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United News of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Iran, China, Russia, to hold trilateral meet to discuss Tehran's nuclear programme
Tehran/Beijing/Moscow, July 22 (UNI) Iran, China and Russia are set to hold a trilateral meeting in Tehran today to discuss the country's nuclear programme, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced yesterday. While the Iranian Foreign Ministry has not named the participants, the trilateral discussion in Tehran is expected to take place below the ministerial level, reports Russian state media TASS. The trilateral meet come ahead of a meeting in Istanbul between Iran and France, Germany and the United Kingdom, or the E3 nations, on July 25. The E3 nations, China and Russia are the remaining nations involved in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in return for restrictions on its nuclear program. On June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran after accusing it of secretly pursuing a nuclear weapons program, after detecting signs of highly enriched uranium, way above what was needed for civil use. The IDF strikes targeted nuclear facilities, military leadership as well as air bases and killed several members of Tehran's top brass, including the military commanders of the Iranian Army and the IRGC, and key nuclear scientists. Iran rejected the allegations and retaliated, launching drones into Israeli airspace. The United States conducted a one-time attack on three of Iran's nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo, on June 22. Tehran struck the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in response but said it had "no intention of further escalation." Both Tehran and Jerusalem are currently holding an uneasy and fragile ceasefire, with both countries keeping their militaries battle ready and weapon systems operational. Adding further urgency, the Tehran meeting precedes renewed nuclear talks with France, Germany, and the UK scheduled for July 25 in Istanbul.
United News of India
4 hours ago
- Health
- United News of India
PM wishes good health to Jagdeep Dhankhar
New Delhi, July 22 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar good health and said Mr Dhankhar had got many opportunities to serve the country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. The Prime Minister posted on X 'Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.'' Mr Dhankhar in a surprise move resigned as Vice President yesterday citing health reasons. His term as Vice President was scheduled to end in August 2027. Mr Dhankhar, announcing his resignation wrote to President Draupadi Murmu "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution. I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency, the Honourable President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure." UNI RB 1440
United News of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
Hungary announces construction of oil pipeline with Russia and Serbia
Budapest, July 22 (UNI) In a move that could potentially upset the ties between Hungary and the EU, Budapest has announced progress on a new pipeline with Serbia to transport Russian oil. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, taking to X wrote 'We're moving forward with Serbian and Russian partners to build a new oil pipeline between Hungary and Serbia. 'While Brussels is banning Russian energy, cutting links and blocking routes, we need more sources, more routes. Hungary won't fall victim to these disastrous decisions.' Szijjarto made the announcement yesterday after meeting with Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin and Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Dedovic-Handanovic. Szijjarto said all sides support the project, which could be operational by 2027, and have reviewed investment and construction details, reports RT News. He further accused Brussels of seeking 'to cut us off from Russian oil and gas, forcing Hungarian families to pay two to four times more.' 'We won't allow that. We are building new sources, not shutting them down.' While the Hungarian FM did not disclose Moscow's exact role in the venture, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum last month that the country was ready to both aid in construction and supply oil to the planned pipeline. Hungary's relationship with the European bloc has been stormy, as the country refused to cut ties with Russia following its war Ukraine, and has further denounced the EU's move to cut away its dependence on Moscow's oil and gas supplies by 2028 under its RePower EU Plan, calling the move illogical and detrimental Budapest's energy security. UNI ANV SSP
United News of India
9 hours ago
- Health
- United News of India
National mission uncovers 18.85 lakh sickle cell cases
New Delhi, July 22 (UNI) The ongoing ambitious National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission has revealed a significant public health challenge, with more than 18.85 lakh individuals identified as either suffering from Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) or carrying the trait, according to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry today. As of now, six crore individuals have been screened against a target of seven crore. Sickle cell disease — also called sickle cell anemia — is a group of inherited disorders that affect hemoglobin, the major protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Of those screened, 2.15 lakh individuals have been diagnosed with the disease, and 16.7 lakh have been identified as carriers. Health experts have flagged the numbers as concerning, especially given the chronic nature of the illness and the burden it places on affected tribal populations. A total of 2.6 crore health cards have been distributed by states to facilitate continued monitoring and support, as per the statement by the Ministry. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand have reported remarkable progress in meeting their screening targets. However, the highest number of diagnosed cases has emerged from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat — indicating high disease prevalence in these regions. Screening is being carried out using validated Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kits that allow for rapid and confirmatory diagnosis. A centralised digital dashboard and SCD portal have been established to consolidate data and improve coordination among states, says the statement. The Mission, inaugurated on July 1, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, seeks to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. It envisions universal screening of seven crore individuals aged 0–40 years in tribal and high-burden districts by FY 2025–26, supported by robust awareness campaigns and counselling services. Health authorities have underscored the need for intensified outreach, sustained counselling, and follow-up mechanisms for those diagnosed. The large number of affected individuals now identified underscores both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of addressing it through integrated national and state-level health systems. UNI AJ SSP
United News of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
Chola MS records Rs.1997 cr GWP in Q1 FY25-26
Chennai, July 22 (UNI) Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Ltd (Chola MS), a joint venture between the Murugappa Group and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group of Japan, today announced its unaudited financial results for Q1 FY25-26, reporting a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs 1,997 crore. On the key financial and operational highlights for Q1 FY25-26, the company said Gross Written Premium (GWP) growth was at 2.7% consequent to the 1/n method of GWP recognition effective October 1, 2024. The GWP growth was 7.9% on full premium basis. The Company had Rs.102 crs of non-motor long term premium the recognition of which has been deferred to respective annual periods. Profit Before Tax (PBT) for Q1 was Rs.144.77 Cr as against Rs.178.96 crores in the corresponding quarter. The Company made a higher provisioning for motor third claims in the context of rising value of awards and absence of any increase in motor third party premium over the last four years. The results for the quarter were also impacted by a few large claims in the fire line of business. The net worth rose to Rs 3,106 crore as of June 30, 2025 with the solvency ratio at 2.17 times (regulatory requirement of 1.5 times) and recorded a return on equity of 3.45% for the quarter (not annualized). Commenting on the performance, Mr. V. Suryanarayanan, Managing Director, Chola MS, said, 'We remain steadfast in our pursuit of sustainable and profitable growth. Our continued investments in digital platforms, data-led decision-making, and strategic distribution partnerships have ensured we stay resilient and future-ready. We are committed to enhancing value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders through innovation, operational excellence, and a strong service ethos.' UNI GV 1930
