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Category: Government of India

  • 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)

  • Not just a tournament, it’s a celebration of unity & hope: PM Modi hails staging of Bodoland CEM Cup

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the power of sports in Assam’s Bodoland, highlighting the Bodoland CEM Cup as a symbol of unity and hope in the Bodo Territorial Area.

    The Bodoland Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) Cup Football Tournament is a visionary initiative by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), leveraging sports as a means of social transformation. The tournament embodies BTC’s commitment to fostering unity, peace, and football talent across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

    In the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said “Imagine a picture. The morning sun is touching the hills, the light is slowly moving towards the plains, and with that light, a troupe of football lovers is advancing. The whistle blows and in a few moments, the ground reverberates with applause and slogans. People’s enthusiasm is increasing with every pass, every goal. You must be wondering… what a beautiful world is that? This picture is the reality of Bodoland, a major region of Assam. Bodoland today stands out in the country with a new face, a new identity. The energy and confidence that the youth here have, is most visible on the football field. In the Bodo Territorial Area, the Bodoland CEM Cup is being organised. This is not just a tournament; it has become a celebration of unity and hope.”

    The tournament is organised at multiple administrative levels – including Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs), BTCLA Constituencies, Districts, and the Council Level – ensuring widespread participation and accessibility. It complements initiatives like football academies and the participation of Bodoland FC in national events like the Durand Cup.

    “More than three thousand seven hundred teams, about seventy thousand players, and even among them, a large number of our daughter’s participation! These statistics tell the story of a big change in Bodoland. Bodoland is now increasingly casting its glow on the sports map of the country,” PM Modi said.

    In a region that has seen past unrest, the CEM Cup uses football to unify diverse communities. It fosters a shared identity, bringing people together through the universal language of sports.

    “There was a time when struggle itself was the identity of this place. Then the avenues for the youth here were limited. But today, there are new dreams in their eyes and the courage of self-reliance in their hearts. The football players hailing from here are now making their mark at a high level. Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurba Narzary, Manbir Basumatari – these are not just the names of football players – they are the identity of that new generation who catapulted Bodoland from the field to the national stage,” PM Modi added.

    As sports promote both physical and mental health. The CEM Cup encourages discipline, teamwork, and perseverance among youth, contributing to holistic community development.

    “Many of them practiced with limited resources; many forged their way through difficult circumstances, and today many young children of the country kickstart their dreams, inspired by their names. If we have to expand our capability, first of all we have to focus on our fitness and wellbeing,” he concluded.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Not just a tournament, it’s a celebration of unity & hope: PM Modi hails staging of Bodoland CEM Cup

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the power of sports in Assam’s Bodoland, highlighting the Bodoland CEM Cup as a symbol of unity and hope in the Bodo Territorial Area.

    The Bodoland Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) Cup Football Tournament is a visionary initiative by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), leveraging sports as a means of social transformation. The tournament embodies BTC’s commitment to fostering unity, peace, and football talent across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

    In the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said “Imagine a picture. The morning sun is touching the hills, the light is slowly moving towards the plains, and with that light, a troupe of football lovers is advancing. The whistle blows and in a few moments, the ground reverberates with applause and slogans. People’s enthusiasm is increasing with every pass, every goal. You must be wondering… what a beautiful world is that? This picture is the reality of Bodoland, a major region of Assam. Bodoland today stands out in the country with a new face, a new identity. The energy and confidence that the youth here have, is most visible on the football field. In the Bodo Territorial Area, the Bodoland CEM Cup is being organised. This is not just a tournament; it has become a celebration of unity and hope.”

    The tournament is organised at multiple administrative levels – including Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs), BTCLA Constituencies, Districts, and the Council Level – ensuring widespread participation and accessibility. It complements initiatives like football academies and the participation of Bodoland FC in national events like the Durand Cup.

    “More than three thousand seven hundred teams, about seventy thousand players, and even among them, a large number of our daughter’s participation! These statistics tell the story of a big change in Bodoland. Bodoland is now increasingly casting its glow on the sports map of the country,” PM Modi said.

    In a region that has seen past unrest, the CEM Cup uses football to unify diverse communities. It fosters a shared identity, bringing people together through the universal language of sports.

    “There was a time when struggle itself was the identity of this place. Then the avenues for the youth here were limited. But today, there are new dreams in their eyes and the courage of self-reliance in their hearts. The football players hailing from here are now making their mark at a high level. Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurba Narzary, Manbir Basumatari – these are not just the names of football players – they are the identity of that new generation who catapulted Bodoland from the field to the national stage,” PM Modi added.

    As sports promote both physical and mental health. The CEM Cup encourages discipline, teamwork, and perseverance among youth, contributing to holistic community development.

    “Many of them practiced with limited resources; many forged their way through difficult circumstances, and today many young children of the country kickstart their dreams, inspired by their names. If we have to expand our capability, first of all we have to focus on our fitness and wellbeing,” he concluded.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Not just a tournament, it’s a celebration of unity & hope: PM Modi hails staging of Bodoland CEM Cup

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the power of sports in Assam’s Bodoland, highlighting the Bodoland CEM Cup as a symbol of unity and hope in the Bodo Territorial Area.

    The Bodoland Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) Cup Football Tournament is a visionary initiative by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), leveraging sports as a means of social transformation. The tournament embodies BTC’s commitment to fostering unity, peace, and football talent across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

    In the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said “Imagine a picture. The morning sun is touching the hills, the light is slowly moving towards the plains, and with that light, a troupe of football lovers is advancing. The whistle blows and in a few moments, the ground reverberates with applause and slogans. People’s enthusiasm is increasing with every pass, every goal. You must be wondering… what a beautiful world is that? This picture is the reality of Bodoland, a major region of Assam. Bodoland today stands out in the country with a new face, a new identity. The energy and confidence that the youth here have, is most visible on the football field. In the Bodo Territorial Area, the Bodoland CEM Cup is being organised. This is not just a tournament; it has become a celebration of unity and hope.”

    The tournament is organised at multiple administrative levels – including Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs), BTCLA Constituencies, Districts, and the Council Level – ensuring widespread participation and accessibility. It complements initiatives like football academies and the participation of Bodoland FC in national events like the Durand Cup.

    “More than three thousand seven hundred teams, about seventy thousand players, and even among them, a large number of our daughter’s participation! These statistics tell the story of a big change in Bodoland. Bodoland is now increasingly casting its glow on the sports map of the country,” PM Modi said.

    In a region that has seen past unrest, the CEM Cup uses football to unify diverse communities. It fosters a shared identity, bringing people together through the universal language of sports.

    “There was a time when struggle itself was the identity of this place. Then the avenues for the youth here were limited. But today, there are new dreams in their eyes and the courage of self-reliance in their hearts. The football players hailing from here are now making their mark at a high level. Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurba Narzary, Manbir Basumatari – these are not just the names of football players – they are the identity of that new generation who catapulted Bodoland from the field to the national stage,” PM Modi added.

    As sports promote both physical and mental health. The CEM Cup encourages discipline, teamwork, and perseverance among youth, contributing to holistic community development.

    “Many of them practiced with limited resources; many forged their way through difficult circumstances, and today many young children of the country kickstart their dreams, inspired by their names. If we have to expand our capability, first of all we have to focus on our fitness and wellbeing,” he concluded.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Israel orders evacuations in northern Gaza as Trump calls for war to end

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate areas in northern Gaza on Sunday before intensified fighting against Hamas, as U.S. President Donald Trump called for an end to the war amid renewed efforts to broker a ceasefire.

    “Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform early on Sunday.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to hold talks later in the day on the progress of Israel’s offensive. A senior security official said the military will tell him the campaign is close to reaching its objectives, and warn that expanding fighting to new areas in Gaza may endanger the remaining Israeli hostages.

    But in a statement posted on X and text messages sent to many residents, the military urged people in northern parts of the enclave to head south towards the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, which Israel designated as a humanitarian area. Palestinian and U.N. officials say nowhere in Gaza is safe.

    “The (Israeli) Defense Forces is operating with extreme force in these areas, and these military operations will escalate, intensify, and extend westward to the city center to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations,” the military said.

    The evacuation order covered the Jabalia area and most Gaza City districts. Medics and residents said the Israeli army’s bombardments escalated in the early hours in Jabalia, destroying several houses and killing at least six people.

    In Khan Younis in the south, five people were killed in an airstrike on a tent encampment near Mawasi, medics said.

    NEW CEASEFIRE PUSH

    The escalation comes as Arab mediators, Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States, begin a new ceasefire effort to halt the 20-month-old conflict and secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages still being held by Hamas.

    Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has heightened in the wake of U.S. and Israeli bombings of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    A Hamas official told Reuters the group had informed the 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.

    Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, only in a deal that will end the war. Israel says it can only end it if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, Israeli tallies show.

    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, plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis and left much of it in ruins.

    (Reuters)

  • From WHO to ILO, PM Modi highlights India’s achievements in health, social security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is making steady progress across various sectors, particularly in healthcare and social protection. He cited major milestones such as the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the country Trachoma-free and the significant increase in the number of people covered under social security schemes.

    Addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi said that India is advancing in every sphere – from healthcare to social security – with a strong focus on inclusion and achieving saturation.

    He began by highlighting the nation’s success in eliminating Trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can lead to blindness, calling it a major public health achievement.

    “A lot of you must have heard about Trachoma. There was a time when it was common in many parts of India. If neglected, this disease could lead to blindness. But we resolved to eliminate it, and I am delighted to share with you that the World Health Organization has declared India Trachoma-free,” PM Modi said.

    He credited the success to the relentless efforts of health workers and initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

    “This success belongs to our health workers who fought this disease tirelessly. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan played a major role in its elimination. The Jal Jeevan Mission also contributed significantly. As clean water is reaching households through taps, the risk of such diseases has greatly reduced,” he noted.

    The Prime Minister added that the WHO appreciated India not only for eliminating the disease but also for addressing its root causes.

    Turning to social security, PM Modi cited a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

    “According to a recent ILO report, more than 64 per cent of Indians are now covered under some kind of social protection. Social security coverage in India is among the largest in the world,” he said.

    “Today, around 95 crore people are benefiting from various social security schemes, whereas in 2015, the number was less than 25 crore. This reflects a significant shift towards social equity,” he said.

    The Prime Minister said such achievements are a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive growth.

    “From health to social security, the country is moving forward with the goal of saturation. This is also a reflection of our commitment to social justice. These successes inspire confidence that the future will be brighter and India will become even stronger at every step,” he said.

    (IANS)

  • Emergency imposers murdered Constitution, intended to enslave judiciary: PM Modi in ‘Mann ki Baat’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on those who imposed the Emergency in 1975, saying it was not just a “murder of the Constitution” but also an attempt to turn the judiciary into a “slave.”

    In his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi urged the nation to remember the resilience of those who resisted the Emergency and to draw inspiration from their courage to safeguard the Constitution.

    “Those who imposed Emergency not only murdered our Constitution but also had the intention to keep the judiciary as their slave,” PM Modi said, referring to the 21 months of Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975.

    He reminded citizens that the Emergency era was marked by widespread abuse of power and suppression of civil liberties.

    Recounting the observance of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ – commemorated every year on June 25 to mark the imposition of the Emergency – PM Modi said, “During that time, inhumane atrocities were inflicted on our people.”

    Highlighting the power of public resistance, the Prime Minister said, “With the power of public participation, big crises can be confronted,” and played archival audio of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai to illustrate the extent of the Emergency’s impact.

    In the clip, Desai is heard saying, “After all, the oppression that happened for two years, the oppression had started 5-7 years ago. But it has reached its peak in the last 2 years, when emergency was imposed on people and people were treated inhumanly. People’s right to freedom was snatched away, newspapers were left without freedom. Courts were made completely powerless. And the way more than one lakh people were put in jail and then arbitrary rule continued, it is difficult to find its traces in the history of the world.”

    PM Modi said Desai’s words reflected the severity of the crisis, describing the period as one where “people were tormented on a large scale.”

    He noted that figures like George Fernandes were “tied in chains,” while many others faced brutal torture.

    “Under the MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act), anyone could be arrested without warning. Students were harassed, and freedom of expression was silenced,” PM Modi added.

    He lauded the strength of the Indian people for resisting authoritarian rule. “The people of India did not bow, they did not break, and they refused to compromise with democracy. In the end, the people’s will prevailed – the Emergency was lifted, and those who imposed it were defeated,” PM Modi said.

    PM Modi also played audio speech of Babu Jagjivan Ram, in which the leader described the 1977 elections not merely an electoral event but “a great campaign of the people of India to turn the tide of dictatorship and to strengthen the foundation of democracy in India.”

    In another audio clip, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was heard declaring, “A peaceful revolution has taken place. The wave of people’s power has thrown the killers of democracy into the dustbin of history.”

    Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency’s imposition, PM Modi said, “We countrymen have observed the ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’. We should always remember all those people who fought the Emergency with fortitude. This inspires us to remain constantly vigilant to keep our Constitution strong and enduring.”

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Iran says 71 killed in Israeli strike on Evin Prison

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s attack on the Evin Prison in Iran’s capital Tehran on June 23 killed 71 people, Iranian judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said on Sunday.

    At the end of an air war with Iran, Israel struck Tehran’s most notorious jail for political prisoners, in a demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites to aim at symbols of Iran’s ruling system.

    “In the attack on Evin prison, 71 people were martyred including administrative staff, youth doing their military service, detainees, family members of detainees who were visiting them and neighbours who lived in the prison’s vicinity,” Jahangir said in remarks carried on the judiciary’s news outlet Mizan.

    Jahangir had previously said that part of Evin prison’s administrative building had been damaged in the attack and people were killed and injured. The judiciary added that remaining detainees had been transferred to other prisons in Tehran province.

    Evin prison holds a number of foreign nationals, including two French citizens detained for three years.

    “The strike targeting Evin prison in Tehran, put our citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris in danger. It is unacceptable,” France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had said on social media X after the attack.

    (Reuters)

  • 1st T20I: Mandhana, Shree Charani help India beat England by 97 runs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana smoked her first century in the shortest format and left-arm spinner N Shree Charani grabbed a four-fer on debut as India defeated England by 97 runs, their heaviest defeat, in the first T20I to start the series with a massive win in Nottingham on Saturday.

    Mandhana became the first Indian woman batter to score a hundred in all three formats of the game as she hammered 112, the highest individual score in Women’s T20I for India, surpassing regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 103 as India posted a massive 210/5 in 20 overs.

    In reply, England were bundled out for 113 in 14.5 overs with Shree Charani claiming 4-12 in 3.5 overs. Spinner Deepti Sharma (2-32) and Radha Yadav (2-15) turned out to be able foil for her as India started the series with one of their best wins against England.

    Asked to bat first by the England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, India made a superb start with Smriti and her opening partner Shafali Verma raising 77 runs for the first wicket partnership. Shafali was sent back by Em Arlott for 20 runs, but Mandhana went from strength to strength to score a century and helped the team to a big total.

    With regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rested as a precautionary measure after suffering a head injury, vice-captain and left-handed opener Mandhana is leading the side in her absence.

    Her 112 off 62 deliveries, in an innings laced with 15 boundaries and three maximums, powered India to a massive total of 210/5 in 20 overs, their highest total against England in T20 Internationals. Mandhana’s maiden T20 century on Saturday was the 14th time she has crossed the triple-digit mark in her career, with 11 tons in ODIs and two coming in the longest format. She is also the second Indian woman to score a T20 ton after regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

    Mandhana got good support from Harleen Deol, who missed her half-century by just seven runs. Mandhana and Harleen shared a 94-run partnership for the second wicket that set India up for a big total.

    Mandhana completed her fifty off 27 balls (4×8, 6×2) and reached three figures off 57 balls, hammering 14 boundaries and three sixes in the process. Though Jemimah Rodriques failed to contribute anything to the score, Smriti Mandhana ensured India put up a big total.

    Chasing the massive target, England women landed into trouble in the first over itself when Amanjot Kaur got Sophia Dunkley edging behind Richa Ghosh for seven. Deepti Sharma struck her first ball of the match when she had Danni Wyatt-Hodge caught by Harleen at short third as she attempted to work it leg-side. England slumped to 9/2.

    Though Nat Sciver-Brunt and Tammy Beaumont tried to revive the innings with a 49-run partnership, the latter’s dismissal by Deepti for 10, followed by the early departure of Amy Jones (1) and Alice Capsey (5), Em Arlott (12) and Sophie Ecclestone (1) meant England slumped to 102/7.

    Their skipper, Nat Sciver-Brunt, continued to wage a lone battle, reaching her fifty off 31 balls before she was out for 66 off 42 balls (4×10) as England folded up soon for 113, which incidentally was just one run more than what Smriti Mandhana scored.

    Shree Charani got the key wickets of Capsey, Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell to destroy England’s middle and lower-order batting.

    With this win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series, followed by three ODIs.

    Brief scores:

    India Women 210/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 112, Harleen Deol 43; Lauren Bell 3-27) beat England Women 113 all out in 14.5 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 66; Shree Charani 4-12, Deepti Sharma 2-32, Radha Yadav 2-15) by 97 runs.

    (IANS)

  • 1st T20I: Mandhana, Shree Charani help India beat England by 97 runs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana smoked her first century in the shortest format and left-arm spinner N Shree Charani grabbed a four-fer on debut as India defeated England by 97 runs, their heaviest defeat, in the first T20I to start the series with a massive win in Nottingham on Saturday.

    Mandhana became the first Indian woman batter to score a hundred in all three formats of the game as she hammered 112, the highest individual score in Women’s T20I for India, surpassing regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 103 as India posted a massive 210/5 in 20 overs.

    In reply, England were bundled out for 113 in 14.5 overs with Shree Charani claiming 4-12 in 3.5 overs. Spinner Deepti Sharma (2-32) and Radha Yadav (2-15) turned out to be able foil for her as India started the series with one of their best wins against England.

    Asked to bat first by the England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, India made a superb start with Smriti and her opening partner Shafali Verma raising 77 runs for the first wicket partnership. Shafali was sent back by Em Arlott for 20 runs, but Mandhana went from strength to strength to score a century and helped the team to a big total.

    With regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rested as a precautionary measure after suffering a head injury, vice-captain and left-handed opener Mandhana is leading the side in her absence.

    Her 112 off 62 deliveries, in an innings laced with 15 boundaries and three maximums, powered India to a massive total of 210/5 in 20 overs, their highest total against England in T20 Internationals. Mandhana’s maiden T20 century on Saturday was the 14th time she has crossed the triple-digit mark in her career, with 11 tons in ODIs and two coming in the longest format. She is also the second Indian woman to score a T20 ton after regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

    Mandhana got good support from Harleen Deol, who missed her half-century by just seven runs. Mandhana and Harleen shared a 94-run partnership for the second wicket that set India up for a big total.

    Mandhana completed her fifty off 27 balls (4×8, 6×2) and reached three figures off 57 balls, hammering 14 boundaries and three sixes in the process. Though Jemimah Rodriques failed to contribute anything to the score, Smriti Mandhana ensured India put up a big total.

    Chasing the massive target, England women landed into trouble in the first over itself when Amanjot Kaur got Sophia Dunkley edging behind Richa Ghosh for seven. Deepti Sharma struck her first ball of the match when she had Danni Wyatt-Hodge caught by Harleen at short third as she attempted to work it leg-side. England slumped to 9/2.

    Though Nat Sciver-Brunt and Tammy Beaumont tried to revive the innings with a 49-run partnership, the latter’s dismissal by Deepti for 10, followed by the early departure of Amy Jones (1) and Alice Capsey (5), Em Arlott (12) and Sophie Ecclestone (1) meant England slumped to 102/7.

    Their skipper, Nat Sciver-Brunt, continued to wage a lone battle, reaching her fifty off 31 balls before she was out for 66 off 42 balls (4×10) as England folded up soon for 113, which incidentally was just one run more than what Smriti Mandhana scored.

    Shree Charani got the key wickets of Capsey, Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell to destroy England’s middle and lower-order batting.

    With this win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series, followed by three ODIs.

    Brief scores:

    India Women 210/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 112, Harleen Deol 43; Lauren Bell 3-27) beat England Women 113 all out in 14.5 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 66; Shree Charani 4-12, Deepti Sharma 2-32, Radha Yadav 2-15) by 97 runs.

    (IANS)

  • Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi extends best wishes to devotees going on religious yatras, praises spirit of service

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended heartfelt wishes to devotees embarking on various religious yatras across the country through his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

    He also lauded those who, with a selfless spirit of service, contribute to the smooth and safe conduct of these spiritual journeys.

    “When one embarks on a pilgrimage, the first feeling that arises is ‘Let’s go, we have been called!’ This emotion is the soul of our pilgrimage. These pilgrimages are a means of discipline of the body, purification of the heart, of mutual love and brotherhood and a means to connect with God,” the Prime Minister said.

    He added that beyond personal spiritual fulfilment, pilgrimages also represent collective service.

    “There is another significant aspect to these journeys. These pilgrimages are also a great ritual of opportunities for service. Whenever a pilgrimage takes place, more people engage in serving the pilgrims than those who go on the pilgrimage. Everywhere, free community kitchens and food stalls are organised, people arrange for drinking water alongside the roads with a spirit of service, medical camps and facilities are set up, and many people even arrange lodging and rest houses for pilgrims,” he said.

    PM Modi expressed joy over the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a long gap.

    “Kailash Mansarovar means the abode of Lord Shiva. In every tradition – be it Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain – Kailash is considered to be the centre of faith and devotion,” he noted.

    Highlighting the spiritual vibrancy across India, he added, “The holy Amarnath Yatra is going to start from July 3, and the holy month of Sawan is also just a few days away. Just a few days ago, we have also seen the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath ji.”

    The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most sacred festivals of the country, draws lakhs of devotees from across the country, who converge at the temple town to take part in it every year.

    He praised the scale and unity reflected in these events. “Whether it is Odisha, Gujarat, or any other corner of the country, millions of devotees participate in this pilgrimage. From North to South and from East to West, these pilgrimages reflect the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’,” he said.

    “When we undertake these pilgrimages with full devotion and discipline, then we also receive their rewards,” the Prime Minister said, concluding with a message of goodwill.

    “I extend my best wishes to all the fortunate devotees going on the various Yatras. I also commend those who are engaged in making these Yatras successful and safe with a spirit of service,” he said.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • International Day of Yoga conveyed message of peace, stability: PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the nationwide and global celebrations of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, calling them a grand and meaningful expression of peace, stability and balance.

    Addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said Yoga has become an integral part of people’s lives, both in India and across the world.

    “All of you right now must be feeling the energy of Yoga and the memories of the International Day of Yoga. This year, too, on June 21, millions across the country and the world participated in Yoga Day. You must remember that it all began 10 years ago, and every year this tradition is becoming grander than before. This indicates that more and more people are incorporating Yoga into their daily lives,” he said.

    Highlighting some of the most captivating moments from this year’s celebrations, the Prime Minister referred to the massive gathering of three lakh people performing Yoga on the beaches of Visakhapatnam.

    “Another incredible sight from Visakhapatnam, over 2,000 tribal students performed 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes. Imagine how much discipline and dedication they must have had,” he remarked.

    He also praised the unique observances on Indian Naval ships, the participation of over 3,000 specially-abled individuals in Telangana, and the Yoga sessions conducted on the banks of the Yamuna River, which also helped promote the clean Yamuna initiative.

    “In Jammu and Kashmir, people performed Yoga on the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. Yoga was also performed by ITBP jawans at the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, showcasing a powerful blend of courage and spiritual discipline. The people of Gujarat also created a new history. People of Vadnagar set a new record when 2,121 people performed Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) together,” he added.

    The Prime Minister applauded the global observance of the Yoga Day, noting that cities such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris hosted large-scale events.

    “Every picture of Yoga Day from around the world conveyed a special message of peace, stability and balance,” he said.

    PM Modi also emphasised the significance of this year’s theme – Yoga For One Earth, One Health – calling it a guiding principle that echoes the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “the world is one family”.

    Expressing confidence in the impact of this year’s celebrations, the Prime Minister said, “The grandeur of this year’s IDY will encourage more and more people to adopt Yoga into their daily lives.”

    (IANS)

  • Char Dham Yatra suspended for 24 hours amid heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In light of relentless heavy rainfall and heightened risk of landslides, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been postponed for a day as a precautionary measure, officials confirmed on Sunday.

    The move has been made to safeguard the lives and property of thousands of pilgrims and residents amid deteriorating weather conditions in the region.

    Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated, “The Char Dham Yatra has been postponed for a day in view of the continuous heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides. This precautionary step has been taken for the safety of people and property.”

    Authorities have issued advisories urging pilgrims to remain where they are and avoid travelling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri until conditions improve.

    Pandey added that the administration of the concerned districts has been put on high alert, and rescue and relief teams have been activated.

    “The decision regarding further travel will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions and routes tomorrow. Devotees have been asked to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and not leave for the travel sites till the weather becomes normal,” he said.

    The suspension follows a severe cloudburst near Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district that left at least nine road construction labourers missing. The labourers were working at a hotel construction site.

    The Yamunotri National Highway has since been blocked at multiple points near Silai Band, severely affecting the route. Authorities at NH Barkot have been alerted to manage the situation.

    Elsewhere in the state, the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani has been blocked due to debris, while the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag – an essential route for Kedarnath pilgrims – has been closed because of landslides.

    The movement of pilgrims has been temporarily halted at Sonprayag and Gaurikund for safety.

    In Syanachatti, debris has clogged drainage channels, disrupting the flow of the Yamuna River and posing a significant threat to hotels and settlements in low-lying areas.

    Heavy rain continues to lash several districts, including Chamoli, Pauri, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and others. Multiple link roads remain closed due to ongoing landslides.

    As rivers swell dangerously close to banks, the administration has issued a fresh advisory urging people living near riverbanks to remain alert and take all necessary precautions.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Char Dham Yatra suspended for 24 hours amid heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In light of relentless heavy rainfall and heightened risk of landslides, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been postponed for a day as a precautionary measure, officials confirmed on Sunday.

    The move has been made to safeguard the lives and property of thousands of pilgrims and residents amid deteriorating weather conditions in the region.

    Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated, “The Char Dham Yatra has been postponed for a day in view of the continuous heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides. This precautionary step has been taken for the safety of people and property.”

    Authorities have issued advisories urging pilgrims to remain where they are and avoid travelling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri until conditions improve.

    Pandey added that the administration of the concerned districts has been put on high alert, and rescue and relief teams have been activated.

    “The decision regarding further travel will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions and routes tomorrow. Devotees have been asked to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and not leave for the travel sites till the weather becomes normal,” he said.

    The suspension follows a severe cloudburst near Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district that left at least nine road construction labourers missing. The labourers were working at a hotel construction site.

    The Yamunotri National Highway has since been blocked at multiple points near Silai Band, severely affecting the route. Authorities at NH Barkot have been alerted to manage the situation.

    Elsewhere in the state, the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani has been blocked due to debris, while the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag – an essential route for Kedarnath pilgrims – has been closed because of landslides.

    The movement of pilgrims has been temporarily halted at Sonprayag and Gaurikund for safety.

    In Syanachatti, debris has clogged drainage channels, disrupting the flow of the Yamuna River and posing a significant threat to hotels and settlements in low-lying areas.

    Heavy rain continues to lash several districts, including Chamoli, Pauri, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and others. Multiple link roads remain closed due to ongoing landslides.

    As rivers swell dangerously close to banks, the administration has issued a fresh advisory urging people living near riverbanks to remain alert and take all necessary precautions.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India rejects Pak Army’s claims on Waziristan suicide attack, says statement deserves contempt

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday strongly rejected the Pakistan Army’s claim that India was behind the Waziristan suicide bomber attack.

    “We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack on Waziristan on 28 June. We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on X.

    As many as 13 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 29 others injured, including 19 civilians, in a suicide attack early Saturday morning in the Khadi area of North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

    Citing security agencies, Pakistani media stated that a suicide bomber crashed an explosive-laden vehicle into a mine-resistant Improvised Explosive Device (IED) vehicle belonging to the Bomb Disposal Unit amid a curfew imposed due to military movement in the area.

    The powerful blast resulted in the killing of 13 military personnel and injuring 29 people, including 19 civilians. There were reports of indiscriminate firing also, which caused injuries to 19 civilians, including women and children, in the area.

    The Usud al-Harab organisation, a sub-faction of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Pakistan, has reportedly taken responsibility for the suicide attack.

    The Pakistani media said the attack came just days after two soldiers were killed and 11 terrorists were eliminated during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in South Waziristan.

    The incident is termed as the deadliest attack in North Waziristan in recent months, raising serious concerns over the deteriorating security conditions in the area.

    Last month, a car bomb exploded in the Gulistan Area of Qila Abdullah, a border area of Pakistan’s Balochistan province with Afghanistan, killing at least four people and injuring more than 20 others, eight of them critically injured. The explosion occurred in Jabbar commercial market situated on the Quetta-Chaman National Highway in Gulistan town, adjacent to the fort of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC).

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India rejects Pak Army’s claims on Waziristan suicide attack, says statement deserves contempt

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday strongly rejected the Pakistan Army’s claim that India was behind the Waziristan suicide bomber attack.

    “We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack on Waziristan on 28 June. We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on X.

    As many as 13 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 29 others injured, including 19 civilians, in a suicide attack early Saturday morning in the Khadi area of North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

    Citing security agencies, Pakistani media stated that a suicide bomber crashed an explosive-laden vehicle into a mine-resistant Improvised Explosive Device (IED) vehicle belonging to the Bomb Disposal Unit amid a curfew imposed due to military movement in the area.

    The powerful blast resulted in the killing of 13 military personnel and injuring 29 people, including 19 civilians. There were reports of indiscriminate firing also, which caused injuries to 19 civilians, including women and children, in the area.

    The Usud al-Harab organisation, a sub-faction of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Pakistan, has reportedly taken responsibility for the suicide attack.

    The Pakistani media said the attack came just days after two soldiers were killed and 11 terrorists were eliminated during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in South Waziristan.

    The incident is termed as the deadliest attack in North Waziristan in recent months, raising serious concerns over the deteriorating security conditions in the area.

    Last month, a car bomb exploded in the Gulistan Area of Qila Abdullah, a border area of Pakistan’s Balochistan province with Afghanistan, killing at least four people and injuring more than 20 others, eight of them critically injured. The explosion occurred in Jabbar commercial market situated on the Quetta-Chaman National Highway in Gulistan town, adjacent to the fort of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC).

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • FIFA’s Arsene Wenger promises better pitch quality at 2026 World Cup

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    FIFA’s Global Football Development chief Arsene Wenger acknowledged that the quality of pitches hosting Club World Cup matches in the U.S. was not good enough, but insisted it would be better when the country co-hosts the 2026 World Cup.

    The pitches, often very dry and sprinkled with water during cooling breaks or at halftime, have been widely criticised, mainly by coaches and players of the European teams taking part.

    “I’ve been personally on the pitch at Orlando,” former Arsenal manager Wenger said on Saturday. “It’s not at the level that the European clubs are used to because it’s not perfect, but that will be rectified for the World Cup next year.”

    Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique raised the issue early in the expanded Club World Cup tournament.

    “The ball bounces like a rabbit,” Luis Enrique said after his team’s opening 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid.

    “Today, for example, the field used to be artificial turf, and now it’s natural grass laid over it, which means it has to be watered manually. It’s a big problem for the way we play.”

    “FIFA really needs to take this seriously. Not just the stadium fields but also the training pitches. If we’re calling this the best club tournament in the world, it should have world‑class facilities. I can’t imagine an NBA game played on a court full of holes.”

    (Reuters)

  • Lok Sabha Speaker to inaugurate CPA India Region Zone-II Conference in Dharamshala

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Lok Sabha Speakr Om Birla will inaugurate the Annual Conference of Zone II of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region at Tapovan, Dharamshala on Monday. The conference brings together representatives from the states of Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab to deliberate on key issues related to governance and legislative practices.

    Themed “Good Governance in the Digital Era: Managing Resources, Defending Democracy, and Embracing Innovation,” the two-day event will feature a series of plenary sessions and discussions on contemporary legislative and constitutional topics. These include the role of legislatures in managing state resources for development, the provisions regarding disqualification on grounds of defection under the Tenth Schedule, and the application of Artificial Intelligence in legislative functions.

    Prominent dignitaries attending the inaugural session include Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan.

    A unique spiritual element of the conference will be a special interaction with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, offering participants a moment of reflection amidst the deliberations.

    The valedictory session on July 1 will be addressed by Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who will deliver the concluding remarks.

    The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, a global organization aimed at promoting parliamentary democracy, has nine regions, with India being one of them. The CPA India Region is divided into nine zones, and Zone II focuses on North Indian states. This annual conference serves as a platform for lawmakers to share best practices, strengthen democratic institutions, and explore innovative approaches to governance in the digital age.

  • Amit Shah inaugurates projects worth Rs 125 crore at Shri Govind Guru University in Godhra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday addressed the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of several development projects at Shri Govind Guru University in Vinzol, Godhra, Gujarat via video message. Projects worth ₹125 crore, including a modern sports complex, were either inaugurated or launched at the event, marking a significant step forward in regional development.

    In his address, Amit Shah termed the occasion a “momentous day in the history of Panchmahal,” and recalled that the establishment of the university in 2015 was a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. The institution, named after the revered tribal freedom fighter Govind Guru Ji, aims to serve as a beacon of inspiration, particularly for tribal youth.

    Paying tribute to Govind Guru Ji, Shah highlighted his vital role in India’s freedom struggle. “Born into the Vanzara community, Govind Guru Ji fought bravely against British colonial rule and dreamed of a separate Bhil region. His legacy includes the sacrifice of 1,512 tribal men and women in the Mangarh resistance, giving the place a special place in India’s history,” Shah said.

    Shah emphasised that under PM Modi’s leadership, Govind Guru Ji’s vision continues to guide India’s development, especially among tribal communities. He urged the youth to contribute actively to the Prime Minister’s goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.

    As part of the day’s events, Amit Shah also participated in a tree plantation drive and inaugurated multiple development works in the Sanand Assembly constituency. These included a newly built primary school in Juval, the Panchayat Bhawan in Phangdi village, and the premises of Adarora Seva Sahkari Mandali. He also held interactions with industrialists from the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), highlighting the government’s focus on industrial growth and grassroots development.

  • EU plans to add carbon credits to new climate goal, document shows

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Commission is set to propose counting carbon credits bought from other countries towards the European Union’s 2040 climate target, a Commission document seen by Reuters showed.

    The Commission is due to propose a legally binding EU climate target for 2040 on July 2.

    The EU executive had initially planned a 90% net emissions cut, against 1990 levels, but in recent months has sought to make this goal more flexible, in response to pushback from governments including Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic, concerned about the cost.

    An internal Commission summary of the upcoming proposal, seen by Reuters, said the EU would be able to use “high-quality international credits” from a U.N.-backed carbon credits market to meet 3% of the emissions cuts towards the 2040 goal.

    The document said the credits would be phased in from 2036, and that additional EU legislation would later set out the origin and quality criteria that the credits must meet, and details of how they would be purchased.

    The move would in effect ease the emissions cuts – and the investments required – from European industries needed to hit the 90% emissions-cutting target. For the share of the target met by credits, the EU would buy “credits” from projects that reduce CO2 emissions abroad – for example, forest restoration in Brazil – rather than reducing emissions in Europe.

    Proponents say these credits are a crucial way to raise funds for CO2-cutting projects in developing nations. But recent scandals have shown some credit-generating projects did not deliver the climate benefits they claimed.

    The document said the Commission will add other flexibilities to the 90% target, as Brussels attempts to contain resistance from governments struggling to fund the green transition alongside priorities including defence, and industries who say ambitious environmental regulations hurt their competitiveness.

    These include integrating credits from projects that remove CO2 from the atmosphere into the EU’s carbon market so that European industries can buy these credits to offset some of their own emissions, the document said.

    The draft would also give countries more flexibility on which sectors in their economy do the heavy lifting to meet the 2040 goal, “to support the achievement of targets in a cost-effective way”.

    A Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the upcoming proposal, which could still change before it is published next week.

    EU countries and the European Parliament must negotiate the final target and could amend what the Commission proposes.

    (Reuters)

  • Thousands demand Thai prime minister quit over border dispute with Cambodia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thousands of protesters rallied in the Thai capital Bangkok on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, piling pressure on a government at risk of collapse over a border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.

    In the largest such rally since the ruling Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, crowds braved heavy monsoon rain to demonstrate against Paetongtarn, 38, who is also battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile coalition together ahead of a potential no confidence vote next month.

    “She should step aside because she is the problem,” Parnthep Pourpongpan, a protest leader, said.

    The latest dispute started with a skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed patch of border territory in May. Thai nationalist groups called for Paetongtarn to go after she appeared to criticize a Thai army commander and kowtow to Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, in a leaked phone call with him.

    Public criticism of the army is a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. Paetongtarn apologised for her comments after the call.

    Parnthep, the protest leader, said many Thai people felt the prime minister and her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, were being manipulated by Hun Sen, a former ally of the family who has turned against them.

    ‘UNG ING, GET OUT’

    Blocking the busy intersection at Victory Monument, a war memorial, crowds including many elderly people waved flags bearing Thailand’s national tricolor.

    “Ung Ing, get out,” the crowd occasionally chanted in unison, calling the premier by a nickname.

    Thapanawat Aramroong, 73, said Paetongtarn’s comments about the army commander and seeming eagerness to please Hun Sen were unacceptable.

    The demonstration was organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments over the last two decades.

    In a statement read aloud before the crowds, the group said “the executive branch” and parliament were not working “in the interest of democracy and constitutional monarchy”.

    Remaining coalition partners should quit immediately, they said.

    While past protests against the Shinawatras did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014.

    Protester Somkhuan Yimyai, 68, said he did not want the military to end up staging a coup and that previous military takeovers had not “provided solutions for the nation in terms of solving corruption or the government’s administration of the country.”

    ECONOMIC TURMOIL

    The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country’s struggling economic recovery.

    The prime minister now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week. Protesters on Saturday called for other coalition partners to quit.

    Paetongtarn also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call.

    Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal.

    Hun Sen also launched an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family, calling for a change of government, in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, which the Thai foreign ministry described as “extraordinary” while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump slams Israel’s prosecutors over Netanyahu corruption trial

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at prosecutors in Israel over the corruption trial that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced, saying Washington, having given billions of dollars worth of aid to Israel, was not going to “stand for this”.

    Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in Israel on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust – all of which he denies. The trial began in 2020 and involves three criminal cases.

    “It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding that the judicial process was going to interfere with Netanyahu’s ability to conduct talks with Palestinian militants Hamas, and Iran.

    Trump’s second post over the course of a few days defending Netanyahu and calling for the cancellation of the trial went a step further to tie Israel’s legal action to U.S. aid.

    “The United States of America spends Billions of Dollar [sic] a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,” Trump said.

    Netanyahu “right now” was in the process of negotiating a deal with Hamas, Trump said, without giving further details. On Friday, the Republican president told reporters that he believes a ceasefire is close.

    Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms.

    Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has heightened in the wake of the U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump slams Israel’s prosecutors over Netanyahu corruption trial

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at prosecutors in Israel over the corruption trial that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced, saying Washington, having given billions of dollars worth of aid to Israel, was not going to “stand for this”.

    Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in Israel on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust – all of which he denies. The trial began in 2020 and involves three criminal cases.

    “It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding that the judicial process was going to interfere with Netanyahu’s ability to conduct talks with Palestinian militants Hamas, and Iran.

    Trump’s second post over the course of a few days defending Netanyahu and calling for the cancellation of the trial went a step further to tie Israel’s legal action to U.S. aid.

    “The United States of America spends Billions of Dollar [sic] a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,” Trump said.

    Netanyahu “right now” was in the process of negotiating a deal with Hamas, Trump said, without giving further details. On Friday, the Republican president told reporters that he believes a ceasefire is close.

    Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms.

    Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has heightened in the wake of the U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi interacts with Shubhanshu Shukla, first Indian astronaut aboard ISS

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). During the warm and inspiring conversation, PM Modi lauded Shukla’s achievement as the dawn of a new era for India’s space ambitions and extended the wishes of 140 crore Indians.

    “Though you are farthest from the motherland, you are closest to our hearts,” said the Prime Minister, praising Shukla’s journey as symbolic of the aspirations of a rising India. Shukla expressed gratitude for the blessings and support he has received and described the experience of space as transformative, mirroring India’s fast-paced progress.

    In a lighter moment, the Prime Minister asked if the traditional Indian delicacies Shukla carried—like carrot halwa and aam ras—had been shared aboard. Shukla confirmed his international colleagues relished the flavours, with some even expressing interest in visiting India.

    The astronaut spoke about the unity of Earth from space, where borders vanish, and India appears grand in both size and spirit. He described his daily experiences—like completing 16 orbits a day—and the challenges of living in microgravity, calling the mission a blend of science and wonder.

    Highlighting India’s space science potential, Shukla shared insights into seven pioneering experiments aboard the ISS, including studies on stem cell response and microalgae growth, which could benefit agriculture and health on Earth.

    PM Modi reflected on the resurgence of scientific curiosity among youth post-Chandrayaan and Shukla’s mission, saying, “Our children no longer just look at the sky—they now believe they can reach it.” The Prime Minister urged young Indians to dream big and announced key goals ahead: Mission Gaganyaan, building India’s own space station, and landing an Indian on the Moon.

    Shukla closed the conversation with an emotional note, saying, “The sky has never been the limit—not for me, not for India.” He proudly shared that the Indian national flag now flies aboard the ISS for the first time in history.

    PM Modi hailed the astronaut’s journey as the first chapter in India’s ambitious space future and assured him that the entire nation eagerly awaits his return.

  • Trump’s sweeping tax-cut, spending bill clears first US Senate hurdle

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate advanced President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill in a key procedural vote late on Saturday, raising the odds that lawmakers will be able to pass his “big, beautiful bill” in the coming days.

    The measure, Trump’s top legislative goal, passed its first procedural hurdle in a 51 to 49 vote, with two Republican senators voting against it.

    The result came after several hours of negotiation as Republican leaders and Vice President JD Vance sought to persuade last-minute holdouts in a series of closed-door negotiations.

    The procedural vote, which would start debate on the 940-page megabill to fund Trump’s top immigration, border, tax-cut and military priorities, began after hours of delay.

    It then remained open for more than three hours of standstill as three Republican senators – Thom Tillis, Ron Johnson and Rand Paul – joined Democrats to oppose the legislation. Three others – Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee and Cynthia Lummis – negotiated with Republican leaders into the night in hopes of securing bigger spending cuts.

    In the end, Wisconsin Senator Johnson flipped his no vote to yes, leaving only Paul and Tillis opposed among Republicans.

    Trump was monitoring the vote from the Oval Office late into the night, a senior White House official said.

    The megabill would extend the 2017 tax cuts that were Trump’s main legislative achievement during his first term as president, cut other taxes and boost spending on the military and border security.

    Nonpartisan analysts estimate that a version of Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill would add trillions to the $36.2-trillion U.S. government debt.

    Democrats fiercely opposed the bill, saying its tax-cut elements would disproportionately benefit the wealthy at the expense of social programs that lower-income Americans rely upon.

    Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s top Democrat, demanded that the bill be read aloud before debate could begin, saying the Senate Republicans were scrambling to pass a “radical bill”.

    “If Senate Republicans won’t tell the American people what’s in this bill, then Democrats are going to force this chamber to read it from start to finish,” the New York Democrat said.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi honors Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj’s centenary, celebrates India’s spiritual legacy and inclusive development

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Centenary Celebrations of Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, emphasizing the significance of the occasion in India’s spiritual tradition. The event, organized by the Government of India in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, marks the formal commencement of a year-long tribute to honor the revered Jain spiritual leader and social reformer on his 100th birth anniversary.

    In his address, PM Modi described the centenary as a momentous occasion, reflecting the immortal inspiration of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Muniraj. He noted that June 28 holds special significance, recalling that on this day in 1987, Acharya was conferred the title of ‘Acharya,’ marking the beginning of a sacred journey that connected Jain traditions with thought, discipline, and compassion. To commemorate the occasion, special coins and postage stamps were released. The Prime Minister also congratulated Acharya Shri Pragya Sagar Ji, under whose guidance millions follow the path laid by Acharya Vidyanand Ji, and humbly accepted the title of ‘Dharm Chakravarti’ conferred upon him, dedicating it to Mother India.

    Reflecting on Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s life, born on April 22, 1925, in Karnataka, PM Modi highlighted his profound contributions as a scholar, author of over 150 texts, and a visionary who connected millions with cultural and spiritual values. The Prime Minister described him as a unique blend of knowledge and bliss, whose simple yet profound teachings inspired generations. Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s expertise spanned languages like Kannada, Marathi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit, and his contributions to literature, classical music, and national service were exemplary. A freedom fighter and Digambar Muni, he embodied detachment while serving as a reservoir of knowledge and spiritual inspiration.

    PM Modi emphasized that India, as the world’s most ancient living civilization, owes its endurance to the timeless wisdom of sages and Acharyas like Vidyanand Ji. He praised the Acharya’s efforts in social and cultural reconstruction through initiatives like the Prakrit Bhavan and research institutions, which preserved Jain history and promoted inclusivity through seminal works like Jain Darshan and Anekantvad. His commitment to temple restoration, education for the underprivileged, and social welfare reflected a synthesis of self-realization and public good.

    The Prime Minister underscored India’s ethos of selfless service, rooted in Jain philosophy and exemplified by Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s life. He cited government initiatives like PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and free food grain distribution as reflections of this ethos, aimed at uplifting the marginalized. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive progress, inspired by Acharya’s ideals, with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas.

    Highlighting the relevance of Jainism’s timeless principles, such as the five Mahavratas and Triratnas, PM Modi noted Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s efforts to make these teachings accessible through the Vachanamrit movement and devotional music. He also celebrated the government’s recent recognition of Prakrit as a classical language in October 2024 and the ongoing digitization of ancient manuscripts, including Jain scriptures. These efforts align with the broader mission to preserve India’s cultural heritage while promoting development, as seen in the 2024 celebrations of Bhagwan Mahavir’s 2,550th Nirvana Mahotsav.

    PM Modi recalled the nine resolutions shared during Navkar Mantra Diwas, urging citizens to conserve water, plant trees, maintain cleanliness, promote local products, explore India, adopt natural farming, embrace healthy lifestyles, engage in yoga and sports, and support the underprivileged. He expressed confidence that these resolutions, inspired by Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s teachings, would strengthen India’s journey toward a developed nation during the Amrit Kaal.

    Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekawat and revered saints were among the dignitaries present. The year-long centenary celebrations will feature cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual initiatives to spread Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s message of compassion, knowledge, and service.

  • PM Modi and other leaders pay tributes to PV Narasimha Rao on birth anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary, celebrating his legacy as a visionary leader whose transformative economic reforms reshaped the nation’s trajectory. Leaders across the political spectrum lauded Rao’s contributions to India’s economic liberalization, foreign policy, and national development.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Rao, stating on X, “India is grateful to Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu for his effective leadership during a crucial phase of our development trajectory. His intellect, wisdom, and scholarly nature are widely admired.”

    Born on June 28, 1921, in Laknepalli village, present-day Telangana, Rao was a freedom fighter and a prominent member of the Indian National Congress. Serving as India’s ninth Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, he was the first South Indian and only the second non-Hindi-speaking leader to hold the office. His tenure is best remembered for the 1991 economic reforms that liberalized India’s economy, fostering unprecedented growth and elevating the country’s global standing.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Rao as “a towering statesman and scholar par excellence,” noting his contributions to economic progress and national development. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Rao’s reforms were “instrumental in catalyzing an era of unprecedented national growth” and pivotal in expanding India’s middle class. Kharge also highlighted Rao’s role in advancing India’s nuclear program and initiating the ‘Look East’ foreign policy.

    The Congress party paid tribute, stating, “Rao’s 1991 economic reforms set India on the path of progress, liberalization, and self-reliance. His bold reforms and statesmanship continue to inspire generations.”

    Other leaders, including Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, also honored Rao. Chouhan called him a “Bharat Ratna” whose contributions were invaluable, while Birla hailed him as the “architect of India’s prosperity through liberalization.” Dhami and Saini praised Rao’s role in opening doors to economic prosperity and strengthening India’s global identity.

  • India emerges as global leader in child immunization: zero-dose rate halves in one year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has recorded a significant milestone in its national immunization efforts, with the percentage of zero-dose children—those who have not received a single vaccine—falling from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024. The achievement has been acknowledged in the 2024 report by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), positioning India as a global leader in child health and immunization.

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a statement issued on Saturday, attributed the progress to India’s robust Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which provides free vaccines to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants annually. More than 1.3 crore immunization sessions are conducted across the country by healthcare workers, including ASHAs and ANMs, ensuring widespread vaccine outreach.

    This progress has drawn global recognition, with India being awarded the prestigious *Measles and Rubella Champion Award* by The Measles and Rubella Partnership in March 2024 at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes India’s sustained commitment to eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases.

    In addition to reductions in zero-dose prevalence, India has also seen significant improvements in broader health outcomes. According to the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG), India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declined to 80 per lakh live births in 2023—an 86% reduction since 1990, far outpacing the global decline of 48%. The country has also achieved a 78% decline in Under-Five Mortality Rate and a 70% decline in Neonatal Mortality Rate during the 1990–2023 period, compared to global reductions of 61% and 54%, respectively.

    India’s UIP has undergone considerable expansion in the past decade. From just six vaccines in 2013, the program now covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including the addition of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV), Rotavirus Vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, and Measles-Rubella Vaccine, among others.

    The government’s intensified initiatives, such as *Mission Indradhanush*, have played a key role in reaching underserved populations. Since its launch in 2014—and with significant intensification in 2017—the campaign has vaccinated over 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women who were previously unreached or under-immunized.

    A targeted *Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024* is currently underway in 143 districts across 11 states, addressing vaccine coverage gaps among migratory populations, urban slums, and regions with persistent vaccine hesitancy. India has also maintained its polio-free status since 2014 through sustained Pulse Polio campaigns, and regularly organizes Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs) for community-based immunization efforts.

    Digital innovations like the *U-WIN platform* are being leveraged to track immunization data and prevent dropouts. Public engagement strategies—ranging from social media outreach to street plays—are being used to increase awareness and reduce vaccine hesitancy.

    Data from the WHO-UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2023 report shows India outperforming global averages across all antigens. The country’s DTP-1 (Pentavalent-1) coverage stands at 93%, significantly higher than Nigeria’s 70%. The dropout rate between DTP-1 and DTP-3 has also decreased sharply from 7% in 2013 to just 2% in 2023. Measles vaccine coverage improved from 83% to 93% over the same period.

    The government emphasized that comparisons with other countries must consider India’s massive population base. While countries like Yemen (1.68%), Sudan (1.45%), and Nigeria (0.98%) continue to report high proportions of zero-dose children, India’s 0.06% rate, despite a far larger birth cohort, reflects substantial progress.

  • MNRE revises guidelines for waste-to-energy projects to boost efficiency and accelerate financial support

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in Saturday announced revised guidelines for the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Programme under the National Bioenergy Programme, aiming to create a more efficient, transparent, and performance-driven ecosystem for bioenergy deployment in India. The updated framework simplifies processes, accelerates financial assistance, and ties support to plant performance, fostering a business-friendly environment for both private and public sector entities, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

    The revised guidelines streamline procedures by reducing paperwork and easing approval requirements, enabling enhanced production of compressed biogas (CBG), biogas, and power. These changes support improved waste management, including stubble and industrial waste, aligning with India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

    A key feature of the revised guidelines is an improved system for disbursing Central Financial Assistance (CFA). Previously, developers had to wait until their WtE projects achieved 80% generation capacity to receive funding. The new framework allows CFA to be released in two stages: 50% of the total CFA will be disbursed upon obtaining the Consent to Operate certificate from the State Pollution Control Board, backed by a bank guarantee, with the remaining amount released after the plant achieves 80% of its rated capacity or the maximum CFA-eligible capacity, whichever is lower. For plants failing to reach 80% capacity during performance inspections, a pro-rata disbursement based on output percentage is now available, though no CFA will be provided if the plant load factor falls below 50%. This flexibility acknowledges operational challenges and enhances financial viability for developersေ

    The inspection process has also been refined to ensure greater transparency and accountability. Joint inspections will now be conducted by the National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), an autonomous MNRE institute, alongside a representative from State Nodal Agencies, Biogas Technology Development Centers, or an MNRE-empaneled agency. For developers not opting for advance CFA, only one performance inspection is required, minimizing procedural delays.

    Additionally, the guidelines provide developers with flexibility to claim CFA within 18 months from either the date of commissioning or the date of in-principle CFA approval, whichever is later.

    These revisions mark a significant step toward supporting India’s clean energy sector. By aligning financial support with actual performance, simplifying compliance, and improving access to funding, MNRE is fostering a conducive environment for WtE projects. This initiative not only aids private players in the sector but also advances India’s goals of sustainable waste management and renewable energy development.

  • Yellow alert for two days in Delhi-NCR, rain likely to bring relief from heat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) for the next two days, forecasting light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

    According to the IMD bulletin, the weather is expected to remain unstable on June 28 and June 29, with rain and thunder likely to occur both during the day and at night. A dip in temperature is also expected, offering some respite from the persistent heat.

    On Saturday (June 28), the maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to hover around 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may settle at 27 degrees Celsius.

    Light to moderate showers are predicted, especially in the evening and night, along with thunderstorms and lightning. Humidity levels will remain high, ranging between 55 and 70 per cent.

    The weather activity is expected to intensify on Sunday (June 29), with rainfall likely to occur throughout the day — in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

    The maximum temperature may drop to 33 degrees Celsius, and the minimum to around 26 degrees C, offering a noticeable relief from the current heatwave conditions.

    Looking ahead, the IMD has not issued any alert for June 30, although cloudy skies and moderate rain are likely. Similarly, July 1 may witness thunderstorms, but no warning has been issued so far.

    Intermittent rain and thunder may continue on July 2 and 3, but again, no weather warnings have been issued for these days. Daytime temperatures during this period are expected to remain between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will likely hover around 26-27 degrees Celsius.

    The IMD expects a slight but steady decline in temperature over the coming days, which may bring much-needed relief from the heat and improve air quality levels in the region.

    (IANS)