23, Jun 2026
Northern Railways and Indus Towers Strengthen Women’s Hygiene Access Across 175 Railway Stations
New Delhi, June 23: Indus Towers, one of the world’s largest telecom infrastructure companies, in partnership with Northern Railways, has installed 500 sanitary napkin vending machines under its CSR program, Nari Samman. Deployed across 175 railway stations in the Delhi, Firozpur, Ambala, Moradabad and Lucknow divisions, the machines are equipped with IoT-enabled monitoring and have dispensed approximately 3 crore sanitary napkins to date. The initiative ensures round-the-clock availability and free access to sanitary napkins for women travelers.
The Nari Samman program is implemented under Indus Towers’ flagship CSR initiative, Pragati, which focuses on building a sustainable ecosystem of awareness, access, and community support. The program is aligned with the Government of India’s efforts to improve menstrual health awareness and access to sanitary products through the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) under the National Health Mission, reinforcing national priorities around women’s health and gender sensitive public infrastructure.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Pandey, General Manager, Northern Railways, said,
“Indian Railways serves millions of passengers every day, including millions of women and girls who depend on the network for work, education and healthcare. Ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity remains a priority for us. This collaboration with Indus Towers is an important step towards making public spaces more inclusive and supportive for women. It reflects our commitment to embedding meaningful social outcomes within public infrastructure.”
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Tejinder Kalra, Chief Operating Officer, Indus Towers Ltd., said,
“Executing this initiative at scale across one of India’s busiest railway zones reflects Indus Towers’ experience in deploying and managing resilient, technology‑enabled solutions, we bring the same rigor, precision and commitment to social infrastructure. Our partnership with Northern Railways extends this capability to one of the country’s most extensive public networks. When access is seamlessly embedded into everyday spaces like railway stations, dignity becomes part of daily life, and we are proud to help make that change possible.”
The initiative complements Indian Railways’ sustained efforts to make travel safer, more inclusive and dignified for women. By integrating menstrual hygiene infrastructure into stations, alongside women‑reserved coaches, and ongoing improvements in station amenities and sanitation, the program addresses a critical yet often overlooked need. It strengthens the overall ecosystem of women‑centric facilities across the railway network, ensuring dignity is built into the everyday travel experience.
This initiative forms part of Indus Towers’ broader CSR vision to positively impact over 150 million lives by 2030.
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- By Neel Achary
23, Jun 2026
Trailer of ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ Animated Film Launched Amid Massive Devotional Gathering
June 23: The trailer of the much-awaited animated feature film “Mahaprabhu Jagannath” was officially launched on Monday by spiritual orator Indresh Upadhyay Maharaj during his Shrimad Bhagwat Katha.
The launch witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 10,000 devotees present for the unveiling, making it one of the largest physical trailer launches for an animated film in India. The atmosphere turned deeply devotional as chants of “Jai Jagannath” filled the venue during the trailer screening.
Speaking at the event, Indresh Upadhyay Maharaj appreciated the effort behind the film and highlighted the importance of connecting younger generations with India’s culture, traditions, and spiritual values. He said such creative initiatives play an important role in helping children understand their roots in an engaging and meaningful way.
He added that “Mahaprabhu Jagannath” is more than just a film, calling it a sincere attempt to pass on devotion, culture, and values to the coming generation through modern storytelling.
The film is being promoted as the first pan-India theatrical animated feature based on Lord Jagannath, designed with world-class animation to appeal to children as well as family audiences.
Directed by Shripad Warkhedkar, the project features screenplay and dialogues by Pallavi Sharma, with music composed by Aviral Kumar. The film is scheduled for release on July 10 in Hindi, Odia, and Telugu languages.
The makers believe the film will help bridge tradition with contemporary animation, bringing spiritual storytelling closer to today’s audience in an engaging format.
23, Jun 2026
Ericsson and partners launch national 5G, 6G and AI test center in Sweden
As the focus of Sweden’s political, business and academic leaders turns to the annual Almedalen discussion forum on Gotland today, Ericsson, Telia and other partners are demonstrating their commitment to the country’s future digital competitiveness by announcing a new national connectivity and next-generation test center.
Called Digital Arena Sweden, the new national test center is an investment of more than SEK 300 million. It aims to strengthen Swedish industry by providing early access to advanced digital solutions in 5G, 6G, and AI.
Supported by Sweden‘s innovation agency (Vinnova) through the Avancerad Digitalisering innovation program, the collaboration brings together Ericsson, Telia, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden (and its subsidiary AstaZero), Future by Lund and others.
Under the initiative, Ericsson is responsible for establishing and progressing a unique, pre-commercial 6G test environment in collaboration with Lund University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
A top-level delegation of Ericsson executives will discuss the role of connectivity in Sweden’s digital competitiveness during Almedalen 2026, which gets underway on the Swedish island of Gotland today.
Erik Ekudden, CTO, Ericsson, says: “In Sweden, we have extensive experience in driving technological leadership. By creating one of the world’s first test environments for the combination of 5G,6G and AI, several years before the technology becomes commercial, we are ensuring that Swedish industry and research remain at the absolute forefront. For Ericsson, this is an opportunity to define, together with our partners, how a connected society will function, where AI agents, physical AI (robotics), and autonomous systems can be developed and validated to meet the future.”
Anders Olsson, CEO, Telia Sweden, says: “Through the new test center, we are opening up for more companies to take part in the latest 5G technology and AI, where we can meet high demands for security and sovereignty. This is a prerequisite for connecting and digitizing the most critical parts of operations and products, but also where the value in terms of efficiency, customer value, and societal benefit is greatest. This is how we can step up the work of both strengthening Sweden‘s digital security and competitiveness.”
The test center will facilitate industries, from mining and transport to defense and medtech, in exploring the potential of 6G. The insights will also feed into the global 6G standardization process.
The new 6G environment builds on the Telia-Ericsson innovation program, NorthStar, which provides access to the latest 5G capabilities.
Digital Arena Sweden aims to empower enterprises by harnessing connectivity and AI to innovate safely and securely, accelerating the path from concept to commercial deployment.
The center aims to provide a shared digital portal and common framework for testing, making advanced technology more accessible to the entire Swedish innovation ecosystem.
23, Jun 2026
Goodwill Welcomes Soccer Visitors as the Go-To Destination for Last-Minute Essentials, Sustainable Finds, and One-of-a-Kind Seattle Souvenirs
SEATTLE, WA- June 23: As soccer fans explore Seattle between matches, Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is spotlighting a surprising discovery just steps from Seattle Stadium: the world’s largest Goodwill. Located in the vibrant International District (1400 S Lane St), Evergreen Goodwill’s 70,000-square-foot flagship store offers far more than traditional retail: it’s a dynamic, ever-changing destination where visitors can pick up travel essentials, discover local style, and experience Seattle’s commitment to sustainability and reuse.
A Smart Stop for Travelers
For fans navigating a busy and often expensive global event, Goodwill offers a practical, affordable solution for items they may have forgotten-or didn’t realize they’d need, including:
o Clear stadium-approved bags
o Reusable water bottles for watch parties and sightseeing
o Weather-ready layers for Seattle’s changing conditions Comfortable walking shoes and travel accessories
o Unique souvenirs and Seattle memorabilia
With approximately 10,000 new items hitting the sales floor each day, no two visits are the same, making this one-of-a-kind store the ideal place to pick up both essentials and unexpected finds.
A Destination Experience, Not Just a Store
As thrifting continues to grow in popularity, the Seattle flagship has become a destination in its own right. Like Pike Place Market, it’s participatory and always changing. Like MoPOP, it celebrates creativity and self-expression. And like the Space Needle, it holds a standout distinction that resonates with visitors. Staffed by a team from more than 20 countries, it reflects the diversity of the global community gathering in Seattle for the world’s most international sporting event.
Sustainable Travel Meets Meaningful Impact
Beyond convenience and discovery, shopping at Evergreen Goodwill offers travelers a way to make their visit more sustainable. By purchasing secondhand items, visitors help reduce waste, extend the life of goods, and participate in Seattle’s circular economy. Every purchase also supports Evergreen Goodwill’s tuition-free job training, education, and career placement programs across Northwest Washington-connecting a simple shopping trip to long-term impact in the community.
Whether stopping in briefly between matches or spending time treasure hunting, the Seattle flagship store offers a memorable, distinctly local experience.
23, Jun 2026
Air India to Boost Northeast Connectivity with Gulf Direct Flights
Guwahati, June 23: Air India will commence direct international flights connecting Guwahati with Dubai and Abu Dhabi starting August 4, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced.
The new routes mark a significant expansion of international air connectivity from Northeast India, aimed at improving access to key global destinations in the Middle East. The direct flights are expected to enhance travel convenience for passengers, boost tourism, and strengthen business and trade linkages between Assam and the Gulf region.
Officials noted that improved connectivity will also benefit the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf countries, particularly workers and families from Assam and neighbouring states, by reducing travel time and improving accessibility.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to position Guwahati as a key aviation hub in the region, supporting economic development and increasing the state’s integration with international markets.
Authorities expressed confidence that the new routes will contribute to increased passenger traffic, economic activity, and regional growth in the coming years.
23, Jun 2026
India Leads Global Ship Recycling Market in 2025
New Delhi, June 23: India has emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling nation in 2025, capturing a 35.4% market share, according to the Ministry.
The achievement highlights India’s growing dominance in the global ship recycling industry, supported by its expanding infrastructure, competitive capabilities, and adherence to international standards. The country’s recycling hubs, particularly along the western coast, have played a key role in handling a significant volume of end-of-life vessels.
Officials noted that India’s leadership in the sector reflects its strong industrial capacity and increasing focus on sustainable and regulated recycling practices. The industry also contributes to employment generation and supports the domestic steel and allied sectors through the recovery of reusable materials.
The Ministry emphasized that continued policy support, modernization of facilities, and compliance with global environmental norms will further strengthen India’s position in the ship recycling market.
With this development, India has reinforced its role as a key global hub in the ship recycling industry, marking a significant milestone in its maritime and industrial growth story.
23, Jun 2026
India’s Economic Growth Remains Robust in June Despite Slight Moderation, PMI at 57.4
New Delhi, June 23: India’s economic activity continued to expand at a healthy pace in June, even as growth showed a marginal slowdown compared to previous months, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data, which stood at 57.4.
The reading, well above the neutral mark of 50, indicates sustained expansion across key sectors, reflecting resilience in both manufacturing and services. The data points to continued strength in demand conditions, steady business activity, and overall economic stability despite global headwinds.
In the manufacturing sector, firms reported stable output levels supported by consistent domestic demand and improved supply conditions. The services sector also remained a key growth driver, benefiting from strong client activity, new business inflows, and ongoing recovery in consumption-related services.
Employment trends remained positive, with companies continuing to hire in response to rising workloads. Input costs and output prices showed mixed trends, but overall inflationary pressures remained manageable within the broader economic context.
Experts noted that while the slight moderation in PMI suggests a cooling from earlier highs, the index continues to signal strong expansion. They added that India’s growth remains supported by resilient domestic consumption, government spending, and improving business confidence.
Economists further highlighted that external uncertainties, including global demand fluctuations and geopolitical risks, may influence short-term momentum. However, India’s domestic-driven growth model is expected to provide a buffer against external shocks.
Overall, the June PMI data underscores the strength and stability of India’s economy, reinforcing expectations of sustained growth in the coming months, supported by strong fundamentals and broad-based sectoral performance.
23, Jun 2026
Agriculture, Technology Emerge as Pillars of India’s Growth Story
June 23: India’s future economic growth will be significantly driven by the combined strength of agriculture and technology, according to industry leaders and policymakers speaking at the Summer Davos forum.
Experts highlighted that India’s large agricultural base, coupled with rapid advancements in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, and infrastructure, is creating new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth. They noted that technology is increasingly transforming the agricultural sector through improved productivity, better market access, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced supply chain efficiency.
Speakers emphasized that India is well-positioned to emerge as a global growth engine due to its young workforce, expanding digital ecosystem, and ongoing economic reforms. The integration of technology across sectors, particularly in agriculture, is expected to boost rural incomes, strengthen food security, and support long-term economic development.
The discussions also underscored the importance of continued investment in innovation, digital infrastructure, skill development, and sustainable agricultural practices to unlock India’s full growth potential.
Experts at the forum expressed confidence that the synergy between agriculture and technology will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic future and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
23, Jun 2026
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna Welcomes Growing US Focus on Quantum Computing
New York, June 23: IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna has welcomed the United States’ increasing focus on advancing quantum computing, highlighting the technology’s potential to drive innovation, strengthen economic competitiveness, and address complex challenges across industries.
Krishna noted that continued investment in quantum research, infrastructure, and talent development is essential for maintaining technological leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape. He emphasized that collaboration between government, industry, and academic institutions will play a key role in accelerating the development and practical application of quantum technologies.
Quantum computing is widely regarded as the next frontier in computing, with the potential to solve problems that are beyond the capabilities of traditional computers. Experts believe the technology could transform sectors such as healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, materials science, and energy.
Krishna’s remarks come amid growing global competition in advanced technologies, with governments and technology companies increasing investments in quantum research and innovation. Industry leaders view sustained policy support and strategic funding as critical to advancing the commercialization of quantum computing solutions.
The comments underscore the growing importance of quantum technology as nations seek to strengthen their technological capabilities and secure long-term economic growth through innovation.
23, Jun 2026
Sensex, Nifty Open Muted as Easing West Asia Tensions Support Market Sentiment
Mumbai, June 23: Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, opened on a subdued note on Tuesday as investors adopted a cautious approach despite signs of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The easing of tensions in the region has helped improve global market sentiment and reduced concerns over potential disruptions to crude oil supplies. This development provided some support to investor confidence, although market participants remained focused on broader economic and corporate factors.
Analysts noted that lower geopolitical risks could help stabilize energy prices and support equity markets. However, uncertainty surrounding global economic growth, interest rate outlooks, and upcoming economic data continued to keep investors cautious.
In early trade, sectoral movements remained mixed as investors assessed domestic and international developments. Market participants are also closely monitoring corporate announcements, foreign fund flows, and global market trends for further direction.
Experts believe that while easing tensions in West Asia have brought some relief to financial markets, volatility may persist in the near term as investors navigate evolving global and domestic factors.
Overall, Indian markets began the day on a steady footing, balancing positive geopolitical developments with caution over broader economic uncertainties.
