Author: Neel Achary

Jharkhand Emerges as Power Surplus State with Commissioning of PVUNL’s Second 800 MW Unit

Ranchi, June 25: In a major boost to Jharkhand’s energy infrastructure, the state has officially become power surplus following the commencement of commercial operations of the second 800 MW unit of the Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) thermal power project.

The commissioning of the new unit marks a significant milestone in Jharkhand’s efforts to strengthen its power generation capacity and achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. With the addition of another 800 MW, the state is now better positioned to meet rising electricity demand from households, agriculture, businesses, and industries while reducing its dependence on power purchases from other states.

PVUNL, a joint venture between NTPC and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), is one of the state’s flagship power projects aimed at modernising electricity infrastructure and ensuring long-term energy security. The operationalisation of the second unit substantially increases the project’s contribution to the state’s power supply network.

Officials said the enhanced generation capacity will improve grid stability, strengthen power availability across urban and rural regions, and support uninterrupted electricity supply. The development is also expected to accelerate industrial growth by providing reliable power to existing industries and attracting fresh investments into the state.

The achievement comes at a time when Jharkhand is focusing on infrastructure-led economic development. Adequate and reliable electricity is considered a key enabler for manufacturing, mining, commercial activities, and social development initiatives.

Energy sector experts noted that becoming a power surplus state offers multiple benefits, including reduced expenditure on power procurement, improved energy planning, and the potential to supply surplus electricity to other regions through the national grid. This could further enhance the state’s revenue generation opportunities.

The commissioning of the second unit also reflects the successful execution of large-scale infrastructure projects in the power sector and highlights ongoing efforts to modernise thermal power generation facilities with improved efficiency and environmental standards.

State officials expressed confidence that the expanded power generation capacity will play a crucial role in supporting Jharkhand’s long-term economic ambitions, improving quality of life for citizens, and ensuring sustainable energy availability for future growth.

With the latest addition to its power infrastructure, Jharkhand has taken a significant step towards strengthening its energy ecosystem and reinforcing its position as an emerging industrial and economic hub in eastern India.

Over 17 pc of Assam Households Pay Zero Electricity Bills: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati, June 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that more than 17 per cent of households in the state are currently paying zero electricity bills, highlighting the impact of the government’s power subsidy and welfare initiatives.

According to the Chief Minister, the benefit is reaching a significant number of families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, helping reduce their monthly household expenses.

Sarma said the initiative is part of the state’s efforts to make electricity more affordable and ensure wider access to essential services. He noted that the scheme has provided relief to thousands of families amid rising living costs.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to improving power infrastructure and expanding access to reliable electricity across urban and rural areas of the state.

Officials said the programme reflects Assam’s focus on inclusive development and social welfare, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach those who need them most.

The state government continues to implement measures aimed at improving the quality of life for residents through affordable and accessible public services.

Odisha Crime Branch Recovers Rs 1.1 Crore Lost by Retired Professor in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): In a major success against cyber fraud, the Odisha Crime Branch has recovered and returned Rs 1.1 crore to a retired professor who had lost over Rs 2.45 crore in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam earlier this year.

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According to officials, the victim was targeted in February through an elaborate four-day cyber fraud operation orchestrated by fraudsters posing as government officials.

The ordeal began with a phone call informing the retired academic that his Aadhaar number had allegedly been linked to a bank account associated with terrorist activities. The call was subsequently shifted to a video conference, during which the fraudsters impersonated officials from central investigative agencies.

To make the deception appear genuine, the scammers allegedly sent a forged “digital arrest order” through WhatsApp, directing the professor not to leave his residence or contact anyone. The victim was kept under constant surveillance through virtual means and was allegedly coerced into transferring Rs 2,45,24,540 to multiple bank accounts over several days.

After realising that he had been duped, the professor lodged an FIR with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Odisha Crime Branch on March 2 and subsequently registered a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Acting swiftly, investigators traced the money trail and identified beneficiary accounts linked to the fraud. During the investigation, one account containing Rs 1.1 crore was frozen. Following necessary legal procedures and coordination with the concerned bank, the amount was successfully refunded to the victim.

Officials said the investigation is still underway and efforts are on to trace the remaining funds and identify those involved in the cyber fraud. No arrests have been made so far.

The case comes amid a sharp rise in cybercrime incidents in Odisha. Official figures indicate that the state recorded 49,426 cyber fraud complaints involving Rs 432.28 crore in 2025. Of this amount, Rs 68.71 crore was frozen, while Rs 5.31 crore was refunded to victims. Between January and April 2026, another 16,335 complaints involving Rs 134.24 crore were reported, with authorities freezing Rs 24.27 crore and returning Rs 2.97 crore to victims.

The Odisha Police have once again cautioned citizens against falling prey to “digital arrest” scams, stressing that no genuine government agency or law enforcement authority conducts investigations solely through video calls or asks individuals to transfer money during an inquiry.

People have been advised to immediately report suspicious calls by dialling the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or by lodging complaints through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fake Ticket Websites Raise Online Security Concerns

New Delhi, June 25: Concerns have been raised over fraudulent online platforms impersonating official channels for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket sales, with authorities and cybersecurity experts warning fans to exercise caution while booking tickets.

Officials said several fake websites and misleading links have surfaced, attempting to imitate legitimate ticketing portals and deceive users into sharing personal and financial information. The surge in such activities has prompted increased monitoring and public advisories to ensure safe access to official ticketing channels.

Cybersecurity experts have advised fans to verify official sources before making any purchases and avoid clicking on unverified links circulated through social media or messaging platforms. They also stressed the importance of checking domain authenticity and using only authorised platforms for ticket bookings.

Organisers are expected to intensify awareness campaigns to help fans identify genuine ticketing sources and reduce the risk of online fraud during the tournament’s ticket sales phase.

Authorities are working to track and block suspicious websites while encouraging users to report any suspected fraudulent activity to relevant agencies.

With global demand expected to be high for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, experts say public vigilance will play a key role in preventing financial losses and ensuring secure transactions.

Government Introduces QR Code System to Track High-Risk Medicines

New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has mandated the use of QR codes on vaccines, antimicrobials, and cancer drugs as part of a strengthened regulatory framework aimed at curbing counterfeit medicines and improving drug traceability across the supply chain.

Officials said the move is intended to ensure end-to-end tracking of critical and high-value pharmaceutical products, enhancing patient safety and strengthening trust in the healthcare system. The QR code system will allow stakeholders, including regulators, healthcare providers, and consumers, to verify the authenticity of medicines in real time.

The initiative is expected to improve transparency across manufacturing, distribution, and retail channels by enabling digital verification at every stage of the supply chain. Authorities said this will help reduce the risk of spurious or substandard drugs entering the market.

Regulatory bodies will oversee the implementation process, ensuring compliance from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Companies will be required to integrate QR-based tracking systems into packaging for the specified categories of medicines.

Health officials noted that the step is particularly significant for life-saving drugs such as vaccines, cancer treatments, and antimicrobial medicines, where counterfeit risks can have serious public health implications.

The government stated that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of leveraging digital technologies to strengthen healthcare governance and improve patient safety outcomes.

Experts believe the measure will enhance accountability in the pharmaceutical sector and position India’s drug regulatory system among the more advanced globally in terms of traceability and anti-counterfeit mechanisms.