Category Archives: News

Kolkata Metro to Begin Early Morning Services on June 21 for Yoga Day and NEET-UG

Kolkata, June 19: In a passenger-friendly move, Kolkata Metro Railway will commence services from 4:00 a.m. on June 21 to facilitate commuters on the occasion of International Yoga Day and the NEET-UG examination.

The early start has been planned to ensure smooth and timely travel for students appearing for the national medical entrance examination, as well as participants attending Yoga Day events across the city. Officials said the decision aims to reduce travel stress and provide convenient connectivity during peak early morning hours.

Metro authorities have advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and make use of the additional services being introduced for the day. Security and operational arrangements will be strengthened to manage the expected rise in early morning footfall.

The special schedule reflects Kolkata Metro’s continued focus on passenger convenience, particularly during important national events and examinations, ensuring reliable and efficient urban transport for the city’s commuters.

Assam Strengthens Power Infrastructure, Targets Energy Surplus Status

Guwahati, June 19: Assam is making significant strides in strengthening its power infrastructure and is steadily progressing towards becoming an energy-surplus state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Underscoring the government’s commitment to building a robust and reliable energy ecosystem, the Chief Minister highlighted ongoing investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution networks across the state. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, meeting rising energy demand, and supporting Assam’s long-term economic growth.

Sarma noted that a stronger power sector is essential for attracting investments, promoting industrial development, and improving the quality of life for citizens. The state government has prioritized the modernization of energy infrastructure, expansion of grid connectivity, and enhancement of operational efficiency to deliver reliable power to both urban and rural communities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Assam’s energy transformation is not only about meeting current demand but also about creating the capacity required for future growth. With several infrastructure projects underway, the state is laying the foundation for a self-reliant and sustainable power sector capable of supporting expanding industries, businesses, and households.

As Assam advances towards achieving energy-surplus status, the strengthened power network is expected to boost economic activity, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the state’s competitiveness as a preferred investment destination in Northeast India.

The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development reflects its broader vision of driving inclusive growth and ensuring that reliable energy remains a catalyst for Assam’s development journey.

Boosting Yuva Shakti: PM Modi to Distribute INR 2,400 Crore

New Delhi, June 19: In a significant step towards empowering India’s youth and strengthening formal employment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today distribute incentives worth ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY).

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities and supporting young individuals as they enter the workforce. The incentives will be transferred directly to more than 15 lakh beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring transparency and timely assistance.

Speaking about the programme, Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the scheme’s positive impact since its launch in August last year. More than 63 lakh individuals have been brought into the formal workforce under PM-VBRY, with nearly 30 per cent of the beneficiaries being women, reflecting the scheme’s contribution towards greater workforce participation and gender inclusion.

The programme also provides special support to first-time job seekers. Young individuals securing their first employment opportunity will receive financial assistance of up to ₹15,000 in two instalments, helping them transition into the professional world with greater confidence and financial security.

Dr. Mandaviya noted that over 80 per cent of the establishments benefiting from the scheme are small enterprises employing fewer than 25 workers. By supporting these businesses, PM-VBRY is helping generate employment at the grassroots level while strengthening the country’s micro and small enterprise ecosystem.

The initiative forms a key part of the government’s broader vision of harnessing the potential of India’s “Yuva Shakti” by creating opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive economic growth. As employment generation continues to remain central to India’s development journey, PM-VBRY is emerging as an important bridge connecting aspiring youth with meaningful livelihood opportunities.

Dr. Rajashekhar from Hyderabad Becomes First Doctor from South India to Complete Seven Summits

#Dr. Rajashekhar Successfully Summits Mt. Denali, Completing Historic Seven Summits Challenge

Hyderabad, June 19: Indian mountaineer and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rajashekhar has successfully summited Mt. Denali, North America’s highest peak, completing the prestigious Seven Summits challenge—climbing the highest mountain on each continent. With this achievement, he becomes the first doctor from the South Indian states to accomplish the feat.

For Dr. Rajashekhar, the journey to the Seven Summits has been shaped as much by personal adversity as by high-altitude achievement. Throughout this journey, he received invaluable support and guidance from Bharath Thamineni, founder of Boots and Crampon, whose encouragement played an important role in helping him pursue this ambitious goal.

A specialist in hip and knee surgery and a robotic surgeon, he spent years working alongside leading orthopedic surgeons in Hyderabad while also training younger surgeons entering the field. However, his life took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when he contracted the virus and was hospitalized.

The recovery proved difficult. According to Dr. Rajashekhar, lingering fatigue and a loss of motivation forced him to step away from his profession for nearly a year.

Determined to rebuild his health, he set himself an ambitious goal. He chose mountaineering, a sport that demands exceptional endurance, physical fitness and mental resilience, and began training systematically.

His Seven Summits journey started with a successful ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on January 26, 2022. He followed that with a summit of Mt. Elbrus, Europe’s highest mountain, in August 2022.

After suffering multiple injuries, Dr. Rajashekhar took a year-long break before returning to the mountains. He climbed Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia in August 2023 and reached the summit of Mt. Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak, on February 4, 2024.

Just months later, he achieved his most significant mountaineering milestone by summiting Mt. Everest on May 23, 2024.

His first attempt on Mt. Denali in Alaska came in June 2025. Severe weather conditions prevented a summit push, and he suffered frostbite during the descent.

Rather than ending the project, the setback reinforced his determination. Later, he successfully climbed Mt. Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak, alongside fellow climber Kavita.

On June 18, 2026, Dr. Rajashekhar reached the summit of Mt. Denali at approximately 8:30 AM IST. According to a voice message shared with family, the climb was completed smoothly despite cold temperatures and light winds.

“Summit was successfully done without any issue. Little winds and cold temperature otherwise everything is good. No injuries, whole team is doing well,” he said.

Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Rajashekhar said, “Standing on Mt. Denali after everything I’ve been through is an incredibly emotional moment. This journey tested me physically and mentally, but it also reminded me of the power of resilience and purpose. Completing the Seven Summits is not just a personal milestone, but a message that recovery and determination can take you to the highest places on Earth.”

After the summit, he safely descended to the high camp at an altitude of approximately 5,247 meters, where the team regrouped. In his message, he added, “We just reached camp and are ready to enjoy tea being prepared by our leader Sewang. Please inform near and dear.”

With this successful ascent, Dr. Rajashekhar has officially completed the Seven Summits challenge, placing him among a select group of mountaineers worldwide who have stood atop the highest peak on every continent and becoming the first doctor from South India to achieve this milestone.

Beyond mountaineering, Dr. Rajashekhar draws immense strength from his close-knit joint family. He lives with his parents, brother, extended family members and grandmother. He and his wife, Dr. Haripriya, a specialist in Infectious Diseases, have a nine-year-old son. He takes great pride in his family, which has been a constant source of support throughout his journey.

Reacting to the achievement, Dr. Haripriya said, “This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From battling a serious illness to standing on the highest peaks in the world, his determination has inspired all of us. As a family, we are incredibly proud of his resilience, discipline and courage. This achievement belongs not just to him, but to everyone who stood by him through every challenge.”

For  the orthopedician-turned-mountaineer, the climb represents the final step in a journey that began with recovery from serious illness and evolved into one of the most demanding goals in global mountaineering—a remarkable story of resilience, determination and triumph.

Goa hosts state-wide cybersecurity workshop to strengthen public data across Government Departments

Direct Benefit of INR 18,880 Crore to Reach 9.44 Crore Farmers Under PM-KISAN

New Delhi, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release financial assistance of ₹18,880 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme, directly benefitting approximately 9.44 crore farmers across the country.

The latest installment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi initiative underscores the government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers’ income and strengthening rural economic stability through direct benefit transfers.

The scheme provides eligible farmers with periodic financial assistance to help meet agricultural input costs and household needs, contributing to improved financial security in rural India.

Officials noted that the timely disbursement of funds is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted support to farmers ahead of the upcoming agricultural cycle, helping them manage expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs.

The PM-KISAN program remains one of the largest direct income support schemes in the world, playing a key role in enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth in the agriculture sector.

The release is expected to further reinforce the government’s focus on farmer welfare and sustainable agricultural development.

FSSAI Directs Food Businesses to Use Corrosion-Free Knives to Prevent Food Contamination

June 18: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory to all food businesses across the country, instructing them to ensure the use of corrosion-free, food-grade knives and blades in all food handling and packaging operations.

Representational image

The regulator has emphasized that tools used in food preparation must be safe, hygienic, and free from rust or corrosion, as deteriorated equipment can increase the risk of food contamination and compromise consumer health.

FSSAI has directed food business operators to regularly inspect kitchen tools and replace any damaged or unsafe equipment without delay. The advisory is aimed at strengthening hygiene standards and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations across restaurants, food processing units, and other food service establishments.

The move is part of ongoing efforts by the food safety authority to improve public health protection and reinforce safe food handling practices nationwide.

Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Ready for Diamond League Season Opener

New Delhi, June 18: Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra is set to return to Diamond League action, confirming his participation in the season opener after finalizing his decision a week ago.

The Olympic and world champion expressed his readiness to compete against some of the world’s leading athletes as he begins another important season on the international athletics circuit. His return marks a significant moment for Indian athletics fans, who will be closely following his performance in the prestigious competition series.

Chopra’s participation in the season opener is expected to provide valuable competitive exposure as he builds momentum for major global events scheduled later in the year. Known for his consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stages, he remains one of the most prominent figures in international javelin throw.

The Diamond League serves as a key platform for elite track and field athletes, offering high-level competition and an opportunity to gauge form against world-class opponents. Chopra’s return is anticipated to generate considerable interest among athletics enthusiasts both in India and abroad.

As he embarks on the new season, expectations remain high for the Indian star, whose achievements have played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of athletics across the country.

Tata Motors Revises Commercial Vehicle Prices Amid Rising Input Costs

Mumbai, June 18:Tata Motors has announced a price increase of up to 2.5% across its commercial vehicle range, effective from July, as the company seeks to partially offset rising input and operational costs.

The price revision will apply across various commercial vehicle models and variants, with the exact increase varying depending on the product category and specifications. The company said the adjustment is necessary to address continued cost pressures impacting the automotive manufacturing sector.

Tata Motors remains focused on delivering innovative and reliable mobility solutions while maintaining operational efficiency and product quality. The company emphasized that the price increase is a measured step aimed at balancing business sustainability with customer value.

The announcement comes amid broader industry efforts to manage fluctuations in raw material prices, supply chain expenses, and other operational costs. Despite these challenges, demand for commercial vehicles continues to be supported by infrastructure development, logistics expansion, and economic activity across key sectors.

Customers planning vehicle purchases are advised to check with authorized dealerships for updated pricing and model-specific details before the revised rates take effect in July.

Metro Expansion Accelerates Urban Connectivity Across Gujarat

Gujarat, June 18: Gujarat’s rapidly expanding metro rail network is transforming urban mobility, providing residents with faster, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation options across the state’s major cities.

The ongoing expansion of metro services is improving connectivity between key residential, business, educational, and industrial districts, significantly reducing travel times and easing pressure on congested road networks. As urban populations continue to grow, metro infrastructure is emerging as a critical component of Gujarat’s long-term transportation strategy.

The enhanced metro network is not only improving daily commuting experiences but also contributing to reduced vehicular emissions and greater urban sustainability. Modern stations, improved accessibility, and seamless integration with other modes of transport are helping make public transit more convenient and attractive for citizens.

State authorities have emphasized that continued investment in metro infrastructure will support economic growth, promote sustainable urban development, and strengthen connectivity across rapidly expanding metropolitan regions.

With new routes and extensions being added, Gujarat’s metro systems are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of urban transportation, delivering faster, safer, and more reliable journeys for millions of commuters.