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Category: Government of India

  • Trump says he is not seeking summit with Xi, but may visit China

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was not seeking a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but added that he may visit China at Xi’s invitation, which Trump said had been extended.

    “I may go to China, but it would only be at the invitation of President Xi, which has been extended. Otherwise, no interest!,” Trump said on Truth Social.

    Aides to Trump and Xi have discussed a potential meeting between the leaders during a trip by the U.S. president to Asia later this year, sources previously told Reuters.

    A trip would be the first face-to-face encounter between the men since Trump’s second term in office, at a time when trade and security tensions between the two superpower rivals remain elevated.

    While plans for a meeting have not been finalized, discussions on both sides of the Pacific have included a possible Trump stopover around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea or talks on the sidelines of the October 30-November 1 event, the people said.

    The third round of U.S.-China trade talks taking place in Stockholm this week may lay the groundwork ahead of a leaders’ summit in the autumn, analysts say.

    A new flare-up of tariffs and export controls would likely impact any plans for a meeting with Xi.

    (Reuters)

  • Rain batters Delhi, Air India cautions flyers; IMD flags intense rainfall across the country

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As heavy rain lashed the national capital on Tuesday morning, Air India issued a travel advisory cautioning passengers that flight operations to and from Delhi may be affected due to adverse weather conditions.

    The airline advised travelers to check their flight status on its official website before leaving for the airport and to allow extra time for their journey.

    “Gusty winds and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status… before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey,” said Air India on X.

    The downpour, accompanied by thunderstorms, brought much-needed relief from the humid weather in several parts of Delhi.

    Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across large parts of the country until August 4. On July 29, extremely heavy rain is expected over eastern Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, while Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana may witness heavy showers.

    In western India, Konkan and Gujarat are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall on July 29, with light to moderate showers predicted over the next 6–7 days.

    Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall. Eastern and central states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh may face isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms.

    In southern India, heavy rainfall is likely over Kerala and coastal Karnataka on July 29 and 30, accompanied by strong winds ranging between 40–50 kmph. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is expected in most southern states throughout the week.

    The IMD further stated that fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected over northwest, northeast, and eastern regions of the country in the coming days, while central and peninsular India may witness scattered to fairly widespread rain.

    For Wednesday, the IMD has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in eastern Rajasthan. Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and western Rajasthan.

    Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) are likely at isolated places in Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Vidarbha.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Parliament to resume debate on Operation Sindoor today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Rajya Sabha is scheduled to begin its discussion on Operation Sindoor on Tuesday. The operation, launched by the Indian Armed Forces, was conducted in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people, most of them tourists.

    Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha will continue the debate on Operation Sindoor for the second consecutive day. On Monday, the House opened the discussion with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh initiating the debate. He described India’s cross-border strikes as accurate, precise, and non-escalatory, and said that the operation served a specific objective.

    “Operation Sindoor’s main purpose was to destroy and decimate terror factories operating from Pakistani soil. It was stopped because the goal of dismantling terror bases and nurseries was achieved,” the Defence Minister told the House.

    He also said that it was the Indian government which decided to call off Operation Sindoor and there was no pressure from any entity or nation, as claimed by the Opposition and their claims are “blatantly false” and “misleading”.

    Singh further criticised the Opposition for focusing on issues that he termed as relatively minor, stating that such distractions could compromise national security. “When the aim is to go higher, we should not pay attention to small issues because focusing on issues that remain comparatively small can divert attention from national security,” he said.

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who also addressed the House during the debate, said India’s response to cross-border terrorism has undergone a strategic shift, which he described as the “new normal.” He said the country had moved past an era of strategic restraint and was now defining its own terms.

    He elaborated on this evolving doctrine: Terrorists will not be treated as proxies, cross-border attacks will be met with direct and appropriate response, there will be no dialogue except on terrorism – talks and terror cannot go hand-in-hand, India will not bow to nuclear intimidation, and good neighbourly ties are incompatible with terrorism – blood and water cannot flow together.

    Participating in the debate, Deputy Leader of the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi criticised the government for its handling of the April 22 attack. He said that more than 100 days had passed since the incident, but the five perpetrators had not been apprehended. Gogoi also questioned the rationale behind stopping Operation Sindoor after Pakistan capitulated, asking why the government did not proceed to reclaim areas under illegal occupation by the neighbouring country.

    Congress, the principal opposition party, has been allotted around two hours to present its views in the Upper House, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge expected to lead the debate.

  • Heavy rains lash Delhi; IMD warns of more intense showers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi witnessed an intense spell of rain on Tuesday morning, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing humid conditions.

    However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall across Delhi-NCR, raising concerns over flooding and traffic disruptions.

    According to the IMD, the downpour may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, road flooding, closure of underpasses, traffic congestion, reduced visibility, and potential damage to plantations, standing crops, and weak structures, including kutcha houses.

    In response to the inclement weather, Air India issued a travel advisory alerting passengers to possible disruptions in flight operations to and from Delhi. The airline urged travellers to check their flight status and allow extra time while heading to the airport.

    Similarly,  IndiGo and SpiceJet also issued travel advisories, warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations on Tuesday morning.

    The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across large parts of the country until August 4. On Tuesday, extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Northwest India, particularly East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, while Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana will continue to receive heavy showers.

    In West India, regions such as Konkan and Gujarat are expected to experience isolated heavy rain on July 29, with light to moderate rainfall forecast for the next six to seven days.

    Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is also likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, while East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, may see isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms.

    In South Peninsular India, states like Kerala and Coastal Karnataka are expected to receive heavy rain and strong winds (40–50 kmph) on July 29–30, along with light to moderate rainfall across most areas through the coming week.

    (With ANI inputs)

  • Sensex, Nifty trade flat after early losses; realty stocks lead gains

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened lower on Tuesday but recovered mildly to trade flat by mid-morning amid mixed global cues and cautious investor sentiment.

    At 9:29 AM, the BSE Sensex was nearly unchanged, edging up just 1.69 points to trade at 80,892, while the NSE Nifty rose 16 points or 0.06% to 24,696. The indices had opened in the red, with Nifty briefly dipping to around 24,600 at the bell.

    According to Hardik Matalia, equity strategist at Choice Equity Broking, the Nifty may find support at 24,600, followed by 24,500 and 24,300, while facing immediate resistance at 24,800, and further barriers at 24,900 and 25,000.

    “A sustained move above the 25,000 mark is critical to easing the current selling pressure,” Matalia noted. “As long as the index remains below that level, the short-term trend remains weak. Traders should follow a sell-on-rise approach,” he added.

    In early trade, realty stocks outperformed, with the Nifty Realty index leading sectoral gains. However, IT stocks slipped, with the Nifty IT index declining 0.32%. The Nifty Bank index remained largely flat, down 0.01%.

    Among the top gainers in the Nifty pack were JSW Steel, Jio Financial, IndusInd Bank, Reliance Industries, and Shriram Finance. On the other hand, Eternal led the laggards with a 1.64% drop, followed by Infosys, SBI Life Insurance, Wipro, and Bharat Electronics.

    Market sentiment was dampened by the lack of progress on a much-anticipated India–US trade deal, with expectations dimming for an agreement before the August 1 deadline.

    In global markets, Wall Street presented mixed signals. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.14%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.33%. The S&P 500 closed nearly flat, up by just 0.02%.

    Across Asia, trading sentiment remained cautious. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.91%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.93%. However, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.59%, while Chinese markets remained largely flat during morning hours.

    On the institutional front, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the sixth consecutive session, offloading equities worth ₹6,082 crore on Monday. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) were net buyers, purchasing shares worth ₹6,764 crore, offering some support to the market.

    – IANS

  • Trump says many are starving in Gaza, vows to set up food centres

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday many people were starving in Gaza and suggested Israel could do more on humanitarian access, as Palestinians struggled to feed their children a day after Israel declared steps to improve supplies.

    As the death toll from two years of war in Gaza nears 60,000, a growing number of people are dying from starvation and malnutrition, Gaza health authorities say, with images of starving children shocking the world and fuelling international criticism of Israel over sharply worsening conditions.

    Describing starvation in Gaza as real, Trump’s assessment put him at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Sunday “there is no starvation in Gaza” and vowed to fight on against the Palestinian militant group Hamas – a statement he reposted on X on Monday.

    However, Netanyahu later on Monday described the situation in Gaza as “difficult”, saying his country was working to ensure aid delivery to the besieged strip.

    “Israel will continue to work with international agencies as well as the U.S. and European nations to ensure that large amounts of humanitarian aid flows into the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu said, according to a statement from his office.

    Trump, speaking during a visit to Scotland, said Israel has a lot of responsibility for aid flows, and that a lot of people could be saved. “You have a lot of starving people,” he said.

    “We’re going to set up food centres,” with no fences or boundaries to ease access, Trump said. The U.S. would work with other countries to provide more humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, including food and sanitation, he said.

    A White House spokesperson said additional details on the food centres would be “forthcoming.”

    ‘WHEN YOU GO TO BED HUNGRY, YOU WAKE UP HUNGRY’

    On Monday, the Gaza health ministry said at least 14 people had died in the past 24 hours of starvation and malnutrition, bringing the war’s death toll from hunger to 147, including 88 children, most in just the last few weeks.

    Israel announced several measures over the weekend, including daily humanitarian pauses to fighting in three areas of Gaza, new safe corridors for aid convoys, and airdrops. The decision followed the collapse of ceasefire talks on Friday.

    Wessal Nabil from Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza described the struggle of trying to feed her three children. “When you go to bed hungry, you wake up hungry. We distract them with anything … to make them calm down,” she told Reuters.

    “I call on the world, on those with merciful hearts, the compassionate, to look at us with compassion, to be kind to us, to stand with us until aid comes in and ensure it reaches us.”

    Two Israeli defence officials said the international pressure prompted the new Israeli measures, as did the worsening conditions on the ground.

    U.N. agencies said a long-term and steady supply of aid was needed. The World Food Programme said 60 trucks of aid had been dispatched – short of target. Almost 470,000 people in Gaza are enduring famine-like conditions, with 90,000 women and children in need of specialist nutrition treatments, it said.

    “Our target at the moment, every day is to get 100 trucks into Gaza,” WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, Samer AbdelJaber, told Reuters.

    Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Reuters the situation is catastrophic.

    “At this time, children are dying every single day from starvation, from preventable disease. So time has run out.”

    Netanyahu has denied any policy of starvation towards Gaza, saying aid supplies would be kept up whether Israel was negotiating a ceasefire or fighting.

    A spokesperson for COGAT, the Israeli military aid coordination agency, said Israel had not placed a time limit on the humanitarian pauses in its military operation, a day after U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher said Israel had decided “to support a one-week scale-up of aid”.

    “We hope this pause will last much longer than a week, ultimately turning into a permanent ceasefire,” Fletcher’s spokesperson, Eri Kaneko, said on Monday.

    Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Compared to last week, U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq said, there had only been a “small uptick” in the amount of aid being transported into Gaza since Israel started the humanitarian pauses.

    TRUMP SAYS HAMAS DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH

    In his statement on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel would continue to fight until it achieved the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas and the destruction of its military and governing capabilities.

    Trump said Hamas had become difficult to deal with in recent days, but he was talking with Netanyahu about “various plans” to free hostages still held in the enclave.

    The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked communities across the border in southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

    The Gaza health ministry said that 98 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours.

    Some of the trucks that made it into Gaza were seized by desperate Palestinians, and some by armed looters, witnesses said.

    The Hamas-run Gaza government said only 87 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Monday, with the majority of trucks looted due to what it described as “direct and systematic Israeli complicity”.

    “Currently aid comes for the strong who can race ahead, who can push others and grab a box or a sack of flour. That chaos must be stopped and protection for those trucks must be allowed,” said Emad, 58, who used to own a factory in Gaza City.

    The WFP said it has 170,000 metric tons of food in the region, outside Gaza, which would be enough to feed the whole population for the next three months if it gets the clearance to bring into the enclave.

    COGAT said more than 120 truckloads of aid were distributed in Gaza on Sunday by the U.N. and international organizations.

    More aid was expected on Monday. Qatar said it had sent 49 trucks that arrived in Egypt en route for Gaza. Jordan and the United Arab Emirates airdropped supplies.

    Israel cut off aid to Gaza from the start of March in what it said was a means to pressure Hamas into giving up dozens of hostages it still holds, and reopened aid with new restrictions in May. Hamas accuses Israel of using hunger as a weapon.

    Israel says it abides by international law but must prevent aid from being diverted by militants, and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza’s people.

    (Reuters)

  • Russian strikes on penal colony in Zaporizhzhia kill 16, Ukraine says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian strikes on a penal colony in the frontline region of Zaporizhzhia in southwestern Ukraine overnight killed 16 people and injured at least 35, regional Ukrainian military and Zaporizhzhia’s governor said on Tuesday

    Zaporizhzhia governor Ivan Fedorov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said that the correctional facility’s buildings were destroyed, and nearby private homes were also damaged.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, condemned the strikes as “another war crime” committed by Russia.

    “(Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s regime, which also issues threats against the United States through some of its mouthpieces, must face economic and military blows that strip it of the capacity to wage war,” Yermak said on X.

    Moscow forces have regularly attacked Zaporizhzhia, using drones, missiles and aerial bombs, since the start of the war that Russia started with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

    Russia unilaterally declared early in the war its annexation of parts of Zaporizhzhia and areas in and around three other Ukrainian regions. Kyiv and its Western allies called the move an illegal land grab.

    Fedorov said that Russian forces launched eight strikes on the Zaporizhzhia district, reportedly using high-explosive aerial bombs.

    Reuters could not independently verify Fedorov’s report. There was no immediate comment from Russia.

    Both sides deny targeting civilians in their strikes, but thousands of civilians have been killed in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.

    (Reuters)

  • Australia sweep T20 series against West Indies

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Australia completed a 5-0 sweep of the West Indies in their Twenty20 international series with Ben Dwarshuis’s bowling paving the way for a three-wicket victory in Basseterre, Saint Kitts on Monday.

    Mitchell Owen top-scored for Australia with 37 off 17 balls, while Cameron Green (32), Tim David (30) and Aaron Hardie (28 nout out) all made valuable contributions as the visitors reached their target of 171 with 18 balls to spare.

    The win sealed the first T20 series sweep by an Australian men’s team in the West Indies, and saw them end the tour with a perfect 8-0 record after a similar sweep in the three-test series.

    “I didn’t expect 5-0 at the start of the series,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. “But we played some great cricket. It was something we spoke about after the fourth game.

    “We knew no Australian team had completed a clean sweep. We’ve had guys come in and played different roles for us.”

    The match featured 15 sixes, which Marsh attributed to the size of the venue.

    “I think it’s a small ground, so there’s always going to be more sixes than normal,” he said.

    “But I think if you look down our batting order in all the five games, we had a lot of power and I guess the messaging was just to play their natural game.”

    Marsh also lauded the performance of his relatively inexperienced bowlers in the death overs.

    “I’m pretty sure in the last four overs, we didn’t go for more than 40 or 50 across the five games,” he said.

    “It’s really hard to do. So I think all of them executed. Nathan Ellis was outstanding, Sean Abbott was brilliant. Ben Dwarshuis hasn’t played a lot, did a really good role, and even Xavier Bartlett has grown and grown as a bowler.”

    West Indies fans must have feared the worst when Australia won a fifth straight toss and bowled the hosts out for 170, a total they reached thanks in large part to Shimron Hetmyer’s knock of 52 off 31 balls.

    Dwarshuis picked up Hetmyer’s wicket as well as those of openers Brandon King (11) and Shai Hope (9).

    “It was a little bit of a slower wicket so we tried to hit the wicket hard and use the slower balls as well,” said Dwarshuis, who was named player of the match.

    Australia return home for a limited-overs series against South Africa, while the West Indies play Pakistan in three T20Is and three one-day internationals.

    (Reuters)

  • Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 PM amid ongoing Monsoon Session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On the seventh day of the Monsoon Session, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 2 PM shortly after it convened at 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

    The adjournment came as the Upper House prepared for a 16-hour-long discussion on Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

    Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha proceeded with its scheduled business in the morning and is set to continue the debate on Operation Sindoor for the second straight day. The discussion began on Monday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opening the debate, describing India’s cross-border strikes as precise, measured, and non-escalatory, aimed at achieving a clearly defined objective.

  • PM Modi expresses grief over death of Kanwariyas in Deoghar road accident

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district that claimed the lives of five Kanwariyas and left several others injured. The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

    The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, the PMO said, “The road accident that occurred in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is extremely tragic. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives in this incident. May God grant them the strength to bear this pain. Along with this, I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”

    The accident took place early Tuesday near Jamuniya village under the Mohanpur block of Deoghar. A private bus carrying around 35 pilgrims collided head-on with a truck transporting gas cylinders. The vehicle was en route from Deoghar to the Basukinath temple during the ongoing Shravani Mela, when it lost control and hit a stack of bricks after the initial impact.

    According to Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sadar Ravi Kumar, “The information about the accident was received around 4 to 5 am. A private bus, carrying pilgrims from Deoghar to Basukinath, lost control and collided with a truck. The bus then crashed into a pile of bricks. The driver died on the spot. Four more deaths have been confirmed. The injured have been admitted to Deoghar Sadar Hospital.”

    Inspector General of Dumka Zone, Shailendra Kumar Sinha, confirmed that the bus was carrying Kanwariyas from Mohanpur and that the collision involved a truck loaded with gas cylinders. “Five Kanwariyas have died in the incident. All the injured have been shifted to the district hospital for treatment,” he said.

    Santhal Pargana Zonal IG S K Sinha also confirmed the incident. “Five Kanwariyas have died in a road accident as their bus collided with a truck. Several others are injured. More details are awaited,” he told ANI.

    Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration to provide all necessary medical aid and assistance. In a post on X, he said, “Extremely sad news was received this morning about the death of devotees in a bus accident near Jamuniya Chowk. May Baba Baidyanath grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families.”

    The site of the crash is located along the banks of the north-flowing Jamuniya River, near a prominent Shiva-Parvati temple. Eyewitnesses said the impact of the collision was severe, leaving the bus mangled and several passengers trapped. Emergency teams, including the police, medical personnel, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), responded promptly to carry out rescue and relief operations.

    Further investigation is in progress to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the crash.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Classrooms of change: How National Education Policy 2020 is transforming learning

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Five years ago, on July 29, India embarked on a journey to overhaul its education system with the launch of the National Education Policy 2020. Today, its impact is increasingly visible in classrooms across the country – reshaping how children learn, how teachers teach, and how schools function.

    NEP 2020 marked a paradigm shift from rigid, exam-centric education to a more flexible, inclusive, and learner-focused model. Anchored in India’s cultural heritage and aligned with global goals like Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4), the policy laid out a vision for an education system that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning – from the foundational stage to secondary levels.

    One of NEP’s major successes has been the prioritisation of early childhood education and foundational learning. With the launch of the NIPUN Bharat Mission in 2021, the government aimed to ensure that every child achieves Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3. Initiatives such as Vidya Pravesh, Balvatikas, and Jadui Pitara have introduced millions of children to joyful, play-based learning. The results have been promising: Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 reported a significant rise in foundational reading and arithmetic levels among Class III children in government schools. 23.4% children could read Grade II-level text in 2024, up from 16.3% in 2022 and 20.9% in 2018. Arithmetic proficiency has also improved, with 27.6% of Class III students now able to perform basic subtraction, compared to 20.2% in 2022 and 20.9% in 2018.

    A restructured school framework under the 5+3+3+4 model is supported by two new national curriculum frameworks – National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE). These have replaced rote learning with competency-based, multidisciplinary education. New textbooks like Mridang, Sarangi, and Joyful Mathematics reflect India’s linguistic and cultural diversity while encouraging deeper engagement and creativity. Vocational education now begins as early as Grade 6, and career pathways are supported through the National Credit Framework.

    Samagra Shiksha, the flagship school reform scheme, has helped boost enrolment and reduce dropouts. Infrastructure has improved substantially – with nearly all schools having access to drinking water, electricity, and gender-inclusive toilets. Hostels under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), along with 5,269 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, have provided critical support to girls and children from marginalised communities.

    The digital push has also been transformative. Platforms like Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) and PM eVIDYA have enabled access to quality learning content in over 130 languages, even during the pandemic. The Rashtriya Vidya Samiksha Kendra (RVSK) now provides real-time education data, improving governance and accountability.

    Teachers remain central to NEP’s success. Over 14 lakh educators have undergone training through National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA), with continuous support through digital platforms. Assessment reforms are underway through Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH), which has championed competency-based evaluations and holistic progress cards that assess not only academics but creativity, socio-emotional development, and well-being.

    NEP 2020 also places strong emphasis on inclusion. The Pre Assessment Holistic Screening Tool (PRASHAST) tool helps schools support children with disabilities, while Indian Sign Language has been introduced as a secondary subject. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has developed flexible pathways for out-of-school children and even for Agniveers to complete their education.

  • Three terrorists killed in Op Mahadev were involved in Pahalgam terror attack: HM Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the three terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev on Monday were directly involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

    Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing debate on Operation Sindoor, Shah said, “Yesterday, the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police neutralised three terrorists — Suleiman, Afghan, and Jibran. Suleiman was a top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for the Pahalgam and Gagangir terror attacks. Multiple pieces of evidence support his involvement.”

    He added that Afghan and Jibran were also senior Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.

    “I want to inform the House that the terrorists who killed our citizens in Baisaran Valley have now been eliminated,” Shah said.

    “The people who used to supply food to them were detained earlier. Once the bodies of these terrorists were brought to Srinagar, they were identified by those who were kept detained by our agencies,” Shah added

    The anti-terror operation took place in the Lidwas area, as confirmed by the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army on Monday.

  • NISAR set to transform earth science with ISRO-NASA collaboration

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The first images of Earth were captured in 1946 through a motion camera picture. The world stood still from far above while its floor held the chaos on its surface and beneath all the land. Almost eight decades from then, the world will now see what is on and under Earth in remarkable detail, all thanks to the collaborative project between ISRO and NASA called “NISAR.” Slated to be launched on July 30 from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Center,the mission is set to change the course of how we see this planet.

    What exactly is NISAR?

    NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) aims to monitor Earth’s surface using advanced radar imaging. A three-dimensional view of Earth will be generated through the two radars of NISARthat will be able to track changes in the surface with accuracy of a fraction of an inch. This project, which cost around $1.4 billion, is more than just a testament of collaboration between NASA and ISRO but a scientific marvel in itself. NISAR is the most advanced radar system that will generate around 80 terabytes of data per day. That is equivalent to one hundred and fifty hard drives that can store 512 GB. This is the maximum amount of data that will be generated per day by any Earth satellite that has ever been launched by NASA or ISRO. TheS-Band Radar of NISAR was developed by ISRO’s center in Ahmedabad, and the L-Band Radar was produced by NASA in Southern California. The labelling “L and S Band” is attributed to the microwave bandwidth regions from which the radar will collect the data.

    How will this data from NISAR change things for scientists?

    NISAR will map changes on the surface of Earth.Broadly, the applications can be seen in natural hazard monitoring, assessment of sea, ice, and glaciers, and also in crop management. The satellite will be able to see through clouds, rain, and in both day and night. The data will be able to provide insights into the time of glacial melting and provide unprecedented coverage ofAntarctica. Moreover, through NISAR, it will be possible to identify the parts of fault lines that move slowly and detect land movement essential for understanding and detecting earthquakes. Earthquakes have damaged large dams, like Koyna in 1967 and Shih-Gang in 1999, due to shaking or fault movement. NISAR satellite data can help prevent such failures by mapping ground shifts and fault risks with high precision.

    The satellite will be used for ecosystem monitoring for land and ice-covered surfaces twice every twelve days and will also include parts of Earth that were not monitored so rigorously and with such frequency in the past. From forest canopies to croplands and from ice melts to land movements, NISAR will cover everything. Such detailed monitoring with advanced radar systems will thus paint a fresh picture of the planet in front of scientists. The data collected by NISAR is open access and is expected to unravel details of land movement and of ecosystems that may provide novel insights.From scientists to policymakers, this data will revolutionize our understanding of the planet.

    Space Diplomacy and India’s new chapter in space

    The NISAR project is critical to the US and India’s pioneering year of civil space cooperation. It was only in February 2025 when PM Modi visited the US and met President Donald Trump; the leaders hailed 2025 as a pioneering year for the U.S.-India civil space cooperation. The cooperation saw a bright beginning with the AXIOM Mission where Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla traveled to space in a collaborative mission with NASA, making him only the second after Rakesh Sharma after a gap of almost four decades. It is clear that India is scripting a new chapter in space diplomacy, and it is not restricted only to the USA. ISRO has ongoing collaborative missions with other countries like France,Japan, Australia, Russia, Italy, and Europe. Given the success rate of ISRO, it has also become a key player in foreign launches with 433 foreign satellite launches from 34 countries. ISRO is pioneering space diplomacy through strategic international collaborations, fostering global cooperation and scientific advancement. By sharing expertise, resources, and satellite data, ISRO enhances global space research, promotes peaceful exploration, and positions India as a leader in space diplomacy.

    Radar, Real-Time, and Responsibility

    The NISAR mission marks a monumental leap in Earth observation, uniting ISRO and NASA in a shared vision to unravel our planet’s dynamic processes. By delivering unprecedented radar data, NISAR will empower scientists and policymakers to tackle climate change, natural disasters, and sustainable resource management with newfound precision. Beyond its scientific impact, the mission underscores India’s growing stature in space diplomacy, forging global partnerships that advance peaceful exploration and collective knowledge. As ISRO continues to collaborate with nations like the U.S., France, and Japan, NISAR stands as a beacon of innovation, cooperation, and India’s leadership in shaping the future of space exploration.

    (Pooja Mishra is a Content Researcher at DD India)

  • EU proposes curbs on Israel research funding over Gaza crisis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union’s executive body recommended on Monday curbing Israeli access to its flagship research funding programme after calls from EU countries to increase pressure on Israel to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    Multiple EU countries said last week that Israel was not living up to its commitments under an agreement with the European Union on increasing aid supplies to Gaza and asked the European Commission to put concrete options on the table.

    The proposal to partially suspend Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe programme needs approval from a qualified majority of EU countries to take effect – at least 15 of the EU’s 27 members, representing at least 65% of its population.

    The European Commission said in a statement that the proposal comes as a reaction to a review of Israel’s compliance with the human rights clause of an agreement governing its relations with the EU.

    The bloc’s diplomatic service said in June that there were indications that Israel had breached its obligations under the terms of the pact.

    “While Israel has announced a daily humanitarian pause in Gaza fighting and has met some of its commitments under the common understanding on humanitarian aid and access, the situation remains severe,” the Commission said on Monday.

    The U.N.’s World Food Programme has said that almost 470,000 people in Gaza are enduring famine-like conditions, with 90,000 women and children in need of specialist nutrition treatments.

    The Israeli government has rejected international criticism of its policies in the enclave.

    Israel’s foreign ministry said in a post on social media platform X on Monday that the Commission’s move was “mistaken, regrettable, and unjustified” and that it hoped EU member countries would not adopt the proposal.

    Israel has been participating in the EU’s research programs since 1996, taking part in thousands of joint projects over the past decades.

    The Commission said the proposal would impact the participation of Israeli entities in the bloc’s European Innovation Council Accelerator “which targets start-ups and small businesses with disruptive innovations and emerging technologies that have potential dual-use applications, such as in cybersecurity, drones, and artificial intelligence”.

    It did not say how much funding would be affected by the proposed freeze.

    (Reuters)

     

  • Global hunger falls but conflict and climate threaten progress, UN says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The number of hungry people around the world fell for a third straight year in 2024, retreating from a COVID-era spike, even as conflict and climate shocks deepened malnutrition across much of Africa and western Asia, a U.N. report said on Monday.

    Around 673 million people, or 8.2% of the world’s population, experienced hunger in 2024, down from 8.5% in 2023, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, jointly prepared by five U.N. agencies.

    They said the report focussed on chronic, long-term problems and did not fully reflect the impact of acute crises brought on by specific events and wars, including Gaza.

    Maximo Torero, the chief economist for the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization, said improved access to food in South America and India had driven the overall decline but cautioned that conflict and other factors in places such as Africa and the Middle East risked undoing those gains.

    “If conflict continues to grow, of course, if vulnerabilities continue to grow, and the debt stress continues to increase, the numbers will increase again,” he told Reuters on the sidelines of a U.N. food summit in Ethiopia.

    “Conflict continues to drive hunger from Gaza to Sudan and beyond,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in remarks delivered by video link to the summit. “Hunger further feeds future instability and undermines peace.”

    In 2024, the most significant progress was registered in South America and Southern Asia, the U.N. report said.

    In South America, the hunger rate fell to 3.8% in 2024 from 4.2% in 2023. In Southern Asia, it fell to 11% from 12.2%.

    Progress in South America was underpinned by better agricultural productivity and social programmes like school meals, Torero said. In Southern Asia, it was mostly due to new data from India showing more people with access to healthy diets.

    The overall 2024 hunger numbers were still higher than the 7.5% recorded in 2019 before the COVID pandemic.

    The picture is very different in Africa, where productivity gains are not keeping up with high population growth and the impacts of conflict, extreme weather and inflation.

    In 2024, more than one in five people on the continent, 307 million, were chronically undernourished, meaning hunger is more prevalent than it was 20 years ago.

    Africa is projected to account for nearly 60% of the world’s hungry people by 2030, the report said.

    The gap between global food price inflation and overall inflation peaked in January 2023, driving up the cost of diets and hitting low-income nations hardest, the report said.

    Overall adult obesity rose to nearly 16% in 2022, from 12% in 2012, it added.

    The number of people unable to afford a healthy diet dropped globally in the past five years to 2.6 billion in 2024 from 2.76 billion in 2019, the report said.

    (Reuters)

  • DRDO successfully conducts range validation tests of ‘Pralay’ missile system

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the range capabilities of the indigenous quasi-ballistic missile system ‘Pralay’ over two consecutive days from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The trials were conducted as part of the User Evaluation Trials in collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces.

    According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, both minimum and maximum range capabilities of the missile were validated during the flight tests held on Monday and Tuesday. The missile followed the predetermined trajectory and precisely hit the designated targets, fulfilling all mission objectives.

    All onboard subsystems functioned as expected, and data from the tests were recorded using a network of tracking sensors and instruments, including those mounted on a ship stationed near the impact zone.

    The ‘Pralay’ missile, developed by DRDO, is a solid propellant-driven, surface-to-surface weapon system designed to carry various types of warheads and engage multiple target profiles. The development involved several DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, and other key institutions, in collaboration with industry partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and several MSMEs.

    The trials were observed by senior DRDO scientists, representatives from the Indian Air Force and Indian Army, as well as industry stakeholders.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry partners for the successful trials. He said that the missile system, equipped with advanced technologies, will enhance the nation’s defence capabilities.

    Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, congratulated the teams involved and said the successful completion of these phase-1 flight tests marks a crucial step toward the missile’s eventual induction into the Armed Forces.

    -IANS

  • IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Rajasthan, MP and northeast; AQI improves in Delhi after downpour

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Several parts of India are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued intense precipitation over eastern Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh between July 29 and 31, with isolated locations in western MP likely to experience extremely heavy rain on Tuesday.

    States in the northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, are also expected to witness heavy rainfall over the next seven days, with activity likely to intensify from August 1 onwards. Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to reduce gradually over the southern peninsula over the next six to seven days, and over central India starting August 1.

    In the past 24 hours, extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 21 cm) was recorded in isolated areas of western Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy showers were also observed in parts of eastern Rajasthan, Punjab, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, and Mizoram. Isolated places in the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Gangetic West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh also received heavy rain.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In Delhi-NCR, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy from July 29 to August 1, with light to moderate rain and occasional thunderstorms and lightning.

    On Tuesday, Delhi-NCR received heavy rain in the morning which led to improvement in the air quality index (AQI).

    In its weather report for Delhi-NCR, IMD predicted at isolated places on Tuesday, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 29°C and 31°C. The following days will see similar weather, with maximum temperatures staying below normal by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures hovering between 23°C and 26°C.

    By August 1, the capital may experience only very light to light rainfall, with skies turning partly cloudy. Temperatures are projected to rise slightly, with maximums between 33°C and 35°C, though still remaining below the seasonal average. Winds will predominantly be from the southeast, shifting gradually to southwest and northwest directions through the day.

  • India’s tiger reserves rise from 46 to 58 since 2014: Bhupender Yadav

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Tuesday announced that the number of tiger reserves in India has grown from 46 in 2014 to 58 as of 2025. The statement was made during the Global Tiger Day 2025 celebrations held at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi.

    Presiding over the event, the Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining ecological balance, fostering conservation awareness among children, and cultivating gratitude towards nature. He praised the role of schools and teachers in educating the younger generation about wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation.

    Yadav highlighted that this expansion in tiger reserves is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protecting India’s national animal. He noted that the government continues to prioritize environmental sustainability as part of its broader development agenda.

    Marking one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in the world, the Minister announced the launch of a massive nationwide tree plantation drive. Under this initiative, more than one lakh saplings will be planted across all 58 tiger reserves, with each reserve planting approximately 2,000 indigenous trees in degraded forest areas to support habitat restoration and ecological health.

    In a move to inspire public participation, the Minister encouraged citizens, especially children, to plant a tree in their mother’s name under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Describing the symbolic connection between motherhood and nature, Yadav said that just as a mother nurtures her child, Mother Earth offers shelter, food, and oxygen selflessly. He urged everyone to plant a tree in honor of their mothers and for the sake of the planet.

    Yadav also spotlighted India’s leadership in global big cat conservation through the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an initiative launched by India to protect all seven big cat species worldwide. He informed that 24 countries have already joined the alliance, and its headquarters will be established in India, further positioning the country at the forefront of international wildlife conservation.

    Addressing the youth, the Minister urged them to lead lives marked by humility, patience, and determination. He called on them to actively contribute to sustainable living and conservation efforts under the government’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which promotes environmentally conscious behavior.

    The Global Tiger Day celebrations also included the virtual inauguration of plantation drives across all tiger reserves, as well as the opening of forest nurseries in three locations across the Aravalli landscape. These nurseries will serve as a sustainable source of native plant species for afforestation and ecological restoration. Another key initiative launched during the event was the ‘Plastic-Free Tiger Reserves’ campaign, aimed at phasing out single-use plastics within all tiger reserves across India.

    The event featured the release of four important publications under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These included a report on the “Status of Small Cats in the Tiger Landscape of India”, the Global Tiger Day special edition of STRIPES Magazine, and two books titled Waterfalls of Tiger Reserves in India and Water Bodies Inside Tiger Reserves of India, authored by Bharat Lal and Dr. S.P. Yadav.

    As part of recognizing contributions to wildlife protection, Yadav presented NTCA awards across seven categories. These included awards for individuals and groups who demonstrated excellence in wildlife crime investigation, habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, public engagement, voluntary relocation, and posthumous recognition for those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

    (with ANI inputs)

  • India’s digital payments index rises sharply to 493.22, says RBI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Signalling India’s accelerating digital payments revolution, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday announced that its Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) surged to 493.22 in March 2025, up from 465.33 in September 2024.

    The RBI-DPI, introduced in January 2021 with March 2018 as the base period set at 100, is designed to track the extent of digitalisation in payments across the country. The consistent upward trend reflects India’s rapid adoption of digital payment systems, spanning both urban and rural areas.

    According to the RBI, the latest increase is primarily driven by improvements in Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors – and Payment Performance. These include an expanded merchant acceptance network, wider adoption of QR code-based payments, robust growth in Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, and improved availability of digital banking services nationwide.

    This upward momentum highlights a broader transformation in the country’s payments ecosystem, supported by government initiatives such as Digital India, growing smartphone penetration, and active fintech innovation.

    The RBI-DPI has shown steady growth since its inception. In March 2019, it stood at 153.47, rising to 207.84 by March 2020. By March 2022, the index had reached 349.30 – a more than threefold increase from the base year.

    It continued to rise, recording 445.50 in March 2024 and 465.33 by September 2024. The current level of 493.22 in March 2025 marks a more than fourfold increase in digital payment activity since 2018.

    As India moves closer to becoming a digital economy, the RBI-DPI is expected to play a crucial role in policy formulation and benchmarking progress. The latest surge also comes as a positive sign amid global concerns about digital inequality and access to financial services.

    (ANI)

     

  • Kremlin says it ‘noted’ Trump’s statement on shorter deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it had “taken note” of a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump that he was shortening his deadline for Moscow to sign up to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sanctions.

    Trump set a new deadline on Monday of 10 or 12 days for Russia to make progress toward ending the war in Ukraine or face consequences, underscoring frustration with President Vladimir Putin over the 3-1/2-year-old conflict.

    Asked about Trump’s statement on Tuesday during a conference call with reporters, the Kremlin kept its remarks short.

    “We have taken note of President Trump’s statement yesterday. The special military operation continues,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, employing the term that Moscow uses for its war effort in Ukraine.

    “We remain committed to a peace process to resolve the conflict around Ukraine and to ensure our interests in the course of this settlement.”

    Trump threatened on July 14 to impose new sanctions on Russia and buyers of its exports within 50 days, a deadline which would have expired in early September.

    But on Monday, during a visit to Britain, he shortened that deadline and said:

    “There’s no reason in waiting… We just don’t see any progress being made.”

    Trump, who has held half a dozen calls with the Kremlin leader since returning to the White House in January, also said he was “not so interested in talking any more”.

    Peskov declined to comment on that remark.

    (Reuters)

  • The vicious injury cycle of India’s fast bowlers: what’s causing it and how can it be fixed?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s persistent fast-bowling injury crisis is back in focus after a string of setbacks ahead of the Manchester Test against England. Young quicks Akash Deep (groin), Nitish Kumar Reddy (knee ligament), and Arshdeep Singh (cut on bowling hand) were ruled out, compounding a problem that has increasingly derailed India’s pace resources in recent years.

    The latest absentees join a growing list of sidelined fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik — both of whom have missed substantial game time due to recurring injuries. Mayank, who impressed with raw pace in the IPL, is now recovering from back surgery in New Zealand. Umran, who briefly returned for Kolkata Knight Riders, is still under rehabilitation after a hip injury and dengue.

    Injuries to Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan, both recovering from knee surgeries, have triggered fresh scrutiny of India’s pace management systems. Concerns now extend beyond injury prevention to how workload, preparation, and rehabilitation are structured.

    ‘Under-bowled generation’

    Steffan Jones, a specialist fast bowling coach and former Rajasthan Royals consultant, said India’s current crop of quicks is suffering from inadequate exposure to sustained high-intensity bowling during formative years.

    “There’s a generation of bowlers getting injured because they didn’t bowl enough when they were younger,” Jones told IANS. “Workload spikes — such as bowling 10 overs one week and 50 the next — are causing these problems. The body hasn’t adapted gradually.”

    He added that bowling in nets lacks the match-day intensity and shouldn’t be counted towards workload totals. “The mismatch between low-volume, high-intensity loads is a key factor. Bowlers are undercooked when asked to deliver in pressure situations.”

    Technique, strength and flawed coaching methods

    Jones also pointed to biomechanical flaws and strength deficiencies. “Fast bowling is about torque and speed — generated through trunk-pelvis separation — and that isn’t being taught properly. Many coaches coach the way they played, which is outdated.”

    On strength, Jones said cricketers are not as physically developed as athletes in sports with similar movement profiles, such as javelin or sprinting. “Cricketers across nations are just not strong enough. That’s a fact.”

    Lumbar stress fractures: a recurring theme

    Several Indian quicks, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna, have suffered lumbar stress fractures — often linked to workload surges. John Gloster, Rajasthan Royals’ head physiotherapist and former India physio, said such injuries carry long-term risks.

    “Post-fracture, bone mineral density in the injured area remains low for 12–18 months, increasing the chance of recurrence,” Gloster said. “Spikes in load, along with low Vitamin D3 levels, make the bone extremely vulnerable.”

    Bumrah vs Mayank: A case study in development

    Bumrah, despite early doubts over his unorthodox action, climbed steadily through U-19, domestic, and IPL levels before breaking into the national team — playing over 20 domestic matches before his India debut. In contrast, Mayank featured in only one Ranji Trophy match and limited List A and T20 appearances before being fast-tracked.

    While Bumrah has battled injuries — notably back fractures in 2019 and 2023 — his progress has been more consistent. Mayank’s stop-start career, punctuated by side strains, toe issues, and back problems, underscores the challenges facing fast-tracking decisions.

    “Mayank doesn’t have any technical flaw that would make him prone to constant injuries,” said Jones. “But I’d question how much bowling he did when younger. Over- or under-bowling at that stage can both be harmful.”

    Rehab under scrutiny

    The standard rehabilitation protocol begins with injury assessment at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), followed by a return-to-play process. But sources say the system lacks consistency.

    “There’s often no structured plan,” a source familiar with the process said on condition of anonymity. “Players rest for 15 days, then start running and training without proper progression. It’s a disorganised approach.”

    Ashish Kaushik, former CoE head physio and now with Lucknow Super Giants, acknowledged the complexity of fast-bowler rehab. “Diagnoses are usually accurate, but the post-diagnosis rehab and return timelines must be precise. That’s where we need to improve.”

    He also raised questions about workload monitoring. “Managing gym and on-field workload is just as important as monitoring skills workload. Definitions of workload management need to evolve.”

    Fast-tracking pace at a cost

    India’s dearth of genuine 150+ kmph bowlers — such as Mayank and Umran — puts added pressure on rare talents, who are often rushed into top-level cricket. Without patient, long-term development plans, injuries become almost inevitable.

    “Mayank’s body went into protection mode after repeated breakdowns,” Jones said. “He needs a tailored plan — not added muscle, but a stronger core and specific movement training, including sprinting and jumping.”

    The broader concern, experts say, is cultural. A shift in mindset is needed among coaches, support staff, and administrators — one that prioritises long-term sustainability over short-term gains.

    A system under strain

    As India continues to suffer from recurring fast-bowling breakdowns, questions grow louder: Are players being rushed back? Are rehab protocols being followed correctly? And most crucially, is the system equipped to manage and preserve its rarest pace talents?

    Unless those questions are addressed, the cycle of injuries — and setbacks for team strategies — may continue.

    (With agency input)

  • ENG vs IND: Jadeja, Washington pull off epic rescue act as India draw Manchester Test, keep series alive

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India pulled off a remarkable escape to force a draw in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford on Sunday, riding on a spirited batting display led by Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.

    Facing a daunting 311-run deficit and reduced to 0/2 early in their second innings, India responded with defiance, batting through more than five sessions for the loss of just two additional wickets. They finished the final day on 425/4, denying England a series-clinching win.

    Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front with a resolute century — his fourth of the series — while Jadeja and Sundar struck unbeaten hundreds of their own, frustrating the hosts in front of a silenced Old Trafford crowd.

    Earlier, England had set up the game with the bat, piling on 669 in their first innings — their fifth-highest total in Test history. But their bowlers failed to make inroads on a pitch that gradually flattened out, allowing the visitors to claw their way back into the contest.

    The result keeps the five-match series alive at 2-1 in England’s favour. The hosts now head to the final Test at The Oval, starting Thursday, needing to avoid defeat to secure the series.

  • India-UK FTA reflects nation’s growing strength: Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) reflects the growing strength and global standing of the country.

    Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony here, the Union Minister described the FTA as the most comprehensive free trade agreement India has signed to date.

    “This agreement is a result of the trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi has built globally. It has enabled India to negotiate and finalise trade deals with developed nations, not as competitors but as complementary partners,” Goyal said.

    He added that the FTA would unlock new opportunities for India and stands as a testament to the country’s rising stature on the world stage.

    The Minister noted that over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has transformed from a fragile economy into one of the world’s top five.

    “By 2027, India will become the third-largest economy globally,” he said.

    Goyal also highlighted that India’s growing confidence has empowered it to engage in successful free trade agreements with advanced economies.

    Negotiations are currently underway with countries such as New Zealand, Oman, and the United States, as well as with the 27-member European Union.

    He further emphasised that the Modi government has opened new avenues for farmers, fishermen, and industries, leading to a sharp rise in exports.

    The government aims to double exports in the next five years. “Millions of youth are finding employment in the services sector, and the world now recognises PM Modi as one of the most respected and popular global leaders,” Goyal stated.

    In a post on social media platform X, the Minister also said, “Today, India is not just being seen — it is dominating global markets.”

    He spoke in detail about the benefits the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is bringing to various sectors, including agriculture, MSMEs, gems and jewellery, the fishing community, textiles, electronics and IT, and services.

    Goyal added, “Under Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership, India has established a strong and influential identity on the global stage. The India-UK FTA is a living example of that progress. It is a historic agreement that is opening new doors for every section of Indian society.”

    He further said that this step is extremely significant in every sense, as it will help fulfil the vision of a developed India by 2047.

    —IANS

  • India-UK FTA reflects nation’s growing strength: Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) reflects the growing strength and global standing of the country.

    Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony here, the Union Minister described the FTA as the most comprehensive free trade agreement India has signed to date.

    “This agreement is a result of the trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi has built globally. It has enabled India to negotiate and finalise trade deals with developed nations, not as competitors but as complementary partners,” Goyal said.

    He added that the FTA would unlock new opportunities for India and stands as a testament to the country’s rising stature on the world stage.

    The Minister noted that over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has transformed from a fragile economy into one of the world’s top five.

    “By 2027, India will become the third-largest economy globally,” he said.

    Goyal also highlighted that India’s growing confidence has empowered it to engage in successful free trade agreements with advanced economies.

    Negotiations are currently underway with countries such as New Zealand, Oman, and the United States, as well as with the 27-member European Union.

    He further emphasised that the Modi government has opened new avenues for farmers, fishermen, and industries, leading to a sharp rise in exports.

    The government aims to double exports in the next five years. “Millions of youth are finding employment in the services sector, and the world now recognises PM Modi as one of the most respected and popular global leaders,” Goyal stated.

    In a post on social media platform X, the Minister also said, “Today, India is not just being seen — it is dominating global markets.”

    He spoke in detail about the benefits the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is bringing to various sectors, including agriculture, MSMEs, gems and jewellery, the fishing community, textiles, electronics and IT, and services.

    Goyal added, “Under Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership, India has established a strong and influential identity on the global stage. The India-UK FTA is a living example of that progress. It is a historic agreement that is opening new doors for every section of Indian society.”

    He further said that this step is extremely significant in every sense, as it will help fulfil the vision of a developed India by 2047.

    —IANS

  • Vaccines prevented over 2.5 million COVID deaths worldwide: Study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vaccines have prevented more than 2.5 million deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, according to a new study.

    Led by researchers from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, the study found that one COVID-related death was avoided for every 5,400 vaccine doses administered.

    About 82% of the lives saved involved people who were vaccinated before contracting the virus. Additionally, 57% of the total lives saved were during the Omicron period, and 90% of the deaths prevented were among individuals aged 60 and above.

    Overall, the study estimated that vaccines saved 14.8 million years of life globally—equivalent to one year of life saved for every 900 doses administered. The findings were published in the JAMA Health Forum journal.

    “Previous studies attempted to estimate lives saved by vaccines using different models, timeframes, or regional data,” said Dr. Angelo Maria Pezzullo and Dr. Antonio Cristiano. “However, this study is the most comprehensive to date. It uses global data, includes the Omicron period, quantifies life years saved, and is based on fewer assumptions regarding pandemic trends.”

    For the analysis, researchers examined global population data and applied a series of statistical models to determine who became ill with COVID-19—either before or after vaccination—and during or after the Omicron period, including age and mortality outcomes.

    “We compared this data with modeled estimates assuming no COVID vaccination. This allowed us to calculate how many people were saved and the number of life years gained due to vaccination,” explained Dr. Pezzullo.

    The study also revealed that 76% of the saved life years were among people over 60. However, residents of long-term care facilities accounted for only 2% of the total benefit.

    Children and adolescents accounted for just 0.01% of lives saved and 0.1% of life years saved. Similarly, young adults aged 20–29 contributed 0.07% of lives saved and 0.3% of life years saved, the researchers noted.

    —IANS

  • PM Modi lauds fish farmer who turned Maoist-hit Gumla into aquaculture hub

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spotlighted a compelling example of grassroots transformation, sharing a poignant story from Gumla district in Jharkhand — a region once shadowed by Maoist violence that now glows with the promise of peace and livelihood.

    The Prime Minister narrated the journey of Om Prakash Sahu, a young man from Basia block who once stood at the precipice of violence but chose a different path.

    Amid threats and isolation, Sahu took up fish farming, gradually steering others toward peaceful employment.

    His determination sparked a quiet revolution — turning a conflict-ridden zone into a hub of aquatic entrepreneurship. Once marked by deserted villages and widespread migration, Gumla has witnessed a steady turnaround.

    Sahu’s initiative, bolstered by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, opened avenues for training, infrastructure, and financial support, leading to the creation of multiple fishponds across the block.

    “Today, over 150 families in Basia — including many who were once part of Maoist groups — have embraced aquaculture. They now enjoy dignified livelihoods within their own villages and are contributing to local employment,” the Prime Minister said.

    “If the path is right and there is trust in the mind, the lamp of development can be lit even in the most difficult circumstances,” he added.

    The transformation of Gumla reflects the broader narrative PM Modi emphasised in Mann Ki Baat — how resilience, coupled with government-backed schemes, can redirect lives from despair to productivity.

    His remarks drew attention not only to individual courage but also to the enabling role of targeted development policies.

    As the country nears the 78th Independence Day, the Prime Minister’s message resonated deeply: that true freedom lies not just in governance but in empowering citizens to rewrite their own stories.

    The example of Gumla stands as a beacon — where darkness once reigned, the light of hope now flickers through community-led change and state support.

    IANS

  • Operation Sindoor has instilled new confidence and unity across the nation: PM Modi in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message to the world that India will respond strongly to any threat against its security and sovereignty.

    Speaking at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district, the PM said, “Today’s India prioritises its security. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed that if anyone threatens India’s sovereignty, the country will respond in their own language.”

    “This operation has instilled a new sense of confidence and ignited a spirit of unity across the nation. There is no haven for India’s enemies and terrorists anywhere in the world”, PM Modi added.

    The Prime Minister was addressing a special function marking the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival and the 1000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola’s maritime expedition to Southeast Asia.

    The event was held at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, a UNESCO-recognised marvel built by Rajendra Chola I.

    IANS

  • PM Modi announces statues for Chola kings Rajaraja, Rajendra at Gangaikonda Cholapuram event

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that grand statues of Chola emperors Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola will be erected in Tamil Nadu to honour their contributions to Indian history and culture.

    Speaking at a special function at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district, PM Modi said that the Chola Empire represented a golden era of India, marked by achievements in architecture, governance, diplomacy, trade, and cultural integration.

    “The Cholas established strong political and trade ties with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. It is a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I stand here in the land once ruled by these visionary kings,” he remarked.

    Reflecting on India’s civilizational values, the Prime Minister said, “The Cholas pioneered democratic principles even before Britain. Their *kudavolai* system is considered one of the earliest forms of participatory democracy. They were also leaders in water management and temple architecture.”

    PM Modi also praised Tamil Nadu’s deep Shaivite traditions and noted that more than 30 stolen antiquities retrieved by the Union government from across the globe belonged to Tamil Nadu.

    “Shaivite poet Thirumoolar said, ‘Anbe Sivam’ — Love is God. If the world adopts this idea, many of today’s crises, such as instability, violence, and environmental destruction, can be resolved. India is taking this message to the world through ‘One World, One Family, One Future,’” he added.

    Offering prayers at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara, PM Modi said, “I prayed for the well-being of 140 crore Indians and the continued progress of the nation. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity.”

    Governor R.N. Ravi, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu (representing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin), Union Minister of State L. Murugan, and VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan were among the dignitaries present at the event.

    IANS

  • Tamil Nadu: PM Modi releases commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I at grand Aadi Thiruvathirai celebration

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, marking the birth anniversary of the illustrious Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I, at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district.

    As part of the ceremony, the Prime Minister released a commemorative coin in honour of the Chola king, celebrating his contributions to Indian history, architecture, and maritime legacy.

    Dressed in traditional Tamil attire — a white veshti (dhoti), half-sleeved shirt, and angavastram (upper cloth) — the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, also known as the Brihadisvara Temple, which was built by Rajendra Chola I as a replica of his father Rajaraja Chola I’s temple in Thanjavur.

    The temple, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, is considered a masterpiece of Chola architecture and Saivite tradition.

    Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with ‘poorna kumbham’ honours before entering the temple premises.

    He performed ‘abhishekam’ for the presiding deity, Choleeswarar (Lord Shiva), using sanctified water brought from the Ganga in Varanasi.

    The Prime Minister also offered ‘deeparadhana’ (worship with lamps) and witnessed Tamil ‘Shivaacharyas’ chanting Vedic hymns in Tamil as part of the traditional rituals.

    The PM visited various shrines within the temple complex, including those dedicated to Goddess Durga, Parvati, and Lord Murugan, and spent considerable time admiring the intricate sculptures and bronze icons dating back to the Chola era.

    The Prime Minister was particularly fascinated by the stone-carved statues, copper plates, and metal idols that reflect the richness of the Chola dynasty’s cultural and spiritual life.

    During the ceremony, ‘odhuvars’ (temple singers) rendered sacred Saivite hymns, while renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja performed compositions from ‘Thiruvasagam’, the devotional verses of Tamil saint-poet Manikkavasagar.

    The event also marked the millennial celebration of Rajendra Chola’s legendary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, which showcased the Chola empire’s naval prowess and far-reaching influence.

    The Prime Minister also visited a thematic photo exhibition on ‘Saiva Siddhanta and Chola Temple Arts’ organised by the ASI and interacted with scholars about the legacy of Rajendra Chola I, expressing deep appreciation for the dynasty’s contributions to Indian history and architecture.

    —IANS

  • Aim is to make India a sporting superpower, says PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared his vision for making India a sporting superpower and praised the Indian contingent for winning nearly 600 medals at the recent World Police and Fire Games.

    In the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ has been widely appreciated.

    “The goal of this policy is clear — to make India a sporting superpower,” he said, adding that startups related to sports, whether in sports management or manufacturing, will be supported in every possible way.

    The PM said the policy gives special attention to villages, the underprivileged, and daughters. “Schools and colleges will now make sports a part of everyday life,” he said.

    “Imagine how much strength the mission of self-reliance would gain when the youth of the country play with self-made rackets, bats, and balls. Friends, sports create team spirit. This is the path to fitness, self-confidence, and building a strong India. So, play a lot and blossom a lot,” he added.

    Speaking about the biennial World Police and Fire Games, which concluded on July 6 in Birmingham, Alabama, PM Modi said India’s uniformed heroes are making headlines not just through their service, but also in sports.

    “This time, the tournament was held in America, and India created history. We won close to 600 medals and ranked among the top three out of 71 countries. The hard work of our uniformed personnel, who serve the country day and night, has paid off. These friends of ours are now raising the tricolour in the sports arena as well. I congratulate all the players and the coaching team,” he said.

    The Prime Minister also tested the listeners’ knowledge by asking, “Do you know which is the biggest sporting event after the Olympics? The answer is — the World Police and Fire Games… a sports tournament between policemen, firefighters, and security personnel from all over the world.”

    He added, “By the way, it will also interest you to know that in 2029, these games will be held in India. Players from across the world will come to our country. We will showcase India’s hospitality and introduce them to our sports culture.”

    The government plans to host the event in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar.

    —IANS