Category Archives: News

EAM Jaishankar Calls for Cooperative Global Order at South Korea Forum

 June 25: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has called for enhanced global cooperation to address shared challenges and promote a more balanced and inclusive international order, while invoking India’s ancient philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) at the Jeju Forum in South Korea.

Speaking at the forum, the External Affairs Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration among nations in addressing pressing global issues such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and technological transformation. He highlighted that no country can effectively tackle these challenges in isolation.

Dr. Jaishankar underscored India’s consistent advocacy for a rules-based, multipolar world order that reflects contemporary global realities and ensures equitable opportunities for all nations. He noted that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect remain essential pillars for global stability and progress.

Invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he reiterated India’s belief in shared responsibility and collective action in addressing global concerns, stressing that the world must move towards greater unity and understanding in an increasingly interconnected environment.

He also highlighted India’s growing role in global affairs and its commitment to working with partner countries to strengthen multilateral institutions and promote sustainable development.

The address was well received by participants at the forum, which brought together policymakers, diplomats, and experts to discuss key global challenges and opportunities for cooperation.

Officials said India’s engagement at the Jeju Forum reflects its continued efforts to contribute constructively to global dialogue and reinforce partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Nitin Gadkari Reviews Highway Safety, Orders Urgent Monsoon Action Plan

New Delhi, June 25: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed officials to strengthen monsoon preparedness measures across the National Highway network to ensure smooth traffic movement and minimise weather-related disruptions.

During a review meeting, the Minister instructed highway authorities and implementing agencies to take proactive steps to address issues such as waterlogging, landslides, damaged road stretches, and weak drainage systems, which typically worsen during the monsoon season.

Officials have been asked to conduct urgent inspections of vulnerable highway stretches and identify accident-prone or flood-prone areas for immediate corrective action. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring proper maintenance of drainage systems to prevent accumulation of rainwater on roads.

The Minister directed that repair work on damaged sections should be completed on priority and that emergency response teams be kept on standby to deal with unforeseen situations during heavy rainfall.

He also stressed the importance of coordination between National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), state agencies, and local administration to ensure quick resolution of road blockages and restore connectivity at the earliest in case of disruptions.

Gadkari further instructed officials to deploy adequate machinery and manpower in sensitive zones and ensure real-time monitoring of traffic conditions through control rooms.

The Ministry stated that these measures are aimed at improving commuter safety, reducing travel delays, and maintaining uninterrupted connectivity across key highway corridors during the monsoon period.

Officials said that continuous monitoring and timely intervention will be crucial to managing weather-related challenges effectively in the coming weeks.

Arunachal Flash Floods: Four Missing, Assam on Alert Over Downstream Impact

Guwahati/Itanagar, June 25: At least four people are missing after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway to trace the missing persons. Several areas have also reported damage due to rising water levels and sudden flooding.

In neighbouring Assam, authorities have issued a high alert as a precautionary measure due to the possible downstream impact of the floods. Disaster response teams have been placed on standby in vulnerable districts.

Officials said river water levels are being closely monitored, and people in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain cautious and follow safety instructions.

Local administrations in both states are coordinating closely to manage the evolving situation and ensure timely response if conditions worsen.

The situation remains under continuous watch as rainfall continues in parts of the region.

SIR Drive Launched in Telangana to Update Electoral Rolls

Hyderabad, June 25: Door-to-door enumeration has officially begun across Telangana under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, aimed at updating and verifying voter records.

Election officials said trained field staff have been deployed across districts to carry out the verification process, which involves collecting and updating voter details directly from households. The exercise is intended to ensure accuracy in the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming revisions.

According to officials, the enumeration drive will cover all eligible voters, with teams visiting homes to verify existing entries and include eligible new voters. The process is being carried out in coordination with local authorities to ensure smooth implementation.

Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with enumeration teams and provide accurate information to facilitate error-free voter lists. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that the process is completed in a systematic and time-bound manner.

Officials stated that the SIR exercise is a key step in strengthening the electoral system by improving data accuracy and removing discrepancies in voter records.

The drive will continue over the coming weeks across all districts of Telangana.

Massive Earthquake Devastates Venezuela; International Aid Teams Mobilised

June 25: A powerful earthquake in Venezuela has claimed at least 32 lives and left more than 700 people injured, according to interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The tremor has caused widespread destruction, with severe building collapses reported in La Guaira and surrounding regions.

Describing the situation as a “true tragedy,” Rodríguez said emergency response teams are working continuously to carry out search-and-rescue operations, locate survivors trapped under debris, and provide urgent medical care to the injured.

Authorities confirmed that extensive structural damage has disrupted normal services and slowed access to some affected areas. Despite these challenges, rescue operations remain underway with full mobilisation of emergency personnel across the impacted regions.

The government has prioritised relief measures, including deployment of medical teams, restoration of essential services, and evacuation support for displaced residents. Efforts are also being made to ensure timely delivery of food, water, and emergency supplies.

Rodríguez expressed gratitude to international partners, including US President Donald Trump, for extending support in response to the disaster. She also confirmed that international rescue teams are expected to arrive in Venezuela within hours to assist ongoing operations.

Humanitarian agencies and global relief organisations are closely monitoring the situation as rescue and recovery efforts intensify. Priority remains focused on saving lives, supporting the injured, and stabilising affected communities.

Experts have warned that the scale of destruction highlights the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and underscores the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

Fresh Plea in Odisha High Court Seeks CBI Probe into Missing Naidu Commission Report in Swami Laxmanananda Murder Case

Cuttack, June 25 (UDN): A fresh petition has been moved in the Odisha High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged disappearance of the Justice A.S. Naidu Commission report pertaining to the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

The petition, filed by advocate Debashish Hota, has raised serious concerns over the whereabouts of the commission report and sought an independent probe to ascertain the circumstances under which the document allegedly went missing.

According to the plea, the disappearance of the report has cast doubts over transparency in the handling of one of Odisha’s most sensitive and high-profile cases. The petitioner has urged the court to direct the CBI to investigate the alleged lapse and identify those responsible.

The Justice A.S. Naidu Commission was constituted to inquire into various aspects related to the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and the subsequent communal violence that rocked Kandhamal district in 2008.

Swami Laxmanananda, a prominent Hindu seer and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, was assassinated along with four associates at his Jalespeta Ashram in Kandhamal district on August 23, 2008. The incident had triggered widespread communal unrest in the region.

The latest petition has once again brought the case into the spotlight, with legal experts and civil society groups closely watching the proceedings in the High Court.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing in the coming days.

400 Buses to Ply to Puri for Rath Yatra; Government Ensures Smooth Transport Arrangements

Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): The Odisha government has put in place elaborate transportation arrangements to ensure hassle-free travel for devotees during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri. As part of the arrangements, nearly 400 buses will operate to and from the pilgrim town to facilitate the movement of lakhs of devotees expected to attend the grand festival.

Officials said the special bus services will be operated from various parts of the state with an aim to provide safe, convenient and orderly transportation during the festival period.

The State Transport Authority (STA) and the Commerce and Transport Department have prepared a comprehensive traffic and transport management plan in coordination with district administrations, police and other concerned agencies.

Special emphasis has been laid on streamlining vehicle movement, reducing congestion and ensuring smooth passenger flow in and around Puri. Temporary bus stands, designated parking zones and traffic diversions are also being planned to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims.

Authorities have urged devotees to make use of the designated transport facilities and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure a smooth and safe Rath Yatra experience.

The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, making it one of the largest religious congregations in the world.

Finance Minister to Unveil Heritage Book and Reopened Lighthouse in Southern India

Chennai, June 25: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to participate in a series of cultural and heritage-focused engagements in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, underscoring the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich historical legacy and promoting cultural tourism.

As part of her visit, the Finance Minister will launch a heritage-themed publication highlighting the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of prominent landmarks in Tamil Nadu. The book is expected to showcase the region’s enduring heritage and contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at documenting and preserving India’s diverse cultural traditions.

In a significant development for heritage conservation, Sitharaman will also inaugurate the restored historic lighthouse in Puducherry, a landmark that has undergone extensive renovation and preservation work. The restoration project is aimed at safeguarding the structure’s historical character while enhancing its appeal as a cultural and tourism destination.

Officials said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote heritage tourism, strengthen public awareness of India’s maritime history, and preserve iconic monuments for future generations. The restored lighthouse is expected to emerge as a key attraction for visitors, offering insights into the region’s historical role in maritime navigation and trade.

The events reflect the growing emphasis on cultural infrastructure and heritage conservation as integral components of India’s tourism and development agenda. By revitalising historical landmarks and supporting documentation of regional heritage, authorities aim to create greater opportunities for cultural engagement, education, and local economic development.

The Finance Minister’s engagements are also expected to highlight the importance of collaboration between government agencies, heritage experts, and local communities in preserving historically significant sites across the country.

Observers note that such initiatives contribute not only to heritage conservation but also to the promotion of sustainable tourism, helping strengthen regional economies while preserving India’s unique cultural identity.

The launch of the heritage publication and the inauguration of the restored lighthouse are being viewed as important steps in celebrating and safeguarding the historical and cultural treasures of southern India.

Government’s PSU Disinvestment Drive Raises Over INR 25,000 Crore in 2026

New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has mobilised more than ₹25,000 crore through stake sales in public sector undertakings (PSUs) via the Offer for Sale (OFS) route so far in 2026, marking the highest fundraising exercise through PSU disinvestment in over a decade.

According to market data compiled by Prime Database, the Centre has raised approximately ₹25,491 crore by diluting stakes in eight listed public sector enterprises during the year. The achievement reflects the government’s continued focus on strategic disinvestment and efficient capital management to support fiscal objectives and economic priorities.

The fundraising figure represents the strongest PSU OFS performance since 2015, when the government raised around ₹35,291 crore through stake sales in five state-owned companies. Including private sector issuances, a total of 24 listed companies have collectively raised nearly ₹29,445 crore through the OFS mechanism in 2026, underscoring robust market participation and investor appetite.

Major PSU stake sales during the year have included Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), Central Bank of India, Coal India, NHPC, NLC India, and General Insurance Corporation of India, among others. These transactions have formed a key component of the government’s broader disinvestment strategy aimed at enhancing market liquidity and unlocking shareholder value.

Market experts note that while PSU stocks have experienced mixed performance following OFS launches amid global uncertainties, the successful fundraising demonstrates sustained investor confidence in India’s public sector enterprises and capital markets.

Analysts also believe that the proceeds from these stake sales could provide additional fiscal flexibility to support government expenditure on critical sectors such as food security, fertiliser subsidies, infrastructure development, and social welfare programmes.

The strong response to PSU OFS issues highlights the growing depth of India’s capital markets and reinforces the government’s commitment to balancing fiscal prudence with growth-oriented spending. As the disinvestment programme progresses, policymakers are expected to continue leveraging market-based mechanisms to optimise public sector investments while supporting broader economic development goals.

With fundraising already approaching historical highs, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most successful years for government stake sales, reflecting favourable market conditions and investor confidence in India’s long-term growth trajectory.

Investment, Jobs and Infrastructure Drive West Bengal’s FY27 Budget Vision

Kolkata, June 25: West Bengal’s FY 2026-27 Budget marks a significant shift towards an investment-driven growth strategy, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, industrial expansion, technology-led innovation, and job creation, according to recent analyses of the state’s fiscal roadmap.

The budget, presented by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, outlines a comprehensive vision to transform West Bengal into a major investment destination while maintaining a balance between welfare commitments and economic development. Key measures include the introduction of a Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy, a ₹5,000-crore investment framework, incentives for AI data centres, and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

Industry experts have described the budget as a decisive move towards growth-oriented policymaking, highlighting its focus on infrastructure, industrialisation, and employment generation. The government has also announced plans to streamline business approvals through a single-window clearance system and support emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced technologies.

The FY27 budget includes provisions for creating one lakh government jobs, expanding infrastructure networks, and developing new economic hubs, while also continuing major welfare initiatives. Significant allocations have been made for women’s welfare, healthcare, rural development, and skill enhancement, reflecting an approach that seeks to combine social inclusion with economic growth.

Analysts note that the budget represents a broader effort to reposition West Bengal as a competitive destination for domestic and global investment. Measures targeting industrial growth, technology adoption, logistics, and infrastructure development are expected to strengthen the state’s long-term economic prospects and attract fresh capital inflows.

With investment promotion and job creation emerging as central themes, the FY27 budget is being viewed as a strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and laying the foundation for sustained development in the years ahead.