Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute incentives totaling over Rs 2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) during a special event scheduled to take place here on Friday.

Since its debut, the project has already helped create over 15 lakh employment opportunities nationwide, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Both employers and employees are encouraged to participate in the official economy thanks to the programme.

First-time workers may be eligible for incentives of up to Rs 15,000 under the program, offering financial aid as they enter the workforce.

Up to Rs 3,000 per month per extra employee might be given to companies that create new employment, hence encouraging long-term job creation.

The program acknowledges the significance of manufacturing in promoting economic growth and offers incentives to companies in the manufacturing industry for four years and to businesses in other sectors for two years.

According to the government, the project demonstrates its dedication to fostering an ecosystem that supports employment-driven growth and ensuring that the advantages of economic expansion result in high-quality formal work opportunities, especially for young people.

The program was implemented in August 2025 to assist in the creation of over 3. 5 crore jobs over a period of two years, with a total cost of Rs 99,446 crore.

Around 1. 92 crore of the total target beneficiaries are projected to be first-time employees in the workforce, according to the government.

According to the government, the initiative is anticipated to have a revolutionary impact on increasing formal employment, improving social security coverage, and promoting the goal of a developed India by assisting both workers and businesses.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio‘s trip to India demonstrates the growing relevance of India for America as a strategic partner, and the bilateral ties between the two biggest democracies in the globe are firmly moving upward.

The visit clearly showed that the US considers India essential to determining the region’s future balance of power. The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held by New Delhi further highlight the four-nation alliance’s increasing ability to form a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The article emphasizes that one of Rubio’s trip’s main results was a renewed dedication to the Mission 500 program, which aims to increase India-US bilateral trade in goods and services to $500 billion by 2030.

Between FY2021–22 and FY2025–26, India’s merchandise trade with the United States increased gradually. From $76. 17 billion in FY2021–22 to $87. 32 billion in FY2025–26, India’s exports to the US increased. Imports from the US rose from $43. 31 billion to $53. 49 billion over the same time frame.

It is anticipated that continuing discussions for a wider bilateral trade agreement would increase trade, investment, and market access. Closer economic ties between India and the rest of the world present opportunities for investment, technology transfer, export growth, and integration into global value chains.

Continuous reforms, a better ease of conducting business, stronger supply chains, and cooperation in new industries will be necessary to meet the goal, according to the paper.

The statement also emphasizes that the signing of the India-US Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, an industry in which China is a major player, was one of the most important results of the trip.

Advanced electronics, semiconductors, defence hardware, renewable energy, and electric vehicles all depend on critical minerals.

The structure encourages collaboration among value chain players in mining, processing, recycling, and investment. In order to diversify supply chains and lessen reliance on concentrated sources, the Quad countries initiated the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, which supports this endeavor.

The alliance provides India with opportunities to strengthen its domestic processing capabilities, attract investment, develop technological expertise, enhance industrial competitiveness, and support the Make in India program.

Additionally, the two nations signed an Underwater Domain Awareness Road Map and extended the 10-year Major Defense Partnership Framework Agreement, demonstrating a closer strategic alliance. Enhanced collaboration on surveillance, intelligence sharing, and maritime monitoring will bolster India’s security capabilities.

The article further stated that the collaboration is increasingly helping India reach its objective of indigenous defense manufacturing through co-development, co-production, and technological transfer.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will add another chapter to their storied rivalry when they participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the first male players to participate in six editions of the competition.

For more than two decades, these two symbols have been the face of international football, from making their World Cup debuts in Germany in 2006 to leading their respective nations in 2026.

Given that the North American tournament is probably their last time playing on the largest stage in football, they will both be hoping to write a memorable send-off.

Algeria versus Argentina: Champions Start Their Defense

Messi is once again anticipated to play a crucial role as Argentina, the defending champions, open their title defense against Algeria on June 17. The 39-year-old will attempt to lead La Albiceleste to consecutive titles after steering Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago.

Together with their captain, Argentina will depend on important players like Julián lvarez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martnez, as they enter the competition as one of the favorites.

However, following a run of outstanding results, Algeria is expected to offer a tough challenge. Their hopes of causing an upset will be heavily reliant on veteran winger Riyad Mahrez, forward Mohamed Amoura, and defender Rayan Aït-Nouri.

European Giants Battle African Rivals: Portugal vs DR Congo

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s Portugal begins their campaign against DR Congo, carrying the momentum of their recent UEFA Nations League win. One of the tournament’s best teams is the Portuguese team, which includes veteran captain and stars like Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal will be inspired by striker Diogo Jota’s dream of helping the country win the World Cup as well. Ronaldo, who has won almost every major honor in football, will be anxious to raise the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his sparkling career.

Captain Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa, and Meschack Elia are among the excellent players in the DR Congo team that will be making a comeback to the World Cup stage. The African club will try to make a good impression against one of the competition’s favorites, which is known for its speed and athleticism.

ZEE5 will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 live in a variety of languages, such as Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.

The government refuted claims circulating on social media that the usage of E20 gasoline may result in the rejection of vehicle insurance claims.

The PIB Fact Check unit labelled the assertion phony and made it clear in a post on X that motor insurance policies are still good for vehicles using E20 fuel.

In response to social media remarks that drivers may experience problems obtaining insurance coverage or settling claims if they use E20 fuel, the clarification was given.

The PIB refuted the assertion, stating that the use of E20 fuel has no effect on the validity of motor insurance policies.

Additionally, the fact-checking unit recommended people to check such information with official sources before sharing or acting on it.

Additionally, it encouraged the public to contribute to the fight against misinformation by reporting fraudulent or questionable content.

In a separate development, a recent KPMG in India report emphasized the substantial scale reached by India’s ethanol blending program, with E20 fuel now being used across the country.

The report examined opportunities and challenges for the sector as it moves past E20, taking into account problems with feedstock availability, supply chain efficiency, infrastructure readiness, and policy alignment.

As part of its larger plan to improve energy security, lessen reliance on imported crude oil, and promote environmental sustainability, the government has been encouraging the use of ethanol-blended gasoline.

The government unveiled E85 gasoline at an IndianOil retail location earlier in June, during World Environment Day 2026, as the initial stage of a larger rollout plan.

At the present time, 48 retail locations run by public sector oil marketing firms sell E85 gasoline.

By December 2026, the administration hopes to increase availability to 500 locations, and by December 2027, to approximately 5,000.

The government denied rumors in the media on tuesday that it was pursuing a deep-sea energy pipeline that would connect Gujarat to Oman and other Gulf nations.

According to a clarification from the Petroleum Ministry, it has seen several media reports claiming that the Indian government is aggressively working to build a deep-sea energy pipeline, also known as the Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP), that would link Oman and other Gulf states to Gujarat.

“The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas wants to make it very clear that this Ministry is not currently considering such a proposal. It said in a statement that there are no active discussions or negotiations about this project at any level in this Ministry with Oman or any other Gulf states.

“The purpose of this clarification is to put an end to any conjectures surrounding this subject,” the ministry further stated.

On Monday, the Malta-flagged LNG carrier DISHA, operated by a consortium headed by the Shipping Corporation of India, made a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz with a cargo of 62,370 metric tons of LNG bound for Dahej in Gujarat. It is anticipated to arrive in India on June 18.

The government stated that it is constantly working with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions overseas, shipping businesses, and other relevant parties to guarantee the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers and provide all support. Across India, port operations are running normally and without any reported delays.

Only a few days after three Indian sailors on board the MT Settebello were slain after the US military attacked the commercial ship off the coast of Oman, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has additionally recommended maritime recruitment and placement agencies and shipping companies to limit the deployment of Indian sailors to Middle East conflict zones until further instructions.

According to a circular issued by DG Shipping, masters of ships operating in or passing through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, are advised to maintain heightened security awareness, carefully monitor navigational warnings received and advisories issued by security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stated that any judgment regarding the modification of LPG, diesel, and gasoline prices in the domestic market would be contingent upon the accessibility and constancy of crude oil supply in the global market.

Before making any decisions about fuel prices, the Centre is carefully monitoring trends in global energy markets, according to Suresh Gopi.

“Let us consider the crude oil supply. We have Hardeep Singh Puri, the minister concerned. In answer to questions about a potential increase in fuel prices, Gopi stated, “Let it come. ”

The minister stated that the overall energy scenario and the flow of crude oil supplies would serve as the basis for assessments.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated in Ludhiana on Saturday that the international situation with regard to the Iran, America, and Israel conflict has made the petroleum sector more difficult, leading to an increase in gasoline prices.

He did, however, add that the Central government has made sure that the populace of the country is not affected by the price increase.

The public sector oil companies, including Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil, and Hindustan Petroleum, are still bearing losses in order to shield consumers from the increase in global oil prices. On the sale of petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG, the marketing businesses are suffering losses of between Rs 600 crore and Rs 750 crore each day.

Authorities stated that despite recent increases in retail prices, the difference between world crude costs and pump prices continues to place a substantial financial burden on the oil corporations.

There is some good news that the US-Iran peace deal will be signed soon. This will open the Strait of Hormuz, resuming the flow of oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf and lowering energy costs.

About 20% of the world’s oil and gas exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and any interruption to shipping through this vital waterway causes a rise in global prices.

India has been obtaining oil imports from other countries, including Venezuela and African states like Nigeria and Angola.

In addition, India has increased its oil imports from Russia, and in May, it ranked as the second-largest importer of Russian oil, behind only China.

Members of the international diplomatic community said that India’s space technology is one of its most important assets and has become a hot topic worldwide.

Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, Dr. Mumin Chen, praised India’s accomplishments in the space sector and emphasized the country’s increasing impact in advanced technologies while speaking to reporters on the margins of the India Space Congress (ISC) 2026 here.

“In India, I am the spokesperson for Taiwan’s representative office. He declared, “I have the privilege and pleasure of attending the India Space Conference of 2026 today. ”

Chen further stated that he finds this to be really interesting as a member of the diplomatic community in India, since space technology is one of India’s advantages.

“It’s a uncommon chance for outsiders like us to truly understand India’s accomplishments, potential, and desire to collaborate with other nations,” he said.

Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) also took part in the event.

In his remarks, Phee Choosri, Deputy Executive Director of GISTDA, emphasized the long-standing friendship between India and Thailand and stated that the event offered a chance to further collaborate in the space and geophysical fields.

“We are in charge of space activity and geophysics in Thailand. Choosri said that we have a long history of relations with India, as we have discovered for this conference.

Industry leaders, diplomats, and policymakers from many countries gathered from June 15 to June 17 for the India Space Congress (ISC) 2026 to talk about the future of India’s space industry.

The Space Industry Association–India (SIA-India) hosts the India Space Congress (ISC), a top forum for government leaders, space agencies, industry executives, startups, investors, academics, and researchers to discuss the future of the worldwide space environment.

India started their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in style at Edgbaston on Sunday, defeating Pakistan by 64 runs thanks to Deepti Sharma’s career-best 5-10 spell.

Deepti, the off-spin bowling all-arounder, was the star as Pakistan fell apart from 75 for 3 to 106 all out in 17 overs, weaving a nasty spin web. In 20 overs, Richa Ghosh‘s late onslaught of 34 and Smriti Mandhana’s fluid 68 had previously pushed India to 170/6.

In addition to Deepti, left-arm spinner N Sree Charani also shined with 3-21 as India grabbed two points and a healthy net run rate to demonstrate their supremacy over Pakistan once more.

With intent, Pakistan started their chase by speeding to 52/1 in the powerplay, their greatest score in the six-over period versus India in T20 World Cups.

Muneeba Ali made India pay with four fluid boundaries after being dropped twice in the first four overs. Gull Feroza reverse-swept Deepti to backward point after scoring two boundaries against a poor Indian bowling attack.

Due to excellent spin bowling by Indian spinners in the middle overs, Pakistan was unable to take advantage of the powerplay after they had won it.

Before Sree Charani found Saira Jabeen’s leading edge and was caught at short cover, Deepti, who maintained pressure with her dot balls and slower bowling through the air, had Ayesha Zafar sweeping to short fine leg.

The turning point occurred when Muneeba was dismissed for 41 by Deepti’s direct hit from backward point, and Pakistan’s decline persisted. Natalia Pervaiz was caught by extra cover off Charani, while Fatima Sana fell for a three-ball duck to Shafali.

As Deepti and Charani dismissed them, Aliya Riaz and Rameen Shamim were unable to put up a fight. Deepti fittingly chose the other two wickets to finish a five-for and ensure India a crushing triumph.

Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India, praised the accomplishments of Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, saying, “They are always there to support the team whenever we need them. Today, I’m genuinely pleased with how they both performed. Cricket is a sport where you always win if you grab every ball and take every catch. And I believe that’s what occurred while fielding. I was very delighted with how we played and the game overall because we intended to offer ourselves to each ball.

It’s hard to choose one moment since everything I was able to accomplish in this game was special, but I’ll choose the five-wicket haul, stated India all-rounder and POTM Deepti Sharma. It’s quite unusual to get a fifer and win the game for your team in an ICC tournament. The conversation was about stepping up a bit during the first drinks break since we are aware of the skill and caliber of the athletes on our team. This was our inaugural match, and I relish ICC competitions, so I wanted to get off to a good start. It wasn’t like we entered the game against Pakistan with a different attitude. “Every game I play has the same attitude. ”

Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana admitted that her team lost by 64 runs to India and said, “We were attempting to be as positive as we could be. ” Without a doubt. We won the powerplay in both batting and bowling, but after that we collapsed with the bat. In order to achieve different results in the future, we must raise our batting average. Naturally, catches determine the outcome of games. Regrettably, we, especially as senior players, made some errors in our catches. “I believe we must improve our bowling and fielding in the next match since errors in the field might cost us the whole thing. ”

On Wednesday at Leeds’ Headingley, India will take on the Netherlands.

Brief Scores:
India 170/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 36; Fatima Sana 2-33, Sadia Iqbal 2-41)
Pakistan 106 all out in 17 overs (Muneeba Ali Siddiqui 41, Aliya Riaz 18; Deepti Sharma 5-10, N Sree Charani 3-21)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron‘s launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, is a watershed moment for the India-France relationship, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated on Sunday.

The Union Minister stated in a post on the X social media platform that President Macron’s focus on Bharat Innovates as a link between India’s and France’s thriving technological environments illustrates the expanding ambition and depth of our collaboration in new technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

As Prime Minister Modi pointed out, innovation’s actual value resides in its human impact rather than only in its valuation.

According to Minister Pradhan, India is becoming a solution provider for the globe and a technological powerhouse, ranging from AI for All to Technology for Humanity.

Bharat Innovates also demonstrates how India’s young innovators are developing answers that can help all of humanity by emphasizing speed, scale, and a dedication to a sustainable future.

Bharat Innovates 2026 demonstrates India’s and France’s shared belief that innovation should serve humanity and build a better future, rather than just being a platform. Our alliance is changing innovation into inspiration and progress for the world, Pradhan said, adding that it is founded on common principles and a shared vision.

The India-France innovation collaboration will be further reinforced by the concepts, collaborations, and inventions that are currently coming out of Nice. Bharat Innovates, he stated, will undoubtedly function as a worldwide accelerator for India’s educational ecosystem, making a significant contribution to global advancement.

The Bharat Innovates event, which lasts three days, unites Indian deep-tech start-ups, innovators, researchers, and investors with international innovation funds and reach. In 13 important technology areas, it highlights India’s top deep technology on the international scene, featuring more than 20 Institutes of Excellence and 120 breakthrough firms.

The event is also attended by over 350 prominent venture capitalists and investors from around the globe.

The Prime Minister also engaged with entrepreneurs and innovators in a variety of cutting-edge fields, including clean energy, advanced materials, healthcare, medtech, defense, space, biotechnology, semiconductors, and quantum computing.

The two leaders also saw the exhibition and spoke with innovators and entrepreneurs in a variety of frontier areas, including Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Defence, Space, Healthcare, Semiconductors, MedTech, Advanced Materials, and Clean Energy.

In a message on X, Pradhan said, The India-France relationship has reached a watershed point with Prime Minister @narendramodiJi and President @EmmanuelMacron inaugurating BharatInnovates2026 in Nice, France.

From June 14–16, Nice, France, will host Bharat Innovates 2026, which is being organized by the Union Ministry of Education as part of the India–France Year of Innovation.

Wishing all participants for a productive and influential event, the Union Education Minister stated that the ideas, partnerships, and innovations that will emerge from Nice over the next few days will further reinforce the India-France innovation partnership.

Hon’ble President’s (Emmanuel Macron) emphasis on Bharat Innovates as a link between India’s innovation ecosystem and France’s thriving technological environment reflects the growing ambition and depth of our cooperation in emerging technologies, enterprise, and innovation, according to Union Minister Pradhan on X.

Minister Pradhan continued, “I am sure that Bharat Innovates will also act as a worldwide accelerator for the Indian educational ecosystem, making a significant contribution to global progress. ”

Union Minister Pradhan published two strategic documents on Bharat Innovates on Friday that highlight India’s burgeoning innovation and startup ecosystem, which is based in higher education and research institutions.

The Bharat Innovates 2026 programme supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020‘s goal of turning India from a nation of knowledge consumers into a nation of knowledge producers, innovators, and technological leaders.

According to Union Minister Pradhan, one of the main goals of the NEP 2020 is to change India from a system of knowledge consumption to one of knowledge generation and innovation.

The Bharat Innovates Startup Compendium, which includes profiles of 120 high-potential startups chosen from throughout the nation, was one of the two strategic documents published on the event.

The materials offer market intelligence by sector, technology trends, global opportunity mapping, and strategic engagement routes to assist entrepreneurs in identifying future growth possibilities.

Jaspal Rana, a former Asian Games medalist and well-known Indian shooting coach, passed away at the age of 49.

Rana, who trains a number of Indian pistol shooters, including two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, was the high-performance coach for Indian pistol competitions.

Rana was brought to the hospital after experiencing pain on her way home to India from the ISSF World Cup in Munich.

Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), expressed his condolences on Rana’s passing. “It’s a huge loss. He was an excellent instructor as well as a champion marksman. He said he would miss him terribly.

India’s most successful athlete in the history of the Commonwealth Games was Rana, who earned several medals at the international stage.

Rana won 15 medals—9 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze—across four editions of the Games: 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006. He has won eight medals in the Asian Games in the 1994, 1998, and 2006 versions.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences on the passing of legendary Indian shooter and high-performance coach Jaspal Rana, calling it a great loss to the world of Indian sports.

“Deeply saddened by Shri Jaspal Rana Ji’s passing. Indian athletics has suffered a great deal from his demise. Through his extraordinary accomplishments in shooting, he gave the country great honor. His commitment as a mentor, shaping and supporting youthful athletes, was equally amazing. His unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline, and service to the athletic community garnered him tremendous respect. At this sad time, I offer his family, friends, and the entire athletic community my condolences.Om Shanti!“, PM Modi posted the message on X.

During his stellar playing career, Rana, one of India’s most accomplished pistol shooters, won numerous Asian Games gold medals and 15 Commonwealth Games medals.

He transitioned into a highly successful coaching career after retiring, mentoring superstars like Saurabh Chaudhary, Anish Bhanwala, and Manu Bhaker to build a strong talent pipeline for India. In 2020, he received the esteemed Dronacharya Award.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences and described Rana’s passing as a huge loss to Indian sports. The sudden passing of Jaspal Rana, a shooter of international renown, has left me deeply saddened and shocked. Jaspal was a really modest, kind-hearted, and straightforward man in addition to being an excellent coach and athlete. He had a very important part in making shooting popular as a sport in India. “, Rajnath Singh stated on X.

By winning gold medals for India at the World Shooting Championship and the Asian Games, Jaspal Rana brought the nation great honor throughout the globe. The Indian sporting community suffered a great setback with his death. May God give his grieving family the strength to endure this tremendous suffering. At this trying moment, I want to express my sincere sympathy to his fans and family. He continued, “Om Shanti!”

For his contributions to Indian shooting, Rana received the Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1997. In 2020, Rana was awarded India’s top honour for sports instruction, the Dronacharya Award, in recognition of his coaching quality.