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Category: Government of India

  • Bakrid 2025: Muslims across India celebrate Eid al-Adha with prayers, sacrifice

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Muslims across India are celebrating Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, on Saturday with religious fervour and devotion. 

    The day began with special congregational prayers held at mosques and Eidgahs in cities and towns nationwide, as people gathered in large numbers to mark the sacred festival.

    Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” honours the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God.

    In commemoration of this act of devotion, Muslims around the world perform ‘qurbani’, the ritual sacrifice of animals such as goats, sheep, or buffalo, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in need.

    In India, the festival is being observed with great enthusiasm. In Delhi and Noida, large numbers of devotees offered Bakrid prayers early in the morning at major mosques. According to announcements from local mosque committees, Namaz timings varied slightly, in Noida, prayers were held around 7:00 a.m., while in Greater Noida, the timings ranged from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. depending on the mosque.

    In Kalyan, Thane district of Maharashtra, police presence was heightened near the historic Durgadi Fort due to parallel events planned by the Thackeray and Shinde factions, both claiming to continue the legacy of Dharmaveer Anand Dighe’s “Ghantanaad” movement, a 39-year-old tradition.

    In other parts of India, the celebrations continued peacefully.

    In Khurja, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, large crowds assembled at the Eidgah for morning prayers.

    In Bhagalpur (Bihar), thousands gathered at Tatarpur Masjid, CTS Ground, and Shahjangi Maidan to offer prayers. Similarly, in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Eidgah Mosque saw significant attendance during the morning Eid al-Adha Namaz.

    Bakrid celebrations are expected to continue throughout the day, with families coming together for festive meals, acts of charity, and community bonding.

    Authorities across major cities have deployed additional security to ensure peaceful observances.

    (IANS)

  • PM Modi meets Central Asian Foreign Ministers, calls for deeper regional cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in New Delhi today, following the conclusion of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue.

    During the joint meeting, the visiting ministers briefed PM Modi on the positive outcomes of the day’s deliberations, which focused on enhancing multilateral ties between India and the Central Asian region. The dialogue emphasized cooperation in trade, energy, security, and emerging technologies.

    Highlighting India’s longstanding historical and cultural ties with Central Asia, PM Modi underscored that the region remains a vital priority in India’s foreign policy. He laid out a comprehensive vision for deeper economic interconnections, expanded connectivity, enhanced defence and security cooperation, and collaboration in emerging areas such as digital technology and climate resilience.

    “A strong India-Central Asia partnership acts as a force multiplier in tackling regional and global challenges,” Prime Minister Modi said, reaffirming India’s commitment to a stable and prosperous Central Asia.

    In a show of solidarity, the Central Asian ministers strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and voiced their firm support for India’s ongoing efforts to combat cross-border terrorism.

    Looking ahead, PM Modi extended formal invitations to the leaders of all five Central Asian nations for the Second India-Central Asia Summit, to be hosted by India.

  • India assumes chair of 12th BRICS parliamentary forum as member nations unite against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 5, with participating parliaments from all 10 BRICS member countries unanimously condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. The forum also saw India assume the chairmanship of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, to be hosted next year.

    Led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Indian delegation played a key role in shaping the joint declaration. The expanded BRICS parliamentary forum now includes India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

    A major outcome of the two-day event was the collective agreement among member nations to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. India’s firm stance on countering terrorism—through enhanced intelligence sharing, curbing financial support to terror groups, and preventing the misuse of emerging technologies—received widespread support.

    During his address, Birla strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and emphasized India’s long-standing commitment to a “strong and befitting response” to terrorism. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a united global front against terror and underlined the need for a balanced international order, technological cooperation, and democratic dialogue among nations.

    Apart from terrorism, the BRICS delegates discussed key issues such as the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, inter-parliamentary cooperation, global trade, economic development, and peace and security. India’s approach to these matters was lauded and incorporated into the final declaration.

    At the closing ceremony, India was officially handed over the chairmanship of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, scheduled to be held in 2026. Shri Birla said India would work to deepen collaboration between BRICS parliaments and build consensus on addressing global challenges.

    The Indian delegation also included Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Members of Parliament Surendra Singh Nagar, Vijay Baghel, Shri Vivek Thakur, Dr. Shabari Byreddy, and senior parliamentary officials including Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh and Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody.

  • PM Modi receives call from Canadian PM Mark Carney, invited to G7 Summit in Kananaskis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a congratulatory call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday, during which the leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and confirmed India’s participation in the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

    In their first direct interaction since Carney’s recent electoral victory, Prime Minister Modi congratulated his Canadian counterpart and expressed appreciation for the formal invitation to attend the G7 Summit scheduled for later this month. The conversation marked a key step in revitalizing high-level engagement between the two nations.

    The two leaders acknowledged the strong people-to-people bonds that connect India and Canada, emphasizing their shared democratic values and longstanding cultural and economic linkages. Both reaffirmed their commitment to work together with renewed energy, guided by mutual respect and shared strategic interests.

    PM Modi expressed optimism about deepening cooperation across various sectors and said he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Carney at the Kananaskis Summit.

    PM Modi wrote in a post on X, “Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit.”

    The upcoming G7 Summit is expected to focus on pressing global challenges including climate action, economic resilience, and geopolitical security.

  • Northeast India’s social and cultural transformation strengthens national integration

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Northeast India is undergoing a profound social and cultural renaissance, emerging as a model of inclusive development and heritage preservation, as outlined in a recent Press Information Bureau release. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the Northeast as “Ashta Lakshmi” underscores its diverse strengths, with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) spearheading initiatives to integrate the region into India’s mainstream.

    Social development milestones are reshaping the region. On May 20, 2025, Mizoram achieved full functional literacy, becoming India’s first fully literate state through the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Building on its 91.33% literacy rate from the 2011 Census, this historic achievement marks a significant step in educational progress. In healthcare, Assam is establishing South Asia’s largest cancer care network, with eight hospitals already operational in districts like Dibrugarh and Kokrajhar, and seven more under construction in areas such as Nagaon and Tinsukia. Additionally, 15 new medical colleges are being set up in Assam to enhance healthcare access.

    Cultural preservation is a cornerstone of the Northeast’s transformation. In July 2024, Assam’s Moidams, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, celebrating 600 years of Tai-Ahom heritage. Sivasagar is being developed as an iconic site with an on-site museum, while a tribal freedom fighter museum honoring Rani Gaidinliu has been established in Manipur. The 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, the Ahom general who defeated the Mughals in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, was commemorated in 2022, highlighting unsung heroes. The North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) is revitalizing traditional crafts through the Purbashree e-commerce portal, a textile testing laboratory, and “Purbashree On Wheels.”

    The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, held from December 6-8, 2024, showcased the region’s textiles, GI-tagged products, and crafts, featuring Eri and Muga silk and attracting Rs 2,500 crore in project proposals. An Eri Silk Spinning Plant in Mushalpur, Assam, with a 200 kg/day capacity, has provided direct employment to 375 individuals and indirect livelihoods to 2,500 households, supported by a digital traceability network for 10,000 weavers across seven states.

    Peace and security initiatives have created a stable foundation for these advancements. Nine peace accords since 2014, including the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord and the 2023 DNLA Peace Agreement, have significantly reduced violence and resolved inter-state disputes, such as the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary agreement. The North Eastern Region District SDG Index, developed with NITI Aayog and UNDP-India, ranks 103 districts on social, economic, and environmental parameters, guiding policy implementation.

    By blending social progress with cultural preservation, the Northeast is not only catching up with the rest of India but also setting a global example of sustainable and inclusive development, driven by flagship initiatives like NESIDS and PM-DevINE.

  • NATO’s dilemma: how Zelenskiy can attend summit without provoking Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Officials organising a NATO summit in The Hague this month are expected to keep it short, restrict discussion of Ukraine, and choreograph meetings so that Volodymyr Zelenskiy can somehow be in town without provoking Donald Trump.

    Though the Ukrainian president is widely expected to attend the summit in some form, NATO has yet to confirm whether he is actually invited. Diplomats say he may attend a pre-summit dinner but be kept away from the main summit meeting.

    Whether the brief summit statement will even identify Russia as a threat or express support for Ukraine is still up in the air.

    The careful steps are all being taken to avoid angering Washington, much less provoking any repeat of February’s White House blow-up between Trump and Zelenskiy that almost torpedoed the international coalition supporting Kyiv.

    NATO’s European members, who see Russia as an existential threat and NATO as the principal means of countering it, want to signal their continued strong support for Ukraine. But they are also desperate to avoid upsetting a volatile Trump, who stunned them at a summit seven years ago by threatening to quit the alliance altogether.

    If Zelenskiy does not attend in some form, it would be “at least a PR disaster”, acknowledged a senior NATO diplomat.

    Since Russia’s invasion three years ago, Zelenskiy has regularly attended NATO summits as the guest of honour, where alliance members pledged billions in weapons and condemned Russia for an illegal war of conquest. Leaders repeatedly promised that Ukraine would one day join NATO.

    But since Washington’s shift under Trump towards partly accepting Russia’s justifications for the war and disparaging Zelenskiy, the 32-member alliance no longer speaks with a single voice about Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Trump has taken Ukraine’s NATO membership off the table, unilaterally granting Moscow one of its main demands.

    After dressing down Zelenskiy in the Oval Office in February, Trump cut vital U.S. military and intelligence support for Ukraine for days.

    Since then, the two men publicly mended fences in a meeting in St Peter’s Basilica for the funeral of Pope Francis. But mostly they have spoken remotely, with Zelenskiy twice phoning the White House on speakerphone while surrounded by four friendly Europeans — Britain’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Donald Tusk.

    SPENDING BOOST

    Trump is expected to come away from The Hague with a big diplomatic victory as NATO members heed his longstanding complaints that they do not spend enough on defence and agree a much higher target.

    They are expected to boost their goal for traditional military spending to 3.5% of economic output from 2%. A further pledge to spend 1.5% on related expenses such as infrastructure and cyber defence would raise the total to 5% demanded by Trump.

    But the summit itself and its accompanying written statement are expected to be unusually short, minimising the chances of flare-ups or disagreements. A pledge to develop recommendations for a new Russia strategy has been kicked into the long grass.

    Meanwhile, Zelenskiy may have to be content with an invitation to a pre-summit dinner, hosted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander, diplomats say.

    Unlike at NATO’s previous two annual summits, the leaders do not plan to hold a formal meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, the official venue for talks between the alliance and Kyiv. The senior NATO diplomat said a working dinner with either foreign ministers or defence ministers could instead serve as an NUC.

    ‘PROPERLY REPRESENTED’

    On Wednesday, NATO boss Mark Rutte said he had invited Ukraine to the summit, but sidestepped a question on whether the invitation included Zelenskiy himself.

    After meeting Rutte on Monday, Zelenskiy said on X that it was “important that Ukraine is properly represented” at the summit. “That would send the right signal to Russia,” he said.

    U.S. and Ukrainian officials did not reply to questions about the nature of any invitation to Ukraine.

    Some European countries are still willing to say in public that they hope to see Zelenskiy invited as the head of the Ukrainian delegation.

    Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said he would like to see a “delegation led by President Zelenskiy”. Asked about an invitation for Zelenskiy, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said “I, for my part, strongly welcome the invitation” without giving further details.

    But diplomats have tried to play down the importance of the formal status of Zelenskiy’s role: “Many allies want to have Zelenskiy at the summit, but there is flexibility on the precise format that would allow his presence,” said a second senior NATO diplomat.

    A senior European diplomat said: “We should not get stuck on ‘NUC or no NUC’. If he comes to the leaders’ dinner, that would be the minimum.”

    (Reuters)

  • Northeast India poised for economic surge with robust infrastructure and investment

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Northeast India is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse of economic growth and connectivity, driven by transformative infrastructure projects and strategic investments, according to a recent Press Information Bureau release. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Act East” policy and “Transformation by Transportation” vision, the region is shedding its historical isolation to become a beacon of inclusive development.

    Significant budgetary allocations have fueled infrastructure advancements, addressing long-standing gaps in connectivity. The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), restructured in 2022-23 and extended until 2026, has supported projects in roads, power, water supply, and other critical sectors. The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), launched in 2022 with a Rs 6,600 crore outlay, is driving sustainable development aligned with PM GatiShakti, focusing on infrastructure, social development, and livelihood opportunities for youth and women.

    Iconic projects like the Bogibeel Bridge, inaugurated in 2018, and the development of 10 greenfield airports over the past 11 years have revolutionized connectivity, boosting tourism in the region. The introduction of Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) waterway services on the Brahmaputra River, connecting Dhubri, Hathsingimari, and Guwahati, has enhanced logistics efficiency. A Rs 4,136 crore scheme approved in August 2024 for hydroelectric projects will support 15,000 MW of capacity by 2031-32, funded through the Ministry of Power’s Gross Budgetary Support.

    Economic development has been a key focus, with 974 industrial units registered under NESIDS and Rs 1,010.99 crore disbursed for developmental packages by March 31, 2025, including Rs 400 crore in 2024-25. The Rising North East Investors Summit, held on May 23-24, 2025, drew Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment interest from over 80 countries, positioning the region as India’s next economic hub. The summit highlighted a decade-long investment of Rs 21,000 crore in the Northeast’s education sector. Additionally, 126 Externally Aided Projects worth Rs 1,35,487.85 crore have been supported since 2017, further catalyzing growth.

    The agricultural sector is thriving, with the region poised to lead India’s edible oil production and organic farming. The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) has expanded its product range from 38 to 78, introducing innovative items like Organic Tea Box and Sumac Berry Powder. The Van Dhan Vikas Yojana has empowered 3.3 lakh tribal gatherers through 19,155 self-help groups, while 434 Farmer Producer Companies have benefited 2.19 lakh farmers across 1.73 lakh hectares. The agarwood sector has seen a six-fold increase in export quotas, with simplified processes enhancing value chain development in Assam and Tripura.

  • UNESCO and MeitY wrap up AI Readiness Consultations with focus on ethical AI in India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, in partnership with the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ikigai Law, hosted the fifth and final stakeholder consultation on the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) at the Shangri-La Eros Hotel in New Delhi on June 3. Over 200 experts from government, academia, industry, and civil society convened to strategize the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in India.

    This consultation marked the culmination of a series of five sessions held across New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, organized under the joint AI RAM initiative by UNESCO and MeitY’s IndiaAI Mission. The initiative is focused on crafting an India-specific AI policy report that identifies strengths, pinpoints growth opportunities, and offers actionable recommendations for ethical AI adoption across various sectors. The RAM serves as a diagnostic tool to bolster governmental capacity for AI regulation and institutional governance.

    The event commenced with remarks from Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for South Asia, who advocated for an ‘ethics-by-design’ approach to AI development. He emphasized that true inclusivity in AI demands embedding ethical principles from the start and reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting India’s vision for a transparent and trustworthy AI ecosystem. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY, CEO of the IndiaAI Mission, and Director General of the National Informatics Centre, delivered a keynote address, highlighting India’s pro-innovation stance on developing safe and reliable AI applications. Singh outlined key initiatives, including the AI Kosh platform for datasets, the development of foundation models, and support for Responsible AI projects under the mission’s Safe and Trusted AI pillar.

    A panel discussion on “Safety and Ethics in India’s AI Ecosystem” featured notable experts, including Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog; Kavita Bhatia, COO of the IndiaAI Mission; Eunsong Kim, Programme Specialist at UNESCO; Dr. B. Ravindran, Head of Data Science and AI at IIT-Madras; and Mayank Vatsa, Professor of Computer Science at IIT-Jodhpur. The panel delved into emerging policy frameworks, regulatory mechanisms, and governance strategies to promote ethical AI adoption. Ghosh underscored the challenge of balancing AI’s vast potential with its inherent risks, while Bhatia highlighted the collaborative approach of the IndiaAI Mission in fostering both innovation and responsibility.

    The consultation included breakout sessions that explored governance, infrastructure, workforce readiness, and sectoral AI adoption, with a dedicated focus on youth participation in AI development and governance. These discussions provided critical insights for shaping India’s AI policy roadmap. The RAM framework, customized to India’s context, evaluates the AI ecosystem across legal, regulatory, social, cultural, economic, scientific, educational, and technological dimensions using both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Implemented by independent consultants and supported by a diverse national team, the RAM ensures a tailored approach to AI governance.

  • Union Minister of State Murugan to inaugurate National e-Vidhan Application for Puducherry Legislative Assembly on June 9

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting & Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan will inaugurate the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly on Monday.

    Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker Selvam R and legislative assembly members will also be present during the ceremony.

    Puducherry assembly will have paperless operations after the implementation of NeVA.

    A trial run of NeVA was conducted during 6th session of the assembly, and hands on training on the application is being provided to assembly members and government officials.

    NeVA is an initiative by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) to digitize and streamline legislative processes across all 37 State and UT Legislatures through a unified platform, embodying the vision of ‘One Nation – One Application’.

  • RBI’s rate cut boosts markets; Nifty closes above 25,000

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s benchmark indices surged on Friday after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.50 per cent and the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points, in four tranches.

    The Sensex gained 746.95 points, or 0.92 per cent, to close at 82,188.99, while the Nifty rose 252.15 points, or 1.02 per cent, to end at 25,003.05.

    The rally was led by banking stocks. The Nifty Bank index closed at 56,578.40, up 817.55 points or 1.47 per cent. During the session, Bank Nifty touched 56,695 – its highest level to date.

    In addition to large-cap stocks, mid-cap and small-cap segments also saw gains. The Nifty Midcap 100 index rose by 707.30 points, or 1.21 per cent, to 59,010.30, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index climbed 149.85 points, or 0.81 per cent, to 18,582.45.

    Rupak De of LKP Securities said the sharp rise in the index followed what he described as a “bazooka policy move” by the RBI.

    The significant rate cut and the liquidity boost via the CRR reduction are expected to facilitate a swift transmission of lower rates, reinforcing the RBI’s strong commitment to fostering economic growth, boosting investment, and stimulating consumption.

    Rate-sensitive sectors such as banking, real estate, automobiles, and consumer durables are leading the rally, according to experts.

    Going forward, the impact of the rate cut is expected to continue influencing market sentiment.

    IANS

  • Piyush Goyal holds high-level meeting with Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani in Brescia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday co-chaired the 22nd session of the India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) alongside Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.

    The high-level meeting was held in Brescia, a key manufacturing hub in northern Italy, during Goyal’s two-day visit to the country. He was accompanied by a business delegation comprising senior leaders from nearly 90 Indian companies.

    The JCEC brought together senior officials, policymakers, and key industry stakeholders from both countries.

    According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the discussions aligned with the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which aims to enhance economic resilience, promote industrial collaboration, and support inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in priority sectors such as Industry 4.0, aerospace, energy transition, and sustainable mobility. The talks also emphasized collaboration in skill development, digital transformation, migration and mobility, and joint initiatives under global connectivity frameworks like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

    In addition, India and Italy resolved to boost ties in agriculture and food processing and agreed to establish Joint Working Groups in the automobile and space sectors to deepen technological and industrial cooperation.

    A high-level growth forum was held on the sidelines of the JCEC to explore emerging business opportunities and foster potential industrial partnerships.

    Goyal also held one-on-one meetings with prominent Italian corporate leaders and welcomed their plans to expand operations in India.

    Marking World Environment Day, Goyal and Tajani visited A2A, an Italian waste-to-energy company, to explore collaboration in the clean energy space. They also planted saplings at the Santa Giulia UNESCO World Heritage complex in memory of their mothers, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.

  • From valleys to viaducts: a decade that put J&K on the rail map

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a landmark visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off new Vande Bharat trains and inaugurated two major railway bridges—the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge—marking a pivotal moment in the region’s rail connectivity journey. The event highlighted more than a decade of sustained investment in railway infrastructure aimed at expanding access, improving mobility, and unlocking economic opportunity across the Union Territory.

    The Chenab Rail Bridge, now recognised as the world’s highest railway arch bridge, towers 359 metres above the riverbed—rising 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower. Spanning 1,315 metres, this engineering marvel is a critical part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), one of India’s most ambitious transport projects. Designed to withstand extreme weather and seismic activity, the bridge is built to endure wind speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour and has an expected lifespan of 120 years. Structural steel capable of withstanding temperatures from minus 10 to 40 degrees Celsius and cutting-edge Tekla software for structural precision were used in its construction.

    Nearby, the Anji Khad Bridge stands as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Stretching 725 metres across the Anji River valley and supported by 96 high-tensile cables, the bridge is anchored by a 193-metre-tall inverted Y-shaped pylon. Set against the dramatic Himalayan landscape, the structure was completed in a record time of 11 months. Over 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel were used in its construction, making it a resilient and strategic link in the Katra–Banihal section of the USBRL. The bridge has been engineered to withstand tremors, high wind loads and shifting topography, providing a vital connection in a region marked by seismic and geological volatility.

    The rail network in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a radical transformation over the past 11 years. Once hindered by geography and conflict, the region’s integration into the national railway grid is now nearly complete. The USBRL project, which cuts across 272 kilometres of rugged Himalayan terrain, includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometres and 943 bridges that connect isolated communities. Constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, it represents one of the most challenging infrastructure undertakings in India’s post-independence era.

    To maximise the benefit of this enhanced connectivity, the Vande Bharat Express will soon operate between Jammu and Srinagar. Designed for sub-zero conditions, the train is equipped with heated windshields, insulated toilets and advanced heating systems to withstand temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. A snow removal train will operate ahead of it during harsh winters, and seismic dampers have been installed to ensure safety along the route.

    The journey between Katra and Srinagar, which previously took more than five hours, will now be reduced to approximately three, a shift that is expected to bring substantial gains in tourism, trade and accessibility. Full electrification of railway lines in the region further strengthens this transformation, aligning with broader goals of energy efficiency and sustainability.

    In addition to new services and engineering breakthroughs, the government has focused on modernising stations and expanding pilgrimage routes. In 2014, the commissioning of the Udhampur–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra rail section opened a 25.6 km link built at a cost of ₹1,132.75 crore. It features 10.9 km of tunnels, 36 bridges and a modern Katra station, constructed with dedicated facilities including public conveniences and a footbridge for local residents. That same year, the Shri Shakti AC Superfast Express was introduced to connect New Delhi with the shrine town, enhancing accessibility for pilgrims.

    More recently, in February 2024, a 48-km stretch between Banihal, Khari, Sumber and Sangaldan was inaugurated, along with the electrification of the 185.66-km Baramulla–Srinagar–Banihal–Sangaldan section. Prime Minister Modi flagged off the valley’s first electric train, marking a shift towards cleaner and more efficient rail operations. The Banihal–Sangaldan section features ballast-less tracks to ensure smoother rides.

    In January 2025, Indian Railways conducted safety inspections on the 111-km Banihal–Katra section, featuring 97 km of tunnels and four major bridges. Once operational, this will complete the Jammu–Srinagar rail link. Jammu station is also being redeveloped to include eight platforms and upgraded passenger amenities. A dedicated railway division with headquarters in Jammu was created in the same month, carved out from the Ferozepur Division. It will oversee operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Punjab, enhancing administrative efficiency and service delivery.

    The T-50 tunnel, a 12.77-km stretch connecting Khari and Sumber, is now the longest transportation tunnel in India and plays a critical role in the USBRL network. Constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method, the tunnel includes a parallel escape tunnel and cross-passages every 375 metres for safety. Extensive geological challenges were met with strategic engineering solutions, including the construction of multiple adits to fast-track completion. The installation of CCTV cameras every 50 metres, monitored from a central control room, ensures operational safety.

    To support these developments, Indian Railways also laid 215 km of approach roads to ensure access to remote construction sites. These roads have brought ancillary benefits by improving rural connectivity and enabling economic activity in previously inaccessible areas.

    As part of its broader modernisation strategy, the Ministry of Railways has included four Jammu and Kashmir stations—Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Udhampur—under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This initiative aims to deliver enhanced passenger services and drive integrated urban development.

    In the Union Budget for 2025–26, the Centre allocated ₹844 crore specifically for railway development in Jammu and Kashmir. The funding is aimed at accelerating ongoing projects and strengthening rail infrastructure across the region.

    The confluence of infrastructure upgrades, strategic investments and technical innovation over the past decade is reshaping Jammu and Kashmir’s transport landscape. The region, once isolated by mountains and weather, is now poised to emerge as a vital link in India’s national rail network, offering faster, cleaner and more inclusive mobility for its people.

  • Terrorism burned schools, silenced dreams—but not anymore: PM Modi in J&K

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday strongly condemned Pakistan’s repeated attempts to destabilise peace and progress in the region, asserting that such acts would not derail India’s development push in Jammu and Kashmir.
     
    Addressing a public gathering in Katra, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple infrastructure projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore. These include the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji.
     
    He said that tourism has emerged as a key driver of economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, creating jobs and fostering unity. “Tourism generates employment and strengthens bonds between people. But Pakistan seeks to destroy this progress,” he said. PM Modi accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting the tourism sector, which has seen record-high visitor footfall in recent years, to hurt the earnings of local workers such as porters, horse riders, guides, and shopkeepers.
     
    The Prime Minister paid tribute to Adil, a young man who died while resisting the attackers. “Adil was working hard to support his family. He stood up to terrorists and lost his life in the process. His courage will always be remembered,” he said. 
     
    Highlighting the shift in public sentiment, PM Modi said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now determined to confront terrorism head-on. He recalled how the decades-long militancy in the Valley had scorched schools, hospitals, and even disrupted free and fair elections. “Generations lost their dreams, and many came to accept violence as their fate. But today, this has changed,” he said.
     
    He noted that the current atmosphere reflects a profound transformation. “Kashmiri youth today take pride in the sight of thriving markets, lively cinema halls, and new shopping malls. They dream of bringing back film shoots and transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a sports hub,” he said, citing the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, and Eid celebrations as signs of the region’s renewed energy.
     
    PM Modi also recalled the military action carried out by India on May 6, named Operation Sindoor, which he said dealt a decisive blow to Pakistan-based terror networks. “The terror infrastructure built over decades was reduced to ruins within minutes. Pakistan never imagined such a bold response,” he said, adding that the operation would remain a reminder of Pakistan’s humiliation.
     
    He alleged that in retaliation, Pakistan targeted civilian areas in Jammu, Poonch, and other districts. “They shelled schools, hospitals, temples, mosques, and gurdwaras. The world witnessed their cruelty,” PM Modi said, praising the courage and unity displayed by residents in the face of cross-border aggression. He assured the affected families that the country stood with them in full solidarity.
     
    PM Modi announced that families who lost loved ones in cross-border firing have already been provided appointment letters for government jobs. He also said that the government had previously extended financial aid for home repairs in shelling-hit areas, and that this assistance would now be increased. Severely damaged houses will receive ₹2 lakh, while partially damaged homes will be granted ₹1 lakh in additional support.
     
    The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s recognition of border residents as the “nation’s frontline protectors”. Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 new bunkers have been built in the region, he said, noting their importance during recent escalations. Modi further announced the formation of two new Border Battalions in Jammu and Kashmir and confirmed the establishment of two Women Battalions to strengthen both security and women’s participation in the armed forces.
     
    PM Modi concluded his address by declaring that no obstacle would be allowed to hinder the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth. “If anyone dares to threaten their dreams, they will have to face me first,” he said.

  • Face authentication gains traction as Aadhaar transactions surge past 15,223 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Aadhaar number holders carried out over 211 crore authentication transactions in May 2025, taking the cumulative number of such transactions since the inception of Aadhaar to more than 15,223 crore, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said in a statement on Friday.

    The ministry noted that Aadhaar authentication transactions in May 2025 exceeded those recorded in May 2024, which stood at 201.76 crore.

    “The growing number of authentications highlights the extensive usage and utility of Aadhaar, and the expansion of the digital economy in the country,” the ministry said in a statement.

    The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) also reported continued growth in its AI/ML-powered face authentication system. In May alone, over 15 crore face authentication transactions were recorded, signalling increased adoption of the biometric modality.

    More than 100 entities including government ministries and departments, financial institutions, oil marketing companies and telecom service providers are using face authentication to ensure the seamless and secure delivery of services and welfare benefits.

    In May 2025, over 37 crore Aadhaar-based e-KYC transactions were conducted, underscoring the increasing adoption of digital verification in sectors such as banking and non-banking financial services. This trend is enhancing customer experience and promoting ease of doing business.

    Last month, UIDAI also began sharing non-personal, anonymised data from the Aadhaar Dashboard on the open government data platform, [data.gov.in](https://data.gov.in). According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the initiative aims to further promote transparency, research, and data-driven policy making.

    ANI

  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launches UMEED Central Portal to modernize Waqf Property Management

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, launched the UMEED Central Portal in New Delhi on Friday, marking a transformative step toward modernizing the management of Waqf properties across India. The event, attended by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in Waqf administration.

    The UMEED Central Portal, named after the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995, is a centralized digital platform designed to enable real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties. Rijiju described the initiative as a “historic step” that will redefine Waqf property governance. “The UMEED Portal will add a new chapter in the history of Waqf property management and administration in India. It will not only bring transparency but will also help common Muslims, particularly women and children,” he stated.

    Aimed at transforming Waqf asset administration, the portal introduces greater transparency, accountability, and public participation. It is designed to ensure that community-owned Waqf properties are utilized effectively to uplift underprivileged sections of the Muslim community. The platform features a comprehensive digital inventory with geo-tagging for precise identification of Waqf properties, an online grievance redressal system for efficient complaint resolution, and real-time monitoring to ensure transparent leasing and usage. It also integrates with GIS mapping and e-Governance tools for enhanced management and provides public access to verified records to foster trust and community engagement.

    Kurian highlighted the portal’s role as a long-overdue reform, noting that it ensures every property is accounted for and used as intended. “This system will curb misuse and bring Waqf administration closer to the people,” he said.

    Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, expressed confidence that the UMEED Portal would become the cornerstone of digital Waqf governance. “This platform will ensure Waqf assets contribute meaningfully to education, healthcare, livelihood generation, and social welfare for underprivileged Muslims,” he said.

  • EAM Jaishankar lauds Central Asia’s support in condemning Pahalgam attack at 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday expressed gratitude to Central Asian nations for their solidarity in condemning the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, during his opening remarks at the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue. “I appreciate that your countries stood by India and condemned the heinous terrorist attack that took place in April in Pahalgam,” Jaishankar stated, underscoring the shared commitment to countering terrorism.

    Highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Central Asia, Jaishankar noted that these ties, spanning millennia, have evolved into a robust partnership. “India deeply cherishes its millennia-old civilizational and cultural ties with Central Asia. These age-old bonds forged through trade, exchange of ideas, and people-to-people contacts have strengthened over time,” he said. The minister traced the modern diplomatic relationship to 1992, with a significant boost following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to all five Central Asian capitals in July 2015.

    Jaishankar emphasized the growth in trade and economic ties over the past decade, facilitated by enhanced connectivity through direct flights and increased two-way tourism and business exchanges. He highlighted the popularity of Central Asian countries as destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education, which further strengthens people-to-people ties.

    India’s role as a trusted development partner was also a key focus. Jaishankar pointed to initiatives such as I-Tech training programs, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, and High-Impact Community Development Projects, including equipping schools with computers and hospitals with medical equipment. These efforts, he said, reflect India’s commitment to supporting socio-economic development in Central Asia.

    The minister recalled the elevation of India-Central Asia cooperation to a leaders’ level with the first virtual summit in January 2022, which expanded collaboration in areas such as trade, culture, security, and diplomacy. He also referenced productive discussions held on Thursday at the India-Central Asia Business Council, focusing on digital technology, fintech, and inter-bank relations to unlock the full potential of economic cooperation.

    Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing mutually beneficial partnerships across sectors, including trade, investment, defense, agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, regional connectivity, security, education, culture, and emerging technologies. “I am sure that these deliberations would help us in forging even closer, deeper, stronger, and wider partnership which would serve the interest of the people of our countries,” he concluded, expressing optimism about the outcomes of the dialogue.

    (With ANI inputs)

  • ‘Bridges of hope’: PM Modi hails Chenab and Anji as symbols of India’s bright future

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a series of landmark railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji. The Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra, marking a major leap forward in rail connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
     
    Addressing a public gathering, PM Modi said the newly inaugurated bridges are not just engineering structures but “living symbols of India’s strength” and a reflection of the nation’s aspirations and capabilities. “These are not just made of brick, cement, steel, and iron. They stand as testaments to India’s bright future and bold ambitions,” he remarked.
     
    Highlighting the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, Modi called it a “proclamation of Jammu and Kashmir’s new strength and a symbol of India’s growing capabilities.” He added, “Today, Kashmir Valley has been connected to the national rail network. We have often spoken of India from ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’—today, that idea has become a reality in rail connectivity as well.”
     
    The Prime Minister expressed pride that this long-awaited project was completed under his government’s tenure. “Many generations in Jammu and Kashmir dreamt of railway connectivity. Even former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah recently recalled waiting for this project to be completed since he was in Class 7 or 8. This dream of lakhs has now been fulfilled. It is my good fortune that our government gave this project the momentum it needed and brought it to completion.”
     
    PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new medical college in Jammu, and announced that development projects worth ₹46,000 crore are currently underway in the Union Territory.
     
    Discussing the challenges faced during the USBRL project, the Prime Minister noted, “This was one of the most difficult railway projects in India. But our government believes in facing challenges head-on. From the Sonmarg tunnel to the Chenab and Anji bridges, we are committed to building all-weather infrastructure in this region.”
     
    He described his personal experience of walking on the newly completed bridges, calling it a moment that reflected the “lofty intentions of India and the courage of our engineers and workers.”
     
    Speaking about the Chenab Rail Bridge, Modi emphasized its global stature. “This is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world, even higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Just as tourists visit the Eiffel Tower, I am confident people will come to witness this marvel in Jammu and Kashmir. It will soon become a major tourist destination.”
     
    He also praised the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, as another example of cutting-edge engineering.
     
    “These bridges will not only strengthen connectivity but also boost the local economy,” Modi added. “They will promote tourism and benefit multiple sectors, creating new economic opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
     
    Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, providing direct and faster rail connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
     

  • Senior RCB official among four arrested in Bengaluru stampede case

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Bengaluru Police on Friday arrested four individuals, including senior Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) official Nikhil Sosale and three event managers, in connection with the stadium stampede that killed 11 and injured several others earlier this week.

    According to the police, the arrests were made in a joint operation by the Cubbon Park police and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) at the Kempegowda International Airport as the accused were reportedly attempting to leave for Mumbai.

    Police identified the other three arrested as Sunil Matthew, Kiran, and Sumanth, all staffers of DNA Entertainment. The accused are currently being interrogated at the Cubbon Park Police Station by the Seshadripuram Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    Raids were also conducted at the residences of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary Shankar and treasurer Jayaram.

    According to the FIR filed by police, the RCB franchise, along with DNA Entertainment and the KSCA’s administrative committee, went ahead with organizing a “victory celebration” despite being denied official permission for the event. The event was promoted on social media by Sosale and the official RCB handle.

    The announcement, which claimed that free tickets would be distributed at Gates 9 and 10 of the stadium at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, led to an uncontrollable crowd gathering. Police said no proper arrangements were made for ticket distribution, and only three of the 21 stadium gates were opened, leading to chaos.

    The social media post was later deleted, but by then, lakhs had gathered at the stadium premises. “DNA acted on the instructions of Sosale,” police said in the FIR.

    On Thursday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of five senior police officers, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and DCP (Central) Ramesh Banoth, citing serious lapses in crowd management.

    “This is one of the most unfortunate incidents I’ve seen in public life,” Siddaramaiah said at a press briefing. “We are deeply saddened, and strict action will be taken against all responsible.”

    IANS

  • Centre holds workshop to prepare for International Yoga Day 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, held a virtual workshop on Thursday to coordinate preparations for the International Day of Yoga (IDY), scheduled for June 21. The session was attended by more than 400 officials from various ministries and departments, and focused on inter-agency coordination and public outreach.

    This year’s edition of the IDY is particularly significant as it marks a decade since the United Nations recognised yoga as a global practice in 2014 through a unanimous resolution. Following this, the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, 2015.

    The theme for IDY 2025, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” aims to reinforce India’s message of holistic well-being and sustainable living.

    The workshop was chaired by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush. He said the event had evolved into a national movement and emphasised the need for a whole-of-government approach to ensure widespread participation.

    Senior officials including C. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Ayush, addressed the gathering. Discussions included strategies for media integration and coordinated planning.

    Officials reviewed ongoing inter-ministerial efforts and discussed expanding outreach to rural, tribal, and urban areas using both digital and ground-level initiatives.

    With less than a month to go, the government is gearing up for what could be the most expansive edition of IDY yet, reaffirming yoga’s role in global public health and India’s leadership in preventive healthcar

  • RBI reduces inflation forecast to 3.7% for 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation outlook for 2025-26 downwards from the earlier forecast of 4 per cent to 3.7 per cent, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday.

    Taking all these factors into consideration, and assuming a normal monsoon, CPI inflation for the financial year 2025-26 is now projected at 3.7 per cent, with Q1 at 2.9 per cent, Q2 at 3.4 per cent, Q3 at 3.9 per cent, and Q4 at 4.4 per cent.

    He pointed out that inflation has softened significantly over the last six months from above the tolerance band in October 2024 to well below the target, with signs of a broad-based moderation. The near-term and medium-term outlook now gives us the confidence of not only a durable alignment of headline inflation with the target of 4 per cent, as exuded in the last meeting, but also the belief that during the year, it is likely to undershoot the target at the margin.

    While food inflation outlook remains soft, core inflation is expected to remain benign with easing of international commodity prices in line with the anticipated global growth slowdown, Malhotra explained.

    He pointed out that CPI headline inflation continued its declining trajectory in March-April, with headline CPI inflation moderating to a nearly six-year low of 3.2 per cent (y-o-y) in April 2025. This was led mainly by food inflation, which recorded the sixth consecutive monthly decline.

    Fuel group witnessed a reversal of deflationary conditions and recorded positive inflation prints during March and April, partly reflecting the hike in LPG prices. Core inflation remained largely steady and contained during March-April, despite the increase in gold prices exerting upward pressure, Malhotra said.

    The outlook for inflation points towards benign prices across major constituents. The record wheat production and higher production of key pulses in the Rabi crop season should ensure an adequate supply of key food items. Going forward, the likely above normal monsoon along with its early onset augurs well for Kharif crop prospects.

    Reflecting this, inflation expectations are showing a moderating trend, more so for the rural households. Most projections point towards continued moderation in the prices of key commodities, including crude oil, the RBI Governor said.

    However, at the same time, Malhotra had a word of caution. “Notwithstanding these favourable prognoses, we need to remain watchful of weather-related uncertainties and still evolving tariff-related concerns with their attendant impact on global commodity prices,” he added.

    (IANS)

  • Japan’s ispace loses communication with moon lander after touchdown attempt

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japanese company ispace said it has not been able to establish communication with its uncrewed moon lander following its lunar touchdown attempt on Friday, two years after its failed inaugural mission.

    Tokyo-based ispace has hoped to join U.S. firms Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace, which have accomplished commercial landings amid an intensifying global race for the moon that includes state-run missions from China and India.

    Resilience, ispace’s second lunar lander, targeted Mare Frigoris, a basaltic plain about 900 km (560 miles) from the moon’s north pole.

    The company’s live-streamed flight data showed Resilience’s altitude suddenly falling to zero shortly before the planned touchdown time of 4:17 a.m. on Friday, Japanese time (1917 GMT on Thursday) following an hour-long descent from lunar orbit.

    “We haven’t been able to confirm” communication, and control centre members will “continuously attempt to communicate with the lander,” the company said in the broadcast. Footage from the control room showed nervous faces of ispace engineers.

    A room of more than 500 ispace employees, shareholders, sponsors and government officials abruptly grew silent during a public viewing event at mission partner Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp in the wee hours in Tokyo.

    The status of Resilience remains unclear, and ispace CEO Takeshi Hakamada will hold a press conference about the outcome of the mission at 9 a.m. (0000 GMT), the company said.

    In 2023, ispace’s first lander crashed into the moon’s surface due to inaccurate recognition of its altitude. Software remedies have been implemented, while the hardware design is mostly unchanged in Resilience, the company has said.

    Resilience carried a four-wheeled rover built by ispace’s Luxembourg subsidiary and five external payloads worth a total of $16 million, including scientific instruments from Japanese firms and a Taiwanese university.

    Following the landing, the 2.3-metre-high lander and the microwave-sized rover were scheduled to begin 14-day exploration activities until the arrival of a freezing-cold lunar night, including capturing images of regolith, the moon’s fine-grained surface material, on a contract with U.S. space agency NASA.

    Shares of ispace more than doubled earlier this year on growing investor hopes for the second mission, before calming in recent days. As of Thursday, ispace had a market capitalisation of more than 110 billion yen ($766 million).

    Resilience in January shared a SpaceX rocket launch with Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander, which took a faster trajectory to the moon and touched down successfully in March.

    Intuitive Machines, which last year marked the world’s first touchdown of a commercial lunar lander, made its second attempt in March but the lander Athena ended on its side on the lunar surface just as in the first mission.

    Japan last year became the world’s fifth country to achieve a soft lunar landing after the former Soviet Union, the U.S., China and India, when the national Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency achieved the touchdown of its SLIM lander, yet also in a toppled position.

    Despite President Donald Trump’s proposed changes to the U.S. space policy, Japan remains committed to the American-led Artemis moon program, pledging the involvement of Japanese astronauts and technologies for future lunar missions.

    Including one in 2027 as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services for the Artemis program, ispace plans seven more missions in the U.S. and Japan through 2029 to capture increasing demands for lunar transportation.

    (REUTERS)

  • PM Modi inaugurates Chenab Bridge, world’s highest rail arch bridge in J&K

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir to launch a slew of key infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore.
     
    Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River, the 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is built to withstand high seismic and wind loads. It will reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours.
     
    PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, constructed in one of the most challenging terrains in the region. 
     
    Present at the inauguration were Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
     
    Before the inauguration, PM Modi inspected the Chenab railway arch bridge and reviewed the project on-site. He also interacted with workers involved in the construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), acknowledging their contribution to the ambitious infrastructure effort.
     
    As part of his J&K visit, PM Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, improving connectivity for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
     
    A major highlight of the visit is the dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to the nation. Spanning 272 km and built at a cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore, the project includes 36 tunnels totaling 119 km and 943 bridges, ensuring all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
     
    These initiatives aim to significantly boost road and rail connectivity across the Union Territory, with a focus on improving accessibility, promoting tourism, and generating employment.
     
    In a post on X on Thursday, PM Modi responded to J&K National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, stating: “In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging.”
     
    He added: “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities.”
     
    In addition to the rail initiatives, PM Modi will also lay foundation stones and inaugurate multiple road infrastructure projects aimed at improving last-mile and border area connectivity. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444—projects worth over ₹1,952 crore.
     
    To ease urban congestion, the Prime Minister will inaugurate two new flyovers: one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 and another at Bemina Junction on NH-44 in Srinagar.
     
    PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. The ₹350 crore facility will be the first medical college in Reasi district, aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure and services in the region.

  • India calls for global facility on DRR financing at Geneva meet

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India urged the international community to adopt concrete, time-bound measures and establish a dedicated global facility to support Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P. K. Mishra said today at the Ministerial Roundtable on DRR Financing in Geneva. He praised the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its partners for convening the discussion and acknowledged Brazil and South Africa for sustaining global dialogue through their G20 presidencies.
     
    Dr. Mishra told delegates that financing for disaster risk reduction bears directly on a country’s ability to protect development gains as climate and disaster threats grow. He noted that, in India’s early years, Finance Commission allocations for DRR amounted to only INR 60 million (approximately USD 0.7 million). Today, outlays under the 15th Finance Commission top INR 2.32 trillion (around USD 28 billion). “Over time, India has transformed DRR financing from a reactive measure into a planned, predictable framework,” he said, explaining that the Disaster Management Act of 2005 laid the groundwork for rule-based fund transfers from national authorities down to states and districts.
     
    According to Dr. Mishra, India’s approach rests on ensuring that budgets cover preparedness, mitigation, relief, and recovery in one integrated flow of funds. He emphasized that the needs of vulnerable communities remain at the forefront of allocation decisions. He added that, by making resources accessible at every level—central, state, and local—the government ensures timely assistance for all affected areas. “We have built accountability and transparency into every stage of expenditure, so outcomes can be measured and lessons learned applied,” he explained.
     
    Dr. Mishra stressed that while each country must design a financing system suited to its governance, fiscal context, and risk profile, guidance from global benchmarks is essential. He said: “Countries need to take ownership of DRR financing, while benefiting from technical support and experience sharing. At the same time, international cooperation can help mobilize resources that go beyond traditional public finance.”
     
    He proposed that risk-pooling arrangements, insurance schemes, and other innovative tools be developed in line with local fiscal capacity, noting that these instruments can complement public budgets without imposing unsustainable debt burdens. “It is not enough to wait for disasters and then allocate funds; we need a mix of financial instruments that can smooth the impact of shocks,” he argued.
     
    At the global level, Dr. Mishra observed that no dedicated international mechanism currently exists to help countries set up or strengthen DRR financing frameworks. He called for the creation of a global facility under the UN system and in partnership with multilateral development banks, one that would provide catalytic funding, technical assistance, and a platform for knowledge exchange. “Such a facility would help countries move from intent to action with clear, time-bound milestones,” he said.

  • RBI pegs India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.5 per cent for 2025-26, with domestic economic activity showing resilience on the back of a strong agriculture sector, industry picking up, and the services sector expected to maintain momentum.

    The quarterly growth rates projected for the financial year are: Q1 at 6.5, Q2 at 6.7, Q3 at 6.6 and Q4 at 6.3 per cent.

    “The provisional estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) placed India’s real GDP growth in 2024-25 at 6.5 per cent. During 2025-26 so far, domestic economic activity has exhibited resilience. The agriculture sector remains strong. With a very good harvest in both the kharif as well as rabi cropping seasons, the supply of major food crops is comfortable. The reservoir levels remain healthy. The highest procurement of wheat in the last four years provides a comforting stock position,” RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday.

    Industrial activity is gradually increasing, even though the pace of recovery is uneven. The services sector is expected to maintain momentum. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) services stood strong at 58.8 in May 2025, indicating robust expansion in activity, he pointed out.

    The RBI Governor stated that on the demand side, private consumption, the mainstay of aggregate demand, remains healthy, with a gradual rise in discretionary spending. Rural demand remains steady, while urban demand is improving. Investment activity is reviving as reflected by high-frequency indicators.

    Merchandise exports recorded a strong growth in April 2025 after a lacklustre performance in the recent past. Non-oil, non-gold imports posted a double-digit growth, reflecting buoyant domestic demand conditions. Services exports continue on a strong growth trajectory, he explained.

    Malhotra further stated that going forward, the outlook for the agriculture sector and rural demand is expected to receive further impetus from the expected above-normal southwest monsoon rainfall. On the other hand, sustained buoyancy in services activity should nurture revival in urban consumption.

    The government’s continued thrust on capex, elevated capacity utilisation, improving business optimism, and easing financial conditions should help further revive investment activity, he observed.

    Trade policy uncertainty, however, continues to weigh on merchandise exports prospects, while the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom and progress with other countries should provide a fillip to trade in goods and services, the RBI Governor pointed out.

    He also said that spillovers emanating from protracted geopolitical tensions, global trade and weather-related uncertainties pose downside risks to growth.

    (IANS)

  • US Supreme Court makes ‘reverse’ discrimination suits easier

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.S. Supreme Court made it easier on Thursday for people from majority backgrounds such as white or straight individuals to pursue claims alleging workplace “reverse” discrimination, reviving an Ohio woman’s lawsuit claiming she was illegally denied a promotion and demoted because she is heterosexual.

    The justices, in a 9-0 ruling authored by liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, threw out a lower court’s decision rejecting a civil rights lawsuit by the plaintiff, Marlean Ames, against her employer, Ohio’s Department of Youth Services. Ames said she had a gay supervisor when she was passed over for a promotion in favor of a gay woman and demoted, with a pay cut, in favor of a gay man.

    Reverse discrimination lawsuits are increasing in the United States amid a backlash by conservatives and Republicans including President Donald Trump against initiatives in the public and private sectors to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce.

    The Ames case centered on how plaintiffs like her must try to prove a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin and sex – including sexual orientation.

    Thursday’s ruling will affect how cases are handled by courts in certain parts of the country where plaintiffs from majority groups must provide more evidence than minority plaintiffs to make an initial – or “prima facie” – claim of discrimination under a 1973 Supreme Court ruling that governs the multi-step process employed to resolve such cases.

    These courts include the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled against Ames. They require majority-group plaintiffs to show “background circumstances” indicating that a defendant accused of workplace bias is “that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority.”

    Jackson, writing for the Supreme Court, said that both the language of Title VII and the court’s precedents make clear that there can be no distinctions between majority-group and minority-group plaintiffs.

    “By establishing the same protections for every ‘individual’ – without regard to that individual’s membership in a minority or majority group – Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone,” Jackson wrote.

    Ames, 61, sued in 2020 seeking monetary damages. She argued that she was discriminated against in her department’s 2019 employment decisions because she is heterosexual in violation of Title VII and that she was more qualified than the two gay people given the job positions instead of her.

    “I was straight and pushed aside for them,” Ames told Reuters in February.

    “We are overjoyed that the court saw the case our way,” Edward Gilbert, an attorney for Ames, said after Thursday’s ruling.

    The 6th Circuit said Ames could not satisfy the “background circumstances” requirement by showing that a gay person made the employment decisions in favor of gay people. The two people who had authority in those personnel decisions, the 6th Circuit noted, were straight.

    Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office had defended the employment actions concerning Ames as part of a Department of Youth Services restructuring and said department leaders felt she lacked the vision and leadership skills needed for the newly created job for which she applied.

    Department spokesperson Dominic Binkley said Ohio agrees that litigants should not be held to differing standards, but emphasized that lower courts must now address Ohio’s remaining arguments in the case.

    “We look forward to fully pressing those arguments as the case moves forward because the Ohio Department of Youth Services did not engage in unlawful discrimination,” Binkley said.

    WORKPLACE DIVERSITY POLICIES

    On his first day back in office in January, Trump ordered the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in federal agencies and encouraged private companies to follow suit. Conservative groups including America First Legal, which has filed numerous legal actions claiming anti-white and anti-male bias, had urged the Supreme Court to rule in favor of Ames.

    The NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund and other civil rights groups told the Supreme Court in a legal filing that Ames was asking the justices “to interpret Title VII in a way that ignores the realities of this country’s persisting legacy of discrimination in evaluating disparate-treatment claims.”

    These groups said the “background circumstances” inquiry lets courts account for the reality of historical and present-day discrimination “against certain minority groups like Black and/or LGBTQ people, and the virtual absence of widespread discrimination targeting certain majority groups like white people and straight people.”

    The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case on February 26.

    (Reuters)

     

  • All-party delegation to convey India’s united and resolute stand against terrorism in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad reached Berlin on Thursday to convey India’s united and resolute stand against terrorism.

    India’s Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, briefed the delegation on India-Germany relations, with a focus on the expanding strategic partnership and growing cooperation across various sectors.

    During their visit to Germany from June 5 to 7, the delegation will engage with senior dignitaries from the German Parliament (Bundestag) and the Federal Foreign Office, along with key representatives from leading think tanks and the Indian community in Germany.

    The visit is part of India’s ongoing diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor, underscoring its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.

    Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Samik Bhattacharya, and Ghulam Ali Khatana; Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi; AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai; Congress MP Amar Singh; former Union Minister M.J. Akbar; and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Sensex welcomes RBI’s jumbo 50-bp rate cut, surges more than 500 points

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian benchmark indices surged on Friday after Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a jumbo 50-basis-point cut, from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent, and a 100-basis-point reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 4 per cent to 3 per cent.

    The impact was immediate. At about 10:46 a.m., the Sensex was 505.70 points, or 0.62 per cent, higher at 81,947.74, while the Nifty gained 168.40 points, or 0.68 per cent, to reach 24,919.30.

    The Nifty Bank index advanced 682.95 points (1.22 per cent) to 56,443.80. The Nifty Midcap 100 climbed 363.20 points (0.62 per cent) to 58,666.20, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 added 48.25 points (0.26 per cent) to 18,480.85.

    Among Sensex constituents, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Kotak Mahindra Bank and IndusInd Bank led the gains. Sun Pharma, Infosys, Nestlé India and HCL Tech were the principal laggards.

    “The change in monetary stance from accommodative to neutral also indicates that more rate cuts are unlikely unless the situation warrants. The credit growth that this rate cut will hopefully stimulate will compensate for the dip in margins,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Ltd.

    Madhavi Arora, Chief Economist, Emkay Global, said that the RBI appears to have front-loaded all policy actions, be it higher-than-expected rate cuts or infusing durable albeit staggered liquidity via lower CRRs.

    “All of that now implies that the ball is in the banks’ court to transmit easier financial conditions faster,” Arora mentioned.

    Earlier in the session, the domestic indices had opened flat ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee decision, with selective buying in IT and PSU banking shares. The India VIX fell 4.21 per cent to 15.08, signalling that the market is pricing in lower near-term volatility.

    (IANS)

  • Trump and Xi agree to more talks as trade disputes brew

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping confronted weeks of brewing trade tensions and a battle over critical minerals in a rare leader-to-leader call on Thursday that left key issues to further talks.

    During the more than one-hour-long call, Xi told Trump to back down from trade measures that roiled the global economy and warned him against threatening steps on Taiwan, according to a Chinese government summary.

    But Trump said on social media that the talks focused primarily on trade led to “a very positive conclusion,” announcing further lower-level U.S.-China discussions, and that “there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products.”

    He later told reporters: “We’re in very good shape with China and the trade deal.”

    The leaders also invited each other to visit their respective countries.

    The highly anticipated call came in the middle of a dispute between Washington and Beijing in recent weeks over “rare earths” minerals that threatened to tear up a fragile truce in the trade war between the two biggest economies. It was not clear from either countries’ statements that the issue had been resolved.

    A U.S. delegation led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their Chinese counterparts “shortly at a location to be determined,” Trump said on social media.

    The countries struck a 90-day deal on May 12 to roll back some of the triple-digit, tit-for-tat tariffs they had placed on each other since Trump’s January inauguration.

    Though stocks rallied, the temporary deal did not address broader concerns that strain the bilateral relationship, from the illicit fentanyl trade to the status of democratically governed Taiwan and U.S. complaints about China’s state-dominated, export-driven economic model.

    Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly threatened an array of punitive measures on trading partners, only to revoke some of them at the last minute. The on-again, off-again approach has baffled world leaders and spooked business executives.

    China’s decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets continues to disrupt supplies needed by automakers, computer chip manufacturers and military contractors around the world.

    Beijing sees mineral exports as a source of leverage – halting those exports could put domestic political pressure on the Republican U.S. president if economic growth sags because companies cannot make mineral-powered products.

    The 90-day deal to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions is tenuous. Trump has accused China of violating the agreement and has ordered curbs on chip-design software and other shipments to China. Beijing rejected the claim and threatened counter-measures.

    “The U.S. side should take a realistic view of the progress made and withdraw the negative measures imposed on China,” the Chinese government said in a statement summarizing Xi’s call with Trump published by the state-run Xinhua news agency. “Xi Jinping emphasized that the United States should handle the Taiwan issue prudently.”

    TOP RIVALS

    In recent years, the United States has identified China as its top geopolitical rival and the only country in the world able to challenge the U.S. economically and militarily.

    Despite this and repeated tariff announcements, Trump has spoken admiringly of Xi, including of the Chinese leader’s toughness and ability to stay in power without the term limits imposed on U.S. presidents.

    Trump has long pushed for a call or a meeting with Xi, but China has rejected that as not in keeping with its traditional approach of working out agreement details before the leaders talk.

    The U.S. president and his aides see leader-to-leader talks as vital to sort through log-jams that have vexed lower-level officials in difficult negotiations.

    Thursday’s call came at Trump’s request, China said.

    It’s not clear when the two men last spoke.

    Both sides said they spoke on Jan. 17, days before Trump’s inauguration and Trump has repeatedly said that he had spoken to Xi since taking office on Jan. 20. He has declined to say when any call took place or to give details of their conversation. China had said that the two leaders had not had any recent phone calls.

    The talks are being closely watched by investors worried that a chaotic trade war could disrupt supply chains in the key months before the Christmas holiday shopping season. Trump’s tariffs are the subject of ongoing litigation in U.S. courts.

    Trump has met Xi on several occasions, including exchange visits in 2017, but they have not met face to face since 2019 talks in Osaka, Japan.

    Xi last traveled to the U.S. in November 2023, for a summit with then-President Joe Biden, resulting in agreements to resume military-to-military communications and curb fentanyl production.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump administration imposes sanctions on four ICC judges in unprecedented move

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court, an unprecedented retaliation over the war tribunal’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a past decision to open a case into alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

    Washington designated Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin and Beti Hohler of Slovenia, according to a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    “As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC’s illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel. The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies,” Rubio said.

    The ICC slammed the move, saying it was an attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution that provides hope and justice to millions of victims of “unimaginable atrocities.”

    Both judges Bossa and Ibanez Carranza have been on the ICC bench since 2018. In 2020 they were involved in an appeals chamber decision that allowed the ICC prosecutor to open a formal investigation into alleged war crimes by American troops in Afghanistan.

    Since 2021, the court had deprioritized the investigation into American troops in Afghanistan and focused on alleged crimes committed by the Afghan government and the Taliban forces.

    ICC judges also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri last November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Alapini Gansou and Hohler ruled to authorize the arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Gallant, Rubio said.

    The move deepens the administration’s animosity toward the court. During the first Trump administration in 2020, Washington imposed sanctions on then-prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and one of her top aides over the court’s work on Afghanistan.

    The measures also follow a January vote at the U.S. House of Representatives to punish the ICC in protest over its Netanyahu arrest warrant. The move underscored strong support among Trump’s fellow Republicans for Israel’s government.

    DIFFICULT TIME FOR ICC

    The measures triggered uproar among human-rights advocates. Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said the punitive measures were a “flagrant attack on the rule of law at the same time as President Trump is working to undercut it at home.”

    Sanctions severely hamper individuals’ abilities to carry out even routine financial transactions as any banks with ties to the United States, or that conduct transactions in dollars, are expected to have to comply with the restrictions.

    But the Treasury Department also issued general licenses, including one allowing the wind-down of any existing transactions involving those targeted on Thursday until July 8, as long as any payment to them is made to a blocked, interest-bearing account located in the U.S.

    The new sanctions come at a difficult time for the ICC, which is already reeling from earlier U.S. sanctions against its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, who last month stepped aside temporarily amid a United Nations investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct.

    The ICC, which was established in 2002, has international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in member states or if a situation is referred by the U.N. Security Council. The United States, China, Russia and Israel are not members.

    It has high-profile war crimes investigations under way into the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine as well as in Sudan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Venezuela and Afghanistan.

    The ICC has issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin on suspicion of deporting children from Ukraine, and for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Neither country is a member of the court and both deny the accusations and reject ICC jurisdiction.

    (Reuters)

  • Indian delegation to convey India’s united and resolute stand against terrorism in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad reached Berlin on Thursday to convey India’s united and resolute stand against terrorism.

    India’s Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, briefed the delegation on India-Germany relations, with a focus on the expanding strategic partnership and growing cooperation across various sectors.

    During their visit to Germany from June 5 to 7, the delegation will engage with senior dignitaries from the German Parliament (Bundestag) and the Federal Foreign Office, along with key representatives from leading think tanks and the Indian community in Germany.

    The visit is part of India’s ongoing diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor, underscoring its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.

    Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Samik Bhattacharya, and Ghulam Ali Khatana; Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi; AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai; Congress MP Amar Singh; former Union Minister M.J. Akbar; and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.

    (With inputs from IANS)