Category Archives: News

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.

Stock Markets Rise Sharply on Easing Crude Prices

Mumbai, July 2: Indian equity markets ended higher as easing crude oil prices boosted investor sentiment and supported gains across key sectors.

The Sensex surged 579 points, while the Nifty index crossed the 24,175 mark, reflecting strong buying interest in auto, banking, and metal stocks. Market participants attributed the rally to softening global crude prices, which eased concerns over inflation and input costs.

Analysts said that lower oil prices improved overall risk appetite and strengthened expectations of stable macroeconomic conditions. Positive domestic cues, including strong sectoral performance, also contributed to the upward momentum.

Broader markets witnessed healthy participation, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks also trading in positive territory.

Experts noted that sustained trends in global commodity prices and upcoming economic data releases will continue to guide market direction in the coming sessions.

Odisha Congress In-Charge Lalji Desai to Chair Maiden Organisational Meeting in Bhubaneswar Today

Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): Newly appointed Odisha Congress in-charge Lalji Desai is set to chair his first organisational meeting with party leaders in Bhubaneswar today, marking the beginning of his efforts to strengthen the party’s organisational structure in the state.

The meeting is expected to be attended by senior state Congress leaders, office-bearers, district presidents, legislators, and other key functionaries. Discussions are likely to focus on organisational strengthening, membership expansion, preparations for upcoming political programmes, and strategies to enhance the party’s outreach across Odisha.

Desai is also expected to review the party’s performance, assess district-level organisational activities, and seek feedback from leaders on issues concerning the state’s political landscape. The meeting assumes significance as the Congress seeks to revitalise its base in Odisha and intensify its campaign on public issues.

Party leaders are hopeful that Desai’s maiden visit and interaction with the state leadership will provide fresh momentum to the organisation and help improve coordination among party functionaries.

Further details of the deliberations and decisions taken during the meeting are expected to be shared after the conclusion of the meeting.

MPEDA Skill Olympiad Showcases India’s Seafood Processing Expertise

New Delhi, July 2: The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) organized a Seafood Skill Olympiad to showcase India’s growing talent and capabilities in value-added seafood processing.

The event highlighted the skills of participants in modern seafood preparation, processing techniques, quality control, and value addition practices aimed at strengthening India’s position in global seafood markets. It also provided a platform to promote innovation, skill development, and industry best practices in the fisheries and seafood export sector.

Officials noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing employability, improving processing standards, and supporting the growth of India’s seafood export industry. The programme also reflects ongoing efforts to boost competitiveness and encourage higher value addition within the sector.

Overall, the Olympiad is seen as an important step towards building a skilled workforce and strengthening India’s presence in the international seafood trade.

Assam Targets 10 Lakh Litres of Daily Milk Production

India Achieves Key Milestone in Conservation of Wild Rice Genetic Resources

New Delhi, July 2: The Government of India has achieved a significant milestone in the conservation of wild rice genetic resources, marking an important advancement in the country’s efforts to safeguard agricultural biodiversity and strengthen future food security.

Wild rice species are considered a critical reservoir of genetic traits such as resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to drought and floods, and adaptability to changing climatic conditions. Conserving these genetic resources is essential for developing improved rice varieties that can sustain productivity under environmental stress.

The initiative involves systematic identification, collection, documentation, and long-term preservation of wild rice germplasm across different agro-climatic regions of the country. These genetic materials are being conserved for use in scientific research and crop improvement programmes.

Officials stated that the conserved genetic diversity will play a vital role in supporting plant breeding efforts aimed at developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant rice varieties. This is expected to benefit farmers by improving crop stability and reducing losses due to unpredictable weather patterns and biological threats.

The government highlighted that this achievement reflects strengthened coordination between agricultural research institutions, conservation agencies, and scientific bodies engaged in plant genetic resource management. Continuous efforts are being made to expand the national gene pool and ensure its accessibility for future research and development.

Experts noted that preserving wild rice diversity is crucial at a time when climate change poses increasing risks to global food systems. India’s progress in this area is seen as an important contribution to long-term agricultural sustainability and global food security goals.

Asian Kabaddi League Unveils Women’s Chapter 1; International League to be Telecast in Prime Time from 1–16 August

New Delhi, July 2 :The Asian Kabaddi League  unveiled Women’s Chapter 1, a dedicated international professional league for women’s kabaddi, at a press conference at the Constitution Club of India. Matches will be held from 1 to 16 August 2026 and telecast in prime time, with Sony as the official broadcasting partner.

The league was launched in association with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India , the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation  and the state kabaddi associations of Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. Representatives of the participating federations and state associations were felicitated at the event in recognition of their support.

AKL – Women’s Chapter 1 has a single objective: to promote and develop women’s kabaddi at the international level. While most professional kabaddi leagues worldwide remain focused on the men’s game, AKL is introducing a dedicated women’s competition to give women athletes equal opportunity, international exposure and a genuinely professional platform — an aim aligned with the wider national push for women’s empowerment and sports development.

The Announcement

Introducing the league, Vikram Vijay Chandan, President – Growth & Media, AKL, said AKL will bring together the finest women kabaddi players and team heads from across Asia, telecast by Sony in prime time.

Dr. Praveen Shetty, League Chairman, welcomed the representatives from the participating states and reaffirmed the league’s founding belief — that talent exists in every region and deserves an equal, professional platform.

Players Welcome a Long-Awaited Platform

International kabaddi player Suman Shokeen said women players had long awaited a professional league of this scale, calling AKL a fresh beginning that will inspire more young girls to take up the sport.

Shri Narayanan thanked the organisers and the state kabaddi associations — with particular appreciation for the Tamil Nadu Kabaddi Association — and noted that players from Southeast Asian countries will feature alongside Indian players.

Format and Next Steps

Kuldeep Rana confirmed that invitations have been extended to the participating teams and that the final team list will be announced shortly. The league will be telecast on Sony Sports; prize money and the official tip-off event will be announced separately. Future editions are planned in a home-and-away format, with the goal of establishing AKL as a high-quality, fully professional women’s league.

JC Sharma said the league will create more tournaments and playing opportunities for women, helping them prepare for professional competition and opening pathways to financial growth, recognition and employment. A dedicated booth for guests and promotional activity was also set up at the venue.

Geetanjali Sharma, Chairperson of National Anti Doping Agency said the league will create valuable opportunities for woman in the country, the whole idea of women empowerment and the way league is designed to enable the woman from the grassroots. She praised the organisers on following the footsteps of Honourable Prime Minister and his views on Women Empowerment 

Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Mumbai

Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Mumbai; Over 99 Tree Falls and Multiple Power Faults Reported

Mumbai, July 2: Continuous heavy rainfall has severely disrupted normal life across the city, leading to widespread tree falls and power-related incidents.

According to initial reports, more than 99 cases of trees being uprooted or falling were recorded, along with at least 13 incidents of short circuits in various parts of Mumbai. The relentless rain has also affected road movement and local infrastructure, causing delays and safety concerns for residents.

Municipal authorities and emergency response teams are actively working to clear debris, restore electricity, and ensure public safety. Citizens have been urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.

Delhi EV Model Shows INR 1 Lakh Crore Savings Path

New Delhi, July 2: India’s transition towards electric mobility could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, with estimates suggesting that achieving 20% electric vehicle (EV) penetration by 2030 may help save nearly ₹1 lakh crore in fuel import costs.

According to policy insights, a higher adoption of EVs will substantially reduce the country’s dependence on imported crude oil, thereby strengthening energy security and easing pressure on the import bill. Experts believe that the transport sector, which remains a major consumer of fossil fuels, holds the key to achieving these savings through large-scale electrification.

The Delhi EV policy has emerged as a notable example of successful implementation, demonstrating how targeted incentives, regulatory support, and infrastructure expansion—such as charging stations and consumer subsidies—can accelerate EV adoption in urban areas.

Officials and experts further noted that expanding EV usage will not only reduce import costs but also contribute to improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term environmental sustainability. The shift is also expected to promote innovation and investment in clean mobility technologies across the country.

They emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the Centre and states to scale up charging infrastructure, support manufacturing, and encourage consumer adoption in order to meet the 2030 target effectively.

Indian REITs Association Appoints Shirish Godbole as Chairperson

Mumbai,July 2: The Indian REITs Association today announced the  appointment of Mr. Shirish Godbole, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Realty Trust,  as its chairperson, with immediate effect. He succeeds Mr. Alok Aggarwal, who stepped  down as Chairperson following his retirement as Managing Director & CEO of Brookfield  India Real Estate Trust.

The Indian REITs Association expresses its sincere gratitude to Mr. Aggarwal for his leadership and valuable contributions in guiding the Association during the formative  phase of India’s REIT sector. Under his stewardship, the Association played a key role in  strengthening investor education, fostering industry engagement, and supporting the  growth of the country’s listed REIT ecosystem.

Founded in 2023 under the guidance of SEBI and the Ministry of Finance, the Indian REITs  Association  is a non-profit industry body dedicated to promoting the growth and  development of India’s Real Estate Investment Trust  sector. Its members include  Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business  Parks REIT, Nexus Select Trust, Knowledge Realty Trust, and Bagmane Prime Office REIT.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Shirish Godbole said

“I am honored to assume the  role of Chairperson of the Indian REITs Association at a defining moment for the sector.  In just a few years, REITs have established themselves as a credible and transparent investment avenue, and the opportunity ahead is even more exciting. As India’s  commercial real estate market continues to mature, REITs have the potential to become  a mainstream investment product for both domestic and global investors. I look forward  to working closely with our members, regulators and other stakeholders to strengthen  the REIT ecosystem, enhance investor awareness, uphold the highest standards of governance and transparency, and support the next phase of growth for the industry.”

Mr. Godbole currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Realty Trust,  India’s largest listed REIT by market capitalization, and brings over 25 years of experience in global real estate investing and finance. He has held senior leadership positions with globally renowned institutions, including AEW Capital Management in Boston; Morgan  Stanley in New York, where he served as Managing Director in the Real Estate Assets Division; and Morgan Stanley India Financial Services Private Limited, where he headed  Morgan Stanley’s Real Estate Investing business in India. He has also served as Managing  Director in the Merchant Banking Division at Goldman SachsSecurities Private  Limited.

Mr. Godbole holds a master’s degree in business administration from Northeastern  University, Boston.