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Category: Government of India

  • Govt revamps Sugamya Bharat App to boost accessibility for divyangjan and elderly

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government has revamped the Sugamya Bharat App (SBA), a key initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility for divyangjan and elderly citizens. The updated app features a more intuitive user interface and an AI-powered chatbot, providing real-time assistance and easier access to information on government schemes and initiatives.

    Launched in 2021 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the app enables users to report accessibility barriers in public infrastructure, transportation, and digital services by uploading geo-tagged photos. These reports help authorities take swift corrective action.

    Since its launch, the app has recorded 2,705 complaints, of which 1,897 have been resolved. As of June 25, 2025, it has over 14,300 registered users and more than 83,700 downloads across Android and iOS platforms.

    The revamped SBA also offers users timely notifications about new accessibility initiatives and integrates details of government schemes supporting persons with disabilities. The government has urged citizens to actively engage with the platform to support its vision of a barrier-free India.

    The Sugamya Bharat App is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

  • India’s electricity use may hit 4 trillion units in a decade: report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s electricity demand is projected to triple to a staggering 4 trillion units (TWh) by 2035, driven by industrial expansion, urbanisation, and the electrification of transport, according to a report released on Friday by OmniScience Capital.

    By 2035, three transformative sectors—electric vehicles (EVs), data centres (DCs), and railways—are expected to be among the largest consumers of electricity, collectively consuming around 500 TWh, or 12–13 per cent of India’s total projected power demand.

    This marks a pivotal shift in the country’s energy landscape, where traditional industrial and residential consumption is now being complemented by these emerging drivers.

    The report underscores the importance of India’s energy transition for a sustainable future. Policy initiatives such as the Net Zero target, the 500 GW renewable energy goal, EV adoption, and the rooftop solar push are playing a critical role in driving this transformation.

    India’s per capita electricity consumption is expected to nearly double—from 1,400 kWh in 2024 to 2,575 kWh by 2035—driven by rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and rising household incomes.

    “India’s electricity demand reaching four trillion units by 2035 is a signal of the country’s accelerating industrial growth, digital transformation, and rising quality of life,” said Ashwini Shami, Executive Vice President at OmniScience Capital. “This trend unlocks significant investment potential in energy infrastructure, renewable energy, and modernising the grid.”

    As more people migrate to cities and adopt energy-intensive appliances, and as industries expand under initiatives like Make in India, electricity consumption is set to increase significantly. The push for digital infrastructure, EVs, and rural electrification is expected to further drive this growth.

    The report also notes that the transition to cleaner and more accessible energy sources will make electricity more affordable and widely available, leading to increased consumption across all sectors.

    India’s commercial and service sectors are emerging as major engines of electricity demand. From 181 TWh in 2023, consumption in these segments is projected to rise to 798 TWh by 2035, marking a 4.4x increase and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2 per cent—the second-fastest among all sectors. This would raise their share to nearly 20 per cent of total electricity usage, reflecting India’s rapid shift toward a service-led, digitally connected economy.

    The transport sector—comprising EVs and railways—is projected to become the fastest-growing consumer of electricity, with usage expected to surge from 25 TWh in 2022 to 162 TWh by 2035, representing a CAGR of 16.8 per cent. The main drivers include accelerated EV adoption, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and railway electrification, the report added.

    —IANS

  • India’s electricity use may hit 4 trillion units in a decade: report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s electricity demand is projected to triple to a staggering 4 trillion units (TWh) by 2035, driven by industrial expansion, urbanisation, and the electrification of transport, according to a report released on Friday by OmniScience Capital.

    By 2035, three transformative sectors—electric vehicles (EVs), data centres (DCs), and railways—are expected to be among the largest consumers of electricity, collectively consuming around 500 TWh, or 12–13 per cent of India’s total projected power demand.

    This marks a pivotal shift in the country’s energy landscape, where traditional industrial and residential consumption is now being complemented by these emerging drivers.

    The report underscores the importance of India’s energy transition for a sustainable future. Policy initiatives such as the Net Zero target, the 500 GW renewable energy goal, EV adoption, and the rooftop solar push are playing a critical role in driving this transformation.

    India’s per capita electricity consumption is expected to nearly double—from 1,400 kWh in 2024 to 2,575 kWh by 2035—driven by rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and rising household incomes.

    “India’s electricity demand reaching four trillion units by 2035 is a signal of the country’s accelerating industrial growth, digital transformation, and rising quality of life,” said Ashwini Shami, Executive Vice President at OmniScience Capital. “This trend unlocks significant investment potential in energy infrastructure, renewable energy, and modernising the grid.”

    As more people migrate to cities and adopt energy-intensive appliances, and as industries expand under initiatives like Make in India, electricity consumption is set to increase significantly. The push for digital infrastructure, EVs, and rural electrification is expected to further drive this growth.

    The report also notes that the transition to cleaner and more accessible energy sources will make electricity more affordable and widely available, leading to increased consumption across all sectors.

    India’s commercial and service sectors are emerging as major engines of electricity demand. From 181 TWh in 2023, consumption in these segments is projected to rise to 798 TWh by 2035, marking a 4.4x increase and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2 per cent—the second-fastest among all sectors. This would raise their share to nearly 20 per cent of total electricity usage, reflecting India’s rapid shift toward a service-led, digitally connected economy.

    The transport sector—comprising EVs and railways—is projected to become the fastest-growing consumer of electricity, with usage expected to surge from 25 TWh in 2022 to 162 TWh by 2035, representing a CAGR of 16.8 per cent. The main drivers include accelerated EV adoption, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and railway electrification, the report added.

    —IANS

  • India’s electricity use may hit 4 trillion units in a decade: report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s electricity demand is projected to triple to a staggering 4 trillion units (TWh) by 2035, driven by industrial expansion, urbanisation, and the electrification of transport, according to a report released on Friday by OmniScience Capital.

    By 2035, three transformative sectors—electric vehicles (EVs), data centres (DCs), and railways—are expected to be among the largest consumers of electricity, collectively consuming around 500 TWh, or 12–13 per cent of India’s total projected power demand.

    This marks a pivotal shift in the country’s energy landscape, where traditional industrial and residential consumption is now being complemented by these emerging drivers.

    The report underscores the importance of India’s energy transition for a sustainable future. Policy initiatives such as the Net Zero target, the 500 GW renewable energy goal, EV adoption, and the rooftop solar push are playing a critical role in driving this transformation.

    India’s per capita electricity consumption is expected to nearly double—from 1,400 kWh in 2024 to 2,575 kWh by 2035—driven by rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and rising household incomes.

    “India’s electricity demand reaching four trillion units by 2035 is a signal of the country’s accelerating industrial growth, digital transformation, and rising quality of life,” said Ashwini Shami, Executive Vice President at OmniScience Capital. “This trend unlocks significant investment potential in energy infrastructure, renewable energy, and modernising the grid.”

    As more people migrate to cities and adopt energy-intensive appliances, and as industries expand under initiatives like Make in India, electricity consumption is set to increase significantly. The push for digital infrastructure, EVs, and rural electrification is expected to further drive this growth.

    The report also notes that the transition to cleaner and more accessible energy sources will make electricity more affordable and widely available, leading to increased consumption across all sectors.

    India’s commercial and service sectors are emerging as major engines of electricity demand. From 181 TWh in 2023, consumption in these segments is projected to rise to 798 TWh by 2035, marking a 4.4x increase and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2 per cent—the second-fastest among all sectors. This would raise their share to nearly 20 per cent of total electricity usage, reflecting India’s rapid shift toward a service-led, digitally connected economy.

    The transport sector—comprising EVs and railways—is projected to become the fastest-growing consumer of electricity, with usage expected to surge from 25 TWh in 2022 to 162 TWh by 2035, representing a CAGR of 16.8 per cent. The main drivers include accelerated EV adoption, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and railway electrification, the report added.

    —IANS

  • Shubhanshu Shukla’s parents, teacher celebrate his journey to ISS

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The parents and teacher of India’s second astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, expressed immense pride on Friday after his successful arrival at the International Space Station (ISS).

    Speaking to IANS, they shared their emotions, expressing joy and gratitude to God for his safe journey and lauding his remarkable achievement.

    IAF officer Shukla made history as the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space, nearly 41 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s mission with the Soviet space programme in 1984. He travelled aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Axiom 4 mission, which involves Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, is historic for India, Poland, and Hungary – the three countries that sent their astronauts to space in decades.

    Shukla’s mother Asha Shukla shared her joy: “I am feeling very good. I spoke with him once after he reached space. I hope he returns safely. I felt proud when he landed in space. It’s a proud moment for India. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came to meet us and offered his congratulations. I also feel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi played an important role in this journey.”

    His father Shambhu Dayal Sharma said: “I am very happy and thankful to God for his safe journey. When he was going, he told us to stay happy and not to worry. I pray for his safety and success. CM Yogi came and congratulated us. He said it’s a proud moment that a son of Uttar Pradesh has gone to space. He also assured that steps will be taken to encourage such achievements in the future.”

    Shukla’s former teacher, Nageshwar Prasad Shukla, also shared memories associated with him.

    “He was always a top student and had a dream to join the NDA. I spoke to him five months ago. We had some idea about his selection, but it became official when Prime Minister Modi announced it. He was shy in nature back then, but we’ve seen a transformation over 22 years. His confidence has grown tremendously. I pray for the success of his mission.”

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • DeepSeek faces expulsion from app stores in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Germany has taken steps towards blocking Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from the Apple and Google app stores due to concerns about data protection, according to a data protection authority commissioner in a statement on Friday.

    DeepSeek has been reported to the two U.S. tech giants as illegal content, said commissioner Meike Kamp, and the companies must now review the concerns and decide whether to block the app in Germany.

    “DeepSeek has not been able to provide my agency with convincing evidence that German users’ data is protected in China to a level equivalent to that in the European Union,” she said.

    “Chinese authorities have far-reaching access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies,” she added.

    The move comes after Reuters exclusively reported this week that DeepSeek is aiding China’s military and intelligence operations.

    DeepSeek, which shook the technology world in January with claims that it had developed an AI model that rivaled those from U.S. firms such as ChatGPT creator OpenAI at much lower cost, says it stores numerous personal data, such as requests to the AI or uploaded files, on computers in China.

    (Reuters)

  • Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar urges students to embrace national goals and lead change

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday called upon students to adopt a broader vision that serves society, humanity, and the nation, rather than pursuing narrow or self-centered goals. Addressing the 156th Founders’ Day celebration of Sherwood College in Nainital, Uttarakhand, he emphasised the importance of nationalism, quality education, and youth leadership in shaping the future of Viksit Bharat.

    “Don’t have a narrow goal. Don’t have a self-centered goal. Have a goal for the society, for humanity, for the nation,” the Vice President told students, highlighting that only those who give back to society are remembered by history.

    Stressing the importance of unconditional nationalism, Dhankhar said, “We must always put the nation first. Bharat, with over 5,000 years of civilisational depth, deserves nothing less.”

    He described education as the greatest equaliser, calling it a divine gift that ensures equality and justice. Urging parents not to pressure children into chasing wealth or power, he said such stress could stifle the emergence of scientists, thinkers, and leaders.

    Reflecting on Sherwood College’s rich legacy, the Vice President recalled iconic alumni such as Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Som Nath Sharma, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, and actor Amitabh Bachchan, stating that their achievements form the foundation and responsibility of current students to set new benchmarks.

    On India’s global rise, Dhankhar noted the nation’s exponential economic growth, rapid infrastructure development, and increasing global influence over the past decade. “India is no longer a nation of potential—it is a nation on the rise. Viksit Bharat is not our dream; it is our destination,” he asserted.

    He also urged the youth to harness India’s demographic dividend, with 65% of the population below 35 years, and become agents of change in a fast-transforming world shaped by technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain.

    Highlighting India’s global leadership, he concluded by reminding students of the G20 message India shared with the world: “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

  • Zimbabwe records 5,932 AIDS-related deaths in first half of 2025: Health Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Zimbabwe has recorded a rise in AIDS-related deaths in the first half of this year, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said on Friday.

    Addressing a media workshop on HIV reporting and stigma reduction in the capital Harare, Mombeshora stated that between January and June 2025, the country recorded 5,932 AIDS-related deaths, up from 5,712 during the same period last year.

    “An increase of 220 deaths is a reminder that our work is not done,” he said, without specifying the main cause behind the rise.

    The minister noted that while Zimbabwe has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS — particularly in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets — the gains remain fragile and are threatened by multiple challenges, including limited resources, stigma, and discrimination.

    “As a nation, we must confront these realities with honesty and resolve. Addressing stigma and discrimination is not only a moral obligation; it is a public health imperative,” he said.

    Zimbabwe is now seeking to transition to full domestic financing for its HIV and AIDS response amid declining external funding, Mombeshora said.

    During this transition, the country is facing difficulties in maintaining outreach staff and ensuring continuity of community-based services, according to a report by Xinhua.

    Operational adjustments are being made to safeguard service delivery, he added, stressing the need for innovation, stronger domestic partnerships, and a resilient, self-sustaining national response to the epidemic.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells, weakening the body’s defense against infections and diseases. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection.

    HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and can also be passed from mother to child. It is not spread through casual contact like kissing, hugging, or sharing food.

    The disease can be prevented and managed through antiretroviral therapy (ART). Without treatment, HIV can take years to develop into AIDS.

    IANS

  • Zimbabwe records 5,932 AIDS-related deaths in first half of 2025: Health Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Zimbabwe has recorded a rise in AIDS-related deaths in the first half of this year, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said on Friday.

    Addressing a media workshop on HIV reporting and stigma reduction in the capital Harare, Mombeshora stated that between January and June 2025, the country recorded 5,932 AIDS-related deaths, up from 5,712 during the same period last year.

    “An increase of 220 deaths is a reminder that our work is not done,” he said, without specifying the main cause behind the rise.

    The minister noted that while Zimbabwe has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS — particularly in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets — the gains remain fragile and are threatened by multiple challenges, including limited resources, stigma, and discrimination.

    “As a nation, we must confront these realities with honesty and resolve. Addressing stigma and discrimination is not only a moral obligation; it is a public health imperative,” he said.

    Zimbabwe is now seeking to transition to full domestic financing for its HIV and AIDS response amid declining external funding, Mombeshora said.

    During this transition, the country is facing difficulties in maintaining outreach staff and ensuring continuity of community-based services, according to a report by Xinhua.

    Operational adjustments are being made to safeguard service delivery, he added, stressing the need for innovation, stronger domestic partnerships, and a resilient, self-sustaining national response to the epidemic.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells, weakening the body’s defense against infections and diseases. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection.

    HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and can also be passed from mother to child. It is not spread through casual contact like kissing, hugging, or sharing food.

    The disease can be prevented and managed through antiretroviral therapy (ART). Without treatment, HIV can take years to develop into AIDS.

    IANS

  • Monsoon alert: IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Saurashtra, Kutch region

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that conditions are becoming favourable for the further advance of the Southwest Monsoon over the remaining parts of the country within the next two to three days. The monsoon, which has already covered large parts of India, is now poised to extend its reach across the entire nation, bringing much-needed rainfall to several regions.

    According to the latest forecast, heavy to very heavy rainfall activity is expected to continue across many parts of northwest, central, east, and northeast India over the next seven days. Isolated areas in Saurashtra and Kutch are likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, particularly on Friday.

    Several states, including Konkan & Goa, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, and Gujarat, are expected to receive consistent heavy rain throughout the week. Other regions set to witness intense rainfall include Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on June 29, Haryana on June 29 and 30, Uttarakhand from June 27 to July 1, and east Rajasthan and Vidarbha on June 27.

    The IMD has also predicted heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh from June 29 to July 2, Madhya Pradesh on June 27 and from July 1 to 3, Chhattisgarh on July 1 and 2, Gangetic West Bengal on June 29 and 30, Odisha on June 30 and July 1, and Jharkhand on June 29. Kerala will also continue to receive heavy rain on June 27 and 28.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In Delhi-NCR, the weather will remain dynamic over the next four days. On June 27, the skies will be partly cloudy with very light to light rain and thunderstorms expected by the afternoon or evening. Temperatures will hover between 36°C and 38°C, with light southeast winds blowing at less than 15 kmph.

    On June 28, the skies will become generally cloudy, and light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning is expected in the evening or night. Maximum temperatures will dip slightly to between 35°C and 37°C, while minimum temperatures will range between 26°C and 28°C. Winds from the southeast will gradually increase throughout the day, reaching up to 18 kmph by evening.

    June 29 will continue to see generally cloudy skies and light to moderate showers. Temperatures will be cooler, with maximums expected between 32°C and 34°C, and minimums between 25°C and 27°C. Winds will shift from the west to southwest, picking up speed through the day.

    On June 30, Delhiites can expect a similar pattern with cloudy skies and light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorm activity. Temperatures will remain between 32°C and 34°C during the day and 25°C to 27°C at night, both below seasonal averages. Winds will be calm in the morning but may pick up slightly from the south by evening.

  • Daren Sammy raises concerns over TV umpiring after controversial decisions in Barbados Test

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has voiced concerns over the performance of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia in Barbados, following a series of contentious review decisions on Day 2, according to ESPNcricinfo.

    Sammy reportedly met with match referee Javagal Srinath after the day’s play to seek clarification regarding multiple decisions that did not go in the West Indies’ favour. He also expressed his concerns about Holdstock’s officiating during the recent ODI series in England, where the South African umpire served as the TV umpire in two games and stood on the field in another.

    Two key moments on the second day left the West Indies camp frustrated. The first was the dismissal of captain Roston Chase, adjudged LBW to Pat Cummins, despite what West Indies believed was clear evidence of an inside edge. The second was the wicket of Shai Hope, who was caught behind by Alex Carey off Beau Webster. The catch was deemed clean after a review by the third umpire.

    “We are just trying to find some sort of understanding as to what the process is,” Sammy said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

    “We only hope for consistency. That’s all we could ask for. When there is doubt in something, just be consistent across the board,” he added.

    “I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it’s something that for me started in England. It’s frustrating. I just ask for consistency in decision-making,” he noted.

    “Yeah, look, you don’t want to get yourself in a situation where you’re wondering about certain umpires. Is there something against this team? But when you see decision after decision, then it raises the question. I know he’s here for the series. You don’t want to go into a Test match having that doubt,” Sammy said.

    “So I want to have that conversation as to the process… so we could all be clear. Because, at the end of the day, you don’t want to be going into a Test match not trusting the umpires. And that’s not what our team is about. We’re just looking for some clarity regarding the decisions,” he explained.

    Asked whether the West Indies would lodge a formal complaint, Sammy replied, “You’ll have to wait and see for that.”

    Speaking on Chase’s dismissal, which came just after lunch and broke a 67-run partnership with Hope, Sammy said, “In our opinion, we saw the ball deviated onto the pad.”

    While Sammy didn’t explicitly dispute the decision on Hope’s dismissal, he referenced a similar incident from the previous day, when a catch taken by Hope to dismiss Travis Head was ruled not to have carried.

    “I’m just saying, judge what you see,” Sammy said.

    “If you see the same thing and one is not out, there is even more doubt on the other one than you give out. Again, I don’t know what he’s seen, but from the images we’ve seen, the decisions are not fair enough for both teams. We’re all human. Mistakes will be made. I just want fairness,” he added.

    Australia also had their share of discontent. In the first over of Day 2, they reviewed an LBW call against Chase, convinced the ball had struck the pad first. While initial replays seemed to support their claim, Holdstock judged there was insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc later questioned whether the visuals and audio in the replays were correctly synced.

    “There’s been some interesting ones,” Starc said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

    “Obviously, a couple more have gone against the West Indies than us. One for us (against Chase) looked like there was a gap between the bat and the ball—it cost us 40-odd runs, but then a contentious one to then get the wicket,” he added.

    “As players, you can only ask a question. We don’t use the technology to make that decision. It sort of felt like, or looked like, the Snicko and the images were out of sync to some capacity,” he noted.

    Starc also maintained that Head’s edge to Hope on the opening day looked out to them.

    Sammy, mindful of the protocols surrounding criticism of officials, revealed that he had instructed his players not to comment publicly on the decisions after the game.

    “We know the rules. We know fines go all across the board,” he said.

    “I don’t want them to focus on that. Yes, we’re kind of shooting ourselves in the foot by dropping so many catches, but look at the Test match—[it’s] us against ourselves, some of these decisions—and we’re still in a position to win,” he concluded.

    ANI

  • Daren Sammy raises concerns over TV umpiring after controversial decisions in Barbados Test

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has voiced concerns over the performance of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia in Barbados, following a series of contentious review decisions on Day 2, according to ESPNcricinfo.

    Sammy reportedly met with match referee Javagal Srinath after the day’s play to seek clarification regarding multiple decisions that did not go in the West Indies’ favour. He also expressed his concerns about Holdstock’s officiating during the recent ODI series in England, where the South African umpire served as the TV umpire in two games and stood on the field in another.

    Two key moments on the second day left the West Indies camp frustrated. The first was the dismissal of captain Roston Chase, adjudged LBW to Pat Cummins, despite what West Indies believed was clear evidence of an inside edge. The second was the wicket of Shai Hope, who was caught behind by Alex Carey off Beau Webster. The catch was deemed clean after a review by the third umpire.

    “We are just trying to find some sort of understanding as to what the process is,” Sammy said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

    “We only hope for consistency. That’s all we could ask for. When there is doubt in something, just be consistent across the board,” he added.

    “I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it’s something that for me started in England. It’s frustrating. I just ask for consistency in decision-making,” he noted.

    “Yeah, look, you don’t want to get yourself in a situation where you’re wondering about certain umpires. Is there something against this team? But when you see decision after decision, then it raises the question. I know he’s here for the series. You don’t want to go into a Test match having that doubt,” Sammy said.

    “So I want to have that conversation as to the process… so we could all be clear. Because, at the end of the day, you don’t want to be going into a Test match not trusting the umpires. And that’s not what our team is about. We’re just looking for some clarity regarding the decisions,” he explained.

    Asked whether the West Indies would lodge a formal complaint, Sammy replied, “You’ll have to wait and see for that.”

    Speaking on Chase’s dismissal, which came just after lunch and broke a 67-run partnership with Hope, Sammy said, “In our opinion, we saw the ball deviated onto the pad.”

    While Sammy didn’t explicitly dispute the decision on Hope’s dismissal, he referenced a similar incident from the previous day, when a catch taken by Hope to dismiss Travis Head was ruled not to have carried.

    “I’m just saying, judge what you see,” Sammy said.

    “If you see the same thing and one is not out, there is even more doubt on the other one than you give out. Again, I don’t know what he’s seen, but from the images we’ve seen, the decisions are not fair enough for both teams. We’re all human. Mistakes will be made. I just want fairness,” he added.

    Australia also had their share of discontent. In the first over of Day 2, they reviewed an LBW call against Chase, convinced the ball had struck the pad first. While initial replays seemed to support their claim, Holdstock judged there was insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc later questioned whether the visuals and audio in the replays were correctly synced.

    “There’s been some interesting ones,” Starc said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

    “Obviously, a couple more have gone against the West Indies than us. One for us (against Chase) looked like there was a gap between the bat and the ball—it cost us 40-odd runs, but then a contentious one to then get the wicket,” he added.

    “As players, you can only ask a question. We don’t use the technology to make that decision. It sort of felt like, or looked like, the Snicko and the images were out of sync to some capacity,” he noted.

    Starc also maintained that Head’s edge to Hope on the opening day looked out to them.

    Sammy, mindful of the protocols surrounding criticism of officials, revealed that he had instructed his players not to comment publicly on the decisions after the game.

    “We know the rules. We know fines go all across the board,” he said.

    “I don’t want them to focus on that. Yes, we’re kind of shooting ourselves in the foot by dropping so many catches, but look at the Test match—[it’s] us against ourselves, some of these decisions—and we’re still in a position to win,” he concluded.

    ANI

  • From innovation to inclusion: India celebrates MSME Day with a focus on sustainability

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    MSME Day, observed on June 27, honours the vital role that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises play in driving innovation, employment, and inclusive economic growth. From local artisans to emerging tech startups, MSMEs are the backbone of resilient economies. This day highlights their achievements and challenges, while underscoring the critical need for policy support, financial inclusion, and digital transformation to help them thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

    Designated by the United Nations in 2017, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering small businesses as engines of resilience and development—particularly in a post-pandemic, digitally evolving world.

    Globally, MSMEs account for 90% of all businesses, contribute 60–70% of employment, and generate half of the world’s GDP, according to UN estimates. In India, the sector holds even greater relevance—contributing nearly 30% to GDP, 45% of exports, and ranking second only to agriculture in employment generation.

    This year, the Ministry of MSME is celebrating ‘Udyami Bharat – MSME Day.’ The theme for 2025 focuses on “Enhancing the role of MSMEs as drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation.”

    Key government schemes

    The Ministry reported that India is home to over 6.3 crore MSMEs, spanning manufacturing, trade, and services. Several flagship initiatives are underway to support the sector’s growth.

    PM Vishwakarma, launched in September 2023 with an outlay of ₹13,000 crore, aims to enhance the skills and market access of traditional artisans and craftspeople. As of June 26, 2025, more than 2.71 crore applications had been submitted under the scheme, with nearly 30 lakh beneficiaries registered.

    The Udyam Registration Portal, introduced in July 2020, provides free, paperless registration for MSMEs. To extend formal benefits to informal businesses, the Udyam Assist Platform was launched in January 2023.

    Job creation and credit access

    The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a credit-linked subsidy scheme, continues to promote self-employment by supporting the setup of micro-enterprises. Since its launch in 2008, it has aided more than 9.87 lakh units, generating over 80 lakh jobs with subsidies exceeding ₹26,000 crore. In FY 2024-25 alone, 58,028 new units were set up, creating employment for over 4.6 lakh people.

    Support for traditional industries

    The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), which clusters artisans for competitiveness and sustainable income, has approved 513 clusters, of which 376 are functional. In 2023-24, 18 new clusters benefited nearly 12,000 artisans across 11 states.

    The Khadi and Village Industries sector has also seen rapid expansion. Sales have grown from ₹33,135 crore in 2014-15 to ₹1.55 lakh crore in 2023-24. Production has tripled in the same period, reaching over ₹1.08 lakh crore last fiscal.

    Boosting public procurement

    To enhance market access, the Public Procurement Policy mandates that 25 per cent of procurement by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) be sourced from MSEs, including 4 per cent from SC/ST-owned and 3 per cent from women-owned businesses. In FY 2024-25 (as on December 5), CPSEs and departments procured goods worth ₹37,190 crore from 1.15 lakh MSEs—well above the target.

    Global outreach and partnerships

    The Ministry also focused on strengthening international partnerships. In 2024, India signed MoUs with Japan, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Egypt, and the US to support MSME development, training, and technology exchange. Key engagements included a Joint Working Group with Japan, collaboration with the US EXIM Bank, and a partnership with Taiwan’s ITRI.

    New initiatives and digital campaigns

    A series of 2024 campaigns and programmes targeted MSME digitisation and inclusion. The Special Campaign 4.0 in October cleared backlogs, freed up 43,342 sq ft of space, and generated ₹21.84 lakh through disposal of obsolete materials.

    The MSME-TEAM Scheme, launched on June 27, 2024, has an outlay of ₹277 crore to support five lakh micro and small enterprises, half of them led by women, with digital onboarding, logistics, and packaging support.

    The Yashasvini Campaign, also launched this June, aims to formalise and support women-led enterprises in partnership with NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Rural Development.

    The MSME Hackathon 4.0, launched in September 2024, is providing funding of up to ₹15 lakh to 500 young innovators. Additionally, the new Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology (CREATE) was inaugurated in Leh to support enterprise in the Himalayan region.

    MSMEs are transforming India’s growth by driving innovation, creating jobs, and empowering local communities—especially in rural and semi-urban areas. With policy support, digital tools, and new market access, they are key to sustainable, inclusive development.

    MSME Day is not just a celebration; it’s a reflection of how small businesses are shaping a self-reliant and future-ready India.

  • UN Charter is not a-la-carte menu: Guterres

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called out the selective application of the UN Charter, saying it is not an a-la-carte menu.

    “Today, we see assaults on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter like never before: the threat or use of force against sovereign nations; the violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law; the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure; the weaponization of food and water; the erosion of human rights,” he told a UN General Assembly event to mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter.

    “On and on, we see an all-too-familiar pattern: follow when the charter suits, ignore when it does not,” he said. “The Charter of the United Nations is not optional. It is not an a-la-carte menu. It is the bedrock of international relations. We cannot and must not normalize violations of its most basic principles.”

    The UN Charter is a declaration of hope – and the foundation of international cooperation for a better world,” said Guterres.

    “The charter has given us the tools to change destinies, save lives, and deliver hope to the most desperate corners of the world. And we can draw a direct line from the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war,” he added.

    Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is a never-ending mission, said Guterres, stressing the need more than ever to respect and re-commit to international law – in words and deeds, Xinhua news agency reported.

    “On this anniversary, I urge all member states to live up to the spirit and letter of the charter, to the responsibilities it demands, and to the future it summons us to build — for peace, for justice, for progress, for we the peoples,” he said.

    The UN Charter, the foundational treaty of the world body, was adopted on June 25, 1945, at the San Francisco Conference and was signed by delegates the following day.

    (IANS)

  • Trump accuses Democrats of leaking intelligence report on Iran strikes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    US President Donald Trump accused the Democratic Party of leaking a classified intelligence report that contradicts his administration’s claims that recent US airstrikes had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.

    “The Democrats are the ones who leaked the information on the PERFECT FLIGHT to the Nuclear Sites in Iran. They should be prosecuted!,” Trump said on Truth Social on Friday.

    The accusation followed after the report by the US Defence Intelligence Agency disclosed by two American media outlets CNN and New York Times mentioned that strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have delayed the nuclear programme only by a few months, while much of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium was moved before the strikes.

    Trump on Wednesday took to his social media slamming both media outlets for leaking the information.

    “Fake news CNN, together with the failing New York Times, have teamed up in an attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history. The nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed! Both the Times and CNN are getting slammed by the public,” Trump said on Truth Social.

    Meanwhile, addressing a press briefing on Thursday White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said those who leaked the preliminary assessment on the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities “need to be held accountable for that crime.”

    “This administration wants to ensure that classified intelligence is not ending up in irresponsible hands and that people who have the privilege of viewing this top secret classified information are being responsible with it,” said Leavitt.

    “Clearly, someone who had their hands on this, and it was a very few people, very few people in our government who saw this report. That person was irresponsible with it. And we need to get to the bottom of it. And we need to strengthen that process to protect our national security and protect the American public,” she added.

    CIA Director John Ratcliffe asserted that the agency had gathered “a body of credible evidence” suggesting that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure suffered extensive damage in recent US airstrikes, reinforcing the White House’s narrative that Tehran’s atomic ambitions have been drastically curtailed.

    Ratcliffe, without divulging specifics, stated on Wednesday (local time), stating that the intelligence came from “a historically reliable source/method” and indicated that “several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years.”

    While Ratcliffe did not clarify whether his remarks represented a formal agency assessment or his personal interpretation of the data, the statement underscored the intelligence community’s ongoing review of the impact of Saturday’s coordinated US strikes on Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan sites.

    The CIA’s remarks came as a counterpoint to an earlier preliminary analysis by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), which suggested that the airstrikes had not completely destroyed crucial components of Iran’s nuclear program.

    (IANS)

     

  • Iran says no agreement made to resume US talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that no arrangement or commitment has been made to resume negotiations with the United States, amid escalating tensions following recent attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian territory.

    In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Araghchi said the possibility of restarting talks remains under consideration, but any decision would be guided strictly by Iran’s national interests, Xinhua News Agency reported.

    “Our decisions will be based solely on Iran’s interests,” Araghchi emphasized. “If our interests require a return to negotiations, we will consider it. But at this stage, no agreement or promise has been made, and no talks have taken place.”

    Araghchi accused Washington of betraying Iran during previous efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and lift U.S. sanctions, further deepening mistrust between the two nations.

    He also confirmed that a law suspending Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has now become legally binding, following approval by both the Iranian Parliament and the Guardian Council, the country’s top constitutional oversight body.

    “The law is now obligatory and will be implemented. Our cooperation with the IAEA will take a new shape,” he said, without elaborating on what form that cooperation might take moving forward.

    Addressing the aftermath of the recent conflict with Israel, Araghchi described the 12-day war as having caused “serious” damage, noting that experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran are currently conducting a thorough assessment. He added that the possibility of demanding reparations is high on the government’s agenda.

    The conflict began on June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes targeting multiple locations across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. The attacks resulted in the deaths of several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, and came just days before Iran and the U.S. were expected to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.

    In retaliation, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, inflicting casualties and significant damage.

    The conflict further escalated when, on Saturday, the U.S. Air Force struck three key Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded on Monday by firing missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    The 12-day conflict concluded with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Tuesday, though tensions in the region remain high.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Iran’s three key nuclear sites significantly damaged in 12-day operation: IDF

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday announced that its 12-day military operation against Iran resulted in significant damage to three of the country’s main nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, dealing a major blow to the Iranian regime’s nuclear infrastructure.

    The IDF asserted that Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ on June 13 intending to damage the Iranian nuclear and missile projects following the identification of progress in the three programmes whose ultimate goal was to “destroy the State of Israel”.

    According to the Israeli military, to thwart the future of the program, 11 senior nuclear scientists who were central knowledge centres in the Iranian weapons group were eliminated, and the inactive nuclear reactor at Arak was also attacked to prevent its future use.

    “The key building blocks of the missile manufacturing industry were attacked. More than 35 sites were attacked, 200 launchers and 50 per cent of all the Iranian regime’s launchers were completely destroyed. In total, more than 1,500 components, 15 enemy aircraft, more than 90 targets 80 surface-to-air missile launchers and 6 airfields were attacked. Hundreds of Iranian military forces were eliminated, dozens of commanders were attacked and more than 30 senior members of the Iranian regime’s security apparatus were thwarted,” read a statement issued by the IDF.

    The IDF noted that throughout the operation it created increasing achievement and complete freedom of aerial action in the heart of Iran and fully met the objectives defined for the operation.

    “Throughout the entire operation, high-quality and accurate intelligence, along with operational, technological and aerial capabilities, were evident. And alongside the entire offensive effort, the defence systems operated day and night,” the IDF stated.

    Furthermore, the Israeli military mentioned that creating air superiority in Iranian skies, “the Israeli Air Force carried out 1,500 sorties and about 600 refuellings were made en route to Iran.”

    “In the entire operation, 1,400 strikes were carried out by the fighter formation and 500 by the UAV formation, and the furthest of them was carried out at Mashhad airport, about 2,400 km from Israel, by a fighter jet. In addition, hundreds of interceptions of anti-aircraft missiles and drones were carried out. In total, 99per cent of the drones launched from Iran were intercepted,” said the IDF.

    The Israeli military noted that during the 12-day operation, the Home Front Command, rescue and recovery forces operated in more than 170 locations across the country.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has accepted a ceasefire proposal with Iran, marking the end of 12 days of intense hostilities between the two regional rivals.

    In an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu declared that Israel had met all strategic goals of its military campaign, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, and even exceeded expectations.

    “Israel had achieved all the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, and even far beyond that. Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat – both in the nuclear domain and in the ballistic missile domain,” the statement read.

    (IANS)

     

  • India’s engineering exports to US rise in May despite tariff challenges

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s engineering goods exports to the United States saw a 4.6 per cent increase in May this year, reaching $1.74 billion, even as exporters navigated uncertainty over tariff measures announced by President Donald Trump. The uptick reflects resilience in bilateral trade, particularly in high-value engineering segments.
     
    Exports to major European economies also showed a positive trend. Shipments to Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands recorded healthy growth, helping offset a sharp decline in engineering exports to key Middle Eastern markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
     
    Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of EEPC India, attributed the fall in Middle East-bound shipments to escalating geopolitical tensions and emerging risks in the logistics chain. He added that aluminium exports also faced pressure due to heightened global competition.
     
    This shift in regional trade dynamics contributed to a slight 0.82 per cent drop in overall engineering exports, which stood at $9.89 billion in May 2025. Despite this, engineering goods strengthened their position in India’s export basket, accounting for 25.53 per cent of total merchandise exports in May — a sign of the country’s growing manufacturing capabilities and rising demand for technologically advanced products.
     
    On a cumulative basis, engineering exports rose by 4.77 per cent to $19.40 billion during the April-May period of FY 2025-26, up from $18.52 billion during the same period last year. The growth was more pronounced in April 2025, when engineering exports jumped 11.28 per cent to $9.51 billion.
     
    Out of the 34 engineering export categories tracked in May, 26 showed positive year-on-year growth. Sectors such as machine tools, aircraft and spacecraft components, ships and boats, as well as non-ferrous metals like aluminium and zinc, recorded a decline in exports.
     
    North America remained India’s top export destination for engineering goods with a 21.3 per cent share, followed by the European Union at 17.7 per cent and the West Asia and North Africa region at 14.3 per cent.
     
    -IANS

  • EAM Jaishankar to attend Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Washington

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend a meeting of the Quad foreign ministers in Washington on July 1, ahead of the upcoming Quad Summit that India is set to host later this year, according to the U.S. State Department.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the meeting, which will be attended by Foreign Minister Penny Wong of Australia and Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi of Japan, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott said on Thursday.

    Pigott noted that Secretary Rubio’s first diplomatic engagement after assuming office on January 21 was a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting, held just one day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, underscoring the new administration’s focus on the Indo-Pacific.

    Next week’s meeting, he added, “builds on that momentum to advance a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”

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

    Jaishankar also confirmed the upcoming meeting on X, saying he had a preparatory telephonic conversation with Penny Wong on Thursday.

    This will be the first Quad foreign ministers’ meeting since the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Jammu & Kashmir in April.

    Before heading to Washington, Jaishankar is scheduled to inaugurate an exhibition at the United Nations on “The Human Cost of Terrorism” on Monday. India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said the exhibition will “highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world.” The event will take place just a day before Pakistan assumes the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council.

    The July 1 Quad meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Quad Summit in India, which will bring together President Donald Trump, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    At their last interaction in February, PM Modi had expressed his eagerness to host President Trump for the Summit, reaffirming India’s commitment to Quad cooperation.

    The upcoming meeting, the first significant foreign affairs dialogue following Trump’s return to office, signals a renewed U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific at a time when tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine appear to have somewhat stabilised. With the Israel-Iran conflict easing, strategic attention is expected to shift back toward the Indo-Pacific, where China continues to pose challenges to regional security and sovereignty.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Indian markets likely to rise in Q3 FY26: Morgan Stanley

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets are more likely to rise than fall in the third quarter of the financial year 2026 (Q3 FY26), global brokerage Morgan Stanley said in a note on Friday.
     
    The firm remains bullish on Indian equities, expecting strong economic data, supportive measures from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and better-than-expected corporate earnings to drive market gains from July onwards.
     
    According to Morgan Stanley, India is showing signs of steady improvement. Government spending is increasing, and the RBI appears to be shifting towards a more accommodative or ‘dovish’ policy stance. This, along with easing inflation, is creating a favourable environment for equities.
     
    The brokerage also believes that lower interest rates will encourage banks to increase lending, thereby boosting credit growth. Furthermore, if global uncertainties ease, Indian companies may begin to invest more in new projects.
     
    A key driver for the markets could be the upcoming corporate earnings season. Morgan Stanley expects many companies to exceed market expectations, supported by a lower base, improved operational efficiency, and steady consumer demand.
     
    Looking ahead, the RBI may cut interest rates by 25 basis points in the fourth quarter, which could further improve market sentiment.
     
    However, the brokerage cautioned that global factors continue to exert a significant influence on India’s markets. Rising geopolitical tensions, shifts in global trade policies, or a slowdown in developed economies could negatively impact domestic equities.
     
    Although India is generally viewed as a stable market, a broad-based global sell-off would likely have a spillover effect on Indian stocks. For instance, a sharp fall in crude oil prices could signal deeper global economic concerns, which may weigh on investor confidence.
     
    Despite these risks, Morgan Stanley believes that strong retail investor participation and sustained foreign institutional interest will provide a cushion against potential downside.
     
    Indian equities also benefit from a ‘scarcity premium’ and ongoing structural reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) overhaul and infrastructure development, which continue to bolster investor confidence.
     
    While current valuations are high relative to historical averages, the brokerage considers them justified in light of the strong earnings outlook.
     
    In the long term, India’s stable policy environment and robust growth potential make it one of the most attractive investment destinations among emerging markets, Morgan Stanley said.
     
    — IANS

  • Rajnath Singh holds bilateral talks with Defence Ministers of Belarus, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan in China

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in China’s Qingdao, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Belarus, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan on Thursday.

    Singh met with Belarusian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Victor Khrenin, Tajik Defence Minister Lieutenant General Sobrizoda Emomali Abdurakhim, and Kazakh Defence Minister Lieutenant General Dauren Kosanov, with a focus on strengthening defence cooperation and exploring new avenues of collaboration.

    During the meetings, Singh emphasised the importance of sustained engagement in defence partnerships and highlighted India’s rapid progress in defence production, particularly in achieving self-reliance across key sectors. He encouraged deeper collaboration in technical areas, defence manufacturing, and innovation.

    Singh also briefed his counterparts on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, and on Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terror initiative aimed at dismantling cross-border terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

    All three ministers acknowledged the importance of continued cooperation and agreed to enhance collaboration in areas such as capacity building, joint training, military education, and technical cooperation. The discussions underscored mutual commitment to strengthening defence ties and promoting regional security.

  • Rajnath Singh and Russian counterpart discuss defence and security at SCO sidelines

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov on Thursday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China. The meeting focused on a broad spectrum of issues, including current geopolitical developments, cross-border terrorism, and Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

    In what was described as one of the most crucial interactions between the two nations, being held in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, the ministers held in-depth discussions on the consequent necessity of augmenting defence production, especially in critical items such as air defence, air-to-air missiles, modern capabilities, and upgrades of air platforms.

    The Russian Defence Minister reiterated the strength of the long-standing Indo-Russian relationship, describing it as a time-tested partnership. He also expressed Russia’s solidarity with India over the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, condemning it as a heinous and cowardly act.

    Key takeaways from the meeting included discussions on the expedited supply of critical military hardware such as S-400 air defence systems, upgrades of Su-30 MKI fighter jets, air-to-air missile systems, and other advanced defence technologies. The two sides also explored opportunities for joint production, modernisation of defence platforms, and enhancement of strategic collaboration.

    The meeting reaffirmed the strategic depth of Indo-Russian defence ties and the shared commitment to regional and global security amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

     

  • Rajnath Singh and Russian counterpart discuss defence and security at SCO sidelines

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov on Thursday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China. The meeting focused on a broad spectrum of issues, including current geopolitical developments, cross-border terrorism, and Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

    In what was described as one of the most crucial interactions between the two nations, being held in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, the ministers held in-depth discussions on the consequent necessity of augmenting defence production, especially in critical items such as air defence, air-to-air missiles, modern capabilities, and upgrades of air platforms.

    The Russian Defence Minister reiterated the strength of the long-standing Indo-Russian relationship, describing it as a time-tested partnership. He also expressed Russia’s solidarity with India over the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, condemning it as a heinous and cowardly act.

    Key takeaways from the meeting included discussions on the expedited supply of critical military hardware such as S-400 air defence systems, upgrades of Su-30 MKI fighter jets, air-to-air missile systems, and other advanced defence technologies. The two sides also explored opportunities for joint production, modernisation of defence platforms, and enhancement of strategic collaboration.

    The meeting reaffirmed the strategic depth of Indo-Russian defence ties and the shared commitment to regional and global security amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

     

  • Centuries-old Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated in Kashi, lakhs of devotees participate

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The holy city of Kashi in Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a divine confluence of devotion and tradition as the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was celebrated with immense fervour on Friday.  
     
    This centuries-old tradition continues to draw lakhs of devotees from across the country who come to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, as they embark on their ceremonial chariot procession through the streets of Varanasi.
     
    The event marks one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in the city, considered to be Kashi’s first ‘Lakkha Mela,’ a fair attended by lakhs of devotees.
     
    The three-day religious celebration holds immense significance in the spiritual calendar of Varanasi. As the beautifully-adorned chariots made their way through the ancient lanes of the city, the atmosphere resonated with chants of “Jai Jagannath”, the beats of drums, conches, and the joyous singing of bhajans by the devotees.
     
    According to Hindu belief, Lord Jagannath enters a period of seclusion and recovery following a ritual bath on Jyeshtha Purnima. The chief priest of the Jagannath Temple in Kashi, Pandit Radheshyam Pandey, explained, “After bathing at Jyeshtha Purnima, Lord Jagannath is believed to fall unwell for 14 days. On Amavasya, after recovering, he embarks on a city tour to bless devotees.”
     
    Adding to this, a devotee shared an insight into the traditional healing rituals observed during this period, saying, “Lord Jagannath is believed to be unwell. For the first two days, a general herbal decoction is given and then for the next 14 days, a special parwal decoction is prepared. After that, he recovers.”
     
    Devotees from far and wide thronged the streets of Varanasi, some offering basil leaves and sweets, especially the local delicacy nankhatai, as offering to the deity. People were seen dancing to devotional music, waving saffron flags, and participating in ‘aartis’ as the divine procession moved through the city.
     
    The Rath Yatra in Kashi is a spiritual spectacle, capturing the deep-rooted faith of millions.
     
    –IANS

  • Delhi CM Rekha Gupta flags off 105 electric buses, inaugurates DTC depot in Narela

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated a newly built DTC bus depot in Sector A9, Narela, and flagged off 105 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interchange (DEVI) initiative. The move is part of the capital’s ongoing efforts to expand clean public transport infrastructure and improve last-mile connectivity.

    The event was attended by BJP MP Yogender Chandoliya, Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, and Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh, among others.

    The DEVI buses, aimed at reducing emissions and offering a smoother commuting experience, are part of the government’s broader push towards sustainable mobility.

    Speaking at the event, Minister Singh highlighted the environmental significance of the move.

    “Pollution has always been a major issue in Delhi, but this time, you would have noticed there hasn’t been any situation that led the NGT to impose bans. This is a new step toward a pollution-free Delhi. To provide people with a pleasant travel experience, electric buses have been introduced,” he said.

    Singh also praised the speed and quality of the depot’s construction. “This terminal has been built in just 90 days and inaugurated with all modern amenities. For drivers, conductors, and the general public, RO drinking water and a large EV charging centre have been set up here,” he added.

    Highlighting the growing importance of the Narela region, Chandoliya said, “Today, 105 electric DEVI buses are being flagged off from here. Many major government projects and universities are coming up in Narela.”

    IANS

  • 148th Jagannath Rath yatra rolls through Ahmedabad

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Ahmedabad on Friday, seamlessly blending centuries-old tradition with state-of-the-art security arrangements.

    Held annually on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (Ashadhi Bij), the Rath Yatra is India’s second-largest chariot festival after Puri, attracting lakhs of devotees from across Gujarat and beyond.

    The day began with the sacred Mangla Aarti, performed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at around 4:00 a.m., continuing his longstanding personal tradition.

    Soon after, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the symbolic ‘Pahind Vidhi’—the ceremonial sweeping of the road with a golden broom—before officially flagging off the Yatra by pulling Lord Jagannath’s chariot from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur.

    The Yatra follows a 16-kilometre route through key parts of Ahmedabad’s walled city, with the holy chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra, and sister Subhadra passing landmarks such as Jamalpur Chakla, Khadia, Kalupur Circle, and Saraspur, where locals traditionally host a grand feast for the deities and devotees.

    The procession will be monitored through heightened surveillance.

    This year, the Rath Yatra has evolved into a full-fledged Lokotsav (people’s festival), showcasing Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage. The grand spectacle features 18 decorated elephants, 100 tableau trucks, 30 akhadas performing martial arts, along with bhajan mandalis, raas-garba troupes, and traditional music bands.

    The sacred duty of pulling the chariots continues to be led by the Khalashi community, upholding a revered centuries-old tradition.

    To ensure safety and smooth conduct, the Ahmedabad Police have implemented one of the most extensive security operations in recent years. More than 23,800 personnel, including State Reserve Police (SRP) battalions, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Chetak Commandos, are deployed. An additional 4,500 police officers are escorting the procession, with 1,000 traffic police managing vehicular movement across the city.

    For the first time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used for crowd management, enabling real-time monitoring of overcrowding and fire hazards.

    A comprehensive surveillance system has been put in place with 227 CCTV cameras, 41 drones, 2,872 body-worn cameras, and 25 watchtowers keeping constant watch along the route. Precautionary barricading has been erected around 484 structurally weak buildings, and public assistance centers have been activated to support the crowd.

    The run-up to the Yatra saw extensive community engagement efforts by the police, who conducted over 450 outreach meetings, including Peace Committees, Mohalla Committees, and Women’s Committees. In addition, interactive events such as cricket matches, blood donation camps, and volleyball tournaments were organised to foster civic unity and communal harmony.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • PM Modi extends Ashadhi Bij greetings to Global Kutchi Community

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi and conveyed special wishes to the global Kutchi community on Ashadhi Bij, which marks the Kutchi New Year.
     
    In a post on X PM Modi said, “Best wishes, especially to the Kutchi community all around the world, on the special occasion of Ashadhi Bij. May the year ahead bring peace, prosperity and wonderful health for everyone.”
     
    Devotees across the country observed Ashadhi Ekadashi with devotion. In Mumbai, large numbers of worshippers gathered at the Vitthal Temple in Wadala to offer prayers. In Uttar Pradesh, pilgrims took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj, marking the day with rituals and offerings.
     
    Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, holds deep religious significance in Hinduism. It is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to mark the day when the deity enters Yoga Nidra (divine sleep) in the Kshir Sagar (cosmic ocean of milk).
     
    According to tradition, Lord Vishnu remains in this meditative sleep for four months, until Prabodhini Ekadashi, which signifies the end of Chaturmas—a holy four-month period of penance, devotion, and spiritual observances in the Hindu calendar.

  • Sensex, Nifty rise in early trade amid global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian benchmark indices opened in the green on Friday, supported by favourable global cues. The Nifty 50 hovered near the 25,600 mark, while the Sensex gained over 100 points in early trade.

    At around 9:15 a.m., the Sensex was trading 150.40 points or 0.18 per cent higher at 83,906.27, while the Nifty added 54.50 points or 0.21 per cent to reach 25,603.

    The Nifty Bank index was down 80.25 points or 0.14 per cent at 57,126.45 in early trade. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,505.65, gaining 278.25 points or 0.47 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index climbed 114.70 points or 0.61 per cent to 18,920.30.

    In the Sensex pack, L&T, Tata Steel, SBI, Tata Motors, NTPC, and HCL Tech were among the top gainers, while HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finance were among the top losers.

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers on June 26, purchasing equities worth ₹12,594.38 crore. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers, offloading equities worth ₹195.23 crore.

    According to analysts, reports suggesting that the July 9 US tariff deadline is likely to be extended are supporting positive market sentiment. US President Donald Trump has also hinted at a “very big” trade deal with India, weeks after a team of negotiators from both countries held four days of closed-door talks on the agreement.

    In Asian markets, China, Bangkok, Seoul, and Hong Kong were trading in the red, while Japan was the only major market trading in the green.

    In the last trading session, the Dow Jones in the US closed at 43,386.84, up 404.41 points or 0.94 per cent. The S&P 500 gained 48.86 points or 0.80 per cent to close at 6,141.02, and the Nasdaq rose 194.36 points or 0.97 per cent to 20,167.91.

    IANS

  • Trump says deal signed with China, hints at ‘great deal’ coming up with India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (US local time) that America has signed a deal with China and hinted that a “very big” deal with India will follow soon.

    Trump made the remarks while speaking at the Big Beautiful Bill event.

    In his speech hinting towards trade deals, Trump said, “Everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it. Remember a few months ago, the press was saying, ‘You really have anybody of any interest? Well, we just signed with China yesterday. We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we’re going to open up India, in the China deal, we are starting to open up China.”

    Trump asserted that deals will not be made with every other nation.

    “We’re not going to make deals with everybody. Some we are just going to send them a letter, say thank you very much. You are to pay 25, 35, 45 per cent. That’s the easy way to do it, and my people don’t want to do it that way. They want to do some of it, but they want to make more deals than I would do,” he said.”

    “But we’re having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we’re going to open up India, in the China deal, we’re starting to open up China. Things that never really could have happened, and the relationship with every country has been very good” he added.

    However, Trump did not elaborate on the details of the deal signed with China.

    Earlier in June, CNN reported that the United States and China reached a new trade agreement, reviving terms first agreed to in Geneva last month, after escalating tensions led to a virtual halt in bilateral trade.

    The trade truce had brought temporary relief to global markets, businesses, and consumers rattled by months of tariff hikes and growing uncertainty.

    President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social previously that the “deal” was complete, confirming that both countries would ease export restrictions. “Our deal with China is done,” Trump posted in all-caps, stating that China would supply “full magnets, and any necessary rare earths…up front,” as per the Geneva framework.

    Earlier this month, while speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said that a trade deal between India and the United States could be finalised soon, with both countries finding common ground that suits their interests.

    “I think to be in a very, very good place, and you should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future because I think we found a place that really works for both countries.”

    When asked if he was hopeful about the outcome, Lutnick said he was “very optimistic,” and added, “It could be sort of the way I come across,” he said.

    Meanwhile, on June 10, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and the US were in the process of negotiating a fair and equitable trade agreement that will benefit both economies.

    Addressing a press conference over India-US trade deal and Future trade agreement with the European Union, Piyush Goyal said, “PM Narendra Modi and US President Trump met in February 2025…Both our leaders have decided to enter into a bilateral trade agreement which will be mutually beneficial for both the economies, businesses on both sides and the people of both countries. We are negotiating to make a nice, fair, equitable and balanced agreement to promote business.”

    Highlighting that both America and India are “very close friends, allies and strategic partners”, Piyush Goyal said that the trade deal is an opportunity to expand bilateral trade and strengthen the partnership between the two nations.

    (ANI)

  • Trump says deal signed with China, hints at ‘great deal’ coming up with India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (US local time) that America has signed a deal with China and hinted that a “very big” deal with India will follow soon.

    Trump made the remarks while speaking at the Big Beautiful Bill event.

    In his speech hinting towards trade deals, Trump said, “Everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it. Remember a few months ago, the press was saying, ‘You really have anybody of any interest? Well, we just signed with China yesterday. We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we’re going to open up India, in the China deal, we are starting to open up China.”

    Trump asserted that deals will not be made with every other nation.

    “We’re not going to make deals with everybody. Some we are just going to send them a letter, say thank you very much. You are to pay 25, 35, 45 per cent. That’s the easy way to do it, and my people don’t want to do it that way. They want to do some of it, but they want to make more deals than I would do,” he said.”

    “But we’re having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we’re going to open up India, in the China deal, we’re starting to open up China. Things that never really could have happened, and the relationship with every country has been very good” he added.

    However, Trump did not elaborate on the details of the deal signed with China.

    Earlier in June, CNN reported that the United States and China reached a new trade agreement, reviving terms first agreed to in Geneva last month, after escalating tensions led to a virtual halt in bilateral trade.

    The trade truce had brought temporary relief to global markets, businesses, and consumers rattled by months of tariff hikes and growing uncertainty.

    President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social previously that the “deal” was complete, confirming that both countries would ease export restrictions. “Our deal with China is done,” Trump posted in all-caps, stating that China would supply “full magnets, and any necessary rare earths…up front,” as per the Geneva framework.

    Earlier this month, while speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said that a trade deal between India and the United States could be finalised soon, with both countries finding common ground that suits their interests.

    “I think to be in a very, very good place, and you should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future because I think we found a place that really works for both countries.”

    When asked if he was hopeful about the outcome, Lutnick said he was “very optimistic,” and added, “It could be sort of the way I come across,” he said.

    Meanwhile, on June 10, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and the US were in the process of negotiating a fair and equitable trade agreement that will benefit both economies.

    Addressing a press conference over India-US trade deal and Future trade agreement with the European Union, Piyush Goyal said, “PM Narendra Modi and US President Trump met in February 2025…Both our leaders have decided to enter into a bilateral trade agreement which will be mutually beneficial for both the economies, businesses on both sides and the people of both countries. We are negotiating to make a nice, fair, equitable and balanced agreement to promote business.”

    Highlighting that both America and India are “very close friends, allies and strategic partners”, Piyush Goyal said that the trade deal is an opportunity to expand bilateral trade and strengthen the partnership between the two nations.

    (ANI)