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New Delhi: A tech firm has delivered to the Army 106 turbojet-powered kamikaze drones designed to engage high-value targets deep inside enemy territory and operate in contested electromagnetic environments, according to a statement.With an operational range of 180 km and speed of up to 450 kmph, the drone -- Peacekeeper (Agniveg) -- is capable of conducting autonomous precision strike missions against critical military infrastructure, logistics hubs, command centres, radar installations and other strategic targets, defence technology firm SMPP said on Thursday."Combining long-range reach, precision strike capability and the ability to strike at extremely high speeds, the system provides the Indian Army with a flexible and cost-effective option for prosecuting time-sensitive targets while reducing risk to personnel," it said in the statement.According to SMPP, the drone is designed to operate in contested electromagnetic environments. It can continue mission execution despite hostile electronic warfare measures, including jamming and spoofing attempts."SMPP has completed the delivery of 100 jet-based peacekeeper (Agniveg) operational drones and six training drones to the Indian Army."It is a significant milestone in India's unmanned warfare capabilities and reinforces the nation's commitment to self-reliance in critical defence technologies," the statement said.The delivery follows successful user trials in which the Peacekeeper (Agniveg) demonstrated a "Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than five metres, showcasing an operational range of about 180 kilometres", while operating in a heavily jammed and spoofed environment, it said.The performance highlights the system's precision, reliability and ability to operate in contested battlefield conditions.The induction of the Peacekeeper (Agniveg) comes at a time when modern warfare is increasingly being shaped by precision-guided unmanned systems capable of delivering significant battlefield effects at a fraction of the cost of conventional strike platforms, SMPP said."The system bridges the capability gap between conventional artillery and long-range missile systems, providing commanders with a new layer of precision strike capability," it said.Ashish Kansal, CEO and Director of SMPP, said, "The successful completion of Peacekeeper (Agniveg) deliveries to the Indian Army in a short time frame of six months is a significant milestone for SMPP and for India's indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem."Modern warfare is increasingly defined by precision, autonomy and affordability, and systems such as Peacekeeper are becoming critical force multipliers on the battlefield, he said.The Peacekeeper programme reflects SMPP's ongoing evolution into a diversified defence technology company, he added.Building on its leadership in ballistic protection systems, the company is expanding its presence across precision strike capabilities, drone and counter-drone systems, large and medium calibre ammunition and next-generation battlefield technologies, supporting India's vision of creating a resilient and self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem, the statement said."Having completed deliveries under the current order, SMPP has also offered an enhanced variant of the Peacekeeper (Agniveg) with extended operational range for future consideration," it said.

The Economic Times (India)

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Explained: How SpaceX’s $75 billion IPO could create opportunity for Inox India shareholders

As the world gears up for Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO at a staggering $1.75 trillion valuation, a relatively lesser-known Indian company is emerging as an unlikely beneficiary thousands of miles away. INOX India, a global leader in cryogenic technology, has found itself in the spotlight as investors hunt for domestic companies with exposure to the rapidly expanding global space ecosystem.The excitement around SpaceX's public listing has already spilt over into INOX India's stock. Shares of the company have surged 25% over the past month and have gained in seven of the last eight trading sessions.The frenzy surrounding SpaceX's IPO, which reports suggest was oversubscribed nearly four times, has prompted investors to look beyond the headline-grabbing U.S. listing and identify potential beneficiaries closer home. For many, INOX India appears to fit that bill. But what exactly is the connection?Inox's aerospace pushDuring its Q4 earnings call, the company disclosed that it had secured a significant aerospace order from a leading U.S.-based private space company. The total order value is approximately Rs 200 crore. Management said it expects additional high-value orders in the first quarter of FY27."This order is a direct outcome of our proven execution capabilities and reinforces the growing confidence that global aerospace players have in INOX India's engineering expertise," the company said."Aerospace cryogenic systems are not short-term trends, but a long-term structural opportunity. We believe that INOX India is well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities through its engineering expertise, diversified capabilities, and expanding global presence and footprint," the company added.Can Inox India shares rally more?According to Sunny Agrawal, Head of Research at SBI Securities, investor interest in INOX India has picked up significantly ahead of the SpaceX listing. Beyond aerospace, the company is also expanding into segments such as data centres, nitrogen supply and distillery kegs, providing additional growth levers."Management has guided for 15-20% growth per year, and after the recent rally, the stock is trading at a relatively rich valuation of about 56 times one-year forward earnings," Agrawal said. He believes investors may be better off waiting for a correction before making fresh purchases. "Investors may consider waiting for a correction before fresh entry, as some profit-taking and a cooling-off in the stock could follow once SpaceX gets listed," he added.SpaceX IPOThe much-anticipated SpaceX IPO is scheduled to be priced on June 11, with trading set to commence on the Nasdaq on June 12. The company is looking to raise $75 billion through the offering, which would value the business at approximately $1.75 trillion.Despite the enormous investor enthusiasm, SpaceX remains loss-making. For 2025, the company reported revenue of $18.67 billion and a net loss of $4.94 billion. Much of the bullishness around the stock is tied to its future opportunities across satellite broadband, launch services, defence contracts and AI-related businesses rather than its current earnings profile.Not everyone is convinced by the valuation, however. Morningstar said in a note published on Monday that the company appears "significantly overvalued" and suggested that investors may find more attractive entry opportunities after the stock begins trading.Inox India Q4 snapshotINOX India reported a strong performance for the fourth quarter of FY26, with revenue rising 24.2% year-on-year to Rs 475 crore. Adjusted EBITDA grew 13.4% to Rs 108 crore, while adjusted profit after tax (PAT) increased 9% to Rs 72 crore compared with the corresponding quarter last year.Exports continued to be a key growth driver, with export revenue standing at Rs 291 crore and contributing 61% of total quarterly revenue. During the quarter, the company secured order inflows worth Rs 504 crore, taking its total order backlog to Rs 1,514 crore.For FY26, INOX India delivered its highest-ever annual revenue of Rs 1,632 crore, up 21.2% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 20.2% to Rs 388 crore, while adjusted PAT increased 19.3% to Rs 261 crore. Annual export revenue came in at Rs 971 crore, accounting for 59% of total revenue, reflecting sustained strength in international demand throughout the year.INOX India shares have risen 64% since the start of the year.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

News18 (India)

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Ayodhya-Lucknow Route Gets Rs 20.20 Crore Grand Gateway For Devotees And Tourists

Two magnificent entrance gates on either side of the Ayodhya-Lucknow Highway are now providing the route with a distinct and impressive new appearance.

The Hindu National

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Jharkhand Congress demands cancellation of BJP-backed Nathwani's RS poll nomination

Workers of the Congress' Jharkhand unit accused Parimal Nathwani of providing false and incomplete information in his nomination papers

The Economic Times (India)

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Hardik Pandya ruled out of Afghanistan ODIs

New Delhi: Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to an injury, sources confirmed to ANI.India are scheduled to face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series beginning in Dharamsala on June 13. The second ODI will be played in Lucknow on June 17, while Chennai will host the final match on June 20.According to sources, Pandya had earlier been declared fit by the CoE and had also submitted his fitness report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) two days before the scheduled departure."He was declared fit by COE and sent his fitness report to the Board two days before, but after his final session before leaving COE, he had some issues about his fitness", a source told ANI.Earlier, it was reported that senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik's participation in the ODI series against Afghanistan remains dependent on fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).For those unversed, Rohit and Hardik sustained injuries during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season while playing for the five-time champions Mumbai Indians.The veteran opener Sharma has been recovering from a lingering hamstring issue, while the star all-rounder is undergoing treatment for persistent back spasms that sidelined him during the latter stages of IPL 2026.Meanwhile, ace batter Virat Kohli was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, which he sustained during the IPL 2026 final, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title.Providing an update on the former India captain, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the exact recovery timeline is yet to be determined." With Virat at this point, I think it's just what has been less than a week since he injured himself in the final (IPL 2026), so they'll probably assess. We don't know the timelines yet, but it looks like he might be fit for that England ODI series. But again, it's not a definitive answer, so don't hold me to it. We haven't had a clear timeline from the physio yet," Agarkar said.In place of Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been added to the ODI squad for the three-match series.

The Times of India

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Quote of the day by Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, reflecting on her role as Maria Callas, revealed that family, not work, defines her life, providing an antidote to loneliness. Her children's actions, like legally changing their surnames and expressing deep love, underscore this profound bond. This maternal strength has been a constant during her public legal battles, proving her children are her ultimate source of resilience.

The Hindu National

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UP CM launches ‘Project GANGA’

“Project Ganga will emerge as Uttar Pradesh’s new ‘Digital Expressway’, providing a new foundation for digital education, telemedicine, and smart agriculture.”

ATF price stabilisation plan: Jet fuel prices rise 10% as oil retailers roll out scheme

Aviation turbine fuel prices rose by 10% as a government-backed price stabilization scheme locks in rates for airlines at Rs 115 per litre for up to three years. This voluntary scheme aims to shield carriers from global oil price volatility, with the government providing interest-free advances to oil companies if benchmark prices exceed Rs 86.32 per litre.

The Economic Times (India)

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How India is trying to attract foreign capital

As the rupee came under pressure from rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and sustained foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows, the government and the Reserve Bank of India rolled out a set of measures over Friday and Monday aimed at attracting foreign capital and strengthening India's external position.The RBI, while keeping the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its June monetary policy review, unveiled a package to boost dollar inflows. Simultaneously, the government followed up with a tax ordinance exempting foreign investors from taxes on investments in government securities. Together, the measures are designed to improve India's balance of payments, ease pressure on the rupee and make Indian debt markets more attractive to overseas investors.Also Read: India scrapping tax for foreign investors in govt bonds aimed at inclusion in Bloomberg index, govt official saysSo, why were policymakers worried?The West Asia conflict and its impact globally is no secret. The ripple effects are real. The rupee had come under pressure in recent weeks trading in the range of ₹95.20 to ₹95.80 against the US Dollar as crude oil prices surged following the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, raising concerns over India's import bill and current account deficit. However, a surprise sprang on Monday when India reported a current account surplus of $7.1 billion in the fourth quarter of FY26. The RBI's package1. Concessional forex swap facility for overseas borrowingsThe RBI introduced a special dollar-rupee swap facility at a concessional rate for public sector entities and banks raising funds overseas. The facility will remain available until September 30.Companies often borrow abroad but must hedge currency risk. Hedging can be expensive. By lowering that cost, the RBI is encouraging more overseas borrowing and, consequently, more dollar inflows into India.2. RBI to bear hedging costs on FCNR(B) depositsOn Monday, the RBI issued detailed guidelines for the FCNR(B) deposit scheme announced during the monetary policy.Also Read: Deposits under RBI's latest foreign currency non-resident bank scheme will carry one-year lock-inUnder the framework, banks can mobilise fresh FCNR(B) deposits with maturities of three to five years between June 8 and September 30 and swap the dollar inflows with the RBI. The swap window will remain available until October 16. The central bank will bear the entire hedging cost, effectively allowing banks to hedge these deposits at par. Banks can also offer leverage against such deposits.The RBI also exempted these deposits from Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) requirements, improving the economics of mobilising foreign currency deposits.To ensure stability of inflows, deposits raised under the scheme will carry a mandatory one-year lock-in period. Banks will not be allowed to cancel swaps undertaken with the RBI before maturity. The RBI further exempted swap positions arising from FCNR(B) deposits from net unhedged foreign exchange exposure calculations.This is the closest India has come since the 2013 FCNR(B) mobilisation scheme launched during the rupee crisis. By eliminating hedging costs, providing CRR and SLR relief, relaxing regulatory treatment and offering a dedicated swap window, the RBI is giving banks a strong incentive to attract dollar deposits from overseas Indians. Why analysts think this scheme could be bigger than 2013Brokerage Jefferies believes the latest package could attract $50-70 billion of foreign currency inflows, substantially higher than the inflows generated under the 2013 FCNR(B) scheme.The brokerage argues that the current framework is more attractive than the one introduced during the rupee crisis more than a decade ago. While banks had to bear hedging costs of around 3.5% under the 2013 scheme, the RBI is now absorbing the entire cost. The deposits are also exempt from CRR and SLR requirements, similar to the earlier programme.A key difference this time is the ability to use leverage. Jefferies noted that the RBI has permitted banks to provide standby letters of credit (SBLCs), potentially allowing depositors to amplify returns through leverage. According to the brokerage, this could significantly improve the attractiveness of FCNR(B) deposits for overseas investors.3. Expansion of the Fully Accessible Route (FAR)The RBI expanded the FAR framework to include all new 15-year, 30-year and 40-year government securities and removed concentration limits for foreign investors.Large global investors, including pension and sovereign funds, prefer long-dated bonds. The move widens the universe of Indian government securities available for unrestricted foreign investment.4. Easier access for non-resident investorsThe RBI broadened investment access for individuals residing outside India and eased certain norms governing non-resident participation in Indian markets.The measure aims to tap a larger pool of overseas capital, particularly from the Indian diaspora.The Government's follow-up Tax reliefAfter the RBI's measures, the government issued the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026.5. Capital gains tax exemption on government bondsThe ordinance exempted foreign institutional investors and the Bank for International Settlements from capital gains tax on investments in specified government securities. Earlier, long-term gains attracted a 12.5% tax.1316102436. Interest income tax exemptionThe government also removed taxes on interest income earned by eligible foreign investors from these government securities. Previously, interest income faced a 20% withholding tax.131610254

The Economic Times (India)

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Asian stocks rebound on Iran optimism, AI trade

Asian stocks rebounded from their biggest drop since March as tensions in the Middle East eased and a selloff in artificial intelligence shares abated.The Kospi Index, the world’s best-performing gauge this year on the back of AI trade, gained 4.4% and the Nikkei rose 0.9%. That sent the broader MSCI Asia Pacific Index higher by 0.9%, following three days of losses spurred by factors including bets for an interest-rate hike by the Federal Reserve.Advances in Asia came after Wall Street gauges recovered, with chipmakers such as Nvidia Corp. and Micron Technology Inc. climbing. Intel Corp. shares rose the most in a month after the Information reported that Alphabet Inc.’s Google will use it to make chips.Brent crude traded steady at around $94.40 per barrel. The commodity pared much of its advance in the previous session as Iran and Israel pledged to ease strikes that threatened the peace talks in the Middle East.131599215After a brief interruption to the rally that propelled stocks to record highs, investors returned to risk assets during the New York session, signaling confidence that the bull market remains intact. The recovery was aided by easing geopolitical concerns and renewed demand for AI shares after last week’s steep decline.“Markets rarely move in a straight line at the pace seen since the March lows,” according to Morgan Stanley’s Mike Wilson, who maintained his constructive outlook, supported by earnings and strong economic data. “A correction was inevitable and ultimately healthy if this bull market is going to extend into year-end.” Meanwhile, Iran and Israel agreed to ease strikes against each other after a flare-up in violence threatened to derail peace negotiations and led President Donald Trump to appeal for de-escalation.Attention remains focused on whether energy flows will resume meaningfully via the Strait of Hormuz. A trickle of commercial shipping returned to the waterway over the weekend, even as the risks prompted some vessels to travel with their digital transponders switched off.Oil prices and their impact on inflation are key factors traders are watching after Friday’s blowout payrolls report reinforced bets on a rate hike. The May consumer price index due Wednesday is expected to jump by 4.2% from a year earlier — the highest rate in more than three years. But the core CPI is seen cooling slightly on a monthly basis — potentially providing a welcome signal to Fed officials. Meantime, Citigroup Inc. strategists led by Scott Chronert raised their year-end target for the S&P 500 after a “big step up” in earnings expectations.“We do not expect investors to lose confidence in the AI outlook,” said Mark Haefele at UBS Global Wealth Management. “Although tech stocks have come under pressure in recent days amid concerns about whether expectations can be met, business fundamentals remain strong.”Not everyone was as bullish. Investors should exercise caution regarding US stocks as an increasing number of “bear market signposts” point to an approaching top, according to Bank of America Securities.There are “too many red flags,” strategists led by Savita Subramanian wrote in a note dated June 5. “Take profits,” they said.

The Economic Times (India)

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Current account surplus at $7.1 bn in Q4

India recorded a current account surplus of $7.1 billion, or 0.7% of GDP, in the January-March quarter of FY26, supported by strong growth in services exports and remittance inflows, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India on Monday.The surplus was lower than the $13.7 billion, or 1.4% of GDP, recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.The country's merchandise trade deficit widened to $83.4 billion during the quarter, compared with $59.3 billion a year earlier, reflecting higher import outgo. However, this was partly offset by a rise in net services receipts to $60.4 billion from $53.3 billion in the year-ago period, driven by growth in computer services and other business services exports.Also read: FPI exodus from financials cools, but foreign investors remain net sellersAs per the central bank data, remittance inflows remained a key pillar of external stability, with personal transfer receipts, largely including money sent home by Indians working overseas, rising to $43.5 billion in the March quarter from $33.9 billion a year ago. Meanwhile, net outgo under the primary income account declined to $11.1 billion from $11.9 billion, providing additional support to the current account balance.Capital flows in Q4 FY26According to RBI data, net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows stood at $4.2 billion during the quarter, higher than $0.4 billion in the year-ago period.Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) recorded a net outflow of $12 billion in the March quarter, compared with a net outflow of $5.9 billion a year earlier.Non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits registered net inflows of $3.3 billion, up from $2.8 billion in the corresponding quarter of FY25. Net inflows through external commercial borrowings (ECBs) amounted to $3.6 billion, compared with $7.5 billion a year ago.Foreign exchange reserves increased by $7.2 billion on a balance of payments basis during the quarter, compared with an accretion of $8.8 billion in the year-ago period.FY26 balance of paymentsFor the financial year 2025-26, India’s current account deficit stood at $25.2 billion, equivalent to 0.6% of GDP, compared with a deficit of $22.9 billion, or 0.6% of GDP, in FY25.The merchandise trade deficit widened to $337.3 billion in FY26 from $286.9 billion a year earlier. Net services receipts rose to $216.6 billion from $188.8 billion, while secondary income receipts increased to $143.6 billion from $123.5 billion.Net invisibles receipts stood at $312 billion in FY26, higher than $264 billion in the previous year, primarily on account of net services receipts and net personal transfers.Capital flows in FY26Net FDI inflows increased to $6.9 billion in FY26 from $1 billion in FY25. FPIs recorded net outflows of $16.4 billion during FY26, compared with net inflows of $3.6 billion in the previous year.Foreign exchange reserves declined by $23.6 billion on a balance of payments basis in FY26, compared with a depletion of $5 billion in FY25.

The Times of India

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella figures out best way to manage AI agents, along with employees

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella proposes treating AI agents like human employees to manage their integration into the workforce. This strategy involves providing AI with identities, sandboxes, and policies, mirroring human worker guardrails. Nadella emphasizes security, containment, manageability, and observability as crucial for building trust and safely overseeing these digital agents.

The Times of India

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PMAY-G housing scheme: Are you eligible? Benefits, application process explained

India's Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin is a massive rural housing mission providing pucca homes with basic amenities to millions. Launched in 2016, it aims to eliminate housing deprivation by 2024, offering financial aid, credit, and convergence with sanitation and employment schemes. Beneficiary selection prioritizes the most deprived, ensuring dignity and stability for rural families.

The Economic Times (India)

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Tata Steel shares dip over 2% as UK project may face 6-8 month delay amid electricity access issues

Shares of Tata Steel fell 2% to Rs 202 on the BSE on Monday amid reports that it may have to push back the commissioning timeline of its 1.25-billion-pound low-carbon steel project in the UK by six to eight months due to delays in obtaining access to the required electricity infrastructure.The company is building a 3.2 million-tonne electric arc furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot as part of its decarbonisation strategy. The project, which involves an investment of 1.25 billion pounds, is intended to replace the site's blast furnace operations of similar capacity that have now been shut down.Before the latest setback, Tata Steel had been targeting the start of operations by late 2027 or early 2028. However, delays linked to the power connection process have created uncertainty around that timeline, a news report by PTI stated. Koushik Chatterjee, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Tata Steel, said the company has been working with the Electricity System Operator (ESO) and National Grid on the new electrical infrastructure. However, National Grid has formally informed Tata Steel that its connectivity project is running behind schedule.According to Chatterjee, National Grid has flagged potential delays compared with the originally planned date for the high-voltage power connection. He said Tata Steel is engaging with all stakeholders, including the UK government, to minimise the impact and establish revised timelines, the report added. The company said major demolition work at the Port Talbot site has already been completed, while fabrication and delivery of equipment continue to progress. Access to higher-capacity electricity remains a critical requirement for the transition to electric arc furnace-based steelmaking.The project has secured 500 million pounds of support from the UK government and is expected to cut site-level carbon dioxide emissions by 90%, equivalent to around 5 million tonnes annually. Separately, the Port Talbot project site witnessed a fire incident on June 3. Tata Steel UK said on Thursday that all personnel were safely evacuated and accounted for, with no injuries reported. Chatterjee said Tata Steel is continuing discussions with National Grid and the UK government to address the issue and explore ways to reduce the delay."We are working with the UK government, the National Grid and ESO, which is the electricity supplier, to see if we can mitigate it, but somewhere between six months to eight months will certainly be there, maybe higher, after we have built the plant," he said while responding to a question on potential delays in commissioning the facility.He added that the company is evaluating options to shorten the delay but acknowledged that some slippage in timelines now appears unavoidable. "We are actively working to see if we can reduce it further, but there will be some imminent delays," Chatterjee said, without providing additional details.In May 2024, Tata Steel signed a connection offer agreement with the Electricity System Operator. Under the arrangement, National Grid is responsible for building the electrical infrastructure required to power the 3.2 million-tonne electric arc furnace by the end of 2027.According to information shared by Tata Steel, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) is a public body that oversees the connection process, including the connection contract with Tata Steel UK, and manages electricity grid operations across the UK.National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), meanwhile, is the private company responsible for constructing, owning and maintaining the connection infrastructure.Tata Steel Group is among the world's leading steelmakers, with an annual crude steel production capacity of 35 million tonnes. The company also ranks among the most geographically diversified steel producers globally.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Hindu National

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Kerala High Court honoured with e-governance award

DCMS received the Gold Award in the category “Innovation by Use of AI and Other New Age Technologies for Providing Citizen-centric Services (State and State PSUs)” from among 104 entries

The Economic Times (India)

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Obama casts a long shadow on Iran bill

US President Donald Trump has spent years attacking his predecessor Barack Obama for what he called a giveaway to Iran. The image of "pallets of cash" became one of his favorite political talking points, a symbol of what he portrayed as weakness in dealing with Tehran.Yet the irony of the current moment is becoming harder to ignore. As negotiations to end the latest US-Iran confrontation stall, Iran is demanding access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, and the success of any deal may depend on whether Trump agrees to some form of financial relief. The president who built his Iran policy around rejecting Obama's approach may now find himself confronting the same reality that faced previous administrations -- diplomacy with Iran often comes with a price tag.Pay $12 billion now, and $12 billion laterAn indication of how central money has become to the negotiations came from Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in an exclusive interview with CNN. According to Rezaei, the negotiations have reached a deadlock and the responsibility for breaking it lies squarely with Trump. He said Iran wants the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, with $12 billion to be made available immediately after an interim agreement is signed and another $12 billion at a later stage.Also Read | Iran says frozen funds key to progress in US talksRezaei termed the demand not a concession from Washington but as a test of American intentions. "If he wants to reach an agreement with Iran, this $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump," he told CNN. "This is our own money, not America's money."The significance of the demand extends beyond the amount involved. By publicly linking the prospects of peace to the release of frozen assets, Iran has effectively made financial compensation the central political hurdle in the negotiations.Trump's Obama problemFor Trump, the issue is not as much financial as deeply political. CNN reported that Trump has repeatedly instructed his team that any agreement with Iran must be viewed as stronger than the 2015 nuclear accord negotiated by Obama. Equally important, he wants to avoid anything that resembles the controversial payments that became a focal point of Republican criticism a decade ago.Throughout his political career, Trump has portrayed the Obama administration's handling of Iran as evidence of weak leadership. Recently, he revived his criticism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, describing it as a horrible deal and insisting that any agreement he reaches will be far better. That political history now threatens to constrain his negotiating options. A deal that includes billions of dollars flowing to Iran could invite immediate comparisons with the very agreement he spent years denouncing.Also Read | Iran retains about 22% of missile stockpile, says TrumpWhat Obama actually didThe comparison is unavoidable because financial relief was also a major feature of the Obama-era approach. The JCPOA, finalized in 2015 after negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 powers, imposed strict limits on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement capped uranium enrichment, reduced centrifuge capacity and established what experts described as one of the most intrusive inspection regimes ever negotiated.The deal also coincided with the release of $1.7 billion to Iran, a figure that Trump and other critics frequently cited as evidence of appeasement. Critics argued that sanctions relief and financial compensation rewarded Iranian behaviour across the region.Supporters of the agreement took a different view. They argued that much of the money involved consisted of Iranian assets that had already belonged to Iran and that the deal successfully halted Tehran's progress toward a nuclear weapon while providing unprecedented transparency into its nuclear program.Former US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, who helped negotiate the agreement, told CNBC that the JCPOA's most important achievement was its extraordinary verification system. Arms control experts similarly maintain that the deal effectively constrained Iran's nuclear ambitions before it unraveled.Why the current situation is more difficultThe irony for Trump is that negotiations now are taking place under conditions far less favorable than those that existed in 2015. After the US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, Iran gradually breached many of the agreement's restrictions. It expanded uranium enrichment, accumulated a much larger stockpile of nuclear material and scaled back some transparency measures.Many think that any new agreement must address a more advanced Iranian nuclear programme and a more complicated political environment. There is also the added challenge of rebuilding trust after years of mutual escalation. That reality means economic incentives have become even more important. Tehran is demanding tangible benefits upfront rather than promises of future relief. From Iran's perspective, accepting new restrictions without immediate financial gains would be politically difficult.Trump's search for a political workaroundTrump's advisers are acutely aware of the political risks. According to CNN, administration officials are exploring mechanisms that would allow Iran to receive financial relief without creating the appearance of a direct US payment. One possibility involves third countries such as Qatar releasing funds. Another would permit access to frozen assets while restricting their use to humanitarian purchases such as food, medicine and agricultural goods. There have also been discussions about creating reconstruction funds financed largely by Gulf states rather than the United States.These proposals reflect an important reality. The debate is no longer about whether Iran should receive economic relief at some stage. It is increasingly about how that relief can be structured so that Trump can claim he has not repeated Obama's mistakes. In that sense, the dispute is becoming as much about political messaging as about financial policy.Leverage versus peaceThe White House remains reluctant to surrender what it views as one of its strongest bargaining tools. Trump has publicly insisted that the United States will retain control over frozen Iranian funds until Iran meets Washington's demands. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has similarly emphasised that sanctions relief should follow compliance rather than precede it.The administration's concern is straightforward. Once funds are released, Washington loses a major source of leverage. That leverage could prove critical during the highly technical second phase of negotiations focused on Iran's nuclear program. Iran, however, sees the issue differently. For Tehran, immediate access to frozen assets is evidence that the United States is negotiating in good faith. Without such a gesture, Iranian leaders appear unwilling to commit themselves to a broader settlement. That difference in perspective has created the current impasse.The choice facing TrumpThe strategic dilemma confronting Trump is becoming increasingly clear. He can maintain a hard line and refuse any significant financial concession, preserving political consistency but risking the collapse of negotiations. Or he can accept some form of economic relief for Iran, potentially unlocking a broader peace agreement but exposing himself to accusations that he has embraced a version of the same approach he once condemned.Rezaei's comments to CNN show how central that decision has become. By presenting the release of $24 billion as a test of trust, Iran has effectively challenged Trump to choose between ideological purity and diplomatic pragmatism. For a president who built his Iran policy in opposition to Obama's legacy, that may be the most uncomfortable choice of all. If peace ultimately requires releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, Trump would be seen as eating his words when he had asked Iran for complete surrender.

Uttarakhand’s Rs 2 lakh housing aid scheme for soldiers’ families: Eligibility, benefits and more explained

Uttarakhand is taking significant steps to support the families of deceased soldiers and war-disabled veterans through its newly announced Housing Assistance Grant. Providing a substantial one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh, this program is designed to aid in the construction or repair of homes, strengthening housing stability for these families.

Cloudburst, flashfloods damaged houses in J&K’s Reasi

Flashfloods from a cloudburst in Reasi's Bathoi village on Thursday caused significant damage to homes and blocked roads with mudslides. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. This marks the fifth such event in the Jammu region recently. Authorities are providing immediate assistance to affected families, while adverse weather also led to the suspension of pilgrimages in Kishtwar.

The Economic Times (India)

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Hindustan Zinc shares tumble 5% to 6-week low after report of govt's plan to sell 2% stake for Rs 5,000 crore

Shares of Hindustan Zinc sharply tumbled nearly 5% on Friday after a report said that the government is planning to sell as much as 2% stake in the metals major for up to Rs 5,000 crore ($525 million).The shares of the company dropped to Rs 575.20 apiece on NSE, the lowest level seen by the stock in six weeks, after the release of the Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Vedanta, meanwhile, tumbled 3% to Rs 318.80 apiece.The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) aims to launch the process this month or in July this year, the report said, adding that ICICI Securities, Axis Capital, IIFL Capital Services, and HDFC Securities are advising the government on the transaction.Hindustan Zinc shareholding patternThe Central government held nearly 28% stake in India’s largest silver producer, according to data on the company’s shareholding pattern as on March 31, 2026. Its largest promoter, Vedanta, meanwhile, held nearly 61% stake in the company.Another 3.5% stake was held by insurance companies, while foreign investors held more than 2% stake in Hindustan Zinc, as at the end of the January-March quarter of FY26.The latest report on the government's possible stake sale in Hindustan Zinc comes after the centre ramped up its disinvestment efforts. Last week, the government raised about $531 million from the sale of 2% stake in Coal India. Earlier this week, it raised $450 million by selling 6% stake in NHPC. Bloomberg also reported that the government is now mulling an OFS to sell 2% stake in LIC to raise as much as Rs 10,000 crore.ED raids at Hindustan Zinc officesThe shares of Hindustan Zinc declined earlier this week after Vedanta said that the Enforcement Directorate team visited some of its offices, confirming news reports. "We hereby inform that the Enforcement Directorate team visited some offices of our company and Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of the company," Vedanta said after stock exchanges sought clarification regarding news reports around ED conducting searches against Vedanta Group in FEMA probe. The Anil Agarwal-led company added that it is fully cooperating with the authorities and providing all requested information.Later, Vedanta announced that the searches had concluded and no penalty or restriction had been imposed by the authorities.Hindustan Zinc share priceHindustan Zinc shares have fallen more than 9% in one week and 6% in one month, while being down more than 6% in 2026 so far. The shares of the company have gained around 17% in one year.Also read: Did this L&T-backed AI stock actually crash 90% in one day? Here's all you need to knowIn the longer term, the stock delivered 87% returns over three years and 72% returns over five years. The company currently has a market capitalisation of more than Rs 2.43 lakh crore. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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