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Category: Government of India

  • Heavy rainfall likely in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand over next 5 days: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next five days.

    As per IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue over large parts of northwest, central, eastern, and northeastern India, as well as along the west coast, over the next six to seven days.

    Extremely heavy rainfall – measuring 21 cm or more – is likely at isolated locations in east Rajasthan, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, south coastal Maharashtra and Goa, and parts of coastal and south interior Karnataka today.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the national capital region, Delhi is likely to see partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.

    Today, the maximum temperature is expected to range between 36°C and 38°C, with very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast at speeds under 20 kmph during the afternoon, decreasing to 10–15 kmph by night.

    On July 4, the weather will remain partly cloudy with chances of light rainfall and thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 36–38°C and 26–28°C, respectively, remaining close to the seasonal average. Winds will be lighter, ranging from 8 to 15 kmph, mostly from the southeast and southwest directions.

    By July 5, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is predicted, accompanied by a drop in temperatures. The maximum temperature is expected to settle between 35°C and 37°C, while the minimum may fall to 24–26°C—1 to 3°C below normal. Winds will be relatively light, shifting from east to southeast during the day and picking up slightly by evening.

    July 6 may bring further relief, with moderate rainfall expected and temperatures dipping further. The maximum temperature may range from 32°C to 34°C—3 to 5°C below normal—while the minimum is likely to stay between 26°C and 28°C. Winds will predominantly blow from the southwest at light speeds throughout the day.

  • Heavy rainfall likely in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand over next 5 days: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next five days.

    As per IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue over large parts of northwest, central, eastern, and northeastern India, as well as along the west coast, over the next six to seven days.

    Extremely heavy rainfall – measuring 21 cm or more – is likely at isolated locations in east Rajasthan, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, south coastal Maharashtra and Goa, and parts of coastal and south interior Karnataka today.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the national capital region, Delhi is likely to see partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.

    Today, the maximum temperature is expected to range between 36°C and 38°C, with very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast at speeds under 20 kmph during the afternoon, decreasing to 10–15 kmph by night.

    On July 4, the weather will remain partly cloudy with chances of light rainfall and thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 36–38°C and 26–28°C, respectively, remaining close to the seasonal average. Winds will be lighter, ranging from 8 to 15 kmph, mostly from the southeast and southwest directions.

    By July 5, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is predicted, accompanied by a drop in temperatures. The maximum temperature is expected to settle between 35°C and 37°C, while the minimum may fall to 24–26°C—1 to 3°C below normal. Winds will be relatively light, shifting from east to southeast during the day and picking up slightly by evening.

    July 6 may bring further relief, with moderate rainfall expected and temperatures dipping further. The maximum temperature may range from 32°C to 34°C—3 to 5°C below normal—while the minimum is likely to stay between 26°C and 28°C. Winds will predominantly blow from the southwest at light speeds throughout the day.

  • Can carbon pricing curb climate change and where does India stand?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carbon pricing is increasingly recognized worldwide as a powerful tool to combat the devastating impacts of climate change. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Let’s explore this transformative approach to driving a greener and more sustainable future.

    Carbon pricing is a policy mechanism that puts a financial cost on greenhouse gas emissions. This policy tool is primarily aimed at discouraging emitters of the greenhouse gas especially carbon dioxide and encouraging individuals, industries and other stakeholders to reduce such emissions to save the mother earth, as climate change is causing a great deal of damage in almost every part of the world, which appears irreparable in several cases.  

    Driven largely by the excessive emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, climate change is increasingly posing a critical threat to global ecosystems, economies and societies. In the process, one of the most effective tools developed to mitigate these emissions is carbon pricing. This mechanism mandates to internalize the environmental damage caused by pollution, thus encouraging industries and consumers to reduce their carbon footprint.

    To understand it lucidly, carbon pricing is an economic strategy designed to reduce global warming. It reflects the cost of carbon emissions in the market, encouraging emitters to either reduce their emissions or pay for the same. In simple terms, it is a kind of financial penalty imposed on the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by the people, industries or other stakeholders.

    There are two primary forms of carbon pricing- carbon tax and cap-and-trade. Each of these mechanisms puts a price on carbon, but in different ways. While, carbon tax directly sets a price on carbon by defining a tax rate on greenhouse gas emissions or more commonly on the carbon content of fossil fuels, making it easier for businesses to plan future investments.

    Besides, carbon tax is imposed by the government on on fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas based on their carbon content. The higher the emissions associated with a fuel, the higher the tax, making high emission fuels more expensive, thus encouraging a shift towards cleaner energy sources. For example, Sweden has one of the highest carbon taxes in the world, set at around $130 per tonne of CO₂. The country has reduced carbon emissions significantly while maintaining economic growth since its adoption of the mechanism in 1991.

    On the other hand, under Cap-and-Trade or Emissions Trading System (ETS), the government sets a total cap on emissions and distributes or auctions emission permits to emitters. Companies can buy and sell these allowances, creating a market for carbon emissions. Without doubt, a cap limits total emissions for a group of industries or the entire economy.

    In this system, companies receive or purchase allowances representing the right to emit a specific amount of CO2, and if a company emits less than its allowance, it can sell the surplus to other companies. Similarly, if a company exceeds the allowance level, it must buy more. Here, it is interesting to note that the cap doesn’t remain fixed, but is gradually reduced over time to decrease total emissions.

    The European Union emissions trading system is the largest and most established cap-and-trade system, as it covers more than 11,000 power plants and factories across Europe and is a cornerstone of the EU’s climate policy.

    However, a number of countries worldwide have adopted carbon pricing mechanisms including those in Europe. Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, USA, New Zealand, Britain, South Africa, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Colombia, Ukrain, Indonesia, Vietnam and a few others have already adopted different mechanisms. The pioneers in the process are Sweden and Finland. While Sweden introduced it in 1991, Finland was the first country to introduce a carbon tax in 1990.

    While, the impacts of climate change are widespread, serious experienced across the globe, the trends to contain it through carbon pricing mechanisms are also encouraging. According to estimates, as of now, carbon pricing mechanisms cover about 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The total global value of carbon pricing instruments in operation exceeds $100 billion annually.

    At the same time, there is a growing push for international coordination, especially through article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to trade emissions reductions. Thus, the carbon market has grown rapidly in the past decade, fueled by increased climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and the development of regional and national carbon pricing mechanisms.

    To know more about how different countries of the world are responding to these initiatives, we can approach to the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Dashboard, which provides a comprehensive overview of carbon pricing initiatives worldwide, including their design, coverage and price levels. The World Bank report on the trends of carbon pricing also shows a significant increase in the number of operational carbon pricing instruments and highlights the growing trend of carbon pricing globally.

    In recent years, especially since Narendra Modi government came at the Centre, India has also been rapidly advancing toward a structured and regulated carbon pricing ecosystem. It is a part of India’s broader climate and sustainable development agenda.

    Amid the growing global focus on carbon markets and emissions trading, India is taking significant steps toward establishing a rate-based Emissions Trading System (ETS) along with complementary voluntary carbon credit mechanisms. The World Bank’s ‘State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025’ report highlights India’s expanding role as a key emerging economy shaping the future of global climate finance and carbon pricing architecture.

    Rate-based ETS refers to a system where total emissions are not capped but individual entities are allocated a performance benchmark that serves as a limit on their net emissions. Rate-based ETSs offer additional flexibility in managing future growth uncertainty as well as international competitiveness concerns.

    India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is a strategic initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon pricing. It comprises two main components- a compliance mechanism for obligated entities, especially for the industrial sector and an offset mechanism to enable voluntary participation.

    The scheme being worked out in India, is designed to incentivize and support efforts toward decarbonizing the Indian economy. By establishing the necessary institutional framework, the CCTS has laid the groundwork for the development of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).

    It’s heartening to note here that carbon pricing is no longer a niche policy meant for only rich countries, now it has become a mainstream tool for climate action worldwide including India and other developing countries. Whether through carbon taxes or emissions trading systems, countries are finding ways to internalize the environmental costs of carbon and transition toward a low-carbon future, which augur well for the future of the planet.  

  • China denies military base ambitions in Pacific Islands

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China’s embassy in Fiji denied on Thursday that Beijing wanted a military base or sphere of influence in the Pacific Islands, after Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said islands were trying to cope with a powerful China seeking to spread its influence.

    “The claims about China setting up a military base in the Pacific are false narratives,” an embassy spokesperson said in a statement.

    “China’s presence in the Pacific is focused on building roads and bridges to improve people’s livelihoods, not on stationing troops or setting up military bases.”

    Rabuka said on Wednesday his country had development cooperation with China, but was opposed to Beijing establishing a military base in the region. In any case, China did not need a base to project power in the region, he added.

    China tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in September that flew over Fiji to land 11,000 km (6,800 miles) from China in the international waters of the Pacific Ocean.

    “If they can very well target an empty space they can very well target occupied space,” Rabuka told the National Press Club in Canberra.

    Washington became concerned about China’s ambition to gain a military foothold in the Pacific Islands in 2018 when Beijing sought to redevelop a naval base in Papua New Guinea and a military base in Fiji. China was outbid by Australia for both projects.

    The concern resurfaced in 2022 when China signed a security pact with Solomon Islands, prompting Washington to warn it would respond if Beijing established a permanent military presence.

    In November, the outgoing U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell urged the Trump administration to keep its focus on the region because China wanted to build bases in the Pacific Islands.

    The Chinese embassy spokesperson said Fiji and China respect each other’s sovereignty.

    “China has no interest in geopolitical competition, or seeking the so-called ‘sphere of influence’,” the statement added.

    China has established a police presence in Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Vanuatu.

    (Reuters)

  • Heavy rainfall likely in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand over the next 5 days: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next five days.

    As per IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue over large parts of northwest, central, eastern, and northeastern India, as well as along the west coast, over the next six to seven days.

    Extremely heavy rainfall – measuring 21 cm or more – is likely at isolated locations in east Rajasthan, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, south coastal Maharashtra and Goa, and parts of coastal and south interior Karnataka today.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the national capital region, Delhi is likely to see partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.

    Today, the maximum temperature is expected to range between 36°C and 38°C, with very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast at speeds under 20 kmph during the afternoon, decreasing to 10–15 kmph by night.

    On July 4, the weather will remain partly cloudy with chances of light rainfall and thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 36–38°C and 26–28°C, respectively, remaining close to the seasonal average. Winds will be lighter, ranging from 8 to 15 kmph, mostly from the southeast and southwest directions.

    By July 5, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is predicted, accompanied by a drop in temperatures. The maximum temperature is expected to settle between 35°C and 37°C, while the minimum may fall to 24–26°C—1 to 3°C below normal. Winds will be relatively light, shifting from east to southeast during the day and picking up slightly by evening.

    July 6 may bring further relief, with moderate rainfall expected and temperatures dipping further. The maximum temperature may range from 32°C to 34°C—3 to 5°C below normal—while the minimum is likely to stay between 26°C and 28°C. Winds will predominantly blow from the southwest at light speeds throughout the day.

  • Heavy rainfall likely in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand over the next 5 days: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next five days.

    As per IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue over large parts of northwest, central, eastern, and northeastern India, as well as along the west coast, over the next six to seven days.

    Extremely heavy rainfall – measuring 21 cm or more – is likely at isolated locations in east Rajasthan, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, south coastal Maharashtra and Goa, and parts of coastal and south interior Karnataka today.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the national capital region, Delhi is likely to see partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.

    Today, the maximum temperature is expected to range between 36°C and 38°C, with very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast at speeds under 20 kmph during the afternoon, decreasing to 10–15 kmph by night.

    On July 4, the weather will remain partly cloudy with chances of light rainfall and thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 36–38°C and 26–28°C, respectively, remaining close to the seasonal average. Winds will be lighter, ranging from 8 to 15 kmph, mostly from the southeast and southwest directions.

    By July 5, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is predicted, accompanied by a drop in temperatures. The maximum temperature is expected to settle between 35°C and 37°C, while the minimum may fall to 24–26°C—1 to 3°C below normal. Winds will be relatively light, shifting from east to southeast during the day and picking up slightly by evening.

    July 6 may bring further relief, with moderate rainfall expected and temperatures dipping further. The maximum temperature may range from 32°C to 34°C—3 to 5°C below normal—while the minimum is likely to stay between 26°C and 28°C. Winds will predominantly blow from the southwest at light speeds throughout the day.

  • Wildfire on Greek island of Crete scorches forest, forces evacuation of over 1,000

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hundreds of firefighters battled a blaze Thursday on Crete island, which burnt swathes of forest and olive groves and forced the evacuation of over 1,000 people, officials said, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to destructive wildfires.

    At least 230 firefighters, along with 46 engines and helicopters, were deployed to contain the conflagration, which broke out a day earlier near Ierapetra townon the southeastern coast of Greece’s largest island.

    Stoked by gale-force winds, the blaze reached houses and hotels, fire brigade and local officials said, with local media reporting damage to some homes but no injuries.

    Scores of residents and tourists were evacuated and moved to a temporary shelter at an indoor stadium in Ierapetra. Some left Crete by boats, authorities said.

    “Three settlements were evacuated and more than 1,000 left their homes. Some were taken to health centres with respiratory problems,” Crete’s deputy civil protection governor, George Tsapakos, told public broadcaster ERT.

    ERT footage showed a water bomber flying over an area thick with grey smoke.

    Alongside reinforcements from Athens on Thursday, firefighters fought to tame several resurgent blazes whipped up by winds, fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said.

    “There are wind gusts in the area, some measuring 9 on the Beaufort scale, which are triggering rekindling and hindering firefighting efforts,” Vathrakogiannis said.

    July tended to be the most difficult month of the fire season due to high temperatures and strong winds, he said.

    Greece and other countries in the Mediterranean are in an area scientists have called “a wildfire hotspot” – with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years, authorities say, due to a fast-changing climate.

    Thousands havefled wildfires in Turkey and at least eight people have died as a result of a heatwavein Europe.

    (Reuters)

  • Astronomers get picture of aftermath of a star’s double detonation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The explosion of a star, called a supernova, is an immensely violent event. It usually involves a star more than eight times the mass of our sun that exhausts its nuclear fuel and undergoes a core collapse, triggering a single powerful explosion.

    But a rarer kind of supernova involves a different type of star – a stellar ember called a white dwarf – and a double detonation. Researchers have obtained photographic evidence of this type of supernova for the first time, using the European Southern Observatory’s Chile-based Very Large Telescope.

    The back-to-back explosions obliterated a white dwarf that had a mass roughly equal to the sun and was located about 160,000 light‑years from Earth in the direction of the constellation Dorado in a galaxy near the Milky Way called the Large Magellanic Cloud. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

    The image shows the scene of the explosion roughly 300 years after it occurred, with two concentric shells of the element calcium moving outward.

    This type of explosion, called a Type Ia supernova, would have involved the interaction between a white dwarf and a closely orbiting companion star – either another white dwarf or an unusual star rich in helium – in what is called a binary system.

    The primary white dwarf through its gravitational pull would begin to siphon helium from its companion. The helium on the white dwarf’s surface at some point would become so hot and dense that it would detonate, producing a shockwave that would compress and ignite the star’s underlying core and trigger a second detonation.

    “Nothing remains. The white dwarf is completely disrupted,” said Priyam Das, a doctoral student in astrophysics at the University of New South Wales Canberra in Australia, lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature Astronomy.

    “The time delay between the two detonations is essentially set by the time it takes the helium detonation to travel from one pole of the star all the way around to the other. It’s only about two seconds,” said astrophysicist and study co-author Ivo Seitenzahl, a visiting scientist at the Australian National University in Canberra.

    In the more common type of supernova, a remnant of the massive exploded star is left behind in the form of a dense neutron star or a black hole.

    The researchers used the Very Large Telescope’s Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer, or MUSE, instrument to map the distribution of different chemical elements in the supernova aftermath. Calcium is seen in blue in the image – an outer ring caused by the first detonation and an inner ring by the second.

    These two calcium shells represent “the perfect smoking-gun evidence of the double-detonation mechanism,” Das said.

    “We can call this forensic astronomy – my made-up term – since we are studying the dead remains of stars to understand what caused the death,” Das said.

    Stars with up to eight times the mass of our sun appear destined to become a white dwarf. They eventually burn up all the hydrogen they use as fuel. Gravity then causes them to collapse and blow off their outer layers in a “red giant” stage, eventually leaving behind a compact core – the white dwarf. The vast majority of these do not explode as supernovas.

    While scientists knew of the existence of Type Ia supernovas, there had been no clear visual evidence of such a double detonation until now. Type Ia supernovas are important in terms of celestial chemistry in that they forge heavier elements such as calcium, sulfur and iron.

    “This is essential for understanding galactic chemical evolution including the building blocks of planets and life,” Das said.

    A shell of sulfur also was seen in the new observations of the supernova aftermath.

    Iron is a crucial part of Earth’s planetary composition and, of course, a component of human red blood cells.

    In addition to its scientific importance, the image offers aesthetic value.

    “It’s beautiful,” Seitenzahl said. “We are seeing the birth process of elements in the death of a star. The Big Bang only made hydrogen and helium and lithium. Here we see how calcium, sulfur or iron are made and dispersed back into the host galaxy, a cosmic cycle of matter.”

    (Reuters)

  • Gujarat becomes third Indian state to cross 1 crore stock market investors: NSE

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gujarat has become the third state in the country to record more than one crore registered stock market investors, according to the latest data released by the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

    In a statement, the NSE said that Gujarat has joined Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh in crossing the one-crore mark in investor registrations. Together, these three states now account for 36 per cent of the total investor base in India.

    As per NSE data, the total number of registered investors in the country stood at nearly 11.5 crore as of May 2025. The month of May alone witnessed the addition of over 11 lakh new investors, registering a 9 per cent month-on-month growth. This comes after four consecutive months of decline in new registrations.

    Region-wise, North India leads with 4.2 crore investors, followed by West India with 3.5 crore. South India has 2.4 crore investors while East India accounts for 1.4 crore investors.

    North and East India recorded the highest growth in the last one year, with investor numbers rising by 24 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. South India reported a growth of 22 per cent, while West India saw a 17 per cent increase during the same period.

    The overall trend shows a change in momentum. India had crossed the 9-crore investor mark in February 2024 and added the next crore every five to six months, reaching 10 crore by August 2024 and 11 crore by January 2025.

    However, from February to May 2025, the growth rate slowed down, with an average of 10.8 lakh new investors added per month, compared to the monthly average of 19.3 lakh new investors in the calendar year 2024.

    (ANI)

  • Gujarat becomes third Indian state to cross 1 crore stock market investors: NSE

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gujarat has become the third state in the country to record more than one crore registered stock market investors, according to the latest data released by the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

    In a statement, the NSE said that Gujarat has joined Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh in crossing the one-crore mark in investor registrations. Together, these three states now account for 36 per cent of the total investor base in India.

    As per NSE data, the total number of registered investors in the country stood at nearly 11.5 crore as of May 2025. The month of May alone witnessed the addition of over 11 lakh new investors, registering a 9 per cent month-on-month growth. This comes after four consecutive months of decline in new registrations.

    Region-wise, North India leads with 4.2 crore investors, followed by West India with 3.5 crore. South India has 2.4 crore investors while East India accounts for 1.4 crore investors.

    North and East India recorded the highest growth in the last one year, with investor numbers rising by 24 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. South India reported a growth of 22 per cent, while West India saw a 17 per cent increase during the same period.

    The overall trend shows a change in momentum. India had crossed the 9-crore investor mark in February 2024 and added the next crore every five to six months, reaching 10 crore by August 2024 and 11 crore by January 2025.

    However, from February to May 2025, the growth rate slowed down, with an average of 10.8 lakh new investors added per month, compared to the monthly average of 19.3 lakh new investors in the calendar year 2024.

    (ANI)

  • Army chief lauds Indian military team for ‘focused’ joint training in Bhutan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan on Thursday, where he was briefed on the vital role the team plays in enhancing military cooperation between India and the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA).

    According to the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the COAS interacted with personnel from both the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army at IMTRAT. He commended them for their focused joint training initiatives and efforts in leadership development.

    As India’s oldest overseas military mission, IMTRAT stands as a testament to the strength and depth of Indo-Bhutan defence cooperation.

    On Wednesday, General Dwivedi also visited the Gyalsung Academy in Jamtsholing, where he was briefed on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s visionary initiative aimed at nation-building and youth empowerment. The COAS praised the Academy’s efforts in shaping the future of Bhutan’s youth and expressed admiration for both the existing and upcoming infrastructure, which he noted would bring the King’s vision to life.

    Reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan, General Dwivedi stated that the Indian Army remains committed to supporting Bhutan’s transformative initiatives.

    King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced the Gyalsung initiative – Bhutan’s National Service – during his Royal Address on the country’s 112th National Day in December 2019. The program is envisioned to empower Bhutanese youth to actively participate in nation-building and enhance national unity, peace, and sovereignty. The first batch of Gyalsung training began on September 5, 2024.

    In a significant gesture, the King and Queen (the Gyaltsuen) of Bhutan granted an audience to General Dwivedi at the Tashichhodzong on Tuesday. He was received with a ceremonial Chipdrel procession and presented with a Guard of Honour.

    Earlier, the Indian Army Chief held discussions with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Royal Bhutan Army, to further deepen military collaboration and strengthen strategic defence ties between the two nations.

    General Dwivedi arrived in Bhutan on Monday for a four-day official visit aimed at enhancing the enduring defence partnership between India and Bhutan. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Major General Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army.

    As part of his visit, the COAS laid a wreath at the National Memorial Chorten in honour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, and reviewed an impressive Guard of Honour at Tashichhodzong, a prominent Buddhist monastery and fortress in the capital.

    Later, he held discussions with Lieutenant General Tshering, reflecting the mutual trust, strategic convergence, and camaraderie shared between the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Army chief lauds Indian military team for ‘focused’ joint training in Bhutan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan on Thursday, where he was briefed on the vital role the team plays in enhancing military cooperation between India and the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA).

    According to the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the COAS interacted with personnel from both the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army at IMTRAT. He commended them for their focused joint training initiatives and efforts in leadership development.

    As India’s oldest overseas military mission, IMTRAT stands as a testament to the strength and depth of Indo-Bhutan defence cooperation.

    On Wednesday, General Dwivedi also visited the Gyalsung Academy in Jamtsholing, where he was briefed on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s visionary initiative aimed at nation-building and youth empowerment. The COAS praised the Academy’s efforts in shaping the future of Bhutan’s youth and expressed admiration for both the existing and upcoming infrastructure, which he noted would bring the King’s vision to life.

    Reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan, General Dwivedi stated that the Indian Army remains committed to supporting Bhutan’s transformative initiatives.

    King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced the Gyalsung initiative – Bhutan’s National Service – during his Royal Address on the country’s 112th National Day in December 2019. The program is envisioned to empower Bhutanese youth to actively participate in nation-building and enhance national unity, peace, and sovereignty. The first batch of Gyalsung training began on September 5, 2024.

    In a significant gesture, the King and Queen (the Gyaltsuen) of Bhutan granted an audience to General Dwivedi at the Tashichhodzong on Tuesday. He was received with a ceremonial Chipdrel procession and presented with a Guard of Honour.

    Earlier, the Indian Army Chief held discussions with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Royal Bhutan Army, to further deepen military collaboration and strengthen strategic defence ties between the two nations.

    General Dwivedi arrived in Bhutan on Monday for a four-day official visit aimed at enhancing the enduring defence partnership between India and Bhutan. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Major General Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army.

    As part of his visit, the COAS laid a wreath at the National Memorial Chorten in honour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, and reviewed an impressive Guard of Honour at Tashichhodzong, a prominent Buddhist monastery and fortress in the capital.

    Later, he held discussions with Lieutenant General Tshering, reflecting the mutual trust, strategic convergence, and camaraderie shared between the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Trump shows frustration as Republicans struggle to unite on tax-cut bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.

    Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.

    The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.

    Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.

    The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.

    As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.

    Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”

    In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”

    A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.

    The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.

    Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.

    Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.

    “This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.

    Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump shows frustration as Republicans struggle to unite on tax-cut bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.

    Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.

    The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.

    Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.

    The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.

    As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.

    Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”

    In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”

    A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.

    The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.

    Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.

    Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.

    “This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.

    Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump shows frustration as Republicans struggle to unite on tax-cut bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.

    Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.

    The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.

    Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.

    The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.

    As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.

    Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”

    In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”

    A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.

    The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.

    Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.

    Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.

    “This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.

    Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • India’s services sector soars to 10-month high in June, signaling strong growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The growth in India’s services sector activity surged to a 10-month high in June, driven by robust demand in both the domestic and export markets, according to an HSBC survey released on Thursday.

    The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose from 58.8 in May to 60.4 in June. The PMI threshold of 50.0 is neutral mark that separates growth from contraction on the index.

    New orders expanded at the quickest rate since August 2024. Services companies benefited most from the continued strength of the domestic market, alongside a marked increase in new export business. Overseas demand particularly improved from the Asian, Middle Eastern and US markets, according to panel members, the survey states.

    The ongoing expansion of the Indian services sector had a positive impact on recruitment. Employment rose for the thirty-seventh consecutive month in June, with the rate of job growth outpacing its long-run average, although it was lower than the record figure achieved in May.

    The rate of input cost inflation across India’s service economy eased to a ten-month low in June, and was below its long-run average. Despite easing from May, the rate of charge inflation remained above the series trend. Outstanding business expanded at a slight rate that was nevertheless faster than in May.

    According to the survey, optimism regarding the outlook for output levels in one-year time was sustained, with 18 per cent of service providers forecasting growth. This proportion of upbeat firms was, however, the lowest since mid-2022. Hence, the overall level of confidence fell and was below its long-run average.

    The HSBC India Composite PMI, which combines services and manufacturing activity, rose to 61.0 in June from 59.3, marking the fastest expansion in 14 months. The manufacturing PMI data released this week showed manufacturing activity growth accelerated in June, in tune with the strong services sector performance.

    (IANS)

  • SDRF rescues 40 devotees stranded due to landslide in Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.

    The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.

    The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.

    Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.

    The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.

    Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.

    Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.

    Essential services have also been significantly impacted.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.

    “Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.

    Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • SDRF rescues 40 devotees stranded due to landslide in Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.

    The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.

    The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.

    Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.

    The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.

    Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.

    Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.

    Essential services have also been significantly impacted.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.

    “Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.

    Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Four dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks near Indonesia’s Bali

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Four people died, 30 were missing and 31 survived after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near the Indonesian island of Bali, the country’s Search and Rescue agency said on Thursday, as rescuers raced to find victims in the rough sea.

    The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank almost half an hour after leaving East Java province’s Banyuwangi port on its way to Bali late on Wednesday, the agency said on Thursday.

    The boat was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members, as well as 22 vehicles, the agency said.

    A search for the missing is underway although it is being hampered by strong currents and winds, the agency said, adding it had deployed a helicopter to the location and 13 underwater rescuers.

    Video provided by the national rescue agency Basarnas showed what appeared to be the body of one person being carried to shore from a fishing boat in calm seas.

    There has been no official statement on the nationalities of the passengers, but a manifest list broadcast by news channel MetroTV indicated there were no foreigners on board.

    Ferries are a common mode of transport in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, and accidents are common as lax safety standards often allow vessels to be overloaded without adequate life-saving equipment.

    A small ferry capsized in 2023 near Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, killing at least 15 people.

    (Reuters)

  • Ukraine voices concern as US halts some missile shipments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv on Wednesday that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.

    Ukraine said it had called in the acting U.S. envoy to Kyiv to underline the importance of military aid from Washington continuing, and cautioned that any cut-off would embolden Russia in its war in Ukraine.

    The Pentagon’s decision – tied to concerns that U.S. military stockpiles are too low – began in recent days and includes 30 Patriot air defence missiles, which Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, four people familiar with the decision said on Wednesday.

    It also includes nearly 8,500 155mm artillery shells, more than 250 precision GMLRS (mobile rocket artillery) missiles and 142 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, they said.

    “The Ukrainian side emphasised that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine‘s defence capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace,” Ukraine‘s foreign ministry said.

    The defence ministry said it had not been officially notified of any halt in U.S. shipments and was seeking clarity from its American counterparts.

    A Ukrainian source familiar with the situation said the decision was a “total shock.”

    Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly said the decision was made “to put America’s interests first” following a Department of Defense review of military support around the world.

    “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran,” she said, referring to U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities last month.

    NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the U.S. needed to take care of its stockpiles but told Fox News that “in the short term, Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get” when it comes to ammunition and air defence systems.

    RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES

    Dozens of people have been killed in recent airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and Russian forces, which control about a fifth of Ukraine, have been making gains in the east.

    Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the decision risks Ukrainian lives, undermines Washington’s credibility and will make it harder to end the war.

    “This sends a message to not just our allies, like Ukraine and our European allies, but it sends a message to our adversaries, to China, to North Korea, to Russia, that our allies can’t count on the United States,” she told WKBK radio in her home state New Hampshire.

    Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, he has softened Washington’s position towards Russia, seeking a diplomatic solution to the war and raising doubts about future U.S. military support for Kyiv.

    Trump said last week he was considering selling more Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

    Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Ukrainian parliament’s national security and defence committee, said the decision to halt shipments was “very unpleasant for us“.

    In an email, the Pentagon said it was providing Trump with options to continue military aid to Ukraine in line with the goal of ending the war.

    Elbridge Colby, undersecretary of defence for policy, said it was “rigorously examining and adapting its approach…while also preserving U.S. forces’ readiness.”

    All weapons aid was briefly stopped in February, with a second, longer halt in March. Washington resumed sending the last of the aid approved under the previous administration, of Democratic President Joe Biden, but no new aid to Ukraine has been announced.

    The Kremlin welcomed the news of a halt, saying the conflict would end sooner if fewer arms reached Ukraine.

    Kyiv residents expressed alarm at the Pentagon’s decision.

    “If we end up in a situation where there’s no air defence left, I will move (out of Kyiv), because my safety is my first concern,” said Oksana Kurochkina, a 35-year-old lawyer.

    On the battlefield, a halt in precision munitions would limit the capacity of Ukrainian troops to strike Russian positions farther behind the front line, said Jack Watling, a military analyst at the Royal United Services Institute.

    “In short, this decision will cost Ukrainian lives and territory,” he said.

    (Reuters)

  • Indian scientists develop next-gen green energy material for supercapacitors

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major scientific breakthrough, Indian researchers have developed a new green energy material that could revolutionize energy storage technology. Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have engineered a lanthanum-doped silver niobate (AgNbO₃) compound that significantly enhances supercapacitor performance.

    Supercapacitors, known for their rapid charging and discharging abilities, often fall short in energy storage capacity. The new material overcomes this limitation by increasing energy density without sacrificing speed or stability.

    Led by Dr. Kavita Pandey, the team introduced lanthanum—a rare-earth element—into silver niobate nanoparticles, improving their electrical conductivity and shrinking particle size to increase surface area. This led to a remarkable 118% energy retention after repeated use and an unprecedented 100% coulombic efficiency, meaning no energy was lost during charging cycles.

    A prototype asymmetric supercapacitor using the new material successfully powered an LCD display, pointing to potential real-world applications in everything from portable electronics to renewable energy systems.

    Published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, the study positions lanthanum-doped AgNbO₃ as a leading candidate for high-performance, eco-friendly energy storage. Researchers now aim to explore similar doping strategies in other materials and scale up production to enable commercial use.

    This innovation marks a significant step in India’s contribution to sustainable energy solutions amid the global push for cleaner and more efficient technologies.

  • PM Modi conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian honour; Jaishankar calls it recognition of leadership for the Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conferment with Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, has been hailed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South. Jaishankar also described the honour as a reflection of the deep-rooted cooperation and enduring friendship between India and Ghana.

    In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Fitting that PM @narendramodi has been conferred with Ghana’s national honour – the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’. It is a recognition of his steadfast efforts in strengthening the voice of the Global South. Also a testament to our cooperation and friendship with Ghana.”

    PM Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country’s highest civilian honour, by President John Mahama on Wednesday (local time). PM Modi thanked Ghana’s President for the honour and called it a “matter of immense pride”.

    “It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s national award, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by the President. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mahama ji, the Government of Ghana and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians,” PM Modi said.

    He said he dedicated the award to the youth of both countries.”I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” he said.

    The award was presented during PM Modi’s visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than 30 years. During his visit, PM Modi held talks with Ghana President Mahama and the two leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership.”

    During the joint press briefing, PM Modi said, “The President and I have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a ‘Comprehensive Partnership.’ India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana’s journey toward nation-building.”

    “In the defence and security sector, we will progress with the guiding principle of ‘Security through Solidarity.’ Collaboration will be strengthened in key areas such as armed forces training, maritime security, defence supply chains, and cybersecurity,” he added.

    (With ANI inputs)

  • Shobha Karandlaje joins Amarnath Yatra, hails improved facilities at Baltal base camp

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje visited the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Baltal on Thursday and expressed her joy over the spiritual journey and the ongoing development works in the area.

    She joined thousands of devotees on the 2025 Amarnath Yatra to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

    Speaking to ANI during her visit, she said, “Today, we are all going to have the darshan of Bholenath. It feels wonderful… May God bless us all. The atmosphere here is very pleasant… people are feeling good because development work is happening here too…”

    The Union Minister praised the efforts made by local authorities and the government to improve facilities and infrastructure along the pilgrimage route. She noted that enhanced arrangements have added to the comfort and spiritual experience of the yatris (pilgrims).

    Earlier in the day, as a fresh batch of pilgrims set off for the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Baba, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that the Yatra was not just a religious one, but a journey of the people.

    He further stated that security forces, porters, tent service providers and others were all involved in the Yatra.

    “This Yatra is not just a religious Yatra. It is a Yatra of the people. Security forces, ‘pitthus’, tents, every service provider is involved in it… The enthusiasm among the devotees is unparalleled. I pray that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled and there is peace and happiness in Kashmir and the rest of the country,” Bidhuri told ANI.

    A day earlier, Kashmir Police issued an advisory for devotees undertaking the Amarnath Yatra 2025, urging them to travel only in officially designated convoys.

    The advisory, released on Wednesday, directed all pilgrims to start their journey only from the authorised base camps at Bhagwati Nagar (Jammu), Baltal and Nunwan. These routes have been designated to ensure better coordination, security and medical assistance along the challenging mountainous route to the holy Amarnath shrine.

    “All the pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 are advised to travel only in designated convoys originating from Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal and Nunwan base camps,” Kashmir Police said in a post on X. (ANI)

  • Shobha Karandlaje joins Amarnath Yatra, hails improved facilities at Baltal base camp

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje visited the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Baltal on Thursday and expressed her joy over the spiritual journey and the ongoing development works in the area.

    She joined thousands of devotees on the 2025 Amarnath Yatra to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

    Speaking to ANI during her visit, she said, “Today, we are all going to have the darshan of Bholenath. It feels wonderful… May God bless us all. The atmosphere here is very pleasant… people are feeling good because development work is happening here too…”

    The Union Minister praised the efforts made by local authorities and the government to improve facilities and infrastructure along the pilgrimage route. She noted that enhanced arrangements have added to the comfort and spiritual experience of the yatris (pilgrims).

    Earlier in the day, as a fresh batch of pilgrims set off for the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Baba, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that the Yatra was not just a religious one, but a journey of the people.

    He further stated that security forces, porters, tent service providers and others were all involved in the Yatra.

    “This Yatra is not just a religious Yatra. It is a Yatra of the people. Security forces, ‘pitthus’, tents, every service provider is involved in it… The enthusiasm among the devotees is unparalleled. I pray that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled and there is peace and happiness in Kashmir and the rest of the country,” Bidhuri told ANI.

    A day earlier, Kashmir Police issued an advisory for devotees undertaking the Amarnath Yatra 2025, urging them to travel only in officially designated convoys.

    The advisory, released on Wednesday, directed all pilgrims to start their journey only from the authorised base camps at Bhagwati Nagar (Jammu), Baltal and Nunwan. These routes have been designated to ensure better coordination, security and medical assistance along the challenging mountainous route to the holy Amarnath shrine.

    “All the pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 are advised to travel only in designated convoys originating from Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal and Nunwan base camps,” Kashmir Police said in a post on X. (ANI)

  • Pilgrims thank Army, Administration for smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the 36-day-long Amarnath Yatra commenced, thousands of pilgrims from across the country converged in Jammu and Kashmir to undertake the sacred journey to the revered Amarnath cave shrine.

    The first batch of Yatris began their trek from the Baltal base camp early Thursday morning, while another group departed from the traditional Pahalgam route. Simultaneously, the second batch of 5,246 pilgrims left from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Canal Road in Jammu for the Valley in two escorted convoys, underscoring the stringent security measures in place.

    Speaking to IANS, several pilgrims thanked administration for the arrangements and the Indian Army for ensuring their safety.

    “I have been coming to Baba Barfani’s shrine since 2019, and every visit feels wonderful. The arrangements this year are excellent,” said one devotee.

    Another added, “The government’s efforts are commendable. We are very happy with the facilities provided.”

    This year’s turnout appears to be significantly higher than in previous years. One pilgrim remarked, “Earlier, due to the threat of terror attacks, very few people came for the Yatra. But this time, the number of devotees is overwhelming.”

    “When one comes on a pilgrimage, comfort is not the priority. But the arrangements this time are excellent—far better than in previous years,” said another devotee.

    Appreciating security arrangements, a pilgrim noted, “The Indian Army has made our journey easy and safe. Their presence is reassuring. The efforts of the Centre and the J&K administration are truly commendable.”

    Another devotee added, “Thanks to the Indian Army and the administration, pilgrims feel secure and can perform this holy Yatra without any fear. We are grateful for everything.”

    The Yatra was officially flagged off by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Jammu on Wednesday.

    Authorities have implemented an unprecedented security plan in light of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed, supplementing the already robust security presence comprising the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and J&K Police.

    Pilgrims have been advised to travel from Jammu to the base camps only as part of escorted convoys and have been warned against undertaking the journey independently.

    Due to heightened security concerns, helicopter services for the Yatra have been suspended this year.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Pilgrims thank Army, Administration for smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the 36-day-long Amarnath Yatra commenced, thousands of pilgrims from across the country converged in Jammu and Kashmir to undertake the sacred journey to the revered Amarnath cave shrine.

    The first batch of Yatris began their trek from the Baltal base camp early Thursday morning, while another group departed from the traditional Pahalgam route. Simultaneously, the second batch of 5,246 pilgrims left from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Canal Road in Jammu for the Valley in two escorted convoys, underscoring the stringent security measures in place.

    Speaking to IANS, several pilgrims thanked administration for the arrangements and the Indian Army for ensuring their safety.

    “I have been coming to Baba Barfani’s shrine since 2019, and every visit feels wonderful. The arrangements this year are excellent,” said one devotee.

    Another added, “The government’s efforts are commendable. We are very happy with the facilities provided.”

    This year’s turnout appears to be significantly higher than in previous years. One pilgrim remarked, “Earlier, due to the threat of terror attacks, very few people came for the Yatra. But this time, the number of devotees is overwhelming.”

    “When one comes on a pilgrimage, comfort is not the priority. But the arrangements this time are excellent—far better than in previous years,” said another devotee.

    Appreciating security arrangements, a pilgrim noted, “The Indian Army has made our journey easy and safe. Their presence is reassuring. The efforts of the Centre and the J&K administration are truly commendable.”

    Another devotee added, “Thanks to the Indian Army and the administration, pilgrims feel secure and can perform this holy Yatra without any fear. We are grateful for everything.”

    The Yatra was officially flagged off by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Jammu on Wednesday.

    Authorities have implemented an unprecedented security plan in light of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed, supplementing the already robust security presence comprising the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and J&K Police.

    Pilgrims have been advised to travel from Jammu to the base camps only as part of escorted convoys and have been warned against undertaking the journey independently.

    Due to heightened security concerns, helicopter services for the Yatra have been suspended this year.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • LS Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate first national conference of Urban Local Bodies’ Chairpersons in Manesar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the maiden national conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies from all states and union territories today at the International Centre for Automotive Technology in Manesar, Haryana. Organized as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the conference aims to highlight the crucial role of urban local governance in shaping the future of a rapidly urbanizing India.

    The inaugural session will witness the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh, and Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, along with other distinguished guests.

    With the theme, “Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building,” the two-day conference aims to create a platform for discussion, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among urban governance leaders. The focus will be on enhancing the contribution of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in building democratic institutions, implementing best practices, and fostering innovation in municipal administration.

    During the conference, delegates will engage in discussions on a range of vital themes. These will cover the role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as the bedrock of democratic governance, their growing significance in promoting inclusive development and upholding constitutional values, their contribution towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, their efforts in fostering women’s leadership, and their capacity to drive innovation and enhance the quality of public service delivery.

    On the second day of the conference, presentations by five thematic groups will pave the way for the valedictory session. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya will deliver the valedictory address. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh and Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan will also attend the conference.

    The conference will conclude with a guided visit for delegates to Prerna Sthal, Samvidhan Sadan, and Parliament House, offering them a chance to engage with the rich historical and constitutional legacy of Indian democracy