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Category: Government of India

  • Iran rejects nuclear talks as West Asia conflict enters second week

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the war between Israel and Iran enters its eighth day, European foreign ministers are meeting with Iranian officials in Geneva in a last-ditch effort to de-escalate tensions that have already begun to rattle global energy markets and regional stability. The E3 bloc—comprising France, Britain, and Germany—has resumed high-level negotiations with Iran, amid what diplomats are calling the most dangerous security crisis in the region in over a decade.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, addressing the United Nations in Geneva ahead of the talks, strongly condemned Israel’s recent missile attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. He labeled the strikes as “serious war crimes” and “an act of betrayal of diplomacy,” revealing that Iran had been on the verge of finalizing a nuclear agreement with the United States, originally scheduled for June 15. According to Araqchi, the Israeli raids derailed what he described as a “very promising agreement,” and he categorically ruled out any further nuclear discussions with Washington while Israeli attacks continue.

    “There is no room for negotiations under the shadow of missiles,” Araqchi declared, asserting that Iran will not return to the table unless Israeli aggression ceases.

    The latest surge in violence began when Iran launched missile strikes into northern, central, and southern Israel, including the port city of Haifa, early Friday morning. The attacks triggered air raid sirens across Israel, prompting widespread panic and sending civilians into bomb shelters. In retaliation, Israeli forces carried out overnight airstrikes on multiple Iranian military installations, including missile production centers and a nuclear warhead development site in Tehran.

    The conflict has rapidly expanded beyond a military confrontation. In Qatar, emergency meetings are being held with major energy companies after Israeli strikes targeted the South Pars/North Dome gas field—the largest known natural gas reserve, jointly shared by Iran and Qatar. The attacks have raised serious alarms over the stability of regional energy infrastructure, with global oil markets on edge over the possibility of further disruption to Gulf energy supplies.

    Qatar now finds itself in a precarious diplomatic position. While it maintains a close strategic partnership with the United States, it also shares vital economic interests with Iran. Balancing these competing pressures will be critical as tensions continue to escalate.

    International responses remain cautious but increasingly urgent. The United States has bolstered its military presence in the region, describing the move as a precautionary measure. A third U.S. Navy destroyer has entered the eastern Mediterranean, and the USS Nimitz carrier strike group is en route to the Arabian Sea.

    Russia has issued a stark warning, stating it would respond “very negatively” if Israel—particularly with U.S. support—attempts any strike against Iran’s supreme leader.

    Inside Iran, mass protests have erupted in Tehran and other cities. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets, condemning Israeli actions and carrying portraits of Iranian commanders killed in the fighting. The protests reflect mounting domestic pressure on Iranian leadership to respond decisively to Israeli attacks.

    The renewed European diplomatic push comes amid growing concern that the conflict could spiral further out of control. The E3 foreign ministers are urging Iran to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing that diplomacy remains the only viable path to de-escalation. However, with both sides entrenched in their positions, the window for diplomatic resolution is narrowing rapidly.

    The timing of the Geneva talks is also shaped by a two-week deadline set by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who remains a key political figure and has called for immediate diplomatic movement or face potential military escalation.

    With war threatening to destabilize not only the wider West Asian region but also international energy markets, the outcome of the current diplomatic effort may prove critical for global stability.

  • Amit Shah inaugurates bew MACCIA headquarters in Mumbai; highlights Maharashtra’s role in India’s economic growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the newly constructed headquarters of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) in Mumbai today. The event also featured a state-level cooperative industrial conference, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, and other dignitaries in attendance.

    Shah reflected on the enduring legacy of Seth Walchand, a pioneering industrialist whose contributions have continued to benefit Maharashtra and the nation. Shah emphasized that institutions celebrating a centenary must not only take pride in their legacy but also use the occasion for introspection and renewal.

    He remarked that in the century since MACCIA’s founding, the global and national economic landscape has undergone transformative changes. With globalization reshaping commerce, industry, and agriculture, Shah called on Chambers of Commerce across the country to adapt their methods and reassess their relevance. He urged them to engage professional institutions to align operations with the evolving economic and policymaking frameworks of both state and central governments.

    Highlighting India’s economic trajectory, Shah said that the country has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, overtaking former colonial powers. He credited policy reforms and their robust implementation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for this significant progress, including the rising global standing of the Indian passport.

    Shah said that Maharashtra has become a symbol of India’s industrial growth, hosting the country’s financial capital and contributing 39% of India’s total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He cited that the state also leads in startups, tourism, income tax filings by women, and infrastructure development — including the upcoming Vadhavan Port and the bullet train project.

    Addressing the development of Mumbai and its surrounding areas, Shah revealed that the central and state governments, operating under a “double-engine” governance model, are investing over ₹7 lakh crore in transformative projects. This effort, he said, is infusing Maharashtra with new energy and fostering long-term development.

    Drawing a comparison between two decades, Shah stated that Maharashtra received ₹1.91 lakh crore in central devolution and grants between 2004 and 2014, whereas this amount increased to ₹7.82 lakh crore during the Modi government’s tenure from 2014 to 2024.

    Emphasizing the importance of cooperative federalism, Shah said that Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Team India” is central to the nation’s development. He added that the joint efforts of the Centre and the States, along with a constructive mindset, are driving the country’s rapid progress.

    MACCIA’s role, he added, remains crucial as it continues to raise demands for policy changes, infrastructure upgrades, and solutions for issues in trade, industry, and agriculture. Shah called upon all Chambers of Commerce to evolve with the times and continue contributing meaningfully to India’s economic journey.

  • Union Finance Minister releases fifth edition of National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Friday released the fifth edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) during the CBIC Conclave held in the national capital. This flagship performance measurement tool, developed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), offers a quantitative assessment of the time taken for cargo release, enabling evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of India’s clearance processes.

    Since its inception in 2019, the Time Release Study has covered 15 key locations, including seaports, Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs), Inland Container Depots (ICDs), and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). A distinguishing feature of India’s TRS is its use of high-quality data sourced directly from the Customs Automated System, managed by the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management.

    Over the years, the TRS has evolved in both scope and methodology. Initially limited to assessing release times at gateway ports, it now includes transit cargo, courier shipments, and commodity-specific evaluations. The fifth edition has introduced advanced stage-wise and process-specific assessments, further enhancing the granularity and reliability of its findings. Notably, this year’s edition expanded its geographical reach with the addition of Kochi Seaport, Garhi Harsaru ICD, and Jaigaon Land Customs Station (LCS).

    In terms of import performance, the study reported a decline in Average Release Time (ART) between 2023 and 2025 at several major gateways. Seaports saw a reduction of approximately six hours, ACCs by five hours, and ICPs by 18 hours. However, ICDs experienced an increase of around 12 hours. Performance against the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP) 3.0 targets was also evaluated. The data showed that 93.33% of import cargo at ICPs met the 48-hour release target. This was followed by air cargo complexes with 55.03% of cargo released within 24 hours, seaports at 51.76%, and ICDs at 43.70%.

    The improvement in timelines is largely attributed to the “Path to Promptness” framework, which promotes advance filing, risk management system (RMS)-based facilitation, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accreditation, and Direct Port Delivery (DPD). However, certain bottlenecks were identified, including delays in duty payment, query resolution, Partner Government Agency (PGA) interventions, and post-clearance logistics.

    The study also examined export cargo timelines from arrival to final departure. Air cargo complexes and ICPs demonstrated the fastest regulatory clearance times, under four hours and approximately six hours respectively. In contrast, seaports averaged nearly 30 hours for regulatory clearance, with post-Let Export Order (LEO) logistics stretching up to 158 hours. ICDs showed regulatory clearance times of about 30 hours and improved post-LEO logistics to around 100 hours.

    Facilitation levels were high across the board, ranging from 87% to 93%. The report noted that cargo characteristics played a key role in determining release times. For example, refrigerated goods moved faster through air cargo facilities, and factory-stuffed containers were cleared more quickly than those stuffed at ICDs.

  • Union Finance Minister releases fifth edition of National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Friday released the fifth edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) during the CBIC Conclave held in the national capital. This flagship performance measurement tool, developed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), offers a quantitative assessment of the time taken for cargo release, enabling evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of India’s clearance processes.

    Since its inception in 2019, the Time Release Study has covered 15 key locations, including seaports, Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs), Inland Container Depots (ICDs), and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). A distinguishing feature of India’s TRS is its use of high-quality data sourced directly from the Customs Automated System, managed by the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management.

    Over the years, the TRS has evolved in both scope and methodology. Initially limited to assessing release times at gateway ports, it now includes transit cargo, courier shipments, and commodity-specific evaluations. The fifth edition has introduced advanced stage-wise and process-specific assessments, further enhancing the granularity and reliability of its findings. Notably, this year’s edition expanded its geographical reach with the addition of Kochi Seaport, Garhi Harsaru ICD, and Jaigaon Land Customs Station (LCS).

    In terms of import performance, the study reported a decline in Average Release Time (ART) between 2023 and 2025 at several major gateways. Seaports saw a reduction of approximately six hours, ACCs by five hours, and ICPs by 18 hours. However, ICDs experienced an increase of around 12 hours. Performance against the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP) 3.0 targets was also evaluated. The data showed that 93.33% of import cargo at ICPs met the 48-hour release target. This was followed by air cargo complexes with 55.03% of cargo released within 24 hours, seaports at 51.76%, and ICDs at 43.70%.

    The improvement in timelines is largely attributed to the “Path to Promptness” framework, which promotes advance filing, risk management system (RMS)-based facilitation, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accreditation, and Direct Port Delivery (DPD). However, certain bottlenecks were identified, including delays in duty payment, query resolution, Partner Government Agency (PGA) interventions, and post-clearance logistics.

    The study also examined export cargo timelines from arrival to final departure. Air cargo complexes and ICPs demonstrated the fastest regulatory clearance times, under four hours and approximately six hours respectively. In contrast, seaports averaged nearly 30 hours for regulatory clearance, with post-Let Export Order (LEO) logistics stretching up to 158 hours. ICDs showed regulatory clearance times of about 30 hours and improved post-LEO logistics to around 100 hours.

    Facilitation levels were high across the board, ranging from 87% to 93%. The report noted that cargo characteristics played a key role in determining release times. For example, refrigerated goods moved faster through air cargo facilities, and factory-stuffed containers were cleared more quickly than those stuffed at ICDs.

  • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting launches BadaltaBharatMeraAnubhav campaign to celebrate India’s transformation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a spirited effort to celebrate over a decade of transformative governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with MyGov, has launched a nationwide creative campaign titled Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav. The initiative invites citizens from all walks of life to participate and win exciting prizes across five unique creative challenges, all of which will close on July 9.

    The campaign marks 11 years of visionary leadership and seeks to highlight personal stories and creative expressions that capture the remarkable changes India has witnessed across sectors—from digital empowerment and economic growth to social inclusion and infrastructure development. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the campaign serves as a platform for Indians to showcase their experiences and observations of a rapidly evolving nation.

    Through this initiative, participants can engage in one or more of the five challenges: Instagram Reel Making, YouTube Shorts Challenge, Blog Writing under BlogBharat, the Viksit Bharat Quiz 2025, and a Short Audio-Visual (AV) Film Competition.

    The Instagram Reel Making Competition calls on creators to develop 30 to 60-second videos reflecting themes such as Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Similarly, the YouTube Shorts Challenge encourages users to capture inspiring stories of change, from revamped public spaces to cultural events, showcasing the spirit of a new India.

    Writers, bloggers, students, and journalists can participate in the BlogBharat Challenge by submitting well-crafted articles (800–1200 words) analyzing India’s transformation over the last 11 years. Meanwhile, the Viksit Bharat Quiz offers a knowledge-based challenge for citizens to test their understanding of the country’s development milestones, policy reforms, and infrastructure growth. Top performers stand a chance to win cash prizes, with digital certificates for all participants.

    For aspiring filmmakers and storytellers, the Short AV Challenge is an opportunity to present India’s progress through documentaries or cinematic storytelling, with videos of up to 10 minutes capturing grassroots change, innovation, and national pride.

  • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting launches BadaltaBharatMeraAnubhav campaign to celebrate India’s transformation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a spirited effort to celebrate over a decade of transformative governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with MyGov, has launched a nationwide creative campaign titled Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav. The initiative invites citizens from all walks of life to participate and win exciting prizes across five unique creative challenges, all of which will close on July 9.

    The campaign marks 11 years of visionary leadership and seeks to highlight personal stories and creative expressions that capture the remarkable changes India has witnessed across sectors—from digital empowerment and economic growth to social inclusion and infrastructure development. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the campaign serves as a platform for Indians to showcase their experiences and observations of a rapidly evolving nation.

    Through this initiative, participants can engage in one or more of the five challenges: Instagram Reel Making, YouTube Shorts Challenge, Blog Writing under BlogBharat, the Viksit Bharat Quiz 2025, and a Short Audio-Visual (AV) Film Competition.

    The Instagram Reel Making Competition calls on creators to develop 30 to 60-second videos reflecting themes such as Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Similarly, the YouTube Shorts Challenge encourages users to capture inspiring stories of change, from revamped public spaces to cultural events, showcasing the spirit of a new India.

    Writers, bloggers, students, and journalists can participate in the BlogBharat Challenge by submitting well-crafted articles (800–1200 words) analyzing India’s transformation over the last 11 years. Meanwhile, the Viksit Bharat Quiz offers a knowledge-based challenge for citizens to test their understanding of the country’s development milestones, policy reforms, and infrastructure growth. Top performers stand a chance to win cash prizes, with digital certificates for all participants.

    For aspiring filmmakers and storytellers, the Short AV Challenge is an opportunity to present India’s progress through documentaries or cinematic storytelling, with videos of up to 10 minutes capturing grassroots change, innovation, and national pride.

  • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting launches BadaltaBharatMeraAnubhav campaign to celebrate India’s transformation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a spirited effort to celebrate over a decade of transformative governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with MyGov, has launched a nationwide creative campaign titled Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav. The initiative invites citizens from all walks of life to participate and win exciting prizes across five unique creative challenges, all of which will close on July 9.

    The campaign marks 11 years of visionary leadership and seeks to highlight personal stories and creative expressions that capture the remarkable changes India has witnessed across sectors—from digital empowerment and economic growth to social inclusion and infrastructure development. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the campaign serves as a platform for Indians to showcase their experiences and observations of a rapidly evolving nation.

    Through this initiative, participants can engage in one or more of the five challenges: Instagram Reel Making, YouTube Shorts Challenge, Blog Writing under BlogBharat, the Viksit Bharat Quiz 2025, and a Short Audio-Visual (AV) Film Competition.

    The Instagram Reel Making Competition calls on creators to develop 30 to 60-second videos reflecting themes such as Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Similarly, the YouTube Shorts Challenge encourages users to capture inspiring stories of change, from revamped public spaces to cultural events, showcasing the spirit of a new India.

    Writers, bloggers, students, and journalists can participate in the BlogBharat Challenge by submitting well-crafted articles (800–1200 words) analyzing India’s transformation over the last 11 years. Meanwhile, the Viksit Bharat Quiz offers a knowledge-based challenge for citizens to test their understanding of the country’s development milestones, policy reforms, and infrastructure growth. Top performers stand a chance to win cash prizes, with digital certificates for all participants.

    For aspiring filmmakers and storytellers, the Short AV Challenge is an opportunity to present India’s progress through documentaries or cinematic storytelling, with videos of up to 10 minutes capturing grassroots change, innovation, and national pride.

  • PM Modi to lead 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Visakhapatnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) is set to be celebrated on June 21, with unprecedented scale and grandeur, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national event from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He will perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) alongside over 3 lakh participants at the main venue. Joining him will be Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

    The event at Visakhapatnam will be part of the nationwide ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative, which will see simultaneous yoga sessions at more than 10 lakh locations across India. The mass demonstration is scheduled to take place from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM and is expected to draw participation from over 2 crore people at more than 1 lakh locations across Andhra Pradesh alone. The state government is also coordinating an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record, while also planning to distribute over 50 lakh yoga certificates to registered participants.

    In a symbolic and culturally rich prelude to the main event, approximately 25,000 tribal children today performed 108 Surya Namaskars in 108 minutes at Andhra University. The initiative underlined the enthusiastic engagement of tribal communities and the growing grassroots reach of yoga.

    Delhi will also actively participate in the celebrations with events planned at 109 locations across the national capital. A notable highlight will be a grand yoga session at the historic Red Fort, organized by Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, supported by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the Archaeological Survey of India.

    This year’s theme for IDY 2025, Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects India’s holistic vision of well-being. It underscores the interconnectedness of human and planetary health and draws upon the traditional Indian ethos of Sarve Santu Niramaya (May all be free from disease).

    Ahead of the celebrations, Prime Minister Modi addressed a letter to all Gram Pradhans, emphasizing yoga’s transformative impact and its growing global acceptance. His message has sparked renewed enthusiasm at the grassroots, resulting in widespread yoga activities in Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Community Health Centers.

    Marking the 10-year milestone of International Day of Yoga, the Ministry of Ayush introduced 10 Signature Events rolled out over 100 days to enhance public participation. These include the mass yoga demonstrations under Yoga Sangam, international collaborations through Yoga Bandhan, and environmental initiatives via Harit Yoga. The campaign also featured youth-centric programs like Yoga Unplugged, a global online summit under Yoga Connect, and large-scale celebrations through Yoga Maha Kumbh. Additionally, Samyoga highlighted the integration of yoga with modern healthcare, while Yoga Prabhava presented a 10-year impact report on the IDY movement.

    Rajasthan led in registrations for Yoga Sangam with over 2.25 lakh sign-ups, followed by several other states crossing the one lakh mark. Overall, more than 11 lakh organizations and groups have registered their participation through the Ministry of Ayush’s dedicated yoga portal.

    Globally, Indian embassies and cultural centres have been conducting yoga demonstrations and awareness campaigns, reinforcing India’s role as a global wellness leader.

  • India’s Eight Core Industries Index registers marginal 0.7% growth in May 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), a crucial gauge of the performance of key infrastructure sectors in the Indian economy, rose marginally by 0.7% year-on-year in May 2025, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This modest uptick highlights continuing challenges in several critical sectors despite gains in a few industries.

    The eight industries that comprise the index — Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Petroleum Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity — collectively account for 40.27% of the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP). In May, positive growth was reported in Cement, Steel, Coal, and Refinery Products, while the remaining sectors recorded year-on-year contractions.

    Coal production, which holds a weight of 10.33% in the index, increased by 2.8% compared to the same month last year. On a cumulative basis, production during April–May 2025-26 rose by 3.1%. However, the crude oil sector, with a weight of 8.98%, contracted by 1.8% in May and by 2.2% over the two-month period.

    Natural gas output witnessed a sharper year-on-year fall of 3.6% in May, contributing to a cumulative decline of 2.3%. Meanwhile, petroleum refinery products — the largest component of the index with a weight of 28.04% — posted a modest 1.1% increase in May. Despite this, cumulative output during the April–May period dropped by 1.7%.

    The fertilizer sector reported the steepest decline, shrinking by 5.9% in May and registering a cumulative decrease of 5.1%. In contrast, the steel industry, which holds significant weight at 17.92%, saw a healthy 6.7% rise in output in May and a 5.5% increase over the two-month period.

    Cement production delivered the strongest performance among all eight industries, recording a robust 9.2% growth in May. Its cumulative output also showed significant momentum, rising by 7.8%. However, electricity generation, a major sector with a 19.85% weight, fell sharply by 5.8% in May and declined by 2.2% cumulatively — contributing to an overall drag on the index.

  • Amit Shah inaugurates Bengaluru campus of Adichunchanagiri University, hails blend of healthcare and education

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today inaugurated the Bengaluru campus of Adichunchanagiri University (ACU) in Karnataka, hailing it as a milestone in the pursuit of affordable healthcare and education for all.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Shah praised the efforts of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt in upholding the cultural ideal of “Sarva Jan Hitaya, Sarva Jan Sukhaya” — the welfare and happiness of all. He commended the Mutt’s initiatives in running health centres in rural areas, offering free medical treatment to the underprivileged, and setting up educational institutions for children.

    The newly inaugurated campus, constructed at a cost of ₹200 crore, spans 20 lakh square feet over 16 acres and is designed to accommodate 4,000 students. It houses a modern 1,000-bed hospital that offers comprehensive healthcare facilities, including free and affordable treatment for the poor. In his address, the Home Minister said this establishment would emerge as a true centre of service through its integration of education and healthcare.

    Shah paid tribute to Jagadguru Dr. Balagangadharanatha Swamiji for preserving and enhancing the 1,800-year-old spiritual heritage of the sacred Adichunchanagiri Hills by intertwining it with service and education. He also lauded the continued efforts of Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji in carrying forward this legacy.

    He noted that the Mutt’s work has fostered a deep connection with thousands of families, especially from poor and middle-income backgrounds, by promoting spirituality and Karma Yoga through community service. The Mutt’s holistic outreach is based on nine key pillars — Anna (food), Akshara (education), Arogya (health), Adhyatmika (spirituality), Aashraya (shelter), Aranya (environment), Aakaalu (disaster relief), Anukampa (compassion), and Anubandh (social connection). According to Shah, this inclusive approach has significantly strengthened social unity and serves as a model for other religious and cultural institutions.

    Highlighting the university’s role in combining tradition with innovation, he emphasized its efforts in reconnecting the youth with India’s cultural roots while equipping them with cutting-edge education. He credited Mahaswami Ji with ensuring that students not only receive quality education but also free accommodation, giving them an opportunity to lead dignified lives. The university, he said, has become one of the country’s premier institutions, offering advanced medical care at low cost. The 1,500-bed hospital includes facilities for critical care, cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, and complex transplants like kidney, liver, and cornea.

    Shah further highlighted the Modi Government’s commitment to healthcare reform. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks that illness and its related expenses are among the leading causes of poverty, he stated that Modi’s vision had materialized through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which now provides free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh to 60 crore citizens.

    He elaborated on other major health and welfare initiatives launched under PM Modi’s leadership, including the construction of nearly 12 crore household toilets, the Fit India Movement, the celebration of International Day of Yoga, and the Mission Indradhanush vaccination campaign for children up to 15 years of age. He also mentioned the Poshan Abhiyan, which addresses maternal and child nutrition, and the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, through which essential medicines are available at just 20% of market prices at over 15,000 locations.

    In addition, Shah pointed to the dramatic expansion of medical education infrastructure in the country. Since 2014, the number of AIIMS institutions has increased from 7 to 23, medical colleges from 387 to 780, MBBS seats from 51,000 to 1,18,000, and postgraduate medical seats from 31,000 to 74,000.

  • British lawmakers to vote on landmark assisted dying law

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British lawmakers held their final debate ahead of a historic vote on Friday on whether to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, in what would be a major step toward the biggest social reform in the country for a generation.

    The vote is expected at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) and if it goes in favour, the proposed new law will have cleared its biggest parliamentary hurdle. That would pave the way for Britain to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some U.S. states in permitting assisted dying.

    A vote against would stop the bill in its tracks.

    Last November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the principle of allowing assisted dying, but since then the bill has been scrutinised and amended, and some lawmakers have publicly changed their position, citing changes to provisions that they say weaken protections for vulnerable people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is neutral on the legislation meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Last year, Starmer voted in favour of the legislation and has indicated he continues to support it.

    The law was proposed under a process led by an individual member of parliament rather than being government policy, which has limited the amount of parliamentary time allocated to it.

    Some lawmakers have said that such a major social change should be allocated more parliamentary time for debate and involve a greater degree of ministerial involvement and accountability.

    If Friday’s vote is in favour, assisted dying stays on the road to legalisation, a process that could still take months.

    The Labour lawmaker who proposed the new law, Kim Leadbeater, said there could be a reduction in the number of members of parliament who support the bill on Friday compared with last year’s vote, but that she was confident it would still be approved.

    Opening the debate, Leadbeater said that the legislation was “desperately needed” and would provide dignity and compassion to people suffering. She argued it had robust safeguards that made it practical and safe.

    “This is not a choice between living and dying. It is a choice for terminally ill people about how they die,” she said.

    On Thursday, four Labour lawmakers switched sides to oppose the bill, joining the dozens who earlier this month said there had not been enough time to debate the details of such a consequential law change.

    “The bill before us simply does not do enough to safeguard people who may want to choose to live,” the four lawmakers said in a letter.

    Leadbeater said her biggest fear was that if the legislation was voted down, it could be another decade before the issue returns to parliament. It was last considered in 2015, when lawmakers voted against it.

    PUBLIC SUPPORT

    Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion.

    Under the proposed law, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help.

    In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgement by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist, which is seen by some as a watering down.

    Lawmakers have also raised questions about the impact of assisted dying on the finances and resources of Britain’s state-run National Health Service and on the need to improve palliative care.

    If the vote passes, the proposed new law is sent to the House of Lords, parliament’s upper chamber. But the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons.

    (Reuters)

  • Iran says no nuclear talks under Israeli fire, Trump considers options

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran said on Friday it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel, as Europe tried to coax Tehran back into negotiations and the United States considers whether to get involved in the conflict.

    A week after it began attacking Iran, Israel’s military said it had carried out new strikes on dozens of military targets overnight, including missile production sites and a research organisation involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran.

    Iran launched at least one new barrage of missiles early on Friday, striking near residential apartments, office buildings and industrial facilities in the southern city of Beersheba.

    The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would decide on “whether or not to go” with U.S. involvement in the conflict in the next two weeks, citing the possibility of negotiations involving Iran in the near future.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday there was no room for negotiations with Israel’s superpower ally the United States “until Israeli aggression stops”.

    But he was due to meet European foreign ministers in Geneva later on Friday for talks at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear programme.

    Two diplomats said before the meeting involving France, Britain, Germany and the European Union’s foreign policy chief that Araqchi would be told the U.S. is still open to direct talks. Expectations for a breakthrough are low, diplomats say.

    Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying its longtime enemy was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons. It neither confirms nor denies this.

    Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists.

    Israel has said at least two dozen Israeli civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks.

    Reuters could not independently verify the death toll from either side. Details of casualties in the latest strikes were not immediately known.

    CIVILIANS KILLED

    Both sides say they are attacking military and defence-related targets, but civilians have also been caught in the crossfire and each has accused the other of hitting hospitals.

    An Iranian news website said a drone had struck an apartment in a residential building in central Tehran on Friday, but did not give details.

    Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear installations so far pose only limited risks of contamination, experts say. But they warn that any attack on the nuclear power station at Bushehr could cause a nuclear disaster.

    Israel says it is determined to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities but that it wants to avoid any nuclear disaster in a region that is inhabited by tens of millions of people and produces much of the world’s oil.

    The meeting in Geneva was due to start on Friday afternoon. The Swiss city is where an initial accord was struck in 2013 to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in return for sanctions being lifted. A comprehensive deal followed in 2015.

    Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2018. A new series of talks between Iran and the U.S. collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12.

    Trump has alternated between threatening Tehran and urging it to resume nuclear talks. His special envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say.

    The Middle East has been on edge since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked it in October of 2023, triggering the Gaza war, and Israel has been fighting on several fronts against Iran’s regional allies.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday of further action against Iranian ally Hezbollah, a day after the Lebanese militant group suggested it would come to Iran’s aid.

    Western and regional officials say Israel is trying to shatter the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday “the downfall of the regime … may be a result, but it’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom.”

    Iranian opposition groups think their time may be near, but activists involved in previous protests say they are unwilling to unleash mass unrest with their nation under attack, and Iranian authorities have cracked down hard on dissent.

    “How are people supposed to pour into the streets? In such horrifying circumstances, people are solely focused on saving themselves, their families, their compatriots, and even their pets,” said Atena Daemi, a prominent activist who spent six years in prison before leaving Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • Four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in a decade, says PM Modi in Siwan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, highlighting his government’s sustained efforts to uplift the poor and dismantle the legacy of deprivation left by previous regimes.
     
    Addressing a large public gathering in Siwan district, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,200 crore, the Prime Minister said his government had delivered tangible results where previous governments had offered only slogans.
     
    “For decades, the country heard only slogans about poverty eradication,” PM Modi said. “But in the past ten years, a record 25 crore Indians have come out of poverty. Institutions like the World Bank have also acknowledged this achievement.”
     
    He noted that Bihar, particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has played a pivotal role in this national transformation. “More than half of Bihar’s population once lived in extreme poverty,” he said. “But in the last ten years alone, nearly four crore people in the state have moved out of poverty. This is a remarkable turnaround.”
     
    PM Modi noted that for decades after independence, it wasn’t a lack of effort that held the poor back, but the absence of opportunities to move ahead. He said that even basic services were entangled in bureaucratic hurdles, turning routine tasks into major challenges. “People had to approach MPs just to get a gas connection, and bribes or personal contacts were often the only way to secure employment,” he said. He added that these conditions impacted Dalits, Mahadalits, and backward communities the most.
     
    He accused previous governments of turning the dreams of the poor into an opportunity for a select few families to accumulate wealth. “They sold dreams of poverty eradication, but only a handful became millionaires and billionaires,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that in the last 11 years, the government has worked tirelessly to remove every hurdle from the path of the poor. “As a result, visible and impactful outcomes are now before the nation,” he said. Over four crore poor families across India have been provided with pucca houses under government schemes, he added, with another three crore houses planned. In Bihar alone, more than 57 lakh houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including over 1.10 lakh homes in Siwan district.
     
    He also noted that housing installments were disbursed for over 50,000 families in Bihar today. “What makes me proud is that a majority of these homes are registered in the names of women. Women who never had any property in their names are today becoming proud homeowners,” he said.
     
    PM Modi said that the Centre was not only providing housing, but also ensuring food, electricity, and water for every household. “More than 12 crore new households in the country have been connected with tap water. In Siwan alone, over 4.5 lakh families received water connections for the first time,” he said. He added that efforts were underway to ensure every rural household has access to clean drinking water and that urban infrastructure is being upgraded through the approval of new pipeline and sewage treatment projects across multiple cities in Bihar.
     
    Taking aim at previous administrations, the Prime Minister said their record on development was dismal. “Whenever these parties speak of development, people are reminded of shuttered shops, stalled businesses, and collapsed industries,” he said, accusing them of promoting a climate of lawlessness, corruption, and mafia control. “They have always been anti-Bihar and anti-investment. That is why they have never been able to win the trust of Bihar’s youth,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that all the developmental efforts currently underway are driven by a vision to create a better life for the poor, the backward, and the middle class. “These projects are not just infrastructure initiatives. They are steps towards restoring dignity, ensuring justice, and securing the future for generations to come,” PM Modi added.

  • Bihar made engines will now power trains in Africa: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Bihar’s youth are closely observing the transformation taking place across the state, citing the Marhowra Locomotive Factory as an example of the government’s development model. Addressing a gathering in Siwan, PM Modi said that the first engine manufactured at the Marhowra facility is now being exported to Africa. 
     
    “The same Saran district that was once dismissed as backward is now exporting engines to Africa. This is a proud moment for Bihar,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the engines made in Bihar, now powering trains abroad, marks a significant milestone and reflects the broader transformation underway in the state. PM Modi said that Bihar is steadily becoming a hub for ‘Made in India’ manufacturing and noted that the state’s local produce e.g. makhana, fruits, and vegetables will reach international markets alongside industrial goods produced by local factories.
     
    “The products created by the youth of Bihar will strengthen the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.
     
    PM Modi stated that infrastructure investments across the state are contributing to Bihar’s progress. He said new developments are taking place in roadways, railways, air travel, and inland waterways. Citing the recent expansion of train services, Modi said Bihar is regularly receiving new trains, including Vande Bharat Express services.
     
    He announced that before the onset of the holy month of Sawan, the newly launched Patna–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express has established a direct rail link between Baba Hariharnath’s land and the land of Baba Gorakhnath. He added that this new route would be especially beneficial for devotees in Purvanchal, offering a convenient travel option to visit places of religious and cultural importance. PM Modi said the train will also connect sites associated with the life of the Buddha, including his place of penance and the Mahaparinirvana site at Kushinagar.
     
    The Prime Minister said that these infrastructure developments will support industrial growth and also contribute to the tourism sector. He said that the state’s presence on the global tourism map will improve, bringing with it new employment opportunities for the youth.
     
    PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to equal opportunities for all, saying that the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ reflects the true spirit of the Constitution. He contrasted this with what he described as the “family-first” model of the previous regime. PM Modi accused previous governments of using power for the benefit of their own families, and said this had harmed the lives of millions of families across Bihar and the country.
     
    Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, PM Modi said that the architect of the Constitution had consistently spoken out against dynastic politics. He criticised certain parties for dishonouring Ambedkar’s legacy, pointing to a recent incident in which his photograph was allegedly disrespected. “Posters have appeared across Bihar demanding an apology, but it is unlikely to come,” PM Modi said. He claimed that these political parties do not respect Dalits or Mahadalits, and added, “While they keep Dr. Ambedkar’s photograph at their feet, I carry him in my heart.”
     
    He said the people of Bihar would remember the way Baba Saheb had been treated. The Prime Minister added that the groundwork for Bihar’s development had already been laid through the efforts of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and said it is now the responsibility of the NDA alliance to take the state forward.
     

  • Indian missions in Riyadh and Doha to mark International Day of yoga with community events

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia will celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga tomorrow in partnership with the Saudi Yoga Committee and the Indian diaspora.

    The event, to be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, will see participation from students of the International Indian Public School and Al Alia International Indian School. In Jeddah, celebrations took place a day earlier with students from the International Indian School showcasing their enthusiasm for yoga and its unifying spirit.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Qatar, in collaboration with the Indian Sports Centre, will observe International Day of Yoga 2025 on June 21 at Ideal Indian School, Doha. The event will bring together members of the Indian community and yoga practitioners for an evening dedicated to well-being and cultural exchange. Highlights will include a rhythmic yoga display by children, a yoga quiz, a challenge session, guided meditation, and a mass yoga practice based on the Common Yoga Protocol.

  • Sensex rallies over 1,000 points, Nifty breaches 25,100

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market witnessed a powerful rally on Friday, with benchmark indices closing significantly higher, buoyed by widespread buying across sectors and strong investor sentiment.

    The BSE Sensex surged 1,046.30 points to settle at 82,408.17, while the NSE Nifty jumped 319.15 points, ending the day at 25,112.40. Among the Nifty 50 constituents, 44 stocks ended in the green, with only 6 closing in the red, indicating broad-based market strength.

    Commenting on the market action, Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity – Ashika Stock Broking, noted, “In a bullish session, the Nifty opened flat at 24,787 and briefly dipped to 24,783 before staging a sharp rally. The index gained momentum right from the opening tick and scaled an intraday high of 25,078, closing firmly in the green.”

    Kewat highlighted the widespread sectoral participation, with Construction, PSU Banks, Financial Services, Auto, and Metal stocks leading the gains. The broader markets mirrored this optimism, as the Nifty Midcap 100 rose over 1 per cent, and Smallcap stocks continued to attract buying interest.

    On the derivatives front, market breadth remained robust with 186 advancing stocks versus 36 declining. Noteworthy open interest build-up was seen in Kaynes Technology, Mankind Pharma, Hero MotoCorp, JSW Steel, and LTIMindtree, signaling increased trader participation and bullish sentiment.

    Adding to the positive outlook, Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said, “Nifty moved up sharply after three days of consolidation, resuming its short-term rally. Moreover, the index has reclaimed the 21-day EMA, which could provide further momentum for an upward move.”

    De added, “Support is now placed at 24,850, and the index remains a ‘buy on dips’ as long as it holds above this level. On the higher side, it may continue advancing towards 25,350 and beyond.”

    With upbeat technical indicators and sector-wide buying, Friday’s market performance reflects growing investor confidence and sets the stage for continued momentum in the sessions ahead.

    (ANI)

  • Israel says it hit dozens of military targets in Iran, including nuclear research site

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Friday it carried out strikes on dozens of military targets in Iran overnight, including the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research that it said is involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons development.

    An industrial plant in northern Iran was damaged in an attack, Iranian media reported on Friday, hours after Israel issued a warning for residents to move away from nearby areas.

    Earlier media reports said the plant in the Sefidrud industrial area was involved in the production of carbon fiber, which can be used in the manufacturing of weapons systems such as missile bodies.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel says it hit dozens of military targets in Iran, including nuclear research site

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Friday it carried out strikes on dozens of military targets in Iran overnight, including the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research that it said is involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons development.

    An industrial plant in northern Iran was damaged in an attack, Iranian media reported on Friday, hours after Israel issued a warning for residents to move away from nearby areas.

    Earlier media reports said the plant in the Sefidrud industrial area was involved in the production of carbon fiber, which can be used in the manufacturing of weapons systems such as missile bodies.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi launches key development projects in Bihar, flags off first export locomotive from Marhowra Plant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    rime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a series of development projects in Bihar, with a focus on rail connectivity, sanitation, power infrastructure, and affordable housing.

    The highlight of the Prime Minister’s visit to the Saran district was the flagging off of a state-of-the-art export locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant. Manufactured under the “Make in India – Make for the World” initiative, the locomotive will be exported to the Republic of Guinea, marking the plant’s first international dispatch.

    These advanced locomotives feature high-horsepower engines, AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomically designed cabs, and regenerative braking technology, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in rail manufacturing.

    As part of efforts to enhance regional connectivity, PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur, passing through Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, significantly boosting rail access in North Bihar.

    In addition, he inaugurated the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, a project valued at over ₹400 crore, and flagged off a new train service along the route to strengthen connectivity across the region.

    Under the Namami Gange programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined investment of over ₹1,800 crore. These plants aim to enhance sanitation and water quality in towns situated along the Ganga River.

    PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a series of water supply and sanitation projects worth more than ₹3,000 crore, which are set to benefit several towns across Bihar by ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water.

    In a major step toward modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. These standalone units will be installed at 15 grid substations in locations including Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. With storage capacities ranging from 20 to 80 MWh, the BESS installations are expected to help electricity distribution companies meet peak demand more efficiently and reduce procurement costs, ultimately passing on the benefits to consumers.

    On the housing front, PM Modi released the first instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) to more than 53,600 beneficiaries in Bihar. He also handed over keys to select recipients as part of a Grih Pravesh ceremony, marking the completion of over 6,600 new houses built under the scheme.

  • China can’t decide whether we are a country, Taiwan foreign minister says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China has no right to decide whether or not Taiwan is a country given it chooses its own government, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Wednesday, adding that he would be happy to shake the hand of his Chinese opposite number in friendship.

    China views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military and political pressure to assert those claims, including increasing the intensity of war games, saying the island is one of its provinces with no right to be called a state.

    Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his government strongly reject that view, and have offered talks with China multiple times but have been rejected. China calls Lai a “separatist”.

    Asked by Reuters what he would say to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi should they ever meet, Lin said that given the opportunity he would definitely shake hands with him.

    “What the nature is of cross-Taiwan Strait relations can be discussed, but we are all human. First, extend the hand of friendship. If he shook my hand, that would be a good start,” he said at a press briefing to mark the first anniversary of Lai taking office. “If he takes his hand back, that’s his problem.”

    Taiwan’s formal name is the Republic of China, the name of the government which in 1949 fled to the island after losing a bloody civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists, who established the People’s Republic of China.

    “Whether or not Taiwan is a country is not up to Wang Yi, nor the People’s Republic of China, to say. The whole world sees us as a country. We choose our governments democratically. It is our business what our name is.”

    China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    The chances Lin and Wang could meet are low. Neither government recognises the other, officials do not visit each other, and Taiwan is not a member of most international bodies due to China’s objections.

    Lai on Tuesday reiterated an offer to talk to China, saying he sought peace but that the island must also boost its defences.

    China responded by saying his comments were a “two-faced tactic” that were a “waste of effort and doomed to fail”.

    Taiwan’s government has warned that Beijing could mark the anniversary with more military drills.

    (Reuters)

  • Gaza faces a man-made drought as water systems collapse, UNICEF says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gaza is facing a man-made drought as its water systems collapse, the United Nations’ children agency said on Friday.

    “Children will begin to die of thirst … Just 40% of drinking water production facilities remain functional,” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva.

    “We are way below emergency standards in terms of drinking water for people in Gaza,” he added.

    UNICEF also reported a 50% increase in children aged six months to 5 years admitted for treatment of malnutrition from April to May in Gaza, and half a million people going hungry.

    It said the U.S.-backed aid distribution system run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was “making a desperate situation worse.”

    On Friday at least 25 people awaiting aid trucks or seeking aid were killed by Israeli fire south of Netzarim in central Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities. On Thursday at least 51 people were killed by Israeli gunfire and military strikes, including 12 people who tried to approach a site operated by the GHF in the central Gaza Strip.

    Elder, who was recently in Gaza, said he had many testimonials of women and children injured while trying to receive food aid, including a young boy who was wounded by a tank shell and later died of his injuries.

    He said a lack of public clarity on when the sites, some of which are in combat zones, were open was causing mass casualty events.

    “There have been instances where information (was) shared that a site is open, but then it’s communicated on social media that they’re closed, but that information was shared when Gaza’s internet was down and people had no access to it,” he said.

    On Wednesday, the GHF said in a statement it had distributed three million meals across three of its aid sites without an incident.

    On Friday at least 12 people were killed in an airstrike on a house belonging to the Ayyash family in Deir Al-Balah, taking the day’s death toll to 37.

    (Reuters)

  • World sees India as next economic powerhouse, says PM, credits Bihar’s potential

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than ₹5,200 crore in Siwan, Bihar, asserting that the initiatives would help shape a brighter and more prosperous future for the State.
     
    Addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister invoked the sacred presence of Sohgara Dham and offered salutations to Baba Mahendra Nath, Baba Hans Nath, Maa Thawe Bhawani and Maa Ambika Bhawani. He paid homage to the nation’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, recalling their contributions to the nation and to Bihar’s legacy.
     
    Calling Siwan “a land of inspiration in India’s freedom struggle,” PM Modi said, “This soil has empowered the country’s democracy and strengthened the Constitution. It gave us Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who not only played a key role in drafting the Constitution but also shaped the direction of modern India.” He also remembered the social reformer Braj Kishore Prasad for his work in the upliftment of women.
     
    The Prime Minister said the new development projects reflect the continued efforts of the Central and State governments to realise the dreams of these great leaders. “Today, projects worth thousands of crores are being inaugurated and their foundation stones are being laid from this very platform,” he said, adding that the initiatives would benefit districts such as Siwan, Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah and Arrah. “These projects will ease the lives of the poor, the deprived, Dalits, Mahadalits, backward and extremely backward classes,” he said.
     
    PM Modi, who returned on Thursday from a three nation tour Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, spoke of India’s growing recognition on the global stage. “Leaders of the world’s most developed nations are astonished at the pace of India’s progress. They believe that India is soon going to become the world’s third-largest economy. I am confident that Bihar will play a crucial role in this transformation,” he said.
     
    He praised the people of Bihar for overcoming what he described as an era of lawlessness and misgovernance. “Today’s youth in Bihar only hear stories about how things were two decades ago. They don’t fully realise the extent of damage caused by earlier regimes. Bihar, which once led India in education, culture and development, had unfortunately become a symbol of forced migration,” he said.
     
    Emphasising the pride and resilience of the people, the Prime Minister said, “For every Bihari, self-respect is paramount. My Bihari brothers and sisters do not bow down in difficult times. They fight and succeed. But the previous governments inflicted deep wounds on that pride. Through their corruption, they turned poverty into Bihar’s misfortune.”
     
    PM Modi appreciated the current government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for bringing Bihar back on the path of development. “In the last 10–11 years, more than 55,000 kilometres of rural roads have been built. Over 1.5 crore households have received electricity connections and another 1.5 crore have been connected to piped water supply. More than 45,000 Common Service Centres have been established across Bihar, and new startups are coming up even in small towns,” he said.

  • Air India crash: 220 DNA matches confirmed as Centre reviews aviation safety protocols

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    DNA identification of 220 victims who perished in the Air India plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad has been completed, the Gujarat Health Department said on Friday.

    The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London with 242 people on board, crashed just seconds after takeoff, slamming into nearby buildings. All but one passenger on board were killed, along with several people on the ground.

    Out of the 220 identified victims, 202 bodies have been handed over to their families. These include 151 Indian nationals, 34 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and nine non-passengers.

    According to the Health Department, 15 mortal remains were transported by air, while 187 were moved by road using ambulances to their respective destinations across the country.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said that the remaining bodies will be handed over soon.

    https://x.com/irushikeshpatel/status/1935945967104082349

    In the wake of the crash, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday conducted a nationwide review with airport directors to assess preparedness amid growing disruptions in flight schedules. The disruptions have been attributed to post-crash technical checks, adverse weather conditions, and the closure of airspace linked to geopolitical tensions.

    The Minister directed airport authorities to ensure the availability of food, drinking water, and seating at terminals during delays. He also called for increased staff deployment at key points to address passenger grievances and to assist airlines facing operational challenges. Wildlife hazard management, particularly the prevention of bird strikes and stray animal interference, was also reinforced as a safety priority.

    In another meeting with the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, the Minister reviewed steps being taken to maintain flight operations and public communication. With night flying restrictions in Europe and heightened safety checks limiting aircraft availability, Air India will temporarily reduce its services and restructure schedules. The airline has committed to offering rebookings or full refunds to affected passengers.

    On June 18 and 19, the Ministry also held meetings with the senior management of SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa to review fleet readiness, safety oversight, and passenger handling. The government has decided to institutionalise regular reviews with airlines to improve coordination and response in emergency scenarios.

    The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with international assistance, is continuing its probe. Both the Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been recovered from the site. The Ministry has said the decision to send the black boxes abroad for decoding will be made based on technical and security assessments.

    The Ministry has urged the media and the public to avoid speculation and to allow the investigation to progress. Officials reiterated their commitment to transparency and to maintaining the highest standards of passenger safety.

  • DEPwD observes World Sickle Cell Day 2025 with nationwide awareness programmes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized a series of nationwide awareness programmes on Thursday to mark World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

    The initiatives aimed to educate communities about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a hereditary blood disorder that disproportionately impacts tribal populations and affects millions globally.

    Marked annually on June 19, World Sickle Cell Day serves as a global health observance recognized by the United Nations. The theme for 2025, “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” underlines the importance of engaging local communities in efforts toward early diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals with SCD.

    As part of the observance, the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD) in Kolkata organized an awareness programme at NRS Medical College, where medical professionals and patients were briefed on the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for SCD.

    In Chennai, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) held an outreach event in Chengalpattu, targeting the general public with information on disease management and the vital role of community involvement in patient care.

    The Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) in Cuttack conducted a special programme emphasizing early detection and the importance of creating supportive environments for individuals with SCD.

    In Secunderabad, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) hosted an awareness session for parents, students, and professionals in the field, focusing on challenges faced by those living with the disease.

    Composite Regional Centers also played a vital role in spreading awareness. CRC Tripura held a programme at Nutan Nagar Girls Higher Secondary School in Agartala, while CRC Gorakhpur organized a seminar through its Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC), focusing on children and parents. The session addressed the complexities of SCD, stressing the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. CRC Nagpur marked the occasion with a special online webinar.

    Apart from these flagship events, numerous other CRCs and National Institutes under DEPwD conducted local-level awareness drives, collectively working to ensure timely interventions, build public understanding, and strengthen support systems for families affected by SCD across the country.

  • Monsoon advances further, heavy rainfall forecast across several states

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The southwest monsoon has continued its progress across northern India–covering the remaining parts of Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, along with some parts of West Uttar Pradesh, most of Uttarakhand, many areas of Himachal Pradesh, and sections of Ladakh–with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting widespread heavy rainfall in several regions over the coming days.

    On June 20, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Jharkhand, with rainfall activity expected to intensify over Northwest India and Madhya Pradesh from June 22. Northeast India is forecast to experience sustained heavy to very heavy showers over the next seven days, bringing much-needed monsoon rains to the region.

    In Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy between June 20 and 23. Light rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds of up to 50 kmph are expected on June 20 and 21, keeping maximum temperatures in the range of 35 to 37°C, which is slightly below normal. Conditions are likely to intensify on June 22 and 23, with moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds. Maximum temperatures during these days are forecast to range between 34 and 36°C, dipping 2 to 4 degrees below the seasonal average, while minimum temperatures may remain between 25 and 28°C.

    Elsewhere in the country, extremely heavy rainfall — exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours — is likely at isolated locations in northwest Madhya Pradesh on June 23. Very heavy rainfall is also predicted over West Madhya Pradesh from June 20 to 26, and over East Madhya Pradesh between June 21 and 23. Similar intense rainfall activity is expected in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand on June 20, and in Bihar on June 22 and 23.

    Several other regions are also expected to see very heavy rainfall, including Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and the northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from June 22 to 24. Arunachal Pradesh may witness very heavy rainfall on June 23 and 24, while Assam and Meghalaya are likely to continue receiving intense showers from June 20 to 24.

    In northern India, East Uttar Pradesh is expected to receive heavy rainfall from June 20 to 22, while East Rajasthan may see similar conditions on June 20 and 23. Rainfall is also forecast over South Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh on June 22. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to experience sustained rainfall activity between June 22 and 26.

    Authorities have been advised to remain alert in light of the heavy rainfall warnings, with potential impacts including localised flooding, waterlogging, and disruption to transport and daily life.

  • Axiom Mission 4 launch postponed again; NASA to announce new date

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has been delayed once again as NASA and its partners continue technical assessments. A new launch date is expected to be announced in the coming days.
     
    Originally scheduled for May 29 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission has faced multiple postponements—first to June 8, then June 10, 11, and 19. The latest delay follows ongoing evaluations of repair work on the aft section of the Russian Zvezda service module aboard the ISS.
     
    The mission is a collaborative effort involving NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. The launch was most recently set for Sunday, June 22. “@NASA, @Axiom_Space, and @SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4… will target a new launch date in the coming days,” the International Space Station said in a post on X.
     
    Ax-4 is seen as a key step in the ongoing commercialisation of human spaceflight, with a focus on international cooperation and private-sector innovation. The crew is set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A.
     
    The mission will be led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut and the current Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space. The crew includes Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who will serve as pilot, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary—both flying under the European Space Agency (ESA).
     
    During their stay aboard the ISS, the crew will conduct various scientific experiments. Shukla will lead research in space food and nutrition, under a joint initiative of ISRO, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA. The project aims to contribute to sustainable life-support systems, a critical area for future long-duration space missions.
     
    -IANS

  • Resilient and rising: India in global economic big league

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    If we compare growth projections with actual data, Indian economy looks all set to achieve milestones well ahead of schedule. The journey to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, to graduate to third-largest and, ultimately, to attain developed-nation status now appears firmly on track for the coming years.

    The projections-versus-reality data confirm the resilience of its economy, putting it on the growth track, be it swift recovery after the COVID-19 crisis and its global after-effects or other global conflict points. The resilience gives Indian economy a positive push needed for the economic surge. India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy, keeping inflation largely in check, even as the price pressure marker climbed worldwide and hit a 40-year high in the United States.

    The economic resilience that helps India endure negative outcomes – headwinds such as persistent trade frictions—including reciprocal tariff measures by the United States and global debate around it—and geopolitical shocks such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel–Hamas conflict, and broader West Asian turbulence including the recently started Israel–Iran war.

    While these events are sending aftershocks through a global economy still battered by the pandemic, India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, strong infrastructure build-out, healthy financial sector and vast domestic market—underpinned by solid consumer demand, consistent policy, and an improving business climate—the underlying factors behind its resilience—have helped it weather the storm.

    While the global economy, on a whole, decelerates, India has managed to sustain a growth rate above 6 per cent year after year—an unparalleled feat for a major economy in the current gloomy economic scenario.

    Remains a Bright Spot

    Borge Brende, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum, remarked in a recent television interview that India remains a bright spot among the world’s major economies, citing its young, tech-savvy workforce. His interview was done after a WEF analysis that warned that the 2025 global economic outlook was clouded by deep uncertainty. Back in January 2024, he had described India as a bright spot amid global doom.

    The International Monetary Fund echoes this view. Its 2023 World Economic Outlook named India the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global economic scenario, stressing that the country will be a key driver of growth in the years ahead.

    The World Bank is very bullish on India’s economic growth and will remain so, said Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank Country Director for India, in February 2025. India is the shining light in the world, according to World Bank analysts.

    The World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP), a report released by the United Nations on 15 May 2025, states that while the global economy is slowing down, India remains the only bright spot—a point the IMF had made back in 2022.

    Positive projections followed by assessments—that have been reiterated in credible analytic reports by different global agencies.

    An Economic Resilience that Performs

    According to an EY projection, India is expected to surpass Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The assessment, “India — towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world”, states that India is expected to surpass both Japan and Germany in nominal GDP terms by 2027. The projection to surpass Japan’s economy comes two years in advance—by the 2025 financial year. The EY analysis also estimates that India’s economy will cross the USD 5 trillion mark by that year, with a projected GDP size of USD 5.2 trillion.

    According to the assessment, which compares nominal and PPP international dollar GDPs of six major economies—the United States, China, Japan, Germany, India, and the United Kingdom—from 2022 to projections until 2028—India leads in GDP growth rate. The country is projected to have an 8.7% compound nominal growth rate (between 2022 and 2028), outstripping China’s growth rate of 7.2%, and more than double the United States’ growth rate of 4.1% for the same period.

    In PPP international dollar terms, India is already the third-largest economy, ahead of Japan and Germany, and is fast closing the gap with the United States and China. The EY analysis says India’s PPP economy is expected to register a growth rate of around 8.5% a year and will add nearly USD 7.5 trillion to its economy between 2022 and 2028—equivalent to Japan’s entire current annual PPP output in 2028. By 2028, India will further narrow this gap with China, the country with the largest economy globally in PPP international dollar terms.

    The report further predicts that by 2027, in PPP terms, the United States’ economy will be just 1.7 times larger than the Indian economy, while another EY assessment estimates that by the late 2040s, with a real growth rate of 6 to 7%, India will surpass the United States to become the world’s second-largest economy in PPP terms.

    Another assessment, released by Morgan Stanley in March 2025, suggests India will become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028. According to the global financial services firm, India’s economy is expected to reach USD 4.7 trillion by 2026, overtaking Japan to become the fourth-largest economy. When compared with real data, the country is expected to achieve this milestone sooner.

    By 2028, India is projected to surpass Germany to become the third-largest economy globally, at USD 5.7 trillion. The analysis further states that India’s share in the world’s GDP, currently at 3.5%, is projected to rise to 4.5% by 2029.

    The growth rate of the last quarter—or real GDP growth rate from January 2025 to March 2025—further confirms the resilient nature of the Indian economy. The real growth rate for the last quarter was calculated at 7.4%, outperforming expectations. In nominal GDP terms, the Indian economy was estimated to have expanded by 10.8%. A composite annual growth rate for the year 2024–25, in real GDP terms for the country, was estimated at 6.5%, in line with expectations, while in nominal terms it was estimated at 9.8%.

    According to projections made in another EY analysis, the country’s GDP has the potential to cross the threshold of USD 5 trillion by 2026, USD 10 trillion by 2033, USD 20 trillion by 2042, and USD 30 trillion by 2047 in market exchange terms—a dataset that matches with projections made in India on its developmental journey to become a developed nation by 2047. In PPP terms, by 2047, India’s economy is expected to cross the USD 40 trillion-threshold. Its share in the world GDP is expected to reach 19.6% by that financial year.

    India’s per capita GDP in PPP terms, which was 50% of the world’s average per capita GDP in 2022–23, is expected to become equal to it by the 2040s and 1.5 times higher by 2057.

    According to a Goldman Sachs economic research report released in December 2022 on long-term economic forecasts, China, the US, India, Indonesia, and Germany are projected to be the world’s five largest economies in real GDP terms. By 2075, India is expected to replace the United States to become the second-largest economy behind China.

     

  • ECB unveils Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy ahead of India’s series in England

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday unveiled the new Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy ahead of India’s five-match series in England, which begins on June 20. Both legends were present at the unveiling ceremony. The trophy features imagery of James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar in action, along with their engraved signatures.

    The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy is a joint initiative between the ECB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and will replace the previous trophies awarded in bilateral series — the Pataudi Trophy in England and the Anthony De Mello Trophy in India.

    While the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy replaces the historic Pataudi Trophy, the legacy of the Pataudi family will continue through a newly instituted accolade — the Pataudi Medal — which will now be awarded to the winning captain of the England-India Test series.

    Legends Who Redefined the Game

    James Anderson, England’s premier fast bowler, brought his illustrious Test career to a close last year following a five-match series against India. Over 188 Tests, Anderson took a remarkable 704 wickets — the third-highest in Test history. Against India, he was particularly effective, taking 149 wickets in 39 Tests at an average of 25.47, including six five-wicket hauls.

    “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself,” Anderson said. “The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special — full of history, intensity, and unforgettable moments. To be recognised in this way is a real honour.”

    India’s batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, remains the highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 15,921 runs, including 51 centuries, from 200 matches — a milestone yet to be matched. Tendulkar’s record against England is equally impressive, with 2,535 runs at an average of 51.73, and a top score of 193 at Headingley — which is set to host one of the upcoming Tests.

    “For me, Test cricket embodies life — you give your best, and if things go wrong, it gives you another day to regroup, think, unlearn, and bounce back,” Tendulkar said. “India and England have played a big role in shaping Test cricket in a way that it remains an evolving inspiration for subsequent generations.”

    “And now, as I share this recognition with my on-field challenger and off-field gentleman James, I hope that the world celebrates the essence of Test cricket even more — allowing it to traverse boundaries yet untrodden”, the former cricketer added.

  • PM flags off first export locomotive from Marhowra Plant, Bihar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for export to the Republic of Guinea, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

    This marks the first export locomotive manufactured at the plant. These locomotives are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, and ergonomic cab designs, incorporating features such as regenerative braking technology.

    On the same day, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur, via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.

    During a public meeting in Siwan, the Prime Minister was felicitated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects across the water, rail, and power sectors.

    To strengthen railway infrastructure in the region, he inaugurated the new Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, worth over ₹400 crore, and flagged off a new train service on this route.

    The Prime Minister also inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange programme, with a total outlay of over ₹1,800 crore. These plants aim to serve the population across the region.

    In addition, he laid the foundation stone for water supply, sanitation, and sewage treatment infrastructure worth over ₹3,000 crore in several towns across Bihar. These projects aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to residents.

    The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bihar. Standalone BESS units will be installed at 15 grid substations across the state, including in Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. The capacity of each battery system will range from 20 to 80 MWh. These systems are expected to reduce electricity procurement costs for distribution companies by supplying stored energy to the grid during peak demand, ultimately benefiting consumers.

    The Prime Minister also released the first instalment to more than 53,600 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) in Bihar. He handed over keys to a few beneficiaries as part of the Grih Pravesh ceremony for over 6,600 completed houses under the scheme.

  • PM flags off first export locomotive from Marhowra Plant, Bihar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for export to the Republic of Guinea, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

    This marks the first export locomotive manufactured at the plant. These locomotives are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, and ergonomic cab designs, incorporating features such as regenerative braking technology.

    On the same day, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur, via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.

    During a public meeting in Siwan, the Prime Minister was felicitated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects across the water, rail, and power sectors.

    To strengthen railway infrastructure in the region, he inaugurated the new Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, worth over ₹400 crore, and flagged off a new train service on this route.

    The Prime Minister also inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange programme, with a total outlay of over ₹1,800 crore. These plants aim to serve the population across the region.

    In addition, he laid the foundation stone for water supply, sanitation, and sewage treatment infrastructure worth over ₹3,000 crore in several towns across Bihar. These projects aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to residents.

    The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bihar. Standalone BESS units will be installed at 15 grid substations across the state, including in Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. The capacity of each battery system will range from 20 to 80 MWh. These systems are expected to reduce electricity procurement costs for distribution companies by supplying stored energy to the grid during peak demand, ultimately benefiting consumers.

    The Prime Minister also released the first instalment to more than 53,600 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) in Bihar. He handed over keys to a few beneficiaries as part of the Grih Pravesh ceremony for over 6,600 completed houses under the scheme.