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Category: Government of India

  • India, Pakistan exchange lists of prisoners and fishermen

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and Pakistan on Tuesday exchanged the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, as part of a practice under the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008. The lists were exchanged simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad. The agreement mandates the exchange of such lists twice a year — on January 1 and July 1.

    According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India handed over a list of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani. In return, Pakistan provided details of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indian nationals.

    The MEA said that the government has pressed for the early release and repatriation of all Indian civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing defence personnel believed to be in Pakistan’s custody. New Delhi has asked Islamabad to expedite the release of 159 Indian prisoners and fishermen who have already completed their sentences and to grant immediate consular access to 26 individuals in Pakistan’s custody who are believed to be Indian but have not yet been provided consular access.

    In its statement, the government said it remains committed to addressing all humanitarian matters on priority, including issues related to prisoners and fishermen detained in each other’s country. India has urged Pakistan to speed up the nationality verification process for 80 prisoners and fishermen lodged in Indian jails, whose repatriation is pending due to the lack of confirmation of their citizenship.

    Since 2014, sustained diplomatic efforts have resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan. This figure includes 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners who have returned to India since 2023.

  • Indo-French joint military exercise ‘Shakti 2025’ concludes in France

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The eighth edition of the Indo-French Joint Military Exercise ‘Shakti’ concluded on Tuesday after two weeks of intensive training and cooperation between the Indian and French armed forces.

    Held from June 18 to July 1 in France, the exercise was hosted by the 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13 DBLE) and involved more than 500 personnel from various units of the French Army, Foreign Legion, Navy, and the French Air and Space Force.

    India was represented by a 90-member contingent, including a Battalion from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and troops from other arms and services. The exercise featured approximately 50 armoured and tactical vehicles, along with fighter jets from both sides.

    The exercise was conducted in two phases with the first one, held from June 18 to 21 in Aveyron’s Monclar district, focused on joint training in weapon handling, combat drills, and command coordination.

    The second phase, from June 22 to 26 in Herault, saw the deployment of the Monclar Combined Arms Tactical Group (GTIA) in an open-field semi-urban combat exercise that tested troops during both day and night operations.

    This year’s drill emphasised tactical interoperability, use of modern military technology, and refining combat strategies. French legionnaires had previously participated in Shakti 2024 in India, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen military collaboration and share best practices.

    “Exercise Shakti was a vital opportunity for Indian and French military personnel to boost joint operational preparedness for facing the toughest combat situations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in a realistic semi-urban terrain, while strengthening ties with a strategic partner”, said a press statement from the French Embassy in New Delhi.

    “Serving as an effective platform for exchanging best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPS), Exercise SHAKTI will pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the French and the Indian armed forces as well as significantly reinforcing the Indo-French defence partnership”, it added.

    The Indo-French Shakti exercise serves as a key platform for enhancing tactical, technical, and procedural synergy between the two nations. Alongside other bilateral defence exercises such as Garuda (Air Forces) and Varuna (Navies), Shakti reflects the evolving and robust strategic partnership between India and France.

    These regular joint exercises are seen as a testament to the nations shared commitment to global peace, security, and stability.

    (IANS)

  • President Murmu inaugurates Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of traditional medicine and medical education in India.

    Addressing the gathering, President Murmu described the university as a modern embodiment of India’s rich ancient healing traditions. She emphasized that the institution would greatly enhance access to quality healthcare through AYUSH systems, benefiting over 100 affiliated colleges and the broader public. The President also lauded the state-of-the-art facilities developed at the university, calling them a step forward in holistic healthcare.

    Reflecting on her own journey in public life, the President spoke of the importance of selfless service and praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his efforts in improving health, education, and agricultural infrastructure in the region. She urged healthcare professionals to uphold their responsibilities and remain true to their commitments of public welfare.

    Underscoring the significance of preventive care and healthy living, President Murmu advocated the regular practice of yoga, especially for those leading sedentary lifestyles. She stressed that embracing wellness through ancient Indian systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Siddha was essential for building a healthier nation and contributing to India’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.

    Highlighting India’s natural wealth of medicinal plants and herbs, she called AYUSH a “precious gift” to the world. She expressed confidence that institutions like the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University would play a vital role in increasing the scientific validation and global popularity of traditional medicine systems.

  • President Murmu inaugurates Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of traditional medicine and medical education in India.

    Addressing the gathering, President Murmu described the university as a modern embodiment of India’s rich ancient healing traditions. She emphasized that the institution would greatly enhance access to quality healthcare through AYUSH systems, benefiting over 100 affiliated colleges and the broader public. The President also lauded the state-of-the-art facilities developed at the university, calling them a step forward in holistic healthcare.

    Reflecting on her own journey in public life, the President spoke of the importance of selfless service and praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his efforts in improving health, education, and agricultural infrastructure in the region. She urged healthcare professionals to uphold their responsibilities and remain true to their commitments of public welfare.

    Underscoring the significance of preventive care and healthy living, President Murmu advocated the regular practice of yoga, especially for those leading sedentary lifestyles. She stressed that embracing wellness through ancient Indian systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Siddha was essential for building a healthier nation and contributing to India’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.

    Highlighting India’s natural wealth of medicinal plants and herbs, she called AYUSH a “precious gift” to the world. She expressed confidence that institutions like the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University would play a vital role in increasing the scientific validation and global popularity of traditional medicine systems.

  • Cabinet clears ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme to boost private sector-led innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The scheme is designed to encourage greater private sector participation in research and innovation, particularly in strategic and sunrise sectors.

    The RDI Scheme seeks to provide long-term financing or refinancing to private companies at low or nil interest rates. Officials said the scheme addresses the persistent funding constraints faced by the private sector in taking up research projects, and aims to provide growth and risk capital for critical and emerging technologies. The government hopes this will promote technological adoption, enhance global competitiveness, and contribute to economic security and self-reliance.

    Under the scheme, projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) will receive funding, and support will also be extended for the acquisition of critical or strategically important technologies. The scheme will also facilitate the creation of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to back technology-focused ventures.

    The Research Development and Innovation Scheme will operate through a two-tier funding structure. At the first level, a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) will be set up within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will act as the custodian of the corpus. Funds from the SPF will then be allocated to various second-level fund managers, which will provide long-term concessional loans or, in some cases, equity funding—particularly for startups.

    The overarching strategic direction of the scheme will be provided by the Governing Board of the ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Executive Council of the ANRF will be responsible for approving guidelines and identifying second-level fund managers and projects in sunrise sectors. An Empowered Group of Secretaries, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will oversee the scheme’s implementation, review its performance, and make decisions on sectors, project types, and fund managers. The Department of Science and Technology will serve as the nodal department for executing the scheme.

     

  • Cabinet clears ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme to boost private sector-led innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The scheme is designed to encourage greater private sector participation in research and innovation, particularly in strategic and sunrise sectors.

    The RDI Scheme seeks to provide long-term financing or refinancing to private companies at low or nil interest rates. Officials said the scheme addresses the persistent funding constraints faced by the private sector in taking up research projects, and aims to provide growth and risk capital for critical and emerging technologies. The government hopes this will promote technological adoption, enhance global competitiveness, and contribute to economic security and self-reliance.

    Under the scheme, projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) will receive funding, and support will also be extended for the acquisition of critical or strategically important technologies. The scheme will also facilitate the creation of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to back technology-focused ventures.

    The Research Development and Innovation Scheme will operate through a two-tier funding structure. At the first level, a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) will be set up within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will act as the custodian of the corpus. Funds from the SPF will then be allocated to various second-level fund managers, which will provide long-term concessional loans or, in some cases, equity funding—particularly for startups.

    The overarching strategic direction of the scheme will be provided by the Governing Board of the ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Executive Council of the ANRF will be responsible for approving guidelines and identifying second-level fund managers and projects in sunrise sectors. An Empowered Group of Secretaries, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will oversee the scheme’s implementation, review its performance, and make decisions on sectors, project types, and fund managers. The Department of Science and Technology will serve as the nodal department for executing the scheme.

     

  • Cabinet nod for ELI scheme to create over 3.5 crore jobs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme aimed at encouraging large-scale job creation and strengthening social security for the country’s workforce.

    The ELI Scheme, which was announced in the Union Budget 2024–25 as part of the Prime Minister’s package of five schemes for youth employment and skilling, has a total budget outlay of Rs 99,446 crore. It targets the creation of over 3.5 crore jobs within two years, with benefits applicable for employment generated between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. Of the total employment target, 1.92 crore beneficiaries are expected to be first-time entrants into the workforce.

    The scheme comprises two key components. Under the first component, first-time employees registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will receive a direct incentive equivalent to one month’s wage, capped at Rs 15,000, paid in two instalments. Eligible employees with monthly salaries up to Rs 1 lakh will receive the first instalment after six months of continuous service and the second instalment after twelve months, subject to completion of a financial literacy programme. To encourage saving habits, a part of the incentive will be held in a fixed deposit or savings instrument, which can be accessed by the employee at a later stage.

    The second component focuses on incentivising employers to create additional jobs across sectors, with added benefits for the manufacturing industry. Employers registered with the EPFO will receive up to Rs 3,000 per month for each new employee retained for at least six months. The incentive varies according to the wage slab, with employers receiving Rs 1,000 per month for employees earning up to Rs 10,000, Rs 2,000 for those earning between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000, and Rs 3,000 for those with wages above Rs 20,000 but within the Rs 1 lakh limit. For establishments with fewer than 50 employees, at least two new hires must be made to qualify for the incentive, while larger establishments must hire at least five. In the case of the manufacturing sector, the benefits for employers will extend up to four years.

    Payments to first-time employees will be made through Direct Benefit Transfer using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System, while payments to employers will be credited directly to their PAN-linked bank accounts.

    The ELI Scheme is part of the government’s broader push to facilitate employment and skill development for 4.1 crore young people under the budgeted allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. Apart from boosting job opportunities, the scheme is expected to advance the formalisation of the workforce by extending social security cover to millions of youth entering the organised sector for the first time.

  • Sensex, Nifty end with slight gains as investors remain cautious

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets ended flat with a slight positive bias on Tuesday, as investors stayed cautious ahead of the US reciprocal tariff deadline on July 8.

    The focus remained on trade negotiations between India and the United States, with a potential trade deal expected this week.

    After touching an intraday high of 83,874.29, the Sensex finally closed at 83,697.29, gaining 90.83 points or 0.11 per cent.

    Similarly, the Nifty added 24.75 points, or 0.1 per cent, to settle at 25,541.8.

    Among the 30-share index, BEL emerged as the top gainer, closing 2.51 per cent higher. Other notable gainers included Asian Paints, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Infosys, Titan, and Bharti Airtel.

    On the flip side, Axis Bank, Trent, Eternal (formerly Zomato), Tech Mahindra, ICICI Bank, and TCS were among the top losers.

    The broader market showed mixed signals. The Nifty Midcap100 index ended flat, while the Nifty Smallcap100 slipped slightly, down 0.10 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank, Metal, Oil & Gas, Consumer Durables, Healthcare, and Pharma closed in the green. However, sectors like Auto, IT, Energy, FMCG, Media, and Realty declined.

    The total market capitalisation of all listed companies on the NSE stood at Rs 5.36 trillion.

    On the volatility front, the India VIX — which measures market uncertainty — dropped 2.01 per cent to close at 12.5, indicating reduced fear among investors.

    Gold traded positive as continued dollar weakness supported prices. Comex Gold surged by $30 to $3,345, while MCX Gold rose by Rs 1,200 to settle around Rs 97,300.

    “The sentiment remains buoyant this week, driven by expectations around key US economic data, particularly the Non-Farm Payrolls, unemployment figures, and ADP non-farm employment change,” said Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

    Additionally, the rupee traded positive, gaining 0.28 per cent to close at 85.51, supported by a weaker Dollar Index trading below 97.00 and sustained weakness in crude oil prices.

    “Rupee is expected to trade in a range of 85.20 to 85.80,” Trivedi added.

    -IANS

  • Union Cabinet approves Rs 1,853 crore 4-lane highway project in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction of a 4-lane highway between Paramakudi and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, covering a stretch of 46.7 km along National Highway 87 (NH-87). The project, estimated at ₹1,853 crore, will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

    The upgraded highway aims to ease congestion along the busy Madurai–Rameshwaram corridor, which currently relies on a 2-lane NH-87 and adjoining state highways. The new 4-lane section will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and support the growing mobility needs of rapidly developing towns such as Paramakudi, Sathirakudi, Achundanvayal, and Ramanathapuram.

    Strategically designed, the alignment connects with five major National Highways and three State Highways, ensuring seamless travel across southern Tamil Nadu. The corridor also links with key multi-modal transport hubs, including Madurai and Rameshwaram railway stations, Madurai Airport, and the ports of Pamban and Rameshwaram.

    Once completed, the project is expected to significantly boost regional trade, tourism—especially to pilgrimage sites like Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi—and economic development. It is also projected to generate 8.4 lakh person-days of direct employment and 10.45 lakh person-days of indirect employment, contributing to inclusive growth in the region.

  • Union Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at transforming India’s sporting ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. The policy replaces the National Sports Policy of 2001 and sets a comprehensive roadmap to establish India as a leading sporting nation, with a particular focus on preparing for the 2036 Olympic Games.

    The National Sports Policy 2025 is the culmination of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations, athletes, experts, and public stakeholders. It lays out a strategic framework for developing sports in the country across multiple dimensions, including excellence, economic growth, social development, mass participation, and educational integration.

    The policy aims to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels, focusing on early talent identification, building competitive leagues, expanding infrastructure in rural and urban areas, and enhancing training, coaching, and athlete support systems. It also seeks to modernize governance within National Sports Federations and promote the use of sports science, medicine, and technology to boost performance.

    Recognizing the economic potential of sports, the policy promotes sports tourism, international event hosting, and the development of a robust sports manufacturing and startup ecosystem. It calls for greater private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and innovative financing mechanisms.

    Social inclusion is another key pillar, with targeted programs to increase sports participation among women, tribal communities, economically weaker sections, and persons with disabilities. The policy also aims to revive indigenous and traditional games, promote dual-career pathways, and engage the Indian diaspora through sports.

    To foster a culture of fitness and make sports a mass movement, National Sports Policy 2025 proposes nationwide campaigns, the introduction of fitness indices in schools and workplaces, and improved access to sports facilities. In line with the National Education Policy 2020, it emphasizes integrating sports into school curricula and equipping educators with specialized training.

    The policy outlines a robust implementation strategy, including a national monitoring framework with defined performance benchmarks and timelines. It will serve as a model for states and union territories to align their sports policies with national goals. The “whole-of-government” approach aims to mainstream sports across various departments and schemes, ensuring a unified and impactful strategy.

    With this ambitious and forward-looking policy, the government aims to position India not only as a global sporting powerhouse but also to promote healthier, more inclusive, and empowered citizens through sports.

  • Union Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at transforming India’s sporting ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. The policy replaces the National Sports Policy of 2001 and sets a comprehensive roadmap to establish India as a leading sporting nation, with a particular focus on preparing for the 2036 Olympic Games.

    The National Sports Policy 2025 is the culmination of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations, athletes, experts, and public stakeholders. It lays out a strategic framework for developing sports in the country across multiple dimensions, including excellence, economic growth, social development, mass participation, and educational integration.

    The policy aims to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels, focusing on early talent identification, building competitive leagues, expanding infrastructure in rural and urban areas, and enhancing training, coaching, and athlete support systems. It also seeks to modernize governance within National Sports Federations and promote the use of sports science, medicine, and technology to boost performance.

    Recognizing the economic potential of sports, the policy promotes sports tourism, international event hosting, and the development of a robust sports manufacturing and startup ecosystem. It calls for greater private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and innovative financing mechanisms.

    Social inclusion is another key pillar, with targeted programs to increase sports participation among women, tribal communities, economically weaker sections, and persons with disabilities. The policy also aims to revive indigenous and traditional games, promote dual-career pathways, and engage the Indian diaspora through sports.

    To foster a culture of fitness and make sports a mass movement, National Sports Policy 2025 proposes nationwide campaigns, the introduction of fitness indices in schools and workplaces, and improved access to sports facilities. In line with the National Education Policy 2020, it emphasizes integrating sports into school curricula and equipping educators with specialized training.

    The policy outlines a robust implementation strategy, including a national monitoring framework with defined performance benchmarks and timelines. It will serve as a model for states and union territories to align their sports policies with national goals. The “whole-of-government” approach aims to mainstream sports across various departments and schemes, ensuring a unified and impactful strategy.

    With this ambitious and forward-looking policy, the government aims to position India not only as a global sporting powerhouse but also to promote healthier, more inclusive, and empowered citizens through sports.

  • Railways launches ‘RailOne’ app as one-stop solution for passenger services

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major step toward enhancing passenger experience, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday launched the ‘RailOne’ app at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, marking the 40th Foundation Day of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). Designed to be a comprehensive, all-in-one platform, the RailOne app aims to streamline and simplify access to a range of railway passenger services through a user-friendly interface.

    Available on both Android and iOS platforms, the RailOne app integrates key services such as booking unreserved and platform tickets with a 3% discount, live train tracking, grievance redressal, e-catering, porter booking, and last-mile taxi services. While reserved ticket bookings will continue through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation platform, RailOne is authorized by IRCTC and joins a list of partner apps offering railway services.

    The app supports single sign-on via mPIN or biometric login and allows seamless access using existing RailConnect and UTS credentials, eliminating the need for multiple apps and offering a space-saving solution for users.

    Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw praised the CRIS team for their continued efforts in strengthening Indian Railways’ digital infrastructure. He also provided updates on the development of the Modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS), expected to be launched by December 2025. The upgraded PRS will be multilingual, agile, and scalable, with the capacity to handle up to 1.5 lakh ticket bookings and 40 lakh enquiries per minute. It will include advanced features like seat selection, fare calendar, and dedicated options for Divyangjan, students, and patients, among others.

    The launch of RailOne, along with the upcoming modernization of PRS, underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive, efficient, and world-class passenger services. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming Indian Railways into the engine of India’s development journey.

  • Navy rescues 14 Indian crew members from burning vessel in Arabian Sea

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Navy successfully rescued 14 Indian crew members from a Palau-flagged oil tanker, MT Yi Cheng 6, after a major fire broke out in its engine room. According to the Ministry of Defence, when the distress call was received, the tanker was near Fujairah, UAE in the North Arabian Sea.

    Responding to a distress call, received early Sunday morning, Indian Naval ship INS Tabar, which was on a mission-based deployment, rushed to the site located approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah.

    Upon arrival, the crew of INS Tabar immediately established contact with the vessel’s master and began firefighting operations. Seven crew members were promptly evacuated to safety, while the remaining crew stayed onboard to assist in containing the blaze. No injuries were reported.

    A six-member Indian Navy firefighting and damage control team, equipped with specialized gear, was deployed to combat the fire. Their efforts were later bolstered by 13 more Navy personnel. Together with the ship’s crew, they managed to bring the fire under control and confine it to the engine room.

    The Navy continues to monitor the situation, with INS Tabar remaining on station to provide further assistance if required.

    This successful operation underscores the Indian Navy’s rapid response capabilities and its continued commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts in the Indian Ocean Region.

  • From Ghana to Brazil: PM Modi’s tour to cement South-South cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a five-nation tour on Tuesday covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia, marking an important push to strengthen India’s ties with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

    First Indian PM visit to Ghana in three decades

    Prime Minister Modi will begin his tour with an official visit to Ghana on July 2 and 3- the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in 30 years.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit holds special significance as Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama recently assumed office after a decisive electoral victory. PM Modi and President Mahama, who share a history of engagement since the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015, will discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties.

    Key areas on the agenda include agriculture, defence cooperation, critical minerals, and a possible vaccine hub to serve West Africa. India’s capacity-building initiatives like the ITEC programme have long contributed to Ghana’s human resource development. Officials expect the two sides to sign MoUs in areas such as traditional medicine, standards and cultural exchange.

    Trinidad and Tobago: marking 180 years of Indian arrival

    From July 3 to 4, PM Modi will visit Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. The visit coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants to the island nation, which hosts one of the largest Indian-origin communities in the Caribbean.

    In Port of Spain, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with President Christine Carla Kangaloo, and Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bisessar, both of whom are of Indian origin. Talks will cover cooperation in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resilience, education and culture.

    Highlighting the shared heritage, PM Modi will address a joint session of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora.

    Argentina visit: tapping new opportunities

    PM Modi’s next stop will be Argentina on July 4 and 5 – the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Argentina in nearly six decades.

    Officials said the visit is timely as Argentina pursues major economic reforms and offers new avenues for partnership. PM Modi will hold talks with President Javier Milei, focusing on boosting cooperation in defence manufacturing, digital technology, telemedicine, mining and renewable energy.

    Argentina’s vast reserves of lithium, copper and rare earths align with India’s push for secure and sustainable critical mineral supplies. India’s KABIL has already secured mining concessions in Argentina this year. Discussions will also cover food security, green energy, infrastructure, science and technology.

    Brazil: BRICS summit and bilateral talks

    PM Modi will then travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7. The theme for this year’s summit — “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance” — aligns with India’s foreign policy priorities.

    Leaders will deliberate on reforming global governance, peace and security, climate change and artificial intelligence. India expects key outcomes including a Leaders’ Declaration and frameworks for climate finance and socially determined diseases.

    On July 8, PM Modi will pay a state visit to Brasilia for bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. India and Brazil will review trade ties, currently valued at $12.2 billion, and aim to push the target to $20 billion. Cooperation in oil and gas, renewable energy, critical minerals, defence, agriculture, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure are expected to feature prominently.

    Namibia: energy, minerals, digital pay on radar

    PM Modi will conclude his tour with a landmark visit to Namibia on July 9- the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 27 years.

    India has long supported Namibia’s independence struggle and has maintained strong economic ties. Trade stands at around $600 million, with Indian investments of nearly $800 million, mostly in minerals like zinc and diamonds.

    During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and address Namibia’s Parliament. A key highlight will be a technology agreement enabling unified payment interoperability between the two countries — deepening fintech and digital cooperation.

    Namibia’s reserves of uranium, copper, cobalt and rare earths, and recent oil discoveries make it an attractive partner as India diversifies its energy and mineral supplies. The Cheetah translocation project from Namibia to India’s Kuno National Park remains a symbol of trust and collaboration.

  • Active monsoon to persist across north, central, and east India; heavy rainfall forecast in multiple states

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that active monsoon conditions are likely to continue across many parts of northwest, central, and east India over the next six to seven days. The forecast indicates widespread rainfall activity, with extremely heavy rainfall – measuring 20 cm or more – very likely at isolated locations in Madhya Pradesh, west Uttar Pradesh, and east Rajasthan today and tomorrow.

    According to the IMD, very heavy rainfall is also expected in Himachal Pradesh today and tomorrow, and again from July 5 to 7. Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy showers tomorrow, while Punjab and Haryana are forecast to receive significant rainfall on July 6 and 7. Uttar Pradesh may experience very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow, and East Rajasthan is likely to be affected from July 1 to 4. Madhya Pradesh will see another spell of heavy rain tomorrow and again from July 5 to 7.

    Further east, Jharkhand is expected to receive heavy rain today, while Odisha will see rainfall activity between July 1 and 3. Along the western coast, the Konkan and Goa regions, Madhya Maharashtra, and the Gujarat region are also in line for sustained heavy rainfall. In the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, as well as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are likely to witness widespread heavy showers from July 1 to 7.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In Delhi-NCR, the weather is expected to remain wet and cloudy over the coming days.

    Today, the sky is expected to be partly cloudy with very light to light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Maximum temperatures are forecast to remain between 32°C and 34°C, which is 3 to 5 degrees below normal. Surface winds will predominantly be from the east at speeds of less than 15 kmph in the afternoon, decreasing to 10–15 kmph during the evening and night.

    Tomorrow, the region will continue to experience similar weather, with maximum and minimum temperatures ranging from 33°C to 35°C and 25°C to 27°C respectively. These readings will remain 1 to 4 degrees below normal. Winds will come from the southwest at under 10 kmph during the morning and weaken further in the afternoon before slightly increasing during the evening.

    For July 3, partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms are forecast, with temperatures expected to hover between 32°C and 34°C for the maximum and 26°C to 28°C for the minimum. Winds will shift from the south in the morning to southeast in the afternoon, reaching up to 20 kmph before decreasing again in the evening.

    On July 4, similar conditions will prevail, with temperatures ranging from 31°C to 33°C and minimums between 26°C and 28°C. The maximum temperature is expected to be 4 to 6 degrees below normal. Winds will shift throughout the day—from north-northeast in the morning to southeast in the afternoon, and finally to the south during the evening, remaining light throughout.

  • Multiple cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi; Shimla-Sunni-Karsog highway blocked after heavy rain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Multiple cloudbursts and torrential rain continued across Himachal Pradesh on Monday, resulting in flash floods. One of the worst-hit routes is the Shimla-Sunni-Karsog highway, which has been completely blocked near Devidhar, about 35 kilometres from the state capital Shimla, stranding dozens of vehicles and commuters.

    Long queues of vehicles were seen piling up on both sides of the landslide site.

    Some people went missing in multiple cloudbursts overnight in Karsog division in Mandi district.

    The cloudbursts triggered flash floods that washed away many houses.

    At least 41 people have been rescued by the district administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

    According to reports, 10 houses and a bridge were swept away by floods in Kuklah. In Mandi district, the 16-MW Patikari Hydro-Electric Power Project has also been washed away.

    The run-of-the-river power project is built on the Bakhli Khad, a left-bank tributary of the Beas river.

    Owing to the heavy inflow of water, 150,000 cusecs of water have been released from the Pandoh Dam.

    The situation turned critical as the downpour in the Beas upper catchment led to a sharp increase in inflow at Pandoh Dam.

    Locals and tourists have been strictly warned to stay away from the riverbanks.

    The 126-MW Larji Hydro Electric Project in Kullu also saw an abnormal rise in water discharge.

    Owing to heavy rain, Mandi District Magistrate Apoorv Devgan ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions in the district on Tuesday as a precautionary step.

    On Monday, a five-storey building collapsed in the suburbs of Shimla city. However, no lives were lost, as residents had vacated the building.

    The state suffered a loss of Rs 75.69 crore till Monday due to torrential rain that has occurred across the state in the past 10 days.

    As per the Revenue Department, the state has witnessed 23 deaths as a result of flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, etc, from June 20 to June 30. Also, 259 link roads across the state remain closed, while 614 distribution transformers and 144 water supply schemes across the state remain disrupted.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • Rajasthan records 128% excess rainfall than normal in June

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Rajasthan has recorded 128 per cent more rainfall than normal during June in the ongoing monsoon season, the weather department officials said on Tuesday.

    According to the Meteorological Department, heavy showers have filled ponds and dams across the state much earlier than usual. The rainfall has been particularly abundant in eastern Rajasthan, which received 160 per cent more than average, while western Rajasthan saw a 79 per cent increase.

    As a result, rivers and seasonal drains are flowing strongly, and water levels in many dams have risen significantly. In the Kota division, several smaller dams are already filled to capacity, while major reservoirs like Bisalpur, Parvati, and Mahi Bajaj Sagar have also received a healthy inflow.

    The Water Resources Department reports that Rajasthan’s dams currently hold 50.45 per cent of their total storage capacity – a significant jump from 32.53 per cent on the same date last year.

    Notably, 90 previously dry dams have started receiving water. Dams in the Jaipur division are at 37.05 per cent capacity. Historical data shows that over the past decade, eastern Rajasthan has consistently received more rainfall during the monsoon season compared to the west.

    The average annual rainfall for the state stands at 421.96 mm. According to the data, the highest rainfall of 747.24 mm was recorded in the last ten years in 2019, while the lowest rainfall was 506.28 mm in the year 2015. In the year 2024, 662.87 mm of rain was recorded. Meanwhile, Jaipur Meteorological Centre has warned of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal, which is expected to influence Rajasthan’s weather over the coming week.

    This system is likely to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to over 27 districts, offering much-needed respite from heat and humidity. Authorities have urged caution in areas likely to receive heavy rain, including Dausa, Dholpur, Karauli, and Sawai Madhopur. Rainfall is also expected to intensify in Ajmer, Alwar, Jaipur, Kota, Bharatpur, and Udaipur.

    (IANS)

  • Thai court suspends PM from duty pending case seeking her dismissal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty pending a case seeking her dismissal, adding to mounting pressure on a government under fire on multiple fronts.

    The court in a statement said it had accepted a petition from 36 senators that accuses Paetongtarn of dishonesty and breaching ethnical standards in violation of the constitution over the leak of a politically sensitive telephone conversation with Cambodia’s influential former leader Hun Sen.

    The government is expected to be led by a deputy prime minister in a caretaker capacity while the court decides the case against Paetongtarn, who will remain in the cabinet as the new culture minister following a reshuffle. The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her suspension.

    The leaked call with the veteran Cambodian politician triggered domestic outrage and has left Paetongtarn’s coalition with a razer-thin majority, with a key party abandoning the alliance and expected to soon seek a no confidence vote in parliament, as protest groups demand the premier resigns.

    During a June 15 call intended to defuse escalating border tensions with Cambodia, Paetongtarn, 38, kowtowed before Hun Sen and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised and said her remarks were a negotiating tactic.

    FAMILY CRISIS

    Paetongtarn’s battles after only 10 months in power underline the declining strength of the Pheu Thai Party, the populist juggernaut of the billionaire Shinawatra dynasty that has dominated Thai elections since 2001, enduring military coups and court rulings that have toppled multiple governments and prime ministers.

    It has been a baptism of fire for political novice Paetongtarn, who thrust into power as Thailand’s youngest premier and replacement for Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for violating ethics by appointing a minister who was once jailed.

    Paetongtarn’s government has also been struggling to revive a stuttering economy and her popularity has declined sharply, with a June 19-25 opinion poll released at the weekend showing her approval rating sinking to 9.2% from 30.9% in March.

    Paetongtarn is not alone in her troubles, with influential father Thaksin Shinawatra, the driving force behind her government, facing legal hurdles of his own in two different courts this month.

    Divisive tycoon Thaksin, according to his lawyer, appeared at his first hearing at Bangkok’s Criminal Court on Tuesday on charges he insulted Thailand’s powerful monarchy, a serious offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. Thaksin denies the allegations and has repeatedly pledged allegiance to the crown.

    The case stems from a 2015 media interview Thaksin gave while in self-imposed exile, from which he returned in 2023 after 15 years abroad to serve a prison sentence for conflicts of interest and abuse of power.

    Thaksin, 75, dodged jail and spent six months in hospital detention on medical grounds before being released on parole in February last year. The Supreme Court will this month scrutinise that hospital stay and could potentially send him back to jail.

    (Reuters)

  • EAM Jaishankar gives firsthand account on Trump’s claims on ceasefire

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday clarified India’s stand and response on U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he used trade to force India and Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire during the escalation following India’s Operation Sindoor in May.

    Speaking at a fireside chat with Newsweek CEO Dev Pragad, Jaishankar recounted the sequence of events, asserting that there was no linkage between trade negotiations and ceasefire talks. “I can tell you that I was in the room when U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance spoke to Prime Minister Modi on the night of May 9, saying that the Pakistanis would launch a very massive assault on India,” he said.

    He emphasized that no trade-related leverage was discussed during that call. “We did not accept certain things, and the Prime Minister was impervious to what the Pakistanis were threatening to do,” Jaishankar noted. “On the contrary, he (PM Modi) indicated that there would be a response from us.”

    Jaishankar confirmed that Pakistan did indeed launch a massive attack that night, to which India responded swiftly. The following morning, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted him to inform that Pakistan was ready to talk. Later that day, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations, Major General Kashif Abdullah, directly contacted his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, to request a ceasefire.

    “I can only share what I personally experienced,” Jaishankar stated.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • ‘Digital India, a people’s movement’: PM Modi charts roadmap for next decade

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the completion of ten years of the Digital India initiative, describing it as a journey that has transformed governance, empowered citizens, and positioned India as a global leader in digital technology.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Today is a historic day as we mark #10YearsOfDigitalIndia! Ten years ago, Digital India began as an initiative to transform our nation into a digitally empowered and technologically advanced society. A decade later, we stand witness to a journey that has touched countless lives and ushered in a new era of empowerment.”

    Launched in 2015, the Digital India mission sought to bridge the country’s vast digital divide and make technology accessible to every citizen. Reflecting on the initiative’s impact, PM Modi said that India’s progress is visible not only in “data and dashboards” but also in the daily lives of 140 crore Indians.

    “While decades were spent doubting the ability of Indians to use technology, we changed this approach and trusted the ability of Indians to use technology,” PM Modi said in an article shared on LinkedIn.

    Expanding Access and Inclusion

    In 2014, India had about 25 crore internet connections. That figure has now grown to over 97 crore, with high-speed internet reaching remote villages and forward military outposts alike. The Prime Minister pointed out that over 42 lakh kilometres of Optical Fibre Cable now connect the country, equivalent to eleven times the distance between Earth and the Moon.

    The success of India’s real-time digital payments system, UPI, has also been a highlight. UPI now handles over 100 billion transactions a year, accounting for nearly half of all real-time digital payments worldwide.

    Through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), the government has directly transferred over ₹44 lakh crore to citizens, saving nearly ₹3.48 lakh crore by eliminating middlemen. Schemes like SVAMITVA have issued more than 2.4 crore property cards and mapped over 6.4 lakh villages, providing land ownership security to millions.

    Driving Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    Highlighting the impact on small businesses and entrepreneurs, PM Modi noted that initiatives like ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) and GeM (Government E-Marketplace) have expanded opportunities for millions. ONDC recently crossed 200 million transactions, while GeM has surpassed ₹1 lakh crore GMV in just 50 days.

    “From Banarasi weavers to bamboo artisans in Nagaland, sellers are now reaching customers nationwide, without middlemen or digital monopolies,” the Prime Minister added.

    PM Modi also underlined India’s emergence as a global leader in Digital Public Infrastructure, citing examples like Aadhaar, CoWIN, DigiLocker, and FASTag. He said these platforms are now studied and adopted in other countries, with India launching a Global DPI Repository during its G20 Presidency.

    Looking Ahead

    Calling for greater innovation in the coming decade, the Prime Minister said India is moving from “digital governance to global digital leadership, from India-first to India-for-the-world.”

    He urged the country’s innovators and entrepreneurs to build technology that “unites, includes, and uplifts,” adding, “Let us build what empowers. Let us solve what truly matters.”

    The Prime Minister’s remarks come as India continues to scale its presence in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and digital commerce, supported by initiatives such as the $1.2 billion India AI Mission and new Centres of Excellence across the country.

    “Digital India has not remained a mere government program, it has become a people’s movement,” PM Modi said, reaffirming the initiative’s central role in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

     

  • Death toll in Telangana pharma unit blast rises to 35

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from the explosion at a chemical factory in Telangana’s Sangareddy district rose to 35 on Tuesday, with officials saying that the number may increase as search and rescue operations continue.

    The blast occurred on Monday at Sigachi Industries Limited’s pharmaceutical facility, located about 50 km from Hyderabad. The impact of the explosion caused a three-storey building to collapse, triggering a massive fire.

    At the time of the incident, 108 workers were present at the factory. Thirty-five workers were injured in the explosion, with 11 reported to be in critical condition. More than 15 fire engines were deployed to contain the blaze.

    Most of the victims were migrant workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured, from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief and said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was immediately deployed and is assisting in the ongoing rescue operations along with local authorities.

    “Saddened by the tragic accident in a chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana. The NDRF team rushed to the spot immediately and is continuing the rescue operation along with the local administration,” Shah said in a post on X.

    According to Y Nagi Reddy, Director General of Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, the explosion took place during the air handling and drying of microcrystalline cellulose, citing inputs from industrial experts.

    The state government has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the incident. The panel includes the Chief Secretary, Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management), Principal Secretary (Labour), Principal Secretary (Health), and Additional DGP (Fire Services).

    The Chief Minister’s Office said the committee will also provide recommendations to prevent such industrial disasters in the future.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • Trump suggests DOGE look at Musk’s companies to save money

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that his efficiency department should take a look at the subsidies that Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s companies have received in order to save the federal government “BIG” money.

    Trump’s comments come after billionaire Elon Musk renewed his criticism on Monday of Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill, vowing to unseat lawmakers who backed it after campaigning on limiting government spending.

    “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

    In response to Trump’s post, Musk, in his own social media platform X, said “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now.”

    After weeks of relative silence following a feud with Trump over the legislation, Musk rejoined the debate on Saturday as the Senate took up the package, calling it “utterly insane and destructive” in a post on social media platform X.

    On Monday, he ramped up his criticism, saying lawmakers who had campaigned on cutting spending but backed the bill “should hang their heads in shame!”

    “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk said.

    The Tesla and SpaceX CEO called again for a new political party, saying the bill’s massive spending indicated “that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”

    “Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people,” he wrote.

    Musk’s criticism of the bill has caused a rift in his relationship with Trump, marking a dramatic shift after the tech billionaire spent nearly $300 million on Trump’s re-election campaign and led the administration’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal cost-cutting initiative.

    Musk, the world’s richest man, has argued that the legislation would greatly increase the national debt and erase the savings he says he has achieved through DOGE.

    It remains unclear how much sway Musk has over Congress or what effect his opinions might have on the bill’s passage. But Republicans have expressed concern that his on-again, off-again feud with Trump could hurt their chances to protect their majority in the 2026 midterm congressional elections.

    The rift has also led to volatility for Tesla, with shares of the company seeing wild price swings that erased approximately $150 billion of its market value, though it has since recovered.

    – Reuters

  • PM Modi extends birthday wishes to former Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings to former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on the occasion of his 76th birthday, lauding his decades-long contribution to public service and nation-building.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Best wishes to our former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu on his birthday. I’ve had the good fortune of working together with Venkaiah Garu for many years. His commitment to public service and empowering the downtrodden is exemplary. Praying for his long and healthy life.”

    Born on July 1, 1949, Naidu served as India’s 13th Vice-President from 2017 to 2022. Prior to this, he held several key portfolios, including Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Urban Development, and Information and Broadcasting in the Union Cabinet.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah also greeted the former Vice-President, describing his political journey as an inspiration for young leaders. “Warm birthday greetings to Shri @MVenkaiahNaidu Ji. Rising from the grassroots to the office of the Vice President, your journey serving the nation and voicing the marginalised is an inspiration for young leaders. Praying to God for your continued good health and long life,” Shah posted on X.

    Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu wished Venkaiah Naidu in a post in Telugu, describing him as a remarkable leader whose dedication to public service has earned him a special place in national politics. He noted Naidu’s long journey from a student leader to holding one of the country’s highest constitutional posts.

    “I sincerely wish that Shri Venkaiah Naidu celebrates many more birthdays like this and continues to serve the public even more,” Chandrababu Naidu said.

  • India hosts first-ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai to boost maritime cooperation and tourism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first-ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai on Monday, marking a significant milestone in maritime cooperation between India and Southeast Asian nations.

    Held aboard the MV Empress at Chennai Port, the dialogue brought together over 30 delegates from all ten ASEAN countries, along with Timor Leste, to explore ways to enhance cruise connectivity, promote sustainable tourism, and strengthen cultural and economic ties across the Indo-Pacific region.

    Sonowal emphasized India’s vision to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways and boost cruise passenger traffic to one million annually by 2029 under the Sagarmala initiative. He also outlined plans for an integrated cruise network linking Indian and ASEAN ports, aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 and ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

    “Together, we want to develop a sustainable cruise circuit among culturally vibrant coastal regions of India and ASEAN, transforming the region into the hub of cruise tourism for the Global South,” the Minister said.

    The two-day dialogue includes thematic sessions on investment and cruise tourist circuits, and will continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delegates will visit historic temples and monuments, highlighting India’s rich coastal tourism potential.

    Minister of State Shantanu Thakur highlighted ASEAN’s central role in India’s Act East Policy and reiterated India’s commitment to revitalising centuries-old maritime ties through cruise tourism and the blue economy.

    The event also saw participation from senior government officials and industry leaders. The Indian government envisions making the ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue a recurring platform for advancing regional cruise tourism and maritime cooperation.

  • Centre launches BhashaSetu challenge to develop Real-Time Language Tech

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The centre on Monday launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025, inviting startups from across the country to develop an AI-based real-time multilingual translation solution under its flagship accelerator programme, WaveX.

    The challenge, titled ‘BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’, seeks to encourage the creation of innovative tools that can handle translation, transliteration, and voice localisation in real time across at least 12 major Indian languages. Officials said the initiative aims to foster inclusive and accessible communication technologies that are sensitive to India’s linguistic diversity.

    There is no minimum eligibility criterion for participation, allowing startups at any stage of development to apply. Startups have been encouraged to build scalable and cost-effective solutions, leveraging open-source or low-cost artificial intelligence models. Proprietary models may also be considered, provided they remain affordable for wide-scale deployment.

    The winning team will receive incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, which will include mentorship, workspace, and development assistance until the solution is fully developed and deployed. Registrations opened on June 30 and will close on July 22. Interested startups may submit their proposals through the official WaveX portal.

    WaveX was launched under the Ministry’s WAVES initiative to promote innovation in the media, entertainment, and language technology sectors. At the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai this May, over 30 startups pitched their ideas directly to government representatives, investors, and industry leaders.

    Officials said that WaveX will continue to support promising startups through hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and opportunities for integration with national platforms.

    Startups can register for the challenge at: https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com

  • India, Bhutan hold Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Development Cooperation Talks between India and Bhutan were held in New Delhi on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

    The discussions focused on reviewing the entire spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation across key sectors.

    The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) in the MEA, Tanmaya Lal, while the Bhutanese side was headed by Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden.

    The talks focused on reviewing the full spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutual cooperation across key sectors. India has pledged support of ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–2029), covering Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and budgetary support through Programme Grants.

    Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, including 61 PTA projects worth ₹4,958 crore and 283 HICDPs amounting to ₹417 crore, currently at various stages of implementation. Revisions to PTA allocations were discussed in response to Bhutan’s evolving development priorities. India has also disbursed ₹750 crore for the ESP and ₹100 crore as Programme Grant.

    Bhutan presented the second tranche of PTA proposals under the 13th FYP, with 10 new projects worth ₹1,113 crore receiving joint approval. These initiatives span sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock.

    India reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Bhutan government in line with the shared vision of the Bhutan King and Prime Minister of India.

    The next round of Development Cooperation Talks will be held in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date.

  • India, Bhutan hold Development Cooperation Talks in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Development Cooperation Talks between India and Bhutan were held in New Delhi on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

    The discussions focused on reviewing the entire spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation across key sectors.

    The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) in the MEA, Tanmaya Lal, while the Bhutanese side was headed by Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden.

    The talks focused on reviewing the full spectrum of the India-Bhutan development partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutual cooperation across key sectors. India has pledged support of ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–2029), covering Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and budgetary support through Programme Grants.

    Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, including 61 PTA projects worth ₹4,958 crore and 283 HICDPs amounting to ₹417 crore, currently at various stages of implementation. Revisions to PTA allocations were discussed in response to Bhutan’s evolving development priorities. India has also disbursed ₹750 crore for the ESP and ₹100 crore as Programme Grant.

    Bhutan presented the second tranche of PTA proposals under the 13th FYP, with 10 new projects worth ₹1,113 crore receiving joint approval. These initiatives span sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and livestock.

    India reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Bhutan government in line with the shared vision of the Bhutan King and Prime Minister of India.

    The next round of Development Cooperation Talks will be held in Thimphu at a mutually convenient date.

  • Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Inaugurates NMDC and MECON International Offices in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, led a high-level delegation to Dubai where he formally inaugurated the international offices of two major Indian public sector enterprises, NMDC Limited and MECON Limited, on June 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding global industrial presence in the Middle East.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Ambassador of India to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, Joint Secretary Ministry of Steel Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of SAIL Amarendu Prakash, Director Finance MECON, and other senior representatives from the Ministry of Steel, Embassy of India UAE, and the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

    NMDC’s new Dubai office represents a strategic expansion of India’s largest iron ore producer into international markets, designed to unlock new trade partnerships, enhance raw material security, and strengthen India’s self-reliance while boosting global competitiveness in the minerals sector. The Dubai office will serve as a strategic hub for NMDC, actively tracking developments in the mineral sectors across the MENA region, Africa, and Australia, including regulatory changes and government policies. It will focus on scouting mineral assets, conducting technical due diligence, and facilitating engagements with government bodies, business partners, and research institutions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, said, “Dubai represents a gateway to global opportunity. With this new office, NMDC is poised to redefine the mining landscape. With our expansion we are revolutionizing our approach to mineral development, securing India’s position as a leader in the mining industry, driving innovation in resource utilization.”

    The office will provide real-time market intelligence and timely decision support, enabling NMDC’s leadership to respond swiftly to global opportunities while building a reliable network for confidential insights on peer companies and exploring collaborations in Mining Equipment and Technology Services. As part of its global mineral diversification strategy, NMDC has been actively evaluating acquisition opportunities across 10 strategic mineral assets globally and exploring critical mineral block acquisitions in Africa, Australia and South America to strengthen its presence in the global critical mineral value chain.

    MECON Limited’s Dubai office inauguration follows the same strategic vision, with the engineering consultancy firm poised to expand India’s footprint in infrastructure and industrial consultancy across the Middle East and beyond. The establishment marks a significant step in showcasing India’s engineering expertise on the global stage, particularly in sectors including engineering, oil and gas, mining, and steel manufacturing. MECON is a frontline design, engineering, consultancy and contracting organisation under the Ministry of Steel, rendering the entire gamut of services from concept to commissioning for more than six decades for setting up projects in metals and mining, power, oil and gas, infrastructure and defense and strategic projects.

    The inauguration of MECON’s Dubai office represents a significant step forward in the company’s journey towards building global footprints for Indian engineering excellence with the unwavering support of the Ministry of Steel. MECON provides one-stop solutions for engineering projects with a workforce of over 800 engineers and experts from more than 30 different engineering disciplines. The company is positioned to explore mutual opportunities, deliver world-class services and contribute to the region’s growth.

    During his visit, the minister also engaged in productive discussions with leading CEOs and Managing Directors of major Indian-origin companies operating in the UAE. The interactions underscored the diplomatic significance of the industrial collaboration initiative, with discussions centered on strengthening industrial cooperation, advancing India-UAE economic ties, and creating new pathways for growth in steel, heavy industries, and strategic investments.

    NMDC Limited, formerly National Mineral Development Corporation, is India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter, founded in 1958 as a fully government-owned entity under the Ministry of Steel. The company produces more than 45 million tonnes annually and operates mines in Bailadila, Chhattisgarh, and Donimalai, Karnataka, while maintaining its position as one of India’s most profitable public sector enterprises involved in the exploration of iron ore, rock, gypsum, magnesite, diamond, tin, tungsten, graphite, and coal.

    MECON Limited, formerly known as Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants India Limited, is a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel established in 1959. The company provides design, engineering, and consultancy services for heavy industry including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, oil and gas, power, and infrastructure sectors, offering comprehensive services ranging from project conceptualization to implementation, including consultancy, design and engineering, procurement of plant and equipment, inspection, construction, project management, and turnkey project execution for both greenfield and brownfield industrial projects.

  • Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Inaugurates NMDC and MECON International Offices in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, led a high-level delegation to Dubai where he formally inaugurated the international offices of two major Indian public sector enterprises, NMDC Limited and MECON Limited, on June 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding global industrial presence in the Middle East.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Ambassador of India to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, Joint Secretary Ministry of Steel Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of SAIL Amarendu Prakash, Director Finance MECON, and other senior representatives from the Ministry of Steel, Embassy of India UAE, and the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

    NMDC’s new Dubai office represents a strategic expansion of India’s largest iron ore producer into international markets, designed to unlock new trade partnerships, enhance raw material security, and strengthen India’s self-reliance while boosting global competitiveness in the minerals sector. The Dubai office will serve as a strategic hub for NMDC, actively tracking developments in the mineral sectors across the MENA region, Africa, and Australia, including regulatory changes and government policies. It will focus on scouting mineral assets, conducting technical due diligence, and facilitating engagements with government bodies, business partners, and research institutions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, said, “Dubai represents a gateway to global opportunity. With this new office, NMDC is poised to redefine the mining landscape. With our expansion we are revolutionizing our approach to mineral development, securing India’s position as a leader in the mining industry, driving innovation in resource utilization.”

    The office will provide real-time market intelligence and timely decision support, enabling NMDC’s leadership to respond swiftly to global opportunities while building a reliable network for confidential insights on peer companies and exploring collaborations in Mining Equipment and Technology Services. As part of its global mineral diversification strategy, NMDC has been actively evaluating acquisition opportunities across 10 strategic mineral assets globally and exploring critical mineral block acquisitions in Africa, Australia and South America to strengthen its presence in the global critical mineral value chain.

    MECON Limited’s Dubai office inauguration follows the same strategic vision, with the engineering consultancy firm poised to expand India’s footprint in infrastructure and industrial consultancy across the Middle East and beyond. The establishment marks a significant step in showcasing India’s engineering expertise on the global stage, particularly in sectors including engineering, oil and gas, mining, and steel manufacturing. MECON is a frontline design, engineering, consultancy and contracting organisation under the Ministry of Steel, rendering the entire gamut of services from concept to commissioning for more than six decades for setting up projects in metals and mining, power, oil and gas, infrastructure and defense and strategic projects.

    The inauguration of MECON’s Dubai office represents a significant step forward in the company’s journey towards building global footprints for Indian engineering excellence with the unwavering support of the Ministry of Steel. MECON provides one-stop solutions for engineering projects with a workforce of over 800 engineers and experts from more than 30 different engineering disciplines. The company is positioned to explore mutual opportunities, deliver world-class services and contribute to the region’s growth.

    During his visit, the minister also engaged in productive discussions with leading CEOs and Managing Directors of major Indian-origin companies operating in the UAE. The interactions underscored the diplomatic significance of the industrial collaboration initiative, with discussions centered on strengthening industrial cooperation, advancing India-UAE economic ties, and creating new pathways for growth in steel, heavy industries, and strategic investments.

    NMDC Limited, formerly National Mineral Development Corporation, is India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter, founded in 1958 as a fully government-owned entity under the Ministry of Steel. The company produces more than 45 million tonnes annually and operates mines in Bailadila, Chhattisgarh, and Donimalai, Karnataka, while maintaining its position as one of India’s most profitable public sector enterprises involved in the exploration of iron ore, rock, gypsum, magnesite, diamond, tin, tungsten, graphite, and coal.

    MECON Limited, formerly known as Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants India Limited, is a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel established in 1959. The company provides design, engineering, and consultancy services for heavy industry including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, oil and gas, power, and infrastructure sectors, offering comprehensive services ranging from project conceptualization to implementation, including consultancy, design and engineering, procurement of plant and equipment, inspection, construction, project management, and turnkey project execution for both greenfield and brownfield industrial projects.

  • Amit Shah chairs ‘Manthan Baithak’ to mark International Year of Cooperatives 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a “Manthan Baithak” with Cooperation Ministers from all States and Union Territories in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting was organised to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 and was hosted by the Ministry of Cooperation.

    In his address, Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi established the Ministry of Cooperation to revive India’s long-standing tradition of cooperation while addressing present-day needs.

    Highlighting the transformative work done over the past decade, Shah said, “When the Modi government came to power in 2014, nearly 60 to 70 crore people lacked basic facilities and had lived for generations in scarcity. In ten years, the government has provided housing, toilets, drinking water, food grains, healthcare, gas cylinders, and other essential facilities to crores of people.”

    He added that those who had benefited now aspired to become entrepreneurs but lacked sufficient capital. “For them, cooperation is the only way to do meaningful work with their limited resources,” he said, stressing that cooperation is vital for employment generation in a country of 140 crore people.

    Shah emphasised the need to revitalise cooperation for the welfare of small farmers and rural communities, noting that the sector holds vast potential. “With sensitivity, we must bring cooperation back to life,” he said.

    He also shared that the Government of India has launched 60 initiatives to ensure that every citizen secures employment and lives with dignity. One key step, he said, is the creation of the National Cooperative Database to identify gaps and ensure that every village has at least one cooperative institution. “Our goal is that within five years, there should not be a single village in the country without a cooperative,” Shah said.

    He pointed out three main reasons for the weakening of the cooperative movement in the past: outdated laws, lack of expansion, and nepotism in recruitments. “The Modi government has amended the laws and conceived the idea of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University to train cooperative personnel,” he said. He urged every state to establish at least one cooperative training institution affiliated with the Tribhuvan Sahkari University to strengthen the training system.

    Shah said that a new National Cooperative Policy will be introduced soon, covering the period from 2025 to 2045, leading up to the centenary of India’s independence. He said, “Under this policy, each state will prepare its own cooperative policy according to local needs and conditions. Every state should announce its cooperative policy before January 31, 2026.”

    He also called for discipline, innovation and transparency in the sector through the Model National Cooperative Policy Act. Stressing the importance of timely implementation, he said the target of setting up two lakh Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) for the financial year 2025–26 must be achieved by February next year.

    “Now that cooperative banks come under the Banking Act, and the Reserve Bank of India has shown flexibility, remaining issues can only be resolved if we run these banks transparently and recruit staff based on merit,” he said, underlining the need for transparency in Credit Cooperative Societies and Urban Cooperative Banks.

    Promoting natural farming was another key area of focus. Shah urged all State Cooperation Ministers to work with their Agriculture counterparts to encourage natural farming, which, he said, would benefit both public health and the environment.

    He further said that ‘Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives’ has been a proven and successful model in Gujarat and should be replicated nationwide. “This initiative is crucial for building national capacity and strengthening cooperatives across India,” he added.

    The meeting also discussed progress on setting up two lakh Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS) and the promotion of dairy and fisheries cooperatives to boost rural service delivery. The implementation of the world’s largest grain storage scheme in the cooperative sector was reviewed in detail.