Month: June 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday spoke on the necessary arrangements facilitated for the pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra.

He further stated that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha chaired two meetings ahead of the pilgrimage– one with the political parties and one with the civil society to ensure proper facilities for pilgrims.

“We have made the necessary arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims. The LG chaired two meetings, one with political parties and one with civil society. All necessary security arrangements have been made, and we are eagerly waiting for the pilgrims to arrive. The yatra will be flagged off from Jammu on 2 July, and they will be welcomed here…We hope and pray that the yatra is a success, pilgrims come in good numbers, offer prayers, and go back safely…”Abdullah said, speaking to reporters.

Earlier today, a large number of devotees visited special centres to register for the yatra.

A devotee who came to the centre for registration said, “The people are enthusiastic this time. There is no fear (due to the Pahalgam attack). Arrangements are good. The administration is with us.

“Another devotee added, “You can see the enthusiasm in the people. I have faith in Amarnath. They (terrorists) can do whatever they want; we will not be affected. I want to request all the people to visit J&K so that our army and government can say that we are not affected by their (terrorists) actions.”

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) has rolled out a robust multi-layered security plan along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. Jammu-Srinagar Highway is one of the vital routes for thousands of pilgrims.

The CRPF has intensified surveillance, deployed K-9 (dog) squads alongside its personnel along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key route used by thousands of pilgrims, and strengthened highway patrols, with a special focus on sensitive stretches, such as the Udhampur sector.

The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from the Jammu base camp on July 2, 2025, while the Yatra will officially begin on July 3, 2025, via both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. (ANI)

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the explosion at the Sigachi Pharma chemical factory in Telangana’s Sangareddy district and urged the government to ensure better medical care for the injured.

The BRS leader further stated that 10 people have lost their lives in this tragic incident and urged the government to extend support to the families of those killed.

In a social media post on X, K Kavitha wrote, “Explosion in Chemical Factory Tragic News of a massive fire accident at the Sigachi Chemical Factory in Pasamailaram, Sangareddy District, resulting in the death of 10 people, has caused distress. The government should provide better medical services to the workers injured in the reactor explosion incident. The families of the workers who died in the accident should be supported.”

Over a dozen workers sustained injuries in an explosion at a chemical factory in Pasamailaram Phase 1 area of Telangana’s Sangareddy district, said officials.

Soon after receiving the information about the incident, 11 fire tenders rushed to the spot and are engaged in firefighting operations.

According to a police official, “There was a blast at Sigachi Pharma, a chemical production factory in Pasamailaram. The incident occurred around 8:15-9:35 am, and the police were informed within 10 minutes. We reached the spot within 20 minutes. NDRF, SDF, and other rescue teams, along with 10 fire engines, arrived at the scene. So far, six dead bodies have been found, and two people died while undergoing treatment at Chanda Nagar. A total of 8 deaths and 26 injuries have been reported. Government officials are providing all necessary medical facilities to them. There were 150 members in the shift, with 90 working in the blast area. Eight people have died, and 26 are injured. Firefighting efforts are still ongoing, and the rescue operation is in progress.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condoled the deaths, “Extremely anguished by the loss of precious lives, following a chemical factory blast in Sangareddy district in Telangana. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured. We wish them a speedy recovery. The State Govt and authorities are working at a war footing in their rescue efforts and providing immediate medical and other assistance to the injured.” (ANI)

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is not the “motherland” of the Republic of China (ROC) and has never owned Taiwan, President William Lai said yesterday, as reported by the Taipei Times.

Delivering the third in a planned series of 10 speeches across Taiwan, Lai addressed a Lions Clubs International banquet in Hsinchu, where he outlined external threats posed by China and emphasised Taiwan’s sovereign identity.

According to the Taipei Times, Lai said that on June 21, the Taiwanese military detected 12 Chinese aircraft, eight of which entered Taiwanese airspace, as well as six Chinese warships operating around the nation.

Beyond direct military intimidation, Lai said Taiwan also faces “identity warfare” from China, which seeks to manipulate global perception by falsely claiming that Taiwan is part of its territory.

China also engages in espionage targeting Taiwan’s military, citing groups such as the Rehabilitation Alliance Party and Taiwan Military Government, which include active and retired personnel, the Taipei Times reported.

Lai criticised Beijing’s coercion of Taiwanese artists to publicly claim the PRC as their motherland. He stressed this was historically inaccurate, noting that the ROC has a 114-year history, compared to the PRC’s 70 years, making the notion of Chinese ownership over Taiwan invalid.

Taiwan remains a generous and peaceful society, Lai said, pointing to its aid to China during natural disasters. However, he warned that China exploits Taiwan’s goodwill to conduct “united front” infiltration activities, according to the Taipei Times.

He also refuted China’s attempts to lure Taiwanese youth and entrepreneurs, stating that Beijing’s economic decline contradicts its portrayal as a land of opportunity. In contrast, Taiwan’s economy has remained strong, supported by proactive government policies aiding global business expansion.

As reported by the Taipei Times, Lai said China poses an international threat and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the Constitution, democracy, and Taiwan’s future through civil rights and judicial reform. (ANI)

The Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification proposing legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for over 460 industrial units as part of India’s first compliance-based carbon market.

The move, aimed at curbing industrial emissions and accelerating decarbonisation, will apply to sectors such as aluminium, iron and steel, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and textiles.

Titled the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025, the draft, dated June 23, forms part of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023.

The scheme requires designated industries–referred to as “obligated entities”–to reduce their GHG emissions per unit of output over time, or compensate by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian Carbon Market.

According to the draft, “the obligated entity shall achieve the GEI targets in the respective compliance year… or meet its GEI target by purchasing carbon credit certificates from the Indian carbon market.”

If implemented, the targets will become legally enforceable from the date of final notification.

As per the draft, failure to comply will attract financial penalties and legal consequences under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The targets will be assigned for two compliance years–2025-26 and 2026-27–based on baseline emission intensity data from 2023-24.

The draft includes a list of 264 industrial units along with their baseline emission levels and reduction targets for the compliance years 2025-26 and 2026-27

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will determine these targets using sectoral benchmarks and past performance. Greenhouse gas emission intensity (GEI) is defined as tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted per unit of output or product.

For example, Hindalco Industries’ Taloja aluminium plant in Maharashtra, which had a baseline GEI of 1.3386 tCO2 per tonne in 2023-24, must reduce that figure to 1.2563 by 2026-27. In the steel sector, Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India’s Hazira facility–India’s largest obligated entity by production volume–must cut its emission intensity from 2.2701 to 2.1696 tCO2 per tonne during the same period.

The rules also cover the petroleum refining sector. BPCL’s Bina Refinery in Madhya Pradesh, with a crude throughput of over 51 million barrels, has been assigned a GEI reduction trajectory from 5.2312 tCO2/MBBLS in 2023-24 to 4.8553 by 2026-27. BPCL’s Kochi

Refinery, one of the largest in the country, must bring down its GEI from 4.5745 to 4.4230 tCO2/MBBLS in the same time frame.

Entities that emit less than their targets will receive carbon credit certificates, calculated as the difference between the GEI target and actual GEI, multiplied by the total production volume.

Conversely, those exceeding their targets must buy the difference in credits from the Indian Carbon Market. “The number of carbon credit certificates to be issued… shall be determined as per the following formula: (GEI Target – GEI Achieved) x Unit of equivalent product produced,” the draft states.

Unused credits can be banked for future use, allowing companies some flexibility across compliance years.

However, if an entity fails to meet its target and does not purchase the required credits, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will impose an Environmental Compensation

This amount will be “equal to twice the average price at which a carbon credit certificate is traded during the trading cycle,” as per the notification. The penalty must be paid within 90 days.

Funds collected will be used to support carbon market operations, upon recommendation of the National Steering Committee and approval of the Centre.

The ministry has invited comments, objections, or suggestions from the public and industry stakeholders. Submissions must be made within 60 days of the draft’s publication and can be emailed to ccts.hsm-moefcc@gov.in. (ANI)

Priyanka Chopra said she was “shook” after learning about the sudden death of actress and reality TV star Shefali Jariwala.

Like many others in the film and television industry, Priyanka paid tribute to Shefali on social media. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Priyanka shared a photo of Shefali with the message that read, “So shook. She was too young. Sending condolences to Parag and the family.”

Take a look

Earlier in the day, Varun Dhawan, called out the paparazzi for documenting the grief of family and friends following the tragic death of the ‘Kaanta Laga’ fame actress.

Varun shared a message on his Instagram Stories, asking for “sensitivity” and “respect” from the media while covering the death of a celebrity.

“Again, one more passing of a soul being insensitively covered by the media. I just don’t understand why do u have to cover someone’s grief everyone looks so uncomfortable with this, how is this benefitting anyone?. My request to my friends in the media this isn’t the way someone would want their final journey covered,” read his Instagram post.

Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night. Her husband rushed her to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai; however, doctors declared her brought dead. Early reports suggested a cardiac arrest, but the exact cause of death is still not confirmed.

Shefali also featured in the 2004 film ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. Additionally, she gained recognition on television with appearances in popular reality shows, including Bigg Boss 13 (2019) and Nach Baliye (seasons 5 and 7), where she participated alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. (ANI)

The upcoming Ram Katha Sangrahalya (or museum) in Ayodhya will feature two dedicated galleries chronicling the 500-year legal history of the Ram Janmabhoomi, along with international exhibits and a Hanuman Gallery being developed by IIT Chennai.

A day after a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra construction committee, its chairman, Nripendra Mishra, shared details of the museum’s progress and its significance in preserving and presenting the cultural and historical narrative of Lord Ram on Sunday.

“The Ram Katha Museum is still in the early stages. Civil work is ongoing, and we aim to complete it as soon as possible. The museum will include around 20 galleries. One of the major challenges is how to effectively present the stories and facts of Lord Ram using appropriate technology,” Mishra said.

He noted that two galleries on the ground floor will be dedicated to the legal history of the Ram Janmabhoomi, spanning the last five centuries. Artefacts recovered during excavations that support historical evidence will also be displayed.

“One key decision taken is to dedicate two galleries on the ground floor to the legal history of the Ram Janmabhoomi, covering the last 500 years. Alongside this, we will also exhibit artefacts recovered during excavations that validate certain historical facts,” he said.

In November 2019, a five-member Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court delivered the historic judgement in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. The bench directed the Central government to hand over the disputed site at Ayodhya for the construction of a temple and to set up a trust for this purpose. It further directed the government to provide a suitable plot of land, measuring five acres, to the Sunni Waqf Board.

Mishra also stated that the museum’s basement will feature galleries of international significance, showcasing how Lord Ram is worshipped across different countries, thereby reflecting the global cultural impact of the Ramayana.

“There will be galleries of international significance in the basement, illustrating how Lord Ram is worshipped in various countries. A Hanuman Gallery, being developed by IIT Chennai, is expected to be completed by November or December. Based on progress reviews by September, parts of the museum may be opened for devotees by the end of the year,” he added.

The Construction Committee also discussed the development of a visitation path for devotees to access significant areas around the Ram Temple, such as Kuber Tila, while addressing concerns about managing footfall and ensuring safety.

“Plans are also to create a path for devotees to places like Kuber Tila. This was discussed in detail. The Trust is considering how to manage footfall, taking into account the safety and structural limitations of certain sites, such as Kuber Tila, which cannot bear heavy loads. Counting machines have been installed, and the current capacity is estimated at 700 to 1000 people at a time,” Mishra said.

On June 5, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The event was organised by the Anjaneya Sewa Trust and was held from June 5 to 11.

Earlier, on May 2, the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee conducted a three-day meeting in Ayodhya to review the progress of the temple construction. On the first day, Committee President Nripendra Mishra provided major updates on the construction, stating that most of the work (except for the auditorium and a wall) is expected to be completed by December 2025. (ANI)

Maharashtra Government on Sunday cancelled the two orders on implementation of the three-language policy after facing heavy criticism from the opposition, who accused them of “imposing Hindi” on the people of the state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, informing about the cancellation of the resolutions that were passed on April 16 and June 17, announced that a committee will be formed to discuss the implementation of the three-language formula in the state.

The committee will be headed by former Rajya Sabha MP Narendra Jadhav.

“A committee under Dr Narendra Jadhav will be formed to discuss the implementation of the three-language formula in the state… Until the committee submits its report, both government resolutions (of April 16 and June 17) have been cancelled by the government,” Devendra Fadnavis said.

The Maharashtra government has come under fire because on April 16, they passed a resolution which mandated Hindi as the compulsory third language in Marathi and English-medium schools.

However, in response to the backlash, the government revised the policy on June 17 through an amended resolution, stating, “Hindi will be the third language. For those who want to learn another language, at least 20 willing students are required.”

On June 24, Devendra Fadnavis stated that the final decision regarding the three-language formula will be taken only after discussions with litterateurs, language experts, political leaders, and all other concerned parties, which has now led to the cancellation of both resolution and the formation of a committee under Narendra Jadhav.

While making the announcement today, Fadnavis also alleged that it was former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who had accepted the recommendations of the Dr Raghunath Mashelkar committee to introduce a three-language policy from class 1 to 12, and had also constituted a panel for its implementation, according to a press note by the Maharashtra Government.

“The decision on the Three-Language Formula was taken by Uddhav Thackeray himself during his tenure,” Fadnavis said.

Following the announcement, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray said that the government resolutions were cancelled solely due to the pressure from the Marathi people.

“The decision to impose the Hindi language under the pretext of teaching three languages from the first grade has finally been withdrawn. The government has cancelled the two GRs related to this. This cannot be called belated wisdom, because this imposition was withdrawn solely due to the pressure from the Marathi people. Why the government was so adamant about the Hindi language and who exactly was pressuring the government for this remains a mystery,” Raj Thackeray wrote on X.

Raj Thackeray further defied the formation of the committee on the three-language policy, saying that they assume this decision has been permanently cancelled and the government shouldn’t create “confusion with the committee’s report again.”

“One more thing: the government has once again appointed a new committee. I say clearly, let the committee’s report come or not, but such actions will not be tolerated again, and that’s final! The government should engrave this in their minds forever! We assume this decision has been permanently cancelled, and the people of Maharashtra have assumed the same. So, do not create confusion with the committee’s report again, otherwise, the government should note that this committee will not be allowed to function in Maharashtra,” he said. (ANI)

In the 123rd Episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s initiative to share the sacred relics of Lord Buddha with Vietnam has sparked a cultural and spiritual phenomenon, with over 1.5 crore people visiting the relics at nine different locations across the country.

The event has evolved into a national festival in Vietnam, highlighting the profound influence of India’s cultural heritage on the global stage.

“During the last few days, many people from Vietnam sent me their messages through various mediums. There was reverence and affability in every line of these messages. Their feelings were heartwarming. They were expressing their gratitude to India for enabling darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha. The emotions in their words were more than any formal thanks,” said PM Modi.

The relics were originally discovered at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh, a site deeply connected to Buddhism and a hub for international pilgrims in ancient times.

“Originally these sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha were discovered at Nagarjunakonda of Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh. This place has a deep connection with Buddhism. It is said that once upon a time, people from far-off places including Sri Lanka and China used to come to this place,” said PM Modi.

The sharing of these relics with Vietnam underscored the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations, fostering a greater understanding and reverence for Indian heritage.

Despite challenging weather conditions, people from all walks of life, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, queued for hours to pay their respects.

The President of Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister, and senior ministers also paid obeisance, underscoring the significance of this event.

The overwhelming response led the Vietnamese government to request an extension of the event by 12 days, which India graciously accepted.

“Last month these holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha were taken from India to Vietnam. They were kept for public darshan at 9 different places there. In a way, this initiative of India became a national festival for Vietnam. You can imagine that in Vietnam, which has a population of about 10 crore people, more than 1.5 crore people had a darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha. The pictures and videos that I saw on social media made me realize that devotion has no limits. Be it rain or the scorching sun, people stood in queues for hours. Children, the elderly, differently-abled people, everyone was overwhelmed. The President of Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister, senior ministers, everyone paid obeisance. The feeling of respect among the people there for this pilgrimage was so deep that the Vietnamese government requested to extend it for another 12 days and India gladly accepted it.” he said.

PM Modi encouraged people to visit Buddhist sites in their states, emphasising the spiritual and cultural enrichment such visits can provide. The sharing of Buddha’s relics with countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Mongolia demonstrates the power of Buddhism to bridge cultures and nations.

“The thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha have the power to bind countries, cultures and people together. Earlier, the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha were taken to Thailand and Mongolia, and the same feeling of reverence was felt there as well. I urge all of you to visit Buddhist sites in your state definitely. It will be a spiritual experience, as well as a wonderful opportunity to connect with our cultural heritage,” added PM Modi.

The sacred relics of the Buddha from Sarnath have been on a tour of Vietnam from May 3 to June 2.

The original plan was to display the relics in Vietnam until May 21, but on a special request by the Vietnamese Government, the exposition has been extended until June 2.

On a deeply emotional and spiritually charged day, the sacred relics of the Lord Buddha arrived at Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, marking the seventh leg of their profound pilgrimage from India to Vietnam. Their journey, which began with reverence and celebration in Ho Chi Minh City on May 2, has now reached a crescendo at one of Vietnam’s most sacred spiritual sites.

This sacred arrival marks the first time many Vietnamese have witnessed the holy relics of the Enlightened One, and for them, it signifies the beginning of a lifetime’s spiritual journey. People have travelled for hours from far locations and have waited in queues since 4 AM to get a glimpse of the Sarnath relic. (ANI)

Pop star Enrique Iglesias is set to perform two back-to-back shows in Mumbai this October after tickets for his first concert sold out within just a few hours of going live.

The first show, scheduled for October 30, saw a huge response from fans across the country, prompting organisers EVA Live to add another concert on October 29 at the same venue — MMRDA Grounds, BKC. Tickets for the show are exclusively available on the District App.

“I’ve missed performing in India. The fans there are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world. Since my first show back in 2004, the love has always been unreal. I can’t wait to get back to Mumbai and bring them this new show,” said Iglesias in a statement.

This marks Enrique’s return to India after 13 years. His last concert in the country was in 2012 during his “Euphoria World Tour,” where he performed in Pune, Gurugram, and Bengaluru. ‘Hero’, ‘Baby I Like It’, ‘Bailamos’, and ‘Beautiful’ are some of his memorable tracks that audiences still listen to on loop.

Enrique will deliver a career-spanning setlist encompassing both iconic standards and contemporary chart-toppers from his three-decade-plus career. Enrique, who first exploded onto the scene in 1995, has sold over 180 million albums and amassed over 40 billion streams. He holds the record for 154 No. 1 singles across Billboard charts, including 27 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart, surpassing Michael Jackson for the most No. 1s in that chart’s history. He is a recipient of multiple Grammys, Billboard Awards, American Music Awards, and ASCAP Awards. (ANI)

England were fined 10 per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over rate against India in the first T20I at Nottingham.

England were ruled two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. England had elected to field first in the T20I played in Nottingham, and ended up conceding 210/5 courtesy of a brilliant maiden century from Smriti Mandhana.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, as per the ICC.

On-field umpires Jacqueline Williams and James Middlebrook, third umpire Sue Redfern, and fourth umpire Anna Harris levelled the charge, which was accepted by England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Sciver-Brunt also accepted the proposed sanctions, which meant that there was no need for a formal hearing.

Helen Pack of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction.

Coming to the match, England opted to bowl first, but Smriti Mandhana (112 in 62 balls, with 15 fours and three sixes) made them regret it, forming a 77-run opening stand with Shafali Varma (20 in 22 balls, with two fours) and a 94-run second wicket stand with Harleen Deol (43 in 23 balls, with seven fours), taking her team to 210/5 despite Lauren Bell’s fightback (3/27).

During the run-chase, skipper Nat-Sciver Brunt (66 in 42 balls, with 10 fours) was the sole sliver of hope as a fiery four-fer from Shree Charani (4/12) on debut wrapped up England for 113 runs in 14.5 overs. (ANI)