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Category: Government of India

  • Israel says it killed Iran’s wartime chief, Khamenei’s close aide

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday announced that it had eliminated Ali Shadmani, Iran’s wartime chief of staff and close aide of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an overnight strike.

    “Following accurate intelligence received by the Intelligence Branch and a sudden opportunity during the night, Air Force fighter jets attacked a manned headquarters in the heart of Tehran and killed Ali Shadmani, the Chief of Staff of the War, the most senior military commander and the man closest to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei,” the IDF said in a post on X.

    This is the second time in recent weeks that Israel has targeted and killed a high-ranking military commander of the regime, with an aim to disrupt Iran’s military leadership.

    According to the Israeli military, Shadmani served as Chief of War Staff and Commander of the Armed Forces Emergency Command and commanded the Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian army.

    “Prior to the assassination of his predecessor, Shadmani served as deputy commander of the Hatem Al-Aniba Emergency Command and head of the Operations Department of the Armed Forces General Staff. Shadmani’s assassination joins a series of assassinations of the highest military command in Iran and constitutes another blow to the chain of command of the Iranian armed forces,” the IDF added.

    The IDF further asserted that the “Khatem al-Anbiya” emergency command, under the assassinated Iranian officer’s command, was responsible for managing combat and approving Iranian fire plans.

    In his various roles, the military said that Shadmani “directly influenced” Iranian fire plans to harm Israel.

    Shadmani earlier replaced Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed on Friday when Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ against Iran, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel’s very survival.

    “In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid’s martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Ali Shadmani’s meritorious services & valuable experience, I confer the rank of Major Gen. & appoint him Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central HQ,” Iranian Supreme leader Khamenei had posted on X.

    Earlier in the day, Israel also announced the destruction of several surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missile launchers of the Iranian regime as the hostilities between both nations escalated.

    “Dozens of infrastructure for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missile launchers of the Iranian regime were destroyed. Last night, Air Force fighter jets completed several waves of attacks against dozens of Iranian regime military targets in western Iran. As part of the waves of attacks, the Air Force attacked dozens of infrastructures for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles, UAV storage sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers in western Iran,” said the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in a post on X.

    The Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day, and hostilities between the two nations continued to escalate as several missiles from Iran were fired at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Haifa and dozens of other cities and communities across northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, confirmed by the Israeli military.

    (IANS)

  • Oil prices continue to surge amid growing Israel-Iran tensions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices rose sharply on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump called for the evacuation of Tehran, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

    The prices jumped initially but later eased, as the market stayed cautious about any major disruption in oil supplies.

    Brent crude oil went up by as much as 2.2 per cent before falling slightly to trade just above $73 a barrel.

    West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also rose and hovered near $72. This comes after oil prices had dropped on Monday when there were signs that Iran was trying to calm tensions.

    Israel continued to strike Iranian military targets, including weapons storage sites and missile launchers.

    The oil market is closely watching the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow waterway that plays a crucial role in global oil trade.

    Around 20 per cent of the world’s daily oil supply passes through this route. Maritime security company Ambrey reported a possible incident near the area on Tuesday, although details were not clear.

    So far, the impact of the conflict has mostly been seen in the shipping sector. According to the UK Navy, ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf are facing issues with navigation signals.

    Many shipping companies are now hesitant to take bookings in the region due to safety concerns. However, Iran’s infrastructure for exporting oil has not been damaged yet.

    Even with some gains being reversed, oil prices remain higher than they were before the current conflict began.

    This has led to record levels of hedging by oil producers and a rise in trading of oil futures and options.

    Investment bank Morgan Stanley has also raised its oil price forecasts – citing higher risks because of the conflict.

    Meanwhile, the White House is reportedly discussing the possibility of meeting Iranian officials this week to talk about reviving the nuclear deal and ending the ongoing war with Israel, according to a report by Axios.

    Israel, on the other hand, claimed that it has taken control over large parts of Iran’s airspace and has heavily damaged its missile and nuclear facilities since launching its assault on Friday.

    This has sparked fears of a broader war in the region, which produces nearly one-third of the world’s oil.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India hosts first assembly of International Big Cat Alliance in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the conservation of big cats, was held in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and attended by ministerial delegations from nine countries, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia, and Kazakhstan.

    In his address, Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s global leadership in wildlife conservation under PM Modi’s guidance and called on big cat range countries to collaborate closely under the IBCA framework. He stressed the importance of collective action to protect the habitats of the seven major big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

    The Assembly unanimously endorsed Bhupender Yadav as the President and S.P. Yadav as the Director General of IBCA. It also ratified key documents, including the Headquarters Agreement with India, the Workplan, Rules of Procedure, and Financial Regulations, laying the groundwork for effective operations of the alliance.

    The IBCA, established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority in March 2024, comprises 95 range countries. It aims to create a global platform for conservation cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technical and financial support to halt the decline of big cat populations and safeguard biodiversity.

    The participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance’s goals and pledged to work collectively toward conserving these majestic species and securing the planet’s ecological future.

  • India hosts first assembly of International Big Cat Alliance in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the conservation of big cats, was held in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and attended by ministerial delegations from nine countries, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia, and Kazakhstan.

    In his address, Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s global leadership in wildlife conservation under PM Modi’s guidance and called on big cat range countries to collaborate closely under the IBCA framework. He stressed the importance of collective action to protect the habitats of the seven major big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

    The Assembly unanimously endorsed Bhupender Yadav as the President and S.P. Yadav as the Director General of IBCA. It also ratified key documents, including the Headquarters Agreement with India, the Workplan, Rules of Procedure, and Financial Regulations, laying the groundwork for effective operations of the alliance.

    The IBCA, established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority in March 2024, comprises 95 range countries. It aims to create a global platform for conservation cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technical and financial support to halt the decline of big cat populations and safeguard biodiversity.

    The participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance’s goals and pledged to work collectively toward conserving these majestic species and securing the planet’s ecological future.

  • Astronomers locate universe’s ‘missing’ matter

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The universe has two kinds of matter. There is invisible dark matter, known only because of its gravitational effects on a grand scale. And there is ordinary matter such as gas, dust, stars, planets and earthly things like cookie dough and canoes.

    Scientists estimate that ordinary matter makes up only about 15% of all matter, but have long struggled to document where all of it is located, with about half unaccounted for. With the help of powerful bursts of radio waves emanating from 69 locations in the cosmos, researchers now have found the “missing” matter.

    It was hiding primarily as thinly distributed gas spread out in the vast expanses between galaxies and was detected thanks to the effect the matter has on the radio waves traveling through space, the researchers said. This tenuous gas comprises the intergalactic medium, sort of a fog between galaxies.

    Scientists previously had determined the total amount of ordinary matter using a calculation involving light observed that was left over from the Big Bang event roughly 13.8 billion years ago that initiated the universe. But they could not actually find half of this matter.

    “So the question we’ve been grappling with was: Where is it hiding? The answer appears to be: in a diffuse wispy cosmic web, well away from galaxies,” said Harvard University astronomy professor Liam Connor, lead author of the study published on Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy.

    The researchers found that a smaller slice of the missing matter resides in the halos of diffuse material surrounding galaxies, including our Milky Way.

    Ordinary matter is composed of baryons, which are the subatomic particles protons and neutrons needed to build atoms.

    “People, planets and stars are made of baryons. Dark matter, on the other hand, is a mysterious substance that makes up the bulk of the matter in the universe. We do not know what new particle or substance makes up dark matter. We know exactly what the ordinary matter is, we just didn’t know where it was,” Connor said.

    So how did so much ordinary matter end up in the middle of nowhere? Vast amounts of gas are ejected from galaxies when massive stars explode in supernovas or when supermassive black holes inside galaxies “burp,” expelling material after consuming stars or gas.

    “If the universe were a more boring place, or the laws of physics were different, you might find that ordinary matter would all fall into galaxies, cool down, form stars, until every proton and neutron were a part of a star. But that’s not what happens,” Connor said.

    Thus, these violent physical processes are sloshing ordinary matter around across immense distances and consigning it to the cosmic wilderness. This gas is not in its usual state but rather in the form of plasma, with its electrons and protons separated.

    The mechanism used to detect and measure the missing ordinary matter involved phenomena called fast radio bursts, or FRBs – powerful pulses of radio waves emanating from faraway points in the universe. While their exact cause remains mysterious, a leading hypothesis is that they are produced by highly magnetized neutron stars, compact stellar embers left over after a massive star dies in a supernova explosion.

    As light in radio wave frequencies travels from the source of the FRBs to Earth, it becomes dispersed into different wavelengths, just as a prism turns sunlight into a rainbow. The degree of this dispersion depends on how much matter is in the light’s path, providing the mechanism for pinpointing and measuring matter where it otherwise would remain unfound.

    Scientists used radio waves traveling from 69 FRBs, 39 of which were discovered using a network of 110 telescopes located at Caltech’s Owens Valley Radio Observatory near Bishop, California, called the Deep Synoptic Array. The remaining 30 were discovered using other telescopes.

    The FRBs were located at distances up to 9.1 billion light-years from Earth, the farthest of these on record. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

    With all the ordinary matter now accounted for, the researchers were able to determine its distribution. About 76% resides in intergalactic space, about 15% in galaxy halos and the remaining 9% concentrated within galaxies, primarily as stars or gas.

    “We can now move on to even more important mysteries regarding the ordinary matter in the universe,” Connor said. “And beyond that: what is the nature of dark matter and why is it so difficult to measure directly?”

    (Reuters)

  • Netherlands beat Nepal after first-ever T20 triple Super Over

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Netherlands beat Nepal but needed a record-breaking three Super Overs to clinch victory in their Twenty20 tri-series match in Glasgow on Monday, the first time a triple Super Over has been seen in T20 or limited-overs cricket.

    The Dutch posted 152 for seven and appeared set for the win as Nepal required 16 runs from the final over, but Nandan Yadav scored a boundary on the last ball to force a Super Over.

    Nepal made 19 runs which the Dutch matched thanks to Max O’Dowd hitting a six on the final ball, and a second Super Over was needed for only the second time in men’s international cricket, after India and Afghanistan last year.

    The Netherlands, batting first, hit 17 runs and Nepal again stayed in the match after Dipendra Singh Airee hit a six on the last ball to mark the first instance of a third Super Over.

    It failed to live up to the drama of the previous two with Nepal failing to score a single run and with the Dutch needing just one run, Michael Levitt smashed a six to finally seal the win for the Netherlands.

    The Dutch, who lost their opening match of the series with Scotland on Monday, have a rest day on Tuesday to recover but Nepal are straight back into action against the Scots.

    (Reuters)

  • Chelsea kick off Club World Cup campaign with dominant win over LAFC

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chelsea got their FIFA Club World Cup campaign underway with a 2-0 victory over MLS side Los Angeles FC in front of thousands of empty seats at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

    Thousands of seats were visibly empty in a 71,000-capacity stadium as Chelsea made a winning start in Group D. According to Sky Sports, the official attendance of the fixture was 22,137, which indicates that the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was less than a third full.

    In the first half, former Tottenham and LAFC’s current goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, was called into action and denied Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke from racing away with an early lead. Chelsea grew in possession, pushed LAFC back and eventually broke the stalemate.

    In front of a limited number of fans, Pedro Neto’s 34th-minute goal gave manager Enzo Maresca’s side a 1-0 advantage. The Portuguese breached the offside trap and latched onto Jackson’s precise pass. He cut the ball back in and fired it into the bottom corner to put the Conference League winners 1-0 ahead in the contest.

    Chelsea fans caught a glimpse of their latest acquisition, Liam Delap, in action midway through the second half. Chelsea had to work hard for their second but eventually got it in the second half. Delap was brought onto the field and engaged in back-and-forth passes with Cole Palmer. He put his quick feet on exhibition and eventually set up Fernandez to tap it home in the 79th minute for a 2-0 triumph.

    After the contest, Chelsea boss Maresca didn’t shy away from expressing his surprise on the thousands of seats that were empty throughout the fixture and said as quoted from Sky Sports, “The atmosphere and environment was a bit strange. The stadium was almost empty.”

    LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo gave his opinion and said, “I think it is different each game you look at,” he said, adding, “In the Rose Bowl in LA, there was a huge crowd for the game between PSG and Atletico Madrid. Maybe LA likes football more than Atlanta, I don’t know, we should judge at the end.”

    (ANI)

  • Healthy crowds and Messi mania lift Club World Cup, but quality gap shows

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The expanded Club World Cup has kicked off with healthy crowds, “Messi mania” and a festival atmosphere in Miami, giving an early vindication to world football body FIFA after fears of empty stands and global disinterest.

    FIFA controversially awarded Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami a backdoor route into the tournament, ensuring the sport’s biggest name would be there after he propelled soccer to new heights in a country often ambivalent to the world’s most popular game.

    Some 61,000 fans packed the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday to watch the Argentine and teammates play Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in a goalless draw.

    Another strong crowd turned out on Sunday for the clash between Paris St Germain and Atletico Madrid, which ended in a one-sided 4-0 win for the Champions League winners.

    However, Bayern Munich’s 10-0 demolition of semi-professional Auckland City underscored the worrying gulf in quality between some of the competing clubs.

    But the opening weekend largely delivered what FIFA had hoped for: vibrant crowds and global representation.

    South American supporters made their presence especially felt.

    More than 1,000 Boca Juniors fans in blue and gold turned Miami Beach into a party strip on Sunday ahead of their opening match, singing club anthems and waving flags in scenes reminiscent of a World Cup carnival.

    “Wherever you go, Boca is here,” Gaston San Paul, a fan who flew in from Entre Rios in Argentina, told Reuters.

    “Wherever we are we do this,” he added, referring to the “Banderazo” (flag party), a fan gathering destined to mark territory ahead of a game.

    Boca and Real Madrid games were among the top early ticket sellers, according to FIFA, which said that top markets after the U.S. were Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

    Talk of empty stands was at least provisionally dismissed as well as heightened anxiety in the immigrant-heavy Miami area following recent federal immigration raids.

    At the heart of the opening weekend buzz was Messi, whose presence has elevated Inter Miami’s profile and guaranteed global glamour for the tournament.

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    Messi, who received a standing ovation before kickoff, was unable to find the net against Al-Ahly but provided flashes of brilliance in a tightly contested, physical match.

    FIFA is banking not only on Messi’s star power but also on a radical new broadcast strategy. The tournament is being streamed for free worldwide by DAZN in a $1 billion deal.

    That agreement followed Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investment, a subsidiary of the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), acquiring a minority stake in DAZN for a reported $1 billion — another marker of the kingdom’s growing investment footprint in sport.

    The partnership, one of the largest broadcast packages in football history, is central to FIFA’s push to maximize digital engagement and position the Club World Cup as a global spectacle ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

    The $1 billion prize money, which ensures a hefty $125 million for the winners, was an obvious incentive for the European clubs.

    “There’s a lot of money at stake. If you have the chance to earn a lot of money at a tournament, you should take the chance,” former Bayern legend Karl Heinz Rummenigge said in the run-up.

    DAZN has yet to provide viewership data.

    While the crowds gave FIFA reason to be cheerful, the Bayern Munich v Auckland City match raised awkward questions about the tournament’s balance as the German champions obliterated their opponents 10-0.

    Despite the lopsided contest in Cincinnati, the overall mood among organizers was one of optimism, calling the opening weekend a resounding success.

    Many Floridians, however, did not know a global soccer event was taking place in their state.

    “There is a World Cup? Hockey?,” said one person working in a restaurant in Miami Beach.

    “This tournament is new, and it is different. It is the very first time clubs and players from all over the world have had the chance to face each other in competitive matches on a global stage,” FIFA said, referring to the 32-club format after the previous editions featured seven.

    With group matches continuing through the week and Boca’s opener against Benfica expected to draw another bumper crowd in Miami later on Monday, FIFA will be hoping to build on the early momentum — and avoid more one-sided encounters like the one in Cincinnati as European teams appear to be a level above those from other continents’.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says his G7 summit departure not linked to any Israel-Iran ceasefire offer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Donald Trump said late on Monday his early departure from the Group of Seven nations summit has “nothing to do with” working on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, refuting comments by French President Emmanuel Macron who said the U.S. president made a ceasefire proposal.

    Macron “mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he left the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington.

    “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump added in the post.

    Macron said earlier on Monday Trump had made an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions,” Macron told reporters at the G7.

    Trump left the G7 summit in Canada early to return to Washington due to the Middle East situation.

    The air war between Iran and U.S. ally Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel’s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

    Since the Israeli strikes on Friday, the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

    Israel, the U.S. and other Western nations have long sought to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear weapons development.

    Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons.

    Washington said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • G7 expresses support for Israel, calls Iran source of instability

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

    The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel‘s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

    “We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” G7 leaders said in the statement.

    “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement added and said the G7 was “clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

    Israel attacked Iran on Friday in what it called a preemptive strike to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Since then the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

    Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

    President Donald Trump planned to leave the G7 summit in Canada early to return to Washington due to the Middle East situation.

    The United States has so far maintained that it is not involved in the Israeli attacks on Iran although Trump said on Friday the U.S. was aware of Israel‘s strikes in advance and called them “excellent.” Washington has warned Tehran not to attack U.S. interests or personnel in the region.

    “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” the G7 statement said, adding the nations were also ready to coordinate on safeguarding stability in energy markets.

    An Israeli strike hit Iran‘s state broadcaster on Monday while Trump said in a social media post that “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”

    Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed the Israel–Iran war in phone calls with his British, French and European Union counterparts on Monday.

    Washington said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • G7 expresses support for Israel, calls Iran source of instability

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

    The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel‘s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

    “We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” G7 leaders said in the statement.

    “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement added and said the G7 was “clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

    Israel attacked Iran on Friday in what it called a preemptive strike to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Since then the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

    Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

    President Donald Trump planned to leave the G7 summit in Canada early to return to Washington due to the Middle East situation.

    The United States has so far maintained that it is not involved in the Israeli attacks on Iran although Trump said on Friday the U.S. was aware of Israel‘s strikes in advance and called them “excellent.” Washington has warned Tehran not to attack U.S. interests or personnel in the region.

    “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” the G7 statement said, adding the nations were also ready to coordinate on safeguarding stability in energy markets.

    An Israeli strike hit Iran‘s state broadcaster on Monday while Trump said in a social media post that “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”

    Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed the Israel–Iran war in phone calls with his British, French and European Union counterparts on Monday.

    Washington said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • Heavy rains to lash several districts in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warning for several districts in Tamil Nadu, predicting formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

    The warning comes as persistent rains lash the Nilgiris and ghat areas of Coimbatore, triggering multiple incidents of tree falls and mudslides that have kept rescue teams on high alert.

    According to the RMC, an upper air cyclonic circulation prevailing over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area by Tuesday.

    Forecasters say there is a high likelihood that the system will deepen further and move in a northwesterly direction in the coming days. The weather agency attributed the ongoing weather fluctuations to the combined effects of this emerging low-pressure system and a strengthening southwest monsoon. As a result, a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for isolated areas in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore’s ghat sections until June 18.

    Theni and Tenkasi districts have also been placed on a heavy rainfall watch. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall is expected over isolated locations in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal through the weekend.

    Chennai, however, is likely to see only sporadic rainfall over the next few days.

    As the southwest monsoon gains strength and the low-pressure area moves toward southern Gujarat, the city is expected to experience humid conditions with low chances of rain, said independent weather expert K. Srikanth.

    “The strengthening of western wind flow and a delayed sea breeze indicate that Chennai will likely witness more humidity than rain in the coming days,” Srikanth observed. He added that the heavy rains seen in Chennai and surrounding districts last week were due to the weak progress of the southwest monsoon.

    Meanwhile, several locations in the Western Ghats recorded substantial rainfall on Monday. Avalanche in the Nilgiris received 29 cm of rain, while Chinnakallar in Coimbatore recorded 18 cm. Other regions, including Upper Bhavani, Pandalur, and Solaiyar, also reported heavy rainfall.

    Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious and avoid travel through vulnerable routes during peak rainfall hours.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • Heavy rains to lash several districts in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warning for several districts in Tamil Nadu, predicting formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

    The warning comes as persistent rains lash the Nilgiris and ghat areas of Coimbatore, triggering multiple incidents of tree falls and mudslides that have kept rescue teams on high alert.

    According to the RMC, an upper air cyclonic circulation prevailing over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area by Tuesday.

    Forecasters say there is a high likelihood that the system will deepen further and move in a northwesterly direction in the coming days. The weather agency attributed the ongoing weather fluctuations to the combined effects of this emerging low-pressure system and a strengthening southwest monsoon. As a result, a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for isolated areas in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore’s ghat sections until June 18.

    Theni and Tenkasi districts have also been placed on a heavy rainfall watch. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall is expected over isolated locations in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal through the weekend.

    Chennai, however, is likely to see only sporadic rainfall over the next few days.

    As the southwest monsoon gains strength and the low-pressure area moves toward southern Gujarat, the city is expected to experience humid conditions with low chances of rain, said independent weather expert K. Srikanth.

    “The strengthening of western wind flow and a delayed sea breeze indicate that Chennai will likely witness more humidity than rain in the coming days,” Srikanth observed. He added that the heavy rains seen in Chennai and surrounding districts last week were due to the weak progress of the southwest monsoon.

    Meanwhile, several locations in the Western Ghats recorded substantial rainfall on Monday. Avalanche in the Nilgiris received 29 cm of rain, while Chinnakallar in Coimbatore recorded 18 cm. Other regions, including Upper Bhavani, Pandalur, and Solaiyar, also reported heavy rainfall.

    Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious and avoid travel through vulnerable routes during peak rainfall hours.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • Monsoon to reach Bihar within 48 hours, IMD issues orange alert for northern districts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After days of sweltering heat and high humidity, relief is finally in sight for Bihar, with the southwest monsoon set to arrive via Purnea and Kishanganj within the next 48 hours, according to the Meteorological Centre in Patna.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in North Bihar, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning.

    Over 20 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Munger, East and West Champaran, Siwan, Saran, and Katihar, are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in the coming days.

    Heavy rain warnings are specifically in place for Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj, where thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected.

    Rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours has further confirmed the onset of the monsoon.

    Notable rainfall figures include Bikramganj (Rohtas) – 30 mm; Raghunathpur (Siwan) – 25.6 mm; and Hathwa (Gopalganj) – 20.8 mm

    Despite the rain, Chhapra remained the hottest place at 41.1 degrees Celsius, though temperatures dipped slightly in about 20 districts.

    The Disaster Management Department has issued advisories urging people to avoid open areas and refrain from standing under trees during lightning or thunderstorms.

    The IMD has further warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds on June 17 in the districts of West Champaran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Kishanganj, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Banka, Nawada, Gaya, and Rohtas.

    Residents have been advised to stay indoors during inclement weather, avoid standing near electric poles or trees, and stay updated with local weather alerts.

    With easterly, moisture-laden winds intensifying, the IMD expects the monsoon to become fully active across Bihar by June 17-18, bringing consistent rainfall and a noticeable drop in temperatures across the state.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Monsoon to reach Bihar within 48 hours, IMD issues orange alert for northern districts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After days of sweltering heat and high humidity, relief is finally in sight for Bihar, with the southwest monsoon set to arrive via Purnea and Kishanganj within the next 48 hours, according to the Meteorological Centre in Patna.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in North Bihar, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning.

    Over 20 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Munger, East and West Champaran, Siwan, Saran, and Katihar, are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in the coming days.

    Heavy rain warnings are specifically in place for Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj, where thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected.

    Rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours has further confirmed the onset of the monsoon.

    Notable rainfall figures include Bikramganj (Rohtas) – 30 mm; Raghunathpur (Siwan) – 25.6 mm; and Hathwa (Gopalganj) – 20.8 mm

    Despite the rain, Chhapra remained the hottest place at 41.1 degrees Celsius, though temperatures dipped slightly in about 20 districts.

    The Disaster Management Department has issued advisories urging people to avoid open areas and refrain from standing under trees during lightning or thunderstorms.

    The IMD has further warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds on June 17 in the districts of West Champaran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Kishanganj, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Banka, Nawada, Gaya, and Rohtas.

    Residents have been advised to stay indoors during inclement weather, avoid standing near electric poles or trees, and stay updated with local weather alerts.

    With easterly, moisture-laden winds intensifying, the IMD expects the monsoon to become fully active across Bihar by June 17-18, bringing consistent rainfall and a noticeable drop in temperatures across the state.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India advises nationals to evacuate Tehran amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India on Tuesday urged its nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran to evacuate Tehran, shift to safer locations, and remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy amid growing tensions in the region.

    As the Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day, hostilities continued to escalate. Several Iranian missiles were fired at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Haifa and dozens of other cities and communities across northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, according to the Israeli military.

    “All Indian nationals and PIOs who can move out of Tehran using their own resources are advised to relocate to a safe location outside the city,” the Indian Embassy in Iran posted on X.

    “All Indian nationals currently in Tehran and not in touch with the Embassy are requested to contact the Embassy of India in Tehran immediately and provide their location and contact numbers. Kindly contact: +989010144557; +989128109115; +989128109109,” the Embassy added.

    The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a 24×7 Control Room in view of the ongoing developments in Iran and Israel. The helpline numbers shared by the Ministry are: 1800-11-8797 (toll-free), +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, and WhatsApp number +91-9968291988. Emails may be sent to: situationroom@mea.gov.in.

    Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has also urged people to evacuate Tehran amid the intensifying conflict.

    “Iran should have signed the deal I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.

    The U.S. President also announced that he would cut short his visit to the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East.

    In the latest developments, Bazan Group—Israel’s largest oil refinery company—announced that all of its facilities at the Haifa Port have been completely shut down due to damage caused by an Iranian missile strike.

  • EU readies ban on Russian gas imports by end of 2027

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Commission is set to propose on Tuesday a ban on EU imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas by the end of 2027, using legal measures to ensure the plan cannot be blocked by EU members Hungary and Slovakia.

    The proposals will set out how the European Union plans to fix into law its vow to end decades-old energy relations with Europe’s former top gas supplier Russia, made after Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    An internal Commission summary of the upcoming proposal, seen by Reuters, said it would fix into law a ban on imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG from January 1, 2026, with longer deadlines for certain contracts.

    Short-term Russian gas deals signed before June 17, 2025 would have a one-year transition period, to June 17, 2026, it said.

    Imports under existing long-term Russian contracts would then be banned from January 1, 2028 – effectively ending the EU’s use of Russian gas by this date, the summary said.

    Companies including TotalEnergies TTEF.PA and Spain’s Naturgy NTGY.MC have Russian LNG contracts extending into the 2030s.

    EU LNG terminals would also be gradually banned from providing services to Russian customers, and companies importing Russian gas would have to disclose information on their contracts to EU and national authorities, Reuters previously reported.

    The plans could still change before they are published.

    EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said on Monday the measures were designed to be legally strong enough for companies to invoke the contractual clause of “force majeure” – an unforeseeable event – to break their Russian gas contracts.

    “Since this will be a prohibition, a ban, the companies will not get into legal problems. This is force majeure, as it [would be] if it had been a sanction,” Jorgensen told reporters.

    NO VETO

    Slovakia and Hungary, which have sought to maintain close political ties to Russia, still import Russian gas via pipeline and say switching to alternatives would increase energy prices. They have vowed to block sanctions on Russian energy, which require unanimous approval from all EU countries, and have opposed the ban.

    To get around this, the Commission’s proposals will use an EU legal basis that can be passed with support from a reinforced majority of countries and a majority of the European Parliament, EU officials said.

    While most other EU countries have signalled support for the ban, officials said some importing countries have raised concerns about the risk to companies of financial penalties or arbitration for breaking contracts.

    Around 19% of Europe’s gas still comes from Russia, via the TurkStream pipeline and LNG shipments – down from roughly 45% before 2022. Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain are among those that import Russian LNG.

    “We fully support this plan in principle, with the aim of ensuring that we find the right solutions to provide maximum security for businesses,” French industry minister Marc Ferracci told reporters on Monday.

    (Reuters)

     

  • Tribal Affairs Ministry launches campaign for inclusive development, empowerment of tribal communities

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, the largest benefit saturation campaign in India’s tribal regions, aimed at inclusive development and tribal empowerment. This initiative, rolled out from June 15 to 30, spans over 549 tribal-dominated districts and 207 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) districts, covering more than one lakh villages and habitations.

    Described by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram as a “historic step in realizing the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Antyodaya,” the campaign not only aims to deliver welfare schemes but also restore dignity, self-respect, and ownership in the making of Viksit Bharat.

    Minister of State Durga Das Uikey called it an “unprecedented community-led model” backed by a synchronized multi-ministerial effort.

    As a flagship initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the campaign celebrates the cultural heritage of tribal communities while ensuring doorstep delivery of key entitlements. Through benefit saturation camps, eligible individuals are being provided access to essential services like Aadhaar enrolments, Ayushman Bharat cards, Jan Dhan bank accounts, PM-Kisan, pensions, scholarships, insurance schemes, and skill training programs.

    The campaign operates under the broader framework of PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), embodying the principles of last-mile delivery and people’s participation (Janbhagidari).

    More than 125 District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners have already begun pre-campaign mobilization in partnership with Panchayati Raj Institutions, tribal leaders, and local stakeholders—ensuring that no eligible tribal household is left behind.

  • Shivraj Singh pays tribute to martyr Buddhu Nonia in Patna

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday paid rich tributes to freedom fighter Buddhu Nonia at his centenary celebrations in Patna.

    Addressing the gathering, Chouhan recalled his ultimate sacrifice during the Salt Satyagraha. “He was thrown into a boiling salt cauldron by the British, yet continued to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’,” Chouhan said, lauding the courage of the revolutionary.

    “We earned our freedom through intense struggle and sacrifice. Many revolutionaries spent their entire youth grinding in the prisons of Andaman and Nicobar, and when they walked toward the gallows, their legs didn’t tremble. There was no fear or anxiety. They held the Gita in one hand, chanted ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, and had unwavering determination in their hearts,” the Union minister said.

    “These brave revolutionaries prayed to God by saying “If we are reborn after death, let it be on this land of India, and let the cycle of life and death continue here until the country is free”. The martyrs sacrificed everything,” he added.

    Thanking the Bihar government for its decision to install a statue of the martyr in Patna, Chouhan hailed the Nonia community’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle, referring to the historical Nonia Rebellion of the 1770s.

    Chouhan supported Bihar cabinet minister Renu Devi’s proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the economically disadvantaged Nonia community and assured that the government would give it serious consideration.

    Calling for unity and resolve, Chouhan urged the community to support those who work for their upliftment and reaffirmed the NDA government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice.

    “We must resolve to support those who support us,” he added. He also declared that the nation will never forgive those who insult Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

    Chouhan also lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in empowering the poor and marginalised. He highlighted ongoing welfare schemes such as the PM Awas Yojana and the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative aimed at uplifting women.

    The event was attended by several key leaders, including Renu Devi, Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and State BJP President Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, among others.

  • PM Modi arrives in Calgary for G7 Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary, Canada on Tuesday (local time) to participate in the G7 Summit, where he will meet with global leaders and share India’s views on key international challenges.
     
    As part of his ongoing three-nation tour — which began in Cyprus and will conclude in Croatia — PM Modi said that he would highlight the concerns of the Global South during the Summit. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South.”
     
    Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi will participate in G7 discussions on the future of energy security. These discussions will focus on diversification, technological innovation, infrastructure, and investment, aimed at ensuring access and affordability in a changing global landscape.
     
    “At the invitation of PM @MarkJCarney, PM @narendramodi arrives in Alberta, Canada for the G7 Summit,” Jaiswal wrote on X. “PM will be participating in @G7 discussions on energy security… and will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.”
     
    PM Modi’s arrival in Canada comes at a time of diplomatic recalibration between the two nations, following a period of strained relations.
     
    Other invitees to the G7 meeting are Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Lee Jae-Myung of South Korea, and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
     
    The G7 Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union. This year’s edition marks PM Modi’s sixth straight attendance at the Summit.
     
    (ANI)

  • PM Modi arrives in Calgary for G7 Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary, Canada on Tuesday (local time) to participate in the G7 Summit, where he will meet with global leaders and share India’s views on key international challenges.
     
    As part of his ongoing three-nation tour — which began in Cyprus and will conclude in Croatia — PM Modi said that he would highlight the concerns of the Global South during the Summit. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South.”
     
    Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi will participate in G7 discussions on the future of energy security. These discussions will focus on diversification, technological innovation, infrastructure, and investment, aimed at ensuring access and affordability in a changing global landscape.
     
    “At the invitation of PM @MarkJCarney, PM @narendramodi arrives in Alberta, Canada for the G7 Summit,” Jaiswal wrote on X. “PM will be participating in @G7 discussions on energy security… and will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.”
     
    PM Modi’s arrival in Canada comes at a time of diplomatic recalibration between the two nations, following a period of strained relations.
     
    Other invitees to the G7 meeting are Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Lee Jae-Myung of South Korea, and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
     
    The G7 Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union. This year’s edition marks PM Modi’s sixth straight attendance at the Summit.
     
    (ANI)

  • FATF condemns Pahalgam terror attack, says it could not have occurred without ‘money and means’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Monday severely condemned the “brutal terrorist attack” in Pahalgam on April 22, stating that it could not have taken place without “money and the means” to move funds between terrorist supporters.

    “Terrorist attacks kill, maim and inspire fear around the world. The FATF notes with grave concern and condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters,” the FATF said in a statement after its plenary meeting.

    It mentioned further: “As highlighted by the FATF President at the recent No Money for Terror Conference in Munich, no single company, authority, or country can combat this challenge alone. We must be unified against the scourge of global terrorism. Because terrorists need to succeed only once to achieve their goal, while we have to succeed every time to prevent it.”

    As many as 26 innocent tourists were massacred in the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

    Investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack brought out the communication nodes of terrorists in and to Pakistan. A group calling itself The Resistance Front (TRF) – a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba – had claimed responsibility for the attack.

    India had given inputs about the TRF in the half-yearly report to the Monitoring Team of the United Nations’ 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, bringing out its role as a cover for Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

    Earlier too, in December 2023, India had informed the monitoring team about LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad operating through small terror groups such as the TRF. Pakistan’s pressure to remove references to TRF in the April 25 UN Security Council Press Statement were highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during Operation Sindoor.

    Asserting that Pakistan has a history of misusing bailout packages for cross-border terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had called for putting the failed state back on the FATF grey list.

    “The state and non-state actors are two sides of the same coin in Pakistan, which became evident when designated terrorists were accorded funerals with state honours,” Singh said earlier this month.

    The FATF, which develops and promotes policies to protect the global financial system against money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, has acknowledged in the past that India has suffered from the effects of terrorism consistently since its independence in 1947 and still faces a “disparate range of terrorism threats”, categorised into different theatres.

    Speaking exclusively with IANS recently, several experts, including former diplomats and counterterrorism experts, backed a strong action against Pakistan, including by putting the country back on the grey list of the FATF for its continuous involvement in terror financing and backing global terror outfits.

    “Terror doesn’t come out of the blue. It’s something that has to be financed, structured and so forth. So, it’s a long, concerted action that lies behind all this terror. Therefore, you need to do whatever you can globally, also regionally, to secure that we don’t have financing that will flow into the streams of terror. It has to stop. Pakistan has to be put where they belong. So, they have to be put on that list, no doubt about that,” Freddy Svane, the former Danish Ambassador to India, told IANS in an exclusive interview, earlier this month.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens lower amid weak Asian cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian benchmark indices opened in the red on Tuesday, tracking weak cues from Asian markets, with early trade witnessing selling pressure in auto, IT, and pharma sectors.

    At around 9:28 a.m., the BSE Sensex was down 186.35 points or 0.23 per cent at 81,609.80, while the NSE Nifty fell 68.20 points or 0.27 per cent to trade at 24,878.30.

    The Nifty Bank index slipped 30.10 points or 0.05 per cent to 55,914.80. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading lower by 36.40 points or 0.06 per cent at 58,732.10, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 declined 66.30 points or 0.36 per cent to 18,482.90.

    Market sentiment remained cautious as investors reacted to geopolitical tensions and global cues. Analysts noted that former US President Donald Trump’s latest comments on Iran have raised concerns about the broader geopolitical outlook.

    Despite escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, global markets have shown resilience. The decline in the US volatility index (CBOE VIX) suggests that sharp corrections are unlikely unless the conflict escalates further, market experts said.

    “The key reason for the market’s resilience is the participation of retail investors, who continue to see every market dip as a buying opportunity. Elevated valuations are not discouraging retail flows,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    Among the Sensex constituents, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, NTPC, PowerGrid, Adani Ports, ICICI Bank, SBI, TCS, and HCL Tech were the top gainers in early trade. On the flip side, Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, IndusInd Bank, UltraTech Cement, Titan, and Bajaj Finance were among the top losers.

    On the institutional side, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,287.69 crore on June 16, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers with purchases worth ₹5,607.64 crore.

    In Asian markets, indices in Bangkok, Jakarta, Japan, and Seoul were trading in the green, while those in Hong Kong and China witnessed losses.

    In the previous trading session, US markets ended higher. The Dow Jones closed at 42,515.09, up 317.30 points or 0.75 per cent. The S&P 500 gained 56.14 points or 0.94 per cent to end at 6,033.11, and the Nasdaq rose 294.39 points or 1.52 per cent to 19,701.21.

    Attention now turns to the US Federal Reserve, which begins its two-day policy meeting on Tuesday. The central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged.

    “Comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell will be closely watched, especially in the context of easing inflation and continued economic strength,” said Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities.

    — IANS

  • Iran strikes Israeli broadcaster as Tehran seeks diplomatic exit through Gulf intermediaries

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Iran’s national broadcaster, came under direct attack in what Israeli military officials described as retaliation for strikes on Israeli media infrastructure. The assault on IRIB marks a troubling escalation in the targeting of civilian facilities by both sides.

    On Monday, Iranian missiles struck Israel’s Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa, destroying homes and causing civilian casualties as the conflict between the two nations entered its fourth consecutive day. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on buildings housing Iranian state-owned media organizations in Tehran, including the IRIB television facility—hit during a live broadcast.

    The intensifying confrontation has prompted urgent diplomatic efforts by Gulf nations and raised alarm among global leaders gathered at the G7 Summit over the risk of a wider regional war.

    Tehran has reached out to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, urging these Gulf intermediaries to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to use his influence on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In exchange, Iran has signaled openness to renewed flexibility in nuclear negotiations. Gulf leaders and their top diplomats are reportedly engaged in round-the-clock communication with Tehran, Washington, and other capitals in an effort to contain what is now considered the most serious direct confrontation between the two longstanding rivals in West Asia.

    The diplomatic push comes amid ongoing missile and drone strikes targeting each other’s military, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday did not rule out a potential strike on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that such an action could “end the conflict.” However, according to a U.S. official, President Trump has reportedly rejected Israeli plans to assassinate the Iranian leader.

    The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents and personnel in target areas of Tehran before conducting the strikes. Similar warnings were also issued within Israel.

    Speaking at the G7 Summit in Canada, President Trump urged Iran to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program to help resolve the crisis. “They should talk, and they should talk immediately before it’s too late,” Trump said. While the United States has not provided direct military support to Israel so far, the president has indicated that future involvement remains a possibility.

    Despite mounting destruction and civilian casualties, there are currently no clear signs of de-escalation. Iran has expressed a willingness to return to nuclear negotiations if Israeli attacks cease, but both nations appear entrenched in their positions.

    As a security precaution, the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority has announced a complete closure of airspace over major cities, while Iran has imposed similar restrictions on civilian flights over Tehran and other urban centers. Both militaries have issued evacuation advisories to civilians in high-risk zones, though their effectiveness in preventing casualties remains uncertain.

  • India well positioned to regain strong export growth as global trade conditions likely to stabilize in H2 of 2025: Experts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s trade performance in May 2025 has shown strength and stability despite uncertain global conditions, according to views shared by industry experts and economists. FIEO President S C Ralhan highlighted that India’s total exports, including goods and services, increased by 2.8 per cent to USD 71.12 billion in May 2025, up from USD 69.20 billion in May 2024. The growth was mainly driven by services such as software, consultancy, and financial services.

    Even though merchandise exports dipped slightly to USD 38.73 billion, the continued service momentum helped support overall performance.”Exporters are adapting well to a tough global environment,” said Ralhan. “The ability to sustain export growth despite logistical disruptions, especially in the Middle East, is a testament to the sector’s agility and policy support. “On the import front, merchandise imports eased to USD 60.61 billion, while overall imports (goods and services) stood at USD 77.75 billion, down from USD 78.55 billion in May 2024.

    He added, “With appropriate policy interventions and global conditions expected to stabilise in the second half of 2025, India is well-positioned to regain a strong export growth trajectory”. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of EEPC India, stated that the engineering exports sector has managed to stay steady despite continued international challenges.

    While there was a minor decline of 0.8 per cent in engineering goods exports in May 2025, down to USD 9.89 billion from USD 9.97 billion in the same month last year, the overall numbers remain encouraging. He said, “Overall global situation, however, remains volatile. Uncertainty has only been mounting due to geopolitical tensions in key parts of the world.

    The latest Israel-Iran conflict threatens to multiply the challenges for the exporting community. Apart from a rise in input costs as a result of a jump in crude prices, there is heightened concern around the blocking of the Straits of Hormuz by Iran in case tensions further intensify.

    Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that India’s merchandise trade deficit reduced significantly to USD 21.9 billion in May 2025 from USD 26.4 billion in April. This is expected to help contain the current account deficit (CAD) for Q1 FY2026 to around USD 13 billion, or 1.3 per cent of GDP.

    She said, “If crude oil prices average around USD 75/barrel over the remainder of this fiscal, we foresee the CAD at 1.2-1.3 per cent of GDP for FY2026. While India’s exports contracted slightly in May 2025, this was entirely led by oil exports. Non-oil exports posted a YoY growth for the second consecutive month, led by electronic goods, garments, organic and inorganic chemicals, and marine products, which helped to moderate the trade deficit. Further, the YoY contraction in oil and gold imports helped to contain the merchandise trade deficit”. (ANI)

  • India well positioned to regain strong export growth as global trade conditions likely to stabilize in H2 of 2025: Experts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s trade performance in May 2025 has shown strength and stability despite uncertain global conditions, according to views shared by industry experts and economists. FIEO President S C Ralhan highlighted that India’s total exports, including goods and services, increased by 2.8 per cent to USD 71.12 billion in May 2025, up from USD 69.20 billion in May 2024. The growth was mainly driven by services such as software, consultancy, and financial services.

    Even though merchandise exports dipped slightly to USD 38.73 billion, the continued service momentum helped support overall performance.”Exporters are adapting well to a tough global environment,” said Ralhan. “The ability to sustain export growth despite logistical disruptions, especially in the Middle East, is a testament to the sector’s agility and policy support. “On the import front, merchandise imports eased to USD 60.61 billion, while overall imports (goods and services) stood at USD 77.75 billion, down from USD 78.55 billion in May 2024.

    He added, “With appropriate policy interventions and global conditions expected to stabilise in the second half of 2025, India is well-positioned to regain a strong export growth trajectory”. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of EEPC India, stated that the engineering exports sector has managed to stay steady despite continued international challenges.

    While there was a minor decline of 0.8 per cent in engineering goods exports in May 2025, down to USD 9.89 billion from USD 9.97 billion in the same month last year, the overall numbers remain encouraging. He said, “Overall global situation, however, remains volatile. Uncertainty has only been mounting due to geopolitical tensions in key parts of the world.

    The latest Israel-Iran conflict threatens to multiply the challenges for the exporting community. Apart from a rise in input costs as a result of a jump in crude prices, there is heightened concern around the blocking of the Straits of Hormuz by Iran in case tensions further intensify.

    Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that India’s merchandise trade deficit reduced significantly to USD 21.9 billion in May 2025 from USD 26.4 billion in April. This is expected to help contain the current account deficit (CAD) for Q1 FY2026 to around USD 13 billion, or 1.3 per cent of GDP.

    She said, “If crude oil prices average around USD 75/barrel over the remainder of this fiscal, we foresee the CAD at 1.2-1.3 per cent of GDP for FY2026. While India’s exports contracted slightly in May 2025, this was entirely led by oil exports. Non-oil exports posted a YoY growth for the second consecutive month, led by electronic goods, garments, organic and inorganic chemicals, and marine products, which helped to moderate the trade deficit. Further, the YoY contraction in oil and gold imports helped to contain the merchandise trade deficit”. (ANI)

  • Will share my thoughts on important global issues, says PM Modi ahead of G7 Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary, Canada on Tuesday (local time) to participate in the G7 Summit, where he will meet with global leaders and share India’s views on key international challenges.
     
    As part of his ongoing three-nation tour — which began in Cyprus and will conclude in Croatia — PM Modi said that he would highlight the concerns of the Global South during the Summit. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South.”
     
    Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi will participate in G7 discussions on the future of energy security. These discussions will focus on diversification, technological innovation, infrastructure, and investment, aimed at ensuring access and affordability in a changing global landscape.
     
    “At the invitation of PM @MarkJCarney, PM @narendramodi arrives in Alberta, Canada for the G7 Summit,” Jaiswal wrote on X. “PM will be participating in @G7 discussions on energy security… and will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.”
     
    PM Modi’s arrival in Canada comes at a time of diplomatic recalibration between the two nations, following a period of strained relations.
     
    Other invitees to the G7 meeting are Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Lee Jae-Myung of South Korea, and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
     
    The G7 Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union. This year’s edition marks PM Modi’s sixth straight attendance at the Summit.
     
    (ANI)

  • Trump urges Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict enters fifth day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day on Tuesday, and U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he said was the country’s rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development.

    Trump was due to leave the Group of Seven summit in Canada later on Monday, a day early, due to the Middle East situation, the White House said. Fox News reported he would convene his National Security Council.

    “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform.

    French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump’s early departure from the G7 was positive, given the immediate objective was to get Israel and Iran to agree to a ceasefire that the U.S. had proposed.

    “There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions. And I think this is a very good thing,” Macron told reporters. “So now we need to see what the stakeholders will do.”

    Iranian media reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran early on Tuesday. Air defences were activated also in Natanz, home to key nuclear installations 320 km (200 miles) away, the Asriran news website reported.

    A White House aide said it was not true that the U.S. was attacking Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran, while adding the U.S. would defend its assets in the region.

    In Israel, air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv after midnight and an explosion was heard as Iranian missiles targeted the country again.

    Iranian officials reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.

    Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources.

    “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. “Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue.”

    Netanyahu told reporters on Monday that Israel was committed to eliminating threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, adding, “If this can be achieved in another way—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance.”

    Speaking to Reuters on Friday, the first day of Israel’s assault, Trump said he had given the Iranians 60 days to come to an agreement to halt uranium enrichment and that the time had expired with no deal. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes.

    Oil prices rallied more than 2% early in Asia on Tuesday after Trump’s evacuation warning, reversing losses on Monday amid reports that Iran was seeking an end to hostilities.

    CHINESE URGED TO LEAVE ISRAEL

    With security concerns growing and Israeli airspace closed because of the war, the Chinese embassy in Israel urged its citizens to leave the country via land border crossings as soon as possible.

    The Iran-Israel air war – the biggest battle ever between the two longtime enemies – escalated on Monday with Israel targeting Iran’s state broadcaster and uranium enrichment facilities.

    Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, while Iran’s Fordow plant remained largely intact.

    Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Oman, had been scheduled for June 15 but were scrapped, with Tehran saying it could not negotiate while under attack.

    Israel launched its air war with a surprise attack that has killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran’s military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It says it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate the campaign in the coming days.

    Trump has consistently said the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agreed to U.S. demands that it accept strict curbs on its nuclear programme.

    “As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign,” Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada on Monday.

    A U.S. official said Trump would not sign a draft statement from G7 leaders calling for a de-escalation of the conflict. The draft statement says Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and that Israel has the right to defend itself.

    (Reuters)

  • India, Cyprus unveil strategic roadmap, strongly condemn Pahalgam terror attack

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Cyprus concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration outlining a roadmap for deepened strategic cooperation between the two nations, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

    The Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of Cyprus also released coordinated statements underscoring the breadth of this renewed partnership. As per the PMO release, Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism and strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

    Both leaders “strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians in the recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam,” reiterating their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. The press release also highlighted the shared commitment of both sides to strengthening EU-India relations.

    With Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, both sides pledged to work towards the timely conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025, calling it a move of “significant economic and strategic potential.”

    According to the release, Prime Minister Modi’s visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades — was described as a “historic milestone” that “reaffirms the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations.”The visit was seen as a celebration of a shared past and a “forward-looking partnership” rooted in strategic vision and mutual trust.

    The declaration noted that both leaders held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues, acknowledging growing cooperation in economic, technological, and people-to-people domains. Cyprus and India committed to furthering collaboration “as trusted and indispensable partners contributing to regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability.”

    The joint declaration reaffirmed both sides’ shared values–democracy, multilateralism, rule of law, and sustainable development–and their support for a rules-based international order grounded in the UN Charter and international law.

    Both leaders emphasized the importance of UNCLOS in securing freedom of navigation and maritime sovereignty. Cyprus reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.

    Both countries agreed to coordinate closely within the UN, Commonwealth, and other international organizations, including supporting each other’s multilateral candidacies. The release also detailed the two sides’ agreement to hold regular political dialogue, led by their respective foreign ministries, and to implement a bilateral Action Plan to guide cooperation across key sectors.

    On defence and security, both nations reaffirmed their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, condemned terrorism in all its forms, and emphasized dismantling terrorist infrastructure and financing. Cyprus expressed solidarity with India’s fight against cross-border terrorism, and the two sides emphasized accountability for perpetrators.

    Recognizing the changing global security environment, the leaders stressed the importance of enhancing strategic autonomy, cyber defence, and maritime cooperation. They agreed to explore greater naval collaboration, port calls, and joint maritime training.

    The declaration further underlined the importance of institutional cooperation in emergency preparedness and crisis response, including evacuation and Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts. On connectivity, Cyprus and India reiterated the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a multi-nodal initiative to promote economic integration and regional stability.

    Cyprus was described as a gateway into Europe and welcomed as a hub for Indian maritime and logistics enterprises. In the areas of trade, innovation, and technology, both leaders supported expanding bilateral trade and investment.

    They called for a Cyprus-India Business Forum and supported enhanced collaboration in innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. The release also mentioned plans to finalize a related MoU to promote research and tech partnerships. Acknowledging people-to-people ties as a strategic pillar, the declaration confirmed efforts to finalize a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by the end of 2025. Both sides also agreed to improve tourism and explore direct air connectivity.

    An agreement to prepare a comprehensive 2025-2029 Action Plan to steer bilateral relations was included in the joint declaration, under the supervision of the foreign ministries of both countries. (ANI)

  • Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga to host ‘Yoga Bandhan’ on June 17

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, will host ‘Yoga Bandhan’ on June 17, as a highlight of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 celebrations. As one of the 10 Signature Events for IDY-2025, this initiative reflects India’s dedication to fostering global cooperation through institution-to-institution connections in Yoga, advancing collective well-being and cultural exchange.

    ‘Yoga Bandhan’ will unite prominent Yoga leaders from across the globe, including academicians, practitioners, authors, trainers, and studio founders, to promote people-to-people exchanges and strengthen international partnerships. Notable delegates include Josh Pryor, President & CEO of Yoga Australia and a Mysore Style Yoga practitioner; Gregor Kos, senior representative of Yoga in Daily Life from Austria; Danilo Forghieri Santaella, Head of Research at the Sports Center, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Yin Yan, Founder of Yogi Yoga in China; and Maj Ingemann-Molden, a Yoga expert from Denmark. Other distinguished participants include Slamat Riyanto, Chairperson of the Indonesian National Association of Yoga Practitioners; Vidya Volkova, Director of Shakti Yoga Studio in Kazakhstan; Manisekaran, Founder of the Malaysian Yoga Society; Sinthamani Arunasalam, Co-Founder of AKSINOM Yoga in Malaysia; and Irina Fursova, a Yoga therapist and Hatha/Iyengar teacher from Russia. The event will also welcome Sujata Cowlagi, Founder & Director of Pragya Yoga and Wellness in Singapore; Geo-lyong Lee, a 2019 Distinguished Indologist Award recipient from South Korea; Kugan Naidoo and Sivlutchime Naidoo, Yoga experts from South Africa; Jose Maria Marquez Jurado (Gopala), a renowned Yoga practitioner from Spain; Vimukthi Jayasundara, a filmmaker and visual artist from Sri Lanka; and Rocio Belen Bonacci, National Representative from Santa Fe Province, Argentina.

    The event will commence with an inaugural session featuring addresses by key dignitaries, including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush; Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush; K. Nandini Singla, Director General of the ICCR; and Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of MDNIY. Following the opening, delegates will take part in a guided tour of the MDNIY campus and engage in interactive sessions focused on knowledge sharing and communication.

    During their visit, international delegates will participate in cultural tours, institutional dialogues, dedicated Yoga sessions, and discussions on integrative wellness. They will also explore opportunities for collaboration with Indian institutions, with their visit culminating in the grand IDY celebration on June 21, 2025.