Category Archives: News

Amit Shah Launches Delhi’s 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Drive to Boost Green Cover

New Delhi, July 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched Delhi’s ambitious 70 lakh tree plantation campaign, aimed at increasing green cover and improving the city’s environmental conditions.

The large-scale plantation drive seeks to promote ecological conservation, reduce pollution levels, and enhance urban greenery across the national capital. The initiative will involve participation from government departments, local bodies, institutions, and citizens to ensure wider community involvement.

Addressing the launch event, Shah highlighted the importance of environmental protection and collective efforts in tackling challenges such as air pollution and climate change. He emphasised the need for sustained plantation and maintenance efforts to create a healthier environment for future generations.

The campaign is part of broader measures to strengthen Delhi’s green infrastructure and encourage public participation in environmental conservation.

Officials said the success of the initiative will depend not only on planting trees but also on ensuring their long-term care and survival through coordinated efforts among various stakeholders.

Sambalpur University Researchers Develop Promising Herbal Anti-Cancer Formulation from Gandhamardan Medicinal Plants

Bhubaneswar, July 7 (UDN): Researchers at Sambalpur University have reported a significant breakthrough in cancer research after developing a polyherbal anti-cancer formulation derived from medicinal plants found in Odisha’s Gandhamardan Hills. The formulation has demonstrated encouraging results in pre-clinical animal studies, paving the way for the next phase of human clinical trials.

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The research, undertaken by the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics in collaboration with the University’s Research Centre of Excellence, began in 2019 with an extensive scientific investigation into the medicinal properties of plants traditionally used in Ayurvedic and indigenous healthcare systems. Nearly 50 medicinal plant species native to the Gandhamardan hills were screened before researchers shortlisted five plants with the most promising anti-cancer properties to develop the formulation.

According to the research team, laboratory experiments and animal studies yielded highly encouraging outcomes. In pre-clinical trials, laboratory mice with experimentally induced tumours were treated with the herbal formulation for around 35 days, resulting in the complete disappearance of the tumours. Researchers also observed that, unlike conventional chemotherapy, the formulation did not produce any significant adverse effects during the study.

Head of the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Prof. Pradeep Nayak, said the successful pre-clinical findings have laid the foundation for human clinical evaluation.

“An MoU has been signed with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). The formulation will now undergo clinical trials on cancer patients. If the outcomes are successful, it could mark a major advancement in cancer treatment,” he said.

The upcoming clinical studies are expected to be conducted jointly with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of AYUSH and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar. Researchers stressed that the formulation’s safety and therapeutic effectiveness can only be scientifically established after rigorous human clinical trials.

The project was carried out using advanced laboratory facilities at Sambalpur University with active participation from doctoral scholars and research scientists. Cancer cell lines required for the study were sourced from the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, enabling detailed laboratory investigations into the formulation’s anti-cancer activity.

Explaining the research methodology, PhD scholar Isara Nayak said the team selected the final five medicinal plants after evaluating their ability to destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. Another researcher, Sekh Abdul, noted that multiple cancer cell samples obtained from NCCS have supported further laboratory validation of the formulation.

Researchers believe the herbal formulation has the potential to address one of the major limitations of existing cancer therapies. Unlike chemotherapy and radiation, which often damage healthy tissues along with cancer cells, the new formulation is expected to selectively target cancerous cells while minimising harmful side effects. However, they cautioned that these findings must be confirmed through comprehensive clinical studies.

If the forthcoming human trials prove successful, the polyherbal formulation could emerge as an affordable and effective complementary option for cancer treatment, while highlighting the immense medicinal value of the biodiversity-rich Gandhamardan Hills and the growing contribution of Odisha’s scientific community to healthcare innovation.

KIIT Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta Honoured with Prestigious AAPI Award in the US

Bhubaneswar, July 7 (UDN): Eminent educationist and social reformer Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT, KIMS and KISS, has been conferred the prestigious AAPI Award 2026 by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to social service, humanitarian initiatives and strengthening India–US relations.

The award was presented during AAPICON 2026, the 44th Annual Convention and Congress of AAPI, held in Tampa, Florida, from July 2 to 5. The honour was bestowed by AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty in the presence of nearly 3,000 physicians and healthcare professionals from across the United States.

One of the largest and most influential organisations of physicians of Indian origin, AAPI represents more than 120,000 Indian-origin doctors in the United States. The association recognised Dr. Samanta for his visionary leadership in expanding access to education and healthcare, his philanthropic initiatives for underprivileged communities and his continued efforts to strengthen collaboration between India and the United States.

According to the organisers, the award also acknowledged Dr. Samanta’s valuable support to the Global Health Summit 2026 and his sustained commitment to humanitarian causes through institutions such as the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).

Addressing the gathering after receiving the honour, Dr. Samanta urged members of AAPI to contribute to India’s healthcare sector by volunteering their expertise. He appealed to Indian-origin physicians to devote a few days each month to providing medical consultation and healthcare services in India, particularly in underserved regions.

Responding positively to the proposal, AAPI leaders expressed their willingness to encourage member physicians to participate in such initiatives, with many indicating their readiness to spend between one and two weeks annually offering voluntary medical services in India.

The latest recognition adds to Dr. Samanta’s long list of national and international honours and highlights the global impact of his work in education, healthcare, social empowerment and community development.

Spain Knock Portugal Out of FIFA World Cup 2026 as Ronaldo’s Campaign Ends in Round of 16

July 7, 2026: Spain advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16, bringing an end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s campaign in the tournament.

The closely contested encounter saw both teams battle for control, with neither side able to break the deadlock during regular time. Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 91st minute when substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to seal victory and send Portugal out of the competition.

Despite Portugal’s efforts to find an equaliser, Spain’s defence held firm in the closing moments to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The defeat marked a disappointing exit for Ronaldo-led Portugal in front of a packed crowd in Dallas.

The match also added another chapter to Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebrated international career, as Portugal’s World Cup journey came to an end after a hard-fought knockout clash.

Spain will now move forward with renewed confidence as they continue their pursuit of the World Cup title, while Portugal bow out after a determined campaign on the global stage.

Monsoon Shortfall Impacts Kharif Sowing and Water Storage Across India

New Delhi, July 7: Kharif crop sowing across India continues to lag behind last year’s pace as a significant monsoon rainfall deficit affects more than half the country, according to a report by Dolat Capital. Despite a gradual improvement in rainfall over recent weeks, prolonged dry conditions during June have delayed agricultural activities and intensified moisture stress in key farming regions.

The report states that around 52 per cent of the country remains rainfall-deficient, with cumulative seasonal rainfall standing 38 per cent below normal. Central India has recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 45 per cent, followed by East and Northeast India at 40 per cent below normal, resulting in weak soil moisture and limited reservoir replenishment.

Total kharif sowing has reached 350.9 lakh hectares, which is 92 lakh hectares lower than the corresponding period last year. While the comparison is influenced by last year’s early monsoon onset, the acreage remains 22.5 lakh hectares below the five-year average. The shortfall is primarily concentrated in rice, oilseeds, and cotton, whereas pulses and coarse cereals have surpassed their normal sowing levels.

Rice cultivation remains below normal due to inadequate rainfall across eastern paddy-growing regions, delaying transplantation. Oilseed and cotton sowing have also recorded substantial deficits, reflecting the impact of insufficient rainfall and poor soil moisture conditions.

Water availability continues to remain a concern, with live reservoir storage across the country at only 26 per cent of total capacity. Eastern India is facing the most severe water stress, with reservoirs operating at just 19.4 per cent capacity, significantly below normal levels.

The report, however, offers cautious optimism, noting that the monsoon trough is expected to shift towards its normal position, supported by the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. If the anticipated rainfall materialises over Central India and Maharashtra, it could improve reservoir inflows, replenish soil moisture, and accelerate kharif sowing during the second half of July.

Eight MEMU Services Suspended in Khurda Road Division for Track Modernisation

Bhubaneswar, July 7 (UDN): To facilitate critical track modernisation and safety enhancement works in the Khurda Road Division, Indian Railways has temporarily cancelled eight MEMU train services operating on July 7, 2026, affecting commuters travelling on key suburban routes in Odisha.

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The cancellations are necessitated by ongoing infrastructure upgradation between Malatipatpur and Puri stations. Railway officials said the engineering work is part of a broader initiative to modernise railway assets, improve operational safety, enhance reliability and enable smoother train operations on the section.

The services cancelled for the day are:

• Train No. 68403 Khurda Road–Puri MEMU

• Train No. 68404 Puri–Khurda Road MEMU

• Train No. 68415 Cuttack–Puri MEMU

• Train No. 68416 Puri–Cuttack MEMU

• Train No. 68437 Bhadrak–Cuttack MEMU

• Train No. 68438 Cuttack–Bhadrak MEMU

• Train No. 58405 Cuttack–Paradeep MEMU

• Train No. 58406 Paradeep–Cuttack MEMU

Railway authorities have urged passengers to make alternate travel arrangements and check the latest train status before commencing their journey. Real-time updates are available through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) and the official Indian Railways online platforms.

Officials emphasised that while the temporary suspension may inconvenience commuters, the modernisation work is essential for strengthening railway infrastructure and ensuring safer, faster and more dependable train services in the future. The upgrade is expected to improve operational efficiency and provide long-term benefits to passengers travelling through the Khurda Road Division.

Odisha’s Rail Network Gets Major Fillip as Daily Berhampur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express and New Puri–Koraput Express Begin Operations

Berhampur, July 7 (UDN): Odisha’s railway infrastructure received a significant boost on Monday with the launch of two key passenger services—the Daily Berhampur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express and the new Puri–Koraput Express—aimed at improving connectivity within the State and with western India.

The two trains were flagged off by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during separate inauguration ceremonies held at Berhampur and Puri railway stations.

A major highlight of the announcement was the conversion of the Berhampur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express from a tri-weekly service into a daily train. The move addresses a long-standing demand from passengers, particularly the large number of migrant workers, traders, students and families travelling regularly between Odisha and Gujarat.

Connecting Berhampur with Surat, one of India’s leading textile and industrial hubs, the train also serves important destinations across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Railway officials believe the daily service will provide greater travel flexibility, reduce waiting periods and strengthen economic and social ties between the regions.

The newly introduced Puri–Koraput Express is expected to significantly improve intra-state rail connectivity by linking the coastal belt with western and southern Odisha. The train will pass through several important stations, including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi, before reaching Koraput.

According to railway officials, the new service will enhance accessibility to tribal and interior districts, facilitate tourism to religious and scenic destinations, improve trade and business connectivity, and offer passengers a more convenient travel option across the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Odisha is emerging as a key driver of India’s development and highlighted the Centre’s increased investment in the State’s railway sector.

“Odisha will serve as a growth engine for a developed India. The unprecedented investment in railway infrastructure will accelerate the State’s economic transformation and make Odisha more prosperous in the years ahead,“ he said.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the importance of the Berhampur–Surat rail corridor, noting the strong social and economic ties between the two cities due to the large Odia population living and working in Surat.

“The Daily Berhampur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express will greatly benefit passengers travelling between the two regions. Berhampur Railway Station will also be transformed into a world-class station. The design has been finalised, Phase-I preparations are complete, and construction will commence soon after the groundbreaking ceremony,” the Minister said.

The launch of the two services is expected to ease passenger demand, improve regional mobility and strengthen Odisha’s integration with major economic centres, while reinforcing Indian Railways’ efforts to expand modern, accessible and inclusive rail connectivity across the country.

Amarya Bajaj wins Dutch Junior Open U-13 squash title

New Delhi, July 6: Indian squash prodigy Amarya Bajaj has won the U-13 girls’ title at the Dutch Junior Open, marking a significant achievement in her young sporting career.

Amarya delivered a strong performance throughout the tournament, showcasing consistency, agility, and control to secure the championship in her age category. Her victory adds to India’s growing presence in junior squash on the international stage.

Officials and coaches associated with the sport praised her achievement, noting that such performances reflect the rising depth of junior talent in Indian squash. The win is expected to boost her confidence as she prepares for upcoming international and national competitions.

Hockey India announces sub-junior men’s camp for Youth Hockey5s Asian C’ship

New Delhi, July 6: Hockey India has announced the list of players selected for the sub-junior men’s national coaching camp ahead of the upcoming Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship.

The selected players will undergo intensive training focused on fitness, speed, and skills required for the fast-paced Hockey5s format. The camp is part of preparations for the continental tournament.

Officials said selections were based on recent performances in national-level events and talent identification programmes. The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots development and build a competitive squad for international competition.

Glasner appointed new Nottingham Forest head coach

Nottingham, July 6: Nottingham Forest have appointed Oliver Glasner as their new head coach, marking a fresh leadership change at the Premier League club.

The club confirmed the appointment, stating that Glasner will take charge of the first team with immediate effect. He is expected to lead preparations ahead of upcoming fixtures and work closely with the club’s management on squad development and performance goals.

Glasner, known for his tactical approach and recent success in European football, will be tasked with strengthening Nottingham Forest’s competitiveness in domestic and league competitions.

Club officials expressed confidence that his experience and coaching style will help improve results and bring stability to the team.