Category Archives: News

India’s GDP Growth Likely to Reach 7 pc in FY26: Report

June 30: India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by around 7 per cent in the current financial year, marking an upward revision from earlier estimates, according to a recent report.

The improved outlook is attributed to sustained strength in domestic demand, higher investment activity, and consistent performance across key sectors such as services, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The report highlights that consumer spending has remained resilient, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and gradual improvement in employment trends.

Experts noted that India continues to stand out as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally, even amid ongoing global economic uncertainties and uneven recovery patterns in advanced economies. Strong policy support and continued capital expenditure have also contributed to the positive growth trajectory.

However, the report also cautioned that external risks remain, including global economic slowdown concerns, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuations in commodity prices, which could influence growth momentum in the coming quarters.

Overall, the revised estimate reflects sustained economic resilience and reinforces confidence in India’s medium-term growth outlook, supported by structural reforms and improving investment sentiment.

Gen Upendra Dwivedi Bids Farewell as Army Chief, Hands Over to Gen Dhiraj Seth

June 30: General Upendra Dwivedi has formally stepped down as the Chief of the Indian Army, bringing to a close a distinguished military career spanning over four decades.

On Tuesday, he handed over the command of the Indian Army to General Dhiraj Seth in a smooth and ceremonial transition of leadership. The change marks an important moment in the armed forces, reflecting the Army’s tradition of structured succession and continuity at the highest level.

In his farewell remarks, Gen Dwivedi described his long service in the Indian Army as the “greatest privilege” of his life. He expressed deep gratitude to the soldiers, officers, and families who supported him throughout his journey, and reflected on years spent in service of the nation under challenging and evolving security conditions.

His tenure as Army Chief saw him at the helm of key operational and strategic responsibilities, guiding the force through a period focused on readiness, modernization, and strengthening national defence capabilities.

With his departure, General Dhiraj Seth now assumes charge as the new Chief of the Army Staff. He takes over leadership at a time when the Army continues to focus on operational preparedness, technological advancement, and maintaining high levels of combat readiness.

The transition marks both an emotional farewell and a seamless handover, underscoring the professionalism and institutional strength of the Indian Army.

General Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as 31st Chief of the Army Staff

June 30: General Dhiraj Seth has formally assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.

He took over the command of the Indian Army following the retirement of the outgoing Chief of Army Staff. His appointment marks an important leadership transition in the Indian Armed Forces.

Gen Seth brings with him extensive operational, command, and staff experience gained over decades of distinguished service. Throughout his career, he has held several key leadership appointments contributing to operational preparedness and organisational development.

As the new Army Chief, he is expected to guide the force with continued emphasis on modernization, operational readiness, and strengthening national defence capabilities.

GST Appellate Tribunal Appeal Filing Deadline Extended to July 31

New Delhi, June 30: The Government has extended the last date for filing appeals before the GST Appellate Tribunal to July 31, providing additional time to taxpayers and businesses to complete the appellate process under the Goods and Services Tax framework.

According to official sources, the extension has been granted to ensure wider compliance and to facilitate taxpayers who were unable to meet the earlier deadline. The decision is aimed at reducing procedural pressure and allowing sufficient time for the filing of pending appeals.

Tax professionals and industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, stating that it will help businesses engaged in dispute resolution and compliance-related matters under GST.

Authorities have advised eligible taxpayers to make use of the extended timeline and complete filings within the revised deadline to avoid last-minute delays or complications. Further procedural guidelines and notifications are expected from the concerned department.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to improve ease of compliance and streamline the GST dispute resolution mechanism.

Traffic Restrictions Announced in Jammu Ahead of Amarnath Yatra from July 2

Jammu, June 30: In preparation for the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu Traffic Police have announced strict route restrictions and traffic regulation measures beginning July 2 to ensure smooth and safe movement of pilgrims.

According to officials, the restrictions have been put in place to manage the expected increase in pilgrim vehicles and to prevent congestion on key routes leading to the Yatra base camps. Certain roads and stretches will be regulated or diverted as per convoy movement and traffic requirements.

Authorities have advised commuters, transport operators, and local residents to plan their travel accordingly and strictly follow traffic advisories during the Yatra period. Priority movement will be given to emergency and essential service vehicles.

The traffic department has also urged pilgrims to cooperate with on-ground personnel and adhere to instructions to ensure uninterrupted and safe travel along the designated routes.

Further detailed traffic arrangements and route plans are expected to be issued by the authorities in the coming days.

Devotees Gather at Alarnath Temple as Lord Jagannath Enters Anasara

Brahmagiri (Puri), June 30 (UDN): Thousands of devotees converged at the Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri on Tuesday as the annual Anasara period of Lord Jagannath commenced following the Snana Purnima rituals at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

According to temple tradition, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra remain in seclusion at the Anasara Ghara for a fortnight after the ceremonial Snana Purnima, as they are believed to undergo treatment following the elaborate ritual bath. During this period, devotees are unable to have darshan of the Holy Trinity at the Srimandir.

As per centuries-old belief, Lord Jagannath manifests as Lord Alarnath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, at the Alarnath Temple, located about 23 kilometres from Puri. Devotees consider darshan of Lord Alarnath during the Anasara period to be spiritually equivalent to having the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

The temple witnessed heavy footfall from the early hours of the day, with pilgrims standing in long queues to offer prayers. Temple authorities conducted the Mangala Alati in the pre-dawn hours before opening the shrine for public darshan. Elaborate arrangements, including crowd management, security and other essential facilities, were put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals and the convenience of devotees.

“We performed the Mangala Alati at 4 a.m., following which the temple was opened for public darshan. Necessary arrangements have been made for devotees,” a temple servitor said.

Expressing their devotion, several pilgrims said the opportunity to have darshan of Lord Alarnath during the Anasara period is considered highly auspicious and attracts devotees from across Odisha and other parts of the country despite long waiting hours.

The Alarnath Temple, a centuries-old monument built in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, houses a four-armed black stone idol of Lord Vishnu holding the conch, discus, mace and lotus, with Garuda depicted in a seated posture at the deity’s feet.

The Anasara period will continue until the Holy Trinity reappears before devotees during Nabajouban Darshan, ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

Six Fishermen Saved as Indian Coast Guard Battles Rough Seas in Rescue Near Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 30: In a swift and courageous response at sea, the Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued six fishermen from the distressed fishing vessel IFB Manju Matha off the coast of Mangaluru on Monday evening.

The emergency unfolded when the Coast Guard Ship ICGS Sachet received a distress call at around 1600 hrs from a fishing vessel located approximately 33 nautical miles off the Suratkal coast. The crew reported severe flooding and damage to the hull caused by rough sea conditions, leaving them in a dangerous situation.

Acting immediately, the Coast Guard diverted its ship and navigated challenging seas to reach the distressed vessel within 90 minutes. The rescue operation was carried out in extremely difficult conditions, including high waves, strong winds, poor visibility, and fading daylight.

Despite these harsh conditions, the rescue team successfully evacuated all six fishermen safely. The operation reflects the bravery, dedication, and readiness of the Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding lives at sea, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Aadhaar-Bank Linkage Mandatory for Pension Benefits; 3.35 Lakh Yet to Complete Process

Bhubaneswar, June 30 (UDN): Pension beneficiaries across Odisha have been asked to link their Aadhaar numbers with their bank accounts to continue receiving pension benefits, with the government making the linkage mandatory for seamless disbursement of financial assistance.

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Official sources said nearly 3.35 lakh beneficiaries are yet to complete the Aadhaar-bank account linkage. Authorities have urged them to do so at the earliest, warning that failure to complete the process may result in delays or interruption in pension payments.

The government has directed district administrations and field-level officials to intensify awareness campaigns and assist beneficiaries in completing the mandatory linkage. Pensioners have been advised to visit their respective banks or authorised service centres to verify their Aadhaar-bank account status and complete any pending formalities.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring transparent and efficient direct transfer of pension benefits to eligible beneficiaries while preventing duplication and ensuring that welfare assistance reaches the intended recipients.

Cyber Fraudsters Target College Aspirants, Demand Money in the Name of Admissions

Bhubaneswar, June 30 (UDN): Cyber fraudsters have reportedly targeted college aspirants in Odisha by posing as admission officials and demanding money under the guise of facilitating admissions.

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According to sources, the fraudsters are allegedly accessing personal details of students from the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal and using the information to contact applicants and their parents. By referring to candidates’ application details, they attempt to appear credible before asking for payments through digital transactions.

The incident has raised concerns over the security of students’ personal data and the growing misuse of online platforms by cyber criminals. Authorities have urged students and parents not to respond to unsolicited calls, messages or emails seeking admission-related payments.

Officials have advised applicants to complete all admission-related formalities only through the official SAMS portal and authorised institutions. They have also appealed to the public to verify any suspicious communication before making payments and to report cyber fraud attempts to the Cyber Crime Helpline or the nearest police station.

With the admission season underway, authorities have called for heightened vigilance, warning that no legitimate admission process requires payments through unofficial channels or personal bank accounts.

One Glimpse, Lifetime of Blessings: Lakhs Witness Divine Hati Besha as Snana Purnima Concludes Peacefully

Puri, June 29 (UDN): The sacred observance of Snana Purnima concluded peacefully in Puri with lakhs of devotees thronging the Grand Road to witness the majestic Hati Besha (Elephant Attire) of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra at the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Amid an atmosphere of deep devotion and spiritual fervour, devotees from across Odisha and different parts of the country gathered to catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity adorned in the divine Hati Besha, a ritual that holds immense religious significance. The colourful and grand attire symbolises Lord Ganesha and is considered highly auspicious among devotees.

The ceremonial bathing ritual, Snana Yatra, commenced in the morning with the deities being bathed with 108 pots of sacred water on the Snana Mandap. Following the elaborate rituals, the sibling deities appeared in the revered Hati Besha, drawing overwhelming crowds and filling the temple town with chants of devotion.

Extensive arrangements made by the district administration, police, temple authorities and various service agencies ensured the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival. Crowd management, traffic regulation, drinking water facilities, health services and security measures were effectively implemented, enabling devotees to participate in the festivities without inconvenience.

Officials expressed satisfaction over the successful and incident-free completion of the festival, while devotees described the divine darshan as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

With the conclusion of Snana Purnima, the deities will now remain in seclusion during the traditional Anasara period before reappearing for the grand Rath Yatra.