Category Archives: News

Zojila Tunnel Achieves Final Breakthrough, Bringing Kashmir-Ladakh All-Weather Connectivity Closer to Reality

New Delhi/Srinagar, June 10: The strategically important Zojila Tunnel project achieved a major milestone on Tuesday with the successful final breakthrough of the tunnel, marking a significant step towards establishing all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari virtually inaugurated the breakthrough by pressing a remote button that triggered the final blast at the breakthrough site near the eastern portal of the tunnel at Minimarg in Ladakh.

The achievement is being hailed as a landmark feat in India’s infrastructure development journey. Once completed, the Zojila Tunnel will ensure year-round road connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, overcoming the challenges posed by heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions that often cut off Ladakh from the rest of the country during winter.

Officials said the tunnel will significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, strengthen defence logistics, and boost tourism, trade, and economic development in the region. The project is also expected to enhance access to essential services, including healthcare and education, for residents of remote areas.

Describing the breakthrough as a historic moment, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said the achievement brings the decades-old dream of seamless, all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh closer to reality. The tunnel is regarded as one of India’s most ambitious and strategically significant infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region.

The successful breakthrough reflects the engineering expertise and determination of the workforce that executed the project under challenging geographical and climatic conditions, paving the way for a new era of connectivity and development in the region.

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After Odisha CM’s Appeal, ‘Dham’ to Be Removed from Digha Jagannath Shrine

Bhubaneswar, June 10 (UDN): In a significant development amid the controversy surrounding the naming of the Jagannath temple in Digha, the West Bengal government has agreed to remove the word “Dham” from the shrine’s name. The decision comes after Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi raised concerns over the use of the term, which is traditionally associated with the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of Hinduism’s four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

Supporting the Odisha government’s appeal, senior West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari announced that the temple complex currently known as “Digha Jagannath Dham” would be renamed as the “Jagannath Cultural Centre” or a similar cultural designation. He said the move respects the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees and preserves the unique spiritual identity of Puri’s Jagannath Dham.

The issue gained momentum after Chief Minister Majhi formally wrote to the West Bengal government, emphasizing that the title “Jagannath Dham” is intrinsically linked to Puri and holds immense religious, historical, and cultural significance. The decision to drop the term has been welcomed across Odisha, with many viewing it as a gesture of mutual respect and cultural harmony between the two neighbouring states.

The proposal to officially revise the nomenclature is expected to be placed before the West Bengal Cabinet in the coming days.

Goldin Partners with Airrack to Auction Personally Owned Items “Stolen” from MrBeast, Jake Paul, FaZe Rug, and Salish Matter

The exclusive auction features items taken directly from some of YouTube’s biggest creators during the filming of Airrack’s viral video “I Broke Into Famous YouTuber Houses,” with all proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation

June 10, 2026 – Goldin, an internationally renowned auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, has opened an exclusive auction in partnership with YouTube creator Airrack, featuring personally owned and used items taken directly from some of the platform’s most-watched creators during the filming of his viral video “I Broke Into Famous YouTuber Houses.” Every dollar raised from the sale will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The auction brings together 12 lots spanning MrBeast, Jake Paul, FaZe Rug, Salish Matter, and Airrack himself, items pulled directly from their homes, closets, and training facilities, each accompanied by a signed Letter of Provenance from Airrack. What makes this sale unlike anything Goldin has offered before is that every item in it was physically taken from the personal spaces of some of the internet’s most prominent figures.

“For anyone who caught Airrack’s video or has been following the story, the auction is now live at Goldin,” said Ken Goldin, Founder and CEO of Goldin. “Those items Airrack took from MrBeast, Jake Paul, FaZe Rug, and the Matter’s are all being auctioned right here at Goldin, with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. This is a live auction, meaning people are placing bids in real time, and the highest bid when it ends takes the item home. If you want a shot at owning one of these, sign up, create a quick account, and place your bid. It only takes about a minute. Jump in, have fun, and good luck.”

The MrBeast lots alone make this one of the most unique auctions Goldin has ever offered. Jimmy Donaldson is the most-subscribed creator in YouTube history, and items that came directly from his home and were actually in his hands, worn by him, or used in his daily life are extraordinarily rare. The auction includes a a personally owned and used New York Yankees Hat from his everyday rotation, a pair of personally owned and worn Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers (Size 12) scuffed from regular wear, and two personally owned and worn MrBeast x Naruto Shippuden Long-Sleeve T-Shirts in sizes large and XL, each soft and faded from actual use. 

The next lot is one that may be the hardest to replicate in any auction, anywhere. A Salish Matter Personally Owned, Used, Signed “Sincerely Yours” Yellow Hoodie from her Sephora-distributed skincare brand was taken from the Matter family home during filming. Salish only agreed to sign it after Airrack held it hostage in exchange for the return of everything else he had taken from her father, Jordan. The result is a signed piece that exists exactly once, born from a negotiation that played out on camera. There is no other Salish-signed version of this hoodie anywhere.

FaZe Rug’s contribution to the auction is equally memorable. A personally owned, used, and signed PlayStation 5 Wireless Controller pulled from the gaming setup behind years of FaZe Clan content comes alongside something even more unexpected: a Half-Eaten In-N-Out Double-Double, preserved, mounted on a wooden plaque bearing FaZe Rug’s name, sealed in acrylic, and was sitting on his kitchen counter when Airrack took it.  

From Jake Paul’s Georgia ranch training facility come two items that carry the weight of the most-watched fights in modern boxing. A pair of personally owned Practice Boxing Gloves, worn down from camps that included bouts against Mike Tyson and Tommy Fury, and a factory-sealed pair of Boxing Hand Wraps stocked in his personal gym are both in the sale. 

Closing out the auction is something that has never existed before: Airrack’s own Infinite Pizza Hut Card (#1/1), the only card of its kind ever produced by the brand. Pizza Hut created it exclusively for Airrack after he hit 10 million YouTube subscribers, granting him a lifetime of unlimited Pizza Hut pizza, non-transferable to other holders, and broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest pizza in collaboration with them.

The auction is now live at Goldin.com and is scheduled to close on June 24, with extended bidding beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET.

SiGMA Asia Panel Explores New Growth Opportunities Beyond Saturated Tier-1 Markets

A high-profile panel discussion at the SiGMA event brought together industry leaders to examine emerging opportunities in the global gaming and iGaming sector as traditional Tier-1 markets reach maturity.

The session, titled “Tier-1 Is Saturated, Where Is the Real Money in 2026?”, featured executives and experts from across the gaming ecosystem who discussed the evolving investment landscape, regulatory developments, and growth prospects in emerging markets.

Moderated by industry leaders, the panel focused on identifying new revenue streams and expansion strategies as operators increasingly look beyond established jurisdictions. Speakers highlighted the growing importance of regulated emerging markets, localized customer acquisition strategies, and technological innovation in driving future growth.

Industry experts on the panel shared insights on market diversification, the impact of changing regulatory frameworks, and the role of strategic partnerships in unlocking new business opportunities. Discussions also touched upon the increasing competition in mature markets and the need for operators to adapt to shifting consumer preferences.

The event attracted gaming professionals, investors, and stakeholders seeking insights into the next phase of industry growth. As the global gaming sector continues to evolve, panelists emphasized that success in 2026 and beyond will depend on identifying underserved markets, embracing innovation, and maintaining compliance in an increasingly regulated environment.

The discussion formed part of SiGMA’s broader conference agenda, which brings together global industry leaders to address key trends shaping the future of gaming, technology, and digital entertainment.

Women’s Political Leadership Must Move Beyond Representation to Real Agency, Says Development Leader at CIEU Dialogue

New Delhi, June 9: The need to move beyond symbolic representation and empower women with genuine decision-making authority took center stage at a leadership dialogue organized by the Council of International Economic Understanding (CIEU), where policymakers, diplomats, political leaders and development practitioners discussed the future of women’s leadership in public life.

The panel discussion, titled “Women in Politics: Representation, Participation, and Leadership,”  on June 8 brought together prominent voices from politics, governance, diplomacy and grassroots development to examine the structural reforms required to strengthen women’s participation and influence in leadership roles.

Among the distinguished panelists were Carly Partridge, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi; Manisha Ahlawat; Shazia Ilmi; Shama Mohamed; and Chhavi Rajawat, widely recognized as India’s first MBA Sarpanch.

The discussion also provided an opportunity for engagement with several notable personalities, including Meenakshi Lekhi, Jacqueline Mukangira, author Ruhi Tewari and author Tejusvi Shukla.

Speaking during the dialogue, a development sector representative highlighted lessons drawn from extensive grassroots work and regional programmes in rural Rajasthan, emphasizing that the election of women to leadership positions is only the beginning of a much larger journey toward meaningful empowerment.

The speaker argued that while representation remains essential, lasting change requires institutions to create enabling ecosystems that provide women leaders with access to resources, digital and financial literacy, leadership training, and independent executive authority.

“Electing women into positions of leadership is a critical first step, but genuine transformation occurs when leaders are empowered to exercise authority independently and effectively,” the speaker noted, stressing the importance of bridging the gap between policy intent and on-the-ground realities.

The discussion underscored a broader consensus among participants that sustainable policy outcomes depend on addressing grassroots challenges and ensuring that women leaders have the tools and support necessary to translate representation into impactful governance.

The event concluded with a call for stronger institutional mechanisms, inclusive policymaking frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives that can accelerate women’s leadership across political and governance structures.

Organizers said the dialogue aimed to foster meaningful conversations around gender-inclusive leadership and create pathways for greater participation of women in decision-making roles at all levels of public life.

Former NFL Player and Flag Football Champion Tyler Davis “TD” Named as Guardian Sports’ First-Ever LOOP Signature Athlete

Former Miami Dolphins player makes sports safety collaboration history in flag football

ATLANTA June 9— Guardian Sports, the company creating next-generation sports safety gear for all levels of play, today announced the official naming of its first-ever LOOP Signature Athlete, Tyler Davis, “TD,” a former NFL player for the Miami Dolphins and current flag football competitor among the league’s top performers.

Guardian Sports’ LOOP headband is engineered to provide added impact protection in a lightweight, breathable design. Its occipital hinge fit helps improve coverage around one of the head’s most vulnerable areas while maintaining a secure, low-profile feel for flag football players.

TD said, “I’m excited to join Guardian Sports as their debut LOOP Signature Athlete. As a professional flag football player and someone who has been on the field for over a decade, I know that athlete safety should be treated as a top priority.”

Hailing from the NFL legacy of TD’s father, Clarence Davis, former Oakland Raiders running back, TD also leads a successful sports career as a former NFL player for the Miami Dolphins and a CFL player for the BC Lions, with diverse player range covering positions from wide receiver, running back, and defensive back. 

Most recently, TD transitioned from tackle to flag football through local Austin, Texas leagues and earned national attention after notable performances at elite tournaments. Through this experience, TD met Team USA coaches in 2024, becoming a current team USA member, with a projected spot on the 2028 Olympic roster. 

Guardian Sports CEO Erin Hanson shares that, “We’re thrilled to move forward in this next chapter expanding LOOP’s leadership with the best in the industry. TD’s extensive sports experience and pacesetting future are a testament to the importance of sports safety.” 

LOOP is a top-ranked Virginia Tech 5-STAR headgear with lightweight protective technology designed to reduce peak linear acceleration compared to bare head across all impact locations. 

Govt Cuts Ujjwala Subsidised LPG Quota to Four Cylinders a Year

New Delhi, June 9: The Central Government has reduced the annual quota of subsidised LPG cylinders available to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) from nine to four, citing consumption patterns and rising subsidy burdens amid increasing global energy prices.

Representational image

The decision, announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is aimed at aligning subsidy support with the average annual LPG consumption of Ujjwala households. Officials said the revised entitlement reflects the actual usage trends of beneficiaries across the country.

Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provides deposit-free LPG connections to women from economically weaker households, promoting the adoption of clean cooking fuel and reducing dependence on traditional sources such as firewood and coal.

Addressing a press briefing, Petroleum Ministry Additional Secretary Praveen Mal Khanooja stated that the government continues to provide substantial support to PMUY beneficiaries despite the reduction in the subsidised quota. Beneficiaries currently receive a subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2-kg cylinder, which is directly transferred to their bank accounts after each refill.

The move comes amid a sharp rise in LPG prices. The retail price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased by ₹89 over the past three months, reaching ₹942 following the latest revision on June 7. After accounting for the subsidy, Ujjwala beneficiaries pay ₹642 per cylinder.

Officials attributed the increase in LPG prices to a surge in international fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. India’s LPG import prices are linked to the Saudi Contract Price (CP), the global benchmark for LPG, which has reportedly risen significantly in recent months due to supply disruptions in the Gulf region.

According to the ministry, the cost of supplying a domestic LPG cylinder has now exceeded ₹1,600, while oil marketing companies continue to incur substantial losses on the sale of LPG, petrol, and diesel. The government stated that it has provided over ₹52,000 crore in LPG subsidies since 2022 to shield consumers from steep global price increases.

While the government maintains that the revised subsidy structure is based on average consumption levels, the decision is expected to impact millions of low-income households that rely on subsidised cooking gas. Consumer groups and social welfare advocates have urged authorities to closely monitor the effects of the reduction on vulnerable families and ensure continued access to affordable clean cooking fuel.

The latest policy change marks a significant shift in the implementation of the flagship welfare scheme, which has benefited millions of women across India by improving access to cleaner and safer energy for household cooking.

AB de Villiers Caps Off Sneaker LAB’s Golden Wipe Campaign with an Exclusive Meet & Greet Experience

June 9 : Sneaker LAB, a South Africa-born brand redefining sneaker care through science-led and sustainable solutions, recently hosted an exclusive meet & greet experience with cricketing icon AB de Villiers for the winners of its Golden Wipe campaign in India. Designed as the culmination of the brand’s highly engaging consumer campaign launched last year, the experience brought together passionate sneaker enthusiasts and cricket fans through a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet one of the sport’s most loved personalities up close.

Created to reward and celebrate the brand’s growing community in India, the Golden Wipe campaign invited consumers to discover hidden Golden Wipes placed inside select Sneaker Wipe packs across the country. Winners were awarded an exclusive opportunity to meet AB de Villiers in person through a specially curated experience that included intimate interactions, photo moments, and conversations with the cricketing legend, creating a memorable experience that went far beyond traditional consumer engagement.

The event also marked a milestone in Sneaker LAB’s ongoing association with AB de Villiers, which began in May last year when the cricketing legend came on board as the brand’s partner for India. Throughout the collaboration, AB de Villiers played a key role in amplifying the brand’s visibility and helping it connect with India’s growing sneaker and lifestyle community through a series of culture-led initiatives and consumer experiences.

Speaking about the campaign closure, Jo Farah, Founder of Sneaker LAB, said,

“Our goal from the outset was to create a campaign that resonated with consumers in India while reflecting the values of our brand. Partnering with AB de Villiers helped us bring that vision to life. This exclusive meet & greet was a fitting conclusion to the campaign and a celebration of the strong connection we have built with our community throughout this journey.”

Sharing his thoughts on the experience, AB de Villiers said,

“What stood out to me most about this campaign was how genuinely community-focused it felt. Sneaker LAB created something that gave fans a real opportunity to be part of the brand journey in a personal and memorable way. Meeting the winners, hearing their stories, and experiencing their excitement firsthand made this incredibly special for me as well.”

Founded in Cape Town and now present in over 65 countries, Sneaker LAB combines biotechnology-powered innovation with a commitment to sustainability, helping consumers care for and extend the life of their favourite garments and footwear. The Golden Wipe campaign reflects the brand’s broader vision of building meaningful connections through culture-led initiatives that go beyond product, reinforcing its commitment to India’s growing sneaker, performance, and lifestyle communities. While the brand continues to operate as Sneaker LAB in India, it has recently unveiled its global evolution to The Lab – a refreshed identity that reflects its expanded vision and category ambitions.

With the new product range expected to arrive in India later this year, consumers can look forward to experiencing the next chapter of the brand’s journey in the months ahead.

Maoist Arms and Explosives Seized in Joint Night Operation in Malkangiri

Malkangiri, June 9 (UDN): Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in anti-Maoist operations after recovering a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a joint night operation in the Maoist-affected areas of Malkangiri district.

The operation was carried out jointly by personnel of the District Voluntary Force (DVF), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) based on specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist movement and the presence of hidden arms dumps in the region.

During the search operation conducted in a forested area, security personnel unearthed a substantial quantity of explosives, ammunition, and other materials believed to have been stocked by Maoist cadres for future attacks. The recovered items were safely seized and secured by the forces.

Officials said the successful operation has dealt a significant blow to Maoist activities in the area and could help prevent potential attacks targeting security personnel and public infrastructure. The seizure is expected to weaken the operational capabilities of the insurgents in the region.

No exchange of fire or casualties were reported during the operation. Security forces have intensified combing and search operations in the surrounding areas to track down Maoist cadres and uncover additional hidden caches.

Senior police officials praised the coordinated efforts of the security forces and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the district. They also appealed to local residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to extremist activities.

Malkangiri, one of Odisha’s most sensitive Maoist-affected districts, has witnessed intensified anti-insurgency operations in recent years, leading to significant gains in curbing extremist influence and strengthening development initiatives in remote areas.