Category Archives: News

Landslide Blocks Mumbai-Bound Lane on Mumbai–Pune Expressway Near Khandala

July 6: A landslide disrupted traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway on Monday after debris blocked the Mumbai-bound lane near Khandala following heavy rainfall in the region.

According to initial reports, soil and rocks slid onto the roadway due to continuous rain, leading to a temporary closure of the affected stretch. No casualties have been reported so far.

Traffic movement was immediately impacted, with vehicles being diverted and slow movement observed on adjoining routes. Highway authorities and emergency response teams rushed to the spot to clear the debris and restore normal traffic flow.

Efforts are underway to remove the obstruction, while officials have advised commuters to exercise caution and consider alternate routes until the clearance work is completed.

The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued rainfall activity in parts of Maharashtra, raising concerns over further disruptions in hilly and landslide-prone areas.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged motorists to follow traffic advisories and avoid unnecessary travel on the affected stretch.

Enviro Infra Engineers Wins INR 256.92 Crore EPC Orders for Energy-Efficient Sewage Treatment Projects in Varanasi

New Delhi, July 6: Enviro Infra Engineers Limited , a prominent EPC player in water and wastewater treatment across PAN India has secured two prestigious Hybrid Annuity Model projects from Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam under the Government of India’s flagship Namami Gange Programme. The combined order value stands at INR 256.92 crore. With these wins, the Company has expanded its HAM portfolio to five projects, further strengthening its position as a leading developer and executor of long-term water and wastewater infrastructure under the HAM model.

Under these projects, EIEL will develop 45 MLD and 60 MLD Sewage Treatment Plants, associated infrastructure and undertake Operations & Maintenance for a period of 15 years. The projects have been designed as energy–efficient, self-sustaining wastewater treatment facilities that integrate renewable energy solutions to maximise operational sustainability and long-term efficiency.

The projects include:

1. Development of a 45 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar , along with 15 years of Operation & Maintenance, valued at ₹126.78 crore .
2. Development of a 60 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure at Lohta, Varanasi, along with 15 years of Operation & Maintenance, valued at INR130.14 crore .

Both projects will maximise energy self-sufficiency by integrating biogas-based and solar power generation systems. The biogas power plant will convert sludge generated during the sewage treatment process into biogas which in turn shall be fed to gas generators to produce electricity, simultaneously addressing sludge management while generating renewable energy. Solar panels installed across available rooftop and ground spaces will generate clean daytime power. Together, these renewable energy systems will lower operating costs, reduce carbon emissions, improve sustainability and enhance the long-term energy resilience of the sewage treatment plants throughout their operational lifecycle.

Mr. Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Enviro Infra Engineers Limited, said:

 “We are proud to have been entrusted with these significant projects by Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural) under Namami Gange Programme. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality, sustainable, and timely solutions that contribute to the nation’s water management and sanitation goals. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of engineering and execution.”

 Further demonstrating the Company’s strong financial preparedness and disciplined execution capabilities, in-principle approvals for term loans have already been secured for both projects, enabling timely financial closure and seamless project mobilisation.

These order wins further strengthen Enviro Infra Engineers Limited‘s position in the Hybrid Annuity Model segment while reinforcing its commitment to delivering sustainable, energy–efficient water and wastewater infrastructure that supports India’s long-term water management and environmental objectives.

PM Modi Embarks on Three-Nation Visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand

New Delhi, July 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his upcoming visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand will strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

In his departure statement ahead of the visit from July 6 to July 11, the Prime Minister said the tour will further deepen India’s bilateral relations with all three countries and build on existing cooperation in key sectors.

PM Modi said his visit to Indonesia will help strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. He also noted that discussions in Australia will focus on defence, trade, education, technology and people-to-people ties. In New Zealand, talks are expected to centre on expanding economic and trade cooperation.

The Prime Minister added that engagement with the Indian diaspora in all three countries will be an important part of the visit.

He said the tour reflects India’s growing global engagement and commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Free Bus Travel Scheme in Tamil Nadu May Be Expanded to Cover 28 Lakh More Women

Chennai, July 6: The Tamil Nadu government is reviewing plans to expand its free bus travel scheme for women, with an estimated 28 lakh additional beneficiaries expected to be included if the proposed extension is implemented.

The initiative, which currently provides free travel for women across state-run buses, is being assessed for broader coverage to enhance mobility, improve access to employment and education, and reduce household transportation costs.

Officials stated that the proposed expansion aims to further strengthen social welfare measures by improving public transport accessibility for women, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The move is also expected to support greater workforce participation by easing daily commuting challenges.

The scheme has already been widely utilised across the state, and the potential expansion is seen as a continuation of the government’s efforts to promote inclusive development and gender-responsive welfare policies.

Government sources indicated that detailed feasibility assessments and administrative consultations are underway, with a final decision expected after review.

If approved, the expansion would mark a significant increase in the scheme’s reach, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s focus on equitable public transport access.

Rain Havoc in Maharashtra; Mumbai Advises Work From Home Amid Disruptions

Mumbai, July 6: Heavy rainfall continued to affect Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra on Monday, leading to widespread disruption in transport, traffic movement, and daily routines across the region.

In view of waterlogging, slow traffic, and challenging commuting conditions, authorities have advised private offices in Mumbai to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible, in order to reduce congestion and ensure public safety.

Suburban rail services and major road networks were impacted at multiple locations due to continuous downpours, resulting in delays during peak hours. Civic authorities have deployed teams to clear waterlogged stretches and restore normal traffic movement as quickly as possible.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall activity over the region and has urged citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official weather advisories.

Emergency response teams remain on standby as civic bodies closely monitor vulnerable areas and respond to incidents of flooding, waterlogging, and tree falls.

Authorities have appealed to residents, commuters, and organisations to cooperate with safety instructions until weather conditions improve.

15 India-bound fertiliser ships cross Strait of Hormuz safely, stocks set to rise

July 6: Fifteen India-bound ships carrying fertilisers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over supply disruptions and improving domestic availability.

The vessels were part of shipments earlier delayed due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Their safe passage is expected to strengthen fertiliser stocks in India ahead of key agricultural demand periods.

Officials said the movement of ships, along with steady domestic production, will help stabilise supplies and reduce the risk of shortages in the near term.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, has seen intermittent disruptions in recent months. The resumption of smooth transit for these cargoes is seen as a positive sign for supply chains linked to India’s fertiliser imports.

Over 20 Lakh Names Omitted from Odisha Draft Electoral Roll After SIR Exercise

Bhubaneswar, July 6 ((UDN): More than 20 lakh names have been omitted from Odisha’s draft electoral roll following the completion of the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), resulting in a significant reduction in the state’s electorate ahead of the publication of the final voter list.

The draft electoral roll, released on Sunday, shows the total number of electors has declined from 3,33,99,591 in the pre-revision roll to 3,13,87,034, reflecting the deletion of around 20.14 lakh names after an extensive month-long verification drive.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) R.S. Gopalan said the revised draft comprises 1,60,19,176 male voters, 1,53,65,083 female voters, and 2,775 third-gender electors. During the revision exercise, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) collected enumeration forms from nearly 3.13 crore electors, covering 93.97 per cent of the state’s electorate.

According to the Election Commission, the revision identified 8.32 lakh deceased voters, while 10.07 lakh electors were found to have either shifted their residence or remained untraceable during the house-to-house verification. Another 1.58 lakh voters were found to have multiple registrations, and around 14,000 electors were excluded for failing to submit their enumeration forms within the stipulated deadline.

Election officials said the exercise was aimed at improving the accuracy of the electoral roll by removing duplicate, deceased and ineligible entries while ensuring that only eligible voters remain on the rolls.

The Commission clarified that the publication of the draft electoral roll does not mark the end of the revision process. Eligible voters whose names are missing can submit claims for inclusion, while objections regarding entries in the draft can be filed during the claims and objections period from July 5 to August 4. Voters with multiple registrations will be retained at only one location after due verification.

The CEO said the verification exercise was carried out by 31 District Election Officers, 147 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 994 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), 4,540 BLO Supervisors, and BLOs deployed across 45,250 polling stations. Representatives of all seven recognised political parties also participated in the process through more than 84,000 Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

Hearings on claims and objections will continue until September 2, while the final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on September 6.

The Election Commission has urged all eligible citizens, particularly those who have attained the age of 18 years on or before July 1, 2026, to register as voters by submitting Form 6 either through their local BLO or online. Electors can verify their names in the draft roll through the ECINET mobile application, the Voters’ Portal, the Odisha CEO’s website, or by contacting their respective BLOs.

Reiterating its commitment to a fair and transparent revision process, the Election Commission stated that no voter’s name will be permanently deleted without following the prescribed legal procedure. Any person aggrieved by deletion of their name can seek redress through the designated electoral authorities under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Flood Alert Issued as Water Levels Rise in Mahanadi, Bansadhara and Baitarani Rivers

Bhubaneswar, July 6 (UDN): The Odisha Government has intensified flood monitoring measures as water levels continue to rise in the Mahanadi, Bansadhara and Baitarani rivers following incessant rainfall across the state and heavy inflows from upstream catchment areas.

Representational image

The situation is particularly critical in the Mahanadi basin, where the Hirakud Dam has recorded a sharp increase in inflow over the past 24 hours due to widespread rainfall in Chhattisgarh and western Odisha. To regulate the reservoir level, dam authorities have been releasing floodwater through multiple sluice gates in a phased manner. The discharge is being closely monitored at the Mundali barrage near Cuttack to assess its downstream impact.

In southern Odisha, the Bansadhara River has crossed the danger mark at Kasinagar in Gajapati district, raising concerns over possible inundation of low-lying villages along its banks.

Similarly, the Baitarani River is flowing above the danger level at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district, resulting in flooding of adjoining agricultural land and low-lying areas. Water Resources Department officials are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance as the river continues to swell.

In view of the evolving situation, the State Government has placed district administrations across vulnerable river basins on high alert. Authorities in Sambalpur, Subarnapur (Sonepur), Nayagarh, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur and Bhadrak have been directed to remain prepared for any flood-related emergency. District Collectors are coordinating with the State Emergency Operation Centre to monitor river conditions and ensure prompt response wherever required.

Officials have advised residents living in low-lying and riverside areas to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into swollen rivers. People have also been urged to keep livestock away from embankments, closely follow official advisories, and cooperate with local authorities in case evacuation becomes necessary.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall over several parts of Odisha under the influence of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities to closely watch the flood situation over the coming days.

Global Oil Prices Dip as OPEC Boosts Production for August

New Delhi, July 6: Global crude oil prices declined by up to 1 per cent in early trade after OPEC+ members agreed to increase production targets for August, adding fresh supply expectations to an already cautious market.

The decision by the oil-producing alliance has eased supply concerns, leading to a softening of benchmark crude prices as traders reacted to the prospect of higher output in the coming month. Market participants are closely monitoring the move amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets.

Analysts suggest that the price decline reflects short-term sentiment driven by supply-side adjustments, even as demand outlook remains influenced by global economic conditions, inflation trends, and geopolitical developments.

Energy experts note that OPEC+ production decisions continue to play a key role in shaping crude price movements, with markets highly sensitive to changes in output policy.

The latest development underscores the delicate balance between supply management and market stability as global economies navigate fluctuating energy demand and price pressures.

Traders and investors are expected to keep a close watch on upcoming economic indicators and OPEC+ policy signals for further direction in crude oil prices.

Another Young IPS Officer Quits Service: Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena Latest in Series of High-Profile Resignations

Bhubaneswar, July 6 (UDN): The resignation of Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena has drawn significant attention, making him one of the latest young Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to step away from the force in recent years.

A 2013-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, Meena has submitted his resignation to the Odisha Government, citing personal reasons. While the government is yet to formally accept his resignation, sources indicate that he may be considering opportunities outside government service. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding his future plans.

Meena’s exit comes after a relatively short tenure as Bhubaneswar DCP, a position he assumed in February 2025. During his service, he was widely recognised for his proactive policing initiatives, emphasis on public engagement, and efforts to strengthen crime investigation and law enforcement in the state capital. Prior to his current assignment, he served as Superintendent of Police in Angul and Ganjam districts and as DCP of the Cuttack Urban Police District.

His resignation has triggered widespread discussion within administrative and public circles, with many expressing surprise over the decision of a relatively young officer holding one of Odisha’s most important policing assignments. While speculation over his future has surfaced on social media, Meena has publicly maintained that his decision is based on personal reasons.

The development also comes amid a broader trend of young IPS officers opting to leave the service before completing a full career.

Earlier, former Bihar cadre IPS officer Kamya Mishra, who earned the nickname “Lady Singham” for her policing style, resigned citing personal and family reasons. Her resignation was subsequently accepted by the competent authority.

Similarly, Siddharth Kaushal, an IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, sought voluntary retirement, stating that his decision was driven by personal aspirations and long-term career goals. He had also dismissed speculation linking his exit to any external or administrative pressure.

Although each resignation has been attributed to individual circumstances, the departure of several young IPS officers from the service has reignited discussions on career choices, work-life balance, and the evolving aspirations of officers in India’s premier civil services.

The Odisha Government has not yet issued an official statement on Meena’s resignation or announced his successor as Bhubaneswar DCP.