil’s democratic traditions,” it said.

    In a post on social media, Bolsonaro did not mention Trump, but said he “is persecuted because he remains alive in the public consciousness. Even out of power, he remains the most remembered—and most feared—name.”

    In his letter, Trump also directed U.S. Trade Representative James Greer to initiate a probe into what he called unfair trade practices by Brazil, particularly on U.S. companies’ digital trade. Trump also criticized decisions from Brazil’s Supreme Court that he said censored social media firms.

    Brazil’s Supreme Court has long been criticized by Bolsonaro’s allies for ordering social media websites to take down content from leaders of their far-right movement. The court also imposed more responsibilities on those companies last month.

    In his post on Wednesday, Lula rebuffed Trump’s accusations of a witch hunt and said the case against Bolsonaro was up for the courts to decide and not subject to any “threats that could compromise the independence of national institutions.”

    Lula also defended his country’s Supreme Court and its ruling on social media and said “freedom of expression must not be confused with aggression or violent practice.”

    IMPACT ON FOOD EXPORTS

    The tariffs on Brazil could have a significant impact on food prices in the United States. Around a third of the coffee consumed in the U.S., the world’s largest drinker of the beverage, comes from Brazil, which is the world’s largest coffee grower. Annual Brazilian coffee exports to the U.S. are close to 8 million bags, according to industry groups.

    More than half of the orange juice sold in the U.S. comes from Brazil, which has an 80% share of the juice’s global trade. The South American agricultural powerhouse also sells sugar, beef and ethanol to the U.S., among other products.

    “This measure impacts not only Brazil, but the whole U.S. juice industry that employs thousands of people and has had Brazil as its main supplier for decades,” said Ibiapaba Netto, the executive director of Brazilian orange juice industry group CitrusBR.

    (Reuters)

  • People throng temples across India on occasion of Guru Purnima

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    People across India thronged temples and ashrams on Thursday to celebrate Guru Purnima, a sacred occasion dedicated to honouring spiritual and academic mentors.

    Marked by deep reverence and spiritual fervour, the day holds a special place in Indian tradition, as it acknowledges the guiding light of gurus in one’s journey from ignorance to enlightenment.

    Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, Guru Purnima—also known as Vyasa Purnima—commemorates the birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa, the revered author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas.

    In Ayodhya, a powerful display of devotion unfolded at the Saryu Ghats, where lakhs of devotees gathered from early morning to take a holy dip. The spiritual city resonated with chants and prayers as followers, after bathing in the sacred river, visited their gurus to seek blessings and performed rituals in accordance with the ancient guru-disciple tradition.

    Varanasi too witnessed a sea of devotees, especially at revered sites like the Aghor Peeth Keenaram Ashram. Long queues wound through the city as people bowed at the feet of their gurus and prayed for spiritual growth.

    “Today is Guru Purnima — a very auspicious day for us. It feels like a festival,” a devotee told IANS.

    Another visitor said, “We are here to offer prayers to Baba Keenaram. I wish that Guru Ji showers his blessings on everyone.”

    “After taking a holy dip, I prayed for Guru Ji’s blessings. The arrangements here are excellent. I feel blessed to be here with my family,” shared another devotee.

    In Maharashtra, large crowds gathered at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, where the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust organised a three-day Guru Purnima festival. The main day drew thousands of devotees.

    CEO Goraksh Gadilkar extended greetings to all Sai devotees, stating that the event was being conducted with utmost devotion.

    Purohit Gopal Das reflected on the spiritual essence of the day, saying, “Guru Purnima celebrates the glory of the Guru, who shows the path to reach God.”

    In Prayagraj, devotees took holy dips at the Triveni Sangam, followed by visits to temples and monasteries to seek blessings from saints and spiritual leaders.

    “This is Purnima, and it is especially significant as Guru Purnima — a day dedicated to the Guru, who connects us to Brahma, imparts divine knowledge, and shows us the right path,” said one devotee.

    Another devotee added, “I took a holy dip in the Ganga and prayed to the Goddess. Now, we’re heading to seek blessings from saints and seers.”

    Guru Purnima continues to resonate across India as a profound celebration of the sacred bond between guru and disciple — observed with devotion, gratitude, prayer, and reverence.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Over 1.28 lakh pilgrims perform Amarnath Yatra so far; fresh batch of 7,307 heads to Kashmir

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The annual Amarnath Yatra continues with strong participation, as over 1.28 lakh devotees have undertaken the pilgrimage over the past seven days. On Thursday, another batch of 7,307 pilgrims departed from Jammu for the Kashmir Valley to join the Yatra.

    Officials confirmed that the batch left from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys. The first convoy, comprising 137 vehicles and carrying 3,081 pilgrims, departed at 3:15 a.m. for the Baltal base camp. The second convoy, consisting of 147 vehicles with 4,226 pilgrims on board, left at 3:58 a.m. for the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam.

    According to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the management of the Yatra, many pilgrims are also arriving directly at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for on-the-spot registration, in addition to those coming via Jammu.

    The Meteorological Department has forecast rain across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 12 hours, with isolated intense showers and thunderstorms expected, particularly in the Jammu region.

    This year’s Yatra is being held under tight security, following the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. In response, security has been significantly enhanced. An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to support the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. The entire pilgrimage route, including transit camps and roads from Jammu to the cave shrine, is under strict surveillance.

    Local residents have once again shown their support and hospitality. On July 6, people from Srinagar travelled 30 km to Nuner village along the Baltal-Srinagar road to offer cold drinks and clean water to returning pilgrims. The gesture was warmly received by the Yatris.

    The Yatra began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. The holy cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, can be accessed through two main routes.

    The traditional route from Pahalgam spans 46 kilometres and takes about four days to complete on foot, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. The shorter Baltal route covers 14 kilometres and allows pilgrims to return the same day after darshan. Due to security concerns, helicopter services are not being offered to pilgrims this year.

    Inside the sacred cave, an ice stalagmite naturally forms and is believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva.

    (With agencies inputs)

  • 4.4-magnitude earthquake jolts Delhi-NCR

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Strong tremors from an earthquake were felt across Delhi-NCR on Thursday, causing panic among residents in the National Capital, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and other nearby areas.

    According to the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake was measured to be of 4.4 magnitude on the Richter scale. The epicentre of the earthquake was in Jhajjar, Haryana at a depth of 10 kilometres.

    The tremors were felt around 9.04 a.m. The strong tremors sparked panic as people rushed outside their offices and homes.

    No casualties or damage have been reported so far, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

    Following the quake, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) issued an advisory, urging people to follow the ‘dos and don’ts’ to ensure their and their family’s safety before, during and after an earthquake.

    While details of the quake and its effect are awaited, netizens in the Delhi-NCR claimed it to be “the longest earthquake” they have felt in a “very long time.”

    Speaking to IANS, a Noida resident said, “It was a very strong earthquake, and we were all terrified. But thankfully, it didn’t last long.”

    “There were strong jolts. We were very scared. We just ran outside,” another told IANS.

    “I could see the fan moving. We immediately ran out of our houses,” a Delhi resident told IANS.

    “I was working on my laptop when I felt the chair moving. Then I looked at the fan, and it was also moving. I quickly ran out of my home,” a local of Delhi said.

    Although no earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher have occurred near New Delhi in the past decade, small to moderate tremors do happen occasionally.

    A minor earthquake of 2.3 magnitude with an epicentre in South East Delhi struck on June 8. No damage or casualties were reported during this.

    In February this year, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake with an epicentre in Dhaula Kuan caused strong tremors across Delhi-NCR.

    In April, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush. The tremors were also felt in Delhi. No loss of life was reported.

    The strongest earthquake recorded in Delhi’s history was a 6.0 magnitude earthquake on August 27, 1960.

    (IANS)

  • Prime Minister Modi wishes countrymen as nation celebrates Guru Purnima

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings on Thursday on the occasion of Guru Purnima, a festival dedicated to expressing reverence for spiritual and academic mentors. The day, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, honours the pivotal role played by gurus in guiding individuals from ignorance to enlightenment.

    Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Best wishes to everyone on the special occasion of Guru Purnima.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also greeted citizens on the auspicious day, highlighting the enduring significance of the guru-disciple bond in Indian culture.

    “On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, I pay my respects to all teachers. In Indian culture, the guru-disciple relationship is not only a medium of education and initiation but also a lifelong guide,” he wrote on X.

    “Throughout our history, gurus have always worked to instil moral values, knowledge, conduct, culture, and a sense of loyalty towards the motherland in their disciples. On this occasion, I extend my best wishes to all teachers contributing to nation-building,” Shah added.

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his greetings and reflected on the spiritual importance of the day. “By the grace of the Guru, the disciple progresses from ignorance to self-realisation, from darkness to light,” he posted on X.

    “With heartfelt reverence, we honour the great Gurus who shape the disciple’s personality with values, service, and truth, connecting them to the highest ideals of life on the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima!” he added.

    CM Yogi also paid tribute at the ‘samadhis’ of his revered gurus, Mahant Avaidyanath and Mahant Digvijaynath.

    Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, marking the birth anniversary of sage Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas.

    Across the country, the day is being observed with spiritual activities, including Guru puja, prayers, and teachings. Devotees are visiting temples to offer their prayers and express gratitude to their spiritual and academic mentors for their guidance and wisdom. (IANS)

  • PM Modi greets Rajnath Singh on his birthday, praising his hard work and wisdom

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on his birthday and said that he has distinguished himself for his hardworking nature and wisdom. PM Modi praised the Defence Minister’s efforts to make India self-reliant in defence.

    “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,” PM Modi posted on his X handle.

    Rajnath Singh was born on this day in 1951 in the Bhabhuara village of Uttar Pradesh. He is one of the senior-most political leaders in the country, having entered politics in 1974 and in 1977 was elected as an MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. In October 2000, he became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He was the Union Minister of Surface Transport in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government at the Centre. In 2003, Singh became Minister of Agriculture in Vajpayee’s cabinet at the Centre.

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) elected Rajnath Singh as the party president for the term 2013 to 1015. As the BJP National President, he embarked on the Bharat Suraksha Yatra.

    In 2014, he became the Union Minister of Home Affairs in the Narendra Modi government, and in 2019, he was made the Defence Minister of the country. He continued with the portfolio in 2024 when the PM Modi-led NDA retained power at the Centre for the third term.

    Extending his birthday greetings, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Rajnath Singh was an epitome of ideals, integrity, and restraint in Indian politics.

    “ … heartfelt birthday greetings to the Honorable Defense Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji! Your public life of over five decades is a shining example of national policy, national security, and ethical politics. May the grace of Lord Shri Ram remain upon you. May you be blessed with excellent health and a long life,” wrote CM Yogi on his X handle

  • Commemorative stamp released to mark 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Posts, Government of India, has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a prominent educationist, statesman, and founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The unveiling ceremony was held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in the national capital, in the presence of senior government officials and distinguished guests.

    Organised by the Ministry of Culture, the event paid tribute to Mookerjee’s legacy through cultural performances, exhibitions, and a theatrical presentation. The stamp was formally released by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh. The first stamp album was presented by Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General of the Delhi Circle.

    The programme featured patriotic instrumental performances and a theatrical act by the National School of Drama. A short documentary film and an exhibition highlighting Mookerjee’s life and contributions added depth to the occasion.

    In their addresses, the dignitaries recalled Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s pivotal role in Indian education, industry, and constitutional development. His vision for national unity and inclusive growth, rooted in Indian civilisational values, was also underscored.

    Designed by Nenu Gupta, the commemorative stamp symbolises Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to public service and intellectual leadership. Along with the stamp, a specially designed First Day Cover and Brochure were also launched.

    The commemorative stamp and related philatelic items are now available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and can also be purchased online at www.epostoffice.gov.in.

  • India aims for energy independence by 2047 and net-zero by 2070: Hardeep Singh Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has outlined a bold roadmap for energy security and a sustainable future at the 9th OPEC International Seminar held in Vienna, Austria. Addressing global energy leaders and industry experts, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized India’s commitment to achieving energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

    Speaking on the theme ‘Oil Markets: Energy Security, Growth & Prosperity’, Puri detailed India’s extensive plans to expand hydrocarbon exploration. Under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round-10, the government has opened 2.5 lakh sq km for exploration, with the target to scale this up to 0.5 million sq km by 2025 and 1 million sq km by 2030. He also highlighted India’s potential breakthrough in discovering a Guyana-scale oilfield in the Andaman Sea, positioning the country for major upstream growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Key policy reforms are driving this momentum. India has transitioned from a Production Sharing Contract regime to a Revenue Sharing Model under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and has amended the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 to improve lease management, safety and dispute resolution.

    Notably, 99% of previously designated ‘No-Go’ areas have been opened, freeing over 1 million sq km for exploration. This expansion is underpinned by large-scale national data initiatives, including the National Seismic Program, the Andaman Offshore Project, Mission Anveshan, and the Extended Continental Shelf Survey.

    Highlighting India’s growing role in global energy markets, Puri noted that as the world’s third-largest energy consumer with daily demand of about 5.4 million barrels, India is both a structural growth engine and a stabilizing force in the oil market. “India will contribute nearly 25% of the incremental global energy demand growth in the coming years,” he said.

    To strengthen its energy security, India is diversifying its crude oil import sources from 27 to 40 countries, ramping up domestic production, advancing alternative fuels, and expanding its refining capacity to 310 MMTPA by 2028. The country also aims to boost its petrochemical sector, targeting a USD 300 billion industry by 2030.

    Despite global geopolitical tensions, Puri highlighted India’s success in ensuring affordable energy for its citizens. “India is the only major economy to reduce fuel prices even as global oil prices rose,” he pointed out.

    On the clean energy front, the Minister underlined the role of biofuels in India’s decarbonization pathway. The Global Biofuels Alliance — initiated by India — now has the support of over 29 countries and 14 international organisations. Domestically, the country is accelerating the use of ethanol, compressed biogas (CBG), biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). “India firmly believes the global energy transition must be just, inclusive and equitable. For 1.4 billion Indians and billions across the Global South, development must go hand in hand with dignity,” he said.

    He also shared the success of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the world’s largest clean cooking programme. Since its launch, over 103 million LPG connections have been provided to women from economically weaker households, raising LPG coverage from 55% in 2014 to near-universal access today. Despite a 58% rise in global LPG prices, PMUY beneficiaries pay only $6–7 for a standard 14.2 kg cylinder — about 39% less than the international market price last year — supported by significant government subsidies and oil marketing companies absorbing $4.7 billion in losses.

  • Railways issues 9,000 jobs in Q1, plans 50,000 appointments for FY 2025–26

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major recruitment push, the Indian Railways has issued over 9,000 appointments in the first quarter of the financial year 2025–26 and is on track to offer more than 50,000 jobs by the end of the fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Railways.

    Since November 2024, the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have conducted computer-based tests (CBTs) for over 1.86 crore candidates across seven different notifications covering a total of 55,197 vacancies. The large-scale examinations are part of a broader recruitment calendar that has so far announced 1.08 lakh vacancies since 2024.

    The Railways also plans to extend its recruitment efforts into the next financial year, with another 50,000 appointments expected to be made in FY 2026–27.

    Conducting CBTs at such scale is a complex logistical operation. In a move to ease the process for candidates, the Railways has taken the initiative to assign exam centres closer to candidates’ places of residence. Special preference has been given to female candidates and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBDs).

    To uphold transparency and fairness, the Railways has introduced Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication for candidate verification — a first for such large-scale government exams. The Ministry reported a success rate of over 95% in the implementation of this digital identity verification system.

    Additionally, 100% deployment of electronic jammers has been ensured at all exam centres to prevent cheating through electronic devices.

  • PM Modi departs for New Delhi after concluding five-nation tour

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for New Delhi after wrapping up his five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

    Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X: “A highly productive and successful five-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia concludes. PM @narendramodi has departed for New Delhi.”

    PM Modi began his five-nation tour on July 2 and concluded it on July 9. Namibia was the final stop on his itinerary.