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Category: Government of India

  • PM Modi shares article highlighting policy and innovation driving India’s rise as a global steel leader

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared an article emphasizing the crucial role of policy initiatives and innovation in propelling India’s steel industry toward global leadership.

    In reply to a social media post by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on X, the Prime Minister said, “From infrastructure and defence to electric mobility and clean energy, steel is the backbone of a rising India.”

    “Union Minister Shri @hd_kumaraswamy outlines how policy push and innovation are shaping India’s journey to becoming a global steel leader,” the PM added in his post.

    https://rb.gy/rruno

  • Digital India in action: Citizen-first reforms take centre stage

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday emphasized the pivotal role of citizen-centric digital reforms in shaping India’s administrative future while inaugurating the Southern Regional Conference of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) at Pondicherry University. The conference, themed “Empowering Citizens in Digital India: Administrative, Management and Organizational Reforms,” brought together over 350 delegates, including senior bureaucrats, academics, and industry professionals.

    In his keynote address, the Union Minister underscored India’s transition from “minimum government, maximum governance” to a digitally empowered and citizen-first governance model. Citing landmark initiatives such as DigiLocker, Direct Benefit Transfer, and the JAM Trinity, he said these reforms have simplified service delivery, enhanced transparency, and ensured dignity for citizens—especially in remote regions.

    He also launched a new Governance Cell at Pondicherry University to promote research and awareness on public service and reforms among students and young professionals. Highlighting India’s digital journey, the Minister pointed to advances like self-attestation, digital life certificates, and facial recognition systems, stating, “It’s not just about adopting technology—it’s about ensuring ease of living and dignity for every Indian.”

    The Union Minister praised initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana for widening access to healthcare and housing and lauded the “One Nation, One Subscription” programme for democratizing access to academic resources. He noted India’s rising global stature, with improvements in innovation, patents, and startup rankings, and said the country is on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2027.

    Jitendra Singh released a book titled “Digital Governance in India – Transforming Public Service Delivery” by Dr. T. Gopinath and felicitated retired IAS officer Vallavan for his service in public administration. The event also featured presentations of over 80 academic papers from across Southern India and saw participation from IIPA branches in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.

  • India’s industrial output grows by 1.2% in May 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s industrial production recorded a modest growth of 1.2 per cent in May 2025, according to the latest Quick Estimates released under the revised calendar for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

    The latest data shows a slight moderation in growth when compared to April 2025, when the IIP had registered an increase of 2.7 per cent. The overall index for May stood at 156.6, up from 154.7 in the corresponding month last year. Sector-wise, the manufacturing segment was the main driver, recording a growth of 2.6 per cent, even as the mining sector saw a marginal contraction of 0.1 per cent. The electricity sector, however, registered a significant decline, contracting by 5.8 per cent.

    The detailed figures highlight the resilience of key industry groups within the manufacturing sector. Of the 23 industry groups at the two-digit level of the National Industrial Classification, 13 recorded positive growth. The manufacture of basic metals grew by 6.4 per cent, driven by strong production of items such as MS blooms, billets, ingots, pencil ingots, MS slabs and flat products of alloy steel. The manufacture of machinery and equipment not elsewhere classified rose by 11.8 per cent, supported by healthy output of separators, decanter centrifuges, various types of pumps and stationary internal combustion piston engines for non-automotive uses. The manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products grew by 6.9 per cent, boosted by production of cement, cement clinkers and glassware.

    Under the use-based classification, the index for primary goods stood at 157.9, while capital goods recorded a notable jump to 120.1, reflecting a robust growth of 14.1 per cent compared to May 2024. Intermediate goods rose to 168.1 with a growth of 3.5 per cent, while infrastructure and construction goods registered an index of 198.1, translating into a year-on-year growth of 6.3 per cent.

    On the consumer front, the scenario appeared mixed. While the index for consumer durables stood at 129.3, it marked a marginal decline of 0.7 per cent over the same period last year. Consumer non-durables slipped further, with the index dropping to 150.3, showing a contraction of 2.4 per cent.

    The latest release also included the final revision for April 2025, compiled with a weighted response rate of 93 per cent, while the Quick Estimates for May 2025 were compiled with a response rate of 89.5 per cent.

    The Central Statistics Office will now release the Quick Estimates on the 28th of every month, or the next working day if the date happens to be a holiday.

  • Which countries are quitting a key landmine treaty and why?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukraine has joined other countries bordering Russia in signalling that it will withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, in the face of what they say are growing military threats from Russia.

    NATO members Finland, Poland and the three ex-Soviet Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – have either withdrawn from the convention or indicated that they would do so, citing the increased military danger from their neighbour.

    The moves threaten to reverse decades of campaigning by activists who say there should be a global ban on a weapon that blights huge swathes of territory and maims and kills civilians long after conflicts have abated.

    Countries that quit the 1997 treaty – one of a series of international agreements concluded after the end of the Cold War to encourage global disarmament – will be able to start producing, using, stockpiling and transferring landmines once again.

    COUNTRIES EXITING

    All European countries bordering Russia have announced plans to quit the global treaty,apart from Norway which has only a 200 km (125 mile) border with Russia in its remote Arctic far north, andsaid it was important to maintain stigma around landmines.

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that he had signed a decree to pull Ukraine out of the Convention because Russia has used anti-personnel mines extensively in parts of Ukraine during the 40-month-old war.

    Anti-personnel mines, Zelenskiy said, are “often the instrument for which nothing can be substituted for defence purposes”.

    Some European countries have said they fear that Russia could use any pause in fighting to re-arm and target them.

    Officials have suggested a withdrawal could put them on more of an equal footing with Russia which has not signed or ratified the treaty. Other major powers that have not signed include the United States and China.

    U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres in mid-June raised grave concerns about recent withdrawal announcements, and urged all states to adhere to existing treaties and immediately halt any steps towards their withdrawal.

    FUNDING CUTS

    As countries quit the convention, global demining efforts are also backsliding amid “crippling” U.S. funding cuts under President Donald Trump, according to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Washington had provided more than $300 million a year, or 40% of total international support for removing mines, according to the Landmine Monitor report in 2024.

    A State Department official said in March it had restarted some global humanitarian demining programmes and activities, without giving details. It has previously run major programmes in Iraq, Afghanistan and Laos.

    Anti-personnel landmines are generally hidden in the ground and designed to detonate automatically when someone steps on them or passes nearby. More than 80% of mine victims are civilians, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

    The convention includes provisions to assist victims, many of whom have lost limbs and suffer from other permanent disabilities.

    In June 2025 the U.N. reported that Ukraine had become the most mined country in the world. It said there had been around 800 civilian casualties due to unexploded ordnance.

    (Reuters)

  • Sensex, Nifty snap four-day winning streak amid profit booking

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After four consecutive sessions of gains, benchmark equity indices ended lower on Monday as investors chose to book profits in the absence of strong domestic cues.

    The BSE Sensex declined by 452 points, or 0.54 per cent, to settle at 83,606.46. The index oscillated between an intra-day high of 84,099.53 and a low of 83,482.13. The NSE Nifty also lost ground, shedding 120.75 points, or 0.47 per cent, to close at 25,517.05, after moving within a narrow range through the session.

    Despite the subdued performance of the headline indices, the broader market continued to display resilience. The Nifty Midcap100 rose by 0.6 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 added 0.52 per cent, suggesting sustained investor interest in mid- and small-cap stocks.

    Among the Sensex constituents, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel and Bharti Airtel were among the major laggards. On the other hand, Trent, State Bank of India, Bharat Electronics, Titan, Bajaj Finserv and Eicher Motors recorded notable gains.

    Sectorally, performance was mixed. PSU banks outperformed, with the Nifty PSU Bank index jumping 2.66 per cent. Shares of Maharashtra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, Indian Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank advanced sharply during the session.

    Other sectors including IT, consumer durables, pharma, healthcare, media and energy indices ended in positive territory. However, indices tracking automobiles, banking, financial services, FMCG, metals, realty, private banks and oil & gas sectors closed in the red.

    Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, observed that while global cues have turned marginally positive on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions and progress in a potential US trade agreement, the domestic market paused to consolidate recent gains.

    “Investors are now looking ahead to the upcoming corporate earnings season, with mid- and small-cap segments showing strength in anticipation of improved results supported by healthy consumer demand and better margins,” he said.

    The India VIX, which measures market volatility, rose by 3.2 per cent to 12.78, indicating a slight uptick in investor caution.

    Meanwhile, the rupee weakened by 0.21 per cent to trade near 85.70 against the US dollar, as profit booking and long unwinding weighed on the currency following recent gains.

    “The rupee came under pressure ahead of a crucial week marked by key US data releases and the expiry of the 90-day extended tariff deadline. The domestic unit is expected to remain volatile in the 85.35–86.00 range,” said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities.

    -IANS

  • Sensex, Nifty snap four-day winning streak amid profit booking

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After four consecutive sessions of gains, benchmark equity indices ended lower on Monday as investors chose to book profits in the absence of strong domestic cues.

    The BSE Sensex declined by 452 points, or 0.54 per cent, to settle at 83,606.46. The index oscillated between an intra-day high of 84,099.53 and a low of 83,482.13. The NSE Nifty also lost ground, shedding 120.75 points, or 0.47 per cent, to close at 25,517.05, after moving within a narrow range through the session.

    Despite the subdued performance of the headline indices, the broader market continued to display resilience. The Nifty Midcap100 rose by 0.6 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 added 0.52 per cent, suggesting sustained investor interest in mid- and small-cap stocks.

    Among the Sensex constituents, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel and Bharti Airtel were among the major laggards. On the other hand, Trent, State Bank of India, Bharat Electronics, Titan, Bajaj Finserv and Eicher Motors recorded notable gains.

    Sectorally, performance was mixed. PSU banks outperformed, with the Nifty PSU Bank index jumping 2.66 per cent. Shares of Maharashtra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, Indian Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank advanced sharply during the session.

    Other sectors including IT, consumer durables, pharma, healthcare, media and energy indices ended in positive territory. However, indices tracking automobiles, banking, financial services, FMCG, metals, realty, private banks and oil & gas sectors closed in the red.

    Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, observed that while global cues have turned marginally positive on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions and progress in a potential US trade agreement, the domestic market paused to consolidate recent gains.

    “Investors are now looking ahead to the upcoming corporate earnings season, with mid- and small-cap segments showing strength in anticipation of improved results supported by healthy consumer demand and better margins,” he said.

    The India VIX, which measures market volatility, rose by 3.2 per cent to 12.78, indicating a slight uptick in investor caution.

    Meanwhile, the rupee weakened by 0.21 per cent to trade near 85.70 against the US dollar, as profit booking and long unwinding weighed on the currency following recent gains.

    “The rupee came under pressure ahead of a crucial week marked by key US data releases and the expiry of the 90-day extended tariff deadline. The domestic unit is expected to remain volatile in the 85.35–86.00 range,” said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities.

    -IANS

  • Wildfires burn in Turkey and France as early heatwave hits

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Firefighters battled wildfires in Turkey and France on Monday as an early heatwave hit the region.

    In Turkey, the wildfires raged for a second day in the western province of Izmir, fanned by strong winds, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said, forcing the evacuation of four villages and two neighbourhoods.

    Media footage showed teams using tractors with water trailers and helicopters carrying water, as smoke billowed over hills marked with charred trees.

    Turkey’s coastal regions have in recent years been ravaged by wildfires, as summers have become hotter and drier, which scientists say is a result of human-induced climate change.

    In France, where temperatures are expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, wildfires broke out on Sunday in the southwestern Aude department, where temperatures topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), burning 400 hectares and forcing the evacuation of a campsite and an abbey, authorities and local media said.

    The fires were under control but not yet extinguished, authorities said on Monday.

    Weather service Meteo France put a record 84 of the country’s 101 departments on an orange heatwave alert from Monday until midweek. About 200 schools will be at least partially shut over the next three days because of the heat, the Education Ministry said.

    HEATWAVE IMPACTS RHINE SHIPPING

    The heatwave has lowered water levels on Germany’s Rhine River, hampering shipping and raising freight costs for cargo owners, commodity traders said.

    The Rhine is an important shipping route for commodities such as grains, minerals and oil products. Forecasters said temperatures as high as 40 C are possible in Cologne.

    In Seville, southern Spain, where global leaders were gathering for a United Nations conference, temperatures were expected to hit 42 C.

    Tourists were trying to deal with the heat. “Really hard currently,” Mehrzad Joussefi, from the Netherlands, said.

    Spain is on course for its hottest June on record, the national meteorological service AEMET said.

    Most of the country remains under alert for heat, with AEMET forecasting the peak of the heatwave on Monday.

    “Over the next few days, at least until Thursday, intense heat will continue in much of Spain,” said Ruben del Campo, a spokesperson for the weather agency.

    Italy’s Health Ministry issued heatwave red alerts for 21 cities, including Rome and Milan. Weather forecast website IlMeteo.it said temperatures on Monday would go as high as 41 C in Florence, 38 C in Bologna and 37 C in Perugia.

    The Lombardy region, part of Italy’s northern industrial heartland, is planning to ban open-air work in the hottest times of the day, heeding a request from trade unions, its president said on Monday.

    Heat can affect health in various ways, and experts are most concerned about older people and babies, as well as outdoor labourers and people struggling economically.

    Globally, extreme heat kills up to 480,000 people annually, surpassing the combined toll from floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, and poses growing risks to infrastructure, the economy and healthcare systems, Swiss Re said earlier this month.

    Global surface temperatures last month averaged 1.4 C higher than in the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period, when humans began burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said earlier this month.

    Scientists say the main cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Last year was the planet’s hottest on record.

    (Reuters)

  • Wildfires burn in Turkey and France as early heatwave hits

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Firefighters battled wildfires in Turkey and France on Monday as an early heatwave hit the region.

    In Turkey, the wildfires raged for a second day in the western province of Izmir, fanned by strong winds, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said, forcing the evacuation of four villages and two neighbourhoods.

    Media footage showed teams using tractors with water trailers and helicopters carrying water, as smoke billowed over hills marked with charred trees.

    Turkey’s coastal regions have in recent years been ravaged by wildfires, as summers have become hotter and drier, which scientists say is a result of human-induced climate change.

    In France, where temperatures are expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, wildfires broke out on Sunday in the southwestern Aude department, where temperatures topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), burning 400 hectares and forcing the evacuation of a campsite and an abbey, authorities and local media said.

    The fires were under control but not yet extinguished, authorities said on Monday.

    Weather service Meteo France put a record 84 of the country’s 101 departments on an orange heatwave alert from Monday until midweek. About 200 schools will be at least partially shut over the next three days because of the heat, the Education Ministry said.

    HEATWAVE IMPACTS RHINE SHIPPING

    The heatwave has lowered water levels on Germany’s Rhine River, hampering shipping and raising freight costs for cargo owners, commodity traders said.

    The Rhine is an important shipping route for commodities such as grains, minerals and oil products. Forecasters said temperatures as high as 40 C are possible in Cologne.

    In Seville, southern Spain, where global leaders were gathering for a United Nations conference, temperatures were expected to hit 42 C.

    Tourists were trying to deal with the heat. “Really hard currently,” Mehrzad Joussefi, from the Netherlands, said.

    Spain is on course for its hottest June on record, the national meteorological service AEMET said.

    Most of the country remains under alert for heat, with AEMET forecasting the peak of the heatwave on Monday.

    “Over the next few days, at least until Thursday, intense heat will continue in much of Spain,” said Ruben del Campo, a spokesperson for the weather agency.

    Italy’s Health Ministry issued heatwave red alerts for 21 cities, including Rome and Milan. Weather forecast website IlMeteo.it said temperatures on Monday would go as high as 41 C in Florence, 38 C in Bologna and 37 C in Perugia.

    The Lombardy region, part of Italy’s northern industrial heartland, is planning to ban open-air work in the hottest times of the day, heeding a request from trade unions, its president said on Monday.

    Heat can affect health in various ways, and experts are most concerned about older people and babies, as well as outdoor labourers and people struggling economically.

    Globally, extreme heat kills up to 480,000 people annually, surpassing the combined toll from floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, and poses growing risks to infrastructure, the economy and healthcare systems, Swiss Re said earlier this month.

    Global surface temperatures last month averaged 1.4 C higher than in the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period, when humans began burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said earlier this month.

    Scientists say the main cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Last year was the planet’s hottest on record.

    (Reuters)

  • 2003 Bihar electoral rolls uploaded on ECI website to aid ongoing revision drive

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has uploaded the 2003 Electoral Rolls of the state on its official portal, providing access to details of approximately 4.96 crore electors.

    In line with the ECI’s instructions dated June 24, 2025, Chief Electoral Officers, District Electoral Officers, and Electoral Registration Officers have been directed to make the 2003 rolls freely available to all Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in both hard copy and digital formats. This allows electors and officials to easily verify details while filling out the Enumeration Form.

    The availability of the 2003 Electoral Roll is expected to ease the documentation process for nearly 60% of Bihar’s electorate, who now only need to verify their details from the roll and submit the form without any additional documents. Those not listed in the 2003 roll may still use the relevant extract for their parents, eliminating the need for other supporting documents for them, though personal documents will still be required.

    The ECI emphasized that the revision of electoral rolls before every election is a legal mandate under Section 21(2)(a) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. For 75 years, the Commission has consistently carried out annual roll revisions – both intensive and summary – to ensure accuracy.

    Given the dynamic nature of the Electoral Roll, which changes due to deaths, migration, and the addition of new voters turning 18, such revisions are critical. As per Article 326 of the Constitution, only Indian citizens aged 18 and above who are ordinarily resident in a constituency are eligible to be registered as electors.

  • PM Modi highlights policy and innovation driving India’s rise as a global steel leader

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared an article emphasizing the crucial role of policy initiatives and innovation in propelling India’s steel industry toward global leadership.

    In reply to a social media post by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on X, the Prime Minister said, “From infrastructure and defence to electric mobility and clean energy, steel is the backbone of a rising India.”

    “Union Minister Shri @hd_kumaraswamy outlines how policy push and innovation are shaping India’s journey to becoming a global steel leader,” the PM added in his post.

    https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/1939593900177457650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1939593900177457650%7Ctwgr%5E0d7f26acc5c3a0bacd63479d7a3c69afccad16d2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pib.gov.in%2FPressReleasePage.aspx%3FPRID%3D2140718

  • Blast in Telangana chemical factory kills at least eight; PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex-gratia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least eight people were killed and 26 others injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in Telangana’s Sangareddy district on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

    In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister’s Office said:
    “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a factory in Sangareddy, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000: PM @narendramodi.”

    V. Satyanarayana, Inspector General of Police, Multi Zone II, said, “There was a blast at Sigachi Pharma, a chemical production factory in Pasamailaram. The incident occurred between 8:15 and 9:35 am, and the police were informed within 10 minutes. We reached the spot within 20 minutes. NDRF, SDF, and other rescue teams, along with 10 fire engines, arrived at the scene. So far, six bodies have been recovered, and two more people died while undergoing treatment at Chanda Nagar.”

    “A total of eight people have died, and 26 are injured, with two or three in critical condition. Government officials are providing all necessary medical care. There were 150 workers on shift, with 90 present in the blast area. Firefighting operations are ongoing, and the rescue mission is still in progress. Further details will be shared soon,” he added.

    ANI

  • Govt drafts emission targets for over 460 industries under carbon market plan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification proposing legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for over 460 industrial units as part of India’s first compliance-based carbon market.

    The move, aimed at curbing industrial emissions and accelerating decarbonisation, will apply to sectors such as aluminium, iron and steel, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and textiles.

    Titled the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025, the draft, dated June 23, forms part of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023.

    The scheme requires designated industries – referred to as “obligated entities” – to reduce their GHG emissions per unit of output over time, or compensate by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian Carbon Market.

    According to the draft, “The obligated entity shall achieve the Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) targets in the respective compliance year… or meet its GEI target by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian carbon market.”

    If implemented, the targets will become legally enforceable from the date of final notification.

    As per the draft, failure to comply will attract financial penalties and legal consequences under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    The targets will be assigned for two compliance years – 2025-26 and 2026-27 – based on baseline emission intensity data from 2023-24.

    The draft includes a list of 264 industrial units along with their baseline emission levels and reduction targets for the compliance years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

    The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will determine these targets using sectoral benchmarks and past performance. Greenhouse gas emission intensity (GEI) is defined as tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted per unit of output or product.

    For example, Hindalco Industries’ Taloja aluminium plant in Maharashtra, which had a baseline GEI of 1.3386 tCO2 per tonne in 2023-24, must reduce that figure to 1.2563 by 2026-27. In the steel sector, Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India’s Hazira facility – India’s largest obligated entity by production volume – must cut its emission intensity from 2.2701 to 2.1696 tCO2 per tonne during the same period.

    The rules also cover the petroleum refining sector. BPCL’s Bina Refinery in Madhya Pradesh, with a crude throughput of over 51 million barrels, has been assigned a GEI reduction trajectory from 5.2312 tCO2/MBBLS in 2023-24 to 4.8553 by 2026-27. BPCL’s Kochi
    Refinery, one of the largest in the country, must bring down its GEI from 4.5745 to 4.4230 tCO2/MBBLS in the same time frame.

    Entities that emit less than their targets will receive carbon credit certificates, calculated as the difference between the GEI target and actual GEI, multiplied by the total production volume.

    Conversely, those exceeding their targets must buy the difference in credits from the Indian Carbon Market. “The number of carbon credit certificates to be issued… shall be determined as per the following formula: (GEI Target – GEI Achieved) x Unit of equivalent product produced,” the draft states.

    Unused credits can be banked for future use, allowing companies some flexibility across compliance years.

    However, if an entity fails to meet its target and does not purchase the required credits, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will impose an Environmental Compensation.

    This amount will be “equal to twice the average price at which a carbon credit certificate is traded during the trading cycle,” as per the notification. The penalty must be paid within 90 days.

    Funds collected will be used to support carbon market operations, upon recommendation of the National Steering Committee and approval of the Centre.

    The ministry has invited comments, objections, or suggestions from the public and industry stakeholders. Submissions must be made within 60 days of the draft’s publication and can be emailed to ccts.hsm-moefcc@gov.in.

    (ANI)

  • Govt drafts emission targets for over 460 industries under carbon market plan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification proposing legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for over 460 industrial units as part of India’s first compliance-based carbon market.

    The move, aimed at curbing industrial emissions and accelerating decarbonisation, will apply to sectors such as aluminium, iron and steel, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and textiles.

    Titled the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025, the draft, dated June 23, forms part of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023.

    The scheme requires designated industries – referred to as “obligated entities” – to reduce their GHG emissions per unit of output over time, or compensate by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian Carbon Market.

    According to the draft, “The obligated entity shall achieve the Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) targets in the respective compliance year… or meet its GEI target by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian carbon market.”

    If implemented, the targets will become legally enforceable from the date of final notification.

    As per the draft, failure to comply will attract financial penalties and legal consequences under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    The targets will be assigned for two compliance years – 2025-26 and 2026-27 – based on baseline emission intensity data from 2023-24.

    The draft includes a list of 264 industrial units along with their baseline emission levels and reduction targets for the compliance years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

    The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will determine these targets using sectoral benchmarks and past performance. Greenhouse gas emission intensity (GEI) is defined as tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted per unit of output or product.

    For example, Hindalco Industries’ Taloja aluminium plant in Maharashtra, which had a baseline GEI of 1.3386 tCO2 per tonne in 2023-24, must reduce that figure to 1.2563 by 2026-27. In the steel sector, Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India’s Hazira facility – India’s largest obligated entity by production volume – must cut its emission intensity from 2.2701 to 2.1696 tCO2 per tonne during the same period.

    The rules also cover the petroleum refining sector. BPCL’s Bina Refinery in Madhya Pradesh, with a crude throughput of over 51 million barrels, has been assigned a GEI reduction trajectory from 5.2312 tCO2/MBBLS in 2023-24 to 4.8553 by 2026-27. BPCL’s Kochi
    Refinery, one of the largest in the country, must bring down its GEI from 4.5745 to 4.4230 tCO2/MBBLS in the same time frame.

    Entities that emit less than their targets will receive carbon credit certificates, calculated as the difference between the GEI target and actual GEI, multiplied by the total production volume.

    Conversely, those exceeding their targets must buy the difference in credits from the Indian Carbon Market. “The number of carbon credit certificates to be issued… shall be determined as per the following formula: (GEI Target – GEI Achieved) x Unit of equivalent product produced,” the draft states.

    Unused credits can be banked for future use, allowing companies some flexibility across compliance years.

    However, if an entity fails to meet its target and does not purchase the required credits, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will impose an Environmental Compensation.

    This amount will be “equal to twice the average price at which a carbon credit certificate is traded during the trading cycle,” as per the notification. The penalty must be paid within 90 days.

    Funds collected will be used to support carbon market operations, upon recommendation of the National Steering Committee and approval of the Centre.

    The ministry has invited comments, objections, or suggestions from the public and industry stakeholders. Submissions must be made within 60 days of the draft’s publication and can be emailed to ccts.hsm-moefcc@gov.in.

    (ANI)

  • Govt drafts emission targets for over 460 industries under carbon market plan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification proposing legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for over 460 industrial units as part of India’s first compliance-based carbon market.

    The move, aimed at curbing industrial emissions and accelerating decarbonisation, will apply to sectors such as aluminium, iron and steel, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and textiles.

    Titled the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025, the draft, dated June 23, forms part of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023.

    The scheme requires designated industries – referred to as “obligated entities” – to reduce their GHG emissions per unit of output over time, or compensate by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian Carbon Market.

    According to the draft, “The obligated entity shall achieve the Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) targets in the respective compliance year… or meet its GEI target by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian carbon market.”

    If implemented, the targets will become legally enforceable from the date of final notification.

    As per the draft, failure to comply will attract financial penalties and legal consequences under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    The targets will be assigned for two compliance years – 2025-26 and 2026-27 – based on baseline emission intensity data from 2023-24.

    The draft includes a list of 264 industrial units along with their baseline emission levels and reduction targets for the compliance years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

    The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will determine these targets using sectoral benchmarks and past performance. Greenhouse gas emission intensity (GEI) is defined as tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted per unit of output or product.

    For example, Hindalco Industries’ Taloja aluminium plant in Maharashtra, which had a baseline GEI of 1.3386 tCO2 per tonne in 2023-24, must reduce that figure to 1.2563 by 2026-27. In the steel sector, Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India’s Hazira facility – India’s largest obligated entity by production volume – must cut its emission intensity from 2.2701 to 2.1696 tCO2 per tonne during the same period.

    The rules also cover the petroleum refining sector. BPCL’s Bina Refinery in Madhya Pradesh, with a crude throughput of over 51 million barrels, has been assigned a GEI reduction trajectory from 5.2312 tCO2/MBBLS in 2023-24 to 4.8553 by 2026-27. BPCL’s Kochi
    Refinery, one of the largest in the country, must bring down its GEI from 4.5745 to 4.4230 tCO2/MBBLS in the same time frame.

    Entities that emit less than their targets will receive carbon credit certificates, calculated as the difference between the GEI target and actual GEI, multiplied by the total production volume.

    Conversely, those exceeding their targets must buy the difference in credits from the Indian Carbon Market. “The number of carbon credit certificates to be issued… shall be determined as per the following formula: (GEI Target – GEI Achieved) x Unit of equivalent product produced,” the draft states.

    Unused credits can be banked for future use, allowing companies some flexibility across compliance years.

    However, if an entity fails to meet its target and does not purchase the required credits, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will impose an Environmental Compensation.

    This amount will be “equal to twice the average price at which a carbon credit certificate is traded during the trading cycle,” as per the notification. The penalty must be paid within 90 days.

    Funds collected will be used to support carbon market operations, upon recommendation of the National Steering Committee and approval of the Centre.

    The ministry has invited comments, objections, or suggestions from the public and industry stakeholders. Submissions must be made within 60 days of the draft’s publication and can be emailed to ccts.hsm-moefcc@gov.in.

    (ANI)

  • Blast in Telangana chemical factory kills at least fight; PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex-gratia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least eight people were killed and 26 others injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in Telangana’s Sangareddy district on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

    In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister’s Office said:
    “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a factory in Sangareddy, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000: PM @narendramodi.”

    V. Satyanarayana, Inspector General of Police, Multi Zone II, said, “There was a blast at Sigachi Pharma, a chemical production factory in Pasamailaram. The incident occurred between 8:15 and 9:35 am, and the police were informed within 10 minutes. We reached the spot within 20 minutes. NDRF, SDF, and other rescue teams, along with 10 fire engines, arrived at the scene. So far, six bodies have been recovered, and two more people died while undergoing treatment at Chanda Nagar.”

    “A total of eight people have died, and 26 are injured, with two or three in critical condition. Government officials are providing all necessary medical care. There were 150 workers on shift, with 90 present in the blast area. Firefighting operations are ongoing, and the rescue mission is still in progress. Further details will be shared soon,” he added.

    ANI

  • India’s overseas financial assets see robust growth in FY25, RBI data shows

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India recorded a notable expansion in its overseas financial assets during the financial year 2024–25, largely driven by stronger overseas direct investments, higher holdings in currency and deposits, and a rise in reserve assets, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

    More than 72 per cent of the total increase in India’s foreign financial assets came from these three components, with reserve assets alone contributing over half the growth. The central bank noted that currency and deposits, along with direct investments abroad, also made significant contributions to this expansion.

    “Over 72 per cent of the rise in India’s overseas financial assets was due to an increase in overseas direct investment, currency and deposits,” the RBI said.

    In absolute terms, India’s total external financial assets rose by USD 105.4 billion during FY25. By contrast, the country’s external financial liabilities increased by USD 74.2 billion. This resulted in net claims of non-residents on India declining by USD 31.2 billion over the year.

    The RBI report pointed out that this decline was largely due to a sharper increase in Indian residents’ overseas financial assets—up by USD 60.0 billion—compared to the rise in foreign-owned assets in India, which stood at USD 25.8 billion during the January–March 2025 quarter.

    Reflecting this trend, the ratio of India’s international financial assets to its international financial liabilities improved to 77.5 per cent in March 2025, up from 74.1 per cent a year earlier. This indicates a strengthening of India’s external financial position, offering greater stability in the country’s balance of payments.

    On the liability side, inward direct investments, loans, and currency and deposits remained key drivers. Inward direct investment and loans together made up more than three-fourths of the rise in foreign liabilities of Indian residents in the January–March 2025 period. Loans increased by USD 10.0 billion, while inward direct investments rose by USD 9.7 billion during the quarter.

    -ANI

  • India’s overseas financial assets see robust growth in FY25, RBI data shows

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India recorded a notable expansion in its overseas financial assets during the financial year 2024–25, largely driven by stronger overseas direct investments, higher holdings in currency and deposits, and a rise in reserve assets, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

    More than 72 per cent of the total increase in India’s foreign financial assets came from these three components, with reserve assets alone contributing over half the growth. The central bank noted that currency and deposits, along with direct investments abroad, also made significant contributions to this expansion.

    “Over 72 per cent of the rise in India’s overseas financial assets was due to an increase in overseas direct investment, currency and deposits,” the RBI said.

    In absolute terms, India’s total external financial assets rose by USD 105.4 billion during FY25. By contrast, the country’s external financial liabilities increased by USD 74.2 billion. This resulted in net claims of non-residents on India declining by USD 31.2 billion over the year.

    The RBI report pointed out that this decline was largely due to a sharper increase in Indian residents’ overseas financial assets—up by USD 60.0 billion—compared to the rise in foreign-owned assets in India, which stood at USD 25.8 billion during the January–March 2025 quarter.

    Reflecting this trend, the ratio of India’s international financial assets to its international financial liabilities improved to 77.5 per cent in March 2025, up from 74.1 per cent a year earlier. This indicates a strengthening of India’s external financial position, offering greater stability in the country’s balance of payments.

    On the liability side, inward direct investments, loans, and currency and deposits remained key drivers. Inward direct investment and loans together made up more than three-fourths of the rise in foreign liabilities of Indian residents in the January–March 2025 period. Loans increased by USD 10.0 billion, while inward direct investments rose by USD 9.7 billion during the quarter.

    -ANI

  • Israel interested in ties with Syria and Lebanon, foreign minister says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel interested in ties with Syria and Lebanon, foreign minister says

    Israel is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon, but will not negotiate the fate of the Golan Heights in any peace agreement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said in a press conference on Monday.

    Relations in the region were thrown into uncertainty by more than a year of fighting between Israel and Lebanon from late 2023, in parallel to the war in Gaza, and by the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

    Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 after capturing most of the area from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

    According to a Reuters report published in May, Israel and Syria’s new Islamist rulers were in direct contact and had held face-to-face meetings aimed at calming tensions and preventing conflict in the border region between the enemies.

    U.S. President Donald Trump met Syria’s president in Saudi Arabia in the same month and urged him to normalise ties with Israel, making a surprise announcement that the U.S. would lift all sanctions on the Islamist-led government.

    Soon after Syria’s Assad was toppled, Israeli troops moved into a demilitarised zone inside Syria, including the Syrian side of strategic Mount Hermon, which overlooks Damascus.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel steps up Gaza bombardment ahead of White House talks on ceasefire

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Palestinians in northern Gaza reported one of the worst nights of Israeli bombardment in weeks after the military issued mass evacuation orders on Monday, while Israeli officials were due in Washington for a new ceasefire push by the Trump administration.

    A day after U.S. President Donald Trump urged an end to the 20-month-old war, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected at the White House for talks on a Gaza ceasefire, Iran, and possible wider regional diplomatic deals.

    But on the ground in the Palestinian enclave there was no sign of fighting letting up.

    “Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, 60, a father of five children, from Gaza City. “In the news we hear a ceasefire is near, on the ground we see death and we hear explosions.”

    Israeli tanks pushed into the eastern areas of Zeitoun suburb in Gaza City and shelled several areas in the north, while aircraft bombed at least four schools after ordering hundreds of families sheltering inside to leave, residents said.

    At least 25 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Monday, health authorities said, including 10 people killed in Zeitoun.

    There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says Palestinian militants embed among civilians. The militant groups deny this.

    The heavy bombardment followed new evacuation orders to vast areas in the north, where Israeli forces had operated before and left behind wide-scale destruction. The military ordered people there to head south, saying that it planned to fight Hamas militants operating in northern Gaza, including in the heart of Gaza City.

    NEXT STEPS

    A day after Trump called to “Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back”, Israel’s strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Netanyahu’s, was expected on Monday at the White House for talks on Iran and Gaza, an Israeli official said.

    In Israel, Netanyahu’s security cabinet was expected to convene to discuss the next steps in Gaza.

    On Friday, Israel’s military chief said the present ground operation was close to having achieved its goals, and on Sunday, Netanyahu said new opportunities had opened up for recovering the hostages, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

    Palestinian and Egyptian sources with knowledge of the latest ceasefire efforts said that mediators Qatar and Egypt have stepped up their contacts with the two warring sides, but that no date has been set yet for a new round of truce talks.

    A Hamas official said that progress depends on Israel changing its position and agreeing to end the war and withdraw from Gaza. Israel says it can end the war only when Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms.

    The war began when Hamas fighters stormed in to Israel on October 7 2023, killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza in a surprise attack that led to Israel’s single deadliest day.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, has displaced almost the entire 2.3 million population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

    More than 80% of the territory is now an Israeli-militarized zone or under displacement orders, according to the United Nations.

    (Reuters)

  • President Murmu urges focus on ‘One Health’, animal welfare at IVRI convocation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu on Monday highlighted the growing significance of the ‘One Health’ approach while addressing the convocation ceremony at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly. She called for greater emphasis on animal welfare, sustainable practices, and the role of veterinary science in safeguarding public health.

    “Our culture, rooted in the idea of Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam, teaches us to see the divine in every living being,” Murmu said, adding that the Indian tradition of gods and sages communicating with animals reflects this belief.

    Highlighting concerns over biodiversity loss, the president said, “Many species have either become extinct or are on the verge of extinction. Their conservation is crucial not just for nature but for the health of the Earth.” Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, she warned that an unchecked consumption-driven model could have devastating effects on both the environment and public health.

    Murmu also emphasised that the ‘One Health’ paradigm—which links human, animal, and environmental health—is gaining traction globally. “Institutes like IVRI can play a key role in preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases,” she said.

    The president further underlined the transformative potential of technology in veterinary science. From genome editing and embryo transfer to AI and big data analytics, she said such tools can revolutionise animal care in India. Murmu encouraged the development of indigenous, low-cost treatments and nutritional solutions for animals, and the reduction of medicines with harmful side effects.

    Praising students for dedicating themselves to the care of animals, she advised them to remain guided by the welfare of the voiceless in moments of doubt. “Think of those innocent beings—you will find your path,” Murmu said.

    Calling on young professionals to become entrepreneurs in animal science, the president said such initiatives could not only support livelihoods but also contribute to the national economy.

    Murmu also lauded IVRI’s role in advancing veterinary research and education, and expressed hope that its graduates would lead the way in building a compassionate, science-driven future.

  • Britain, France and Germany condemn ‘threats’ against head of IAEA watchdog

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Britain, France and Germany condemned on Monday what they described as threats against the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) watchdog, and called on Iran to guarantee the safety of IAEA staff on its territory.

    “France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn threats against the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi and reiterate our full support to the Agency and the DG in carrying out their mandate,” said a joint statement issued by the foreign affairs ministries of those three countries.

    “We call on Iranian authorities to refrain from any steps to cease cooperation with the IAEA. We urge Iran to immediately resume full cooperation in line with its legally binding obligations, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel,” they added.

    Their joint statement did not specify what threats had been made against Grossi.

    On Monday, Iran said it could not be expected to guarantee the safety of IAEA inspectors, so swiftly after its nuclear sites were hit by Israeli and U.S. strikes in the 12-day war that ended with a ceasefire last week.

    “How can they expect us to ensure the safety and security of the agency’s inspectors when Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities were attacked a few days ago?” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a news conference.

    The IAEA’s board voted earlier this month to declare that Iran was in violation of its obligations under the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian officials have suggested that vote helped pave the way for Israel’s attacks.

    Baghaei said a parliamentary bill approved by the Guardian Council makes it mandatory for the government to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

    “Iran shouldn’t be expected to accept its obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) when the UN nuclear watchdog has stopped short of condemning the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites,” Baghaei said.

    (Reuters)

  • Massive turnout for Amarnath Yatra ticket collection in Jammu amid tight security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Devotees gathered in large numbers at Saraswati Dham in Jammu on Monday to collect tickets for the Amarnath Yatra, slated to begin on July 3. 

    Speaking to IANS, many people expressed unwavering faith in India’s security forces and emphasized that fear would not deter them from fulfilling their spiritual aspirations.

    Shakshdeep Jha, who arrived from Mumbai with a group of 15 pilgrims, shared his excitement, saying, “I am very happy to be here. We will carry on the Yatra through the Pahalgam route.”

    When asked about any apprehensions following the recent Pahalgam attack, he replied firmly, “We do not fear anything. Our forces are there to protect us. As long as we have our forces, we can go anywhere without fear. People should come here in large numbers without any fear.”

    Another pilgrim, Deepak Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, spoke of his determination despite the rainy weather. “Even though it’s raining, we are very excited to be here. Right now, we will collect our tickets and proceed for the Yatra through the Pahalgam route,” he said.

    He added that the large turnout of pilgrims would send a message of unity and resilience — “a slap in the face of terrorists.”

    Maya Kaul, another devotee, echoed similar sentiments. “We are six people and will go through the Pahalgam route. We have full confidence in our forces, and there is no need to be afraid. I urge people to come in large numbers to the Amarnath Yatra.”

    Among those standing in long queues amid the heavy rain was a group of 120 people from Bihar.

    A devotee from Darbhanga said, “We are so excited to be here. We cannot express our joy. All the arrangements are excellent. We have complete faith in the Indian Army and are confident they will ensure the Yatra proceeds smoothly.”

    Kajal Wangmare from Maharashtra said she had been standing in line since 3 a.m. “It’s raining, but we are just happy to be here. We know we will have a memorable pilgrimage and return with happy memories,” she told IANS.

    Vikramjeet from Delhi also shared his thoughts, saying, “We are very excited. I also want to send a message to everyone: there is no need to be afraid. The arrangements here are very good, and we are not facing any problems. We believe in our Army, and we are not afraid of anything.”

    Meanwhile, security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway as part of the final preparations for the annual Yatra.

    The exercise aimed to ensure the safety and readiness of the security forces and civil administration ahead of the pilgrimage. Buses were escorted under full security cover during the drill to test the coordination and preparedness of various security units.

    The exercise simulated emergency scenarios such as landslides and other natural disasters, focusing on rapid response, evacuation, and medical aid for stranded pilgrims.

    The simulation involved rescuing trapped vehicles, administering immediate first aid to the injured, and coordinating swift relief efforts through integrated disaster response and security teams.

    The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from the Jammu base camp on July 2. The Yatra will commence the following day via both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.

    —IANS

  • 88 pc global firms now have dedicated AI budgets; focus shifts to intelligent agents: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 88 per cent of global enterprises now have dedicated budgets for Artificial Intelligence (AI), with nearly two-thirds of them spending over 15 per cent of their overall tech budgets on AI projects, a new report said on Monday.

    This major investment push marks a clear shift from early experimentation with Generative AI to building intelligent, goal-oriented systems known as AI agents, according to data compiled by Nasscom.

    Titled ‘Enterprise Experiments with AI Agents – 2025 Global Trends,’ the report provides a comprehensive look at how companies across the globe are preparing for the next phase of AI adoption.

    Sangeeta Gupta, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Nasscom, said that enterprises are at a crucial turning point.

    “AI agents represent the next evolution of enterprise AI — one that requires philosophical shifts in how we view work, intelligence, and autonomy,” she said.

    However, she also emphasised that scaling AI systems responsibly would require strong trust, data readiness, and continuous human oversight.

    Based on responses from over 100 companies across 8–9 global regions and more than 10 industries, the study shows how enterprises are moving beyond passive data analysis to more active AI systems that can perform tasks and make decisions with human oversight.

    The report shows that businesses are strengthening their AI foundation through investments in GenAI tools, data infrastructure, and flexible processes.

    Many companies have already formed specialised AI teams and are working with advanced platforms, upgrading their tech setups to support the deployment of AI agents.

    However, despite high awareness of Generative AI, only half of the surveyed companies are fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) or foundation models for their own needs.

    One of the biggest highlights of the report is the growing interest in Agentic AI — systems designed to act independently while still being monitored by humans.

    About 62 per cent of companies are experimenting with such AI agents, mainly for internal tasks such as IT operations, HR, and finance.

    External uses, like customer service, are still limited, with only 31 per cent of enterprises using Agentic AI in those areas.

    However, looking ahead, 88 per cent of companies plan to set aside budgets specifically for Agentic AI systems in 2025.

    The report also reveals that most companies are being cautious. Around 77 per cent are designing Agentic AI systems with a ‘human-in-the-loop’ model to ensure oversight and adaptability.

    Only 46 per cent are testing fully autonomous agents. Manufacturing companies appear to be ahead in adoption, using AI for robotics, quality control, and other operational areas.

    When it comes to benefits, companies believe AI agents can help in making faster decisions and responding better to market changes, the report said.

    (IANS)

  • Nirmala Sitharaman embarks on official visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil for high-level multilateral engagements

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on an official six-day visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil on Monday.

    Leading a delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Sitharaman is set to participate in a series of high-level multilateral and bilateral engagements during the visit, which runs from June 30 to July 5, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

    During her visit to Seville, Spain, the Finance Minister will represent India at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), organised by the United Nations. She is scheduled to deliver India’s national statement at the conference, reaffirming India’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

    In addition, Sitharaman will deliver the keynote address at the International Business Forum Leadership Summit, themed “From FFD4 Outcome to Implementation: Unlocking the Potential of Private Capital for Sustainable Development.” Her engagements in Spain will also include bilateral meetings with senior ministers from Germany, Peru, and New Zealand, as well as discussions with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

    Following her engagements in Spain, the Finance Minister will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, where she is expected to meet with her Portuguese counterpart for bilateral discussions. She will also engage with prominent investors and members of the Indian diaspora to deepen economic and cultural ties between India and Portugal.

    The final leg of her visit will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, Sitharaman will represent India at the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB), where she serves as India’s Governor. She will also attend the first BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (FMCBG), reinforcing India’s active role in shaping the economic agenda of the BRICS bloc.

    As part of the NDB’s flagship event, the Finance Minister will speak at the Governors Seminar on “Building a Premier Multilateral Development Bank for the Global South,” highlighting India’s vision for inclusive financial institutions. She is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines with her counterparts from Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Russia, focusing on key areas of mutual economic interest and multilateral cooperation.

  • GST turns eight: Unified tax system delivers record ₹22 lakh crore collection

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) will complete eight years since its rollout on July 1, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic integration journey.

    Introduced in 2017 to replace a maze of indirect taxes, GST was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a path-breaking legislation for New India.” Over time, the reform has reshaped tax compliance, improved business efficiency and bolstered government revenues.

    In 2024–25, gross GST collections touched a record ₹22.08 lakh crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.4 per cent. This is more than double the ₹11.37 lakh crore collected in 2020–21, when average monthly collections stood at ₹95,000 crore. By contrast, the average monthly figure in 2024–25 has risen sharply to ₹1.84 lakh crore, reflecting both economic formalisation and improved compliance.

    A recent report by Deloitte, titled GST@8, noted that the past year has been particularly strong for GST performance. The report pointed to government-led reforms, clearer guidelines for taxpayers and steady technological upgrades of the GST portal as key reasons for the record collection figures.

    The tax structure itself is designed to balance simplicity with revenue needs. GST rates in India are distributed across four primary slabs: 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. Special rates apply in select cases—such as 3 per cent on gold, silver and jewellery, 1.5 per cent on cut and polished diamonds and 0.25 per cent on rough diamonds. A GST Compensation Cess, levied on goods like tobacco products and aerated drinks, continues to support states facing revenue gaps post-GST transition.

    Since its launch in July 2017, the number of active GST registrations has climbed significantly, reaching over 1.51 crore by April 30, 2025. This growth reflects greater tax base coverage and increased formalisation across sectors. Alongside this, the dual GST model—comprising Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST) for intra-state transactions and Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state trade—has ensured equitable revenue distribution between the Centre and states.

    From ₹14.83 lakh crore in collections in 2021–22 to ₹18.08 lakh crore in 2022–23 and ₹20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, the GST revenue trajectory underscores a steady rise in compliance and economic activity. Sector-specific exemptions, including those for healthcare and education, have kept essential services affordable, while digital compliance through the GSTN portal has simplified filing for businesses large and small.

  • GST turns eight: Unified tax system delivers record ₹22 lakh crore collection

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) will complete eight years since its rollout on July 1, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic integration journey.

    Introduced in 2017 to replace a maze of indirect taxes, GST was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a path-breaking legislation for New India.” Over time, the reform has reshaped tax compliance, improved business efficiency and bolstered government revenues.

    In 2024–25, gross GST collections touched a record ₹22.08 lakh crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.4 per cent. This is more than double the ₹11.37 lakh crore collected in 2020–21, when average monthly collections stood at ₹95,000 crore. By contrast, the average monthly figure in 2024–25 has risen sharply to ₹1.84 lakh crore, reflecting both economic formalisation and improved compliance.

    A recent report by Deloitte, titled GST@8, noted that the past year has been particularly strong for GST performance. The report pointed to government-led reforms, clearer guidelines for taxpayers and steady technological upgrades of the GST portal as key reasons for the record collection figures.

    The tax structure itself is designed to balance simplicity with revenue needs. GST rates in India are distributed across four primary slabs: 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. Special rates apply in select cases—such as 3 per cent on gold, silver and jewellery, 1.5 per cent on cut and polished diamonds and 0.25 per cent on rough diamonds. A GST Compensation Cess, levied on goods like tobacco products and aerated drinks, continues to support states facing revenue gaps post-GST transition.

    Since its launch in July 2017, the number of active GST registrations has climbed significantly, reaching over 1.51 crore by April 30, 2025. This growth reflects greater tax base coverage and increased formalisation across sectors. Alongside this, the dual GST model—comprising Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST) for intra-state transactions and Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state trade—has ensured equitable revenue distribution between the Centre and states.

    From ₹14.83 lakh crore in collections in 2021–22 to ₹18.08 lakh crore in 2022–23 and ₹20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, the GST revenue trajectory underscores a steady rise in compliance and economic activity. Sector-specific exemptions, including those for healthcare and education, have kept essential services affordable, while digital compliance through the GSTN portal has simplified filing for businesses large and small.

  • The Dalai Lama, a tireless advocate for Tibet and its people

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, has often called himself a simple monk, but for more than 60 years armed with little more than charm and conviction, he has managed to keep the cause of his people in the international spotlight.

    Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India in 1959 with thousands of other Tibetans after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has advocated for a non-violent “Middle Way” to seeking autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people, gaining the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

    He has met with scores of world leaders, while inspiring millions with his cheerful disposition and views on life such as “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

    But his popularity irks China which views him as a dangerous separatist, with one former Communist Party boss describing him as “a jackal” and having “the heart of a beast”.

    The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday, a particularly important birthday as he has flagged that he may say more about a potential successor around then. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child upon his death.

    In a book, “Voices for the Voiceless”, published earlier this year, he said Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after his death and specified that his successor would be born in the “free world”, which he described as outside China.

    The statements were his strongest yet about the likelihood of a successor. In previous years, he has also said that his successor might be a girl and it is possible that there might be no successor at all.

    He has, however, stated that any successor chosen by China, which has piled pressure on foreign governments to shun him, will not be respected.

    FLIGHT INTO EXILE

    The Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 to a family of buckwheat and barley farmers in what is now the northwestern Chinese province of Qinghai. At the age of two, he was deemed by a search party to be the 14th reincarnation of Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader after identifying several of his predecessor’s possessions.

    China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called “a peaceful liberation” and the teenage Dalai Lama assumed a political role shortly after, travelling to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Nine years later, fears that the Dalai Lama could be kidnapped fuelled a major rebellion.

    The subsequent crackdown by the Chinese army forced him to escape disguised as a common soldier from the palace in Lhasa where his predecessors had held absolute power.

    The Dalai Lama fled to India, settling in Dharamshala, a Himalayan town where he lives in a compound next to a temple ringed by green hills and snow-capped mountains. There, he opened up his government-in-exile to ordinary Tibetans with an elected parliament.

    Disillusioned with how little he had gained from his efforts to engage with Beijing, he announced in 1988 that he had given up on seeking full independence from China, and instead would be seeking cultural and religious autonomy within China.

    In 2011, the Dalai Lama announced he would relinquish his political role, handing over those responsibilities to an elected leader for the Tibetan government-in-exile.

    But he remains active and these days, the Dalai Lama, clad in his customary maroon and saffron robes, continues to receive a constant stream of visitors.

    He has had a number of health problems, including knee surgery and walks with difficulty. Despite that, he expects to live for a long time yet.

    “According to my dream, I may live 110 years,” he told media in December.

    (Reuters)

  • The Dalai Lama, a tireless advocate for Tibet and its people

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, has often called himself a simple monk, but for more than 60 years armed with little more than charm and conviction, he has managed to keep the cause of his people in the international spotlight.

    Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India in 1959 with thousands of other Tibetans after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has advocated for a non-violent “Middle Way” to seeking autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people, gaining the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

    He has met with scores of world leaders, while inspiring millions with his cheerful disposition and views on life such as “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

    But his popularity irks China which views him as a dangerous separatist, with one former Communist Party boss describing him as “a jackal” and having “the heart of a beast”.

    The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday, a particularly important birthday as he has flagged that he may say more about a potential successor around then. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child upon his death.

    In a book, “Voices for the Voiceless”, published earlier this year, he said Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after his death and specified that his successor would be born in the “free world”, which he described as outside China.

    The statements were his strongest yet about the likelihood of a successor. In previous years, he has also said that his successor might be a girl and it is possible that there might be no successor at all.

    He has, however, stated that any successor chosen by China, which has piled pressure on foreign governments to shun him, will not be respected.

    FLIGHT INTO EXILE

    The Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 to a family of buckwheat and barley farmers in what is now the northwestern Chinese province of Qinghai. At the age of two, he was deemed by a search party to be the 14th reincarnation of Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader after identifying several of his predecessor’s possessions.

    China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called “a peaceful liberation” and the teenage Dalai Lama assumed a political role shortly after, travelling to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Nine years later, fears that the Dalai Lama could be kidnapped fuelled a major rebellion.

    The subsequent crackdown by the Chinese army forced him to escape disguised as a common soldier from the palace in Lhasa where his predecessors had held absolute power.

    The Dalai Lama fled to India, settling in Dharamshala, a Himalayan town where he lives in a compound next to a temple ringed by green hills and snow-capped mountains. There, he opened up his government-in-exile to ordinary Tibetans with an elected parliament.

    Disillusioned with how little he had gained from his efforts to engage with Beijing, he announced in 1988 that he had given up on seeking full independence from China, and instead would be seeking cultural and religious autonomy within China.

    In 2011, the Dalai Lama announced he would relinquish his political role, handing over those responsibilities to an elected leader for the Tibetan government-in-exile.

    But he remains active and these days, the Dalai Lama, clad in his customary maroon and saffron robes, continues to receive a constant stream of visitors.

    He has had a number of health problems, including knee surgery and walks with difficulty. Despite that, he expects to live for a long time yet.

    “According to my dream, I may live 110 years,” he told media in December.

    (Reuters)

  • Char Dham Yatra resumes after 24-hour suspension amid heavy rainfall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Char Dham Yatra resumed on Monday after a 24-hour suspension was lifted, officials said, as weather conditions slightly improved in parts of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage had been halted due to continuous rainfall and the heightened risk of landslides across key routes.

    Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the development, saying, “The 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted.” District Magistrates across the Yatra route have been asked to regulate vehicular movement depending on local weather conditions, he added.

    The suspension was imposed on Sunday as a precautionary measure following a cloudburst near Silai on the Barkot-Ydamunotri road in Uttarkashi district. 

    The cloudburst occurred near an under-construction hotel, where 29 workers had taken shelter. Twenty of them were rescued. Debris from the site blocked multiple points along the Yamunotri National Highway, affecting access to the shrine. Authorities later cleared the route, officials said.

    Elsewhere, roads remained blocked in several parts of the state. Landslides disrupted traffic on the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. The Sonprayag–Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag — a key segment for Kedarnath-bound pilgrims — also remained closed.

    Heavy rain has continued in Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Rudraprayag and nearby districts. With rivers flowing dangerously close to the danger mark, the administration has issued fresh advisories urging people living near riverbanks to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

    The Char Dham Yatra, which includes pilgrimages to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, sees lakhs of devotees each year. This year’s yatra has been frequently affected by extreme weather conditions.

    -IANS

  • Char Dham Yatra resumes after 24-hour suspension amid heavy rainfall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Char Dham Yatra resumed on Monday after a 24-hour suspension was lifted, officials said, as weather conditions slightly improved in parts of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage had been halted due to continuous rainfall and the heightened risk of landslides across key routes.

    Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the development, saying, “The 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted.” District Magistrates across the Yatra route have been asked to regulate vehicular movement depending on local weather conditions, he added.

    The suspension was imposed on Sunday as a precautionary measure following a cloudburst near Silai on the Barkot-Ydamunotri road in Uttarkashi district. 

    The cloudburst occurred near an under-construction hotel, where 29 workers had taken shelter. Twenty of them were rescued. Debris from the site blocked multiple points along the Yamunotri National Highway, affecting access to the shrine. Authorities later cleared the route, officials said.

    Elsewhere, roads remained blocked in several parts of the state. Landslides disrupted traffic on the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. The Sonprayag–Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag — a key segment for Kedarnath-bound pilgrims — also remained closed.

    Heavy rain has continued in Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Rudraprayag and nearby districts. With rivers flowing dangerously close to the danger mark, the administration has issued fresh advisories urging people living near riverbanks to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

    The Char Dham Yatra, which includes pilgrimages to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, sees lakhs of devotees each year. This year’s yatra has been frequently affected by extreme weather conditions.

    -IANS