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Category: Government of India

  • Israel-Iran battle escalates, set to dominate G7 talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel 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)

  • PM Modi’s Visit to Strengthen India-EU Ties, says EAM Jaishankar on meeting Cyprus counterpart

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met the Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos on Sunday (local time) on his arrival at the Larnaca International Airport in Limassol and said that he was confident that that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Mediterranean nation will deepen our longstanding bilateral ties and the partnership between India and the European Union.

    Taking to his official X account, EAM Jaishankar said: “Delighted to meet FM @ckombos of Cyprus on my arrival at Larnaca. Confident that PM @narendramodi’s visit to Cyprus will deepen our longstanding bilateral ties and the India-EU partnership.”

    Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Cyprus, heralding the start of his three-nation tour, including Canada and Croatia. The pictures of his arrival in Cyprus were shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his X account.

    PM Modi was received and given a warm welcome at the airport by the Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides as well as Finance Minister Constantinos Kombos, reflecting the deep-rooted historic ties between the two nations.

    The Cyprus President also took to X to welcome PM Modi, as he wrote: “Welcome to Cyprus Prime Minister Narendra Modi! Here, at the EU’s southeastern frontier and gateway of the Mediteranean A historic visit A new chapter in a strategic partnership that knows no limits We make a promise to advance, transform, prosper more. Together.”

    PM Modi also note of the special gesture of Cyprus President and reciprocated on his social media handle, “Landed in Cyprus. My gratitude to the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will add significant momentum to India-Cyprus relations, especially in areas like trade, investment and more.”

    Notably, this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. During the visit, the two leaders are set to take part in extensive discussions for deepening bilateral ties and also explore ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, security, and technology.

    Prior to his departure for three-nation tour, PM Modi described Cyprus as “a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU”.

    He added that the visit was an opportunity to build on the historical friendship between the two nations and promote people-to-people exchanges.

    Cyprus, a member of the European Union is set to assume the ‘rotating presidency’ of the EU, early next year. PM Modi’s visit is seen as part of India’s consistent diplomatic outreach to Europe.

    After Cyprus visit, PM Modi will head to Canada to attend the G7 Summit and will then travel to Croatia for meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. (IANS)

  • PM Modi’s Visit to Strengthen India-EU Ties, says EAM Jaishankar on meeting Cyprus counterpart

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met the Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos on Sunday (local time) on his arrival at the Larnaca International Airport in Limassol and said that he was confident that that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Mediterranean nation will deepen our longstanding bilateral ties and the partnership between India and the European Union.

    Taking to his official X account, EAM Jaishankar said: “Delighted to meet FM @ckombos of Cyprus on my arrival at Larnaca. Confident that PM @narendramodi’s visit to Cyprus will deepen our longstanding bilateral ties and the India-EU partnership.”

    Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Cyprus, heralding the start of his three-nation tour, including Canada and Croatia. The pictures of his arrival in Cyprus were shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his X account.

    PM Modi was received and given a warm welcome at the airport by the Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides as well as Finance Minister Constantinos Kombos, reflecting the deep-rooted historic ties between the two nations.

    The Cyprus President also took to X to welcome PM Modi, as he wrote: “Welcome to Cyprus Prime Minister Narendra Modi! Here, at the EU’s southeastern frontier and gateway of the Mediteranean A historic visit A new chapter in a strategic partnership that knows no limits We make a promise to advance, transform, prosper more. Together.”

    PM Modi also note of the special gesture of Cyprus President and reciprocated on his social media handle, “Landed in Cyprus. My gratitude to the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will add significant momentum to India-Cyprus relations, especially in areas like trade, investment and more.”

    Notably, this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. During the visit, the two leaders are set to take part in extensive discussions for deepening bilateral ties and also explore ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, security, and technology.

    Prior to his departure for three-nation tour, PM Modi described Cyprus as “a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU”.

    He added that the visit was an opportunity to build on the historical friendship between the two nations and promote people-to-people exchanges.

    Cyprus, a member of the European Union is set to assume the ‘rotating presidency’ of the EU, early next year. PM Modi’s visit is seen as part of India’s consistent diplomatic outreach to Europe.

    After Cyprus visit, PM Modi will head to Canada to attend the G7 Summit and will then travel to Croatia for meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. (IANS)

  • Israel-Iran battle escalates, will be high on agenda as world leaders meet

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel 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)

  • UK F-35 fighter jet makes emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A UK Royal Air Force F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after reportedly running low on fuel during a routine mission over the Indian Ocean.

    According to airport and defence sources, the fifth-generation stealth aircraft was operating from a British aircraft carrier deployed in the Indian Ocean region when it experienced difficulty in landing back on the vessel on Saturday night.

    Multiple attempts were made by the pilot to land on the carrier, but rough sea conditions and turbulent winds rendered it unsafe for touchdown.

    Faced with rapidly depleting fuel levels, the pilot contacted Indian air traffic controllers and sought emergency permission to land at the nearest civilian airfield.

    The Thiruvananthapuram airport, located along the southern coast of Kerala, was identified as the most viable option.

    Upon receiving the distress communication, airport authorities immediately declared a full-scale emergency as per protocol and activated all standard operating procedures to ensure a safe landing.

    Fire and rescue teams, along with medical units, were kept on standby, while one of the runways was cleared for exclusive use by the fighter aircraft.

    The F-35 successfully landed at the airport at around 9.30 p.m., drawing attention from aviation staff and security personnel due to the rarity of such high-profile military aircraft using a civilian airport.

    Officials confirmed that the aircraft was not armed and did not pose any security risk.

    Indian Air Force (IAF) and civil aviation authorities were quickly informed and coordinated ground arrangements, including refuelling and security clearance.

    Sources added that a team of UK defence personnel stationed on board the aircraft carrier had been in constant touch with both Indian authorities and the pilot throughout the ordeal.

    After refuelling, the aircraft is expected to return to its carrier once sea conditions permit.

    The incident marks a rare instance of a foreign military jet making an emergency landing on Indian soil during peacetime.

    It also highlights the close coordination between Indian aviation authorities and foreign defence forces operating in the region.

    (IANS)

  • Visakhapatnam gears up for International Yoga Day 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As India prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, Visakhapatnam — the national host city for this year’s celebrations — witnessed a high-level review and field inspection by senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the Andhra Pradesh government.

    The review was led by Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and Andhra Pradesh Special Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, along with key officials, including Joint Secretary Monalisa Dash and District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad. The delegation visited major venues like RK Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Andhra University, and GITAM University, which will host yoga demonstrations and related cultural and wellness events.

    Officials held detailed discussions on inter-departmental coordination, public mobilization, infrastructure readiness, and safety protocols. The review emphasized ensuring a seamless and large-scale public participation in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of yoga as a mass, people-centric movement.

    Central to Andhra Pradesh’s preparations is the ambitious “Yogandhra” initiative, which aims to integrate yoga into daily life for over two crore citizens. With plans to host IDY events at one lakh locations across the state and five lakh participants expected in Visakhapatnam alone, the state’s efforts were praised for their scale and inclusivity.

    The Ayush Ministry commended Andhra Pradesh’s leadership, noting that the state’s grassroots-driven approach reflects the broader spirit of IDY 2025—promoting “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

  • Second batch of NAKSHA phase 2 capacity building programme to begin from June 16

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Union Ministry of Rural Development, will launch the second batch of Phase 2 of the National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) Capacity Building Programme on Monday. The week-long training will be held across four National Centres of Excellence to enhance the skills of Urban Local Body (ULB) and district-level officers in modern land survey techniques.

    The programme will be virtually inaugurated by DoLR Secretary Manoj Joshi at 10:00 A.M. A total of 128 officers from 74 ULBs have been nominated for this round of training, which will take place at Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) Pune, Administrative Training Institute (ATI) Mysuru, Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) Chandigarh, and the Northeast Region Centre of Excellence (Guwahati).

    This follows the successful completion of Phase 1 and the first batch of Phase 2, which together trained over 300 Master Trainers and ULB officers. The training will focus on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Electronic Total Station (ETS) based surveying, Web-Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, land parcel mapping, and the legal and administrative frameworks governing urban land records.

    The NAKSHA programme is a technology-driven initiative aimed at modernising urban land records. Launched as a pilot in 157 ULBs across 27 States and 3 Union Territories, it is being implemented by DoLR in collaboration with the Survey of India, National Informatics Centre Services (NICSI), Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSeDC), and five Centres of Excellence.

  • Helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath; operations suspended pending safety review

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand on Sunday morning claimed seven lives, including an infant and the pilot. The helicopter operating on the Kedarnath–Guptkashi sector, is believed to have crashed near the Gaurikund area between 5:30 and 5:45 AM due to poor weather conditions.

    The aircraft had taken off from Guptkashi at 5:10 AM, landed briefly at Kedarnath at 5:18 AM, and departed again at 5:19 AM. Preliminary findings suggest that the accident may have been caused by Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), as the helicopter flew into an area with low visibility and heavy cloud cover. A detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is underway.

    Rescue operations are being carried out by NDRF and SDRF teams at the crash site. Following the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a high-level emergency meeting with officials from the state government, DGCA, and Civil Aviation Ministry.

    In response, Aryan Aviation’s operations for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended immediately. Additionally, the licenses of two pilots from TransBharat Aviation, found flying in similarly unsuitable weather conditions, have been suspended for six months.

    All helicopter operations in the region have been halted on June 15 and 16 as a precautionary measure. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been directed to conduct a comprehensive safety review with all operators and establish a Command-and-Control Room for real-time monitoring of flights.

    The Ministry of Civil Aviation has emphasized that aviation safety is paramount, instructing DGCA to strictly enforce weather-related and operational protocols and ensure full compliance to prevent further tragedies.

  • FM Nirmala Sitharaman takes stock of financial inclusion schemes in Ladakh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday visited an exhibition of local handicrafts and handloom products by Self Help Groups (SHG) and local entrepreneurs of the Ladakh region.

    She interacted with artisans, women-led SHGs and local entrepreneurs showcasing traditional crafts, handloom textiles and sustainable innovations at their stalls.

    The Finance Minister appreciated the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of the artisans, highlighting their role in preserving cultural heritage and boosting rural livelihoods in the Union Territory.

    The initiative is part of the Centre’s policy of inclusive development to empower women and local entrepreneurs and create more jobs.

    The Finance Minister is on a four-day visit to Ladakh. She will chair a credit outreach programme emphasising the vital role of credit in promoting financial inclusion and economic development in the region.

    Sitharaman is scheduled to interact with councillors of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Ladakh administration. She will also inaugurate various developmental projects during her tour.

    The Modi government has succeeded in mobilising more than 10.04 crore women into over 90.76 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) nationwide to promote financial inclusion under the flagship Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) poverty alleviation scheme.

    Over 52 crore loans worth Rs 32.61 lakh crore have been sanctioned under the PM Mudra Yojana for the poor, with the scheme having completed 10 years of its launch this year.

    The scheme has led to the empowerment of women in small towns and villages, as nearly 70 per cent of Mudra loans have been availed by women entrepreneurs, enhancing their financial independence and contributing to gender equality.

    In the last nine years, while per-woman PMMY disbursement amount increased by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 per cent to Rs 62,679, the per-woman incremental deposits increased by a CAGR of 14 per cent to Rs 95,269, data compiled by the Finance Ministry shows.

    The IMF has also lauded the PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY), with a report of the UN arm stating that the scheme, which extends collateral-free loans with a special focus on women’s entrepreneurship, has helped boost the number of women-owned MSMEs, which now stands at more than 2.8 million.

    The report said that an enabling policy environment for entrepreneurship through various programs, such as the PMMY is contributing to increased self-employment and formalisation through credit.

    (IANS)

  • PM Modi extends birthday wishes to Union Minister Kishan Reddy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on his birthday.

    “Birthday greetings to Shri Kishan Reddy Garu. A grassroots leader, he is at the forefront of strengthening the coal and mines sector, which are important to build a self-reliant India. Praying for his long and healthy life,” said PM Modi on X.

    Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also conveyed birthday greetings to Kishan Reddy, who is also the president of the BJP’s Telangana unit.

    The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president wished Kishan Reddy a long life with health and happiness.

    Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar also greeted Kishan Reddy on his birthday. The BJP leader wished him a long and healthy life so that he continues to serve the people.

    BJP MPs, MLAs and other party leaders in Telangana greeted Kishan Reddy, who is a member of Parliament from Secunderabad.

    “Wishing Union Minister Kishan Reddy garu a very happy birthday. Wishing him Health, Happiness and Success & and many more years of public service,” posted BJP MP from Chevella, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy.

    Union Minister for Communications and Development Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian and others also greeted Kishan Reddy.

    Kishan Reddy, one of the senior-most leaders and prominent faces of the BJP in Telangana, is a second-term MP from Secunderabad.

    He was inducted into the Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet in 2019 as Minister of State for Home. In July 2021, he was promoted to Cabinet rank and was given the portfolios of tourism, culture and development of the northeastern region.

    He was the only Central minister from Telangana for five years.

    With the BJP putting up an impressive performance to double its tally of Telangana seats to eight in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the party leadership rewarded him by inducting him again in the Union Cabinet.

    The 64-year-old retained the Secunderabad seat by defeating his nearest rival, Danam Nagender of Congress, by about 50,000 votes.

    (IANS)

  • Germany, France, UK offer Iran talks over nuclear programme: Berlin

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Germany, France and Britain are ready to hold immediate talks with Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme in a bid to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.

    Wadephul, who is on a visit to the Middle East, said he was trying to contribute towards a de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, and noted Tehran had previously failed to take the opportunity to enter into constructive talks.

    “I hope that’s still possible,” Wadephul told German public broadcaster ARD late on Saturday. “Germany, together with France and Britain are ready. We’re offering Iran immediate negotiations about the nuclear programme, I hope (the offer) is accepted.”

    “This is also a key prerequisite for reaching a pacification of this conflict, that Iran presents no danger to the region, for the state of Israel or to Europe.”

    (Reuters)

  • Jannik Sinner seeks to put disappointment of French Open defeat behind him

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    World number one Jannik Sinner wants to use the Halle Open as a chance to bounce back from sleepless nights after his agonising loss to rival Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final this month.

    In a thrilling showdown, Sinner took the first two sets and had three match points in the fourth set, but Spaniard Alcaraz persevered to grind out a 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) win in five hours and 29 minutes – the longest final at Roland Garros.

    Asked if he had thought about the championship points he failed to convert, Sinner told reporters on Saturday: “Often. It happens. I don’t know how it will look in the future.

    “I think that it is not the most important thing, but I nevertheless try to forget the negative things and see what I can do here” in Halle.

    “I think that for me to play another tournament is positive, because every match is a new beginning, and I must be mentally ready to give my all on the court. Therefore, it is great I can be here in Halle. Yes, I had already a few sleepless nights, but I think every day it gets better.”

    The 23-year-old Italian is the reigning champion at Halle and will seek to defend his crown at the tournament, which starts on Monday, as he gears up for Wimbledon, which will be held from June 30 to July 13 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

    “The first practice session was OK. I hadn’t played since Paris, so my general feelings on the court were not so perfect,” Sinner said.

    “I think a good grass-court player can move well. The ball can bounce a bit funny because of the grass, and you have to serve intelligently.

    “But in general, it is a surface on which I took a step forward last year and we will see how it goes this year.”

    (Reuters)

  • Iranian Missile Strikes Kill 10 in Israel as Israeli Warplanes Hit Tehran Oil Depot

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran and Israel have entered their deadliest phase of direct conflict yet, with at least 10 people killed in Israeli cities and massive fires reported at an oil depot in Tehran following reciprocal strikes on June 15. This marks the third consecutive day of military exchanges, as both governments vow further action amid a rising humanitarian toll and growing regional instability.

    Devastation in Israeli Cities

    Emergency services in Israel are racing against time to locate seven individuals still trapped beneath rubble. Ongoing rocket fire has hampered rescue operations, even as more than 300 Israelis have been injured since Iran launched its missile barrage on Friday. Hospitals in central and northern Israel are operating at full capacity.

    Air raid sirens wailed throughout the day across Israeli cities as residential areas suffered direct hits. In Bat Yam, six people were killed after an Iranian missile struck an apartment building. Rescue workers sifted through collapsed concrete and twisted metal to reach survivors. In Tamra, near Haifa, four individuals were confirmed dead after a two-story home was destroyed in the attacks.

    The Weizmann Institute of Science, a leading research university located in Rehovot, also sustained damage during the missile onslaught, with several of its facilities reportedly hit.

    Israeli Strikes on Tehran

    In retaliation, Israeli warplanes launched a barrage of airstrikes on key infrastructure in Iran, including a major oil facility in Tehran. The attack sparked massive fires that sent thick plumes of black smoke over the city. The Israeli military dubbed the retaliatory operation “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s Defense Ministry headquarters and other nuclear-linked sites.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made his first public appearance since the strikes began, stating, “If Israeli attacks cease, our responses will also stop.”

    Regional Fallout

    Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for coordinating their own strikes on Israeli targets, signaling the potential expansion of the conflict into a broader regional confrontation.

    The violence has already disrupted diplomatic processes. Oman confirmed the cancellation of the sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations scheduled in Muscat today, citing the “ongoing hostilities” as the reason.

    The Israeli intelligence operation that preceded Iran’s retaliation reportedly led to the deaths of three senior Iranian military commanders and two nuclear scientists—described by analysts as one of the most significant Israeli blows to Iran in years.

    Although no nuclear accidents have been confirmed, international observers have voiced concern over potential radiation and chemical exposure due to strikes on sensitive Iranian sites.

    Escalating Rhetoric and Military Posture

    Both countries have enacted military censorship and closed parts of their respective airspaces. In a stark warning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “Iran has seen only a fraction of what Israel is capable of.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have promised a “far more forceful” response should Israeli attacks continue.

  • No goal, but Messi’s influence on show in Club World Cup opener

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Although he did not score, Lionel Messi again proved his worth with Inter Miami, showing some brilliance and avoiding injury as they got off to a decent start in the Club World Cup with a goalless draw against African giants Al-Ahly from Egypt on Saturday.

    WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

    Messi draws massive crowds to stadiums, and attendance will be a key measure of the revamped Club World Cup’s success or failure. On Saturday, almost 61,000 fans filled the Hard Rock Stadium, making for a festive atmosphere and giving the tournament a satisfying start.

    KEY QUOTES

    Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami coach: “We were very nervous and anxious in the first half, which is normal given the context. In the second half, we were more patient. We played all over the pitch, created chances and could have scored to win the game. But it’s a 90-minute match, and let’s not forget we struggled in that first half.

    “It’s clear that when we find Leo (Messi) in the right positions and give him good passes, we have more options and chances. In the first half, we kept trying to find him with the first ball, but they were ready for us.

    “When we were more patient, we were able to find Leo. And we all know what he can do when he finds space.”

    Jose Riveiro, Al-Ahly coach: “It was a very intense game, with nervousness and mistakes from both sides, but we controlled the scenario better in the first half, creating chances. But it’s a pity we did not convert one of them.

    “In the second half, Miami were getting better and after 60, 70 minutes it could have gone in either direction. We have to make sure next game we are a little bit better.

    “We first made sure Messi was cut off from his providers, but then he appeared in those set pieces and second actions after set pieces.”

    (Reuters)

  • Iran would face US might ‘at levels never seen before’ if it attacks US: Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump said early on Sunday that if Iran attacks the United States in any way, it would face the might of the U.S. military “at levels never seen before.”

    Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. had nothing to do with an attack on Iran overnight and that “we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!”

    More to follow.

    (Reuters)

  • International Yoga Day set to rekindle the true spirit of yoga in New York

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a world increasingly obsessed with external forms of wellness, a profound initiative is set to remind us of yoga’s inner essence in the US, as cities globally prepare to celebrate the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21.

    ‘The Spirit of Yoga’, a special International Day of Yoga celebration, is being co-hosted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization at the serene Global Harmony House in Great Neck on Long Island on June 22, the organisers said in a statement on Sunday.

    While most Yoga Day celebrations revolve around physical postures and public demonstrations of flexibility, ‘The Spirit of Yoga’ programme seeks to reclaim yoga’s soul, rekindling its spiritual roots.

    The event will witness a lineup of dignitaries, spiritual leaders and practitioners who bring wisdom, inspiration, and the live experience of yogic values to about 250 seekers in the hall, and many more attending virtually.

    Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, will be the Chief Guest who will speak on India’s gift of yoga to the world, in the presence of BK Mohini Didi, the revered Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris international organization.

    Set in the tranquil atmosphere of Global Harmony House, a spiritual sanctuary and the regional headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris for the Americas and the Caribbean, this gathering is designed to be an immersive, contemplative, and celebratory experience.

    “In today’s commercialised wellness world, yoga is often reduced to fitness,” said Gayatri Naraine, the NGO representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN. “But the true spirit of yoga is about connecting to our highest self, to the Supreme, through spiritual awareness.”

    “We are focusing on yoga as a way of being – anchored in awareness, self-realisation, and harmony,” said Parveen Chopra, Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com and co-moderator of the event. “Yoga, as in Patanjali’s 8-limbed path, finds its fulfilment in dhyan, asanas are just a part and accessory.”

    (IANS)

  • U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Cancelled Amid Escalating Tensions, Says Oman

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The sixth round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, has been cancelled, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed on Saturday. Oman, which has been acting as a mediator, announced the cancellation following Israel’s sweeping air offensive against Iran on Friday that targeted nuclear facilities and killed several senior commanders and scientists.

    The talks, aimed at resolving longstanding concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, were called off as regional tensions soared in the wake of the Israeli strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation. In a statement posted on X, Albusaidi said, “The Iran-U.S. talks scheduled to be held in Muscat this Sunday will not now take place,” while reaffirming that “diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace.”

  • Vice President Dhankhar to attend key events in Puducherry on June 16-17

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be on a two-day official visit to Puducherry on June 16 and 17, during which he will attend key events at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) and Pondicherry University.

    On June 16, the Vice President will be the Chief Guest at a special programme titled ‘Environmental Sustainability in Building the Nation’ at JIPMER’s APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium.

    The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is aimed at fostering dialogue and awareness around sustainable development.

    Vice President Dhankhar will also engage in an interactive session with students, faculty, and staff of JIPMER, reflecting his commitment to connecting with the academic community on matters of national importance.

    A key highlight of the event will be the planting of a sapling by the Vice President under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One Tree in the Name of Mother)” campaign. Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, the campaign promotes environmental awareness while paying tribute to motherhood.

    The sapling will be planted in the name of the Vice President’s mother, Kesari Devi. The event will be graced by several dignitaries, including Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly R. Selvam, Rajya Sabha MP S. Selvaganabathy, Lok Sabha MP V. Vaithilingam, and MLA V. Aroumougame.

    In his capacity as the Chancellor of Pondicherry University, Vice President Dhankhar will make the visit on June 17 at 10:00 a.m., during which he will interact with faculty, students, and administrative staff at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium, located within the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Administrative Building.

    The visit underscores the Vice President’s continued engagement with academic institutions and his emphasis on environmental sustainability, national development, and youth empowerment.

    Both the institutions – JIPMER and Pondicherry University – are preparing to welcome the Vice President with high-level arrangements and enthusiastic participation from the student and faculty communities.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Southwest monsoon intensifies, water level rises in key reservoirs in two TN districts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The intensification of the southwest monsoon has brought continuous rainfall to the Western Ghats region, leading to a significant rise in the water levels of key reservoirs in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts.

    According to Public Works Department (PWD) officials, sustained showers over the past several days have contributed to increased inflow into the region’s main water bodies, notably the Papanasam, Servalar, and Manimuthar reservoirs.

    The Papanasam reservoir, one of the major sources of irrigation and drinking water in the region, recorded a water level of 126.55 feet as of Saturday. It received an inflow of 2,845.43 cubic feet per second (cusecs), while the outflow was maintained at 1,400 cusecs to meet agricultural and domestic water needs.

    The Servalar reservoir also witnessed a steady rise in water level, reaching 135.17 feet.

    Meanwhile, the Manimuthar reservoir stood at 93.43 feet, with water levels gradually climbing due to persistent monsoon showers. Authorities noted that the ongoing rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Western Ghats is expected to further elevate water levels in the coming days.

    Officials are closely monitoring inflows and managing reservoir releases to ensure sufficient water availability for irrigation while simultaneously taking precautionary measures to prevent flooding in downstream areas.

    “We are releasing water in a controlled manner to support agricultural activities and drinking water supply, while also ensuring that there is no overflow or threat to low-lying areas,” said a senior PWD engineer overseeing water management in the region.

    Local farmers have welcomed the timely rains, expressing hope for a productive cropping season ahead.

    The increased reservoir levels are also likely to bring relief to communities that have faced water scarcity during the summer months.

    With the southwest monsoon expected to remain active in the region for the next few weeks, the PWD and district administrations remain on alert to manage both water conservation and flood risk mitigation effectively.

    (IANS)

  • Heavy rain to lash Kerala till June 18, IMD issues red alert for five districts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kerala till June 18, prompting authorities to issue red, orange, and yellow alerts for multiple districts.

    Squally weather conditions are also expected along the state’s coastline, leading to a ban on fishing activities.

    A red alert, indicating extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, has been issued for Malappuram and Kozhikode on June 17. The alert is extended to Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on June 18, as monsoon activity intensifies in the northern districts. The red alert represents the most severe weather warnings, indicating extremely heavy rainfall within 24 hours.

    An orange alert, which signals very heavy rain ranging from 11 to 20 cm, has been announced for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad on June 16,17.

    The weather department has also issued an orange alert on June 18 in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

    Several other districts are under yellow alert, which is issued for expected heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha on June 17, while on June 18 yellow alert is issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur.

    In addition to rainfall alerts, the IMD has warned of squally weather with wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph along and off the Kerala coast.

    These conditions are expected to prevail until June 18.

    Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea during this period due to the risk of rough sea conditions.

    State disaster management officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to exercise caution, particularly in hilly regions prone to landslides and flooding.

    Local administrations have been instructed to stay on high alert and prepare for emergency response as needed. The government has also asked the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins and follow safety instructions issued by authorities.

    (IANS)

  • Manohar Lal reviews progress of strategic nuclear power project

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) to review the progress of the nuclear power project, being implemented by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy.

    The project involves setting up 4×700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

    Once completed, 50 per cent of the electricity generated will be allocated to Haryana, significantly boosting the state’s energy capacity, according to a statement by Power Ministry.

    Commercial operation at the plant are expected by March 2031.

    The minister was also apprised of NPCIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. A total of Rs 75 crore has been spent on community development activities such as construction of roads, schools, provision of medical vans, and development of an Astro Turf Hockey Ground.

    Skill development initiatives and public awareness programs have also been conducted in schools, NCC camps, and civil service training programmes. The “Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van was highlighted as a key outreach initiative to educate and engage the public on nuclear energy and safety.

    Manohar Lal appreciated NPCIL’s efforts and reiterated the importance of nuclear power in achieving clean, safe, and reliable energy for the nation’s future.

    Last month, Manohar Lal said the Centre has asked state governments to examine the feasibility of setting up nuclear power plants.

    The Centre also asked Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to explore the possibility of establishing a nuclear power facility as a long-term measure for energy security and sustainability in the coastal state.

    The Union Minister said that India was currently generating eight gigawatts of nuclear power while the aim is to generate 100 gigawatts by 2047.

    Highlighting the importance of operational efficiency, the Minister encouraged Goa to further reduce utility losses and integrate more Renewable Energy into the grid. He mentioned that this would help lower the cost of power supply and enhance overall performance.

    (IANS)

  • Manohar Lal reviews progress of strategic nuclear power project

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) to review the progress of the nuclear power project, being implemented by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy.

    The project involves setting up 4×700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

    Once completed, 50 per cent of the electricity generated will be allocated to Haryana, significantly boosting the state’s energy capacity, according to a statement by Power Ministry.

    Commercial operation at the plant are expected by March 2031.

    The minister was also apprised of NPCIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. A total of Rs 75 crore has been spent on community development activities such as construction of roads, schools, provision of medical vans, and development of an Astro Turf Hockey Ground.

    Skill development initiatives and public awareness programs have also been conducted in schools, NCC camps, and civil service training programmes. The “Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van was highlighted as a key outreach initiative to educate and engage the public on nuclear energy and safety.

    Manohar Lal appreciated NPCIL’s efforts and reiterated the importance of nuclear power in achieving clean, safe, and reliable energy for the nation’s future.

    Last month, Manohar Lal said the Centre has asked state governments to examine the feasibility of setting up nuclear power plants.

    The Centre also asked Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to explore the possibility of establishing a nuclear power facility as a long-term measure for energy security and sustainability in the coastal state.

    The Union Minister said that India was currently generating eight gigawatts of nuclear power while the aim is to generate 100 gigawatts by 2047.

    Highlighting the importance of operational efficiency, the Minister encouraged Goa to further reduce utility losses and integrate more Renewable Energy into the grid. He mentioned that this would help lower the cost of power supply and enhance overall performance.

    (IANS)

  • India on track to become world’s third-largest economy by 2029: Sarbananda Sonowal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday that India is firmly on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2029, crediting 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “decisive and corruption-free” governance for triggering an “unstoppable surge” in national development.

    Addressing a press conference in Dibrugarh to mark the NDA government’s 11th anniversary, Sonowal said that India has moved past an era of ‘policy paralysis and dynastic misrule’ and is now being powered by welfare-led development, innovation by the youth, and record-breaking infrastructure expansion.

    He said over 25 crore people have come out of poverty in the last 10 years, a number bigger than the population of many European countries.

    “This is the Modi guarantee – delivery with speed, scale and honesty,” Sonowal said.

    The Union minister added that India’s journey to becoming the fourth-largest global economy is just the beginning.

    By 2029, he said, India will rise to the third spot. “We are building a strong foundation for a Viksit Bharat — a developed, self-reliant India,” he said.

    Sonowal also highlighted India’s booming startup ecosystem, which has grown from 30,000 startups in 2014 to over 1 lakh today.

    “Over 1.7 crore youth are now part of this vibrant startup movement. This is the new India — full of young dreamers and doers,” he said.

    Talking about the development of the Northeast, Sonowal said it has been transformed under the Modi government.

    “Prime Minister Modi has visited the Northeast more than 70 times — more than any other PM in history. He turned a neglected region into a growth engine,” he said.

    According to Sonowal, the recent ‘Rising Northeast’ summit brought in investment promises worth over Rs 4.5 lakh crore.

    He said major infrastructure projects are ongoing, including roads, railways, internet connectivity and modern river ports at Jogighopa, Dhubri, Pandu and Dibrugarh that will connect Assam with global trade routes.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • NEP 2020 key to making India a global education hub: Dharmendra Pradhan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions India as a global study destination, offering premium education at an affordable cost.

    He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a global knowledge hub the country is encouraging top international universities to establish campuses here, while empowering Indian higher education institutions to expand globally.

    He was speaking at an event titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ held in Mumbai to issue Letters of Intent (LoIs) to five globally reputed universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and Italy.

    The Minister said the establishment of the branch campuses of University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy, reflects a deep and growing trust in India’s education ecosystem and is a major milestone as we mark five transformative years of the NEP 2020.

    The handing of the LOIs took place in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Chandrakant Patil, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Aseem Gupta and Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Chairman, UGC, Dr Vineet Joshi.

    Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the swift issuance of LoIs reflects the speed and commitment of the government.

    He thanked the Prime Minister for NEP 2020 which has a provision for foreign universities to be a part of Indian education sector.

    The five universities, he noted, have added immense value to the State and NEP 2020 has truly opened doors for top global institutions to establish campuses in India.

    He stated that talented Indian students who faced accessibility and affordability issues in pursuing foreign education can now do so while remaining in the country at reduced costs.

    (IANS)

  • NEP 2020 key to making India a global education hub: Dharmendra Pradhan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions India as a global study destination, offering premium education at an affordable cost.

    He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a global knowledge hub the country is encouraging top international universities to establish campuses here, while empowering Indian higher education institutions to expand globally.

    He was speaking at an event titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ held in Mumbai to issue Letters of Intent (LoIs) to five globally reputed universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and Italy.

    The Minister said the establishment of the branch campuses of University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy, reflects a deep and growing trust in India’s education ecosystem and is a major milestone as we mark five transformative years of the NEP 2020.

    The handing of the LOIs took place in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Chandrakant Patil, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Aseem Gupta and Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Chairman, UGC, Dr Vineet Joshi.

    Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the swift issuance of LoIs reflects the speed and commitment of the government.

    He thanked the Prime Minister for NEP 2020 which has a provision for foreign universities to be a part of Indian education sector.

    The five universities, he noted, have added immense value to the State and NEP 2020 has truly opened doors for top global institutions to establish campuses in India.

    He stated that talented Indian students who faced accessibility and affordability issues in pursuing foreign education can now do so while remaining in the country at reduced costs.

    (IANS)

  • Any attempt to threaten India’s sovereignty will face decisive action: Amit Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reaffirmed that national security remains a priority, making it clear that any attempt to threaten India’s sovereignty will be met with decisive action.

    He underscored the government’s firm stance on protecting the nation’s interests. He also emphasised the importance of discipline, ideological commitment, and public service in shaping the future of the party and the nation.

    He was addressing a gathering of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s MP-MLA Training Camp in the scenic hill station of Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday.

    Addressing the gathering of over 200 party MPs, MLAs, ministers, and senior functionaries, HM Shah began his speech by paying tribute to former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani and others who lost their lives in the unfortunate plane crash in Ahmedabad.

    He acknowledged the contributions of Rupani to the party and the nation, underscoring the BJP’s tradition of selfless service and unwavering commitment to its principles. Reflecting on the BJP’s legacy, Shah highlighted the contributions of leaders such as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    He asserted that the BJP has consistently provided India with leaders of unwavering integrity and dedication. He outlined the vision of a secure, developed, and prosperous India, stating that the Modi government has been actively translating this vision into reality. Over the past 11 years, the government has lifted 26 crore people out of poverty, provided seven crore families with essential amenities, and extended financial assistance to farmers.

    HM Shah also spoke about the BJP’s ideological consistency, stating that from its origins in the Jana Sangh to its present form, the party has remained steadfast in its principles. He expressed confidence that the BJP’s influence will continue to grow, ensuring its presence across the country. The Home Minister urged party workers to recognise that the respect they receive is not personal but a reflection of the party’s values. He encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and to uphold the party’s mission of national service.

    He traced the BJP’s journey from its foundation, recalling how Shyama Prasad Mukherjee resigned from the government in protest against policies that did not align with India’s cultural heritage. One of the key reasons for his resignation was the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, signed in 1950 between India and Pakistan to safeguard the rights of minorities in both countries.

    Mukherjee strongly opposed the agreement, arguing that it failed to adequately protect Hindu minorities in Pakistan while placing undue obligations on India. His resignation marked a significant moment in the BJP’s ideological evolution, reinforcing its commitment to nationalism and cultural preservation.

    HM Shah noted that the party, which began with just 11 members, has now grown to over 11 crore members. He reiterated that the BJP’s struggle has always been for principles rather than electoral victories, citing movements such as the fight against Article 370 and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He concluded by reaffirming the BJP’s commitment to Antyodaya, the philosophy of uplifting the poorest sections of society.

    He highlighted the transformation of states once labelled as BIMARU—Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh—under BJP governance, demonstrating the effectiveness of decentralised development. The training camp continues with sessions designed to strengthen leadership skills and reinforce the party’s ideological foundation, preparing BJP representatives for future governance and electoral responsibilities.

    (IANS)

  • After day of nationwide protests, Trump’s military parade rolls through D.C.

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump’s long-sought military parade rolled though the streets of downtown Washington on Saturday, but the celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary was marred by a day of violence and discord.

    In the hours before the parade began, hundreds of thousands of Americans marched and rallied in streets in cities from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles, protesting Trump’s actions while in office, in the largest such actions since his return to power in January.

    Earlier in the day, a gunman assassinated a Democratic lawmaker and wounded another in Minnesota and remained at large.

    Meanwhile, Israel and Iran exchanged further attacks early on Sunday, stoking fears of a mushrooming conflict between the two nations.

    All of it followed a week of tension in Los Angeles, where protests over federal immigration raids resulted in Trump calling in National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to help keep the peace, over the objections of the state’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

    The parade, which fell on Trump’s 79th birthday, kicked off earlier than expected with thunderstorms forecast in the Washington area.

    Tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery rumbled down the parade route along storied Constitution Avenue, an unusual sight in the U.S. where such displays of military might are rare.

    “Every other country celebrates their victories, it’s about time America did too,” Trump told the crowd following the parade.

    Thousands of spectators lined up along the route. Trump watched the proceedings from an elevated viewing stand behind bulletproof glass.

    Some of the president’s opponents also managed to find a spot along the parade route, holding signs in protest. Other demonstrators were kept separate from the parade crowd by local police.

    The U.S. Army has brought nearly 7,000 troops into Washington, along with 150 vehicles, including more than 25 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 Stryker armored vehicles, four Paladin self-propelled artillery vehicles, and artillery pieces including the M777 and M119.

    ARMY’S HISTORY

    The parade traced the history of the Army from its founding during the Revolutionary War through modern day. Trump frequently stood and saluted troops as they marched by.

    Members of Trump’s cabinet including Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio looked on.

    Trump had first expressed interest in a military parade in Washington early in his first 2017-2021 term in office.

    In 1991, tanks and thousands of troops paraded through Washington to celebrate the ousting of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait in the Gulf War.

    The celebrations were expected to cost the U.S. Army between $25 million and $45 million, U.S. officials have told Reuters. That includes the parade itself as well as the cost of moving equipment and housing and feeding the troops.

    Critics have called the parade an authoritarian display of power that is wasteful, especially given Trump has said he wants to slash costs throughout the federal government.

    Bryan Henrie, a Trump supporter, flew in from Texas to celebrate the Army’s anniversary and did not see any issues with tanks rolling down the streets of Washington.

    “I don’t see a controversy. I will celebrate safety and stability any day over anarchy,” 61-year-old Henrie said.

    ‘SHAME! SHAME!’

    Earlier in the day, thousands marched in Washington and other cities in protest of Trump’s policies. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, and marked the largest outpouring of opposition to Trump’s presidency since he returned to power in January.

    In Los Angeles, however, the situation remained tense. About an hour before a downtown curfew, police officers mounted on horses were aggressively pushing back demonstrators, using gas, flash bangs and other less lethal munitions, causing large groups to panic and flee.

    Protesters were firing what police called commercial-grade fireworks against officers, along with rocks and bottles. Some demonstrators wore gas masks and helmets and vowed to stay in the area for many more hours.

    A crowd earlier had confronted soldiers guarding a federal building, yelling “Shame! Shame!” and “Marines, get out of LA!”

    Anti-Trump groups planned nearly 2,000 demonstrations across the country to coincide with the parade. Many took place under the theme “No Kings,” asserting that no individual is above the law.

    Thousands of people of all ages turned out in and around Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, many carrying homemade signs that played off the “No Kings” theme. “No crown for a clown,” said one. Actor Mark Ruffalo was among the demonstrators, wearing a hat that read “immigrant.”

    “We’re seeing dehumanizing language towards LGBT people, towards people with autism, towards people with other disabilities, racial minorities, undocumented people,” said Cooper Smith, 20, from upstate New York. “Somebody’s got to show that most Americans are against this.”

    Protesters in downtown Chicago stood off against police on Saturday, with some waving upside-down American flags and chanting: “Who do you protect? Who do you serve?” and “No justice, no peace.”

    Members of the far-right Proud Boys, ardent Trump supporters, appeared at an Atlanta “No Kings” protest, wearing the group’s distinctive black and yellow colors.

    About 400 protesters, organized by a group called RefuseFascism.org, marched through Washington and gathered for a rally in a park opposite the White House. Trump had warned people against protesting at the parade itself, saying that “they’re going to be met with very big force.”

    Sunsara Taylor, a founder of RefuseFascism, told the crowd, “Today we refuse to accept Donald Trump unleashing the military against the people of this country and in the streets of this country. We say, ‘Hell no.’”

    (Reuters)

  • Israel and Iran strike at each other in new wave of attacks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight into Sunday, stoking fears of a wider conflict after Israel expanded its surprise campaign against its main rival with a strike on the world’s biggest gas field.

    Tehran called off nuclear talks that Washington had said were the only way to halt Israel’s bombing, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were nothing compared with what Iran would see in the coming days.

    The latest wave of Iranian attacks began shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday (2000 GMT), when air raid sirens blared in Jerusalem and Haifa, sending around a million people into bomb shelters.

    Around 2:30 a.m. local time (2330 GMT Saturday), the Israeli military warned of another incoming missile barrage and urged residents to seek shelter. Explosions echoed through Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as missiles streaked across the skies as interceptor rockets were launched in response. The military lifted its shelter-in-place advisory nearly an hour after issuing the warning.

    The ambulance service said at least seven people were killed overnight, including a 10-year-old boy and a woman in her 20s, and more than 140 injured in multiple attacks.

    Search and rescue worked combed through the rubble of residential buildings destroyed in multiple strikes, using flashlights and dogs to look for survivors.

    Israeli media said at least 35 people were missing after a strike hit Bat Yam, a city south of Tel Aviv. A spokesperson for the emergency services said a missile hit an 8-storey building there and while many people were rescued, there were fatalities.

    It was unclear how many buildings were hit overnight.

    So far, at least nine people in Israel have been killed and over 300 others injured since Iran launched its retaliatory attacks on Friday.

    Iran has said 78 people were killed there on the first day of Israel’s campaign, and scores more on the second, including 60 when a missile brought down a 14-storey apartment block in Tehran, where 29 of the dead were children.

    The Shahran oil depot in Tehran was targeted in an Israeli attack, Iran said, but added the situation was under control. A fire had erupted after an Israeli attack on an oil refinery near the capital while Israeli strikes also targeted Iran’s defence ministry building, causing minor damage, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said on Sunday.

    U.S. President Donald Trump had warned Iran of worse to come, but said it was not too late to halt the Israeli campaign if Tehran accepted a sharp downgrading of its nuclear programme.

    A round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks that was due to be held in Oman on Sunday was cancelled, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying the discussions could not take place while Iran was being subjected to Israel’s “barbarous” attacks.

    GAS FIELD ATTACK

    In the first apparent attack to hit Iran’s energy infrastructure, Tasnim news agency said Iran partially suspended production at South Pars, the world’s biggest gas field, after an Israeli strike caused a fire there on Saturday.

    The South Pars field, offshore in Iran’s southern Bushehr province, is the source of most of the gas produced in Iran.

    Fears about potential disruption to the region’s oil exports had already driven up oil prices 9% on Friday even though Israel spared Iran’s oil and gas on the first day of its attacks.

    An Iranian general, Esmail Kosari, said on Saturday that Tehran was reviewing whether to close the Strait of Hormuz controlling access to the Gulf for tankers.

    With Israel saying its operation could last weeks, and Netanyahu urging Iran’s people to rise up against their Islamic clerical rulers, fears have grown of a regional conflagration dragging in outside powers.

    B’Tselem, a leading Israeli human rights organization, said on Saturday that instead of exhausting all possibilities for a diplomatic resolution, Israel’s government had chosen to start a war that puts the entire region in danger.

    Tehran has warned Israel’s allies that their military bases in the region would come under fire too if they helped shoot down Iranian missiles.

    However, 20 months of war in Gaza and a conflict in Lebanon last year have decimated Tehran’s strongest regional proxies, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, reducing its options for retaliation.

    Israel sees Iran’s nuclear programme as a threat to its existence, and said the bombardment was designed to avert the last steps to production of a nuclear weapon.

    Tehran insists the programme is entirely civilian and that it does not seek an atomic bomb. The U.N. nuclear watchdog, however, reported Iran this week as violating obligations under the global non-proliferation treaty.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi embarks on 3-nation tour, says opportunity to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday released an official statement before embarking on the three-nation tour of Cyprus, Canada and Croatia. He said this is an opportunity to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    PM Modi shared on X: “Today, I will embark on a three-nation tour to the Republic of Cyprus, Canada and Croatia. On June 15-16, I will visit the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides. Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.”

    “From Cyprus, I will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney,” said the PM.

    PM Modi said that the Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South and he is also looking forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries.

    “On June 18, I look forward to my visit to the Republic of Croatia and meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” PM Modi said.

    PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than two decades.

    “I will be attending the G7 Summit in Canada, which will give a great platform to exchange perspectives on various global issues and elaborate on the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi said earlier on X.

    “My visit to Croatia, which will be the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister, presents a historical opportunity to boost linkages with a valued partner country,” added PM Modi.

    Manish, High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, said, “The visit is going to be a historic visit for several reasons. It is after over two decades that a Prime Minister from our country is coming, and this would be the first visit of the Prime Minister (Modi) to this country… I think the most significant outcomes will be in trade, technology, tourism and investment. We will also discuss defence and security cooperation, business and people-to-people contact as well as global and regional discussions…”

    In Nicosia, PM Modi will hold talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol.

    Cyprus had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and indicated that it would raise the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan at the EU-level discussions.

    The visit will be timely as Cyprus is set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.

    The visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union, as per the MEA.

    The visit to Cyprus is significant also as it comes in the middle of India’s tensions with Turkey over the latter’s support to Pakistan.

    Ankara’s recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the northern region that was seized by Turkish forces in 1974 and differences over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean remain a constant source of tensions between Turkey and Cyprus.

    PM Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis on June 16 to 17, and conclude the five-day visit with an official visit to Croatia on June 18.

    At the G7 summit, PM Modi will come face-to-face with US President Donald Trump for the first time since their meeting in February 2025.

    “At the summit, the PM will exchange views with leaders of G7 countries, other invited outreach countries and heads of international organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues,” said the government in its announcement.

    The Prime Minister’s Croatia visit on June 18 will be the first ever visit by an Indian PM, marking an important milestone in the bilateral relationship.

    “The visit to Croatia will also underscore India’s commitment to further strengthening its engagement with partners in the European Union,” said the government.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Delhi: Rain brings relief from heatwave; IMD forecasts thunderstorm, strong winds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After a prolonged spell of scorching temperatures for several days, people in the national capital received a gradual respite from heatwave conditions on Sunday, as several parts of the city experienced light rainfall, thunderstorm and strong winds.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a severe thunderstorm and strong winds for the city, advising residents in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to stay indoors.

    According to the IMD, “Moderate to intense spell of rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning, and squally winds reaching speeds of 80-100 kmph” swept through the capital during the early Sunday hours.

    Two thunder squalls along with hailstorm activity were recorded at Safdarjung between 0348 to 0350 hrs IST and 0358 to 0400 hrs IST.

    The first squall saw gusty winds reaching 82 kmph, while the second saw a peak wind speed of 104 kmph, said the IMD.

    The weather department urged residents to take precautions.

    “Stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary,” the IMD advisory said, as flying debris and low visibility posed risks on the roads.

    The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s official weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius on Friday – a dip of 2.7 degrees from Thursday, but still 1.3 degrees Celsius above normal. The minimum temperature remained high at 31.0 degrees Celsius, marking a departure of 3 degrees Celsius from the seasonal average. Humidity levels oscillated between 51 per cent and 69 per cent, making conditions hot and uncomfortable throughout the day.

    According to IMD officials, the national capital is set to witness generally cloudy skies with very light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, dust storms, and lightning till June 19. Gusty winds are also expected during thunderstorms.

    This comes after a red alert – a severe warning – was issued for Delhi, as the capital experienced extreme heatwave conditions. Daytime temperatures climbed to between 41°C and 45°C, while the minimum temperature reached 31°C, marking a rise of four degrees above the seasonal average.

    The weather department has predicted partly cloudy skies with a chance of a thunderstorm and rain early Sunday morning, potentially bringing some relief from the intense heat.

    The IMD, in its extended range forecast, has said that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over the remaining parts of central and eastern India, along with some areas in northwest India, between June 12 and 18. It is further expected to reach most parts of northwest India, including Delhi, between June 19 and 25.

    The normal date for the monsoon to arrive in Delhi is around June 30.

    This year, it arrived in Kerala on May 24 – well ahead of the usual onset date of 1 June – and reached Mumbai by May 26, which is 16 days earlier than normal.

    According to IMD data, the monsoon reached Delhi on June 28 last year, and on June 26 in 2023.

    In previous years, it arrived on June 30 (2022), July 13 (2021), and June 25 (2020).

    After a nearly 10-day pause, the monsoon has picked up pace again, especially over southern India.

    Since Wednesday, several parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Konkan, and Maharashtra have been receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall. This renewed activity marks a strong push northwards, indicating rapid progress of the monsoon across the country.

    The IMD has also said the second phase of the monsoon is expected to spread across eastern India, bringing rainfall to West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh within the next week.

    (With inputs from IANS)