Category Archives: News

India, France to Deepen Innovation and Investment Ties: Sitharaman

New Delhi, July 3: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the India–France strategic partnership will play an important role in driving the next phase of innovation-led growth, with both countries expanding cooperation in key areas such as technology, investment, and sustainable development.

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

She highlighted that the bilateral relationship between India and France is built on long-standing trust and is steadily deepening across sectors including defence, space, digital technologies, clean energy, and infrastructure.

According to officials, the partnership is expected to open new avenues for research, innovation, and economic collaboration, while also supporting long-term development priorities for both nations.

The Finance Minister’s remarks reflect India’s growing emphasis on strengthening global partnerships to support innovation-driven economic expansion and enhance competitiveness in the global economy.

Centre Flags E-Rickshaw Battery Safety, Orders Removal of BAT-BMS Apps

New Delhi, July 3: The government has directed app stores to remove BAT-BMS applications following concerns related to the security and safety of e-rickshaw battery management systems.

Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening oversight of battery management software used in electric three-wheelers, particularly e-rickshaws, which rely heavily on digital battery monitoring systems for safe operation.

The action comes amid concerns that vulnerabilities in such applications could potentially impact battery performance, safety standards, and operational reliability. Authorities are reviewing compliance requirements to ensure that battery management systems meet necessary safety protocols.

The directive is part of broader efforts to regulate digital tools linked to electric mobility and ensure safer adoption of EV technologies across the transport sector.

Further assessments are expected to be carried out to evaluate other similar applications in the ecosystem, with an emphasis on improving cybersecurity and operational safety standards.

Officials have advised stakeholders to comply with regulatory guidelines and ensure that only approved and secure systems are used in electric vehicle operations.

Le Méridien Kochi Appoints Krutin Sheth as Director of Sales and Marketing

Kochi, July 3: Le Méridien Kochi announced the appointment of Krutin Sheth as Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Krutin will lead the property’s sales, marketing, and revenue management functions, with a focus on strengthening market share across the corporate, MICE, and leisure segments.

Sheth brings over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a career spanning some of the most recognised global hotel brands. He joins Le Méridien Kochi from Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Nashik, where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing, spearheading strategic initiatives across corporate, MICE, and leisure business while implementing data-driven pricing and revenue management practices. 

Prior to that, Sheth spent over a decade with Marriott International in a series of progressively senior sales leadership roles across the company’s India portfolio, including stints in Navi Mumbai, Pune , Belagavi, and Pune , as well as a tenure with Marriott’s National Sales Office. During this period, he held positions including Director of Sales and Marketing, Director of Sales, Associate Director of Sales, and Senior Sales Manager, building a track record in revenue generation, key account management, and team leadership — including steering teams through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. 

Earlier in his career, Krutin held sales roles with The Lalit Group of Hotels and GRT Hotels & Resorts in Mumbai, where he built his foundation in client relationship management, market research, and corporate rate contracting. 

A postgraduate of the Kohinoor IMI School of Hospitality Management, Lonavla, with a Higher Diploma in International Hospitality, Sheth also holds a B.Sc. in Hotel & Tourism Management from YCMOU University, Nashik. He is certified in Sales & Service Foundation, Sales Negotiation, Dynamic Selling, and Foundation of Leadership. 

With this appointment, Le Méridien Kochi reinforces its commitment to strong sales leadership as it continues to expand its presence in the corporate, MICE, and leisure travel markets in Kerala.

Puri Braces for 25 Lakh Devotees as Preparations Intensify for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra

Puri, July 3 (UDN): With the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath just days away, the holy city of Puri is witnessing hectic preparations as the Odisha Government and district administration gear up to welcome an estimated 25 lakh devotees from across India and abroad.

 File photo

Construction of the three majestic wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is in its final phase, with teams of skilled carpenters and artisans working round the clock to complete the centuries-old tradition in time for the festival.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the world-famous event, authorities have put in place an extensive crowd management and security plan. Puri has been divided into multiple policing sectors, with additional security personnel, rapid response teams and traffic police to regulate pilgrim movement and maintain law and order throughout the festival.

A comprehensive traffic management plan has also been prepared to minimise congestion. Hundreds of electric vehicles will shuttle devotees between designated parking areas and the Grand Road (Bada Danda), improving last-mile connectivity while reducing traffic pressure in the temple town.

The Health Department has strengthened medical preparedness by establishing dedicated emergency wards at hospitals and deploying hundreds of doctors, nurses and paramedics across the city. Temporary health camps, ambulances and first-aid centres will remain operational to provide immediate medical assistance to pilgrims.

Technology will play a key role in monitoring the festival. The entire Grand Road will be kept under round-the-clock surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras linked to an integrated control room. Large LED display screens will provide live updates on crowd movement, traffic advisories and other important announcements to help ensure a safe and orderly Rath Yatra.

Officials have appealed to devotees to follow traffic regulations, cooperate with security personnel and adhere to official advisories for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.

With elaborate arrangements in place, the administration is confident of ensuring a safe, seamless and memorable Rath Yatra experience for millions of devotees visiting the abode of Lord Jagannath.

Xandari Resorts launches Earthbound Wellness for the Monsoon

Kochi, July 2: As Kerala welcomes the rejuvenating Karkkidakam season, Xandari Resorts launches Earthbound Wellness, a collection of specially curated monsoon wellness packages that blend authentic Ayurveda with restorative leisure experiences. The programmes will be offered through Ayura Wellness, Xandari Resorts’ Ayurveda offering, where qualified Ayurveda physicians and therapists provide personalised wellness experiences inspired by the healing power of nature. Available from July 1 to September 30, 2026, the seasonal offering can be experienced at Cardamom County by Xandari, Thekkady, and Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, Mararikulam, inviting travellers to experience Kerala’s age-old healing traditions during the monsoon.

Recognised in Ayurveda as one of the most beneficial times of the year for rejuvenation, the monsoon season is believed to make the body more receptive to treatments. Inspired by this tradition, Earthbound Wellness has been thoughtfully designed around the philosophy of Pause. Breathe. Restore, offering travellers an opportunity to unwind amidst nature while embracing holistic wellbeing.

Each wellness journey begins with a consultation and Prakriti assessment, followed by a personalised programme that includes Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation, herbal wellness rituals, and nature-based experiences. Complementing the treatments is a specially curated Ayurvedic meal plan featuring seasonal preparations such as Karkkidaka kanji, Ayurvedic thali, and herbal drinks, all designed to support the body’s natural healing process.

Travellers can choose from four wellness programmes, such as 3-Day Reset, 5-Day Restore, 7-Day Rebalance, and 14-Day Transformation, each tailored to different wellness goals while combining relaxation with authentic Ayurvedic care in serene natural surroundings.

Speaking about the launch, Arvind Gangadharan, Chief Xperience Officer, Xandari Resorts, said,

“Today’s travellers are seeking experiences that leave them feeling restored, not just rested. Earthbound Wellness reflects our belief that wellbeing is most meaningful when it is rooted in authenticity, personalised care, and a deep connection with nature. These programmes have been thoughtfully designed to offer travellers an opportunity to slow down and experience Ayurveda in its true essence.”

‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ Vision Gains Momentum with Rs 1.10 Lakh Crore Aluminium Project: CM Mohan Majhi

Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said Odisha’s long-term development roadmap, ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’, has received a major boost with the launch of a Rs 1.10 lakh crore aluminium project, describing it as a landmark investment that will accelerate the state’s industrial transformation and economic growth.

The Chief Minister said the mega project reflects growing investor confidence in Odisha and aligns with the state’s vision of becoming a leading industrial and manufacturing hub by 2036. He noted that the investment is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, strengthen downstream industries, and contribute significantly to the state’s economy.

Majhi said the project would not only enhance Odisha’s position in the aluminium sector but also promote infrastructure development, technological advancement, and inclusive growth in the region. He emphasised that the state government remains committed to providing a business-friendly ecosystem and ensuring the timely implementation of major industrial projects.

Highlighting the objectives of the ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ vision, the Chief Minister said the roadmap focuses on sustainable industrialisation, employment generation, infrastructure expansion, and balanced regional development. He added that the government’s proactive policies and investor-friendly initiatives are helping attract large-scale investments across key sectors.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the aluminium project would serve as a catalyst for Odisha’s aspiration of becoming a prosperous, self-reliant, and globally competitive economy by 2036.

ISRO Bengaluru Facility Evacuated After Hoax Bomb Threat Email

Bengaluru, July 2: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received a hoax email claiming the presence of a bomb at its new BEL Road facility in Bengaluru, prompting immediate precautionary action.

Following the threat alert, the premises were evacuated as a safety measure while security agencies conducted preliminary checks. Officials later indicated that the email appeared to be part of a broader hoax campaign targeting multiple institutions.

Police sources stated that similar threat emails have recently been sent to the Karnataka High Court and several schools in Bengaluru, suggesting a coordinated attempt to create panic.

Authorities are investigating the origin of the emails, while security has been tightened across sensitive locations as a precautionary step. Further details are awaited.

Meghalaya Records 74 pc Rainfall Deficit, Highest in Northeast: IMD

Shillong, July 2: Meghalaya has recorded a monsoon rainfall deficit of 74 per cent, the highest among northeastern states, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The significant shortfall highlights uneven monsoon performance across the region, with several areas receiving substantially below-normal rainfall so far this season. Meteorological data indicates that the deficit has impacted overall precipitation patterns in the state.

Experts suggest that such a high deficit may affect agriculture, water availability, and allied activities if the dry spell persists. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and weather developments to assess potential impacts in the coming weeks.

The IMD continues to track monsoon conditions across the Northeast as rainfall distribution remains highly variable this season.

Odisha Government Declares Odia Film ‘Aafaa’ Tax-Free to Promote Organ Donation Awareness

Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): The Odisha government has granted tax-free status to the Odia feature film ‘Aafaa’, recognising its powerful social message on organ donation and its potential to inspire public awareness, particularly among the youth.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the proposal on Wednesday, paving the way for the film to be screened across the state without the burden of entertainment tax.

Directed by Pritiraj Satpathy and produced by Naina Das Tiwari, Aafaa centres on the emotional journey of a 16-year-old girl battling a life-threatening illness who chooses to donate her organs despite the challenges she faces. Through its compelling narrative, the film seeks to promote compassion, selflessness and the life-saving importance of organ donation.

According to the state government, the decision to exempt the film from tax reflects its commitment to supporting cinema that carries meaningful social messages. Officials believe the film has the potential to encourage discussions on organ donation and motivate people, especially young audiences, to contribute towards this humanitarian cause.

With the tax exemption, the government expects Aafaa to reach a wider audience and strengthen awareness about organ donation while reinforcing the role of cinema as a medium for positive social change.

Indian Railways Freight Loading Rises 4 pc to 142.21 Million Tonnes in June

New Delhi, July 2: Indian Railways has reported a 4 per cent year-on-year increase in freight loading, reaching 142.21 million tonnes in June, reflecting steady growth in cargo movement across the national rail network.

The rise in freight volumes highlights improved logistics efficiency and sustained demand from key sectors such as coal, cement, steel, and food grains. Officials noted that the consistent performance underscores the growing role of railways in supporting India’s supply chain and industrial activity.

The increase in freight loading is also seen as a result of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure capacity, streamline operations, and improve turnaround time for goods transportation.

With stable demand from core sectors, Indian Railways is expected to maintain strong freight performance in the coming months, contributing significantly to the country’s logistics and economic growth.