Category Archives: News

President Droupadi Murmu Presents Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026

New Delhi, June 9 (BNP): President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred Gallantry Awards upon personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2026 (Phase-I) held at the historic Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The prestigious ceremony recognized exceptional acts of courage, devotion to duty, and selfless service displayed by security personnel in the face of extraordinary challenges. The awards were presented to officers and personnel who demonstrated remarkable bravery during counter-terrorism operations, anti-insurgency missions, rescue efforts, and other high-risk assignments carried out in the service of the nation.

Addressing the gathering, the President commended the awardees for their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security, and integrity. She noted that their courage and professionalism serve as an inspiration to the nation and future generations.

The Defence Investiture Ceremony is one of the highest recognitions bestowed upon members of India’s defence and security forces for acts of conspicuous bravery and distinguished service. The event was attended by senior military officials, government dignitaries, family members of the award recipients, and other distinguished guests.

Several awards were also conferred posthumously, honouring personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties. Family members of the deceased recipients received the awards on their behalf amid emotional and solemn moments during the ceremony.

The event highlighted the nation’s deep respect and gratitude for the brave men and women who continue to serve with courage and dedication, often at great personal risk, to ensure the safety and security of the country.

PM Narendra Modi Set to Become India’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister

New Delhi, June 9 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to achieve a historic milestone on June 10 by surpassing the tenure record of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, becoming the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister.

Having first assumed office on May 26, 2014, Modi has completed more than 12 years in office and is poised to overtake Nehru’s uninterrupted tenure as Prime Minister. The milestone marks a significant chapter in India’s political history and reflects Modi’s sustained electoral success and leadership over the past decade.

Under Modi’s leadership, the country has witnessed several major initiatives and reforms across sectors including infrastructure, digital governance, financial inclusion, manufacturing, welfare delivery, defence, and foreign policy. His tenure has also been marked by the implementation of large-scale programmes aimed at economic growth, social welfare, and technological advancement.

The achievement comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term at the Centre, enabling Modi to continue as Prime Minister and extend his record-breaking tenure.

Political observers view the milestone as a rare achievement in Indian democracy, highlighting both leadership continuity and electoral endurance in the world’s largest democracy.

As Prime Minister Modi enters this new phase of his tenure, attention is expected to remain focused on the government’s development agenda, economic priorities, and long-term vision for India’s growth and global standing.

The milestone is being seen as a significant moment in the nation’s political journey, underscoring Modi’s place among the most influential leaders in independent India’s history.

Indian Railways to Launch AI-Powered Waiting List Prediction System from August

New Delhi, June 9: In a significant step towards modernising passenger services, Indian Railways is set to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered waiting list prediction system from August, enabling passengers to receive more accurate estimates of ticket confirmation chances.

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The new technology will use advanced machine learning algorithms and data analytics to analyse historical booking patterns, cancellation trends, seasonal travel demand, train occupancy rates, and route-specific data. Based on these insights, the system will provide passengers with a more precise assessment of the likelihood of their waitlisted tickets being confirmed.

Railway officials said the AI-driven feature is aimed at reducing uncertainty for passengers and helping them plan their journeys more effectively. The system is expected to offer real-time, data-backed predictions, making the reservation process more transparent and reliable.

At present, passengers often depend on third-party platforms or estimated forecasts to gauge their chances of securing a confirmed berth. With the introduction of the AI-powered model, Indian Railways plans to integrate a scientifically developed prediction mechanism directly into its reservation ecosystem.

The initiative forms part of the Railways’ broader digital transformation programme focused on leveraging emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, optimize seat utilization, and enhance customer experience. Officials believe the system will not only benefit passengers but also contribute to smarter management of railway resources.

Once implemented, the AI-enabled feature will be available through railway booking platforms, offering millions of daily users a more dependable and user-friendly reservation experience.

The rollout marks another milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to embrace cutting-edge technology and deliver smarter, passenger-centric services across the country.

TERI Director Highlights Climate-Health and WEFE Nexus Solutions at Global Sustainability Conference in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium, June 9, 2026: Anshuman represented India at the 9th G-STIC Conference in Brussels, contributing to key discussions on the Climate–Health nexus and the Water–Energy–Food–Environment (WEFE) Nexus, with a focus on advancing climate resilience and sustainable development.

Speaking during the session titled “Climate–Health Nexus: Driving Solutions in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape,” Anshuman emphasized the need for integrated Climate–Health Intelligence Systems that bring together climate, environmental, and health data. He noted that such systems can play a crucial role in strengthening resilience, enhancing early warning mechanisms, and safeguarding vulnerable communities from climate-related risks.

In another session, “Transforming Irrigation Systems through WEFE Nexus Innovations,” he highlighted several Indian initiatives that demonstrate the value of integrated resource management. These included the PM-KUSUM programme, SKY Programme in Gujarat, and the adoption of micro-irrigation systems across the country.

Anshuman explained how coordinated planning across water, energy, and food systems can improve resource efficiency, strengthen food and water security, and enhance farmer livelihoods. He stressed that innovative technologies and cross-sector collaboration are essential to addressing complex sustainability challenges.

The discussions at the conference underscored the growing importance of integrated approaches, technological innovation, and international cooperation in building resilient communities and accelerating progress toward global sustainable development goals.

Southwest Monsoon Likely to Enter Odisha Within 2–3 Days; Pre-Monsoon Rainfall Activity Set to Intensify

Bhubaneswar, June 9 (UDN): Odisha is likely to witness an increase in pre-monsoon rainfall activity over the next few days, with the southwest monsoon expected to enter the state within the next two to three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

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The weather department stated that atmospheric conditions have become increasingly favourable for the advancement of the monsoon. Moisture-laden cloud bands originating from the Bay of Bengal continue to move towards Odisha, creating conducive conditions for the monsoon’s arrival. Several districts have already experienced intermittent rainfall and thunderstorm activity over the past few days.

Despite the rainfall, hot and humid conditions continue to prevail across many parts of the state due to the influx of moisture-bearing winds, causing discomfort among residents. Meteorologists clarified that the current spell of rain is associated with pre-monsoon activity and should not be mistaken for the official onset of the southwest monsoon.

According to the IMD, cloud formation and moisture flow over the Bay of Bengal have strengthened significantly, paving the way for the monsoon to make further progress towards Odisha. Once the monsoon sets in, the state is expected to receive more widespread and sustained rainfall, providing relief from the prevailing heat and supporting agricultural activities ahead of the kharif season.

Meanwhile, Kalbaisakhi activity remains active in several districts. Many areas are experiencing hot and humid weather during the daytime, followed by thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and rainfall during the afternoon and evening hours. This weather pattern is likely to continue over the coming days.

In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the IMD has issued an Orange Warning for 11 districts, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds. A Yellow Warning has also been issued for 19 districts, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing outdoors during adverse weather conditions.

Recent Kalbaisakhi storms have already impacted normal life in several parts of the state, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, where heavy rain and strong winds led to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, uprooted trees, and damage to infrastructure.

Authorities have advised people to stay alert, follow official weather advisories, and take necessary precautions during thunderstorm activity. Fishermen have also been cautioned about rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast.

With pre-monsoon showers becoming more active and weather systems turning increasingly favourable, Odisha is now poised to welcome the southwest monsoon, marking the beginning of the crucial rainy season for the state.

It’s Spotlight Expands Its Viral Loved-One Surprise Experience Across India with Cinépolis

Mohali, India, June 9: It’s Spotlight is taking one of its most loved experiences to a national audience. After becoming a massive hit at CP.67 Mall, the brand is now launching its personalised loved-one surprise campaign across Cinépolis cinemas pan-India.

The campaign, called “Spreading Smiles with It’s Spotlight,” gives people a unique way to make someone feel special by featuring their photos, videos, messages, or heartfelt wishes on premium digital adverising screens. The idea is not limited to birthdays or anniversaries- it is about putting a loved one in the Spotlight and creating a moment they will never forget.

What started at CP.67 Mall quickly gained attention for its emotional and candid reactions. Families, couples, friends, and loved ones were seen getting surprised on screen, turning simple messages into larger-than-life moments. The campaign’s warm, shareable nature helped it go viral across social media and created strong organic buzz among audiences.

With its expansion through Cinépolis, It’s Spotlight is now making this experience accessible across India. Whether someone wants to surprise a parent, partner, sibling, child, best friend, or anyone close to them, the campaign allows people to create a memorable public moment in a premium cinema environment.

Speaking about the launch, a spokesperson from It’s Spotlight said,

“The response at CP.67 Mall showed us that people deeply connect with real emotions on screens. This campaign goes beyond birthdays or anniversaries- it is about giving people the joy of making their loved ones feel seen, celebrated, and special, almost like a celebrity moment created just for them. With Cinépolis, we are excited to take this experience across India and help more people create unforgettable Spotlight moments.”

The pan-India launch also reflects It’s Spotlight’s larger vision of making digital screens more human, interactive, and experience-led. By using premium cinema spaces for personal storytelling, the platform is turning screens into places where emotions are celebrated and memories are created.

From a heartfelt message to a surprise video, It’s Spotlight is redefining how people express love, gratitude, and appreciation- by turning personal feelings into unforgettable screen-led experiences.

FSSAI Directs Food Business Operators to Stop Using Newspapers for Packing Food

Odisha Approves Rs.833.74 Crore Tourism and Hospitality Investments, Creating 1,823 Jobs

Bhubaneswar, June 8 (UDN): Odisha has taken another significant step toward strengthening its tourism and hospitality sector, with the approval of multiple investment proposals worth ₹833.74 crore during the 147th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting. The approved projects are expected to generate 1,823 employment opportunities across the state.

The investments span several districts, reflecting the state’s growing appeal as a destination for tourism-led development. The approved projects include hospitality, resort, and tourism infrastructure ventures that aim to enhance visitor experiences while boosting local economies.

Among the key projects approved are those proposed by Swosti Premium Ltd. in Koraput, SNM Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. in Koraput, Sri Eco Resorts in Keonjhar, Sailabala Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. in Puri, Suryo Udyog Ltd. in Jagatsinghpur, Pratyaksh Hotel & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. in Koraput, Leharsh Exports & Services Pvt. Ltd. in Sundargarh, and Prachi Enterprises in Mayurbhanj.

The approvals underline the Odisha government’s continued focus on promoting tourism as a key economic growth driver. By encouraging investments in hotels, resorts, and tourism infrastructure, the state aims to attract more domestic and international visitors while creating sustainable employment opportunities in both urban and rural regions.

Industry observers note that the fresh investments will strengthen Odisha’s hospitality ecosystem, particularly in emerging tourism destinations such as Koraput, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj, while further consolidating established hubs like Puri.

The latest approvals under the SLSWCA framework are aligned with Odisha’s broader vision of accelerating industrial growth, enhancing ease of doing business, and positioning the state as a preferred investment destination across sectors.

Scientists Achieve the First Total Synthesis of Complex Alkaloids Isolated from Plants

Chiba, Japan, June 8, 2026: Researchers at Chiba University have achieved a significant breakthrough in medicinal chemistry by developing an innovative strategy to synthesize complex plant-derived alkaloids that could pave the way for next-generation cancer treatments.

The research team, led by Professor Hayato Ishikawa of the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chiba University, successfully developed a novel synthetic route for producing bisleuconothine A and bousigonine B—two highly complex monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) known for their promising pharmaceutical properties.

The findings, published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, address a longstanding challenge in drug discovery. Although many plant-derived alkaloids possess potent biological activity, their intricate molecular structures have made laboratory synthesis extremely difficult, limiting further research and therapeutic development.

Among these compounds, bisleuconothine A has attracted particular attention due to its demonstrated activity against breast and lung cancer cells. Scientists believe that its unique three-dimensional structure enables it to interact with biological targets that are often inaccessible to conventional small-molecule drugs.

To overcome the synthesis challenge, the Chiba University team designed a new organocatalytic cascade reaction capable of efficiently constructing a critical 3-ethylpiperidine scaffold found in numerous indole alkaloids. The process generated a highly pure intermediate that served as a versatile building block for assembling more complex molecular structures.

Using this common intermediate, researchers created two distinct alkaloid fragments and subsequently linked them through a bioinspired coupling reaction that mirrors the natural processes used by plants to produce these compounds. The strategy enabled the synthesis of bisleuconothine A in 20 steps and resulted in the first-ever total synthesis of bousigonine B.

“The present method for total chemical synthesis is expected to facilitate the development of new pharmaceutical agents,” said Professor Ishikawa. “In particular, bisleuconothine A has exhibited potent anticancer activity, highlighting its potential as a lead compound for anticancer drug development.”

Beyond these two molecules, the researchers believe their methodology could provide a broader platform for synthesizing other structurally complex natural products. By enabling more efficient access to rare alkaloids, the approach may accelerate drug discovery efforts across oncology and other therapeutic areas.

The team is now focused on expanding the technique to synthesize additional members of the MIA family and evaluating their biological activity for potential pharmaceutical applications.

The study received support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and the JST SPRING program.

The breakthrough marks an important step toward unlocking the therapeutic potential of nature’s most complex molecules and could open new avenues for the development of innovative anticancer medicines.

Nasr Polo and Equestrian Academy Hosts Tour 2 of Hyderabad Horse Show 2026 Summer Championship

 June 08: Nasr Polo and Equestrian Academy is proud to announce the hosting of Tour 2 of the Hyderabad Horse Show 2026 Summer Championship, scheduled to take place from Friday, 5 June to Sunday, 7 June 2026 at the academy’s state-of-the-art equestrian facilities in Hyderabad. 

The three-day championship will bring together some of the country’s most promising and accomplished riders, horses, and equestrian enthusiasts for a weekend of exciting competition and sportsmanship. Riders across multiple age groups and competition levels will compete in a series of dressage and showjumping events, showcasing their skill, precision, and dedication to the sport. 

The Hyderabad Horse Show has established itself as one of India’s premier equestrian competitions, providing a platform for emerging talent while promoting excellence in horsemanship and equestrian sport. 

Tour 2 of the Summer Championship is expected to attract participants from across the nation, further strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a leading hub for equestrian activities. 

Speaking on the occasion, representatives of Nasr Polo and Equestrian Academy expressed their enthusiasm about hosting the event and welcomed riders, trainers, officials, sponsors, and spectators to be part of the championship. 

“We are delighted to host Tour 2 of the Hyderabad Horse Show 2026 Summer Championship. The event reflects our commitment to developing equestrian sport and providing riders with a world-class competitive environment. We look forward to witnessing outstanding performances and celebrating the spirit of equestrian excellence.” 

The championship will feature competitions ranging from beginner classes to advanced showjumping events, ensuring opportunities for riders of all experience levels. Spectators can expect three days of thrilling competition, sportsmanship, and family-friendly entertainment. 

Nasr Polo and Equestrian Academy extends its gratitude to all participants, officials, sponsors, and supporters whose continued commitment contributes to the growth and success of equestrian sport in India. 

Event Details: 

* Event: Hyderabad Horse Show 2026 – Summer Championship (Tour 2) 
* Dates: 5–7 June 2026 
* Venue: Nasr Polo and Equestrian Academy, Hyderabad
 Mirzaguda, Janwada Village, Hyderabad, Telangana  
* Disciplines: Dressage and Showjumping