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Category: Government of India

  • P.K. Mishra reviews Gujarat infra projects, inspects expressway & heritage complex

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, conducted site inspections and chaired high-level review meetings in Dholera and Lothal, Gujarat, on Monday to assess the progress of key infrastructure projects. These initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for industrial growth and economic development in the region.

    Dr. Mishra visited the under-construction Ahmedabad-Dholera Greenfield Expressway, a project led by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He emphasized its potential to reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to just 45 minutes and stressed the need for timely completion while maintaining global-quality road standards. At the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), he reviewed the Dholera International Airport, where officials reported that cargo operations are slated to begin by October 2025. Dr. Mishra directed authorities to ensure strict adherence to timelines and seamless integration with the expressway.

    The Principal Secretary also inspected Tata Electronics’ Semiconductor Fabrication (Fab) project, a cornerstone of India’s domestic chip manufacturing efforts. The facility will produce chips for mobile devices, consumer electronics, and automotive applications. Additionally, Dr. Mishra visited social infrastructure developments, including schools, hospitals, and residential complexes managed by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL). He underscored the importance of incorporating stakeholder feedback to enhance user experience.

    In a comprehensive review meeting with senior officials from DICDL, Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), NHAI, Airports Authority of India, and Indian Railways, Dr. Mishra evaluated progress on critical projects, including the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, Bhimnath-Dholera Freight Rail Link, Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail Line, and Dholera International Airport. He reaffirmed the Government of Gujarat’s commitment to transforming Dholera into a world-class smart industrial city, emphasizing timely execution, skilled workforce availability, and robust planning.

    Dr. Mishra also inspected the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, a flagship project under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Chairing a review meeting with Shri T. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry, and officials from the Gujarat Maritime Board, Archaeological Survey of India, NHAI, and Indian Railways, he stressed that the NMHC should serve as a scholarly tribute to India’s rich maritime history. He called for in-depth research, academic collaboration, and a well-curated visitor experience to highlight India’s maritime legacy from the Harappan civilization onward. Dr. Mishra reviewed Phase I-A construction, which includes six galleries, and directed its completion by August 2025.

    Additionally, Dr. Mishra assessed environmental sustainability efforts, such as local species plantation and water management systems, to ensure the NMHC’s ecological responsibility. He highlighted the project’s unparalleled scale and significance in preserving and showcasing India’s maritime heritage.

  • P.K. Mishra reviews Gujarat infra projects, inspects expressway & heritage complex

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, conducted site inspections and chaired high-level review meetings in Dholera and Lothal, Gujarat, on Monday to assess the progress of key infrastructure projects. These initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for industrial growth and economic development in the region.

    Dr. Mishra visited the under-construction Ahmedabad-Dholera Greenfield Expressway, a project led by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He emphasized its potential to reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to just 45 minutes and stressed the need for timely completion while maintaining global-quality road standards. At the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), he reviewed the Dholera International Airport, where officials reported that cargo operations are slated to begin by October 2025. Dr. Mishra directed authorities to ensure strict adherence to timelines and seamless integration with the expressway.

    The Principal Secretary also inspected Tata Electronics’ Semiconductor Fabrication (Fab) project, a cornerstone of India’s domestic chip manufacturing efforts. The facility will produce chips for mobile devices, consumer electronics, and automotive applications. Additionally, Dr. Mishra visited social infrastructure developments, including schools, hospitals, and residential complexes managed by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL). He underscored the importance of incorporating stakeholder feedback to enhance user experience.

    In a comprehensive review meeting with senior officials from DICDL, Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), NHAI, Airports Authority of India, and Indian Railways, Dr. Mishra evaluated progress on critical projects, including the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, Bhimnath-Dholera Freight Rail Link, Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail Line, and Dholera International Airport. He reaffirmed the Government of Gujarat’s commitment to transforming Dholera into a world-class smart industrial city, emphasizing timely execution, skilled workforce availability, and robust planning.

    Dr. Mishra also inspected the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, a flagship project under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Chairing a review meeting with Shri T. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry, and officials from the Gujarat Maritime Board, Archaeological Survey of India, NHAI, and Indian Railways, he stressed that the NMHC should serve as a scholarly tribute to India’s rich maritime history. He called for in-depth research, academic collaboration, and a well-curated visitor experience to highlight India’s maritime legacy from the Harappan civilization onward. Dr. Mishra reviewed Phase I-A construction, which includes six galleries, and directed its completion by August 2025.

    Additionally, Dr. Mishra assessed environmental sustainability efforts, such as local species plantation and water management systems, to ensure the NMHC’s ecological responsibility. He highlighted the project’s unparalleled scale and significance in preserving and showcasing India’s maritime heritage.

  • Iran-Israel conflict escalates into fourth day with rising civilian toll

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel intensified on Monday, marking its fourth day of relentless military exchanges, with both nations escalating their campaigns as civilian casualties mount. What began as Israeli preemptive strikes on Friday has spiraled into a sustained barrage of missiles and airstrikes, showing no immediate signs of de-escalation.

    According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 224 people, predominantly civilians, have been killed since the conflict erupted, with many deaths attributed to Israeli airstrikes targeting military and infrastructure sites. In Israel, the death toll has reached over 20, with more than 300 injured as the conflict reaches unprecedented intensity.

    On Sunday night and into Monday, Iranian forces launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva, killing at least eight Israelis and injuring dozens. Israel retaliated with extensive airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and energy facilities, including targets in Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the Israeli Air Force had achieved “complete operational freedom” over Iranian airspace, striking key command centers, such as those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported significant tactical gains, stating they had destroyed approximately 120 of Iran’s missile launchers—about one-third of its stockpile—over the four-day conflict. On Monday morning, Israeli forces intercepted weapons shipments, including trucks carrying surface-to-air missile launchers headed toward Tehran. On Sunday evening, Israeli jets destroyed over 20 surface-to-surface missiles before they could be launched, with around 50 aircraft striking 100 military targets in Isfahan, central Iran.

    Both nations’ leaders have adopted increasingly defiant stances. Israel’s Defense Minister warned that Tehran’s population would “pay the price” for continued attacks, while Iran’s president called for national unity against what he described as Israel’s “genocidal aggression.”

    The international community has expressed growing alarm over the conflict’s potential to destabilize West Asia. The G7 summit in Canada has prioritized the crisis, with leaders warning of the risk of a broader regional war. Diplomatic efforts, however, have stalled, as Iran refuses to negotiate under active attack. Russia has offered to mediate, but neither side has shown willingness to accept third-party intervention.

    Nuclear concerns have further complicated the situation. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Rafael Grossi confirmed no damage to Iran’s Fordow fuel enrichment plant or the Khondab heavy water reactor site, despite Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. However, Iranian parliamentarians are reportedly drafting legislation that could lead to Iran’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a move that would significantly heighten global tensions.

  • TRAI partners with RBI and banks for pilot project to enhance digital consent management

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday has launched a pioneering pilot project in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and select banks to tackle the persistent issue of spam calls and messages. Announced on June 16, by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this initiative aims to establish a robust digital consent management system under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018.

    TRAI has noted a surge in consumer complaints about unsolicited commercial communications from businesses claiming prior consent. Often, these consents are obtained through offline or unverifiable methods, raising concerns about misrepresentation, deception, or unauthorized data sharing. To address this, TRAI has introduced a framework requiring businesses to acquire and register consumer consent digitally in a secure, interoperable registry maintained by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).

    The pilot project, launched under a Regulatory Sandbox framework, prioritizes the banking sector due to the sensitivity of financial transactions and the prevalence of spam-related fraud. On June 13, 2025, TRAI issued a directive to all TSPs, mandating their collaboration with banks to test the Consent Registration Function (CRF). This initiative will validate the operational, technical, and regulatory aspects of the system, paving the way for a nationwide rollout across various sectors.

    TRAI’s efforts build on previous measures to curb spam, including enabling complaint registration against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs) without prior Do Not Disturb (DND) registration and disconnecting telecom resources misused for spamming. The new digital consent framework aims to enhance transparency and verifiability, ensuring only legitimate communications reach consumers.

  • TRAI partners with RBI and banks for pilot project to enhance digital consent management

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday has launched a pioneering pilot project in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and select banks to tackle the persistent issue of spam calls and messages. Announced on June 16, by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this initiative aims to establish a robust digital consent management system under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018.

    TRAI has noted a surge in consumer complaints about unsolicited commercial communications from businesses claiming prior consent. Often, these consents are obtained through offline or unverifiable methods, raising concerns about misrepresentation, deception, or unauthorized data sharing. To address this, TRAI has introduced a framework requiring businesses to acquire and register consumer consent digitally in a secure, interoperable registry maintained by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).

    The pilot project, launched under a Regulatory Sandbox framework, prioritizes the banking sector due to the sensitivity of financial transactions and the prevalence of spam-related fraud. On June 13, 2025, TRAI issued a directive to all TSPs, mandating their collaboration with banks to test the Consent Registration Function (CRF). This initiative will validate the operational, technical, and regulatory aspects of the system, paving the way for a nationwide rollout across various sectors.

    TRAI’s efforts build on previous measures to curb spam, including enabling complaint registration against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs) without prior Do Not Disturb (DND) registration and disconnecting telecom resources misused for spamming. The new digital consent framework aims to enhance transparency and verifiability, ensuring only legitimate communications reach consumers.

  • India joins elite global group for Rinderpest Containment as ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal earns category A status

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has secured a prestigious position in global animal health with the designation of the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The recognition was The achievement highlights India’s commitment to international disease control standards and reinforces its pivotal role in safeguarding global animal health.

    At the 92nd General Session of WOAH in Paris on May 29, 2025, where Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) and India’s WOAH Delegate, received the certificate from WOAH’s Director General.

    Rinderpest, historically known as “cattle plague,” was a devastating livestock disease eradicated globally in 2011. To prevent its re-emergence, WOAH and FAO restrict the storage of Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) to a select few high-security laboratories worldwide. ICAR-NIHSAD, a Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facility and WOAH reference laboratory for avian influenza, was designated as India’s RVCM repository in 2012. Following a rigorous evaluation in March 2025 by international experts, the institute earned Category A RHF status for one year, affirming its robust biosafety measures, effective inventory management, and preparedness for emergencies.

    This milestone places India among an elite group of six global facilities tasked with securely managing rinderpest virus material, underscoring the nation’s leadership in animal health, biosecurity, and the One Health framework. “India’s role in eradicating rinderpest was historic, and today, preserving that legacy is equally critical. This recognition reflects our responsibility and readiness,” said Ms. Alka Upadhyaya. The international committee also urged India to pursue Category B designation by focusing on vaccine seed material, further strengthening its global standing.

  • Israel says Tehran residents to ‘pay price’ after Tel Aviv, Haifa attacks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    srael and Iran kept up their attacks, killing and wounding civilians and raising concern among world leaders at a G7 meeting in Canada this week that the biggest battle between the two old enemies could lead to a broader regional conflict.

    The Iranian death toll in four days of Israeli strikes, carried out with the declared aim of wiping out Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, had reached at least 224, with 90% of the casualties reported to be civilians, an Iranian health ministry spokesperson said.

    Early on Monday, the Israeli military said it had detected more missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.

    “At this time, the (Israeli Air Force) is operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat,” the Israeli Defence Forces said. Live video footage showed several missiles over Tel Aviv and Reuters witnesses said explosions could be heard there and over Jerusalem.

    At least 10 people in Israel, including children, have been killed so far, according to authorities there.

    Group of Seven leaders began gathering in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday with the Israel-Iran conflict expected to be a top priority.

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his goals for the summit include for Iran to not develop or possess nuclear weapons, ensuring Israel’s right to defend itself, avoiding escalation of the conflict and creating room for diplomacy.

    “This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit,” Merz told reporters.

    Before leaving for the summit on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked what he was doing to de-escalate the situation. “I hope there’s going to be a deal. I think it’s time for a deal,” he told reporters. “Sometimes they have to fight it out.”

    Iran has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to negotiating a ceasefire while it is under Israeli attack, an official briefed on the communications told Reuters on Sunday.

    FIRST DAYLIGHT ATTACK ON ISRAEL

    Explosions shook Tel Aviv on Sunday during Iran’s first daylight missile attack since Israel’s strike on Friday. Shortly after nightfall, Iranian missiles hit a residential street in Haifa, a mixed Jewish-Arab city, and in Israel’s south.

    In Bat Yam, a city near Tel Aviv, residents braced on Sunday evening for another sleepless night after an overnight strike on an apartment tower.

    “It’s very dreadful. It’s not fun. People are losing their lives and their homes,” said Shem, 29.

    Images from Tehran showed the night sky lit up by a huge blaze at a fuel depot after Israel began strikes against Iran’s oil and gas sector – raising the stakes for the global economy and the functioning of the Iranian state.

    Brent crude futures were up $1.04, or 1.4%, to $75.39 a barrel by 0115 GMT, having jumped as much as $4 earlier in the session. While the spike in oil prices has investors on edge, stock and currency markets were little moved in early trading in Asia on Monday.

    “It’s more of an oil story than an equity story at this point,” said Jim Carroll, senior wealth adviser and portfolio manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth. “Stocks right now seem to be hanging on.”

    TRUMP VETOES PLAN TO TARGET KHAMENEI, OFFICIALS SAY

    In Washington, two U.S. officials told Reuters that Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    When asked about the Reuters report, Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday: “There’s so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I’m not going to get into that.”

    “We do what we need to do,” he told Fox’s “Special Report With Bret Baier.”

    Israel began the assault with a surprise attack on Friday that wiped out the top echelon of Iran’s military command and damaged its nuclear sites, and says the campaign will escalate in the coming days.

    The intelligence chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Kazemi, and his deputy were killed in attacks on Tehran on Sunday, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said.

    Iran has vowed to “open the gates of hell” in retaliation.

    TRUMP WARNS IRAN NOT TO ATTACK

    Trump has lauded Israel’s offensive while denying Iranian allegations that the U.S. has taken part and warning Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include U.S. targets.

    Two U.S. officials said on Friday the U.S. military had helped shoot down Iranian missiles that were headed toward Israel.

    The U.S. president has repeatedly said Iran could end the war by agreeing to tough restrictions on its nuclear program, which Iran says is for peaceful purposes but which Western countries and the IAEA nuclear watchdog say could be used to make an atomic bomb.

    The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., due on Sunday, was scrapped after Tehran said it would not negotiate while under Israeli attack.

    (Reuters)

  • ICC announces schedule for 2025 Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday released the schedule for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

    India will face Sri Lanka in the tournament opener in Bengaluru, while defending champions Australia begin their campaign against New Zealand in Indore on October 1.

    The eight-team event will be played in a single round-robin format across five cities: Bengaluru, Vizag, Indore, Guwahati, and Colombo, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. One semi-final will take place in Bengaluru, while the other will be held in either Colombo or Guwahati.

    The final is scheduled for November 2 in either Bengaluru or Colombo.

    Teams will also play two warm-up matches each. Hosts India will face England, the runners-up from the 2022 edition, in Bengaluru on 24 September, followed by a clash against South Africa in Guwahati on 27 September.

    Australia, who won a record seventh title in 2022, topped the ICC Women’s Championship standings and qualified automatically, along with England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts India. Pakistan and Bangladesh secured the final two spots via the qualifying tournament held in April.

    The 2025 edition will be the 13th Women’s Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1973.

  • ICC announces schedule for 2025 Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday released the schedule for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

    India will face Sri Lanka in the tournament opener in Bengaluru, while defending champions Australia begin their campaign against New Zealand in Indore on October 1.

    The eight-team event will be played in a single round-robin format across five cities: Bengaluru, Vizag, Indore, Guwahati, and Colombo, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. One semi-final will take place in Bengaluru, while the other will be held in either Colombo or Guwahati.

    The final is scheduled for November 2 in either Bengaluru or Colombo.

    Teams will also play two warm-up matches each. Hosts India will face England, the runners-up from the 2022 edition, in Bengaluru on 24 September, followed by a clash against South Africa in Guwahati on 27 September.

    Australia, who won a record seventh title in 2022, topped the ICC Women’s Championship standings and qualified automatically, along with England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts India. Pakistan and Bangladesh secured the final two spots via the qualifying tournament held in April.

    The 2025 edition will be the 13th Women’s Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1973.

  • Sensex, Nifty rise nearly 1% despite rising Middle East tensions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets displayed resilience on Monday amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as investors maintained their focus on long-term fundamentals despite the volatile geopolitical backdrop.

    Both the Sensex and Nifty ended the day with sharp gains of nearly 1 per cent, reflecting investor optimism in the face of uncertainty.

    The Sensex surged 677.55 points, or 0.84 per cent, to close at 81,796.15, after hitting an intra-day high of 81,865.82.

    Similarly, the Nifty advanced 227.9 points, or 0.92 per cent, to settle at 24,946.50.

    “The index witnessed a sharp rally as it reclaimed the 21-EMA after a brief dip below it,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities. “Currently, with investors awaiting the Fed’s follow-up commentary post the rate announcement, a steep directional move is not expected for now.”

    However, De added, “A rally towards 25,350 looks highly probable once Nifty reclaims the 25,000 mark. On the downside, support is placed at 24,850.”

    Broader markets also posted gains. The Nifty Midcap100 rose by 0.93 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 climbed 0.95 per cent.

    All sectoral indices ended in the green, indicating broad-based buying. The Nifty IT index was the top performer, gaining 1.57 per cent, followed by Realty (1.32 per cent), Oil & Gas (1.11 per cent), and Metal (1.07 per cent).

    Other sectors including banking, energy, FMCG, pharma, and media also closed higher.

    Among the top gainers on the Sensex were Ultratech Cement, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, TCS, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Infosys — with some stocks rising up to 2.4 per cent.

    On the downside, Tata Motors emerged as the biggest laggard, falling 3.76 per cent. Sun Pharma also closed in the red.

    Meanwhile, the India VIX — often referred to as the market’s “fear index” — declined by 1.6 per cent to 14.83, suggesting a relatively calm market outlook in the short term.

    Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, noted that despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the markets moved higher, supported largely by gains in large-cap stocks.

    “Geopolitical developments in the region are likely to influence near-term market sentiment, with any signs of de-escalation being closely monitored. Small-cap stocks may underperform in the short term due to their elevated valuations and lack of immediate triggers,” he said.

    -IANS

  • Seeking unity, G7 meets amid escalating Ukraine, Middle East conflicts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders from the Group of Seven nations begin annual talks on Monday amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East that add to global economic uncertainty, as host Canada tries to avoid a clash with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S., along with the European Union, are convening in the resort of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.

    But beyond the serene and picturesque mountain setting, they confront challenges. The first five months of Trump’s second term upended foreign policy on Ukraine, raised anxiety over his closer ties to Russia and resulted in tariffs on U.S. allies.

    With an escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which is spiking global oil prices, the summit in Canada is seen as a vital moment to try and restore a semblance of unity between democratic powerhouses.

    “The most important goal will be for the world’s seven largest industrial nations to reach agreement and take action,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before attending his first G7.

    That will not be easy. After years of consensus, the traditional allies have scrambled to keep Trump engaged and maintain unity.

    Canada has abandoned any effort to adopt an all-encompassing comprehensive communique to avert a repeat of a 2018 summit in Quebec, when Trump instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its approval of the final communique after leaving.

    Instead, Ottawa has sought to get consensus for a chair’s statement that summarizes the key discussions and six other pre-negotiated declarations on issues such as migration, artificial intelligence and forest fires.

    Talks on Monday will centre around the economy, advancing trade deals, and China.

    Efforts to reach an agreement to lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if Trump decided to opt out have been complicated by the surge in oil prices since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 12, two diplomatic sources said.

    The escalation between the two regional foes is on the agenda, with diplomatic sources saying they hope to achieve at least a joint statement to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy.

    “We are united. Nobody wants to see Iran get a nuclear weapon and everyone wants discussions and negotiations to restart,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Greenland on Sunday before travelling to Canada.

    He added that given Israel’s dependence on U.S. weapons and munitions, Washington had the capacity to restart negotiations.

    Trump said on Sunday many calls and meetings were taking place to broker peace.

    RUSSIAN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

    Highlighting the unease among some of Washington’s allies, Trump spoke on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested the Russian leader could play a mediation role.

    Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that Moscow could not be a negotiator because it had started an illegal war against Ukraine.

    A European diplomat said Trump’s suggestion showed that Russia, despite being kicked out of the group in 2014 after annexing Crimea, was very much on U.S. minds.

    “In the eyes of the U.S., there’s no condemnation for Ukraine; no peace without Russia; and now even credit for its mediation role with Iran. For Europeans, this will be a really tough G7,” the diplomat said.

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend the summit on Tuesday. European officials said they hoped to use the meeting, and next week’s NATO summit, to convince Trump to toughen his stance on Putin.

    “The G7 should have the objective for us to converge again, for Ukraine to get a ceasefire to lead to a robust and lasting peace, and in my view it’s a question of seeing whether President Trump is ready to put forward much tougher sanctions on Russia,” Macron said.

    (Reuters)

  • Seeking unity, G7 meets amid escalating Ukraine, Middle East conflicts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders from the Group of Seven nations begin annual talks on Monday amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East that add to global economic uncertainty, as host Canada tries to avoid a clash with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S., along with the European Union, are convening in the resort of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.

    But beyond the serene and picturesque mountain setting, they confront challenges. The first five months of Trump’s second term upended foreign policy on Ukraine, raised anxiety over his closer ties to Russia and resulted in tariffs on U.S. allies.

    With an escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which is spiking global oil prices, the summit in Canada is seen as a vital moment to try and restore a semblance of unity between democratic powerhouses.

    “The most important goal will be for the world’s seven largest industrial nations to reach agreement and take action,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before attending his first G7.

    That will not be easy. After years of consensus, the traditional allies have scrambled to keep Trump engaged and maintain unity.

    Canada has abandoned any effort to adopt an all-encompassing comprehensive communique to avert a repeat of a 2018 summit in Quebec, when Trump instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its approval of the final communique after leaving.

    Instead, Ottawa has sought to get consensus for a chair’s statement that summarizes the key discussions and six other pre-negotiated declarations on issues such as migration, artificial intelligence and forest fires.

    Talks on Monday will centre around the economy, advancing trade deals, and China.

    Efforts to reach an agreement to lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if Trump decided to opt out have been complicated by the surge in oil prices since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 12, two diplomatic sources said.

    The escalation between the two regional foes is on the agenda, with diplomatic sources saying they hope to achieve at least a joint statement to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy.

    “We are united. Nobody wants to see Iran get a nuclear weapon and everyone wants discussions and negotiations to restart,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Greenland on Sunday before travelling to Canada.

    He added that given Israel’s dependence on U.S. weapons and munitions, Washington had the capacity to restart negotiations.

    Trump said on Sunday many calls and meetings were taking place to broker peace.

    RUSSIAN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

    Highlighting the unease among some of Washington’s allies, Trump spoke on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested the Russian leader could play a mediation role.

    Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that Moscow could not be a negotiator because it had started an illegal war against Ukraine.

    A European diplomat said Trump’s suggestion showed that Russia, despite being kicked out of the group in 2014 after annexing Crimea, was very much on U.S. minds.

    “In the eyes of the U.S., there’s no condemnation for Ukraine; no peace without Russia; and now even credit for its mediation role with Iran. For Europeans, this will be a really tough G7,” the diplomat said.

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend the summit on Tuesday. European officials said they hoped to use the meeting, and next week’s NATO summit, to convince Trump to toughen his stance on Putin.

    “The G7 should have the objective for us to converge again, for Ukraine to get a ceasefire to lead to a robust and lasting peace, and in my view it’s a question of seeing whether President Trump is ready to put forward much tougher sanctions on Russia,” Macron said.

    (Reuters)

  • EPFO cautions members against unauthorised agents, urges use of free online services

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has cautioned its members against approaching unauthorised agents for EPFO-related services, warning that doing so could expose their personal and financial information to third-party entities.

    “These external entities are not authorized by EPFO and may charge unnecessary fees or compromise the security of personal information of members,” the organisation said in a statement, adding that all EPFO services are free and accessible online.

    The advisory follows reports that several cybercafés and fintech firms have been charging members substantial amounts for services that are officially provided at no cost. “In many cases, these operators are simply using the EPFO’s online grievance portal, something any member can do on their own, free of cost, from the comfort of their homes,” EPFO said.

    Reiterating its commitment to transparency and ease of access, EPFO highlighted a series of reforms implemented over the past year to improve service delivery for members, employers, and pensioners.

    These reforms include the auto-settlement of advance claims of up to ₹1 lakh for purposes such as illness, housing, marriage, and education. This move has resulted in the automatic settlement of 2.34 crore claims during FY 2024–25.

    Other key upgrades include simplified processes for KYC updates, member detail corrections, and transfer claims, most of which no longer require employer approval from January 15, 2025. The organization has also rolled out the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) to improve the timeliness of pension disbursals.

    Members can now correct profile details using Aadhaar-based authentication without employer intervention and delink incorrect member IDs from their UANs online.

    Additionally, UAN allotment and activation can now be done via the UMANG app using Face Authentication Technology, granting users instant access to services like passbook viewing, KYC updates, and claim submissions.

    To further streamline online claim filing, EPFO has scrapped the requirement to upload cheque leaf images or attested bank passbooks. From April 2025, members will also be able to seed their bank account details with UANs without needing employer verification.

    EPFO also pointed to its strengthened grievance redressal systems. During FY 2024–25, over 16 lakh complaints were addressed through the EPFiGMS portal and more than 1.74 lakh through CPGRAMS, with a resolution rate of 98%.

    The organisation urged all members to access services through its official portal or the UMANG app, and to avoid intermediaries.

    “The members can contact EPFO helpdesks/PROs at Regional offices as listed on the official website (www.epfindia.gov.in) for any issues,” it added.

  • EPFO cautions members against unauthorised agents, urges use of free online services

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has cautioned its members against approaching unauthorised agents for EPFO-related services, warning that doing so could expose their personal and financial information to third-party entities.

    “These external entities are not authorized by EPFO and may charge unnecessary fees or compromise the security of personal information of members,” the organisation said in a statement, adding that all EPFO services are free and accessible online.

    The advisory follows reports that several cybercafés and fintech firms have been charging members substantial amounts for services that are officially provided at no cost. “In many cases, these operators are simply using the EPFO’s online grievance portal, something any member can do on their own, free of cost, from the comfort of their homes,” EPFO said.

    Reiterating its commitment to transparency and ease of access, EPFO highlighted a series of reforms implemented over the past year to improve service delivery for members, employers, and pensioners.

    These reforms include the auto-settlement of advance claims of up to ₹1 lakh for purposes such as illness, housing, marriage, and education. This move has resulted in the automatic settlement of 2.34 crore claims during FY 2024–25.

    Other key upgrades include simplified processes for KYC updates, member detail corrections, and transfer claims, most of which no longer require employer approval from January 15, 2025. The organization has also rolled out the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) to improve the timeliness of pension disbursals.

    Members can now correct profile details using Aadhaar-based authentication without employer intervention and delink incorrect member IDs from their UANs online.

    Additionally, UAN allotment and activation can now be done via the UMANG app using Face Authentication Technology, granting users instant access to services like passbook viewing, KYC updates, and claim submissions.

    To further streamline online claim filing, EPFO has scrapped the requirement to upload cheque leaf images or attested bank passbooks. From April 2025, members will also be able to seed their bank account details with UANs without needing employer verification.

    EPFO also pointed to its strengthened grievance redressal systems. During FY 2024–25, over 16 lakh complaints were addressed through the EPFiGMS portal and more than 1.74 lakh through CPGRAMS, with a resolution rate of 98%.

    The organisation urged all members to access services through its official portal or the UMANG app, and to avoid intermediaries.

    “The members can contact EPFO helpdesks/PROs at Regional offices as listed on the official website (www.epfindia.gov.in) for any issues,” it added.

  • Prime Minister Modi holds bilateral talks with Cyprus President Christodoulides in Nicosia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held comprehensive bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, during his official visit to the Mediterranean nation. The talks were held at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, where Prime Minister Modi was received with ceremonial honours.

    During the talks, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for Cyprus’s unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. “India deeply values Cyprus’s solidarity and its consistent support in our fight against terrorism,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “our shared commitment to combating terrorism binds us further.”

    The two leaders reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s longstanding support for the unity of Cyprus and called for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, international law, and the European Union Acquis.

    Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, scientific research, cultural engagement, and people-to-people ties. They explored new areas of collaboration in fintech, digitalization, defence, AI, innovation, start-ups, and mobility.

    The leaders agreed to chart a five-year roadmap to deepen engagement in strategic sectors and to establish new dialogues on maritime and cyber security. “We are committed to working together on real-time intelligence sharing to counter terrorism, arms trafficking, and narcotics trade,” Prime Minister Modi said following the discussions.

    Looking ahead to Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the two leaders expressed their readiness to further strengthen the India-EU partnership. They discussed the progress of the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue and the work under way through the India-EU Trade and Technology Council. Both sides reaffirmed their support for concluding the long-pending EU–India Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025.

    Cyprus assured its commitment to prioritising the EU–India strategic partnership during its presidency, particularly in areas such as defence and security, green and clean energy, maritime cooperation, and space.

    The two sides welcomed the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed earlier in January this year, which is expected to further cement the defence partnership. The establishment of the India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council was also noted as a key step in enhancing trilateral cooperation.

    The leaders discussed the importance of improving air connectivity to facilitate business, tourism, and knowledge exchange. Prime Minister Modi also underscored the strategic relevance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), stating that the project would bring long-term peace and prosperity to the region.

    On multilateral cooperation, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to global governance reforms. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Christodoulides for reiterating Cyprus’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council. “India believes the global order must evolve to reflect the realities of the 21st century,” he said.

    The two leaders also exchanged views on pressing international issues, including conflicts in West Asia and Europe. As part of the cultural cooperation between the two countries, an MoU was signed to establish an India Studies Chair under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the University of Nicosia.

  • ‘Cyber Suraksha’ exercise launched to boost national cyber security preparedness

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Defence Cyber Agency, operating under the aegis of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, has launched a cyber security exercise titled ‘Cyber Suraksha’. The exercise began on June 16 and will continue until June 27.

    ‘Cyber Suraksha’ is a multi-phased initiative aimed at enhancing cyber resilience at the national level. It brings together more than 100 participants from various national-level agencies and defence stakeholders. The exercise is designed to simulate real-world cyber threats and test the participants’ ability to respond to them in a dynamic, gamified environment. By combining structured training with hands-on challenges, it seeks to reinforce secure practices and sharpen the analytical and defensive skills of the participants.

    A key feature of the exercise is the inclusion of a Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) conclave, which has been integrated to bridge the gap between technical execution and leadership roles. The conclave features discussions led by eminent speakers in the cyber security domain and will conclude with an immersive Table-Top Exercise, aimed at enhancing the strategic readiness of senior leadership.

    ‘Cyber Suraksha’ reflects a proactive approach by the Defence Cyber Agency to ensure continued cyber vigilance and foster a security-first culture across all levels of the national defence infrastructure. The agency also plans to make such exercises a regular feature to sustain a high level of preparedness and promote collaborative defence in the evolving cyber landscape.

  • Southwest Monsoon advances further; heavy rainfall expected in several regions: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported significant progress in the advancement of the Southwest Monsoon, with favourable conditions likely to push it further into more parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, the remaining areas of Vidarbha, and additional parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim within the next 24 hours.

    Over the following two days, the monsoon is expected to spread into parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and east Uttar Pradesh.

    The monsoon is currently active over the entire Konkan region, Central Maharashtra, parts of Gujarat, southwest Madhya Pradesh, and extended areas of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim. The Northern Limit of Monsoon now stretches through key locations including Veraval, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Khargone, Amravati, Durg, Chandbali, and Balurghat.

    The IMD forecasts an active monsoon phase with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in south peninsular India and Konkan & Goa till June 16. Isolated areas may experience extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm.

    In terms of temperatures, a 2–4°C drop in maximum temperatures is expected across Central India over the next 4–5 days, while no significant change is predicted for the rest of the country.

    Weather forecast over Delhi-NCR during June 16-19

    The weather forecast for Delhi-NCR from June 16 to 19 indicates generally to partly cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms expected each day. These weather events are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, temporarily reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph, particularly during the evening and night hours.

    Overall, the period will be marked by slightly cooler than usual temperatures and intermittent rainfall, bringing some relief from the summer heat.

    The IMD continues to monitor the monsoon’s progression and advises local authorities and residents to stay updated with regional weather alerts.

  • Iran says parliament is preparing bill to leave nuclear non-proliferation treaty

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iranian parliamentarians are preparing a bill that could push Tehran toward exiting the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the foreign ministry said on Monday, while reiterating Tehran’s official stance against developing nuclear weapons.

    “In light of recent developments, we will take an appropriate decision. Government has to enforce parliament bills but such a proposal is just being prepared and we will coordinate in the later stages with parliament,” the ministry’s spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, when asked at a press conference about Tehran potentially leaving the NPT.

    The NPT, which Iran ratified in 1970, guarantees countries the right to pursue civilian nuclear power in return for requiring them to forego atomic weapons and cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the IAEA.

    Israel began bombing Iran last week, saying Tehran was on the verge of building a nuclear bomb. Iran has always said its nuclear programme is peaceful, although the IAEA declared last week that Tehran was in violation of its NPT obligations.

    President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Monday that nuclear weapons were against a religious edict by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Iran’s state media said that no decision on quitting the NPT had yet been made by parliament, while a parliamentarian said that the proposal was at the initial stages of the legal process.

    Baghaei said that developments such as Israel’s attack “naturally affect the strategic decisions of the state,” noting that Israel’s attack had followed the IAEA resolution, which he suggested was to blame.

    “Those voting for the resolution prepared the ground for the attack,” Baghaei said.

    Israel, which never joined the NPT, is widely assumed by regional governments to possess nuclear weapons, although it does not confirm or deny this.

    “The Zionist regime is the only possessor of weapons of mass destruction in the region,” Baghaei said.

    (Reuters)

  • IAEA chief says no further damage at Iranian enrichment facilities

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi provided an update on Monday on the situation at Iran’s nuclear facilities after Israel launched military strikes and said there was no sign of further damage at the Natanz or Fordow enrichment sites.

    Grossi and the International Atomic Energy Agency he heads had previously reported that the smallest of Iran’s three enrichment plants, an above-ground pilot plant at the sprawling Natanz nuclear complex, had been destroyed.

    While there was no sign of a physical attack on the bigger underground enrichment plant at Natanz, its power supply was destroyed, which may have damaged the uranium-enriching centrifuges there. No damage was seen at the Fordow plant dug into a mountain.

    “There has been no additional damage at the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant site since the Friday attack, which destroyed the above-ground part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant,” Grossi said in a statement to an exceptional meeting of his agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors.

    Having said over the weekend that Israeli strikes damaged four buildings at the Isfahan nuclear facilities including the uranium conversion facility that processes “yellowcake” uranium into uranium hexafluoride, the feedstock for centrifuges, so it can be enriched, he elaborated on the damage there.

    “At the Esfahan nuclear site, four buildings were damaged in Friday’s attack: the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor fuel manufacturing plant, and the UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) to EU metal processing facility, which was under construction,” he said.

    “The (International Atomic Energy) Agency is and will remain present in Iran. Safeguards inspections in Iran will continue as soon as safety conditions allow, as is required under Iran’s NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) safeguards obligations,” he added.

    (Reuters)

  • India poised to lead globally in disaster response, says HM Amit Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that India is on the cusp of becoming a global leader in crisis management, thanks to a decade of transformative efforts by its disaster response forces. Speaking at the Relief Commissioners and Disaster Response Forces Conference, Shah highlighted the remarkable progress made in capacity, speed, efficiency, and accuracy in disaster management over the past ten years.

    “Speed is critical in disaster response. Our focus on timely action and saving lives has seen significant advancements through workforce training, cutting-edge technology, and robust early warning systems,” Shah said. He lauded the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for earning widespread respect and recognition across the country, noting its pivotal role in training State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) personnel.

    Shah credited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NDRF, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) for elevating India’s disaster management capabilities to global standards. He emphasized that India has shifted from a reactive relief-based approach to a proactive “Zero Casualty Approach,” which has garnered international acclaim.

    “Ten years ago, disaster management was about post-calamity relief. Today, we are redefining it with a proactive strategy that has surprised the world,” Shah said. He underscored the importance of research to enhance early warning systems and the adoption of a unified approach involving central and state governments, local bodies, and communities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

    Looking ahead, Shah envisioned a future where every Indian youth is equipped to contribute to disaster response efforts. He also highlighted the government’s multi-dimensional approach, including a significant increase in funding. The NDRF budget rose from Rs 28,000 crore (2004–2014) to Rs 84,000 crore (2014–2024), while SDRF funding surged from Rs 38,000 crore to Rs 1.44 lakh crore over the same periods.

    The CDRI, launched by PM Modi, was also praised as a global partnership of 49 members, including governments, UN agencies, multilateral banks, private sectors, and academia, dedicated to climate and disaster-resilient infrastructure solutions.

    (IANS inputs)

  • TN fishing ban ends, boats remain docked as IMD issues alerts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Even though the annual fishing ban period officially ended on June 14, mechanised fishing vessels along the South Tamil Nadu coast are yet to resume operations due to adverse weather conditions.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of squally winds with speeds ranging from 45 to 55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, expected to persist over the South Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, and the adjoining Comorin region for five days starting from June 14.

    In response to the alert, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has temporarily suspended the issuance of sailing tokens for mechanised fishing vessels. These tokens are mandatory for vessels to set sail, and without them, fishermen have no option but to remain ashore.

    The continued grounding of fishing boats has left the fishing communities in distress, particularly after enduring the 61-day ban period aimed at marine conservation during the breeding season.

    Fishermen say they are financially strained and struggling to make ends meet, as the prolonged break has dried up their savings and pushed many into debt. “We’ve already been idle for two months due to the fishing ban. Now, just when we were preparing to resume, the weather has turned hostile,” said Antony John, a fisherman leader from Mattakadai.

    “Many of us have borrowed money for household expenses and school fees. Unless we start fishing soon, we won’t be able to repay our loans,” he said.

    A senior fisheries department official confirmed that no vessels would be allowed to sail until conditions improve. “Fishermen have been advised to stay on shore due to safety concerns. The IMD has predicted wind speeds that exceed safe operational limits. Once the conditions are deemed safe, sailing tokens will be issued immediately,” the official said.

    A recent survey revealed that 550 mechanised fishing vessels – comprising 35 bottom trawlers from Vembar, 250 bottom trawlers from Thoothukudi, and 265 gill netters – were registered and compliant under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983. However, 66 vessels were found unregistered due to violations related to boat length and engine capacity.

    Meanwhile, the extended halt in fishing activities has led to a noticeable shortage of fresh fish in local markets, causing prices to spike and affecting consumers across coastal districts. Traders warn that unless boats resume operations soon, the shortfall will worsen in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • TN fishing ban ends, boats remain docked as IMD issues alerts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Even though the annual fishing ban period officially ended on June 14, mechanised fishing vessels along the South Tamil Nadu coast are yet to resume operations due to adverse weather conditions.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of squally winds with speeds ranging from 45 to 55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, expected to persist over the South Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, and the adjoining Comorin region for five days starting from June 14.

    In response to the alert, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has temporarily suspended the issuance of sailing tokens for mechanised fishing vessels. These tokens are mandatory for vessels to set sail, and without them, fishermen have no option but to remain ashore.

    The continued grounding of fishing boats has left the fishing communities in distress, particularly after enduring the 61-day ban period aimed at marine conservation during the breeding season.

    Fishermen say they are financially strained and struggling to make ends meet, as the prolonged break has dried up their savings and pushed many into debt. “We’ve already been idle for two months due to the fishing ban. Now, just when we were preparing to resume, the weather has turned hostile,” said Antony John, a fisherman leader from Mattakadai.

    “Many of us have borrowed money for household expenses and school fees. Unless we start fishing soon, we won’t be able to repay our loans,” he said.

    A senior fisheries department official confirmed that no vessels would be allowed to sail until conditions improve. “Fishermen have been advised to stay on shore due to safety concerns. The IMD has predicted wind speeds that exceed safe operational limits. Once the conditions are deemed safe, sailing tokens will be issued immediately,” the official said.

    A recent survey revealed that 550 mechanised fishing vessels – comprising 35 bottom trawlers from Vembar, 250 bottom trawlers from Thoothukudi, and 265 gill netters – were registered and compliant under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983. However, 66 vessels were found unregistered due to violations related to boat length and engine capacity.

    Meanwhile, the extended halt in fishing activities has led to a noticeable shortage of fresh fish in local markets, causing prices to spike and affecting consumers across coastal districts. Traders warn that unless boats resume operations soon, the shortfall will worsen in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India’s WPI inflation eases to 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s annual rate of inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) eased further to a 14-month low of 0.39% in May, down from 0.85% in April and 2.05% in March, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday.

    The month-over-month change in WPI inflation during May was in the negative zone at (-0.06%) compared to April, reflecting a continuing downward trend in inflation. A decline in the prices of food items as well as fuels such as petrol and diesel contributed to the negative month-on-month inflation rate.

    The country’s inflation rate based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) also declined to 2.82% in May 2025, compared to the same month in the previous year. This marks the lowest level of retail inflation since February 2019, according to figures released last week.

    Food inflation declined to 0.99% in May — the lowest since October 2021. This is the seventh consecutive month of decline in food inflation, largely due to improved agricultural output.

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its inflation outlook for 2025–26 downward — from the earlier forecast of 4% to 3.7%, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday. The sharp decline in inflation has enabled the RBI to implement a 50 basis point cut in the repo rate, reducing it from 6% to 5.5%, as part of its latest monetary policy review to spur economic growth.

    Additionally, the RBI announced a 100 basis point reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), from 4% to 3%, to be implemented in four tranches of 25 basis points each. This measure is expected to inject Rs 2.5 lakh crore into the banking system, enhancing liquidity and supporting credit flow.

    Malhotra highlighted that inflation has significantly softened over the past six months — falling from above the upper tolerance band in October 2024 to well below the target. He noted signs of broad-based moderation.

    “The near-term and medium-term outlook now gives us the confidence not only of a durable alignment of headline inflation with the target of 4%, as expressed in the last meeting, but also the belief that during the year, it is likely to undershoot the target slightly,” he said.

    IANS

  • Centre issues Census notification: J&K, Ladakh, Himachal, U’Khand in 2026, rest in 2027

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government on Monday formally notified the conduct of the next decennial census to be held in 2027, exercising its authority under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948. The new notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs supersedes an earlier order from March 2019, which had set the schedule for the Census originally planned for 2021 but later postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    According to the notification, the census will be carried out across the country with the reference date set on March 1, 2027. This reference date will be applicable throughout India, with the exception of certain snow-bound and hard-to-reach regions.

    For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the snow-bound, non-synchronous areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the census reference date has been set on October 1, 2026. These regions have traditionally followed an earlier reference date owing to logistical constraints posed by extreme weather and terrain.

  • Centre issues Census notification: J&K, Ladakh, Himachal, U’Khand in 2026, rest in 2027

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government on Monday formally notified the conduct of the next decennial census to be held in 2027, exercising its authority under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948. The new notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs supersedes an earlier order from March 2019, which had set the schedule for the Census originally planned for 2021 but later postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    According to the notification, the census will be carried out across the country with the reference date set on March 1, 2027. This reference date will be applicable throughout India, with the exception of certain snow-bound and hard-to-reach regions.

    For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the snow-bound, non-synchronous areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the census reference date has been set on October 1, 2026. These regions have traditionally followed an earlier reference date owing to logistical constraints posed by extreme weather and terrain.

  • An overview of Iran’s main gas field and oil infrastructure

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel struck an installation at Iran’s South Pars gas field on Saturday, the first attack on Iran’s oil and gas sector as part of what the Israeli government had warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

    Iran has partially suspended gas production from the South Pars field, Iran’s portion of the world’s largest natural gas reserve, which lies beneath the Gulf and is shared with major gas exporter Qatar.

    Israel also struck a Tehran fuel depot and an oil refinery near the capital on Saturday, Iran said, but authorities said the situation was under control.

    Following are some facts on the country’s energy industry, exports, and the impact of previous Western sanctions.

    WORLD’S LARGEST GAS RESERVE

    Iran produces natural gas from the offshore South Pars gas field, which makes up around a third of the world’s largest reservoir of natural gas.

    Iran shares the reservoir with major gas exporter Qatar, which calls its field the North Dome.

    Sanctions and technical constraints have meant most gas Tehran produces from the South Pars field is for domestic use in Iran.

    Iran’s total natural gas production totalled 266.25 billion cubic meters in 2023, with domestic consumption accounting for 255.5 bcm, according to data by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, a grouping of gas exporter nations.

    About 15.8 bcm of natural gas were exported, the Forum said.

    Saturday’s attack struck four units of Phase 14 of South Pars, around 200 kilometres from Qatar’s gas installations, many of which are joint ventures with major international energy firms, including U.S. giants ExxonMobil and ConocoPhilips.

    Doha has made hundreds of billions of dollars exporting liquefied natural gas to global markets for nearly three decades.

    The entire reservoir contains an estimated 1,800 trillion cubic feet of usable gas – enough to supply the entire world’s needs for 13 years, or to generate enough electricity to supply the U.S. for more than 35 years.

    SANCTIONS AND OPEC

    Iran’s oil production was at its peak in the 1970s, with record output of 6 million bpd in 1974, according to OPEC data. That amounted to more than 10% of world output at the time.

    In 1979, the U.S. imposed the first wave of sanctions on Tehran. Since then the country has been the target of several waves of U.S. and European Union sanctions.

    The U.S. tightened sanctions in 2018 after Trump exited a nuclear accord during his first presidential term. Iran’s oil exports fell to nearly zero during some months.

    Exports rose steadily under Trump’s successor President Joe Biden’s administration, with analysts saying sanctions were less rigorously enforced and Iran had succeeded in evading them.

    Iran is exempt from OPEC+ output restrictions.

    WHO IS THE MAIN BUYER OF IRANIAN OIL?

    Iran’s crude exports have risen to a multi-year high of 1.8 million bpd in recent months, the highest since 2018, driven by strong Chinese demand.

    China says it does not recognise sanctions against its trade partners. The main buyers of Iranian oil are Chinese private refiners, some of whom have recently been placed on the U.S. Treasury sanctions list. There is little evidence, however, that this has impacted flows from Iran to China significantly.

    Iran has for years evaded sanctions through ship-to-ship transfers and hiding ships’ satellite positions.

    PRODUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

    Iran, the third largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, extracts about 3.3 million barrels per day of crude oil, and another 1.3 million bpd of condensate and other liquids, totalling about 4.5% of global supplies.

    It exported about 1.8 million bpd of crude and condensate in May, close to a 2018 peak, according to Kpler, processing the remainder of its production in its domestic refineries with a total capacity of 2.6 million bpd, according to consultancy FGE.

    It exported nearly 750,000 bpd of oil products, including LPG, in May, according to Kpler.

    The country also produces 34 billion cubic feet of gas per day, according to FGE, accounting for 7% of global production. All gas is consumed domestically.

    Iran’s hydrocarbon production facilities are primarily concentrated in the southwest, in the Khuzestan province for oil and in the Bushehr province for gas and condensate from the giant South Pars field.

    It exports 90% of its crude via Kharg Island.

    Analysts say Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members could compensate for the drop of Iranian supply by using their spare capacity to pump more. However, with a number of producers in the group currently in the process of raising output targets, their spare capacity is becoming more strained.

    (Reuters)

  • ISRO, Axiom Space coordinate ahead of June 19 launch of Ax-4 mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday said it is working closely with Axiom Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens, following the rescheduling of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for June 19.

    In a post on X, ISRO said: “@NASA, @Axiom_Space & @SpaceX are targeting no earlier than June 19 for the #Ax4 mission to the @Space_Station. Indian Principal Investigators & @isro are coordinating with @Axiom_Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens. #Space #AxMission4 #ISRO #ISS.”

    The Axiom-4 mission includes Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will become the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

    Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed the new launch date in a June 14 post on X, saying: “Launch date of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station is, as of now, rescheduled for June 19, 2025.”

    He added that the technical issues which caused the initial delay had been resolved: “The SpaceX team has confirmed that all the issues that led to the earlier postponement of the launch have been duly addressed.”

    The delay was first announced by SpaceX on June 11, when the company cited a need for additional time to repair a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date” SpaceX said on X.

    The Ax-4 mission is Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut flight to the ISS. The Ax-4 crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. According to Axiom, this will be the first government-sponsored human spaceflight for the three nations since the 1980s.

  • ISRO, Axiom Space coordinate ahead of June 19 launch of Ax-4 mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday said it is working closely with Axiom Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens, following the rescheduling of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for June 19.

    In a post on X, ISRO said: “@NASA, @Axiom_Space & @SpaceX are targeting no earlier than June 19 for the #Ax4 mission to the @Space_Station. Indian Principal Investigators & @isro are coordinating with @Axiom_Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens. #Space #AxMission4 #ISRO #ISS.”

    The Axiom-4 mission includes Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will become the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

    Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed the new launch date in a June 14 post on X, saying: “Launch date of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station is, as of now, rescheduled for June 19, 2025.”

    He added that the technical issues which caused the initial delay had been resolved: “The SpaceX team has confirmed that all the issues that led to the earlier postponement of the launch have been duly addressed.”

    The delay was first announced by SpaceX on June 11, when the company cited a need for additional time to repair a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date” SpaceX said on X.

    The Ax-4 mission is Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut flight to the ISS. The Ax-4 crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. According to Axiom, this will be the first government-sponsored human spaceflight for the three nations since the 1980s.

  • PM Modi conferred Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, dedicates it to people of India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III”, the highest civilian honour of the Republic of Cyprus. The award was presented by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides during the Prime Minister’s official visit to the country.

    In his acceptance remarks, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the President, the government, and the people of Cyprus. Accepting the honour on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, the Prime Minister said the recognition was a tribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations, founded on shared democratic values, mutual trust, and cooperation across diverse fields.

    “This honour is not just for me, but for 1.4 billion Indians,” he said. “It reflects our civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family – which continues to guide India’s approach to global peace, progress and cooperation.”

    PM Modi described the Grand Cross as a symbol of the deepening ties between India and Cyprus and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to uphold peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.

    Instituted in 1981 by then President Spyros Kyprianou, the Decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Cypriot state. It is granted under the powers of Article 47b of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and is reserved for distinguished personalities who have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting global goodwill.

    The honour has previously been awarded to several distinguished world leaders, including former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in March 1983, Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti in April 1990, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in July 2022, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel in March 2023, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands earlier this year.

    PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, from economic engagement to cultural ties and innovation.

  • PM Modi conferred Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, dedicates it to people of India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III”, the highest civilian honour of the Republic of Cyprus. The award was presented by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides during the Prime Minister’s official visit to the country.

    In his acceptance remarks, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the President, the government, and the people of Cyprus. Accepting the honour on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, the Prime Minister said the recognition was a tribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations, founded on shared democratic values, mutual trust, and cooperation across diverse fields.

    “This honour is not just for me, but for 1.4 billion Indians,” he said. “It reflects our civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family – which continues to guide India’s approach to global peace, progress and cooperation.”

    PM Modi described the Grand Cross as a symbol of the deepening ties between India and Cyprus and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to uphold peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.

    Instituted in 1981 by then President Spyros Kyprianou, the Decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Cypriot state. It is granted under the powers of Article 47b of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and is reserved for distinguished personalities who have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting global goodwill.

    The honour has previously been awarded to several distinguished world leaders, including former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in March 1983, Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti in April 1990, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in July 2022, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel in March 2023, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands earlier this year.

    PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, from economic engagement to cultural ties and innovation.