President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Republic of Moldova, holds bilateral talks with Moldovan President

President Droupadi Murmu has begun her engagements in the Republic of Moldova on the first leg of her three-nation visit. After receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau, President Murmu held bilateral talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu.

The two leaders first met one-on-one, followed by delegation-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Following the talks, President Droupadi Murmu and President Maia Sandu will make a joint press statement.

President Murmu will then visit the Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Monument, one of Moldova’s most important national landmarks dedicated to the mediaeval ruler Stephen the Great. The President will pay homage by laying a wreath at the monument. The visit is historic, as it marks the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Moldova, reflecting the growing partnership between the two countries.

Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat & Seva Teerth metro stations closed till further instructions: DMRC

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has informed that Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations have been closed till further instructions due to security reasons. 

President Droupadi Murmu to hold delegation-level talks with President of Moldova Maia Sandu in Chisinau

President Droupadi Murmu will hold delegation-level talks with her Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu in Chisinau today. President Murmu will also meet the President of the Parliament of Moldova, Igor Grosu, and will interact with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Further, the President will address a business forum and interact with the members of the Indian community. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Moldova. The president is on a three-nation state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania. 

After concluding her visit to Moldova, the President in the second leg of her visit, will reach North Macedonia tomorrow. This will also be the first-ever visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia. During the visit, the President will hold bilateral talks with her counterpart Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and also meet the Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and the President of the Assembly. The President is also scheduled to address the Assembly of North Macedonia. Further, the President will address the India-North Macedonia Business Forum.

On the final leg of her visit, President Murmu will reach Romania on Thursday. During her two-day visit to Romania, the President will meet Romanian President Nicușor Dan, interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, President of the Senate Mircea Abrudean, and President of the Chamber of Deputies Sorin Grindeanu.

She is also scheduled to meet the members of the Romania-India Parliamentary Friendship Group. Later, President Murmu will address the India-Romania Business Forum and have interactions with the members of the Indian community.

The External Affairs Ministry said that the state visit to three countries by President Murmu reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral ties with these countries along with engagement with the wider Eastern European region.

Delhi Police says no permission sought or granted for any protest march & procession in New Delhi

Delhi Police has clarified that no permission has been sought or granted for any protest march and procession in the New Delhi District in view of Parliament Session beginning today.

In a social media post, the police said that Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is in force in the area, hence protest marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more persons are strictly prohibited in the area, except Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police has appealed all the citizens to respect the law, refrain from participating in any unauthorised gathering and march, and cooperate in maintaining public peace, safety and security.

IMD issues Red Alert for very heavy rainfall over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashm

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red colour warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir for the next two days. According to IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim today.

Heavy rainfall is likely over Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra for the next three days. Similar conditions are expected over Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and northeastern states over the period.

The Met Department has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds over Ladakh, Vidarbha, Karnataka, Telangana, Rayalaseema and Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the next three days. Parts of Delhi witnessed a brief spell of light to very light rainfall early this morning. The weather agency has forecast moderate to light rainfall during the next three days.

PM Modi congratulates Indian Teams on outstanding performance at International Olympiads

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian team for securing four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that this was India’s best-ever performance at the prestigious global competition. He said that the team’s brilliance, dedication and passion for science have made the entire nation proud. 

Mr Modi also congratulated all four members of the Indian team for winning medals, including one gold, at the 37th International Biology Olympiad held in Vilnius, Lithuania. The Prime Minister expressed happiness and said that the Indian team had demonstrated exceptional knowledge in subjects such as Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Animal Physiology, Animal Morphology and Systematics, and Plant Computational Biology. He added that this achievement will motivate countless young minds to study and excel in science.

PM Modi congratulates Team India for securing 4 gold medals at 58th International Chemistry Olympiad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian team for securing four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that this was India’s best-ever performance at the prestigious global competition. He said that the team’s brilliance, dedication and passion for science have made the entire nation proud.

Mr Modi also congratulated all four members of the Indian team for winning medals, including one gold, at the 37th International Biology Olympiad held in Vilnius, Lithuania. The Prime Minister expressed happiness and said that the Indian team had demonstrated exceptional knowledge in subjects such as Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Animal Physiology, Animal Morphology and Systematics, and Plant Computational Biology. He added that this achievement will motivate countless young minds to study and excel in science.

Hydrogen is driving India’s journey towards sustainable transport future: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, 12 pilot projects have been sanctioned to deploy 70 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles, supported by 16 hydrogen refuelling stations. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has said in a social media post that hydrogen is driving India’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable transport future. He stated that these pilot projects are paving the way for zero-emission mobility across India’s highways and urban transport corridors, covering multiple strategic routes across the country. Mr Joshi added that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable, and self-reliant future.

Delhi HC refuses to intervene in Sonam Wangchuk’s treatment at Safdarjung Hospital

The Delhi High Court today refused to intervene in activist Sonam Wangchuk’s treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, saying the government’s decision to move him from Jantar Mantar to the hospital could not be termed arbitrary. Justice Mini Pushkarna said no immediate order was needed to shift Wangchuk to a private facility, while noting that doctors were monitoring his condition and had provided treatment with his consent.

The court was hearing a plea by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, seeking his transfer to a private hospital. It issued notices to the Centre, Safdarjung Hospital and Delhi Police, asking for responses within three days. Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital by police yesterday on the 21st day of his hunger strike.

Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that non-communicable diseases have emerged as one of the country’s biggest public health challenges and called for a mass public movement against these diseases. He said this while addressing the launch of the book titled ‘UNBROKEN: My Battle with Cancer and the Will to Lead’ authored by cancer survivor and former Senior Adviser in the Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, in New Delhi.

Dr Singh said, at present, the country faces not merely a lack of awareness but also the challenge of widespread health misinformation. He called for greater scientific awareness so that citizens rely on evidence-based medical advice while making decisions related to their health. He said, the country’s scientific ecosystem is steadily delivering world-class healthcare solutions suited to Indian conditions, while making cutting-edge treatments more affordable and accessible. The Minister noted that these efforts are helping India emerge as an important global destination for affordable healthcare innovation and bio-manufacturing.

The Olympiad commenced on 12th of July and concluded today. The Department of Atomic Energy said that there were 307 students from 78 countries in this year’s IBO. It added that a total of 31 gold, 61 silver, and 91 bronze medals were awarded. This was India’s 26th appearance at the IBO and of the 104 students so far, 17 have received gold medals, 69 silver, 17 bronze, and 1 honourable mention. 

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi meets VP Radhakrishnan in New Delhi

The Vice President, in a social media post, said that the meeting reaffirmed the enduring India-Tanzania partnership and the special relationship India shares with Zanzibar, rooted in centuries-old maritime, cultural and people-to-people ties. They discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, development partnership, tourism, the blue economy, education, technology and multilateral engagement. Mr Radhakrishnan, the Vice-President, also reiterated India’s commitment to partnering with Tanzania and Zanzibar in advancing shared development aspirations through enhanced cooperation across priority sectors.

President Mwinyi expressed his delight at visiting the IIT Madras campus in Chennai and appreciated India’s support in establishing the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, a landmark initiative in bilateral educational cooperation, as well as India’s assistance for water projects, Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation training programme.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar also called on President Mwinyi this morning. The Zanzibar President is currently on a four-day official visit to India at the invitation of the Vice President, C.P. Radhakrishnan. He is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Tanzania, as partners in the Global South, they share long-standing, close ties of friendship and cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The Ministry said that this visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to further strengthening bilateral relations for mutual benefit.    

IAF to start Exercise Pitch Black 2026 tomorrow in Australia

The exercise derives its name from its emphasis on night flying over the vast unpopulated areas of northern Australia. In the exercise’s 45-year-long history, this edition features a large quantum of participating forces, bringing together military personnel for complex large force employment and multinational air combat operations.

The Indian Air Force contingent comprises highly skilled Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts.

The contingent will operate the Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by the C-17 Globemaster III and the IL-78 Air-to-Air refueling aircraft in combat support roles. The exercise will provide the participating forces with a valuable opportunity to enhance interoperability, strengthen force integration and exchange operational best practices towards a collaborative conduct of operations in the global scenarios.

Exercise Pitch Black 26 provides an excellent opportunity to validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances, enhance multinational interoperability and strengthen professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.

The Defence Ministry said the exercise will enable participating air forces to operate in a realistic and challenging multinational environment, fostering greater operational synergy and mutual understanding.

The Indian Air Force has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of the exercise, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and regional security.

The all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of the monsoon session of the parliament has begun at the Parliament complex.

The meeting is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Jagat Prakash Nadda are also present in the meeting. Just after the meeting began, initially, opposition parties walked out from the meeting. 

Talking to the media, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said that the opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, JMM, Trinamool Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party, have walked out from the meeting in protest.

She also alleged that the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), attending the all-party meet, is not a recognised parliamentary party. 

However, after registering their protest, opposition members, including Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, CPIM leader John Brittas, Mahua Maji of JMM and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, are attending the meeting.

During the session, several important legislation are scheduled to be taken up for discussion and passage.

With this meeting, the government will seek cooperation from all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament in the upcoming monsoon session of the parliament. 

The Monsoon Session will commence tomorrow and continue till the 13th of next month. 

The visiting dignitary will also meet the minister of ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Wednesday in New Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India and Panama share a close partnership anchored in shared values, mutual interests and goodwill.

President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who is on a four-day official visit to India, will meet Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in New Delhi today.

Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It has its own constitution, president, House of Representatives and flag. During the meeting both leaders will review the entire spectrum of India-Tanzania relations and explore new avenues for future cooperation. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will also call on the visiting dignitary today.

The MEA said that, as partners in the Global South, India and Tanzania share long-standing, close ties of friendship and cooperation across a wide range of sectors. It added that the visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to further strengthening bilateral relations for mutual benefit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the great revolutionary and freedom fighter Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary today.

In a social media post, the Prime Minister said that Mangal Pandey laid down his life to uphold the pride and honour of the motherland. Mr Modi said that his courage and supreme sacrifice continue to fill every Indian with pride even today.

The Prime Minister added that Mangal Pandey’s saga of patriotism and valour will continue to inspire generations of the nation.

President Droupadi Murmu has embarked on a three-nation state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania today. On the first leg of her visit, the president will reach Moldova tomorrow, where she will meet and hold delegation-level talks with her Moldovan counterpart, Maia Sandu.

President Murmu will also meet the president of the Parliament of Moldova, Igor Grosu, and will interact with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group. Further, the president will address a business forum and interact with the members of the Indian community. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian president to Moldova.

After concluding her visit to Moldova, the president, in the second leg of her visit, will reach North Macedonia on Tuesday. This will also be the first-ever visit by an Indian president to North Macedonia. During the visit, the president will hold bilateral talks with her counterpart, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and also meet the Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, and the President of the Assembly.

The president is also scheduled to address the Assembly of North Macedonia. Further, the President will address the India-North Macedonia Business Forum.

On the final leg of her visit, President Murmu will reach Romania on Thursday. During her two-day visit to Romania, the president will meet Romanian President Nicușor Dan, interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, President of the Senate Mircea Abrudean, and President of the Chamber of Deputies Sorin Grindeanu.

She is also scheduled to meet the members of the Romania-India Parliamentary Friendship Group. Later, President Murmu will address the India-Romania Business Forum and have interactions with the members of the Indian community.

The External Affairs Ministry said that the state visit to three countries by President Murmu reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral ties with these countries along with engagement with the wider Eastern European region.