Category Archives: News

Prime Volleyball League Receives FIVB Recognition

New Delhi, July 8: The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has received recognition from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), marking a significant milestone for the league and Indian volleyball.

The recognition by the global governing body is expected to further strengthen the league’s position on the international stage and provide a boost to the growth and development of volleyball in India. The upcoming fifth season of the league is scheduled to begin on November 30.

The new season will bring together top Indian and international players, offering fans an exciting showcase of competitive volleyball. The league has played a key role in providing a professional platform for players and increasing the popularity of the sport across the country.

With the backing of FIVB recognition, PVL aims to further enhance its standards, attract wider global attention, and contribute to the development of volleyball talent in India.

The organisers said preparations for Season 5 are underway, with teams gearing up for another action-packed edition of the tournament.

Andhra Pradesh Officials’ Visit to Kotia Villages Rekindles Odisha–Andhra Border Dispute

Koraput, July 8 (UDN): The decades-old border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has resurfaced after a team of Andhra Pradesh government officials reportedly carried out census-related verification in several villages under the disputed Kotia Gram Panchayat in Koraput district.

 Representational Image

According to local sources, the Andhra Pradesh team, led by Salur Tehsildar Suresh Babu from Parvathipuram Manyam district, visited Upper Sembi, Lower Sembi and Nedibalasa villages. The delegation reportedly included Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Anganwadi workers, education officials and other government functionaries.

During the visit, officials are said to have undertaken door-to-door verification, collecting previously issued census forms and reviewing the status of digitisation of demographic data. Local representatives from the Andhra Pradesh side also reportedly accompanied the team during the exercise.

The reported administrative activity has once again drawn attention to the long-pending territorial dispute over the Kotia cluster of villages, claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. While Odisha has already completed its census-related work in the region, the latest exercise by Andhra Pradesh has triggered fresh concerns over competing administrative claims.

The development comes barely a month after a visit by an Andhra Pradesh minister to Nedibalasa village for the inauguration of a road project, an event that had also sparked political and administrative debate in both states.

Although the situation remained peaceful, the latest visit has reignited discussions over the recurring administrative interventions by both states in the disputed villages. Residents of the Kotia region have frequently witnessed welfare programmes and official visits from both governments as the boundary issue remains unresolved.

The border dispute over the Kotia villages is currently pending before the Supreme Court, where both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have staked their claims over the territory. Officials said any long-term resolution will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Odisha district administration is monitoring the situation closely. An official statement on the reported visit was awaited at the time of filing this report.

Gujarat Expands Fuel Tax Relief for Fishermen with Major Policy Change

July 8: In a move aimed at providing greater financial relief to the fishing community, the Gujarat Cabinet has approved a key amendment to the state’s diesel Value Added Tax (VAT) relief scheme by removing the boat length criterion, allowing more fishermen to benefit from the subsidy.

The revised policy is expected to make the scheme more inclusive by extending eligibility to a larger number of fishing vessel owners, irrespective of the size of their boats. The decision is intended to ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs, one of the biggest operational expenses for fishermen.

State government officials said the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. By broadening the scope of the scheme, the government aims to ensure that welfare benefits reach more beneficiaries engaged in marine fishing.

The Cabinet believes the revised policy will not only support fishermen economically but also encourage greater participation in the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in Gujarat’s coastal economy. The updated diesel VAT relief scheme is expected to come into effect as per the government’s notified guidelines.

Government Steps Up El Niño Preparedness as Monsoon Boosts Kharif Sowing

New Delhi, July 8: The Centre has intensified its preparedness measures to address the potential impact of El Niño while expressing confidence over the progress of the ongoing kharif season, aided by improved monsoon conditions across several parts of the country.

According to official data, kharif sowing has reached 350.85 lakh hectares, reflecting steady progress in agricultural activities following the revival of monsoon rains. The increase in cultivated area is expected to support crop production and provide relief to farmers after concerns over delayed rainfall in some regions.

The government is closely monitoring weather patterns and their possible impact on agriculture, with a special focus on mitigating risks associated with El Niño. Ministries and state governments have been directed to maintain preparedness and ensure timely interventions to safeguard crop health, water availability, and farmers’ livelihoods.

Officials said contingency plans are in place to respond to any weather-related challenges, including the availability of quality seeds, irrigation support, and other agricultural inputs. Regular coordination is also being maintained with state authorities to review rainfall distribution, reservoir levels, and crop conditions.

The Centre reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers through proactive planning and continuous monitoring, while emphasizing that favourable monsoon conditions in recent weeks have significantly improved the pace of kharif sowing across the country.

Caterpillar celebrates India’s emerging engineering talent through Tech Challenge 2026

Chennai / Bangalore, July 8 : Caterpillar India today announced the winners of Tech Challenge 2026, its flagship engineering innovation program that brings together India’s brightest students to solve real-world industry challenges using advanced technologies.

The multi-month competition culminated in on-site grand finales held at Caterpillar facilities in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Bangalore, where shortlisted teams showcased working prototypes developed under the guidance of Caterpillar engineers.

Winners of Tech Challenge 2026

Across eight categories, teams from leading institutions were recognized as follows:

Continuing the momentum from 2025

Tech Challenge 2026 builds on the strong foundation set by the 2025 edition, which attracted over 13,000 students from more than 600 engineering colleges across India. Last year’s challenge demonstrated how applied innovation – across AI, computer vision and intelligent systems – can translate classroom learning into industry-ready solutions.

With Tech Challenge 2026, Caterpillar raised the bar further by deepening technical rigor and focusing on end-to-end execution, from concept development to functional prototypes. Only the top teams from each domain advanced through multiple evaluation stages, underscoring the highly competitive nature of the program.

Driving advanced technology leadership

The Caterpillar Tech Challenge reflects the company’s strategic focus on being an advanced technology leader. Student teams worked on challenges aligned to Caterpillar’s core technology priorities, including AI-enabled systems, digital engineering, electronics, software and automation—mirroring how innovation is applied within Caterpillar’s global operations.

By combining real-world problem statements with hands-on mentoring, the program enables students to experience how advanced technologies are developed, tested and scaled in an industrial environment.

Commenting on the conclusion of Tech Challenge 2026, Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, India Country Manager and Vice President-Engineering, Earth Moving Division, Caterpillar said,

“The Tech Challenge is a powerful way for us to connect with young engineers and expose them to real-world technology applications in a business setting. By working on AI, digital and automation-led solutions, students gain practical experience and fresh thinking. This is how we build capability for the future.”

Beyond competition

More than a contest, the Tech Challenge continues to serve as a platform for learning, collaboration and early talent engagement. Participants benefit from direct interaction with Caterpillar engineers, exposure to industry-grade tools and the opportunity to see their ideas translated into working solutions.

As Caterpillar continues to invest in innovation and talent in India, initiatives like the Tech Challenge play a critical role in shaping the next generation of engineers who will help build a more productive, efficient and sustainable world.

Toray Identifies Lead Compound with Ferroptosis- Inhibiting Activity and Initiates Biomarker Discovery with Kyushu University

Tokyo, Japan, July 8: Toray Industries, Inc. today announced the discovery of a novel lead compound that exhibits ferroptosis-inhibiting activity, marking an important step in its efforts to develop innovative therapies for ferroptosis-related diseases. Preclinical studies in animal models of kidney disease have demonstrated promising pharmacological activity, supporting further research and development.

Building on these findings, Toray has initiated a collaborative research program with Professor Kenichi Yamada and his research group at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University. The collaboration aims to identify novel biomarkers capable of evaluating the biological effects of ferroptosis inhibition in renal disease models.

Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and has emerged as a key mechanism underlying kidney injury and a range of other diseases. However, the dynamic and complex molecular changes associated with ferroptosis have made it difficult to accurately assess disease progression and therapeutic response. Developing reliable biomarkers remains a critical challenge in advancing ferroptosis-targeted drug discovery.

The newly identified lead compound was discovered through Toray’s proprietary drug discovery platform and has demonstrated pharmacological activity in animal models of ischemia-reperfusion acute kidney injury, where ferroptosis is believed to play a significant pathogenic role.

Professor Yamada’s laboratory is internationally recognized for its research on lipid peroxidation and oxidized lipids. The group has developed advanced analytical technologies to detect and characterize oxidized lipid molecules while investigating their roles in disease mechanisms and biomarker discovery.

Under the collaboration, Toray’s lead compound will be evaluated in animal models of ischemia-reperfusion acute kidney injury to investigate molecular changes associated with lipid peroxidation. By integrating Toray’s drug discovery expertise with Kyushu University’s analytical capabilities, the partners aim to identify novel biomarkers that can accurately assess ferroptosis inhibition and support future therapeutic development.

As part of its early partnership strategy, Toray also plans to pursue collaborative research and out-licensing opportunities with biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical partners capable of advancing the program into clinical development.

Through these efforts, Toray seeks to accelerate the development of new therapeutic candidates targeting ferroptosis-related diseases and contribute to addressing significant unmet medical needs in renal disorders and other conditions associated with ferroptotic cell death.

Indonesian President Bids Farewell to PM Modi Ahead of Australia Visit

Jakarta, July 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Indonesia for Australia after completing his official visit, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto seeing him off before his departure.

The visit highlighted the strong friendship and growing partnership between India and Indonesia. Both countries discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defence, technology and regional development.

The farewell ceremony reflected the close relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in the future.

Following his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Modi will continue his international engagements in Australia, focusing on strengthening ties and exploring new areas of collaboration.

Argentina, Switzerland Secure Quarterfinal Spots in FIFA World Cup 2026

July 8: The quarterfinal teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been confirmed after Argentina and Switzerland recorded important victories in their Round of 16 matches.

Argentina reached the last eight after making a strong comeback against Egypt in a thrilling encounter. The team’s star player Lionel Messi once again played a crucial role in helping Argentina move forward in the tournament.

Switzerland also secured a quarterfinal place after defeating Colombia in a tense penalty shootout. The match ended in a goalless draw before Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties.

With the quarterfinal line-up now complete, the tournament enters a crucial stage where teams will compete for a place in the semifinals and continue their journey towards the World Cup title.

Innovation Comes Into Focus

July 8 : A state-of-the-art facility where researchers can explore biological processes and new materials at the molecular level opened recently on the first floor of the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science at the University of Miami.

Named the Advanced Tools for Observing Molecules and Materials, or the ATOMM facility, the lab’s five high-performance electron microscopes allow researchers to observe and explore biological and material systems at a minuscule scale. This is a key part of the development process for creating new therapeutics or novel materials that may help produce smaller, more energy-efficient batteries, computer chips, or even new substances that make airplanes and spacecraft safer and lighter.

“These are instruments that can detect and characterize what is happening at a very, very high resolution between atoms in materials and in biological systems, which can lead to new discoveries and new drugs that can be used in humans,” said Sylvia Daunert, co-interim director of the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science and chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Miller School of Medicine. “You can see what happens with these materials, how they are built, and what kind of architecture they have. This is important because knowing how they are built structurally can lead to new materials that can be used in many different capacities.”

The shared facility is open to University scientists but will also be available to private industry and other institutions looking to conduct electron microscopy research.

Video: Matthew Rembold/University of Miami

“We hope that University researchers, as well as other researchers in the community, will take advantage of these amazing new tools to advance scientific discovery at our world-class facility,” said Marc Knecht, co-interim director of the Frost Institute and chair of the Department of Chemistry.

Electron microscopy is a cutting-edge imaging strategy used by instruments in the ATOMM facility that helps researchers understand the interactions between individual molecules using a focused beam of electrons to help visualize samples. The five specialized instruments at the Frost Institute were all produced by Thermo Fisher, and each is housed in its own individual room, with 10-foot ceilings built to accommodate the equipment. Many are geared toward biological research and drug discovery, but two of the instruments also provide strong insight into materials science work, said Maciej Jagielnicki, facility manager of the ATOMM facility.

Macief Jagielnicki

The instruments are set up in order of their ability to capture finite details, Jagielnicki added.

“As you move up to each new microscope, you are able to get more detailed information on whatever you are studying,” he said.

The first microscope, the Talos F200C, is an accessible and durable transmission electron microscope, well suited for routine imaging and screening of biological and materials science samples. It provides reliable, high-quality images with resolution appropriate for a broad range of research needs, facility managers noted. The second instrument, the Spectra 300, is the center’s most advanced microscope for materials science research, offering state-of-the-art resolution, as well as multiple analytical capabilities for studying structure, composition, and chemistry at extremely small scales. The Krios G4 and Glacios 2 microscopes are specialized cryogenic electron microscopes, or cryo-EM instruments, designed primarily for biological and molecular samples that are rapidly frozen and imaged at extremely low temperatures. The final instrument, Aquilos 2, is not just a typical imaging microscope; it is a cryo-focused ion beam system that is used to prepare ultrathin frozen sections of samples, enabling their internal structures to be studied in greater detail.

In addition:

• Talos F200C is a screening microscope for soft and hard materials and gives researchers information about whether a project is feasible. For example, Jagielnicki said, scientists can see “if a potential drug molecule will bind to proteins in the body.” It can also give good atomic resolution of a materials science sample, such as a metal-organic framework, for instance,” added Muchuan Hua, a staff scientist and electron microscopy expert focused on materials science at the ATOMM facility. Before coming to the U, Hua worked at Argonne National Laboratory, where today’s lithium-ion batteries were developed.
• Spectra 300 is a top-of-the-line electron microscope for materials science and can help researchers “distinguish individual atoms,” said Knecht. “With this tool, you can literally pinpoint gold and silver atoms, where they are in the material, and see what they are doing. We need to know this information because where atoms are oriented can change the properties of a material, which can also change the reactivity, or how it catalyzes a chemical reaction,” he added.
• Krios G4 is a microscope used for illustrating proteins in the body and their interactions with molecules, a key part of the testing process for therapeutic drug discovery.
• Glacios 2 offers insight and high-resolution images that reveal the structure of complex proteins and macromolecules.
• Aquilos 2, housed on the second floor, enables researchers to observe cellular structures from various angles.

There are many things that make the ATOMM facility unique, University scientists noted. What sets it apart from the University’s other facilities at the Miller School of Medicine is that after biomedical researchers formulate a new therapeutic, they can then test it at the ATOMM facility with cells from the area of the body that it is designed to impact and see whether this interaction is beneficial, Daunert said. The facility is also distinct because it offers electron microscopy for both materials and biological samples, Jagielnicki and Hua added.

“These are some of the most powerful tools human beings have made for getting the finest resolution and images of anything you create, and they allow you to directly analyze how atoms are constructed in molecules,” Hua said. “Since we want to make chips smaller, this could help us to examine how to make semiconductors even smaller, show where the defects are, and also how the conductivity is preserved to perfect its properties.”

Iga Kucharska, research assistant professor of chemistry and a structural biologist, is helping to manage the ATOMM facility. But she is also working to understand how some of the body’s most vital protein groups operate so she can develop drugs to combat the spread of heart disease and cancer. Kucharska is eager to utilize the ATOMM facility more for her research.

“Electron microscopy helps you understand how and where the drug molecules bind to proteins – knowing this can help you to develop even better more effective drugs because the process allows you to understand these interactions at the atomic level, so you can then design therapeutics that will bind even better,” Kucharska said.

Monsoon Recovery Expected to Support Kharif Sowing as Rainfall Activity Improves

New Delhi, July 8: Improvement in monsoon rainfall activity is expected to provide significant support to India’s kharif sowing operations, helping farmers accelerate planting activities across major agricultural regions, according to a recent report.

The revival in rainfall has improved soil moisture conditions in several areas, creating favourable conditions for sowing key kharif crops, including rice, pulses, oilseeds, cotton and maize. The development is expected to support agricultural activity and improve prospects for the ongoing crop season.

The report highlighted that while monsoon progress has improved in recent weeks, rainfall distribution remains uneven across regions. Some areas continue to experience rainfall shortages, which have affected the pace of sowing compared with the previous year.

A sustained improvement in monsoon activity during the remaining sowing period will be crucial for farmers to complete planting operations and maintain healthy crop growth. Adequate rainfall, along with improved water availability, is expected to strengthen farm output and support rural economic activity.

Agricultural experts noted that the performance of the kharif season will depend largely on the consistency and distribution of rainfall in the coming weeks. A well-distributed monsoon could help reduce risks to crop production and support food supply stability.