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Category: Government of India

  • Wimbledon: Djokovic hits century to lead veterans into last 16, Krejcikova crashes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Seven-times champion Novak Djokovic scored his 100th match win at Wimbledon and led the march of the old guard into the last 16 on Saturday while an ailing Barbora Krejcikova’s title defence ended in defeat and tears.

    World number one Jannik Sinner was at his ruthless best yet again as the Italian gathered momentum in his quest for a maiden All England Club title while American Ben Shelton and Australian Alex de Minaur announced themselves as dark horses.

    Djokovic is on an altogether different plane as he looks to capture his eighth title to match Roger Federer’s record on the pristine lawns of London and his 25th major overall to surpass Margaret Court on the all-time list of champions.

    The 38-year-old showed exactly why Wimbledon could be his best chance of achieving the elusive targets when the 2023 and 2024 runner-up dismantled Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-0 6-4 in a little under two hours.

    A ton of victories put him among elite company as the sixth seed became only the third player to achieve that feat at the tournament after nine-times champion Martina Navratilova and Swiss great Federer.

    “Wimbledon is a favourite and a dream tournament for not just myself, but probably the majority of players. Growing up, most of the kids dream of playing here and winning here,” Djokovic said.

    “I’ve been blessed to do it multiple times. Any history that I make in my favourite tournament, I’m blessed.”

    Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian 34-year-old, also scored his 100th match win across the four Grand Slams when he quelled the challenge of Austrian Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 7-6(0).

    Joining him was fellow veteran Marin Cilic, the Croatian 36-year-old getting past spirited Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4 to book a meeting with Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli who took apart big-serving Czech teenager Jakub Mensik 6-2 6-4 6-2.

    While Cobolli may not be relishing a meeting with the tricky Cilic, his compatriot Sinner will welcome the chance to test his metronomic hitting against Dimitrov’s elegant approach in what promises to be a classic.

    SUBLIME SINNER

    A sublime Sinner booked that clash with a 6-1 6-3 6-1 hammering of Pedro Martinez. The top seed, who has lost just 17 games in his first three matches, equalled the professional era record for fewest games dropped to make the Wimbledon fourth round along the way.

    “About the games lost, this is whatever,” Sinner said, his grounded nature coming into sharp focus.

    “I’m not looking on these kind of records. I know everything can change very quickly from one round to the other.”

    After the unexpected high of last year’s title triumph, Krejcikova came crashing down when she was beaten 2-6 6-3 6-4 by American 10th seed Emma Navarro in a disjointed Court One contest.

    The distressed 29-year-old Czech, who has endured her share of injuries this season, was in tears as she prepared to serve to stay in the tournament at 3-5 in the deciding set before eventually crashing out.

    “It was tough, neither of us played our best tennis, she was dealing with some injuries and I was dealing with whatever I was dealing with,” Navarro said, adding that it was difficult to focus when her opponent was struggling.

    “It’s not easy to be composed. Part of you is saying just put a bunch of balls in the court and that’s all you need to do. But then you trick yourself into not playing the way that you want to play.”

    Krejcikova’s exit and 2022 champion Elena Rybakina’s 7-6(6) 6-3 defeat by Danish powerhouse Clara Tauson means a first-time women’s champion will be crowned at the Grand Slam for the eighth consecutive year.

    Iga Swiatek will hope she can be the one after the five-times major champion secured a 6-2 6-3 victory over American Danielle Collins, whose compatriot Hailey Baptiste crashed to 18-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva 6-1 6-3.

    Shelton gave Americans something to smile about when the powerful left-hander made quick work of Hungarian lucky loser Marton Fucsovics 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 while De Minaur swatted aside Dane August Holmgren 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3 to go through.

    (Reuters)

  • Reigning champions England beaten 2-1 by France in Women’s Euro opener

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    France forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore scored first-half goals as they beat reigning champions England 2-1 in their Women’s Euro Group D opener on Saturday, handing Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her first defeat at the finals of the competition.

    After championship-winning runs with Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022, Wiegman came into the game unbeaten in 12 games at the Euro finals, but the beginning of the end of that run came when Katoto scored from close range in the 36th minute.

    Her goal was the result of a brilliantly simple counter-attack, with Elisa De Almeida winning the ball and sending it down the line for Delphine Cascarino to chase and she squared it perfectly for Katoto to score with a simple finish.

    The second goal three minutes later was a virtuoso solo performance from Sandy Baltimore, who dribbled and jinked and almost lost the ball before firing it high over Hampton into the net from a tight angle.

    An uncharacteristically rudderless England enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to string together their passes, and the French pressed cleverly, pouncing on any poor touches to win the ball and force the English on to the back foot.

    England did not register a shot on target until Keira Walsh reduced the deficit with a strike from distance in the 87th minute, prompting a late charge from the Lionesses that almost saw them snatch an unlikely point.

    Alessia Russo, who had an early goal ruled out after a VAR check, and Grace Clinton both went close and 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang had a goal-bound effort blocked by Selma Bacha, who threw herself at everything to protect the French goal in the closing minutes as her side hung on to win.

    Netherlands, who beat debutantes Wales 3-0 earlier on Saturday, top the group after the first round of games ahead of their clash with England on Wednesday in Zurich, while France can book their spot in the knockout stage with a win over Wales in St. Gallen the same evening.

    Wiegman said that the Lionesses had played into France’s hands by trying to play the ball short too often, leading to her side becoming the first reigning Women’s Euro champions to lose their opener at the next tournament.

    “We needed to get out of the first press and skip (a player), and that harmed us a bit and they scored goals. At the end we played with four attackers, we really tried to get the goal over the line, but we didn’t,” she told broadcaster ITV.

    “When we were out of their press, we were too sloppy. We know that they are really strong on the counter, they are strong players and fast players… we know France are really good, but we caused a little bit our own problems.”

    England captain Leah Williamson blamed individual errors while defending one-on-one for the defeat, but was already looking past it.

    “Everyone take responsibility for themselves and have a look. Tomorrow we have a new game plan, different places available and different opposition,” she said.

    France’s Cascarino picked up the player of the game award and said her side’s success came as no surprise to her.

    “I was expecting a good game from us. We worked a lot to prepare for this English team, and it’s always possible to start on a good note,” she told reporters.

    “We got a fright in the beginning but we remained calm and we managed to get to our objective. We stuck to the game plan, and I believe we really controlled the game.”

    (Reuters)

  • Real Madrid survive Dortmund scare to reach Club World Cup semis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Real Madrid edged past Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a dramatic Club World Cup quarter-final on Saturday to set up a semi-final against Paris St Germain.

    The Spanish giants stamped their authority on the match early at the MetLife Stadium, dominating possession and opening a two-goal lead thanks to strikes by Gonzalo and Fran Garcia in the 10th and 20th minutes.

    Despite the reduced intensity of play in New Jersey’s scorching heat, Real comfortably saw out the match, leaving Dortmund unable to mount a comeback until the game exploded into life in added time.

    Substitute Maximilian Beier pounced on a rebound in the 93rd minute to pull one back for Dortmund, but a minute later Kylian Mbappe restored Real’s two-goal cushion with a stunning volley, showcasing his trademark composure.

    Dortmund refused to back down, however, and Serhou Guirassy’s pace saw him break through Real’s defence only to be pulled down in the box by Dean Huijsen.

    The defender was shown a straight red card, ruling him out of the semi-final, and Guirassy coolly converted the resulting spot-kick to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

    Dortmund came within inches of forcing extra time when in the ninth minute of added time Thibaut Courtois produced a sensational save to deny Marcel Sabitzer’s powerful strike.

    Real Madrid now turn their attention to PSG, who defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 to book their place in the semi-finals. The winners of that clash will face Fluminense or Chelsea in the final.

    (Reuters)

  • US blames Hamas for attack that hurt two US aid workers in Gaza

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States on Saturday blamed Hamas for an attack that injured two American aid workers from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation at a food distribution site in Gaza.

    The U.S.- and Israeli-backed GHF said in a statement that the injured Americans were receiving medical treatment and were in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

    “The attack – which preliminary information indicates was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans – occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food,” the GHF said.

    U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce blamed “Hamas terrorists” for the attack.

    “This act of violence against the people actually bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas,” she said in a post on X.

    “GHF has contributed over 62 MILLION MEALS – nothing will stop these courageous aid workers. We are praying for the rapid recovery of the injured Americans.”

    The Israeli military earlier accused what it called “terrorist organisations” of sabotaging the distribution of aid in Gaza.

    GHF, which began distributing aid in Gaza in May, employs private U.S. military contractors to provide security at their sites.

    Gaza has seen an escalation in violence as efforts continue to reach a ceasefire agreement. Hamas on Friday said it had responded positively to a U.S.-brokered deal and was prepared to enter talks. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

    KILLINGS NEAR AID DISTRIBUTION SITES

    Gazan authorities reported at least 70 people have been killed in the territory by the Israeli military in the last 24 hours, including 23 near aid distribution sites. The ministry did not specify where or how exactly they had been killed.

    The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the reports.

    In a statement on Friday, the military said troops had killed 100 militants in Gaza in the past week, and that it had “operational control” over 65% of Gaza after an offensive against Hamas fighters in the north.

    The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza on Thursday had warned residents of the coastal enclave not to assist the GHF, saying deadly incidents near its distribution sites endangered hungry Gazans.

    The GHF bypasses traditional aid channels, including the United Nations, which says the U.S.-based organisation is neither impartial nor neutral.

    Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19, the U.N. says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid handouts. A senior U.N. official said last week that the majority of people killed were trying to reach aid distribution sites of the GHF.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory military assault on the enclave has killed over 57,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza’s entire population and prompted accusations of genocide and war crimes. Israel denies the accusations.

    (Reuters)

  • Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says latest phone call with Trump his most productive yet

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that his latest conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump this week was the best and “most productive” he has had to date.

    “Regarding the conversation with the president of the United States, which took place a day earlier, it was probably the best conversation we have had during this whole time, the most productive,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

    “We discussed air defence issues and I’m grateful for the willingness to help. The Patriot system is precisely the key to protection against ballistic threats.”

    Zelenskiy said the two leaders had discussed “several other important matters” that officials from the two sides would be considering in forthcoming meetings.

    Trump told reporters on Friday that he had a good call with Zelenskiy and restated his disappointment at a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin over what he said was Moscow’s lack of willingness to work toward a ceasefire.

    Asked whether the United States would agree to supply more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as requested by Zelenskiy, Trump said: “They’re going to need them for defense… They’re going to need something because they’re being hit pretty hard.”

    Russia has intensified air attacks on Kyiv and other cities in recent weeks. Moscow’s forces launched the largest drone attack of the 40-month-old war on the Ukrainian capital hours after Trump’s conversation with Putin on Thursday.

    (Reuters)

  • Israeli military says intercepted missile launched from Yemen

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Sunday that it has intercepted a missile launched from Yemen towards Israel.

    Sirens were activated across several areas in Israel in accordance with protocol, it said.

    Israel threatened Yemen’s Houthi movement with a naval and air blockade if it the Iran-aligned group persists with attacks on Israel, in what it says is solidarity with Gaza.

    Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have been firing at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade.

    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)

  • Australia seize control vs West Indies as Smith’s masterclass extends lead to 254

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Steve Smith’s magnificent 71 guided Australia to 221 for seven at stumps on day three of the second test against West Indies in Grenada on Saturday, helping the tourists to build a commanding 254-run lead despite late wickets and persistent rain interruptions.

    Australia, who began the day two wickets down after losing Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja on Friday, made it to lunch at 69 for three and appeared vulnerable on a pitch offering variable bounce and seam movement.

    Nathan Lyon’s nightwatchman role lasted 33 balls and yielded eight runs before he fell to Alzarri Joseph, with John Campbell taking the catch at third slip.

    At that point, Australia were crying out for some heroics, and up stepped Smith and Cameron Green, who combined for a crucial 93-run partnership that turned the tide inexorably in the visitors’ favour.

    Green contributed a vital 52, his highest score batting at number three, before falling immediately after reaching his half-century when he chopped a Shamar Joseph delivery on to his stumps.

    Smith, back in the side after missing the first test with a finger injury, found his rhythm after a cautious start, smashing a six off Roston Chase and hitting seven boundaries in a patient knock that spanned 119 balls.

    The veteran looked in complete control as he guided Australia through the middle sessions but his masterful innings ended when he was given out lbw to Justin Greaves after an unsuccessful review.

    “We’re in a nice spot,” Smith said. “I don’t think the wicket is going to get any better, it will probably do a few more tricks.

    “The new ball is going to be pretty crucial for us. Hopefully we can get up to somewhere around 300 and then we’ll see how it goes.”

    Travis Head provided explosive support with 39 from 60 balls, including four boundaries, before being bowled by a Shamar Joseph delivery that nipped back sharply and caught him completely off guard.

    Beau Webster managed just two runs before edging Greaves to slip, but Alex Carey helped to avert a mini-crisis with an unbeaten 26 that included some aggressive strokeplay.

    The pitch continued to pose challenges through the day, with balls keeping low at times and offering variable bounce that troubled the batsmen.

    West Indies’ bowlers toiled hard on the surface, with Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Greaves claiming two wickets apiece, but their efforts were undermined by Australia’s patient accumulation of runs.

    With Carey and Pat Cummins at the crease overnight, Australia’s imposing advantage leaves West Indies facing an uphill battle.

    Sunday promises to be decisive, with Australia needing a few more runs to set an even more daunting target, while West Indies require early wickets to keep alive their hopes.

    (Reuters)

  • ‘Prince’ Shubman Gill joins elite with 430-run haul at Edgbaston

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Shubman Gill joined elite company when he followed up his captain’s knock of 269 in the first innings with 161 in the second as England struggled to find a chink in the armour of the man nicknamed “The Prince” at Edgbaston on Saturday.

    As India piled on the runs to set the hosts a mammoth target of 608, Gill became only the fifth man to score 400 runs in a test, joining an illustrious list including England’s Graham Gooch, Australian Mark Taylor, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and West Indian Brian Lara.

    Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad took 604 test wickets but struggled to find a weakness in Gill’s batting.

    “As a bowler, I’ll be looking for technical things so I could expose him, but he’s not shown any obvious signs of dismissal and he’s played stylishly,” Broad told Sky Sports.

    “He’s played with huge responsibility, under big pressure. It’s breathtaking and deserves all the applause he is going to get.”

    India have never won a test match at Edgbaston but the venue will go down in history as the first ground where they registered more than 1,000 runs in a test match (1,011).

    In his second match as captain and under fire from day one after resting Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s number one ranked test bowler, Gill took on the England attack and plundered 430 runs in two innings.

    He became only the second batter in history to score 200 and 150 in the same test match after Australian great Allan Border, 45 years ago, while he is behind only Gooch (456) for most runs by a batter in a test.

    He surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record of 344 runs in a single test for India, which came against the West Indies 54 years ago.

    Indian batters have often struggled in seaming conditions in England but Gill mixed elegance and explosiveness to torment the bowlers.

    Having also scored a century in the first test, Gill took his run tally to 585 in two matches.

    The Indian record for most runs in a test series in England belongs to Rahul Dravid (602) while Virat Kohli scored 593.

    Gill could easily break that record at Lord’s in the next match and the sky is the limit with three matches left.

    He also set the record for the most sixes by an Indian captain when he cleared the rope eight times in the second innings as India set England a massive target of 608 to win the match.

    “Well played, Star Boy. Rewriting history,” Kohli wrote on Instagram. “Onwards and upwards from here. You deserve all of this.”

    (Reuters)

  • ‘Prince’ Shubman Gill joins elite with 430-run haul at Edgbaston

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Shubman Gill joined elite company when he followed up his captain’s knock of 269 in the first innings with 161 in the second as England struggled to find a chink in the armour of the man nicknamed “The Prince” at Edgbaston on Saturday.

    As India piled on the runs to set the hosts a mammoth target of 608, Gill became only the fifth man to score 400 runs in a test, joining an illustrious list including England’s Graham Gooch, Australian Mark Taylor, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and West Indian Brian Lara.

    Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad took 604 test wickets but struggled to find a weakness in Gill’s batting.

    “As a bowler, I’ll be looking for technical things so I could expose him, but he’s not shown any obvious signs of dismissal and he’s played stylishly,” Broad told Sky Sports.

    “He’s played with huge responsibility, under big pressure. It’s breathtaking and deserves all the applause he is going to get.”

    India have never won a test match at Edgbaston but the venue will go down in history as the first ground where they registered more than 1,000 runs in a test match (1,011).

    In his second match as captain and under fire from day one after resting Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s number one ranked test bowler, Gill took on the England attack and plundered 430 runs in two innings.

    He became only the second batter in history to score 200 and 150 in the same test match after Australian great Allan Border, 45 years ago, while he is behind only Gooch (456) for most runs by a batter in a test.

    He surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record of 344 runs in a single test for India, which came against the West Indies 54 years ago.

    Indian batters have often struggled in seaming conditions in England but Gill mixed elegance and explosiveness to torment the bowlers.

    Having also scored a century in the first test, Gill took his run tally to 585 in two matches.

    The Indian record for most runs in a test series in England belongs to Rahul Dravid (602) while Virat Kohli scored 593.

    Gill could easily break that record at Lord’s in the next match and the sky is the limit with three matches left.

    He also set the record for the most sixes by an Indian captain when he cleared the rope eight times in the second innings as India set England a massive target of 608 to win the match.

    “Well played, Star Boy. Rewriting history,” Kohli wrote on Instagram. “Onwards and upwards from here. You deserve all of this.”

    (Reuters)

  • F-16 escorts plane out of area after airspace incursion near Trump’s golf course

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An F-16 U.S. fighter jet on Saturday intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated a temporary restriction of the airspace over U.S. President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the U.S military said in a statement.

    The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said the incident, which occurred around 2:39 p.m. (1839 GMT), marked the fifth unauthorized incursion of the restricted airspace on Saturday. A spokesperson confirmed the jet was an F-16.

    NORAD aircraft conducted a so-called headbutt maneuver to get the civilian pilot’s attention and the aircraft was safely escorted out of the area, NORAD said in a statement.

    The White House had no immediate comment on the incident. NORAD has reported multiple similar incidents in recent weeks, and is urging general aviation pilots to check all notifications before taking off in the area.

    (Reuters)

  • Iran’s Khamenei attends public event after weeks of war with Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a religious event on Saturday, according to a video carried by state television, after reports that he was in a “secure location” since the start of a 12-day air war with Israel in which top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were killed.

    The video carried by state media showed dozens attending a ceremony to mark Ashura, the holiest day of the Shi’ite Muslim calendar, standing chanting as Khamenei entered a hall where many government functions are held.

    For apparent security reasons, Khamenei had issued pre-taped messages during the war which started on June 13, and avoided public appearances.

    On June 26, in pre-recorded remarks aired on state television, Khamenei promised that Iran would not surrender despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls.

    (Reuters)

  • Iran’s Khamenei attends public event after weeks of war with Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a religious event on Saturday, according to a video carried by state television, after reports that he was in a “secure location” since the start of a 12-day air war with Israel in which top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were killed.

    The video carried by state media showed dozens attending a ceremony to mark Ashura, the holiest day of the Shi’ite Muslim calendar, standing chanting as Khamenei entered a hall where many government functions are held.

    For apparent security reasons, Khamenei had issued pre-taped messages during the war which started on June 13, and avoided public appearances.

    On June 26, in pre-recorded remarks aired on state television, Khamenei promised that Iran would not surrender despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel to send delegation to Qatar for Gaza talks despite ‘unacceptable’ Hamas demands

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel will send a delegation to Qatar on Sunday for talks on a possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the changes requested by Hamas to a ceasefire proposal were unacceptable.

    Palestinian group Hamas said on Friday it had responded to a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal in a “positive spirit”, a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel had agreed “to the necessary conditions to finalize” a 60-day truce.

    But in a sign of the potential challenges still facing the two sides, a Palestinian official from a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing in southern Israel to Egypt and clarity over a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals.

    “The changes that Hamas seeks to make to the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are not acceptable to Israel,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement late on Saturday.

    The prime minister’s office added that the delegation will still fly to Qatar for talks over a possible deal to “continue the efforts to secure the return of our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel agreed to.”

    Netanyahu, who is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory military assault on the enclave has killed over 57,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, displaced Gaza’s entire population internally and prompted accusations of genocide and war crimes. Israel denies the accusations.

    (Reuters)

  • Musk announces forming of ‘America Party’ in further break from Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The tattered bromance between Republican President Donald Trump and his main campaign financier Elon Musk took another fractious turn on Saturday when the space and automotive billionaire announced the formation of a new political party, saying Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill would bankrupt America.

    A day after asking his followers on his X platform whether a new U.S. political party should be created, Musk declared in a post on Saturday that “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

    “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!” he wrote.

    The announcement from Musk comes after Trump signed his self-styled “big, beautiful” tax-cut and spending bill into law on Friday, which Musk fiercely opposed.

    Musk, who became the word’s richest man thanks to his Tesla car company and his SpaceX satellite firm, spent hundreds of millions on Trump’s re-election and led the Department of Government Efficiency from the start of the president’s second term aimed at slashing government spending.

    The two have since fallen out spectacularly over disagreements about the bill.

    Musk said previously that he would start a new political party and spend money to unseat lawmakers who supported the bill.

    Trump earlier this week threatened to cut off the billions of dollars in subsidies that Musk’s companies receive from the federal government.

    Republicans have expressed concern that Musk’s on-again, off-again feud with Trump could hurt their chances to protect their majority in the 2026 midterm congressional elections.

    Asked on X what was the one thing that made him go from loving Trump to attacking him, Musk said: “Increasing the deficit from an already insane $2T under Biden to $2.5T. This will bankrupt the country.”

    He referenced the growth of Greece from subjugation to preeminence in the ancient world in another tweet, saying: “The way we’re going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield.”

    There was no immediate comment from Trump or the White House on Musk’s announcement.

    The feud with Trump, often described as one between the world’s richest man and the world’s most powerful, has led to several precipitous falls in Tesla’s share price.

    The stock soared after Trump’s November reelection and hit a high of more than $488 in December, before losing more than half of its value in April and closing last week out at $315.35.

    Despite Musk’s deep pockets, breaking the Republican-Democratic duopoly will be a tall order, given that it has dominated American political life for more than 160 years, while Trump’s approval ratings in polls in his second term have generally held firm above 40 percent, despite often divisive policies.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi pays tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary on Sunday, describing him as the “immortal son of the nation” and lauding his lifelong dedication to India’s unity, pride, and development.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “A heartfelt tribute to the immortal son of the nation, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, on his birth anniversary. He sacrificed his life to protect the honour, dignity, and pride of the country. His ideals and principles are invaluable in the construction of a developed and self-reliant India.”

    The Prime Minister also shared a video clip highlighting Dr. Mookerjee’s life, values, and his vision for India.

    “Bengal’s son, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, used to say that any nation can only be secure through its own energy. He had immense faith in the nation’s resources and in the capable people of this country,” PM Modi noted.

    Reflecting on Dr. Mookerjee’s contributions post-Independence, the Prime Minister said,
    “After Independence, his vision helped lift the country from despair and disappointment. As the first Minister for Industry and Supply, he drafted India’s first industrial policy. He believed that if the government, educational institutions, and industrial organizations worked together, India would soon achieve economic independence.”

    PM Modi also praised Dr. Mookerjee’s forward-thinking approach, “His contributions towards women’s empowerment, education, and the shaping of India’s nuclear policy were far ahead of his time. I pay my deepest respects to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and bow to his memory.”

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid homage, recalling Dr. Mookerjee’s powerful stance against the dual governance system in Jammu and Kashmir.

    “In one country, two constitutions, two heads, and two flags will not work… This was the lifelong pledge of the great man, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who tirelessly dedicated himself to an undivided India,” CM Yogi said on X.

    He added, “Humble tributes to the revered Dr. Mookerjee ji, the founding president of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a fervent nationalist thinker, and a martyr of Kashmir’s integration. Your life remains a timeless beacon of national unity, education, and public service that will continue to inspire generations.”

    Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also remembered Dr. Mookerjee, stating,
    “Remembering the illustrious son of Maa Bharati, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Ji, on his Janm Jayanti. A visionary leader and great educationist, he sacrificed his life for a united and modern India. His unparalleled contribution to nation-building continues to inspire generations.”

    Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh—ideological predecessor of today’s Bharatiya Janata Party—is remembered as a staunch nationalist, a visionary political leader, and an educationist committed to India’s sovereignty and progress.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • PM Modi extends greetings to Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended warm greetings to Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life. @DalaiLama”

    On Sunday morning, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama.

    In a birthday-eve message, the Dalai Lama said, “As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion. I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold.”

    “All particles in my mind contain thoughts from Nalanda. And it’s Indian ‘dal’ and ‘chapati’ that have built this body. I am mentally and physically a son of India,” the Dalai Lama, in his addresses, is often quoted as saying.

    “India and Tibet share a relationship of ‘guru’ (teacher) and ‘chela’ (disciple). When I see some part of my ‘guru’ being corrupt, as a ‘chela’ I feel ashamed,” he said.

    The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet.

    (With agency inputs)

  • PM Modi greets people on occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted people on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Warm wishes on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi! We pray to Bhagwan Vitthal and seek His continued blessings on all of us. May He guide us towards a society full of happiness and abundance. May we also keep serving the poor and downtrodden.”

    Meanwhile, a large number of devotees gathered at the sacred Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers – in Prayagraj to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, which is also known as Devshayani Ekadashi.

    One devotee shared, “This is the Sangam Ghat of Prayagraj. Today is Ekadashi, so we have come here to take a holy dip.”

    Another devotee added, “Today is Ekadashi, and we are here to seek the blessings of the River Ganga.”

    An elderly devotee emphasized the spiritual significance of the day: “This is an important festival for Prayagraj. On this day, saints begin Chaumasa, during which they stay in one place and devote themselves to worship. According to tradition, Lord Vishnu goes into a deep sleep for four months starting today, and all auspicious events like marriages are suspended during this period. When the Lord awakens on Kartik Ekadashi, these activities resume. It is believed that taking a holy dip today fulfills all wishes.”

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain emphasise his commitment to righteousness: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness.

    “The sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspires people to uphold truth in the face of adversity,” said PM Modi in a post on X.

    Currently, the Prime Minister is in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, where he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit.

    The solemn observance of Ashoora-e-Muharram marks a poignant day in Islamic history, honouring the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the revered grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions. This day is synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness in the face of tyranny.

    Millions gather to pay homage to those who laid down their lives for truth, righteousness, and justice in the Battle of Karbala.

    The 10th Muharram, called Ashura, is being observed across the country on Sunday. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Shia Muslims across the world observe a public mourning.

    The 10th day of the first month of Muharram of the Muslim calendar marks the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain, who was killed by the army of King Yazid in 680 AD on the banks of the Euphrates River in Iraq in the Karbala area. The besieged family of Imam Hussain, his family and companions, were denied drinking water even when they were camped at the bank of the Euphrates. Even the 6-month-old Ali Asghar was denied drinking water by the army of the Yazid. Imam Hussain chose to sacrifice himself and his family and companions rather than accept the supremacy of evil over the truth.

    Shia Muslims commemorate the event by taking out processions and chest-beating, but the mourning of Muharram is sacrosanct to both the Shia and the Sunni Muslims alike.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • PM Modi receives grand welcome in Brazil, interacts with Indian Diaspora

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian community on Saturday (local time) upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro for a four-day visit to Brazil. During this visit, he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Members of Brazil’s Indian community gave a very vibrant welcome in Rio de Janeiro. It’s amazing how they remain connected with Indian culture and are also very passionate about India’s development! Here are some glimpses from the welcome…”

    Members of the Indian diaspora greeted the Prime Minister with vibrant traditional dances and folk songs. One of the highlights was a dance performance themed on Operation Sindoor, with the patriotic song “Ye Desh Nahi Mitne Dunga” resonating through the venue.

    In a gesture of cultural harmony, a Brazilian music group also performed devotional songs, showcasing India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

    Prime Minister Modi will attend the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit from July 6 to 7. During the Summit, he will exchange views with other leaders on pressing global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. According to official sources, the Prime Minister is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit.

    As part of the State Visit, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia for bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Discussions will focus on deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two nations in areas of mutual interest such as trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties.

    Earlier, members of the Indian community, who had gathered to welcome the Prime Minister, expressed their excitement and pride.

    “I am from Gujarat and have been living in Brazil for a long time. We are thrilled and feel privileged and honoured to welcome our Prime Minister today,” said Vijay Solanki, a member of the Indian diaspora.

    Another member of the diaspora, Pooja, shared, “I am from Gujarat and have been living in Brazil for the past three years. I am very excited to meet him.”

    PM Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he held a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei.

    Following his engagements in Brazil, the Prime Minister will travel to Namibia on July 9, where he is also scheduled to address the Namibian Parliament.

    PM Modi is currently on a five-nation, eight-day tour (July 2 to July 9) that began in Ghana. From there, he travelled to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, followed by Argentina, and now Brazil.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • PM Modi honoured with symbolic ‘Key to the city of Buenos Aires’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a special honour in Argentina on Saturday — the ‘Key to the City of Buenos Aires’.

    Jorge Macri, the city’s chief official, presented him with this symbolic gift during his two-day visit. The key represents friendship and trust between the two countries.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: “Honoured to receive the Key to the City of Buenos Aires from Mr. Jorge Macri, Chief of the City Government of Buenos Aires.”

    Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held wide-ranging talks with Argentine President Javier Milei. The two leaders agreed to diversify bilateral trade and enhance cooperation in sectors such as defence, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, energy and mining.

    Argentina marks the third leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which began with Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago and will next cover Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit before concluding in Namibia.

  • PM Modi leaves for Brazil after concluding “productive” Argentina visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Brazil on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, after wrapping up what he described as a “productive” two-day visit to Argentina.

    “My visit to Argentina has been a productive one. I am confident that our discussions will add significant momentum to our bilateral friendship and fulfil the strong potential that exists. I thank President Milei, the Government, and the people of Argentina for their warmth,” the PM said in a post on X.

    Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X, “After a fruitful visit to Argentina, PM @narendramodi has departed from Buenos Aires for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.”

    Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held wide-ranging talks with Argentine President Javier Milei. The two leaders agreed to diversify bilateral trade and enhance cooperation in sectors such as defence, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, energy and mining.

  • PM Modi condoles loss of lives in devastating Texas floods

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives in the devastating floods that struck the US state of Texas.

    In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the families affected by the disaster.

    “Deeply saddened to learn about loss of lives, especially children in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families,” the Prime Minister said in his post.

    The catastrophic flooding, triggered by a powerful storm that dumped nearly a foot of rain before dawn on Friday, has claimed at least 32 lives, including nine children. 

  • PM Modi pays tribute to statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore in Buenos Aires

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires after concluding high-level delegation talks with Argentina’s President Javier Milei.

    “Paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Buenos Aires. His timeless vision and noble ideals will always guide humanity. All over the world, the thoughts of Bapu reverberate. They give strength and hope to millions. Inspired by him, we reiterate our commitment to build a just and compassionate world”, the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

    In another post, the PM said, “Paid homage to Gurudev Tagore in Buenos Aires. Gurudev Tagore visited Argentina in 1924 and left a lasting impression on many people in this nation, especially scholars and students. We in India take immense pride in the contributions of Gurudev Tagore to our nation’s history and culture. His emphasis on learning and education is also very motivating.”

    IANS

  • “Excellent meeting”, says PM Modi after talks with Argentina President Milei

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with Argentine President Javier Milei, calling the discussions “excellent” and saying the two sides had made “significant progress” in strengthening bilateral ties.

    In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said: “Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have made significant progress in our bilateral relations, but we both agree that the path ahead is even more promising.”

    In their meeting, PM Modi and Milei reviewed current partnerships and stressed the need to expand cooperation in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, energy, defence and security,

    “President Milei and I discussed how to diversify commercial ties, cooperation in agriculture, defence, security, energy, and more. There is a vast field of action in areas such as pharmaceuticals and sports,” PM Modi added in his post on X.

    Highlighting the need to broaden economic engagement, both leaders identified potential in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and sports. PM Modi said these areas offer fresh opportunities for collaboration and growth.

    The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen ties in line with their shared priorities and contribute more actively to the Global South.

    Soon after arriving in Buenos Aires, the PM paid tribute at the San Martin Memorial, dedicated to General Jose de San Martin, a national hero who liberated Argentina, Chile and Peru.

    Earlier on Friday, members of the Indian community in Buenos Aires welcomed PM Modi outside his hotel with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and traditional dances. PM Modi thanked the diaspora for their support, writing: “Distance is no barrier when it comes to cultural connect! Honoured by the gracious welcome from the Indian community in Buenos Aires.”

    “Landed in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit which will focus on augmenting relations with Argentina. I’m eager to be meeting President Javier Milei and holding detailed talks with him”, he added.

    The Prime Minister will next travel to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit before heading to Namibia.

    (IANS)

  • “Excellent meeting”, says PM Modi after talks with Argentina President Milei

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with Argentine President Javier Milei, calling the discussions “excellent” and saying the two sides had made “significant progress” in strengthening bilateral ties.

    In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said: “Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have made significant progress in our bilateral relations, but we both agree that the path ahead is even more promising.”

    In their meeting, PM Modi and Milei reviewed current partnerships and stressed the need to expand cooperation in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, energy, defence and security,

    “President Milei and I discussed how to diversify commercial ties, cooperation in agriculture, defence, security, energy, and more. There is a vast field of action in areas such as pharmaceuticals and sports,” PM Modi added in his post on X.

    Highlighting the need to broaden economic engagement, both leaders identified potential in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and sports. PM Modi said these areas offer fresh opportunities for collaboration and growth.

    The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen ties in line with their shared priorities and contribute more actively to the Global South.

    Soon after arriving in Buenos Aires, the PM paid tribute at the San Martin Memorial, dedicated to General Jose de San Martin, a national hero who liberated Argentina, Chile and Peru.

    Earlier on Friday, members of the Indian community in Buenos Aires welcomed PM Modi outside his hotel with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and traditional dances. PM Modi thanked the diaspora for their support, writing: “Distance is no barrier when it comes to cultural connect! Honoured by the gracious welcome from the Indian community in Buenos Aires.”

    “Landed in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit which will focus on augmenting relations with Argentina. I’m eager to be meeting President Javier Milei and holding detailed talks with him”, he added.

    The Prime Minister will next travel to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit before heading to Namibia.

    (IANS)

  • PM Modi, Argentina President discuss energy, critical minerals and pharma cooperation: MEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday discussed cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors with Argentine President Javier Milei, underlining India’s growing energy and industrial needs while emphasising that Buenos Aires can serve as a “reliable partner.”

    Addressing a briefing after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran emphasised that Argentina’s rich reserves of critical minerals — such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements — align with India’s need for its clean energy transition and industrial growth.

    “The two leaders also had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors. The Prime Minister underlined India’s growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a reliable partner in supporting India’s developmental journey,” Kumaran said.

    “Argentina’s rich reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, copper, and rare earth elements, align with India’s need for secure and sustainable resources to drive its clean energy transition and industrial growth,” he added.

    Kumaran also highlighted that Argentina, with its second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, holds “strong potential to become an important energy partner for India.”

    During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi also highlighted India’s strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, offering Argentina an opportunity to increase cooperation by moving India from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market.

    According to Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, countries are divided into two annexes. Countries listed under Annexe I usually have a smoother path into the Argentine market.

    “The Prime Minister highlighted India’s strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly its capacity to produce high-quality, affordable medicines. He discussed the possibility of India being moved from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market. The Argentine side updated the Indian delegation on the fast-track approval process available for the import of Indian medicines,” Kumaran said.

    “The Indian side mentioned that this would significantly benefit the people of Argentina by improving access to affordable and life-saving medicine and reducing the cost of healthcare in Argentina,” he added.

    Argentina marks the third leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which began with Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago and will next cover Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit before concluding in Namibia.

    (ANI)

     

     

  • PM Modi, Argentina President discuss energy, critical minerals and pharma cooperation: MEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday discussed cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors with Argentine President Javier Milei, underlining India’s growing energy and industrial needs while emphasising that Buenos Aires can serve as a “reliable partner.”

    Addressing a briefing after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran emphasised that Argentina’s rich reserves of critical minerals — such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements — align with India’s need for its clean energy transition and industrial growth.

    “The two leaders also had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors. The Prime Minister underlined India’s growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a reliable partner in supporting India’s developmental journey,” Kumaran said.

    “Argentina’s rich reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, copper, and rare earth elements, align with India’s need for secure and sustainable resources to drive its clean energy transition and industrial growth,” he added.

    Kumaran also highlighted that Argentina, with its second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, holds “strong potential to become an important energy partner for India.”

    During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi also highlighted India’s strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, offering Argentina an opportunity to increase cooperation by moving India from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market.

    According to Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, countries are divided into two annexes. Countries listed under Annexe I usually have a smoother path into the Argentine market.

    “The Prime Minister highlighted India’s strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly its capacity to produce high-quality, affordable medicines. He discussed the possibility of India being moved from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market. The Argentine side updated the Indian delegation on the fast-track approval process available for the import of Indian medicines,” Kumaran said.

    “The Indian side mentioned that this would significantly benefit the people of Argentina by improving access to affordable and life-saving medicine and reducing the cost of healthcare in Argentina,” he added.

    Argentina marks the third leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which began with Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago and will next cover Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit before concluding in Namibia.

    (ANI)

     

     

  • Wimbledon 2025: Sinner thrashes Martinez to reach fourth round

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced to the fourth round of the men’s singles at Wimbledon for the fourth consecutive year by overcoming an injured Pedro Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 here on Saturday. Having dropped just 17 games in his campaign so far, the Italian has equalled the Open Era record for the fewest games lost while reaching the men’s singles fourth round at Wimbledon, a mark set by Jan Kodes in 1972.

    Sinner is yet to drop serve this week. He has won all 37 service games he has played, fending off all eight break points he has faced.

    On Saturday, Sinner led Martinez 5-0 in the first set before the Spaniard took a medical timeout to receive treatment on his right shoulder. Martinez struggled to serve at full capacity — often firing first serves at just 80 mph — while the Italian remained typically dominant from the back of the court.

    “I’m very happy to be in the second week, but I think we all saw he was struggling with the shoulder,” said Sinner after the match. “He couldn’t serve very well, and especially on this surface, if you can’t serve well, it’s not easy to play. But huge credit to him for coming out. From my side, I tried to stay solid from the back of the court.”

    Martinez grew in confidence in a free-hitting display in the second set, carving out four break points in the eighth game. Yet Sinner saved all of them with a mix of bruising ball striking and pinpoint serving to reassert his dominance before racing to a one-hour, 55-minute victory.

    By reaching the fourth round at a Grand Slam tournament for the 17th time, Sinner overtook Nicola Pietrangeli (16) to claim the all-time Italian record.

    Sinner will next face Grigor Dimitrov, who moved past Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(0). The 23-year-old Sinner is chasing his fourth major title and first at Wimbledon, where he reached the semifinals in 2023 before falling to Novak Djokovic.

    –IANS

     

  • Wimbledon 2025: Sinner thrashes Martinez to reach fourth round

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced to the fourth round of the men’s singles at Wimbledon for the fourth consecutive year by overcoming an injured Pedro Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 here on Saturday. Having dropped just 17 games in his campaign so far, the Italian has equalled the Open Era record for the fewest games lost while reaching the men’s singles fourth round at Wimbledon, a mark set by Jan Kodes in 1972.

    Sinner is yet to drop serve this week. He has won all 37 service games he has played, fending off all eight break points he has faced.

    On Saturday, Sinner led Martinez 5-0 in the first set before the Spaniard took a medical timeout to receive treatment on his right shoulder. Martinez struggled to serve at full capacity — often firing first serves at just 80 mph — while the Italian remained typically dominant from the back of the court.

    “I’m very happy to be in the second week, but I think we all saw he was struggling with the shoulder,” said Sinner after the match. “He couldn’t serve very well, and especially on this surface, if you can’t serve well, it’s not easy to play. But huge credit to him for coming out. From my side, I tried to stay solid from the back of the court.”

    Martinez grew in confidence in a free-hitting display in the second set, carving out four break points in the eighth game. Yet Sinner saved all of them with a mix of bruising ball striking and pinpoint serving to reassert his dominance before racing to a one-hour, 55-minute victory.

    By reaching the fourth round at a Grand Slam tournament for the 17th time, Sinner overtook Nicola Pietrangeli (16) to claim the all-time Italian record.

    Sinner will next face Grigor Dimitrov, who moved past Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(0). The 23-year-old Sinner is chasing his fourth major title and first at Wimbledon, where he reached the semifinals in 2023 before falling to Novak Djokovic.

    –IANS

     

  • PM Modi, Argentina President discuss energy, critical minerals and pharma cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday discussed cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors with Argentine President Javier Milei, underlining India’s growing energy and industrial needs while emphasising that Buenos Aires can serve as a “reliable partner.”

    Addressing a briefing after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran emphasised that Argentina’s rich reserves of critical minerals — such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements — align with India’s need for its clean energy transition and industrial growth.

    “The two leaders also had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors. The Prime Minister underlined India’s growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a reliable partner in supporting India’s developmental journey,” Kumaran said.

    “Argentina’s rich reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, copper, and rare earth elements, align with India’s need for secure and sustainable resources to drive its clean energy transition and industrial growth,” he added.

    Kumaran also highlighted that Argentina, with its second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, holds “strong potential to become an important energy partner for India.”

    During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi also highlighted India’s strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, offering Argentina an opportunity to increase cooperation by moving India from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market.

    According to Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, countries are divided into two annexes. Countries listed under Annexe I usually have a smoother path into the Argentine market.

    “The Prime Minister highlighted India’s strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly its capacity to produce high-quality, affordable medicines. He discussed the possibility of India being moved from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market. The Argentine side updated the Indian delegation on the fast-track approval process available for the import of Indian medicines,” Kumaran said.

    “The Indian side mentioned that this would significantly benefit the people of Argentina by improving access to affordable and life-saving medicine and reducing the cost of healthcare in Argentina,” he added.

    Argentina marks the third leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which began with Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago and will next cover Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit before concluding in Namibia.

    (ANI)