Category Archives: News

Railway Engineers Raise Career Stagnation and Pay Scale Concerns Ahead of 8th Pay Commission

New Delhi, July 9 (UDN): Railway engineers have urged the Central Government and the forthcoming 8th Central Pay Commission to address long-standing concerns over career stagnation, pay disparities and limited promotional opportunities within the Indian Railways.

Representatives of railway engineers’ associations have submitted their demands, highlighting that prolonged delays in career progression and anomalies in the existing pay structure have adversely affected employee morale and professional growth. They argued that despite shouldering critical responsibilities in the planning, execution and maintenance of railway infrastructure, engineers continue to face slower promotions compared to several other organised services.

Among the key demands are the introduction of a more time-bound promotion mechanism, rationalisation of pay scales, removal of pay anomalies arising from previous pay commission recommendations and greater parity with other Central Government engineering services.

The associations have also sought a comprehensive review of the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) framework to ensure that employees who remain in the same grade for extended periods receive adequate financial and career advancement.

Railway engineers expressed hope that the 8th Pay Commission would recommend structural reforms to improve career prospects, enhance job satisfaction and ensure equitable compensation for technical personnel across the Indian Railways.

The government is expected to examine representations from various employee organisations as part of the consultation process before the 8th Pay Commission finalises its recommendations.

Three Trekkers Go Missing on Malyagiri Hill in Odisha’s Angul; Search and Rescue Operation Underway

Angul, July 9 (UDN): A major search and rescue operation is underway after three trekkers reportedly went missing while trekking on Malyagiri Hill, the highest peak in Odisha, located in Angul district.

According to official sources, the group had ventured into the hilly terrain for a trekking expedition when three members lost contact with the rest of the team. Following information from fellow trekkers and local residents, district authorities, police, forest personnel, and trained rescue teams were immediately mobilised to trace the missing individuals.

Rescue teams are combing the dense forest and rugged hill slopes despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. Officials said every effort is being made to locate the trekkers safely, with search operations continuing on multiple routes leading to the hilltop.

Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and urged trekkers and tourists to exercise caution while venturing into forested and mountainous areas, particularly during the monsoon season when trails become slippery and visibility is reduced.

The identities of the missing trekkers have not yet been officially disclosed. Further details are awaited as the rescue operation continues.

Security Alert at Puri Srimandir Ahead of Rath Yatra; Kolkata Man Detained for Allegedly Flying Drone Over Temple

Puri, July 9 (UDN): Security agencies swung into action after a drone was allegedly flown over the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Thursday morning, triggering fresh concerns over the security of the 12th-century shrine just days ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

 Representational Image

According to officials, the unmanned aerial vehicle was seen hovering over the temple complex for several minutes, including around the sacred Neelachakra, reportedly capturing aerial photographs and videos. The sighting drew the attention of security personnel deployed around the temple, where stringent surveillance measures are in place due to the upcoming festival.

Following a swift search operation, a special security team traced the suspected drone operator near Mangu Math in Mati Mandap Sahi, close to the temple. The individual, identified as Jayakrishna Mondal, a resident of Kolkata, was detained for questioning. The drone was seized and handed over to Singhadwar Police Station along with the operator.

Police have launched an investigation to examine the drone’s stored footage and determine the nature of the images and videos captured during the flight. Authorities are also verifying whether the operator had obtained the mandatory permissions required for drone operations in the area and whether any provisions of aviation or security regulations were violated.

The incident has renewed concerns over the enforcement of the no-fly zone around the Shree Jagannath Temple, particularly as Puri prepares to host lakhs of devotees during Rath Yatra. Security agencies are expected to review existing surveillance and anti-drone measures to prevent similar incidents during the festival.

Further investigation is in progress.

Akhil Bharatiya Jansangh Charts Independent Electoral Path, Uttar Pradesh Polls First Milestone

New Delhi, July 8, 2026

The Akhil Bharatiya Jansangh (ABJS) has announced that it will contest all upcoming local body, Assembly and Lok Sabha elections independently across the country. The party has also appointed senior leader Bharat Godhania as the Convener of the National Election Management and Campaign Committee. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Press Club of India on Wednesday.

Party leaders said that a National Election Management Committee will be constituted under the leadership of Bharat Godhania to oversee the party’s election strategy, organisational expansion and campaign activities across the country. They said the party would field its candidates in all elections across the country, including the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with full preparation.

National General Secretary Rakesh Kaul Gorkha said that during the celebration of the 126th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, held at the Constitution Club on July 5, the party’s Parliamentary Board decided to appoint Bharat Godhania as the Convener of the National Election Management and Campaign Committee. He said that the committee, under Godhania’s leadership, would formulate strategies for all upcoming elections and lead the party’s election campaign.

Pramod Sopti, President of the Delhi unit, recalled the contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Prof. Balraj Madhok, and said the party remains committed to taking their ideals to every citizen. He added that under the leadership of National President Acharya Dr. Bharat Bhushan Pandey, the organisation has been continuously working to strengthen itself across 13–14 states.

Assam State President Rugeswar Khundwal said that the Election Management Committee has been constituted to strengthen the party’s election preparations. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Bharat Godhania, the party would contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections and other elections across the country with greater organisational strength.

Addressing the gathering, Bharat Godhania said that he would discharge the responsibility entrusted to him with complete dedication. He said the party would strengthen its organisation down to the booth level and contest all upcoming elections across the country with full strength.

The press conference was attended by P. Kaushik (Vice President, Rajasthan), Lalaji K. Balram (Convener, Telangana), Pramod Sopti (President, Delhi), Rakesh Kaul Gorkha (National General Secretary), Bharat Godhania (Convener, National Election Management and Campaign Committee), Rugeswar Khundwal (President, Assam), and Mukesh Patel (General Secretary, Gujarat), along with several other national and state office-bearers of the party.

The party leadership said that Akhil Bharatiya Jansangh will accelerate its organisational expansion in the coming days and contest all upcoming elections across the country independently with full preparation and organisational strength.

Poshan Tracker Achieves Milestone with 8.93 Crore Beneficiary Coverage

New Delhi, July 8: The Poshan Tracker platform has achieved a major milestone by recording 8.93 crore beneficiaries across the country, strengthening the government’s efforts to improve nutrition monitoring and service delivery.

The digital platform has become an important tool for tracking the progress of nutrition programmes and ensuring better coordination among frontline workers, beneficiaries, and implementing agencies. It enables real-time monitoring of key services provided to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Through digital record-keeping and data-driven monitoring, Poshan Tracker has helped improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the delivery of nutrition services. The platform assists frontline workers in maintaining beneficiary records, tracking health indicators, and ensuring timely support reaches those in need.

Officials said the nationwide adoption of the platform reflects the growing role of technology in strengthening public welfare programmes. The data generated through Poshan Tracker also helps authorities assess ground-level requirements and plan more effective interventions.

With its expanding reach, Poshan Tracker continues to support efforts towards improving nutrition outcomes and ensuring wider access to essential services for vulnerable sections of society.

IIT Bhubaneswar Lends Technical Expertise for Safe Construction of Kendrapara Rath Yatra Chariot

Kendrapara, July 8 (UDN): In a unique blend of tradition and technology, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar is providing engineering support for the construction of the chariot for the upcoming Baladevjew Temple Rath Yatra at Ichapur in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.

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The annual Rath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 16, will witness the procession of the temple’s towering 67-foot-high, 14-wheeled chariot, ‘Bramahataladhwaja’. The initiative follows last year’s festival, during which four wheels of the chariot were damaged, causing the structure to tilt while being pulled by devotees.

To strengthen safety measures, the temple administration sought technical guidance from experts of the School of Mechanical Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar. The institute’s engineering team has been monitoring the construction process and advising temple authorities on structural stability, material selection and safe operational practices.

During a recent inspection, IIT experts recommended the use of fresh timber for the construction wherever possible and highlighted the importance of maintaining uniform structural strength across the chariot. Owing to a shortage of quality timber, however, the temple authorities are reusing some components from last year’s chariot after thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

As part of the safety overhaul, 10 new wheels are being built, while four wheels from the previous chariot are being refurbished for reuse. Around 45 traditional carpenters have been engaged in the construction work, which began in early May.

The IIT team also surveyed the nearly 2-kilometre route between the Baladevjew Temple and the Mausima Temple and identified sections of uneven road that could affect the smooth movement of the massive chariot. The experts recommended repairs to the procession route before the festival to minimise operational risks.

Temple authorities said approximately 2,700 cubic feet of sal and other timber has been procured for the construction, although around 4,000 cubic feet is required to build the chariot entirely with new wood. The shortage has necessitated the selective reuse of timber without compromising safety standards.

The collaboration between IIT Bhubaneswar and the temple administration is being seen as an innovative effort to integrate scientific expertise with traditional craftsmanship. Authorities expressed confidence that the engineering intervention will help ensure the safe conduct of one of Kendrapara’s most significant religious festivals while preserving its centuries-old heritage.

Prime Volleyball League Receives FIVB Recognition

New Delhi, July 8: The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has received recognition from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), marking a significant milestone for the league and Indian volleyball.

The recognition by the global governing body is expected to further strengthen the league’s position on the international stage and provide a boost to the growth and development of volleyball in India. The upcoming fifth season of the league is scheduled to begin on November 30.

The new season will bring together top Indian and international players, offering fans an exciting showcase of competitive volleyball. The league has played a key role in providing a professional platform for players and increasing the popularity of the sport across the country.

With the backing of FIVB recognition, PVL aims to further enhance its standards, attract wider global attention, and contribute to the development of volleyball talent in India.

The organisers said preparations for Season 5 are underway, with teams gearing up for another action-packed edition of the tournament.

Andhra Pradesh Officials’ Visit to Kotia Villages Rekindles Odisha–Andhra Border Dispute

Koraput, July 8 (UDN): The decades-old border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has resurfaced after a team of Andhra Pradesh government officials reportedly carried out census-related verification in several villages under the disputed Kotia Gram Panchayat in Koraput district.

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According to local sources, the Andhra Pradesh team, led by Salur Tehsildar Suresh Babu from Parvathipuram Manyam district, visited Upper Sembi, Lower Sembi and Nedibalasa villages. The delegation reportedly included Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Anganwadi workers, education officials and other government functionaries.

During the visit, officials are said to have undertaken door-to-door verification, collecting previously issued census forms and reviewing the status of digitisation of demographic data. Local representatives from the Andhra Pradesh side also reportedly accompanied the team during the exercise.

The reported administrative activity has once again drawn attention to the long-pending territorial dispute over the Kotia cluster of villages, claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. While Odisha has already completed its census-related work in the region, the latest exercise by Andhra Pradesh has triggered fresh concerns over competing administrative claims.

The development comes barely a month after a visit by an Andhra Pradesh minister to Nedibalasa village for the inauguration of a road project, an event that had also sparked political and administrative debate in both states.

Although the situation remained peaceful, the latest visit has reignited discussions over the recurring administrative interventions by both states in the disputed villages. Residents of the Kotia region have frequently witnessed welfare programmes and official visits from both governments as the boundary issue remains unresolved.

The border dispute over the Kotia villages is currently pending before the Supreme Court, where both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have staked their claims over the territory. Officials said any long-term resolution will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Odisha district administration is monitoring the situation closely. An official statement on the reported visit was awaited at the time of filing this report.

Gujarat Expands Fuel Tax Relief for Fishermen with Major Policy Change

July 8: In a move aimed at providing greater financial relief to the fishing community, the Gujarat Cabinet has approved a key amendment to the state’s diesel Value Added Tax (VAT) relief scheme by removing the boat length criterion, allowing more fishermen to benefit from the subsidy.

The revised policy is expected to make the scheme more inclusive by extending eligibility to a larger number of fishing vessel owners, irrespective of the size of their boats. The decision is intended to ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs, one of the biggest operational expenses for fishermen.

State government officials said the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. By broadening the scope of the scheme, the government aims to ensure that welfare benefits reach more beneficiaries engaged in marine fishing.

The Cabinet believes the revised policy will not only support fishermen economically but also encourage greater participation in the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in Gujarat’s coastal economy. The updated diesel VAT relief scheme is expected to come into effect as per the government’s notified guidelines.

Government Steps Up El Niño Preparedness as Monsoon Boosts Kharif Sowing

New Delhi, July 8: The Centre has intensified its preparedness measures to address the potential impact of El Niño while expressing confidence over the progress of the ongoing kharif season, aided by improved monsoon conditions across several parts of the country.

According to official data, kharif sowing has reached 350.85 lakh hectares, reflecting steady progress in agricultural activities following the revival of monsoon rains. The increase in cultivated area is expected to support crop production and provide relief to farmers after concerns over delayed rainfall in some regions.

The government is closely monitoring weather patterns and their possible impact on agriculture, with a special focus on mitigating risks associated with El Niño. Ministries and state governments have been directed to maintain preparedness and ensure timely interventions to safeguard crop health, water availability, and farmers’ livelihoods.

Officials said contingency plans are in place to respond to any weather-related challenges, including the availability of quality seeds, irrigation support, and other agricultural inputs. Regular coordination is also being maintained with state authorities to review rainfall distribution, reservoir levels, and crop conditions.

The Centre reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers through proactive planning and continuous monitoring, while emphasizing that favourable monsoon conditions in recent weeks have significantly improved the pace of kharif sowing across the country.