Category Archives: News

Army Chief meets President at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi, July 6: Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, along with his spouse Komal Seth, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a courtesy meeting.

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

The Army Chief met the President as part of a formal interaction at the President’s official residence in the national capital. The meeting is part of routine engagements between the top leadership of the armed forces and the constitutional head of the country.

Officials said such interactions provide an opportunity for the Army leadership to brief the President on key developments related to national security, operational preparedness, and ongoing institutional initiatives, while also strengthening coordination at the highest level of governance.

The visit reflects the continued tradition of dialogue and engagement between the armed forces and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, underscoring the Army’s commitment to constitutional values and national service.

India proposes BRICS virtual anti-drug network at Guwahati meet

Guwahati, July 6: India has proposed the creation of a BRICS virtual anti-drug network to strengthen cooperation among member countries in combating drug trafficking and related transnational crimes, according to officials.

The proposal was discussed during a BRICS-related meeting held in Guwahati, where India highlighted the need for faster information sharing, coordinated enforcement actions, and improved digital intelligence mechanisms among member nations.

Officials said the proposed platform would help member countries exchange real-time data on drug trafficking routes, suspect networks, and emerging synthetic drug threats. It is aimed at improving coordination between law enforcement agencies and enhancing collective response capabilities.

India also emphasized the growing challenge of narcotics trafficking through digital platforms and cross-border networks, urging stronger international collaboration to address the issue effectively.

Nepal’s economy grows 3.51pc in Q3 despite prolonged slowdown: Report

July 6: Nepal’s economy expanded by 3.51% in the third quarter, according to a recent report, even as the country continues to experience a prolonged economic slowdown.

The report said the growth was driven by modest improvements in agriculture, services, and domestic trade. However, overall economic activity remained under pressure due to weak investment levels and subdued industrial performance.

It added that inflation concerns, limited private sector spending, and external economic pressures continue to weigh on growth prospects. Despite this, gradual recovery in consumption and select sectors provided some support to overall economic output.

Analysts said sustained reforms and stronger investment flows will be important to support more stable and higher growth in the coming quarters.

46 Fake Hotel Booking, VIP Darshan Websites Taken Down Ahead of Rath Yatra; Pilgrims Lose INR 10 Lakh to Cyber Fraud

Bhubaneswar, July 6 (UDN): With the annual Rath Yatra set to attract lakhs of devotees to Puri, cybercriminals have stepped up online scams by creating fake hotel booking portals and fraudulent VIP darshan websites to cheat unsuspecting pilgrims.

Representational image

The Odisha Crime Branch, in coordination with the Puri Police, has identified and taken down around 46 bogus websites that were allegedly being used to dupe devotees seeking accommodation and temple-related services online.

According to officials, fraudsters cloned websites of genuine hotels and created deceptive portals offering attractive room tariffs and guaranteed accommodation. These fake websites often appeared prominently in online search results, prompting devotees to make advance payments for bookings that never existed.

Cyber criminals were also found luring pilgrims with false promises of VIP darshan of Lord Jagannath in exchange for online payments. Victims were persuaded to transfer money through UPI and digital wallets, after which the fraudsters became unreachable by switching off their mobile phones or blocking communication.

Police said around 40 devotees were cheated of nearly ₹10 lakh in the past week alone through such fraudulent schemes.

In view of the increasing number of cyber fraud cases, the Crime Branch has issued a public advisory urging devotees to remain vigilant while making online bookings. Pilgrims have been advised to verify hotel contact details through reliable sources, avoid clicking on unknown links or the first search results without verification, and refrain from making full advance payments to unverified entities.

Authorities have also recommended booking accommodation only through trusted travel platforms or official tourism websites and cautioned the public against anyone claiming to offer special or VIP darshan in exchange for money.

The Crime Branch has appealed to victims of cyber fraud to immediately report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to facilitate prompt action and improve the chances of recovering the lost amount.

Police said surveillance of online platforms has been intensified, and strict action will continue against those attempting to exploit devotees during the Rath Yatra.

Gadkari Reviews Key Infrastructure Projects Under NHLML

July 6: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed key projects being implemented by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure across the country.

During the review, Gadkari described the ongoing initiatives as transformative projects that are laying the foundation for the next generation of India’s infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of building modern, efficient, and sustainable transport and logistics networks to support economic growth and improve connectivity.

The projects under review are aimed at strengthening logistics infrastructure, enhancing highway-linked facilities, and improving the overall efficiency of the country’s transportation ecosystem. Officials also discussed the progress of ongoing works and strategies for timely implementation.

The government said such infrastructure initiatives are expected to boost trade, facilitate smoother movement of goods, create employment opportunities, and contribute to India’s long-term economic development.

Super Typhoon Bavi Slams Northern Mariana Islands, Guam on High Alert

 Representational Image

July 6: Category 5 Super Typhoon Bavi has made landfall on Rota, bringing destructive winds, torrential rain, and dangerous conditions across the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

With winds reaching up to 346 km/h in gusts and heavy rainfall expected, authorities have warned residents to stay indoors or move to designated shelters. The storm has already caused power outages and raised concerns over flash floods and damage to infrastructure.

The region is still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck earlier this year, making the latest storm an even greater challenge for affected communities. Emergency teams remain on alert as hazardous weather is expected to continue until the typhoon moves away.

US, Japan hold key rare earth patents despite China’s supply dominance: Report

New Delhi, July 6: China continues to dominate global rare earth mining and processing, but its advantage in the sector is facing increasing technological competition, according to a recent report.

The report said that the United States and Japan hold a significant share of high-value patents in advanced rare earth technologies, particularly in areas such as high-performance magnets, electric mobility components, renewable energy systems, and advanced electronics.

While China remains the primary supplier of raw rare earth materials and has strong processing capabilities, the report highlighted that innovation and intellectual property in downstream applications are increasingly concentrated in US and Japanese firms and research institutions.

Experts cited in the report suggest that this shift could gradually influence global supply chains by increasing competition in value-added segments of the rare earth ecosystem. Countries dependent on these materials may also accelerate efforts to diversify sourcing and invest in alternative technologies.

However, the report also acknowledged that China’s scale, infrastructure, and established supply networks continue to give it a strong position in the global rare earth market, ensuring that it remains a key player despite growing competition in patents and innovation.

Gujarat to Adopt South Korean Technology for Air-Filled Rubber Dams to Improve Water Management

July 6: The state of Gujarat is set to introduce air-filled rubber dam technology using expertise from South Korea to strengthen its water management and irrigation systems.

The initiative aims to improve water storage, regulate river flow, and enhance groundwater recharge by using flexible, inflatable rubber dams that can be controlled based on water levels and seasonal requirements.

Officials said the project is part of a broader effort to modernize water infrastructure and address challenges related to water scarcity and efficient distribution. The technology is expected to help better manage monsoon flows while ensuring water availability during dry periods.

The collaboration with South Korean experts is also expected to bring advanced engineering practices to the state, improving the durability and efficiency of water control systems.

Further details regarding project locations and implementation timelines are expected to be announced in the coming stages of planning.

India’s macroeconomic outlook improves as oil prices ease: Report

New Delhi, July 6: India’s macroeconomic outlook has improved following a decline in global crude oil prices, according to a recent report.

The report noted that easing oil prices are helping reduce inflationary pressures, improve the trade balance, and support overall economic stability. Lower import costs for crude oil are also expected to provide relief to the current account deficit and strengthen fiscal management.

It added that stable energy prices could benefit key sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture by reducing input costs and supporting demand conditions.

However, the report cautioned that global uncertainties and potential volatility in commodity markets could still pose risks, and recommended continued monitoring of international energy trends.

Major Road Safety Push: Repeat Traffic Offenders May Need Fresh Driving Test

New Delhi, July 6: The Centre has proposed significant amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act aimed at strengthening road safety enforcement, improving driver accountability, and ensuring faster relief for road accident victims.

Under the proposed framework, individuals identified as repeat traffic offenders may be required to undergo mandatory fresh driving tests in order to retain their driving licences. The measure is intended to assess driving competence more strictly and curb habitual violations of traffic rules.

Officials said the reform is designed to address rising concerns over road safety by introducing stricter compliance mechanisms for those who repeatedly violate traffic regulations. The proposal places greater emphasis on behavioural correction through re-evaluation of driving skills rather than routine penalties alone.

In addition to stricter licensing norms, the proposed changes also focus on improving the system of assistance and compensation for road accident victims. The government aims to streamline procedures to ensure quicker emergency response, faster claim settlement, and improved coordination among relevant authorities.

According to officials, the overall objective of the proposed reforms is to reduce road accidents, enhance discipline among road users, and create a more efficient and accountable traffic management system across the country.

The proposal is currently under examination and will undergo stakeholder consultations before being finalised. Further details and implementation timelines will be announced after the review process is completed.