NewzIntel.com

Category: Government of India

  • BRICS expands footprint, eyes stronger Global South cooperation under Brazil’s 2025 chairship

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The BRICS grouping, which brings together major emerging economies, has continued to expand its global footprint, adding new members and partners while outlining ambitious plans to deepen cooperation across sectors under Brazil’s ongoing chairship in 2025.

    Originally coined as BRIC by Goldman Sachs in 2001 in its paper The World Needs Better Economic BRICs, the acronym referred to Brazil, Russia, India and China, which the firm projected would occupy larger shares of the global economy in the coming decades. The idea took formal shape in 2006, when the leaders of Russia, India and China met on the sidelines of the G8 Outreach Summit in St. Petersburg. That same year, the first BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting was held alongside the UN General Assembly in New York, setting the stage for structured dialogue.

    The first BRIC Summit was hosted in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. The group became BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. South Africa formally joined the third BRICS Summit held in Sanya in 2011.

    More than a decade later, the bloc witnessed its most significant expansion yet. In January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates became full members, followed by Indonesia’s entry as a full member in January 2025. Nine other countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan — were inducted as BRICS partner countries this year, underlining the group’s growing influence in the Global South.

    Together, the expanded BRICS now represents nearly half of the world’s population, contributes about 40 percent of global GDP, and accounts for roughly a quarter of global trade.

    Two pillars of cooperation

    BRICS functions through two broad mechanisms: consultations on issues of common interest through summits and ministerial meetings, and practical cooperation through working groups and senior officials in sectors such as trade, finance, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, environment, energy, labour, disaster management, anti-corruption and counter-narcotics efforts.

    Business linkages are promoted through the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women Business Alliance, while other exchanges span parliamentary forums, conferences and people-to-people initiatives.

    India’s 2021 chairship

    India last held the chairship in 2021, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the bloc. Operating under the theme ‘BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation and Consensus’, India set priorities that focused on multilateral reform, counter-terrorism cooperation, digital tools for Sustainable Development Goals and wider people-to-people engagement.

    Over 150 meetings were convened during India’s term, including the Leaders’ Summit held virtually on September 9, 2021, and meetings of Foreign Ministers, National Security Advisers and key sectoral ministers. Several new initiatives were launched, including the first BRICS Digital Health Summit, the first Water Ministers’ Meeting, the adoption of a Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, the launch of the BRICS Alliance for Green Tourism and the signing of an agreement on a BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation.

    Brazil takes charge in 2025

    Brazil assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1, 2025, under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’. Brazil’s agenda focuses on deepening partnerships within the Global South and enhancing social, economic and environmental development across member states.

    The priorities for Brazil’s presidency include cooperation on global health, trade, investment and finance, climate change action, governance of artificial intelligence, institutional development and a push for reform of the global peace and security architecture.

    Nearly 120 events are planned under Brazil’s chairship this year, signalling the group’s intent to maintain momentum on issues that resonate with emerging economies.

  • ICC ODI rankings: West Indies slip to 10th spot, automatic qualification for 2027 WC at risk

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI Rankings, two-time champions West Indies have slipped out of the automatic qualification spots for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, putting them at risk of missing another appearance at the marquee tournament.

    The latest ICC rankings update came after Bangladesh’s victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, where they defended a total of 248 runs in Colombo, thanks to a brilliant five-wicket haul from Taijul Islam. The win helped Bangladesh level the three-match series 1-1 and lifted them to ninth place in the men’s ODI team rankings, according to Wisden.

    However, the West Indies still have time to climb back into the required qualification spots before the cutoff date for the World Cup rankings.

    The West Indies have now dropped to the 10th spot and sit outside the automatic qualification places for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The 2027 edition will feature 14 teams, with South Africa and Zimbabwe automatically qualifying as co-hosts. However, Namibia, the third co-host, will not receive automatic entry as they are not a full ICC member playing Test cricket.

    The top eight teams (excluding the hosts) will qualify based on their ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027. The remaining four spots will be decided through a qualifier tournament featuring 10 teams.

    The Men in Maroon will be keen to avoid the qualifiers, having been forced to play them for the 2023 edition and subsequently missing their first World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1975, after losing to the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in the qualifiers.

    Elsewhere in the latest ICC ODI Rankings, Sri Lanka dropped to fifth after their loss, while Pakistan moved up to fourth. The ICC Champions Trophy holders India remain at the top with 124 points, followed by second-placed Australia and third-placed New Zealand, who both have 109 rating points.

    (ANI)

     

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

    “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic or geopolitical tensions, there has never been a shortage of petroleum products in India. This has been possible due to the foresight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri said.

    Referring to the recent tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli attack on Iran that disrupted shipping and threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Puri said India has gradually reduced its dependence on the critical passage.

    “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have diversified our supplies in recent years, and a large share of our imports no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

    India meets about 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports. A spike in global oil prices directly raises its import bill and fuels inflation, impacting economic growth. To cushion this, India has expanded its oil sources, ramping up imports from Russia and the US, and building strategic reserves.

    The minister said India now has 23 operational refineries with a combined capacity of 257 million metric tonnes per annum. He also highlighted the setting up of strategic petroleum reserves to ensure supply security during disruptions.

    The country’s storage capacity includes 2.25 million metric tonnes at Pudur, 1.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam, and 1.5 MMT at Mangalore.

    Puri also pointed to the government’s push for green fuels, noting that India has met its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol six years ahead of schedule. E20 petrol is now available at outlets of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the country.

    “This achievement not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves huge amounts of money. We have saved over Rs 1 lakh crore domestically and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing our import bill, and this money has gone to our farmers,” he said.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi arrives at Rio Museum to attend BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as he arrived to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit.

    The Prime Minister will join other BRICS leaders to deliberate on global issues, including reforms in global governance, peace and security, multilateralism, artificial intelligence, climate change, global health, and economic challenges.

    This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil. After the two-day Summit, he will travel to Brasília for a State Visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.

    “As a founding member, India remains committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies,” the PM had said earlier this week. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.”

    On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

    The last BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia in Kazan in October 2024, came at a time when the world was grappling with multiple challenges, including conflicts, climate impacts, and cyber threats.

    This year’s Summit holds significance for India as it will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last chaired the grouping in 2021, marking its 15th anniversary.

    India has consistently pitched itself as the voice of the Global South, pushing for the interests of developing countries on platforms like BRICS.

    The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance*. Sunday’s discussions will focus first on reforms in global governance, limited to full members only.

    Talks will then cover peace and security, multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and the responsible use of AI, followed by an official reception hosted by President Lula.

    On Monday, leaders will meet again to discuss environment issues, COP30, and global health.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi arrives at Rio Museum to attend BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as he arrived to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit.

    The Prime Minister will join other BRICS leaders to deliberate on global issues, including reforms in global governance, peace and security, multilateralism, artificial intelligence, climate change, global health, and economic challenges.

    This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil. After the two-day Summit, he will travel to Brasília for a State Visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.

    “As a founding member, India remains committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies,” the PM had said earlier this week. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.”

    On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

    The last BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia in Kazan in October 2024, came at a time when the world was grappling with multiple challenges, including conflicts, climate impacts, and cyber threats.

    This year’s Summit holds significance for India as it will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last chaired the grouping in 2021, marking its 15th anniversary.

    India has consistently pitched itself as the voice of the Global South, pushing for the interests of developing countries on platforms like BRICS.

    The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance*. Sunday’s discussions will focus first on reforms in global governance, limited to full members only.

    Talks will then cover peace and security, multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and the responsible use of AI, followed by an official reception hosted by President Lula.

    On Monday, leaders will meet again to discuss environment issues, COP30, and global health.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi arrives at Rio Museum to attend BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as he arrived to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit.

    The Prime Minister will join other BRICS leaders to deliberate on global issues, including reforms in global governance, peace and security, multilateralism, artificial intelligence, climate change, global health, and economic challenges.

    This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil. After the two-day Summit, he will travel to Brasília for a State Visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.

    “As a founding member, India remains committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies,” the PM had said earlier this week. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.”

    On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

    The last BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia in Kazan in October 2024, came at a time when the world was grappling with multiple challenges, including conflicts, climate impacts, and cyber threats.

    This year’s Summit holds significance for India as it will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last chaired the grouping in 2021, marking its 15th anniversary.

    India has consistently pitched itself as the voice of the Global South, pushing for the interests of developing countries on platforms like BRICS.

    The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance*. Sunday’s discussions will focus first on reforms in global governance, limited to full members only.

    Talks will then cover peace and security, multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and the responsible use of AI, followed by an official reception hosted by President Lula.

    On Monday, leaders will meet again to discuss environment issues, COP30, and global health.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi arrives at Rio Museum to attend BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as he arrived to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit.

    The Prime Minister will join other BRICS leaders to deliberate on global issues, including reforms in global governance, peace and security, multilateralism, artificial intelligence, climate change, global health, and economic challenges.

    This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil. After the two-day Summit, he will travel to Brasília for a State Visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.

    “As a founding member, India remains committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies,” the PM had said earlier this week. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.”

    On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

    The last BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia in Kazan in October 2024, came at a time when the world was grappling with multiple challenges, including conflicts, climate impacts, and cyber threats.

    This year’s Summit holds significance for India as it will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last chaired the grouping in 2021, marking its 15th anniversary.

    India has consistently pitched itself as the voice of the Global South, pushing for the interests of developing countries on platforms like BRICS.

    The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance*. Sunday’s discussions will focus first on reforms in global governance, limited to full members only.

    Talks will then cover peace and security, multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and the responsible use of AI, followed by an official reception hosted by President Lula.

    On Monday, leaders will meet again to discuss environment issues, COP30, and global health.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi arrives at Rio Museum to attend BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as he arrived to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit.

    The Prime Minister will join other BRICS leaders to deliberate on global issues, including reforms in global governance, peace and security, multilateralism, artificial intelligence, climate change, global health, and economic challenges.

    This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil. After the two-day Summit, he will travel to Brasília for a State Visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.

    “As a founding member, India remains committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies,” the PM had said earlier this week. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.”

    On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

    The last BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia in Kazan in October 2024, came at a time when the world was grappling with multiple challenges, including conflicts, climate impacts, and cyber threats.

    This year’s Summit holds significance for India as it will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last chaired the grouping in 2021, marking its 15th anniversary.

    India has consistently pitched itself as the voice of the Global South, pushing for the interests of developing countries on platforms like BRICS.

    The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance*. Sunday’s discussions will focus first on reforms in global governance, limited to full members only.

    Talks will then cover peace and security, multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and the responsible use of AI, followed by an official reception hosted by President Lula.

    On Monday, leaders will meet again to discuss environment issues, COP30, and global health.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi arrives at Rio Museum to attend BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as he arrived to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit.

    The Prime Minister will join other BRICS leaders to deliberate on global issues, including reforms in global governance, peace and security, multilateralism, artificial intelligence, climate change, global health, and economic challenges.

    This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil. After the two-day Summit, he will travel to Brasília for a State Visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.

    “As a founding member, India remains committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies,” the PM had said earlier this week. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.”

    On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

    The last BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia in Kazan in October 2024, came at a time when the world was grappling with multiple challenges, including conflicts, climate impacts, and cyber threats.

    This year’s Summit holds significance for India as it will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last chaired the grouping in 2021, marking its 15th anniversary.

    India has consistently pitched itself as the voice of the Global South, pushing for the interests of developing countries on platforms like BRICS.

    The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance*. Sunday’s discussions will focus first on reforms in global governance, limited to full members only.

    Talks will then cover peace and security, multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and the responsible use of AI, followed by an official reception hosted by President Lula.

    On Monday, leaders will meet again to discuss environment issues, COP30, and global health.

    — IANS

  • Health Minister JP Nadda distributes appointment letters, flags off Ayushman Bharat registration vans in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Sunday distributed appointment letters to newly recruited nursing officers and paramedical staff, and flagged off Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at an event held at Vigyan Bhawan.

    Describing the occasion as momentous, Nadda noted that this is the first time in 15 years that Delhi’s nursing officers and paramedical staff have received appointment letters. He emphasized that this recruitment marks a major step in strengthening Delhi’s healthcare system by inducting a specialized workforce.

    Nadda highlighted that Delhi bears one of the highest healthcare burdens in the country, with patients from across India seeking treatment in the capital. He credited the current Delhi government for prioritizing healthcare, improving infrastructure, and effectively implementing flagship schemes such as the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

    He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme was introduced to provide healthcare access to senior citizens above the age of 70. In Delhi, four lakh Ayushman Cards have been issued so far, including two lakh under the Vay Vandana initiative. Nadda urged stakeholders to work towards the full implementation of PM-ABHIM in Delhi, including the target of establishing 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) by March 31, 2026.

    Reflecting on the evolution of national health policy, Nadda noted that the 1997 Health Policy was focused largely on curative care. In contrast, the National Health Policy 2017, introduced under the Modi government, embraces a philosophy of comprehensive care, with emphasis on preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative healthcare, particularly for the elderly.

    He stressed the importance of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in delivering equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare. Under the government’s preventive healthcare push, extensive screenings have been conducted: 18 crore for hypertension, 17 crore for diabetes, 15 crore for oral cancer, 7.5 crore for breast cancer, and 4.5 crore for cervical cancer. These efforts aim to diagnose diseases early and limit their spread.

    Nadda also outlined progress in maternal and child health. He stated that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are supporting mothers from conception to early childcare, with improved access to regular checkups and immunizations. The Maternal Mortality Ratio has dropped from 130 to 88 per lakh live births, Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 39 to 26, and the Under-Five Mortality Rate has fallen by 42%, significantly higher than the global average of 14%. Neonatal mortality has also declined by 40%, compared to the global rate of 11%. He added that India has also made remarkable progress in reducing TB incidence by 17.7%, more than double the global decline rate of 8.3%, as per the WHO Global TB Report 2024.

    On medical education and infrastructure, Nadda said that India had only seven AIIMS until 2014. Today, 20 AIIMS are operational. The number of medical colleges has grown from 387 to 780, and medical seats have increased from 51,000 to 1,18,000, with a target of adding 75,000 more seats in the next five years.

    Commending the launch of Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans, Nadda said 70 specially designed vans will soon cover all assembly constituencies in Delhi. Today, 20 of them were flagged off. These vans will assist in collecting data, issuing Ayushman Cards, and registering beneficiaries at their doorsteps, ensuring maximum outreach.

    Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, speaking at the event, stated that four lakh Ayushman Cards have already been distributed in Delhi, including two lakh under the Vay Vandana scheme. A total of 2,258 individuals have received treatment under the Ayushman Arogya Yojana, and 108 Delhi hospitals have been empanelled. She announced that by March 31, 2026, Delhi will establish 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs using Rs 1,700 crore allocated under PM-ABHIM. Of these, 100 AAMs are ready, 34 have already been inaugurated, and the rest will be launched soon. The government aims to inaugurate 100 AAMs every month, with a goal of 15 in each Assembly constituency and 150 in each parliamentary constituency.

    Rekha Gupta also said that every Delhi hospital now hosts a Jan Aushadhi Kendra to provide access to affordable medicines and emphasized her government’s focus on transparency and zero tolerance for corruption in healthcare services.

    Following sustained recruitment efforts, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, NCT Delhi, has issued appointment offers to 1,388 Nursing Officers and 41 Paramedical Officers selected through the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB). To date, 1,270 candidates have accepted the offers. As of July 3, 557 Nursing Officers and 20 Paramedical Officials have completed document verification. This recruitment drive aims to significantly reduce the acute shortage of healthcare staff in Delhi’s hospitals, and efforts are ongoing to fill all existing and anticipated vacancies.

    To support faster registration and awareness, 70 IEC (Information, Education & Communication) vans are being deployed across all Assembly constituencies in Delhi. Each van will operate for 30 days, equipped with facilities for on-the-spot Ayushman Card registration and outreach campaigns, particularly targeting low-income families and senior citizens.

    The ceremony was attended by Delhi government ministers, including Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Ravinder Indraj Singh, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, along with Members of Parliament Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Praveen Khandelwal, Yogender Chandolia, and Bansuri Swaraj. Senior officials from the Health Ministry and Delhi government were also present at the event.

     

  • South Korea prosecutors file request to detain ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    South Korean special prosecutors on Sunday filed a request to detain former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges related to insurrection from when he declared martial law last year, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

    “Detention request is related to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice,” the statement from the special counsel of prosecutors investigating the December 3 incident said.

    Yoon’s martial law decree was lifted about six hours after it was announced when lawmakers, who had been forced to scale the walls of the assembly building to make it through a ring of security forces, voted the decree down.

    Yoon was summoned on Saturday for hours of questioning by the special counsel as part of the probe over the insurrection charges, according to the counsel officials.

    The special prosecutors have not provided credible evidence for the charges it is seeking against Yoon, and his legal team has plans to “explain in court that the request for an arrest warrant is unreasonable,” Yoon’s lawyers said in a statement.

    (Reuters)

  • Dalai Lama a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern world: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday attended the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple where the spiritual leader has been residing since 1960.

    Speaking at the celebrations amidst the presence of his Cabinet colleague Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, Union Minister Rijiju said, “Your holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world.”

    He noted, “For over seven decades, you have carried the light of the Buddha’s teachings with humility and clarity, guiding not only followers of Tibetan Buddhism but also people of all faiths and backgrounds.”

    “In a world at strife with conflict, your message embodied in how you continue to lead your life assumes even greater and more urgent significance. It is a matter of pride and honour for India and Indians to have you in our midst,” he noted.

    Rijiju reached McLeodganj on Saturday to attend the long-life prayer offering on the birthday eve. He travelled by overnight train from Delhi to Pathankot in Punjab and further travelled by road.

    Ahead of reaching McLeodganj, Union Minister Rijiju clarified that the position of the Dalai Lama is of utmost importance, not just for Tibetans but for all his followers across the world.

    “The right to decide on his successor rests solely with the Dalai Lama himself,” he had said.

    Offering greetings to the spiritual leader, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in his speech said His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has devoted his life to compassion, peace, and the wellbeing of all sentient beings, his journey “is an inspiration to humanity”.

    “Through every trial, His Holiness has remained a steady voice of wisdom, teaching us that true strength lies in forgiveness, and real change begins with the human heart. His message transcends borders and beliefs, calling us all to live with more kindness and courage,” he wrote on X.

    “On this most auspicious occasion, we offer our collective prayers for your long life and continued guidance. May your words keep lighting the path for generations yet to come, and may your presence remain a refuge for all sentient beings,” the CM further said.

    Saying the Dalai Lama belongs to the universe, Hollywood actor Richard Gere said, “Your Holiness, on behalf of all of us as Westerners, there was something very sweet I saw at the religious conference, the confirmation that His Holiness agreed to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama. But, many of the Lamas who spoke out — they were openly declaring — the Dalai Lama doesn’t belong to Tibet anymore; he belongs to the world… He belongs to the universe.”

    A day earlier, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Khandu participated in special prayers seeking a long life for the Buddhist monk. In September last year, Chief Minister Khandu had an audience with the Tibetan spiritual leader and invited him to visit the northeastern state. He had also announced the gifting of a ‘Phodrang’ (meaning palace in the Dzongkha language) that was used as the Dalai Lama’s temporary residence in Tawang, a revered seat of Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh, after he fled from Tibet following the Chinese invasion in 1959, to the Dalai Lama Trust.

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to visit Arunachal Pradesh in the near future, marking a significant moment for the people of the state who share a deep reverence for his spiritual leadership.

    Followers of the spiritual leader believe the Dalai Lama shares a deep emotional bond with Arunachal Pradesh, as it was the place through which he entered India after he escaped from Tibet on March 31, 1959, and was received by Indian officials who escorted his entourage to Bomdila.

    Tawang, a picturesque town located at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet, is home to one of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries. The place is spiritually important for Tibetan people as the sixth Dalai Lama was born in the 17th century at the Urgelling Monastery near Tawang.

    If the Dalai Lama travels to Arunachal Pradesh, it would be his eighth visit to the northeastern state after his visits in 1983, 1996, 1997, twice in 2003, 2009, and 2017.

    Braving heavy monsoon rain and thick fog, crowds of Tibetan exiles, monks and well-wishers on Sunday attended celebrations to mark the 90th birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of the northern hill town of Dharamsala, that has lured Westerners since he settled here in 1960 after his exile from Tibet.

    Huge crowds began to assemble in the morning at the Tsuglagkhang temple to join the birthday celebrations.

    “Special prayer sessions were held for the wellbeing and long life of the Dalai Lama,” a spokesperson for the government-in-exile told IANS.

    The hilltop Tsuglagkhang temple is close to the official palace of the Dalai Lama here.

    Born July 6, 1935, to a farming family in a small hamlet in Taktser in Amdo province in northeastern Tibet, the two-year-old child was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, in 1937.

    (IANS)

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • Russia downs 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, Defence Ministry says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia’s anti-aircraft systems downed 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, mostly in regions bordering Ukraine, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Sunday, reporting no damage.

    More than three years into the war, Ukraine has increasingly been using drones to attack targets deep inside Russia.

    The Defence Ministry said the drones that were intercepted overnight included 30 over the western Bryansk region, 29 in the Kursk region and 17 in Belgorod – all of which share a border with Ukraine.

    Another 18 drones were downed over the Oryol region, which borders Kursk and has been hit by previous Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil facilities.

    Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, said it had lifted restrictions that were introduced overnight to ensure safety due to the drones at airports in St. Petersburg, Kaluga, Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod.

    (Reuters)

     

  • Heavy rain likely in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Konkan & Goa: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and east Rajasthan are expected to witness intense rainfall activity between July 6 to July 9.

    Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across several parts of Northwest, West Coast, and Northeast India over the next 6–7 days, with extremely heavy rainfall (more than 21 cm) likely at isolated locations, the IMD added.

    A low-pressure area is also forming over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood, further intensifying rainfall in the eastern region.

    Heavy rainfall is particularly likely in regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Saurashtra & Kutch, and parts of the Northeast. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Vidarbha, is also likely to receive continued heavy rains between July 6 to July 9.

    Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast

    Today, Delhi will experience a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 32–34°C, below normal by 2–4°C. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 kmph, later shifting to southeasterly at 8–12 kmph by evening.

    On Monday (July 7), similar weather conditions will persist, with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the 32–34°C (max) and 25–27°C (min) range. Southeast winds in the morning will weaken to under 10 kmph from the northeast by afternoon, picking up slightly in the evening.

    On Tuesday (July 8), light rain with thunderstorms is likely to continue under a cloudy sky. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, with maximums at 32–34°C and minimums at 25–27°C. Winds will shift from the east in the morning to the northeast in the afternoon, and to the southeast by night.

    On Wednesday (July 9), very light to light rain with thunderstorms is forecast. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C, with nighttime lows of 24–26°C. Winds will be calm in the morning, becoming northeasterly by afternoon and evening with speeds up to 15 kmph.

  • Heavy rain likely in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Konkan & Goa: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and east Rajasthan are expected to witness intense rainfall activity between July 6 to July 9.

    Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across several parts of Northwest, West Coast, and Northeast India over the next 6–7 days, with extremely heavy rainfall (more than 21 cm) likely at isolated locations, the IMD added.

    A low-pressure area is also forming over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood, further intensifying rainfall in the eastern region.

    Heavy rainfall is particularly likely in regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Saurashtra & Kutch, and parts of the Northeast. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Vidarbha, is also likely to receive continued heavy rains between July 6 to July 9.

    Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast

    Today, Delhi will experience a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 32–34°C, below normal by 2–4°C. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 kmph, later shifting to southeasterly at 8–12 kmph by evening.

    On Monday (July 7), similar weather conditions will persist, with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the 32–34°C (max) and 25–27°C (min) range. Southeast winds in the morning will weaken to under 10 kmph from the northeast by afternoon, picking up slightly in the evening.

    On Tuesday (July 8), light rain with thunderstorms is likely to continue under a cloudy sky. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, with maximums at 32–34°C and minimums at 25–27°C. Winds will shift from the east in the morning to the northeast in the afternoon, and to the southeast by night.

    On Wednesday (July 9), very light to light rain with thunderstorms is forecast. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C, with nighttime lows of 24–26°C. Winds will be calm in the morning, becoming northeasterly by afternoon and evening with speeds up to 15 kmph.

  • Heavy rain likely in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Konkan & Goa: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and east Rajasthan are expected to witness intense rainfall activity between July 6 to July 9.

    Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across several parts of Northwest, West Coast, and Northeast India over the next 6–7 days, with extremely heavy rainfall (more than 21 cm) likely at isolated locations, the IMD added.

    A low-pressure area is also forming over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood, further intensifying rainfall in the eastern region.

    Heavy rainfall is particularly likely in regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Saurashtra & Kutch, and parts of the Northeast. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Vidarbha, is also likely to receive continued heavy rains between July 6 to July 9.

    Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast

    Today, Delhi will experience a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 32–34°C, below normal by 2–4°C. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 kmph, later shifting to southeasterly at 8–12 kmph by evening.

    On Monday (July 7), similar weather conditions will persist, with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the 32–34°C (max) and 25–27°C (min) range. Southeast winds in the morning will weaken to under 10 kmph from the northeast by afternoon, picking up slightly in the evening.

    On Tuesday (July 8), light rain with thunderstorms is likely to continue under a cloudy sky. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, with maximums at 32–34°C and minimums at 25–27°C. Winds will shift from the east in the morning to the northeast in the afternoon, and to the southeast by night.

    On Wednesday (July 9), very light to light rain with thunderstorms is forecast. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C, with nighttime lows of 24–26°C. Winds will be calm in the morning, becoming northeasterly by afternoon and evening with speeds up to 15 kmph.

  • Rain lashes several parts of Delhi, IMD predicts more showers in next two days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Rain lashed several parts of Delhi on Sunday morning, offering some relief from the heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms for the national capital over the next two days.

    In its latest update, IMD Delhi said, “The sky will remain generally cloudy. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely to occur over Delhi during the next two days.”

    According to the IMD, there has been no significant change in the maximum and minimum temperatures over the past 24 hours.

    “Maximum temperatures remained in the range of 36–37°C, while minimum temperatures were between 25–29°C. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are near normal for this time of year,” the IMD said.

    It also noted that south-westerly winds with speeds up to 15 kmph prevailed over Delhi.

    On the broader weather pattern, IMD said the monsoon trough at mean sea level now extends through Suratgarh, Sirsa, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Daltonganj, Bankura, Digha, and then southeastwards into the northeast Bay of Bengal.

    Additionally, an upper air cyclonic circulation lies over Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Punjab at about 1.5 km above mean sea level.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Nearly 48,000 devotees undertake Amarnath Yatra in first three days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 48,000 devotees have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra over the past three days, amid tight security arrangements.

    According to officials, over 21,000 Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine on Saturday. On Sunday morning, another group of 7,208 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the Kashmir Valley.

    “The first convoy is heading to the Baltal base camp in North Kashmir, while the second is en route to the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in South Kashmir,” officials said.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the annual pilgrimage, noted that in addition to the pilgrims arriving at the Jammu base camp, many devotees are reporting directly to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for on-spot registration.

    Meanwhile, 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries on Saturday when five vehicles in a Valley-bound convoy collided near Chandrakote in Jammu’s Ramban district.

    In the wake of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, security for this year’s Yatra has been significantly ramped up.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to augment the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route and the entire stretch from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar to the cave shrine are under tight security cover.

    Locals have extended full cooperation to the Amarnath Yatra, as they have consistently done in the past. In a heartwarming gesture that sent a strong message against terrorism, residents of Kashmir welcomed the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards at Qazigund, near the Navyug Tunnel, as they entered the Valley.

    This year’s Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and the Raksha Bandhan festival.

    (IANS)

  • Nearly 48,000 devotees undertake Amarnath Yatra in first three days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 48,000 devotees have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra over the past three days, amid tight security arrangements.

    According to officials, over 21,000 Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine on Saturday. On Sunday morning, another group of 7,208 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the Kashmir Valley.

    “The first convoy is heading to the Baltal base camp in North Kashmir, while the second is en route to the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in South Kashmir,” officials said.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the annual pilgrimage, noted that in addition to the pilgrims arriving at the Jammu base camp, many devotees are reporting directly to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for on-spot registration.

    Meanwhile, 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries on Saturday when five vehicles in a Valley-bound convoy collided near Chandrakote in Jammu’s Ramban district.

    In the wake of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, security for this year’s Yatra has been significantly ramped up.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to augment the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route and the entire stretch from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar to the cave shrine are under tight security cover.

    Locals have extended full cooperation to the Amarnath Yatra, as they have consistently done in the past. In a heartwarming gesture that sent a strong message against terrorism, residents of Kashmir welcomed the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards at Qazigund, near the Navyug Tunnel, as they entered the Valley.

    This year’s Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and the Raksha Bandhan festival.

    (IANS)