17, Jul 2026
President Murmu Highlights Role of Forest Officers in Expanding India’s Green Cover

New Delhi, July 17: President Droupadi Murmu called upon probationers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) to play a proactive role in expanding green cover and strengthening environmental conservation efforts across the country.

Addressing the probationers, the President highlighted the vital role of the Indian Forest Service in protecting forests, preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. She encouraged the young officers to contribute towards increasing greenery and supporting ecological balance through dedicated public service.

The President underscored the importance of forests in addressing climate change, conserving wildlife and ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations. She urged the officers to combine scientific knowledge, innovation and community participation to achieve long-term conservation goals.

Officials said the interaction reflected the government’s continued emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, with the Indian Forest Service playing a key role in implementing conservation initiatives nationwide.

The President also encouraged the probationers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and public service as they prepare to take on responsibilities in safeguarding India’s rich natural heritage.

The address reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts to expand green cover and build a more sustainable and environmentally resilient future for the country.

17, Jul 2026
Tripura Kicks Off Census 2027 Self-Enumeration Drive with Governor Leading Public Participation

Agartala, July 17: Tripura has officially launched the self-enumeration phase of Census 2027, with the Governor setting the tone by becoming one of the first citizens to complete the process and encouraging wider public participation.

The self-enumeration facility enables residents to submit their household details digitally, offering a faster, more convenient and citizen-friendly approach to the national census. The initiative is expected to simplify the data collection process while improving the accuracy and efficiency of the exercise.

Officials said the Governor’s participation sends a strong message about the importance of the census and the need for every eligible household to contribute accurate information. Citizens have been urged to take advantage of the digital platform and complete the exercise within the stipulated timeline.

The Census serves as a key tool for informed policymaking, helping governments assess demographic trends and plan future investments in infrastructure, public services and welfare programmes.

State authorities are undertaking awareness campaigns and administrative measures to ensure the smooth implementation of the self-enumeration process, making the Census 2027 exercise more accessible and inclusive for residents across Tripura.

17, Jul 2026
PM Modi Announces INR 4,700 Crore Projects to Strengthen Chandigarh’s Urban Infrastructure

Chandigarh, July 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh, reaffirming the government’s focus on strengthening urban infrastructure, connectivity and public services.

The projects span multiple sectors and are aimed at improving civic amenities, enhancing transportation infrastructure and supporting the city’s long-term development. The initiatives are expected to boost economic activity, improve quality of life and create new opportunities for residents.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to building modern infrastructure that supports inclusive growth and sustainable urban development.

Officials said the projects will contribute to better connectivity, upgraded public facilities and improved service delivery, while reinforcing Chandigarh’s position as a key urban centre in northern India.

The investment reflects the Centre’s continued emphasis on infrastructure-led growth and the creation of modern, future-ready cities. The projects are also expected to generate employment during implementation and provide long-term benefits to the region’s economy.

The launch marks another step in the government’s broader vision of accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening public assets to meet the evolving needs of citizens.

17, Jul 2026
India’s Technology Deal Activity Surges to Five-Quarter High, Reaches Dollar 2.5 Billion

New Delhi, July 17: India’s technology sector recorded its strongest deal-making activity in five quarters, with total deal value reaching approximately $2.5 billion, reflecting renewed investor confidence and sustained momentum across the country’s digital economy.

The increase in technology deals highlights growing investment in emerging sectors, including software, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure and enterprise technology. Industry experts attribute the surge to improved market sentiment, expanding innovation and continued interest from both domestic and global investors.

The strong deal activity underscores India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, supported by a vibrant startup landscape, increasing digital adoption and favourable business opportunities.

Market analysts said the rise in transaction volumes signals confidence in the long-term growth potential of India’s technology sector and is expected to encourage further investment, strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions.

The momentum is also anticipated to support job creation, accelerate innovation and strengthen India’s competitiveness in the global technology landscape.

The latest figures reinforce the resilience of India’s tech industry, with sustained investment activity expected to drive the next phase of digital transformation and economic growth.

17, Jul 2026
Malaka Spice Celebrates 29 Years with the Return of its Signature Nasi Kandar Thaal

Pune, July 17: Marking 29 years of bringing the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia to Pune, Malaka Spice is bringing back its much-loved Thaal, a limited-edition dining experience inspired by the bold culinary traditions of Malaysia’s Nasi Kandar. Available from 24th to 31st July 2026 at its Koregaon Park restaurant, the specially curated lunch experience is a tribute to the restaurant’s culinary journey and the loyal patrons who have been a part of it over the years.

Malaka Spice Celebrates 29 Years with the Return of its Signature Nasi Kandar Thaal

Designed to celebrate the joy of sharing, the Birthday Thaal features a thoughtfully curated spread inspired by the vibrant flavours of Malaysia’s Nasi Kandar tradition. Guests can look forward to a selection of signature curries, rice, accompaniments, appetisers, and dessert, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options that reflect Malaka Spice’s interpretation of this iconic Malaysian meal.

Speaking about the celebration, Praful Chandawarkar, Founder, Malaka Spice, said,

 “Our 29th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the journey we’ve shared with our guests over the years. The Birthday Thaal reflects our continued inspiration from Southeast Asia’s diverse food cultures, particularly the rich flavours of Malaysia’s Nasi Kandar. We wanted to create a meal that brings people together over good food and shared experiences, which has always been at the heart of Malaka Spice.”

Served exclusively during lunch from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Birthday Thaal offers diners an opportunity to experience a thoughtfully curated feast inspired by one of Malaysia’s most celebrated culinary traditions. The limited-time menu reflects Malaka Spice’s continued passion for introducing guests to the rich food heritage of Southeast Asia through immersive and memorable dining experiences.

What: Birthday Thaal

Where: Malaka Spice Koregaon Park

When: 24th to 31st July 2026, 12:00 to 05:00 PM

17, Jul 2026
Hansika Lamba Wins Silver at Budapest Ranking Series, Boosts India’s Wrestling Campaign

Budapest, July 17: India’s U23 World Champion Hansika Lamba delivered another impressive international performance by winning the silver medal at the Budapest Ranking Series 2026, reinforcing her status as one of the country’s brightest wrestling talents.

Lamba displayed remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament, overcoming strong international opponents to earn a place on the podium. Her silver-medal finish adds another significant achievement to her growing list of international accolades.

The Budapest Ranking Series is regarded as an important event on the international wrestling calendar, providing athletes with valuable competitive exposure against some of the world’s top wrestlers.

Sports officials and wrestling enthusiasts congratulated Lamba on her achievement, noting that her consistent performances reflect India’s growing strength in women’s wrestling.

The latest success is expected to boost Lamba’s confidence as she prepares for upcoming international competitions, while also strengthening India’s presence on the global wrestling stage.

17, Jul 2026
PM Modi’s Handwritten ‘Vande Mataram’ Message to Travel Aboard Skyroot’s Vikram-1 Space Mission

New Delhi, July 17: A handwritten postcard featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message ‘Vande Mataram’ will be carried aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 launch vehicle, marking a unique blend of India’s space ambitions and national sentiment.

The symbolic postcard will accompany the maiden mission of Vikram-1, Skyroot’s privately developed orbital launch vehicle, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in the private space sector.

The inclusion of the message is seen as a tribute to India’s spirit of innovation, scientific progress and growing achievements in space exploration. The mission represents a significant milestone for the country’s emerging space ecosystem and the increasing role of private companies in advancing launch technologies.

Skyroot Aerospace has been working towards developing cost-effective and advanced space launch solutions, contributing to India’s efforts to strengthen its position in the global space industry.

The Vikram-1 mission is expected to showcase India’s technological capabilities and support future opportunities in satellite launches and commercial space services.

The historic journey of the launch vehicle will carry not only technological innovation but also a message reflecting India’s aspirations and enthusiasm for the future of space exploration.

17, Jul 2026
Smallcap and Microcap Stocks Drive Market Momentum in June, Deliver Strong Gains

Mumbai, July 17: Smallcap and microcap stocks emerged as key performers in the equity markets during June, leading the broader market rally with gains of up to 6.35 per cent, according to market data.

The strong performance of smaller companies reflected renewed investor interest, improved market sentiment and growing confidence in select sectors. The rally highlighted the resilience of emerging businesses and their increasing participation in India’s equity market growth story.

Market analysts said the performance of smallcap and microcap segments was supported by factors such as positive domestic economic indicators, sector-specific growth opportunities and increased investor participation.

The broader market movement also indicated continued optimism among investors, with smaller companies attracting attention for their growth potential and long-term value opportunities.

Experts, however, advised investors to remain mindful of market risks and evaluate investment decisions based on company fundamentals, valuations and overall market conditions.

The strong showing by smallcap and microcap stocks underscores the evolving nature of India’s equity markets and the growing role of emerging companies in driving market performance.

17, Jul 2026
Semicon 2.0 Set to Drive India’s Semiconductor Growth, Create Up to 2 Lakh Jobs in Five Years

New Delhi, July 17: India’s semiconductor ecosystem is expected to receive a major boost with the ‘Semicon 2.0’ initiative projected to create up to 2 lakh job opportunities over the next five years, according to industry estimates.

The initiative is focused on accelerating semiconductor manufacturing, strengthening chip design capabilities and expanding India’s role in the global electronics supply chain.

Industry stakeholders said the programme is likely to generate employment across multiple areas, including semiconductor fabrication, packaging and testing, research and development, engineering services and related technology sectors.

The expansion of the semiconductor sector is expected to support India’s vision of becoming a global hub for advanced electronics manufacturing while encouraging innovation and investment in high-tech industries.

Experts highlighted that building a skilled workforce, strengthening infrastructure and fostering collaboration between industry and academia will be key to achieving long-term growth in the semiconductor ecosystem.

With rising global demand for semiconductor technologies, Semicon 2.0 is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, professionals and the broader technology sector while contributing to India’s digital and manufacturing ambitions.

17, Jul 2026
India’s Economy Shows Resilience Despite Global Challenges and Monsoon Concerns, Says RBI Governor

New Delhi, July 17: India’s economy continues to demonstrate strength and resilience despite external challenges, including uncertainties arising from West Asia and concerns over monsoon conditions, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor said.

The RBI chief highlighted that India’s economic fundamentals remain stable, supported by strong domestic demand, a robust financial system and continued policy measures aimed at sustaining growth.

While global developments and weather-related risks remain areas of focus, authorities are closely monitoring their potential impact on inflation, economic activity and overall market conditions.

The RBI reiterated its commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability and supporting sustainable economic growth through appropriate policy measures.

Experts noted that India’s diversified economy and strong domestic consumption base provide support against global uncertainties, while continued monitoring of key risk factors remains important.

The central bank will continue to assess evolving economic conditions and take necessary steps to ensure financial stability and long-term growth.