NewzIntel.com

Category: Government of India

  • Trump calls for Israeli PM’s trial to be cancelled

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for Israel to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or cancel his corruption trial, saying the U.S. would save him like it did his country.

    Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in Israel on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust – all of which Netanyahu denies. The trial began in 2020 and involves three criminal cases. He has pleaded not guilty.

    “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State (of Israel),” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he had learned that Netanyahu was due to appear in court on Monday.

    Israeli media have reported that cross-examination of Netanyahu began on June 3 in a Tel Aviv court and was expected to take about a year to complete.

    Israeli President Issac Herzog has the power to pardon Netanyahu but has been quoted by Israeli media as saying that a pardon is “not currently on the table.” He also said that “no such request had been made,” according to the reports.

    Trump extolled Netanyahu as a “warrior” but also said in his post: “It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu.”

    That appeared to be a reference to U.S. involvement and support for Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.

    It was unclear if Trump meant the U.S. could do anything to aid Netanyahu in his legal battle.

    The Republican president described the case against the Israeli leader as a “witch hunt,” a term Trump has frequently applied to U.S. attempts to prosecute him.

    The warm words contrasted with the rare rebuke he issued on Tuesday over Israel’s post-ceasefire strikes on Iran.

    “Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before. The biggest load that we’ve seen. I’m not happy with Israel,” he told reporters.

    Iran and Israel, he added, had been fighting “so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing.”

    (Reuters)

  • Inter Milan strike late to progress with 2-0 win over River Plate

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Inter Milan scored twice in the last 18 minutes to beat River Plate 2-0 on Wednesday and progress to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup as Group E winners and send the Argentines home.

    Francesco Esposito scored Inter’s first goal seven minutes after River had been reduced to 10 men by the dismissal of Lucas Martinez Quarta, and Alessandro Bastoni added the second in stoppage time.

    The 20-times Italian champions will face Brazilian club Fluminense in the last 16 in Charlotte on Monday with Monterrey, who beat Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0, going through in second place a point ahead of River.

    Martinez Quarta was shown the red card for bringing down Henrikh Mkhitaryan as the last defender with his teammate Gonzalo Montiel also dismissed for two yellow cards after a fracas in stoppage time.

    -Reuters

  • Mamdani’s stunning upset in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary carries risks, rewards for national Democrats

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected upset in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday exhilarated progressive activists, who had banded together to prevent the more moderate former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo from triumphing.

    But the surprise outcome also generated excitement from a very different group of people: national Republicans.

    Soon after it became clear that Mamdani, a 33-year-old state lawmaker, was likely to prevail, Republican Vice President JD Vance sent congratulations on social media to the “new leader of the Democratic Party.” The Republican’s congressional campaign arm called him an “antisemitic socialist radical” and promised to tie him to every vulnerable Democrat in next year’s midterm elections.

    And on Wednesday, Republican President Donald Trump – a native New Yorker – piled on, writing on social media, “It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor.”

    The reactions underscore both the risks and the rewards for the Democratic Party – still trying to find its footing five months into Trump’s term – in having an unabashed left-wing nominee running in the country’s biggest city this fall.

    Mamdani’s campaign, which drew plaudits for its cheery tone and clever viral videos, could help energize young voters, a demographic that Democrats are desperate to reach in 2026 and beyond. His rise from a virtual unknown was fueled by a relentless focus on affordability, an issue Democrats struggled to address during last year’s presidential race.

    “Cost of living is the issue of our time,” Neera Tanden, the chief executive of Democratic think tank Center for American Progress wrote on X in response to Mamdani’s win. “It’s the through line animating all politics. Smart political leaders respond to it.”

    His history-making candidacy – Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, would be the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor – could also drive engagement among Asian and especially Muslim voters, some of whom soured on the party after the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

    “These elections aren’t about left, right or center, they’re about whether you’re a change to the status quo. People don’t want more of the same, they want someone who plays a different game,” said Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson.

    But Mamdani’s criticism of Israel and his democratic socialism are also likely to show up frequently in Republican attack ads. Much of the Democratic establishment had lined up behind Cuomo, including former President Bill Clinton, partly out of unease over Mamdani’s platform. Mamdani has repeatedly said he is not antisemitic.

    “I think he’s an easy target for Republicans who want to use scare tactics to talk about the Muslim mayor from New York City who’s uber-left,” said Patrick Egan, a political science professor at New York University. But Egan noted, Mamdani has also proven to be an adept politician.

    “When people get exposed to this guy, they tend to like him,” he said.

    NO APOLOGY

    Basil Smikle, a political analyst and professor at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, said heavy-handed attacks on Mamdani could backfire by energizing “a lot of the Democratic voters to want to push more against Trump.”

    “I don’t think it hurts Democrats in the long run,” he said. “I actually think it helps them.”

    For his part, Mamdani seemed ready to embrace his role as a party leader, telling supporters in his victory speech that he would govern the city “as a model for the Democratic Party – a party where we fight for working people with no apology.” He vowed to use his mayoral power to “reject Donald Trump’s fascism.”

    Democratic voters say they want a new generation of leaders and a party that concentrates on economic issues, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month.

    “The Democratic Party is trying to figure itself out,” said Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University in New York.

    While Mamdani enters the general election as the favorite in a city dominated by Democrats, the race is more unsettled than usual.

    Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, is running as an independent after his popularity plummeted following his indictment on corruption charges and the subsequent decision by Trump’s Justice Department to drop the case. Cuomo also retains the ability to run as an independent, though he has not yet decided whether to do so.

    The Republican candidate is Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels. Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor, is running as an independent, as well.

    The primary had become a two-man race by Election Day between Mamdani and Cuomo, echoing other Democratic nominating contests in which the party’s establishment and liberal wings have wrestled for power. But it was also a generational clash between Mamdani and Cuomo, the 67-year-old scion of a New York political family.

    That said, Cuomo carried plenty of personal baggage, four years after he resigned the governorship amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has denied.

    “Some people were voting for Mamdani to express their displeasure for Cuomo,” Greer said.

    Mamdani’s unlikely ascension bore some of the same hallmarks of similar rises for two other democratic socialists, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both of whom endorsed his campaign.

    Sanders, an independent, emerged as a leading Democratic presidential candidate in 2016 and 2020, while Ocasio-Cortez pulled off an upset in 2018 by defeating a longtime incumbent Democrat.

    (Reuters)

  • India’s Defence Minister rejects coexistence of terror and peace at SCO Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for united and decisive action against terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in the possession of non-state actors and terrorist groups during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in China’s Qingdao.

    He underlined that peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terror and highlighted radicalisation, extremism and a growing trust deficit as the foremost challenges facing the region.

    “I believe that the biggest challenges that we are facing in our region are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation, extremism and terrorism,” Singh said.

    “Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups,” he said, stressing that only a collective and resolute stand can ensure safety and security for all.

    The Defence Minister said that it is “imperative that those who sponsor, nurture and utilise terrorism for their narrow and selfish ends must bear the consequences.” The Defence Minister warned that nations using cross-border terrorism as a tool of state policy must face consequences.

    “Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations,” he asserted.

    Reiterating India’s zero tolerance towards terrorism, Singh said, “India’s zero tolerance for terrorism is manifest today through its actions. This includes our right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe, and we will not hesitate to target them.”

    Highlighting the need for global action to prevent the radicalisation of youth, Singh said the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has played a key role in coordinating counter-radicalisation efforts.

    He added that the joint statement issued during India’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ reflects the organisation’s shared commitment.

    Singh urged member states to act against the use of modern technology by terrorists, particularly the use of drones for smuggling weapons and narcotics.

    “In our interconnected world, traditional borders are no longer the sole barriers against threats. Instead, we face an intricate web of challenges that range from transnational terrorism and cyber-attacks to hybrid warfare,” he said.

    “These threats do not respect national boundaries, and they demand a unified response rooted in transparency, mutual trust, and collaboration.”

    Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed by ‘The Resistance Front’, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based UN-designated terror group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Rajnath Singh said the pattern of the attack mirrored previous strikes by LeT in India.

    “In exercising its right to defend against terrorism and pre-empt as well as deter further cross-border terrorist attacks, India on May 7, 2025, successfully launched Op Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure,” he said.

    Singh called for accountability for those behind terrorist acts.

    “We reiterate the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, accountable and bring them to justice. Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomever committed. SCO members must condemn this evil unequivocally,” he said.

    The Defence Minister underscored the importance of multilateralism, emphasising India’s belief in dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts.

    “India believes that reformed multilateralism can help build cooperation to prevent conflict between countries by creating mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration. No country, however large and powerful, can manage alone,” he said, invoking the ancient Indian ethos of ‘Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu’ (May all people be happy).

    He reiterated India’s consistent support for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

    “Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and contributing to Afghanistan’s overall developmental needs. As Afghanistan’s largest regional development partner, India continues to implement capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people,” Singh said.

    He concluded with a call for greater cooperation among SCO members, stating that India supports “greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members. We should collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today’s challenges. We must all be in lockstep in our endeavour to strengthen stability and security in our neighbourhood.” (IANS)

  • Gunmen attack Mexican Street Festival, leaving 12 dead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 12 people were killed and nearly 20 others wounded in a brutal overnight attack in the Mexican city of Irapuato, located in the state of Guanajuato, after gunmen opened fire during a festive street celebration honouring St. John the Baptist, local authorities have confirmed.

    The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday (local time) as residents gathered to dance and drink in a community housing complex. A video circulating on social media captured moments of joy– a live band playing, people dancing before panic erupted as gunshots rang out, sending the crowd fleeing in terror.

    Rodolfo Gomez Cervantes, a local official from Irapuato, addressed a press conference on Wednesday, confirming that the death toll had risen to 12 and that about 20 others were receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the attack.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the violence and called for swift justice. “It is very unfortunate what happened. An investigation is underway,” she said in a statement, as federal and state security forces scrambled to piece together what transpired and identify those responsible.

    Guanajuato, a state situated northwest of Mexico City, has become one of Mexico’s most violent regions in recent years. Criminal groups have been waging deadly turf wars for control over drug routes, extortion networks, and other illicit enterprises.

    The state recorded 1,435 homicides in the first five months of 2025 — more than double the number seen in any other Mexican state, according to local media reports.

    This latest massacre comes just a day after five people were killed in separate violent incidents across Guanajuato, according to the state attorney general’s office. It also follows a similar attack last month, when gunmen stormed a Catholic Church event in the town of San Bartolo de Berrios, killing seven attendees.

    Authorities have yet to name suspects or confirm which criminal organisation may be behind the recent violence in Irapuato. Investigations are underway. (IANS)

  • PM Modi chairs 48th PRAGATI meeting; urges health infra push in remote areas, stresses self-reliance in defence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 48th edition of PRAGATI — the Centre’s multi-level, ICT-enabled platform aimed at ensuring proactive governance and timely implementation of key schemes and projects.

    During the session, the Prime Minister reviewed critical infrastructure projects across the Mines, Railways, and Water Resources sectors. These projects were examined with a focus on timelines, coordination among agencies, and resolution of pending issues.

    The PM stressed that delays in project execution result in escalating costs and deprive citizens of timely access to services and infrastructure. He urged officials across ministries and state governments to adopt a result-oriented approach, calling for stronger inter-agency coordination and time-bound delivery.

    The PM reiterated the importance of equitable access to healthcare for marginalised and underserved populations, describing PM-ABHIM as a key opportunity for states to strengthen health infrastructure at the block, district, and state levels. “This is a golden opportunity to bridge the gaps in primary, tertiary, and specialised health services,” the PM said.

    PM Modi also reviewed efforts made by ministries and states in promoting self-reliance in the defence sector. He praised initiatives that foster indigenous manufacturing and innovation, citing the recent Operation Sindoor — carried out using homegrown capabilities — as an example of the strides being made in the sector.

    The Prime Minister urged states to tap into the growing ecosystem by supporting local innovation and contributing to the broader push for self-reliance in defence.

    Launched in 2015, PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a platform through which the Prime Minister directly engages with top officials of central and state governments to review key projects and address bottlenecks in real time.

  • Khelo India University Games 2025 to be held in Rajasthan this November: Sports Minister Mandaviya

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday announced that Rajasthan will host the fifth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025 in November. The Games will be jointly organised by Poornima University and Rajasthan University in Jaipur.

    More than 4,000 athletes from over 200 universities across India are expected to take part in the Under-25 multi-sport event, which has become one of the flagship initiatives under the Khelo India program since its inception in 2020.

    “I am extremely happy to announce that the Khelo India University Games will take place in Rajasthan in November 2025,” Dr. Mandaviya said. “These Games provide a national platform for our university athletes to showcase their talent in front of scouts and sports federations. This is a stepping stone for many young players aspiring to make it to the national and international level.”

    The upcoming edition of KIUG will feature competitions in at least 20 sporting disciplines, continuing the tradition of previous editions. The announcement comes just months after the successful hosting of the Khelo India Youth Games (Under-18) in Bihar in May 2025.

    Reflecting on the previous edition held in the Northeast, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the Games’ growing impact on university-level sports in India. “Worldwide, university students dominate multi-sport events. In Rajasthan, we expect high-quality performances as the athletes will be at their competitive peak,” he added.

    Recap of KIUG 2024

    The KIUG 2024, hosted across seven northeastern states — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Tripura — saw around 4,500 athletes compete in 20 sports. A total of 770 medals were awarded over 11 days, including 240 gold, 240 silver, and 290 bronze.

    Chandigarh University clinched the overall team championship, continuing its strong presence in university sports. Lovely Professional University finished second with 20 gold, 14 silver, and 8 bronze (42 total), while Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, came third with 12 gold, 20 silver, and 19 bronze (51 total).

    Individual highlights from KIUG 2024 included swimmer Pratyasa Ray of Utkal University, who emerged as the most successful female athlete with four gold, one silver, and one bronze. The top male athlete was Xavier Michael Dsouza of Jain University, who bagged four gold medals in swimming.

    Eight new records were set in athletics during KIUG 2024, five of them by male athletes, underlining the growing competitiveness and standard of university sports in India.

    As the focus now shifts to Rajasthan, anticipation builds for another edition of intense competition, rising stars, and record-breaking performances at the Khelo India University Games 2025.

  • Trump signals willingness to send Ukraine more Patriot missiles after meeting Zelenskiy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he would consider supplying Ukraine with more of the Patriot air-defence missiles Kyiv relies on to defend itself from mounting Russian strikes, after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart on Wednesday.

    Both leaders said the 50-minute meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit in The Hague was a positive step in a war now in its fourth year, and which Trump described as “more difficult than other wars”.

    Trump, during a press conference, said the weapons are “very hard to get” but that “we are going to see if we can make some of them available.”

    The U.S. leader also left open the possibility of providing more military aid to Kyiv, which has struggled to fend off grinding Russian advances on the battlefield in recent months.

    Trump had previously shown no signs of resuming the donations of weaponry to Ukraine against Russia’s invasion that his predecessor Joe Biden had instituted.

    Zelenskiy described the meeting as “long and substantive”, saying it covered “all the truly important issues”.

    “We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace,” he wrote on X. “We spoke about how to protect our people.”

    Trump added that he would speak to Vladimir Putin again soon, saying the Russian president “really has to end that war”.

    Zelenskiy has worked to rebuild relations with Washington after a disastrous White House meeting in February with Trump, whose overtures to Russia in recent months have concerned officials in Kyiv.

    (Reuters)

  • Amit Shah releases ‘The Emergency Diaries’, traces PM Modi’s underground role during Emergency

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday released a book titled “The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader”, chronicling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s experiences and involvement during the 1975-77 Emergency.

    The launch, held in the capital on the occasion of ‘Savidhan Hatya Diwas’, was attended by several senior leaders, including Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

    Describing the Emergency as “a dark chapter in Indian democracy”, Shah said the book offers a glimpse into Modi’s life as a 25-year-old underground worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who participated in the resistance movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh.

    “The book details how Modi went into hiding, adopting multiple disguises — as a saint, a Sardarji, a hippie, an incense stick seller, a newspaper vendor — to avoid arrest and continue mobilising support,” Shah said. “He distributed secretly printed newspapers in markets and among students and women, reached out to families of those jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), and helped arrange medical support.”

    Shah claimed the Emergency was imposed to protect dynastic politics and silence dissent, and framed Modi’s role as an early symbol of resistance to authoritarianism. “That same youth who went door-to-door to protect democracy is today strengthening its roots as Prime Minister,” he said.

    According to the Home Minister, the book is divided into five chapters — covering media censorship, state repression, the role of the Sangh and Jana Sangh, stories of Emergency victims, and the eventual return to public participation in governance.

    He urged young people to read the book, stressing that it would help them understand how a generation of activists resisted what he called “dictatorial ideas” and preserved the democratic framework.

  • Mexico home shooting kills at least 10 including children

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 10 people were killed and more injured in a shooting at a home in the central Mexican city of Irapuato on Tuesday night, including children, authorities said.

    “It is an appalling multiple homicide and an investigation is being carried out,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a regular press conference on Wednesday morning, adding that children were among those killed.

    Security authorities said in a statement that they have launched an operation to find those responsible for the attack.

    Local media reported the shooting happened during a religious celebration.

    The attorney general’s office for Guanajuato, the central state where the attack took place, confirmed the attack.

    “According to preliminary data, 10 people lost their lives and several more were injured by firearm projectiles,” Irapuato’s civil security office said in a statement on social media.

    It added that the local government condemned the violence and expressed its solidarity with the victims, relatives and other citizens affected by “this cowardly act.”

    -Reuters

  • Mexico home shooting kills at least 10 including children

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 10 people were killed and more injured in a shooting at a home in the central Mexican city of Irapuato on Tuesday night, including children, authorities said.

    “It is an appalling multiple homicide and an investigation is being carried out,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a regular press conference on Wednesday morning, adding that children were among those killed.

    Security authorities said in a statement that they have launched an operation to find those responsible for the attack.

    Local media reported the shooting happened during a religious celebration.

    The attorney general’s office for Guanajuato, the central state where the attack took place, confirmed the attack.

    “According to preliminary data, 10 people lost their lives and several more were injured by firearm projectiles,” Irapuato’s civil security office said in a statement on social media.

    It added that the local government condemned the violence and expressed its solidarity with the victims, relatives and other citizens affected by “this cowardly act.”

    -Reuters

  • Emergency was imposed to protect power, not nation: Amit Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday described June 25, 1975 — the day Emergency was imposed in India — as the “murder of the Constitution,” and said the nation must remember it not merely as a chapter in history, but as a warning for future generations.

    Speaking at an event in New Delhi to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, now officially observed as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, Shah said democratic institutions were silenced and individual freedoms suppressed “to protect one leader’s hold on power.” He added that forgetting the Emergency would be a mistake, and that younger generations need to know how institutions were silenced and rights curtailed “in the name of national security.”

    “Usually, bad incidents should be forgotten. But when it comes to national life, such incidents should be remembered forever — so that they’re never repeated,” Shah said, addressing the event in New Delhi as chief guest.

    The event was also attended by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, among others.

    The home minister referred to the night of June 24, 1975, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a state of Emergency across India. He said the justification offered — a threat to national security — was a smokescreen to protect the Prime Minister’s hold on power.

    “On June 12, the Allahabad High Court had struck down the PM’s election. That same day, the Janata Morcha won in Gujarat. The Emergency was declared just days later. The world knows today — it was not national security that was in danger, it was the Prime Minister’s position,” Shah said.

    The Constitution, which had been carefully drafted over three years by Dr B R Ambedkar and others, was rendered meaningless by a single sentence: “The President has declared Emergency”, the home minister stressed.

    Detailing the measures taken during the Emergency, Shah cited the Shah Commission’s findings and said India had been turned into a prison. According to him, over 1.1 lakh political workers and social activists were jailed, 253 journalists arrested, 29 foreign correspondents expelled, and widespread censorship was enforced — even in Parliament.

    “All India Radio was censored. Electricity to newspaper offices was cut. Papers like The Indian Express and Jansatta protested by leaving editorial spaces blank,” Shah said, adding that “judges who ruled against the government were punished,” and that films, actors, and even songs were banned if they were seen as critical of the regime.

    Artists including Kishore Kumar, Dev Anand, and Manoj Kumar were targeted. Films such as Aandhi and Kissa Kursi Ka were banned. Parliamentary debates were censored, and the judiciary “brought under control,” he said.

    Shah said a Cabinet meeting was convened at 4 a.m. on June 25, without an agenda, to formalize the imposition of Emergency.

    “The mindset that emerged during that time — that the party is bigger than the nation, the family bigger than the party, and the individual bigger than the family — still poses a threat to democracy,” Shah said.

    Referring to the 1977 general election — in which the Congress was voted out and the Janata Party came to power — Shah said that was the first time in India’s history that a non-Congress party formed a government with an absolute majority.

    “That victory was not of a party but of Indian democracy. The people reminded us that the Constitution belongs to them, not those in power,” he said.

    In a veiled contrast with the past, Shah said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the idea of ‘Nation First’ has taken firm root. “Today, 1.4 billion Indians are working with resolve to make India No. 1 globally by 2047. This has been made possible by the sacrifices of those who resisted the Emergency and spent 19 months in jail,” he said.

    In 2024, the Centre issued a notification officially designating June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, to mark the declaration of Emergency — widely viewed as one of the most controversial and debated chapters in Indian political history.

    Source: PIB

  • CBSE to hold Class 10 Board exams twice a year from 2026

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year starting from the 2026 academic session, allowing students to improve their scores in up to three subjects.

    The move, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is aimed at reducing exam stress and offering students more flexibility.

    According to an official circular issued by CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj, all students must appear for the first board exam in mid-February. Those who wish to improve their scores can take the second exam in May. The first set of results will be announced in April, followed by the second in June.

    Students will have the option to retain the better score in each subject. Internal assessments will only be held once, before the first exam.

    Special provisions have been made for sportspersons, students from winter-bound schools, and children with special needs, allowing them to choose the most suitable exam session.

    CBSE had first proposed the two-exam format in February and sought feedback from stakeholders. While the new system will begin for Class 10 in 2026, CBSE has indicated that a similar plan could be considered for Class 12 as well.

    The reform is expected to ease academic pressure, reduce dependency on coaching centres and encourage a more inclusive and student-centric approach to education.

    IANS

  • India’s economy resilient amid global uncertainties: RBI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s economy remains resilient despite heightened global uncertainties, with high-frequency indicators for May pointing to sustained growth across industrial and services sectors, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Wednesday in its monthly bulletin.

    The report noted broad-based growth in agricultural output for 2024-25, with most major crops seeing an uptick in production. Retail inflation remained subdued, staying below the target for the fourth consecutive month in May.

    “Financial conditions remained conducive to efficient transmission of rate cuts,” the bulletin said.

    The RBI observed that the global economy is in flux due to trade policy uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. However, India’s provisional GDP estimates for 2024-25 reaffirm growth at 6.5%, with a significant sequential pickup in the fourth quarter.

    Among countries surveyed for the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), India posted the highest overall activity and was an outlier for new export orders in May amid contractions elsewhere. Capacity utilisation by manufacturing firms stayed above its long-term average.

    High-frequency demand indicators also signalled a pickup in rural demand, driven by strong agricultural output. Consumer confidence remained stable, with optimism about future prospects improving.

     

     

    Retail inflation stayed benign as food prices eased on the back of record crop production. Core inflation also remained stable, with some softening evident after excluding the impact of volatile gold and silver prices.

    Equity markets posted modest gains through May and June despite volatility on global cues, the report added. Markets rebounded on June 20 after a sharp dip driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

    Although credit growth moderated in April — notably in agriculture and services — non-bank sources of credit, including external commercial borrowings, remained robust. Financial conditions were supportive of rate cut transmission to the credit market, the report said.

    The RBI also noted that the external sector was resilient, with adequate foreign exchange reserves to cover imports and debt.

    IANS

  • India’s economy resilient amid global uncertainties: RBI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s economy remains resilient despite heightened global uncertainties, with high-frequency indicators for May pointing to sustained growth across industrial and services sectors, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Wednesday in its monthly bulletin.

    The report noted broad-based growth in agricultural output for 2024-25, with most major crops seeing an uptick in production. Retail inflation remained subdued, staying below the target for the fourth consecutive month in May.

    “Financial conditions remained conducive to efficient transmission of rate cuts,” the bulletin said.

    The RBI observed that the global economy is in flux due to trade policy uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. However, India’s provisional GDP estimates for 2024-25 reaffirm growth at 6.5%, with a significant sequential pickup in the fourth quarter.

    Among countries surveyed for the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), India posted the highest overall activity and was an outlier for new export orders in May amid contractions elsewhere. Capacity utilisation by manufacturing firms stayed above its long-term average.

    High-frequency demand indicators also signalled a pickup in rural demand, driven by strong agricultural output. Consumer confidence remained stable, with optimism about future prospects improving.

     

     

    Retail inflation stayed benign as food prices eased on the back of record crop production. Core inflation also remained stable, with some softening evident after excluding the impact of volatile gold and silver prices.

    Equity markets posted modest gains through May and June despite volatility on global cues, the report added. Markets rebounded on June 20 after a sharp dip driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

    Although credit growth moderated in April — notably in agriculture and services — non-bank sources of credit, including external commercial borrowings, remained robust. Financial conditions were supportive of rate cut transmission to the credit market, the report said.

    The RBI also noted that the external sector was resilient, with adequate foreign exchange reserves to cover imports and debt.

    IANS

  • Operation Sindhu: IAF brings 224 Indian nationals back from Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Air Force on Wednesday successfully evacuated 224 more Indian nationals from Israel, taking the total number of citizens brought back safely to 818, under Operation Sindhu.

    Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje greeted the Indian nationals upon their arrival in New Delhi.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on X, “Operation Sindhu update, MoS Ms. Shobha Karandlaje received 224 Indian nationals who returned to India from Israel on an IAF aircraft at 10:30 Hrs on 25th June. The safety and security of Indian nationals remain a priority for the government. To date, 818 Indian nationals have returned home from Israel as part of Operation Sindhu.”

    The IAF joined in the operations with its C-17 aircraft to evacuate the Indian nationals and the citizens of friendly nations, including Nepal and Sri Lanka, from war-hit Israel and bring them back home to safety.

    Earlier, the MEA had announced that the evacuation of Indian nationals from Israel under Operation Sindhu started on Monday, June 23, via Jordan, marking its first successful repatriation flight, with 161 citizens landing in New Delhi from Amman on Tuesday morning.

    Followed by a second flight on Tuesday itself, the IAF brought back 286 Indian nationals, who were residing in Israel, from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

    Meanwhile, a similar evacuation process continued in Iran with 282 more evacuees arriving in India. According to the MEA, so far 2,858 Indian nationals have been brought back home from Tehran and other affected regions.

    The Government of India launched Operation Sindhu, an evacuation mission Operation Sindhu following the hostilities between Iran and Israel.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Centre approves ₹417 crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Gautam Buddha Nagar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government has approved the establishment of a ₹417 crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The new cluster aims to significantly boost local manufacturing, encourage innovation, and attract substantial investments into the electronics sector.

    Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State, Jitin Prasada, reviewed the project on Wednesday and instructed officials to work closely with the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure faster implementation.

    About the Project

    To be developed by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), the EMC will span 200 acres and is projected to draw approximately ₹2,500 crore in new investments. Speaking on the occasion, Vaishnaw highlighted that the EMC will generate 15,000 new jobs and create world-class infrastructure, aligning perfectly with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting “Make in India” and “Viksit Bharat.”

    Industry Impact and Products

    The cluster is set to support a broad range of industries, including:

    * Consumer electronics

    * Automotive and industrial electronics

    * Medical devices

    * Computer hardware

    * Communication equipment

    Startups and MSMEs will benefit greatly from this EMC as it will offer world-class plug-and-play infrastructure along with shared amenities. Some key facilities include standard factory sheds, electricity and water provisioning, sewage treatment, skill development centres, health centres, hostels, and more — all of which will help reduce logistics and setup costs.

    Strategic Location

    Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway and Eastern Peripheral Expressway — with proximity to the Palwal–Khurja Expressway — the EMC enjoys strong multimodal connectivity by road, rail, and air. Its position close to the Jewar International Airport and railway hubs, along with surrounding industrial areas like the Medical Device Park, MSME & Apparel Park, and the Aviation Hub, further enhances its accessibility and appeal for potential investors.

    About EMC 2.0 Scheme

    To date, about ₹30,000 crore have been invested across EMCs under the scheme, attracting 520 companies and creating over 86,000 jobs. The new EMC in Uttar Pradesh underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse and will help establish a robust foundation for electronics companies looking to set up their operations in India.

  • ‘Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan’ — Remembering Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s Resounding Call: Vice-President Pays Tribute on The Leader’s Balidan Diwas

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Article 370 Bled Jammu & Kashmir; Along With Draconian 35A, It Deprived People of Basic Human Rights – VP
    NEP 2020 Reaffirms India’s Belief in Education as Self-Awakening, Not Just Skill-Building, Highlights VP
    Our Universities Are Not Meant To Just Hand Out Degrees. They Have To Be Crucibles of Innovation And Sanctuaries of Ideas, Says VP
    Education Brings About Equality, Education Decimates Inequities. Education Gives Life to Democracy, Stresses VP
    Universities Must Allow Space for Disagreement, Debate, Dialogue and Discussion; Abhivyakti, Vaad Vivaad, Anant Vaad Are Inalienable Facets of Our Democracy, Urges VP
    Establish Institutions of Uncompromising Excellence in AI, Climate Tech, Quantum Science — Then Bharat Will Lead, Others Will Follow, Underlines VP
    Vice-President Addresses the Inaugural Session of the 99th Annual Meet and National Conference of Vice Chancellors (2024–2025) In Uttar Pradesh

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today paid homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, saying, “It’s a great day in the history of our nation. One of the finest sons of our soil, it is his balidan diwas today — Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. He gave the slogan — एक विधान, एक निशान और एक प्रधान ही होगा देश में दो नहीं होंगे. He said so during the campaign in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1952.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937053832418410692

    Shri Dhankhar further added, “We suffered from Article 370 for too long. It bled us and the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 and the draconian Article 35A deprived people of their basic human rights and fundamental rights. We had a visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a Home Minister in the shoes of Sardar Patel, Amit Shah. Article 370 does not exist now in our Constitution. It was abrogated on 5th August 2019, and the legal challenge to the Supreme Court failed on 11 December 2023. I therefore cannot be at a more befitting place than this to pay tribute to one of the finest sons of our soil. My tributes to him.”

    Addressing the inaugural session of the 99th Annual Meet and National Conference of Vice Chancellors (2024–2025), organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), at Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Dhankhar said, highlighting the National Education Policy, “I must share with you something which happened after more than 3 decades, that has really changed the landscape of our education. I am making reference to the ‘National Education Policy’ 2020. As Governor, State of West Bengal, I was associated with it. Some major inputs — in the hands of thousands — were taken into consideration for the evolution of this policy.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937060609058800015

    “The policy resonates with our civilizational spirit, essence, and ethos. It is a bold reaffirmation of India’s timeless belief that education is the awakening of the self — not just for education of skills.”

    “I have firmly believed — education is a great equalizer. Education brings about equality as no other mechanism does. Education decimates inequities. As a matter of fact, education gives life to democracy.”

    Congratulating the Government of Uttar Pradesh, he stated, “My congratulations to the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister has done a great initiative. IT was given ‘Industry Status’. That has a huge consequence for positive development. Another aspect for which UP is getting increasingly recognized is at the school education level. The transparency and accountability in administration is becoming a hallmark.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937054543826784674

    Applauding India’s national progress, the Vice-President said, “India has emerged as a land of opportunity, of entrepreneurship, of startups, of innovation, of unicorns. In every parameter where growth and development can be gauged, we are rising.”

    On the role of universities, the Vice-President emphasized, “Our universities are not meant to just hand out degrees. The degrees must carry great weightage. Universities must be sanctuaries of ideas and ideation, crucibles of innovation. These places have to catalyse big change.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937059527398224310

    “That responsibility lies on the Vice-Chancellors in particular and the academia in general. I appeal to you, there must be space for disagreement, debate, dialogue and discussion. That is how the mind cells are activated. Abhivyakti, Vaad Vivaad, Anant Vaad — these are inalienable facets of our civilisation, of our democracy.”

    Highlighting India’s potential to lead in knowledge domains, he said, “When you look around the world, you’ll understand its significance. The state of education defines not only the state of academics, but the state of the nation. We cannot remain perpetual students of Western innovation when our demographic dividend position says, as the world’s knowledge epicenter.”

    “And when we look back in our ancient history, we are reminded of our rich past. It is time Bharat must build world-class institutions, not just to teach, but to pioneer. These are not mere disciplines. These are levers of assurance of our sovereignty in all times to come.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937061917761376261

    Calling for equitable expansion of higher education, the Vice-President observed, “A lot of our institutions have remained brown-field. Let us fall in line with the global groove — let’s go green. Greenfield institutions alone bring about equitable distribution. There is clusterization in metros and Tier 1 cities. Many regions remain untouched.”

    “Let’s go in for greenfield institutions in such areas. Vice Chancellors are not only the watchdogs, but impregnable bulwarks against commodification and commercialisation of education. One of our fundamental objectives is to ensure affordability, reach, and accessibility of quality education for ordinary people.”

    Concluding his address with a call to establish leadership in emerging domains, the Vice-President asserted, “Establish institutions of uncompromising excellence in emerging domains — artificial intelligence, climate change, climate technology, quantum science, digital ethics — then Bharat will lead, others will follow. That’s a challenge.”

    “Education is not just merely for public good. It is our most strategic national asset. It is integrally connected not only with our development journey in infrastructure or otherwise, it assures national security also.”

    “Friends, I am before academicians and therefore I will reveal my thought process a little more critically for your analysis. Impossible choices define our character and strength. We must not take the easy route. Impossible choices define that we really have a great inheritance. Taking the easy path is getting into mediocrity, and then into irrelevance and insignificance.”

    “Universities are crucibles to generate such choices. They prepare minds. They prepare people to be intrepid — to go in for impossible choices.”

    Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma, Minister for IT and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education and Research Group; Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, AIU; and Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU, and other dignitaries were also present.

  • June 25, 1975, Lest We Forget

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Fifty years ago, on this day, the Constitution of India was put in abeyance. The political leadership, trusted to usher a new social and economic future for the citizens, conflicted with the judiciary, and the Emergency was announced.

    Fundamental rights were taken away overnight. Political opposition was put behind bars. Young voices were chased away into oblivion, and the frightened citizens of India were left to reminisce about the ugly days of British rule, for such were the dictatorial and draconian measures of the government.

    The Emergency was a setback for a young republic, rediscovering its civilisational place in a rapidly transforming world.

    Even when the Indian citizens languished for basic necessities, they always had their fundamental rights; the right to express their opinions, the right to question their governments, the right to demand better facilities, the right to practice their religion, the right to access information via press, and the right to be critical of the government. With one proclamation, all those rights were discarded, leaving millions of citizens in a limbo.

    For the people, the period was plagued with uncertainty. Many leaders, who were indefinitely jailed, were refused trial. Some have confessed that they were not even allowed to meet their family members. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh once narrated how he could not meet his mother in her final days, because he was jailed. The press, unable to function on principle, printed blank pages as a mark of protest.

    The Emergency of 1975 is the story of India’s democratic character being strangled. Within this larger story, there were millions of stories, unheard, unacknowledged, and unfortunately forgotten.

    Even when people had nothing, they had their rights, and they snatched away at the whims and fancies of one party. In a world oscillating between communism and democracy of the west, India, under the political leadership of 1975, was forced to choose a path that would usher an irreversible stain on our history.

    A democracy flourishes because of people’s trust in the institutions. From the election commission to the judiciary, these are the pieces in the larger puzzle that come together for the country to function perfectly. The Emergency diluted the criticality of these institutions. Elections were delayed. The judgement of the Allahabad High Court was set aside. When mass sterilisations were carried out in the name of population control, people did not have an institution to turn to.

    Many defenders of the Emergency proclaim that the Emergency was announced to curb possible anarchy, but in hindsight, it ushered in an era of silent anarchy within the country.

    Fifty years later, the fourth largest economy of the world must not forget the lessons from the Emergency. When a political entity loses control and conviction, it turns to the institutions, even while in opposition. Some leaders blame the election commission when the results do not go in their favour. Some pin the blame on the judiciary, and if all else fails, the media is made the scapegoat. Such political entities must be discarded.

    Our democracy’s strength is derived from its institutions, for these empower our citizens as well. Today, a citizen, even if in disagreement with the government, can walk upto the Supreme Court if their fundamental rights are violated. Today, a citizen, irrespective of their place in the socio-economic pyramid, can voice their criticism against the government. Despite the election results, the political opposition continues to flourish in our country. This is what democracy is all about- a voice for all.

    The Emergency serves as a lesson in political governance as well. Leadership must not be used to trample upon people’s rights, but to uplift those who need it the most. A leader should be able to elevate everyone’s socio-economic status, be it through financial inclusion, better infrastructure, or more economic opportunities.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was a young RSS worker during the Emergency, has taken all the right lessons from the Emergency. In his policy pursuits, he has empowered the people through an array of welfare programmes. Not letting dissent or disagreement come in the way of welfare, the Prime Minister has ensured everyone moves along the path of welfare. Dissent can be an exception, but delivery has been made a routine exercise.

    Fifty years, lest we forget the horrors of the Emergency and the people who made the brave sacrifice. Many stories and people are forgotten, and their stories never surfaced, but they all were equal stakeholders in the cause of the country. They all were equally suffering under the tyranny of a government that violated its constitutional obligations and duties.

    (Tushar Gupta is a Delhi-based journalist and a political commentator)

  • Piyush Goyal chairs review meeting on PLI scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting on the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, underlining its critical role in making India “Aatmanirbhar” in the manufacturing sector. During the meeting, held with representatives from all concerned ministries, Goyal emphasized that India must focus on sectors where it holds a competitive edge globally and proactively address the challenges faced by various stakeholders to boost the country’s exports.

    Highlighting the need for self-reliance in the key sectors covered under the PLI Scheme, Goyal stressed the importance of building quality skilled manpower over quantity. He urged ministries to work in collaboration with the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) to resolve infrastructure bottlenecks. The minister also called for a well-defined roadmap for the next five years, both in terms of attracting investment and disbursing incentives under the scheme.

    The PLI Scheme, currently at various stages of implementation across 14 key sectors, has attracted investments worth ₹1.76 lakh crore and generated production and sales exceeding ₹16.5 lakh crore. This, in turn, has created over 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs as of March 2025. So far, a cumulative incentive of ₹21,534 crore has been disbursed under the scheme across 12 sectors including large-scale electronics manufacturing, IT hardware, bulk drugs, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, telecom and networking products, food processing, white goods, automobiles and auto components, specialty steel, textiles, and drones and drone components.

    The impact of the scheme has been significant in driving domestic manufacturing, creating employment, increasing exports, and fostering innovation. In the pharmaceutical drugs sector, the scheme has generated cumulative sales worth ₹2.66 lakh crore, including ₹1.70 lakh crore in exports within the first three years. In FY 2024-25 alone, eligible product exports stood at ₹67,000 crore—around 27 per cent of the country’s total pharma exports. Notably, 40 percent of the total investment in the sector, amounting to ₹15,102 crore, has been directed towards research and development. As of March 2025, the domestic value addition in the pharmaceutical sector stood at an impressive 83.7 per cent.

    In the bulk drugs sector, the PLI Scheme has played a transformative role by enabling India to become a net exporter of bulk drugs, with exports worth ₹2,280 crore in FY 2024-25, a reversal from the net import position of ₹1,930 crore in FY 2021-22. This shift has significantly reduced the gap between domestic manufacturing capacity and the demand for critical drugs.

    The food processing sector has also seen strong results, reporting investments worth ₹9,032 crore, which have resulted in production and sales of ₹3,80,350 crore and generated employment for 3,40,116 people. The scheme has encouraged the use of domestically grown agricultural products, thereby benefiting rural and underdeveloped areas and supporting farmers’ incomes. A majority of the beneficiaries are MSMEs, with 70 MSMEs directly enrolled and 40 more serving as contract manufacturers for larger firms. The value-added marine product segment has seen sales grow at a CAGR of 22 per cent during the PLI period. Additionally, the launch of the PLI Millet Scheme has led to a 25-fold increase in the sales of millet-based products in FY 2024-25 compared to the base year of FY 2020-21. Millet procurement by PLI beneficiaries increased from 4,081 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 16,130 metric tonnes in 2024-25, boosting rural household incomes.

    In the textiles sector, exports of Indian man-made fibre (MMF) textiles reached US$ 6 billion in FY 2024-25, up from US$ 5.7 billion in the previous fiscal year. Exports of technical textiles also increased significantly, rising to US$ 3,356.5 million in FY 2024-25 from US$ 2,986.6 million in FY 2023-24.

  • PM Modi’s space reforms mark a key turning point, sector may hit $40B in 10 years: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open up the space sector to private players as a “turning point” that sparked a “miraculous” transformation. He projected that the sector could grow to USD 40–45 billion in a decade, and added that experiments conducted by astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Axiom-4 mission will help prepare for future Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharat Space Station, planned for 2035.

    Singh noted that one of the biggest milestones in India’s space programme came when the private sector was allowed to participate. “I think one of the greatest turning points in India’s space journey has been PM Modi’s path-breaking decision to allow the private sector to step in. The change has been miraculous. The transformation in the last 4–5 years — there are thousands of crores of investments happening from the private sector,” he told ANI.

    Singh further said that India’s space sector is set for rapid growth in the coming years. “Our future projections indicate that in about 8–10 years, we might grow 4–5 times, reaching about USD 40–45 billion. Opening up the space sector to the private sector was a very courageous decision, which could have been taken only by a political dispensation with tremendous conviction and willpower,” the Union minister said.

    Referring to India’s growing ambitions in space exploration, Singh said the recent Axiom Mission 4 would provide valuable experience for future Indian missions.

    “I think it will also be a good experience for future missions. This, coupled with Chandrayaan-4 and missions like the Bharat Space Station, which we plan to have by 2035, and for long-duration stays in space or microgravity conditions — what arrangements need to be put in place will also be learned through the experiments conducted by Shubhanshu,” Singh said.

    Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, stating that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indian citizens.

    “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and the other astronauts all the success!” PM Modi posted on X.

    Following the successful lift-off of Axiom Mission 4, Singh also saif on X that India’s rise to the status of a “Viksit Bharat” had begun through its space exploration.

    “Congratulations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — you are the first Indian astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India at the forefront of space exploration,” Singh wrote.

    He added that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla would carry out seven important experiments designed by Indian institutes. The minister also took the opportunity to remember and honour the visionaries behind India’s space ambitions, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan.

    The Axiom Mission 4 was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (noon IST). 

    ANI

  • Sensex, Nifty rise for 2nd day as geopolitical tensions ease, oil prices fall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets extended their gains for the second straight day on Wednesday, supported by strong buying in media and technology shares.

    Investors were relieved after crude oil prices dropped and tensions between Iran and Israel eased following a ceasefire.

    The Sensex closed 700.4 points higher at 82,755.51, gaining 0.85 per cent. The Nifty also rose by 200.40 points to settle at 25,244.75, up 0.8 per cent.

    Titan Company, M&M, Infosys, Power Grid, TCS and Bharti Airtel emerged as the top gainers on the Sensex, with gains of up to 3.6 per cent.

    On the other hand, BEL, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank were the major laggards, falling as much as 3 per cent.

    The broader markets saw a positive trend as well. The Nifty MidCap index gained 0.44 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index jumped 1.5 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the top performer with a 1.99 per cent rise, followed by Nifty IT which went up 1.64 per cent, and Nifty Consumer Durables which gained 1.43 per cent.

    Market sentiment improved due to the drop in oil prices and reduced geopolitical risk, which helped boost risk appetite among investors.

    Analysts believe that these developments have brought temporary relief to the markets, despite continued selling by foreign investors.

    Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, said that the easing of tensions in the Middle East and the softening of crude oil prices have played a key role in the market’s recovery.

    “Indian equity markets have staged a recovery, supported by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a moderation in crude oil prices,” Nair stated.

    He added that domestically, a favourable monsoon forecast, and moderating inflation are further underpinning the optimism.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Rupee traded flat near 86.10 after a sharp rally of over 0.75 seen in the previous session, taking a breather within a narrow range of 86.00-86.15.

    “Market participants are now eyeing upcoming triggers from the US, including the PCE Price Index and GDP data later this week. The Rupee is expected to trade in a range of 85.70 to 86.25,” Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities mentioned.

    (IANS)

  • Cabinet approves revised Jharia Master Plan with ₹5,940 crore financial outlay

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP), aimed at tackling long-standing issues of fire, land subsidence, and the rehabilitation of affected families in the Jharia Coalfield. The total financial outlay for this revised plan is ₹5,940.47 crore.

    The revised JMP adopts a phased approach to address fire and subsidence and rehabilitate affected families on a priority basis, starting with the most vulnerable sites. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainable livelihood generation to support resettled communities, ensuring they are not only housed but also economically empowered.

    As part of the rehabilitation strategy, skill development programmes will be introduced to enhance the employability of those displaced. Additionally, rehabilitated families—both Legal Title Holders (LTH) and Non-Legal Title Holders (Non-LTH)—will receive a Livelihood Grant of ₹1 lakh and will have access to credit support of up to ₹3 lakh through an institutional credit pipeline.

    The plan also includes the development of robust infrastructure and amenities at all resettlement sites, including roads, electricity, water supply, sewerage, schools, hospitals, skill-development centres, and community halls. These provisions will be implemented according to the recommendations of the Committee for Implementation of the Revised Jharia Master Plan, ensuring a holistic and humane approach to rehabilitation.

    Furthermore, a Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund will be set up to support livelihood-related activities, and skill-development initiatives will be conducted in collaboration with Multi-Skill Development Institutes in the region. These measures aim to promote self-reliance and sustainable income-generation opportunities for all displaced families, making the Revised JMP a significant step toward long-term socioeconomic progress.

  • Cabinet approves Pune Metro Phase-2 expansion to boost urban connectivity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Phase-2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, which includes two new corridors: Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A) and Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B). These corridors are extensions of the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi line developed under Phase-1.

    The two elevated corridors will together span 12.75 km, incorporating 13 stations and connecting rapidly developing suburban areas such as Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is expected to be completed within four years.

    With an estimated cost of Rs. 3,626.24 crore, the project will be jointly funded by the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and external bilateral/multilateral agencies. It aligns with Pune’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), aiming to create a continuous Chandani Chowk to Wagholi east-west metro corridor and strengthen mass transit options in the city.

    Once completed, the new corridors will serve major IT hubs, business zones, educational institutions, and residential neighborhoods, significantly improving public transport accessibility and increasing overall metro ridership. Integration at the District Court Interchange Station with Line-1 (Nigdi–Katraj) and Line-3 (Hinjewadi–District Court) will offer seamless multimodal travel across the Pune metropolitan area.

    The long-term vision for Pune’s urban transport also includes the integration of intercity bus services. Passengers arriving from cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru will be able to connect through Chandani Chowk, while those coming from Ahilya Nagar and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar will find convenient links at Wagholi. This is expected to reduce congestion on major city roads like Paud Road and Nagar Road, offering citizens safer, faster, and greener travel options.

    Projected incremental daily ridership for the expanded Line-2 corridor is estimated at 0.96 lakh in 2027, rising to 2.01 lakh by 2037, 2.87 lakh by 2047, and 3.49 lakh by 2057.

    The project will be executed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), which is responsible for all civil and electro-mechanical work. Pre-construction activities such as topographical surveys and detailed design consultations have already begun.

  • Russia says it is too early to assess US bomb damage to Iranian nuclear facilities

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Kremlin said on Wednesday that it thought it was too early for anyone to have an accurate picture of the extent of damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear facilities by U.S. bombing last weekend.

    Asked if Russia had its own information on the degree of damage, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “No. I don’t think that anyone can have realistic data now. It’s probably too early, we need to wait until such data appears.”

    U.S. President Donald Trump said at the weekend that the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    However, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that a preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment had determined that the attacks had set back Tehran’s programme by only a matter of months.

    Russia has condemned the strikes on Iran, with which it signed a strategic cooperation agreement in January, as illegal, unjustified and unprovoked.

    Peskov said Russia had indications that there were open communications channels between Washington and Tehran, adding that Moscow was closely monitoring developments and still talking to Iran itself.

    -Reuters

  • PM Modi’s decision to open space sector “greatest turning point”, industry could grow to over $40 billion in decade: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open up the space sector to private players as a “turning point” that sparked a “miraculous” transformation. He projected that the sector could grow to USD 40–45 billion in a decade, and added that experiments conducted by astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Axiom-4 mission will help prepare for future Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharat Space Station, planned for 2035.

    Singh noted that one of the biggest milestones in India’s space programme came when the private sector was allowed to participate. “I think one of the greatest turning points in India’s space journey has been PM Modi’s path-breaking decision to allow the private sector to step in. The change has been miraculous. The transformation in the last 4–5 years — there are thousands of crores of investments happening from the private sector,” he told ANI.

    Singh further said that India’s space sector is set for rapid growth in the coming years. “Our future projections indicate that in about 8–10 years, we might grow 4–5 times, reaching about USD 40–45 billion. Opening up the space sector to the private sector was a very courageous decision, which could have been taken only by a political dispensation with tremendous conviction and willpower,” the Union minister said.

    Referring to India’s growing ambitions in space exploration, Singh said the recent Axiom Mission 4 would provide valuable experience for future Indian missions.

    “I think it will also be a good experience for future missions. This, coupled with Chandrayaan-4 and missions like the Bharat Space Station, which we plan to have by 2035, and for long-duration stays in space or microgravity conditions — what arrangements need to be put in place will also be learned through the experiments conducted by Shubhanshu,” Singh said.

    Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, stating that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indian citizens.

    “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and the other astronauts all the success!” PM Modi posted on X.

    Following the successful lift-off of Axiom Mission 4, Singh also saif on X that India’s rise to the status of a “Viksit Bharat” had begun through its space exploration.

    “Congratulations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — you are the first Indian astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India at the forefront of space exploration,” Singh wrote.

    He added that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla would carry out seven important experiments designed by Indian institutes. The minister also took the opportunity to remember and honour the visionaries behind India’s space ambitions, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan.

    The Axiom Mission 4 was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (noon IST). 

    ANI

  • IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India till July 1

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across many parts of northwest, central, east, and northeast India over the next seven days, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall expected over Gujarat and Odisha.

    The southwest monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea and extended into additional areas of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. According to the IMD, conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and the rest of West Uttar Pradesh within the next 24 hours.

    Extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, is likely to occur at isolated locations in Gujarat and Odisha on June 25. Very heavy rainfall is also anticipated in several regions, including Konkan and Goa, the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, East and West Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Coastal and Interior Karnataka, Kerala, West Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of East Uttar Pradesh.

    This sustained rainfall activity is expected to continue until at least July 1, bringing both relief to parched regions and concerns over potential flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

  • Delhi to witness rain, cloudy skies till June 28: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The southwest monsoon has made further progress on Wednesday, advancing over the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea and into additional areas of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that conditions are favourable for its further advance into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and the remaining regions of West Uttar Pradesh within the next 24 hours.

    As Delhi-NCR brace for the monsoon’s full arrival, the weather forecast from June 25 to 28 predicts predominantly cloudy skies with varying intensities of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

    On June 25, Delhi is expected to experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 33°C and 35°C, which is 2 to 4 degrees below normal for this time of year.

    The cooling trend will continue through June 26, with very light to light rainfall and thunderstorms expected. Minimum temperatures will range between 26°C and 28°C, dipping 1 to 2 degrees below normal, while maximum temperatures will remain in the 33°C to 35°C range. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast, with speeds varying between 15 to 25 kmph.

    Similar weather conditions are forecast for June 27, with light rain and thunderstorms persisting. Temperatures are expected to remain consistent, with the mercury ranging from 26°C to 28°C at night and 33°C to 35°C during the day. Winds will shift in direction throughout the day, starting from the east and moving to the southeast and northeast by evening, with generally low wind speeds.

    On June 28, Delhi is likely to experience very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Temperatures are expected to dip further, with highs between 32°C and 34°C and lows between 25°C and 27°C. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to remain below normal by 3 to 5 degrees and 1 to 3 degrees, respectively. Winds will be light and variable, predominantly from the northwest throughout the day.

    The continued advance of the monsoon and the accompanying rainfall will provide much-needed relief from the summer heat while keeping temperatures below seasonal norms across the national capital region.

  • Cabinet approves establishment of International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre in Agra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to establish the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

    This significant move aims to enhance food and nutritional security, boost farmers’ incomes, and create employment opportunities through improved potato and sweet potato productivity, better post-harvest management, and value addition. The upcoming centre will be located in Singna, Agra, and is expected to play a transformative role in the potato sector.

    India’s potato industry holds substantial potential to generate jobs across various segments, including production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and the broader agricultural value chain. Recognizing this opportunity, the new CSARC will serve as a hub for advanced research and innovation tailored to the needs of South Asia.

    The centre will focus on developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutrient-rich varieties of potato and sweet potato. These innovations are expected to significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development, not only within India but across the broader South Asian region.

  • Nations act only in pursuit of their own interests not based on idealism, morality or international solidarity: VP recalls Savarkar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy and resolve of the government today-VP
    Amid perpetual decline of global multilateralism, VP advocates that India give up romanticism and focus on economic growth
    Those who take a stand for momentary situations are not in the psych or groove of Bharat-VP
    Even the Fabian socialists of the 50’s cannot disagree with the direction of the country as we strive to attain-VP
    When we assess the progress of Bharat, our outlook must be very broad, not dictated by isolated incidents-VP

    The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today recalling V. D. Savarkar stated that, “ Browsing through the pages of ‘New World: 21st Century Global Order in India’. I felt the imprint of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the author’s thought……..Savarkar, despite all the untenable misgivings and untenable misgivings in extremity, remains a celebrated thinker who stood at the wee hours of the post-war order. Savarkar, a staunch realist, believed in a post-war world where nations would act only in pursuit of their own interests not based on idealism, morality or international solidarity. Imagine how prophetic he has been. Look around last fortnight, last three months. All this has been seen by all of us.  He rejected  pacifist or utopian internationalism and emphasized that India must safeguard its sovereignty through strength, not by relying on Western-dominated institutions like the League of Nations or later the United Nations, both ignoring due place to one-sixth of humanity”.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937150170770395176

    Speaking at the launch of the book ‘New World: 21st Century Global Order in India’ by Shri Ram Madhav, Shri Dhankhar highlighted, “Friends, today, strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy and resolve of this government. It is steadfast, firm, non-negotiable, and notwithstanding the critics — it is spinally strong. The nation has never ever projected its stand so firmly. Let us not be misguided by the distraction — who said what. The government, and India and its people, stand firmly for the nation — nation first and our nationalism….Those who take a stand for momentary situations are not in the psych or groove of Bharat. Once we attain strength inwards, we can shape our strategic environment outwards”.

    “I could not agree more with lamentations of the author Dr. Ram Madhav. He highlights a perpetual decline of global multilateralism and prescribes India to give up romanticism and focus on economic growth”, he added.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937153830573265148

    Underlining the roots of strategic thinking in the nation, he stated, “George Tanham, an American thinker, three decades ago, in a treatise effectively suggested that there is absence of a strategic thinking in India on account of its Hindu philosophical roots and there were takers of it. But with Shri Ram Madhav’s  volume, George Tanhan stands corrected. He couldn’t be more wrong. His analysis is far distanced from the ground reality over the centuries in this country…..The principle ‘Rajadharma’ (or ethical statecraft) and ‘Dharmayudha’ (just war) in Mahabharata; Dhamma diplomacy in Ashokan edicts; and the Mandala Theory of Kautilya are all examples of theorizing strategic environments — all feast to the intellect.These philosophies have ever been relevant, but in our contemporaneous challenging times, these are the need of the global order.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937153363382297062

    He further underlined, “These are times when we are easily misunderstood. The travesty of it is that when you say these things, hypocritically psychopancy overtakes the traction to denude you of your position by exactly pointing a finger which normally should be pointed towards them. Friends, even the Fabian socialists of the  50s cannot disagree with the direction of the country as we strive to attain. And what do we strive to attain? We are not creating Bharat, it was not born on 15th August 1947. We only got rid of colonial power ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः’ that is our philosophy. May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from illness.”

    Emphasizing the peace loving nature of Bharat, he stated, “Friends, this country has always stood for global peace and harmony,  never having engaged at any time in its history in expansionism. The contemporaneous global scenario today is alarmingly concerning and also equally worrisome, particularly for peace-loving nations like Bharat….As Bharat achieves universal well-being for all citizens, we become role models for others. We lead by example, not by proclamation. We already lead in areas like digital public infrastructure where global South nations can follow our path. It was the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi that during G20 the concerns of Global South could be put on the radar. It happened for the first time. It was for the first time during G20 that African Union was put at par with European Union in the membership of G20. I would call it a game-changing development. And therefore, when we assess the progress of Bharat, our outlook must be very broad, not dictated by isolated incidents.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937159904042823989

    Urging careful approach, he said, “ Friends, the pathway to Bharat’s rise would require careful trading. There are forces that are determined to make our life difficult. There are forces within the country and outside. These sinister forces, pernicious to our interests, want to strike by dividing us on issues even like language. Which country in the world can take pride of the language richness as Bharat. Look at our classical languages, their number. In parliament, 22 such languages allow and afford opportunity anyone to express in them. It would require many such thinkers to come together and debate and discuss challenges and opportunities and aid policymakers in making right strategic choices. Evolution of policies must take place now with a little more representative character. India’s Think tanks, they are available in various formats, different political parties. It is required that there be convergence…..the political temperature has to come down. There has to be greater dialogue amongst political parties. I firmly believe we have no enemies in the country. We have enemies outside. And some who are enemies within a small fraction, they are rooted to outside forces, inimical to Bharat.”