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Category: Government of India

  • More Indians now invest in equities as financialisation of household savings rises: SBI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The financialisation of household savings in India has gained significant momentum, with the share of equities in household savings rising from 2.5 per cent in FY20 to 5.1 per cent in FY24, according to an SBI Research report released on Monday.

    The report noted that the Indian credit market is witnessing structural shifts, with headline bank credit growth figures potentially masking underlying trends. It added that, going forward, the sources of credit origination through bank deposits—primarily household savings—need to be closely monitored.

    According to the report, public sector banks (PSBs) are expected to show stable growth of 12.2 per cent in FY25, compared to a growth rate of 13.6 per cent in FY24.

    However, PSBs’ share in incremental credit has increased significantly, rising to 56.9 per cent in FY25 from 20 per cent in FY18.

    “The government’s 4R strategy—recognition, resolution, recapitalisation, and reforms—has reaped rich dividends. The asset quality in the banking system is now at a record low of 2.6 per cent in H1 FY25, down from 11.5 per cent in FY18,” the report stated.

    After 14 years of decline, PSBs’ share in outstanding credit has improved to 52.3 per cent in FY25, up from 51.8 per cent in FY24 and down from 75.1 per cent in FY10.

    Sectoral credit growth indicates that lending to various sectors has moderated, driven by a slowdown in credit to the services sector and agriculture and allied activities.

    The share of personal loans in incremental credit growth has declined to 37 per cent in FY25 from 43 per cent in FY24, while the industry’s share has increased to 17 per cent in FY25 from 11 per cent in FY24.

    “The X factor in credit growth is credit to the MSME sector, which has risen by 17.8 per cent year-on-year,” said Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor, State Bank of India.

    “Interestingly, MSMEs depend greatly on large corporates through backward integration (and at times, forward integration). Hence, MSME activity levels could be a useful gauge of overall corporate activity, with all financing channels—banks and non-banks—embedded holistically,” he noted.

    Moreover, private credit deals totalled Rs 774 billion in FY24, marking a 7 per cent growth over CY23. This growth is helping meet the diverse financing needs of India Inc. through tailored solutions, primarily via Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), while the issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) also remains prevalent.

    –IANS

  • New York mayoral candidate Mamdani defends campaign despite Democratic unease

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani defended his democratic socialism on Sunday and argued that his focus on economic issues should serve as a model for the party, even though some top Democrats have been reluctant to embrace him.

    In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Mamdani said his agenda of raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and on corporations to pay for ambitious policies such as free buses, a $30 minimum hourly wage and a rent freeze was not only realistic but tailored to meet the needs of the city’s working residents.

    “It’s the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country in the history of the world, and yet one in four New Yorkers are living in poverty, and the rest are seemingly trapped in a state of anxiety,” he told NBC’s Kristen Welker.

    Mamdani’s stunning victory over former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary election has some party figures worried that his democratic socialism could feed Republican attacks on Democrats as too far left ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Business leaders have also expressed concern about his policies.

    Democrats have struggled to find a coherent message after their resounding loss in the November elections that saw President Donald Trump return to the White House and his Republicans win control of both chambers of Congress. A Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month showed that a majority of American Democrats believed their party needs new leadership and to be more focused on economic issues.

    Earlier on Sunday, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents part of the city, told ABC’s “This Week” that he wasn’t ready to endorse Mamdani yet, saying that he needed to hear more about Mamdani’s vision.

    Other prominent New York Democrats, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also thus far declined to endorse Mamdani.

    Trump, himself a native New Yorker, told Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” that if Mamdani wins the mayoral race, “he’d better do the right thing” or Trump would withhold federal funds from the city.

    “He’s a communist. I think it’s very bad for New York,” Trump said.

    Asked about Trump’s claim that he is a communist, Mamdani told NBC it was not true and accused the president of attempting to distract from the fact that “I’m fighting for the very working people that he ran a campaign to empower that he has since then betrayed.”

    He also voiced no concern that Jeffries and other Democrats have not yet endorsed his candidacy.

    “I think that people are catching up to this election,” he said. “What we’re showing is that by putting working people first, by returning to the roots of the Democratic Party, we actually have a path out of this moment where we’re facing authoritarianism in Washington, D.C.”

    Mamdani’s criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza has set him apart from many mainstream Democrats and prompted allegations of antisemitism, which he has fiercely denied. Earlier this month, during an appearance on the political podcast The Bulwark, Mamdani declined to condemn the pro-Palestinian phrase “globalize the intifada,” which some Jews view as antisemitic and a call to violence.

    Jeffries told ABC that Mamdani needed to “clarify his position” on the phrase to reassure Jewish New Yorkers.

    Pressed again on Sunday, Mamdani said it was “not language that I use” but again did not condemn it. He said he did not want to determine for others what words are permissible or impermissible, arguing that Trump has done that by targeting pro-Palestinian activists for their speech.

    “We have to root out that bigotry, and ultimately we do that through the actions,” he said.

    Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, elected as a Democrat, is running as an independent in November’s election after Trump’s Justice Department dropped corruption charges against him, fueling accusations of a quid pro quo that he has denied. The Republican nominee is Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, and lawyer Jim Walden is also running as an independent.

    Cuomo has not yet decided whether to remain in the race as an independent.

    (Reuters)

  • New York mayoral candidate Mamdani defends campaign despite Democratic unease

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani defended his democratic socialism on Sunday and argued that his focus on economic issues should serve as a model for the party, even though some top Democrats have been reluctant to embrace him.

    In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Mamdani said his agenda of raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and on corporations to pay for ambitious policies such as free buses, a $30 minimum hourly wage and a rent freeze was not only realistic but tailored to meet the needs of the city’s working residents.

    “It’s the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country in the history of the world, and yet one in four New Yorkers are living in poverty, and the rest are seemingly trapped in a state of anxiety,” he told NBC’s Kristen Welker.

    Mamdani’s stunning victory over former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary election has some party figures worried that his democratic socialism could feed Republican attacks on Democrats as too far left ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Business leaders have also expressed concern about his policies.

    Democrats have struggled to find a coherent message after their resounding loss in the November elections that saw President Donald Trump return to the White House and his Republicans win control of both chambers of Congress. A Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month showed that a majority of American Democrats believed their party needs new leadership and to be more focused on economic issues.

    Earlier on Sunday, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents part of the city, told ABC’s “This Week” that he wasn’t ready to endorse Mamdani yet, saying that he needed to hear more about Mamdani’s vision.

    Other prominent New York Democrats, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also thus far declined to endorse Mamdani.

    Trump, himself a native New Yorker, told Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” that if Mamdani wins the mayoral race, “he’d better do the right thing” or Trump would withhold federal funds from the city.

    “He’s a communist. I think it’s very bad for New York,” Trump said.

    Asked about Trump’s claim that he is a communist, Mamdani told NBC it was not true and accused the president of attempting to distract from the fact that “I’m fighting for the very working people that he ran a campaign to empower that he has since then betrayed.”

    He also voiced no concern that Jeffries and other Democrats have not yet endorsed his candidacy.

    “I think that people are catching up to this election,” he said. “What we’re showing is that by putting working people first, by returning to the roots of the Democratic Party, we actually have a path out of this moment where we’re facing authoritarianism in Washington, D.C.”

    Mamdani’s criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza has set him apart from many mainstream Democrats and prompted allegations of antisemitism, which he has fiercely denied. Earlier this month, during an appearance on the political podcast The Bulwark, Mamdani declined to condemn the pro-Palestinian phrase “globalize the intifada,” which some Jews view as antisemitic and a call to violence.

    Jeffries told ABC that Mamdani needed to “clarify his position” on the phrase to reassure Jewish New Yorkers.

    Pressed again on Sunday, Mamdani said it was “not language that I use” but again did not condemn it. He said he did not want to determine for others what words are permissible or impermissible, arguing that Trump has done that by targeting pro-Palestinian activists for their speech.

    “We have to root out that bigotry, and ultimately we do that through the actions,” he said.

    Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, elected as a Democrat, is running as an independent in November’s election after Trump’s Justice Department dropped corruption charges against him, fueling accusations of a quid pro quo that he has denied. The Republican nominee is Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, and lawyer Jim Walden is also running as an independent.

    Cuomo has not yet decided whether to remain in the race as an independent.

    (Reuters)

  • Pace of Ukraine talks hinges on efforts of Kyiv, Washington, Kremlin says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The pace of talks to resolve the war in Ukraine depends on Kyiv’s position, the effectiveness of U.S. mediation, and the situation on the ground, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in remarks televised on Sunday.

    Five months into U.S. President Donald Trump’s term, there is no clear end to the war Russia launched in February 2022 against its smaller neighbour, despite his 2024 campaign vow to end it in one day.

    Trump, who has pushed both sides towards ceasefire talks since his January inauguration, said on Friday he thinks “something will happen” about a settlement of the war.

    “A lot depends, naturally, on the position of the Kyiv regime,” Peskov told Belarus 1 TV, the main state television channel in Russia’s neighbour.

    “It depends on how effectively Washington’s mediating efforts continue,” he said, adding that the situation on the ground was another factor that could not be ignored.

    Peskov did not elaborate on what Moscow expects from Washington or Kyiv. Moscow has been demanding that Ukraine cede more land and abandon Western military support, conditions Kyiv calls unacceptable.

    While no date has been set for the next round of talks, Peskov said Russia hoped dates would become clear “in the near future.”

    After a gap of more than three years, Russia and Ukraine held face-to-face talks in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2 that led to a series of prisoner exchanges and the return of their dead soldiers.

    They have made no progress towards a ceasefire, however. Their blueprints for a peace deal shared at the June 2 talks were “absolutely contradictory memorandums”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.

    Russia, which already controls about a fifth of Ukraine, continues to advance gradually, gaining ground in recent weeks in Ukraine’s southeastern regions of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk, and ramping up air attacks nationwide.

    Turkey, which hosted the previous round of talks, is ready to host them again, it said on Friday.

    (Reuters)

  • Imposition of Emergency was nothing short of Earthquake to destroy Democracy-VP

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>During Emergency the highest court of the land got eclipsed, overturned the verdict of nine High Courts-VP
    The youth of today cannot afford to be unaware of the Emergency — the darkest period, says VP
    Academic institutions are natural organic crucibles of ideation and innovation-VP

    Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that,  “50 years ago, this day, the oldest, the largest and now the most vibrant democracy went through difficult air pocket, unexpected hazard in the shape of headwinds, nothing short of earthquake to destroy democracy. It was imposition of emergency. The night was dark, the cabinet was sidelined. The beleaguered Prime Minister then facing an adverse High Court order, yielded to personal gain, ignoring the entire nation and the President trampled constitutionalism, signed declaration of emergency. What followed for 21, 22 months was turbulent period for our democracy, never imagined. The darkest period of democracy we had the occasion to see.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937807255123988862

    Addressing students and faculty members as Chief Guest at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kumaon University in Nainital, Uttarakhand today he stated, “ A lakh and forty thousand people were put behind bars. They had no access to the justice system. They could not vindicate their Fundamental Rights. Nine High Courts, fortunately, stood the ground and they hail — emergency or no emergency — Fundamental Rights cannot be put on hold, ruling firmly that every citizen of the country has a right which can be fructified by judicial intervention. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court — the highest court of the land — got eclipsed. It overturned the verdict of nine High Courts. It ruled, it decided two things– Emergency declaration thereof is a decision of the Executive, not open to judicial review. And, it is also a decision on the time for how long it will last, and that citizens do not have Fundamental Rights while there is emergency. It was a major setback to the people at large.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937812746008936600

    Underlining the significance of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ for the youth of the day he said, “ Just reflect young boys and girls because you will have to learn about it unless you do it you will not know it. What happened to the Press? Who were the people put behind the bars? They became Prime Ministers of this country. They became Presidents of this country. That was the scenario and that is why to make aware our youth…….you are the most vital stakeholders in governance, in democracy. You therefore cannot forget. or cannot afford not to learn about that darkest period. Very thoughtfully the government of the day decided that this day will be celebrated as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’. The celebration will be that it will never happen again. The celebration will be  that those guilty, those who allowed such kind of transgression of humanity’s rights,  spirit and essence of the Constitution. Who they were? why they did it? In the Supreme Court also, my friend will bear me out, one judge dissented H.R.Khanna, and it was commented by a leading newspaper in the US that if ever democracy returns to Bharat, a monument will surely be built for H.R. Khanna who held his ground.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937815412747760044

    Stressing on the role of on campus learning, Shri Dhankhar said, “ Academic institutions are much beyond just learning centers for degrees and credentials. Otherwise, why there is difference between virtual learning and a campus learning? You immediately know the time you spend amongst your colleagues on the campus defines your mindset. These places are meant to catalyse the change needed, the change you want, the nation you want. These are natural organic crucibles of ideation and innovation. Ideas come, but there must be ideation of idea. If an idea comes in out of fear of failure, you don’t engage in innovation or trial. Our progress will come to stand still. These are places where worlds envy our demographic youth as the occasion to script not only their own career, but to script the destiny of Bharat. And therefore please get going. There is a tagline of one of the corporate products which you must come across. Just  do it. Am I right? I would add one more. Do it now.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937818677123911772

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937817934614958127

    Emphasising on the importance of alumni and alumni contribution, Shri Dhankhar said, “ Over 50 years you have had large number of Alumni……..Alumni of an Institution is a very important component. You look to social media and google. You will find some Institutions in the developed world have Alumni Fund corpus, more than 10 billion US dollars.  One has a corpus of more than 50 billion US dollars. This comes not as a deluge, it comes by the trickle effect. Let me for instance give an illustration. If these 100,000 alumni of this great Institution decide to make a contribution only of 10,000 rupees a year. The annual amount will be 100 crores……..and just imagine if it is year after year, then you will not be looking here and there. You will be self-sustaining. It will soothe you. Secondly, the alumni will have the occasion to connect with the Alma mater. So you will have easy route….He will handhold you. She will handhold you. So I strongly urge that let there be initiation from Dev Bhoomi about Alumni Association.”

  • The words added in Preamble during emergency have been added as Nasoor; a sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatana-VP

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>What a travesty of justice ! First, we change something which is not changeable, alterable and then change it during Emergency-VP
    Preamble, the soul of the Constitution should have been respected rather than tweaked, altered, and decimated, asserts VP
    Except Bharat, no other constitution’s preamble has undergone change-VP
    A very serious work which cannot be altered, has been casually, farcically, and with no sense of propriety, changed-VP
    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar lives in our hearts, he dominates our mind and touches our soul-VP

    The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that, “Preamble of any constitution is its soul. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is unique. Except Bharat, [no other] Constitution’s  Preamble has undergone change and why?  Preamble is not changeable. Preamble is not alterable. Preamble is the basis on which the constitution has grown. Preamble is the seed of the Constitution. It is Soul of the constitution but this Preamble for Bharat was changed by 42nd Constitutional Amendment act of 1976, adding words Socialist, Secular and integrity”.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1938876252103799111

    Speaking at an event at the Vice-President’s Enclave today, marking the presentation of the first copy of the copy,  ‘Ambedkar’s Messages’ compiled by Shri D. S. Veeraiah, author and former MLC karnataka, Shri Dhankhar emphasised, “During the Emergency, the darkest period of Indian democracy, when people were behind the bars, Fundamental Rights were suspended. In the name of those — we the people — who were enslaved,  we just go for what? Just a flourish of words? It is to be deprecated beyond words. In Kesavananda Bharati, as I reflected — vs State of Kerala, 1973, a 13-judge bench — the judges focused and deeply reflected on the Preamble of the Constitution. The celebrated judge, Justice H.R. Khanna, I quote: The Preamble serves as a guide to the interpretation of the Constitution and indicates the source from which the Constitution derives its authority — namely, the people of India.”

    “We must reflect. Dr. Ambedkar did painstaking work. He would have surely focused on it. The founding fathers thought it befittingly wise to give us that Preamble. No country’s Preamble has undergone change — except Bharat. But devastatingly, this change was effected for Bharat at a time when people were virtually enslaved. We the people, the ultimate fountain of power — the best of them were languishing in jails. They were denied access to the judicial system. I am referring to the 22 months of draconian Emergency that was proclaimed on 25th June 1975. So, what a travesty of justice ! First, we change something which is not changeable, alterable — something that emanates from We the People — and then, you change it during Emergency. When We the People were bleeding — in heart, in soul — they were in darkness”, he added.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1938879085385785752

    “We are changing the soul of the Constitution. We are, as a matter of fact, by this flash of words, added during the darkest period of Emergency — the darkest period for the Constitution of the country. And in the process, if you deeply reflect, we are giving wings to existential challenges. These words have been added as Nasoor (festering wound). These words will create upheaval. Addition of these words in the Preamble during the Emergency signal  betrayal of the mindset of the framers of the Constitution. It is nothing but belittling the civilizational wealth and knowledge of this country for thousands of years. It is sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatana”, he further underlined.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1938881671484649672

    Highlighting the Contemporary relevance of Ambedkar’s messages, Shri Dhankhar stated, “ Dr. B.R. Ambedkar lives in our hearts. He dominates our mind and touches our soul….Ambedkar’s messages bear huge contemporaneous relevance for us. His messages need to permeate down the line, up to the family level. The children must come to know about these messages. As someone associated with Parliament by virtue of being Vice-President of the country and Chairman of Rajya Sabha — the Upper House, the House of Elders, the Council of States — I am therefore immensely satisfied to receive ‘Ambedkar’s Messages’ that must be honoured and respected, first and foremost by Parliamentarians and legislators all over the country, then by the policymakers…..We must reflect why our temples of democracy are sacrileged? Why our temples of democracy are ravaged by disruption?”

    He further stated, “Justice Sikri, another celebrated judge in that judgment, says — I quote: “The Preamble of our Constitution is of extreme importance, and the Constitution should be read and interpreted in the light of the grand and noble vision expressed in the Preamble.” The grand and noble vision was trampled. So was Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s spirit. Thus, unhesitatingly, the Preamble — crafted by the genius of Dr. Ambedkar and approved by the Constituent Assembly, the soul of the Constitution — should have been respected rather than tweaked, altered, and decimated. The change also, friends, militates against our civilizational ethos of thousands of years, where Sanatan philosophy — its spirit and essence — dominated the discourse.”

    Speaking further on the issue, he said, “ Friends, Judiciary is an important pillar of our democracy. I belong to that system, gave better part of my life. Let me  make this audience aware and through you the entire nation what judiciary felt about preamble of the Indian Constitution. There have been,  so far, two benches of the Supreme Court in higher formations, an 11-judge bench in IC Golaknath versus State of Punjab, and another one, 13-judge combination in Kesavanand Bharati. In Golaknath, the issue came up about preamble, and Justice Hidayatullah, reflecting on the situation, stated explicitly, I quote, “The Preamble to our constitution contains in a nutshell its ideals and aspirations. It is not a mere flourish of words, but embodies the objectives which the Constitution seeks to achieve.”

    “Justice Hegde and Justice Mukherjee I quote, in the same judgment, “The preamble of the Constitution, like the soul of the Constitution, is unalterable. As it embodies the fundamental values and the philosophy on which the Constitution is based.” It is nothing  less than an earthquake for a building whose foundations are sought to be changed from the top floor. Justice Shelat and Justice Grover. what they reflected on preamble, I quote, “The preamble to constitution is not mere preface or introduction. It is a part of the constitution and is a key to open the mind of the makers, indicating the general purposes for which the people ordained the constitution.” A very  serious work which cannot be altered, has been casually, farcically,  and with no sense of propriety, changed.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1938886235260624975

    Recalling wise words of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Shri Dhankhar stated, “ Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a visionary. He was a statesman. We should never see Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as a politician.  Never see him. If you go through his journey, you will find it can’t be relieved ordinarily. It takes extraordinary human effort, spinal strength to negotiate that journey, the kind of suffering he underwent. Can you ever imagine Dr. B.R. Ambedkar being given Bharat Ratna posthumously? It was my great good fortune to be a member of Parliament in 1989 and a Minister when this one of the greatest sons of soil was conferred posthumously Bharat Ratna but my heart wept. Why so late? Why posthumously? And therefore I quote with deep concern, beseeching everyone in the country to search their souls and think for the nation. He said—–I do not want that our loyalty as Indians should in the slightest way affected by our competitive loyalty, whether that loyalty arises out of our religion, out of our culture or out of our language. I want all people to be Indian first, Indian last and nothing else but Indians…….It was his last address in the Constituent Assembly, 25th November 1949 — a day before the Constitution was signed by the Members of the Constituent Assembly. And what he said — amazing. I would urge everyone in the country to put it in a frame and read it every day. He says — he’s expressing his pain: I quote:

    “What perturbs me greatly is the fact that not only India has once before lost her independence, but she lost it by the infidelity and treachery of some of her own people. Will history repeat itself?”

    He goes on to say — I quote: “It is this thought which fills me with anxiety. This anxiety is deepened by the realization of the fact that in addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds, we are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed? Or will they place creed above the country….. I quote,  “I do not know, but this much is certain that if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all regularly guard against. We must be determined to defend our independence with the last drop of our blood.”

  • BWF US Open: Ayush Shetty clinches men’s singles title, Tanvi Sharma finishes as runner-up

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ayush Shetty clinched his maiden title on the BWF World Tour after defeating Canada’s Brian Yang in the final of the US Open, a BWF Super 300 badminton tournament, held at the Mid-America Center on Monday (IST).

    The 2023 World Junior Championships bronze medallist Ayush registered a commanding 21-18, 21-13 victory over World No. 33 Yang in just 47 minutes, capping off a stellar week.

    “Ayush Shetty clinches maiden BWF Super 300 title, winning the US Open 2025! He dismantled Brian Yang in straight games — 21-13, 21-18 — with commanding flair right from start to finish. A breakthrough triumph that cements his arrival among badminton’s elite and marks the rise of a new Indian powerhouse,” the Badminton Association of India (BAI) said in a post on X.

    The fourth-seeded Ayush began his campaign with a 21-17, 21-19 win over Danish World No. 85 Magnus Johannesen, before defeating compatriot Tharun Mannepalli 21-12, 13-21, 21-15 in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, he registered a 22-20, 21-9 win over World No. 70 Kuo Kuan Lin.

    His biggest win came in the semifinal, where he defeated World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen 21-23, 21-15, 21-14 — avenging his loss to Chou in the Taipei Open 2025 semifinal.

    Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma’s dream run ended with a runner-up finish after a hard-fought final against 34-year-old veteran Beiwen Zhang, which ended 11-21, 21-16, 10-21.

    “What a run! 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma stuns the badminton world with a dream performance at the US Open 2025 finals! She defeated WR23, WR58, WR50 & WR40 before falling just short in a gripping final vs 34-year-old veteran Beiwen Zhang — 11-21, 21-16, 10-21. She may have missed the title, but Tanvi won hearts, turned heads, and sparked a new dawn for Indian women’s badminton,” the BAI said on X.

    On Saturday, Tanvi became the youngest Indian badminton player to reach a BWF World Tour final, having already defeated second seed Nguyễn Thùy Linh of Vietnam and former junior world champion Pitchamon Opatniputh of Thailand in earlier rounds.

    Tanvi has two international badminton titles to her name, both at the BWF International Challenge level — including a recent win in Denmark in May. She also reached the final of the Odisha Masters BWF Super 100 tournament last year.

    IANS

  • How will the Dalai Lama’s successor be chosen?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The choice of a successor to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists, is a matter of riveting interest not only for followers of his religion, but also China, India, and the United States, for strategic reasons.

    The Nobel peace laureate, who turns 90 on Sunday, is regarded as one of the world’s most influential figures, with a following extending well beyond Buddhism.

    HOW WAS HE CHOSEN?

    Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated after his death.

    The 14th Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in northeastern Tibet, was identified as such a reincarnation when he was just two years old.

    A search party sent by the Tibetan government made the decision on the basis of several signs, such as a vision revealed to a senior monk, the Dalai Lama’s website says. The searchers were convinced when the toddler identified belongings of the 13th Dalai Lama with the phrase, “It’s mine, it’s mine”.

    In the winter of 1940, Lhamo Thondup was taken to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of today’s Tibet Autonomous Region, and officially installed as the spiritual leader of Tibetans.

    HOW WILL HIS SUCCESSOR BE CHOSEN?

    In his book “Voice for the Voiceless”, released in March 2025, the Dalai Lama said his successor would be born outside China.

    The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in northern India since 1959, after fleeing a failed uprising against the rule of Mao Zedong’s Communists.

    He wrote that he would release details about his succession around the time of his 90th birthday.

    The Tibetan parliament-in-exile, based in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, like the Dalai Lama, says a system has been established for the exiled government to continue its work while officers of the Gaden Phodrang Foundation will be charged with finding and recognising his successor.

    The current Dalai Lama set up the foundation in 2015 to “maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama” with regard to his religious and spiritual duties, it says on its website. Its senior officers include several of his aides.

    WHAT DOES CHINA SAY?

    China says its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama’s successor, as a legacy from imperial times. A selection ritual, in which the names of possible reincarnations are drawn from a golden urn, dates to 1793, during the Qing dynasty.

    Chinese officials have repeatedly said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be decided by following national laws that decree use of the golden urn and the birth of reincarnations within China’s borders.

    But many Tibetans suspect any Chinese role in the selection as being a ploy to exert influence on the community.

    It is inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who reject religion, “to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama,” the Buddhist leader has said.

    In his book, he asked Tibetans not to accept “a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China,” referring to the country by its official name.

    Beijing brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a “separatist” and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him.

    In March 2025, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the Dalai Lama was a political exile with “no right to represent the Tibetan people at all”.

    China denies suppressing the rights of the Tibetan people, and says its rule ended serfdom in, and brought prosperity to, a backward region.

    WHAT ROLE COULD INDIA AND THE U.S. PLAY?

    Apart from the Dalai Lama, India is estimated to be home to more than 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists who are free to study and work there.

    Many Indians revere him, and international relations experts say his presence in India gives New Delhi some kind of leverage with rival China.

    The United States, which faces rising competition from China for global dominance, has repeatedly said it is committed to advancing the human rights of Tibetans.

    U.S. lawmakers have previously said they would not allow China to influence the choice of the Dalai Lama’s successor.

    In 2024, then U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law that presses Beijing to resolve a dispute over Tibet’s demands for greater autonomy.

    (Reuters)

  • President Murmu begins two-day visit to Gorakhpur, to open AYUSH university

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh from Monday, during which she will attend the first convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Gorakhpur.

    According to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office, the President will also inaugurate the state’s first AYUSH University in Pipri, Bhathat on July 1. The new university is aimed at boosting traditional medicine and holistic healthcare education across Uttar Pradesh.

    This marks President Murmu’s fourth visit to Gorakhpur over the past seven years, once again at the invitation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It will also be the second time in recent years that a sitting President has visited both AIIMS and a major university in the city, underscoring Gorakhpur’s rising profile at the national level.

    Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally reviewed the 31-kilometre route from the city to Pipri to ensure all preparations are in place. The President is also expected to offer prayers at the Gorakhnath Temple, where arrangements have been made for meals that reflect her dignity and stature.

    Security measures have been tightened in and around Gorakhpur. SP (City) Abhinav Tyagi confirmed that the AIIMS auditorium and campus are under full security cover, with OPD services at AIIMS suspended on June 30. Authorities have declared a five-kilometre radius around the Circuit House as a no-fly zone and put in place a three-tier security system.

    In April, Chief Minister Yogi laid the foundation stone for the 500-bed ‘Powergrid Vishram Sadan’ at AIIMS Gorakhpur. The facility, aimed at supporting patients and their families, is being developed under the CSR initiative of Power Grid Corporation of India at a cost of Rs 44 crore.

    -IANS

  • Swiatek slams ‘intense’ calendar as players feel the grind to protect rankings

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iga Swiatek criticised the relentless tennis calendar on Sunday, with the former world number one saying that players should not be forced to compete in more than 20 tournaments a year to maintain their rankings.

    Now ranked fourth in the world, Swiatek described being trapped in a system where she had to choose between representing her country and focusing on herself after she reluctantly skipped Poland’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier in April.

    The 11-month grind has been one of the cornerstones of the lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) against the sport’s governing bodies in March after the union described it as ‘unsustainable’.

    “The scheduling is super intense, it’s too intense. There’s no point for us to play over 20 tournaments in a year,” Swiatek told reporters when asked about the biggest challenge to players in terms of mental health.

    “Sometimes we need to sacrifice playing for your country because we need to keep up with playing these WTA 500s, for example, because we’re going to get a zero in the ranking.

    “I think these kind of obligations and the rules about mandatory tournaments just put pressure on us… I think people would still watch tennis, maybe even more, if we played less tournaments. The quality would be better.”

    Swiatek is the eighth seed at Wimbledon this year and she faces Polina Kudermetova in the first round on Tuesday.

    The claycourt specialist with four French Open crowns fell in the semi-finals at Roland Garros this year and she quickly switched her focus to grass which has historically been her weakest surface.

    She reached her first grasscourt final on Saturday at the Bad Homburg Open where she was left in tears after losing to top seed Jessica Pegula, but Swiatek is happy with her improvement on grass as she comes to grips with the faster surface.

    “It’s not like a huge change. It’s not like 180 degrees change. I wouldn’t say now suddenly everything is perfect, because it’s still a difficult surface. It’s still tricky,” Swiatek said.

    -Reuters

  • Indian stock market opens flat; Sensex holds above 84,000 mark

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened on a steady note on Monday, with benchmark indices trading flat amid positive global cues and selective buying in PSU bank and IT stocks.

    At around 9:27 am, the BSE Sensex was marginally higher by 1.35 points at 84,057.55, while the NSE Nifty gained 6.50 points, or 0.03 per cent, to trade at 25,644.30.

    Analysts attributed the steady start to easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, a sharp correction in Brent crude prices to 67 dollars per barrel, and encouraging signals on the trade front, including possible deals between the US, China and India.

    Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said that large-cap counters like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries and L&T have been key drivers of the recent rally due to institutional accumulation.

    The Nifty Bank index in early trade was up by 15.15 points at 57,459.05. Meanwhile, the Nifty Midcap 100 advanced by 220.90 points to 59,606.05, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 rose 153.35 points to trade at 19,130.15.

    Within the Sensex pack, M&M, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, NTPC and UltraTech Cement were among the laggards in the opening session. On the other hand, Trent, SBI, L&T, Eternal, Axis Bank and Hindustan Unilever were trading in positive territory.

    Continued weakness in the dollar index is supporting foreign fund inflows, while retail investor confidence remains strong. Market experts, however, advise caution when making fresh investments at elevated valuations despite the ongoing bull run.

    Foreign institutional investors were net buyers on June 27, picking up shares worth Rs 1,397.02 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors booked profits, selling equities worth Rs 588.93 crore.

    In Asia, key markets such as China, Bangkok, Japan, Seoul and Jakarta were trading higher, while Hong Kong was in negative territory.

    Overnight in the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher at 43,819.27, up 432.43 points or 1 per cent. The S&P 500 gained 32.05 points to end at 6,173.07, and the Nasdaq added 105.55 points to close at 20,273.46.

    -IANS

  • China’s weak factory activity maintains pressure for more stimulus as tariff risks weigh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China’s manufacturing activity shrank for a third straight month in June, though at a slower pace, as increases in new orders, purchasing volumes and supplier delivery times signalled that policy support rolled out since late last year is taking effect.

    But business sentiment remains subdued, Monday’s survey showed, with employment, factory gate prices and new export orders still languishing, and keeping alive calls for even more stimulus as authorities deal with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff onslaught and chronic weakness in the property sector.

    The National Bureau of Statistics purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 49.7 in June from 49.5 in May, matching the median forecast in a Reuters poll but remaining below the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction.

    “Two months of successive improvement, that’s a decent reading given June was the first full month without Trump’s prohibitive 100%-plus tariffs,” said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

    “There is still evidence of frontloading in trade, but the tariffs are lower now and manufacturers are preparing to ship holiday season goods,” he added.

    The new export orders sub-index remained in contraction for a 14th straight month in June, inching up to 47.7 from 47.5 in May, while employment diverged from other indicators by deteriorating further. However, new domestic orders rose to 50.2 from 49.8, and purchasing volumes jumped from 47.6 to 50.2 — offering policymakers some hope that domestic demand may be starting to recover.

    Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, said the PMIs suggested the world’s second-largest economy had regained some momentum over the past month, but warned tensions with the West would continue to squeeze its exports and there were still signs of deflationary pressures.

    The non-manufacturing PMI, which includes services and construction, grew to 50.5 from 50.3.

    Activity in the food and beverages, travel, hospitality and logistics sectors fell this month, NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe said in a statement. However, this drag was offset by a pickup in the construction PMI, which rose to a 3-month high of 52.8, Capital Economics’ Huang said.

    “Fiscal support looks to have continued to support infrastructure spending,” Huang added, but cautioned that “a fading fiscal tailwind is likely to slow activity in the second half of the year.”

    MORE STIMULUS

    Uncertainty also lingers among factory owners, as the business outlook index – which normally moves in line with the headline PMI – dropped in June and suggested producers were waiting on a more durable trade deal to a fragile framework agreed between Beijing and Washington earlier this month.

    That puts pressure on policymakers to roll out more support measures, as the government cannot afford for China’s vast manufacturing sector to stagnate or shrink, if its ambitious 2025 growth target of “around 5%” is to be met.

    Profits at China’s industrial firms swung sharply back into decline in May, which officials attributed to weak demand and falling industrial product prices.

    Policymakers are confident they can push ahead with reforms launched late last year to transition China’s economy from a manufacturing-led model to a consumer-driven one, Premier Li Qiang told delegates at World Economic Forum and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank meetings last week.

    Such a shift in the engines of growth, which economists say is crucial to securing China’s future, could be progressed while maintaining strong growth, Li said.

    But economists say the transition could take years, and that reform typically comes at the cost of a more subdued economy in the short term.

    “Exports are expected to decelerate in the second half of the year, and domestic deflationary pressures will intensify,” said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group, who expects more stimulus in coming months.

    “Household consumption cannot be a real short-term driver, but fiscal spending in things like infrastructure can deliver the kind of growth required to hit this year’s target.”

    (Reuters)

  • Former supremo Ecclestone makes F1 podium debut at 94

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula One supremo who rarely stayed to watch races beyond halfway when he was in charge, made his first grand prix podium appearance at the age of 94 in Austria on Sunday.

    The Briton was present at the Red Bull Ring to hand out a medal on behalf of the president of the governing FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, to McLaren’s race winner Lando Norris.

    Norris hopped off the top step of the podium so that he would be standing at the same level as his diminutive compatriot.

    “I think it’s really nice that the president gives a personal congratulations to the winning competitor,” said Ecclestone, who ran the commercial side of the sport for some 40 years until being ousted in 2017.

    “As he could not attend the race here in Austria, he asked me to present his medal for him which I am pleased and honoured to do.

    “It was also great to be there as, though it might seem strange, this was the first time in almost 70 years in this sport that I’ve actually been on the podium.”

    Norris won Formula One’s 1,136th championship grand prix and Ecclestone attended the first at Silverstone in 1950.

    He once said he left races soon after the start because by then his business was done.

    The President’s Medal was first presented to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the season-ending 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and each one carries the race number and highlights the event’s history.

    -Reuters

  • Amit Shah inaugurates National Turmeric Board headquarters in Telangana, promises major boost to farmers and exports

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major boost to India’s turmeric farming sector, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and other senior dignitaries.

    Addressing the gathering, Shah highlighted that the creation of the Board fulfills a 40-year-old demand of turmeric farmers, particularly in Telangana. The initiative, he said, was a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 and now stands fulfilled. Nizamabad, widely recognized as the “turmeric capital” of India, will now have the infrastructure to take its produce to global markets within the next few years.

    “The Board will eliminate the role of middlemen and put in place an integrated framework for turmeric packaging, branding, marketing, and export,” Shah said. He also underscored the medicinal value of turmeric, referring to it as a “wonder drug” with anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties that are gaining international recognition.

    The Centre has set a target to scale turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030, with all required preparations already underway. The National Turmeric Board will spearhead efforts to ensure maximum value returns to farmers, promote GI-tagged organic turmeric, and facilitate training and capacity-building programs. The Board will also guide compliance with global standards for quality and safety and support research and development to further explore turmeric’s therapeutic benefits.

    Shah revealed that turmeric prices in 2025 reached ₹18,000–₹19,000 per quintal, and the government is working to push that figure up by ₹6,000–₹7,000 over the next three years. He noted that turmeric was cultivated on over 3 lakh hectares across the country in 2023–24, yielding 10.74 lakh tonnes.

    Key turmeric-growing districts in Telangana—Nizamabad, Jagtial, Nirmal, and Kamareddy—are expected to gain significantly from this institutional support. Shah also pointed to the establishment of the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) by the Modi government to promote farmers engaged in both exports and organic farming.

  • IRCTC’s upgraded system to handle over 1.5 lakh bookings and 40 lakh enquiries per minute

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian Railways is set to introduce a new Passenger Reservation System (PRS) by the end of this year, aiming to make the ticket booking process faster, smarter and more passenger-friendly. The upgraded system will be capable of generating over 1.5 lakh tickets per minute, nearly five times higher than the current capacity of 32,000 tickets per minute, according to the Ministry of Railways.

    Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently reviewed the progress of these reforms and highlighted the need for a ticketing system that is smart, transparent, accessible and efficient. Emphasising passenger convenience, the Minister said that the entire journey should be smooth and comfortable right from the stage of ticket reservation.

    Indian Railways will advance the reservation chart preparation from the current four hours before departure to eight hours prior. For trains scheduled to depart before 2 pm, the reservation chart will now be prepared the previous evening by 9 pm. This change is expected to help passengers travelling from remote locations or nearby areas, giving them more time to plan or make alternative arrangements if their tickets remain unconfirmed.

    The upgraded PRS, which is being developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), is designed to be agile, flexible and scalable, capable of handling ten times the current load. Apart from boosting ticket booking capacity, the system will also increase ticket enquiry capacity from the present four lakh to over forty lakh enquiries per minute. The new interface will be multilingual and user-friendly, allowing passengers to choose seats, view fare calendars and access integrated facilities for Divyangjan, students and patients.

    In addition, Indian Railways is strengthening the authentication process for Tatkal bookings. From July 1, only authenticated users will be able to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile app. By the end of July 2025, OTP-based authentication will also be introduced. The Railway Minister has directed that authentication should use Aadhaar or any other verifiable Government ID available in the user’s DigiLocker account.

     

  • Wimbledon 2025: Dates, top seeds and match schedule

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon is a grasscourt Grand Slam organised by the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The tournament was first held in 1877. Here is what you need to know about the year’s third major after the Australian Open and French Open:

    WHEN IS WIMBLEDON 2025 HAPPENING?

    * The Championships will run from June 30 to July 13.

    WHERE IS WIMBLEDON TAKING PLACE?

    * Wimbledon is held in London every year.

    * The three main showcourts at the All England Club are Centre Court, Court One and Court Two. Unlike other Grand Slam venues, the All England Club does not name its courts after former players.

    * Centre Court is the largest with a capacity of nearly 15,000 spectators. Court One has a capacity of 12,345 while Court Two, nicknamed the ‘Graveyard of Champions’ due to the many early upsets there over the years, seats 4,000.

    WHO IS INVOLVED IN WIMBLEDON?

    * The top-ranked players automatically enter the main draw with 32 seeds announced prior to the draw to ensure they do not meet in the early rounds. From the 2021 Championships, seedings for the men’s and women’s singles are based on world rankings.

    * Italian Jannik Sinner, who won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, is the current men’s world number one. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, also a three-times major winner, is the women’s top-ranked player.

    * Spanish world number two Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his second French Open title, is looking to complete a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles.

    * American world number two Coco Gauff, the women’s champion at Roland Garros, is eyeing a first Wimbledon crown.

    * World number five Novak Djokovic will resume his quest for a record-extending 25th men’s Grand Slam singles title, while five-times major winner Iga Swiatek chases a first Wimbledon crown. Czech Barbora Krejcikova is the defending Wimbledon women’s champion.

    * Organisers also hand out wild cards for local hopes and notable players who have dropped down the rankings.

    TOP SEEDS

    Men:

    1 Jannik Sinner

    2 Carlos Alcaraz

    3 Alexander Zverev

    4 Jack Draper

    5 Taylor Fritz

    6 Novak Djokovic

    7 Lorenzo Musetti

    8 Holger Rune

    9 Daniil Medvedev

    10 Ben Shelton

    Women:

    1 Aryna Sabalenka

    2 Coco Gauff

    3 Jessica Pegula

    4 Jasmine Paolini

    5 Zheng Qinwen

    6 Madison Keys

    7 Mirra Andreeva

    8 Iga Swiatek

    9 Paula Badosa

    10 Emma Navarro

  • Dalai Lama set to reveal succession plan as China watches

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Dalai Lama will address a major three-day gathering of Buddhist religious figures this week ahead of his 90th birthday, as his followers wait for the Tibetan spiritual leader to share details about his succession in a move that could irk China.

    Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, as a separatist and says it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born outside China and urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing.

    Tibetan Buddhists hold that enlightened monks are reborn to carry forward their spiritual legacy. The 14th Dalai Lama will turn 90 on Sunday and has said he would consult senior monks and others at this time to share possible clues on where his successor, a boy or a girl, could be found following his death.

    He has previously said he could possibly reincarnate in India, where he lives in exile near the northern Himalayan town of Dharamshala. He was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor when he was two.

    Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the deputy speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile in Dharamshala, said it was important for the world to hear directly from the Dalai Lama on the issue because while China “tries to vilify him at every chance … it is trying to frame rules and regulations on how to have the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama in their hand”.

    “China is trying to grab this institution … for its political purpose,” she said.

    “We want the incarnation of the Dalai Lama to be born not only for the survival of Tibet as a distinct culture, religion and nation, but also for the well-being of the whole humanity.”

    Thupten Ngodup, Tibet’s chief state oracle, said typically such discussions on the reincarnation do not take place when a monk is still alive but things are different now mainly because the “Chinese government is interfering”.

    Beijing said in March that the Dalai Lama was a political exile who had “no right to represent the Tibetan people at all”. China has said it is open to discussing his future if he recognises that Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China, a proposal the Tibetan government in exile has rejected.

    ‘AS IF HE’S NOT THERE’

    The religious conference this week, being held for the first time since 2019, will be attended by more than 100 Tibetan Buddhist leaders and will feature a video statement from the Dalai Lama.

    Hollywood star Richard Gere, a long-time follower of Tibetan Buddhism, will be among those attending, organisers have said.

    The Dalai Lama will attend prayers called by the Tibetan government in exile on July 5 and participate in his birthday celebrations a day later, according to a schedule shared by the organisers.

    He will speak at the celebrations for about half an hour. India’s parliamentary affairs minister, Kiren Rijiju, and some other Indian officials are expected to attend.

    Tibetans have been praying for his long health, especially since knee surgery in the U.S. last year, although the Dalai Lama told Reuters in December that he could live until he was 110. The previous Dalai Lama died earlier than expected at 58.

    The Dalai Lama and Tibetan officials say there is a system in place for the government-in-exile to continue its political work while officers of the Dalai Lama’s Gaden Phodrang Foundation search and recognise the next Dalai Lama.

    The current Dalai Lama set up the foundation in 2015 and its senior officers include several of his aides.

    Teykhang and other Tibetan officials said the Dalai Lama has been preparing his people for the day when he is gone, especially through his 2011 decision to hand his political role to a democratically elected government, ending a 368-year-old tradition of being both spiritual and temporal head of Tibetans.

    “Since he has come in the form of a human, we have to agree that there will be a moment when he is not with us,” said Teykhang. “His Holiness has really prepared us for that day, he made us act as if he’s not there.”

    (Reuters)

  • Netanyahu sees Iran outcome opening door to Gaza hostage return

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday the 12-day war with Iran had created opportunities for Israel, and the first was the return of hostages held in Gaza by Palestinian militants who attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

    His remarks, coupled with the Jerusalem District Court’s postponement of his testimony this week in his long-running corruption trial, gave rise to speculation that progress may be made to end the Gaza conflict and secure the hostages’ release.

    The court accepted on Sunday Netanyahu’s request for the delay, citing classified diplomatic and security grounds. U.S. President Donald Trump had suggested on Saturday the trial could interfere with the Israeli leader’s ability to negotiate.

    Israel’s military Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Friday the war in Iran, which ended on June 24, could help advance Israeli objectives against the Iranian-backed Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.

    Israeli public radio Kan said Israel’s security cabinet had met on Sunday evening and would meet again on Monday. 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, Israeli media said.

    On a Sunday visit to a security facility of Israel’s Shin Bet domestic intelligence service, Netanyahu said: “I want to inform you that as you probably know, many opportunities have opened up now following this victory, many opportunities.”

    “First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks,” he said, according to a statement issued by his office.

    Israeli advocates for the 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, known as the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, said his statement prioritizing the hostages was a first.

    “The families of the hostages welcome the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister,” they said.

    “This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza,” their statement said. Of the 50 hostages, only 20 are believed to be alive.

    Trump said on Saturday that Netanyahu was “right now” negotiating a deal with Hamas, though neither leader provided details, and officials on both sides have voiced scepticism over prospects for a ceasefire soon.

    The U.S. has proposed a 60-day ceasefire and a release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Hamas would release the remaining hostages once a permanent ceasefire was in place.

    On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate areas in northern Gaza before intensified fighting against Hamas.

    A Hamas official told Reuters the group had informed mediators it was ready to resume ceasefire talks, but reaffirmed the group’s outstanding demands that any deal must end the war and secure an Israeli withdrawal from the coastal territory.

    Israel says it can only end the war if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms.

    Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took 251 captives back to Gaza in their attack on Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

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

    (Reuters)

  • EAM Jaishankar on US visit from June 30; to attend Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 1

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the United States from 30 June to 2 July at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to participate in the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM), scheduled for 1 July, an official said on Sunday.

    In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Quad Foreign Ministers will build upon the discussions held during the last QFMM, which took place in Washington on January 21 this year.

    “They will exchange views on regional and global developments, particularly those concerning the Indo-Pacific, and review the progress made on various Quad initiatives in the run-up to the Quad Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted by India. The Ministers are also expected to deliberate on new proposals aimed at advancing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the MEA statement read.

    EAM Jaishankar will also inaugurate an exhibition titled, “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on June 30.

    “The exhibition will highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world, and the steps taken by the international community to combat terrorism,” the statement noted.

    India’s UN Mission said it will “highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world”.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the upcoming QFMM, which will also be attended by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, next Tuesday in Washington.

    Rubio’s first diplomatic engagement after he took office on January 21 was the Quad foreign ministers meeting, which took place a day after President Donald Trump was inaugurated.

    Next week’s meeting “builds on that momentum to advance a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific”, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of State, Thomas Pigott, said.

    “This is what American leadership looks like: strength, peace, and prosperity,” he said.

    Earlier, S. Jaishankar posted on X that he had a phone conversation with Penny Wong on Thursday in preparation for the Quad meeting.

    The Quad meeting will be the first time the ministers get together after the Pahalgam attack.

    It will come a day before Pakistan takes over the rotating presidency of the Security Council.

    The Quad meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the Summit to be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which will bring US President Donald Trump, and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Shigeru Ishiba of Japan to India.

    At their meeting in February, PM Modi said he looked forward to hosting Trump at the summit.

    The first foreign affairs meeting after Trump’s inauguration showed his administration’s regional priority as China’s threat loomed. However, the world’s attention turned to the Middle East and Ukraine.

    The conflict between Israel and Iran appears to have ebbed for now, freeing some bandwidth to turn attention to the Indo-Pacific, where China poses a challenge to the nations of the region.

    (IANS)

  • Ruthless PSG cruise past Inter Miami 4-0 to reach Club World Cup quarters

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Joao Neves scored twice as Paris St Germain swept aside Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday to secure their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals with ruthless efficiency.

    The French side asserted their dominance within six minutes, with Neves moving unmarked to the far post to power home a precise header from a free kick.

    Neves doubled their lead in the 39th minute after a flowing move as Bradley Barcola found Fabian Ruiz, whose exquisite cross was clinically converted by the Portuguese.

    Any hopes of a Miami comeback were extinguished in the first half as Messi and company barely got a look in, and their misery deepened further when Tomas Aviles turned Desire Doue’s cross into his own net.

    Achraf Hakimi added the fourth, pouncing after his initial shot struck the crossbar, on the stroke of halftime.

    “It was an almost perfect match, we created a lot of chances, and I’m happy yet I think we still need to improve, that’s football,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said.

    Messi became more involved after the break and his header was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma following a quick counter-attack, while he struck the wall with a late free kick that brought the crowd to their feet in anticipation of a consolation goal that never materialised.

    “I’m very proud of my players. Today you could see the difference in class, but football has given us the chance to compete. This is probably the best team in the world with a great coach, but we took them on,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said.

    The Champions League winners march on to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of the clash between Flamengo and Bayern Munich.

    -Reuters

  • Union Home Minister Shah to chair ‘Manthan Baithak’ of states, UT’s Cooperation Ministers today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah is scheduled to chair the Manthan Baithak of Cooperation Ministers from all States and Union Territories at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. The high-level meeting organised by the Ministry of Cooperation will review progress and chart the future roadmap to strengthen the cooperative sector across India.

    The meeting will bring together Cooperation Ministers, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries of Cooperation Departments from all States and UTs.

    The primary objective of the Manthan Baithak was to evaluate the implementation of key initiatives, share best practices, and foster convergence towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation).

    A major focus of the conference was the establishment of two lakh new Multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), along with cooperative societies in the dairy and fisheries sectors. These efforts aim to enhance last-mile service delivery in rural areas and empower farmers, fishers, and local entrepreneurs.

    The meeting will review the progress of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme in the cooperative sector, which is expected to boost agricultural infrastructure and food security in the country.

    Additionally, the role of states in supporting the three newly formed National Multi-state Cooperative Societies, National Cooperative Export Ltd (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL), is a key point of deliberation.

    “States will also present their progress under the “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” campaign and the ongoing “International Year of Cooperatives 2025”, along with expectations for wider engagement,” said a press release by the Ministry of Cooperation.

    “This Manthan Baithak will act as a catalyst in highlighting the critical role of States/UTs in transforming state-level cooperatives into vibrant economic entities, through close collaboration between Center & States, with the spirit of cooperative federalism,” it added. (IANS)

  • President Droupadi Murmu to visit UP today for AIIMS Gorakhpur convocation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu is set to begin her two-day visit to Gorakhpur on Monday and will attend the first convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Gorakhpur.

    According to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), on July 1, she is scheduled to inaugurate Uttar Pradesh’s first AYUSH University in Pipri, Bhathat, a key initiative aimed at strengthening traditional medicine and holistic healthcare education in the state.

    This will be President Murmu’s fourth visit to Gorakhpur in the last seven years, once again at the invitation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The event also marks the second time in recent years that a sitting President has visited AIIMS and a major state university in Gorakhpur, highlighting the city’s growing national importance.

    Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally reviewed the 31-kilometre route to be taken by the President from the city to Pipri, ensuring that all arrangements meet the highest standards.

    He has also directed that the Gorakhnath Temple, where the President is expected to offer prayers, provide specially prepared meals reflecting her stature and dignity.

    Security has been significantly tightened. SP (City) Abhinav Tyagi confirmed that the AIIMS auditorium and campus are under full security cover, with OPD services suspended for June 30. A 5-km radius around the Circuit House has been declared a no-fly zone, and a three-tier security system is in place.

    Earlier in April CM Yogi laid the foundation stone for a 500-bed ‘Powergrid Vishram Sadan’ at AIIMS Gorakhpur. The rest house, aimed at supporting patients and their families, is being developed for Rs 44 crore under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Power Grid Corporation of India. (IANS)

  • MoSPI celebrates 19th Statistics Day honouring Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis and 75 years of National Sample Survey

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Sunday celebrated the 19th Statistics Day at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, marking the 132nd birth anniversary of renowned statistician Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. The event also commemorated the 75th year of the National Sample Survey (NSS), with the theme ‘75 Years of National Sample Survey’ highlighting the transformative impact of the NSS on India’s statistical landscape.

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Rao Inderjit Singh, the Chief Guest, paid tribute to Prof. Mahalanobis and underlined the significance of robust statistical systems in policy planning. Emphasising reforms like digital transformation, integrated survey frameworks, and real-time data tools, he lauded MoSPI’s transparent and inclusive approach.

    In his welcome address, Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, reflected on the evolution of the NSS since 1950 and highlighted key reforms such as quicker data release, the use of digital tools like CAPI, the eSankhyiki portal, and adoption of administrative statistics.

    Dr. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman of the National Statistical Commission, emphasized the role of statistics in broader governance and urged the statistical community to explore uniform methodologies in areas like online assessments and e-voting.

    A commemorative coin, customized stamp, and several key publications, including the Sustainable Development Goals National Indicator Framework Progress Report 2025 and the NSS Report on Nutritional Intake in India 2022–24, were released. The GoIStat mobile app was also launched to enhance public access to official data.

    Dr. Prajamitra Bhuyan, Assistant Professor at IIM Calcutta, received the 2025 Prof. C.R. Rao National Award for his notable contributions to statistics. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Shamika Ravi explored the impact of frontier technologies on official statistics, with insights from industry, academia, and public institutions.

    The event saw participation from over 700 delegates, including government officials, international agencies, academics, and industry leaders, reinforcing MoSPI’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and a data-driven future.

  • Over 1,000 Devotees Join 15th Rath Yatra Celebration by Odisha Samaj UAE in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marking a significant cultural milestone, Odisha Samaj UAE hosted its 15th annual Rath Yatra, drawing more than 1,000 devotees from across all seven emirates. The event has become one of the most prominent celebrations for the Odia diaspora in the region, bringing together families and faith communities in a shared expression of devotion.

    Hosted at Star International School in Dubai, the celebration honoured Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra through a sequence of traditional rituals. Among the highlights was the ceremonial Pahandi Bije, during which the deities were ceremoniously escorted to the grand chariot, drawing the attention and devotion of all present and setting the tone for the main procession.The much-awaited chariot pulling began with devotees joining in with deep reverence and enthusiasm. After the procession, Mahaprasad was distributed to all attendees, reflecting the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and collective devotion.

    Over 100 Odia families prepared the Chhappan Bhoga, a revered offering of 56 food items, continuing a custom rooted in Puri’s temple traditions. Cultural elements included Devadasi dance performances by children and collective chanting of the 108 Mahamantra, creating a spiritually immersive atmosphere. Evening sessions featured devotional singing and an Odissi dance performance, highlighting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and maintaining the festive momentum.

    Amiya Mishra, President of Odisha Samaj UAE, said the event goes beyond religious observance. “For 15 years, this celebration has brought a sense of home to the Odia community here. It’s about preserving identity, building community, and passing on traditions to the next generation.”

    Now a key fixture in the Indian cultural calendar of the UAE, the Rath Yatra has grown into a platform of unity and cultural pride, connecting people across backgrounds and reaffirming ties to heritage while embracing life in a multicultural society.

  • Monsoon reaches Delhi, covers entire country 9 days ahead of schedule: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Southwest Monsoon has covered the entire country on Sunday, June 29 – nine days ahead of its normal schedule of July 8, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With its further advance into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the entire Delhi region, the monsoon’s early arrival signals a robust spell of rain across India.

    The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across large swathes of Northwest, Central, East, and Northeast India over the next seven days. Jharkhand is expected to witness isolated extremely heavy rainfall on June 29 and 30, while Odisha is likely to experience similar conditions on June 29.

    The ongoing monsoon activity is anticipated to bring significant showers to Uttarakhand from June 29 to July 3, and to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana on June 29 and 30.

    Gangetic West Bengal will receive heavy rain on June 29, while Odisha is expected to see continued rainfall from June 30 to July 5. Jharkhand may see another intense spell on July 1.

    In Uttar Pradesh, heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the western parts from June 29 to July 2 and in the eastern parts on June 30 and July 1. Madhya Pradesh and Bihar are also forecast to receive heavy rainfall from June 30 to July 2. Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and East Rajasthan will also be affected, with East Rajasthan likely to receive intense rain on July 4 and 5.

    The Northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, is expected to witness heavy rainfall between July 2 and 5. Rain will also continue in Konkan & Goa, the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat state over the next week.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the national capital region, Delhi is set to experience a spell of rainy and relatively cooler weather through early July.

    On June 29, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds ranging between 30–40 kmph during storms. The maximum temperature is forecast to stay between 31°C and 33°C, 4 to 6 degrees below normal, offering respite from the usual summer heat.

    On June 30, the sky will remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Temperatures are likely to range from 25°C to 27°C at night and 31°C to 33°C during the day, with both minimum and maximum temperatures remaining below seasonal norms. Winds will be relatively calm in the morning, picking up slightly during the afternoon and evening.

    Similar conditions are expected to prevail on July 1, with continued cloud cover and moderate rainfall. The temperature is likely to hover between 24°C and 26°C at night and 32°C to 34°C during the day, again remaining below normal levels. Light southwesterly winds in the morning are expected to shift to a northwesterly direction by afternoon, before settling again from the southwest in the evening.

    On July 2, Delhi will see a partly cloudy sky with light rain and possible thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will slightly rise to a range of 33°C to 35°C, while nighttime temperatures will stay between 25°C and 27°C. While the temperature will still be below normal, a gradual warming trend is expected. Winds will vary through the day, becoming stronger in the afternoon before easing at night.

  • MoSPI releases key SDG publications on 19th Statistics Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On the occasion of the 19th Statistics Day, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released three major publications related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing India’s progress toward achieving the global targets. The publications include the Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2025, Data Snapshot on SDGs – NIF Progress Report 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals – NIF 2025.

    Developed in consultation with concerned ministries, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, the SDG National Indicator Framework forms the backbone of India’s efforts to monitor and track SDG implementation at the national level. Each year, MoSPI releases these reports on June 29 to mark Statistics Day, providing critical insights and time-series data for policymakers, researchers, and the public.

    The 2025 Progress Report presents comprehensive data from various government sources, reflecting substantial advances in multiple sectors. Among the highlights, the report notes a significant rise in social protection coverage, with 64.3% of the population now covered under social security schemes—up from 22% in 2016. Agricultural productivity has improved, with Gross Value Added per worker rising to ₹94,110 in 2024–25 from ₹61,247 in 2015–16. Access to improved drinking water in rural areas has reached 99.62%, and renewable energy’s share in total electricity generation has grown to 22.13%.

    India’s waste management infrastructure has also seen a boost, with the number of recycling plants growing from 829 in 2019–20 to over 3,000 in 2024–25. The country’s entrepreneurial landscape is expanding rapidly, as reflected by the recognition of over 34,000 startups under the Start-up India initiative, up from just 453 in 2016.

    The report also records progress in environmental sustainability and digital access. Forest cover has inched up to 21.76% of the total geographical area, while internet subscriptions have tripled from 302 million in 2015 to 954 million in 2024. The emissions intensity of GDP has reduced by 36% compared to 2005 levels, indicating a strong move toward a low-carbon economy. Additionally, the Gini coefficient—a measure of income inequality—has declined in both rural and urban areas, signalling improved income distribution.

    These reports are publicly accessible on the MoSPI website and serve as valuable tools for tracking India’s commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

  • Devotion has no limits: PM Modi recalls exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Vietnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep appreciation for the heartfelt messages he received from Vietnam, thanking India for enabling the ‘darshan’ of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha.

    He called the experience a “heartwarming feeling”, underlining the spiritual connection shared by the people of India and Vietnam through the teachings of the Buddha.

    Speaking during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said, “During the last few days, many people from Vietnam sent me their messages through various mediums. There was reverence and affability in every line of these messages. Their feelings were heartwarming. They were expressing their gratitude to India for enabling the darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha. The emotions in their words were more than any formal thanks.”

    The sacred relics, originally discovered at Nagarjunakonda in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh – a site with a deep-rooted connection to Buddhism – were taken to Vietnam on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

    The delegation also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, senior monks, and officials. Initially scheduled to remain in Vietnam until May 21, the enshrinement was extended by 12 more days following a formal request from the Vietnamese government and a recommendation from the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

    “Last month, these holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha were taken from India to Vietnam. They were kept for public darshan at nine different places there. In a way, this initiative of India became a national festival for Vietnam. You can imagine that in Vietnam, which has a population of about 10 crore people, more than 1.5 crore people had a darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha,” PM Modi said.

    The relics were displayed at major sites including Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh, Phuc Son Pagoda in Bac Giang, Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery in Quang Ninh, Chuong Pagoda in Hung Yen, and Quan Am Ngu Hanh Son Pagoda in Da Nang.

    At each location, crowds gathered in massive numbers to pay their respects.

    “The pictures and videos that I saw on social media made me realise that devotion has no limits. Be it rain or the scorching sun, people stood in queues for hours. Children, the elderly, differently-abled people, everyone was overwhelmed,” the Prime Minister said.

    “The President of Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister, senior ministers, everyone paid obeisance. The feeling of respect among the people there for this pilgrimage was so deep that the Vietnamese government requested to extend it for another 12 days, and India gladly accepted it,” he added.

    He also spoke about the power of Buddha’s teachings in uniting people across borders and cultures.

    “The thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha have the power to bind countries, cultures and people together,” he said, noting that India had previously shared the relics with Thailand and Mongolia, where they were received with similar reverence.

    Encouraging citizens to connect with their spiritual and cultural roots, he urged, “I urge all of you to definitely visit Buddhist sites in your state. It will be a spiritual experience, as well as a wonderful opportunity to connect with our cultural heritage.”

    (IANS)

  • Devotion has no limits: PM Modi recalls exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Vietnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep appreciation for the heartfelt messages he received from Vietnam, thanking India for enabling the ‘darshan’ of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha.

    He called the experience a “heartwarming feeling”, underlining the spiritual connection shared by the people of India and Vietnam through the teachings of the Buddha.

    Speaking during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said, “During the last few days, many people from Vietnam sent me their messages through various mediums. There was reverence and affability in every line of these messages. Their feelings were heartwarming. They were expressing their gratitude to India for enabling the darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha. The emotions in their words were more than any formal thanks.”

    The sacred relics, originally discovered at Nagarjunakonda in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh – a site with a deep-rooted connection to Buddhism – were taken to Vietnam on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

    The delegation also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, senior monks, and officials. Initially scheduled to remain in Vietnam until May 21, the enshrinement was extended by 12 more days following a formal request from the Vietnamese government and a recommendation from the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

    “Last month, these holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha were taken from India to Vietnam. They were kept for public darshan at nine different places there. In a way, this initiative of India became a national festival for Vietnam. You can imagine that in Vietnam, which has a population of about 10 crore people, more than 1.5 crore people had a darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha,” PM Modi said.

    The relics were displayed at major sites including Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh, Phuc Son Pagoda in Bac Giang, Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery in Quang Ninh, Chuong Pagoda in Hung Yen, and Quan Am Ngu Hanh Son Pagoda in Da Nang.

    At each location, crowds gathered in massive numbers to pay their respects.

    “The pictures and videos that I saw on social media made me realise that devotion has no limits. Be it rain or the scorching sun, people stood in queues for hours. Children, the elderly, differently-abled people, everyone was overwhelmed,” the Prime Minister said.

    “The President of Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister, senior ministers, everyone paid obeisance. The feeling of respect among the people there for this pilgrimage was so deep that the Vietnamese government requested to extend it for another 12 days, and India gladly accepted it,” he added.

    He also spoke about the power of Buddha’s teachings in uniting people across borders and cultures.

    “The thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha have the power to bind countries, cultures and people together,” he said, noting that India had previously shared the relics with Thailand and Mongolia, where they were received with similar reverence.

    Encouraging citizens to connect with their spiritual and cultural roots, he urged, “I urge all of you to definitely visit Buddhist sites in your state. It will be a spiritual experience, as well as a wonderful opportunity to connect with our cultural heritage.”

    (IANS)

  • Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ‘women-led development’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the transformative role of women across India who are leading change through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), preserving heritage and shaping a new future for the nation.

    Speaking during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi underlined how initiatives led by women are giving new strength to the ‘Women-Led Development’ movement.

    “Just as our India is known for its regional, linguistic and cultural diversity, the diversity of arts, crafts and skills is also a great quality of our country,” PM Modi said. “Whichever area you visit, you will get to know about some local specialities. We often talk about such unique products of the country in Mann Ki Baat.”

    Referring to one such product, the Prime Minister highlighted Meghalaya’s traditional Eri Silk, which recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

    “Eri Silk is like a heritage for Meghalaya. The Khasi community, in particular, has preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills. Its most special feature is the way it is made. The silkworms are not killed to obtain it, hence it is also called Ahimsa Silk,” he said.

    Pointing to its growing global appeal, he said, “Nowadays, the demand for such products is rising rapidly across the world – products that are non-violent and environment-friendly. Eri Silk from Meghalaya is a perfect product for the global market. It keeps you warm in winters and cool in summers, making it suitable for diverse climates.”

    He further noted, “Women of Meghalaya are taking this heritage forward through Self Help Groups. I congratulate the people of Meghalaya and urge everyone to try out Eri Silk clothing. Also, remember – Khadi, handloom, handicrafts, Vocal for Local. If customers buy only Indian-made products and traders sell only Indian-made products, it will infuse new energy into the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.”

    PM Modi also shared stories from Telangana and Karnataka that reflect the impact of women-led economic initiatives.

    “You will feel proud knowing the success story of the women of Bhadrachalam in Telangana. These women, once working as labourers, are now making biscuits from millets – Shree Anna. Their biscuits, named ‘Bhadradri Millet Magic’, are reaching markets from Hyderabad to London,” he said.

    “These women joined an SHG and received training. They also started producing Giri Sanitary Pads. In just three months, they prepared 40,000 pads and supplied them to schools and offices at low cost,” he said.

    The Prime Minister also praised the women of Kalaburgi in Karnataka for branding traditional jowar rotis.

    “The aroma of these rotis is no longer limited to their village. A special counter has been opened in Bengaluru, and online orders are coming in. Kalaburgi roti is now reaching the kitchens of big cities. This is not just a culinary story – it is a story of increasing incomes and empowered lives,” he added.

    PM Modi also emphasised that women across the country are not only scripting their own success stories but also reshaping the nation’s development landscape.

    “The mantra of Women-Led Development is giving India a new direction, a new future. Our mothers, sisters and daughters are today changing not only their own lives but also that of the society at large,” he said.

    PM Modi also mentioned Suma Uike from Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh – a woman who has risen to self-reliance through mushroom farming, animal husbandry, and community entrepreneurship.

    The Prime Minister lauded her journey from joining a self-help group in Katangi block to eventually running a Didi Canteen and a Thermal Therapy Centre.

    “This is the glow of self-confidence, of self-reliance. One such face is Suma Uike from Madhya Pradesh. Sumaji’s efforts are very commendable. She took training in mushroom farming and animal husbandry by joining the Self Help Group in Katangi block of Balaghat district. Thus, she found her the path to self-reliance,” PM Modi said.

    (IANS)

  • PM Modi hails grassroots green initiatives, calls ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ movement for future generations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the growing environmental consciousness across the country, highlighting individual and community-led efforts to protect nature and promote sustainability.

    Speaking in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi said that several inspiring initiatives were shared with him on the occasion of World Environment Day, reflecting a rising spirit of environmental responsibility among citizens.

    “This month, we all celebrated World Environment Day. I received thousands of your messages. Many people told me about those friends who had set out alone to save the environment, and then the whole society joined them. This contribution of everyone is becoming a great strength for our earth,” PM Modi said.

    He shared the inspiring story of Ramesh Kharmale from Pune.

    “When people take rest at the end of the week, Ramesh Kharmale and his family set out with a pickaxe and a spade. Do you know where to? Towards the hills of Junnar. Be it sunshine or a steep climb, their ascent does not stop. They clear bushes, dig trenches to retain water and sow seeds. They dug 70 trenches in just two months,” he said.

    “Ramesh Kharmale has made many small ponds and planted hundreds of trees. He is also getting an Oxygen Park built. The result is that birds have started returning here, and wildlife is getting a new breath,” he added.

    The Prime Minister also lauded a large-scale campaign in Gujarat.

    “Another beautiful initiative for the environment has been seen in Ahmedabad city. Here, the Municipal Corporation has started the ‘Mission for Million Trees’ campaign. The target is to plant lakhs of trees. A special aspect of this campaign is ‘Sindoor Van’. This forest is dedicated to the bravehearts of Operation Sindoor. Sindoor saplings are being planted in the memory of those brave people who have sacrificed everything for the country,” he said.

    He highlighted the growing success of the national campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which aims to link personal emotion with environmental responsibility.

    “Another campaign is being given a new impetus – ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. Under this campaign, crores of trees have been planted in the country. You, too, must take part in such campaigns going on in your village or city. Plant trees, save water, serve the earth, because when we save nature, we actually protect our future generations,” PM Modi urged people.

    He further cited the example of Patoda village in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district in Maharashtra, which has embraced an eco-friendly lifestyle.

    “This is a carbon-neutral village Panchayat. In this village, no one throws garbage outside their house. There is a complete system for collecting garbage from every house. Here, dirty water is also treated. No water goes into the river without being cleaned,” he said.

    “Last rites are performed with cow dung cakes, and a tree is planted in the name of the deceased with that ash. The cleanliness in this village is also worth seeing. When small habits become a collective resolve, a big change is certain,” he added.

    The Prime Minister underlined the urgent need for environmental stewardship at both individual and community levels, stressing that such efforts are critical not only for the present but for generations to come.

    (With inputs from IANS)