Category Archives: News

Swift government action kept fuel supplies stable during West Asia crisis: Navdeep Suri

June 29: Navdeep Suri said the government acted promptly to safeguard India’s fuel supplies during the recent West Asia crisis, ensuring there was no major disruption despite rising geopolitical tensions.

He said timely coordination between government agencies, energy companies, and diplomatic channels helped maintain steady imports of crude oil and other fuels. These measures prevented supply shortages and helped keep the country’s energy needs on track.

Suri added that the government’s proactive approach demonstrated India’s preparedness to handle global uncertainties and ensured that consumers and industries continued to receive an uninterrupted fuel supply.

BRO’s Project Brahmank marks 16th Raising Day with celebrations

New Delhi, June 29: The 16th Raising Day of the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) Project Brahmank was celebrated with enthusiasm and pride, marking years of dedicated service in strengthening strategic road connectivity in difficult and remote regions.

The occasion highlighted the project’s vital role in developing and maintaining crucial infrastructure in challenging terrains, ensuring better connectivity, faster mobility for defence forces, and improved access for local communities.

Senior officials and personnel associated with Project Brahmank were felicitated for their commitment and contribution to nation-building. Speakers praised the project teams for their resilience and engineering excellence in executing critical road projects under tough geographical and climatic conditions.

The celebration also reaffirmed BRO’s commitment to enhancing border infrastructure and supporting national security through improved road networks in strategic areas.

MP’s Seoni custard apple gets GI tag

June 29: The custard apple grown in Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone for local farmers and strengthening the region’s agricultural identity.

The GI recognition is expected to enhance the market value of Seoni custard apples, improve branding, and open new opportunities for farmers in both domestic and export markets. Officials said the certification will help ensure better price realization and wider market access for producers in the region.

Known for its distinct taste, texture, and natural quality, Seoni custard apple has long been a key horticultural product of the region. The GI tag formally recognises its unique geographical characteristics and traditional cultivation practices.

Agriculture experts noted that the certification will encourage value addition, processing, and organised marketing of the fruit, thereby improving income stability for farming communities.

The development is also expected to promote rural entrepreneurship and strengthen horticulture-based livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh, while boosting the state’s presence in premium fruit markets.

ten23 health obtains ATMP Manufacturing GMP Licenses from Swissmedic for its Basel and Visp facilities

Basel & Visp, Switzerland, June 29^th, 2026 ten23 health, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on sterile and biologic drug products, today announced it has successfully obtained GMP certifications for the manufacturing and testing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) in its facilities in Basel and Visp, Switzerland.

These licenses mark a significant milestone in ten23 health’s strategic expansion into the rapidly growing field of advanced therapies. With this authorization, both sites are now GMP certified to support the clinical and commercial sterile manufacturing of ATMPs in compliance with related quality standards. A first oligonucleotide customer program is in progress, advancing further into clinical development. In addition to ten23’s expertise in formulation development, the new GMP license means that ten23 can now also support its Customers for GMP sterile manufacturing and QC testing for clinical and commercial human use for oligonucleotide products such as mRNA, siRNA, DNA and antisense oligonucleotides.

The Basel facility, known for its innovation-driven development environment, provides support for early- and late-phase product development, small-scale non-GMP manufacturing with ten23’s previously announced Line 0 and GMP Quality Control release and stability testing. The Visp facilities, leveraging its state-of-the-art infrastructure and scalability, provide late-stage clinical and commercial sterile production and QC Microbiology.

“Obtaining ATMP licenses for both Basel and Visp reinforces our commitment to enabling sterile medicines for next-generation therapeutics,” said Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO at ten23 health. “We are proud to provide our partners with integrated, high-quality sterile product solutions that accelerate their molecule’s journey from drug substance to drug products, from concept to patient.”

As demand for advanced therapies continues to grow globally, ten23 health is positioned to be a trusted partner for biotech and pharmaceutical companies seeking flexible, reliable, and innovative manufacturing solutions.

Ahead of Rath Yatra, Odisha Crime Branch Blocks 50 Fake Hotel Booking Websites

Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): In a major cyber crackdown ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Crime Branch has blocked 50 fraudulent hotel booking websites over the past week to protect devotees from online accommodation scams.

Representational image

The action was initiated following multiple complaints received through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, amid a surge in online fraud targeting pilgrims planning to visit Puri for the grand festival scheduled on July 16.

Officials said cybercriminals had been creating cloned versions of genuine hotel and lodge websites to deceive unsuspecting travellers. These fake portals reportedly offered attractive room tariffs, discounted accommodation packages and even bogus VIP darshan facilities to lure devotees into making advance payments through digital wallets and UPI platforms.

Investigations revealed that the fraudulent websites were designed to secure prominent visibility in online search results, thereby increasing the chances of duping pilgrims searching for accommodation in Puri.

According to police sources, online accommodation fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Odisha. Over the past year, at least 30 tourists reportedly lost nearly Rs 5 lakh after falling prey to fake hotel booking scams. In the last two weeks alone, four pilgrims were allegedly duped of around Rs 35,000 through similar frauds.

With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri for Rath Yatra, authorities fear that the scale of cyber fraud could rise significantly if preventive measures are not strengthened.

Following the crackdown, the Crime Branch has intensified cyber patrolling and launched extensive awareness campaigns across the state. Devotees have been advised to verify the authenticity of hotel websites, avoid making payments to unverified accounts and report suspicious portals immediately.

Officials urged the public to use only authorised booking platforms or directly contact hotels through verified channels. Any cyber fraud or suspicious activity can be reported through the cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

The Crime Branch reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.

Gujarat sets INR 10 lakh crore investment target under new industrial policy

June 29: The Gujarat government has announced a target of attracting ₹10 lakh crore in fresh investments over the next five years under its new industrial policy, aimed at further strengthening the state’s industrial base and boosting economic growth.

The policy is designed to accelerate industrial expansion, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and generate large-scale employment opportunities across diverse sectors. Officials said the framework focuses on improving ease of doing business, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging innovation-led development.

Key focus areas include manufacturing, renewable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and emerging technology sectors. The policy also places emphasis on sustainable growth and balanced regional development across urban and rural regions of the state.

Government representatives said the initiative will simplify investment procedures, provide targeted incentives, and strengthen industrial infrastructure to attract both domestic and global investors.

Experts believe Gujarat’s strong industrial ecosystem, logistics advantages, and pro-investor environment position it well to achieve the ambitious target, supporting long-term economic growth and job creation.

Groundwater depletion threatens Kuruvai cultivation in Cauvery delta

June 29: Groundwater depletion has emerged as a major concern for farmers in the Cauvery delta, casting uncertainty over the upcoming Kuruvai cultivation season. Declining water tables, combined with uneven rainfall and irrigation constraints, are raising worries about agricultural productivity in the region.

Farmers in several parts of the delta are reporting increased dependence on borewells as surface water availability remains inconsistent. The situation has intensified pressure on groundwater resources, with many areas witnessing a steady drop in water levels.

Agricultural experts note that the Kuruvai season, which relies heavily on timely water availability, is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in both monsoon patterns and reservoir storage. Any delay or shortage in irrigation support could directly impact paddy sowing and yield expectations.

Officials are monitoring the situation closely and are expected to assess water release plans from reservoirs to support cultivation. Discussions around improving water management practices and promoting efficient irrigation methods are also gaining importance among stakeholders.

Experts have stressed the need for sustainable water use practices, including crop diversification and micro-irrigation techniques, to reduce pressure on groundwater reserves and ensure long-term agricultural stability in the Cauvery delta region.

El Niño could pressure agri loans, credit growth seen steady: Report

June 29: Agricultural loan demand could face short-term pressure due to the impact of El Niño conditions, although overall credit growth is expected to remain healthy, according to a recent report.

The report noted that climatic variability linked to El Niño may affect crop output in certain regions, potentially influencing farmers’ borrowing requirements and repayment cycles. However, strong rural demand, government support measures, and diversified lending portfolios are expected to help cushion the impact on the broader banking sector.

Despite potential stress in the agriculture segment, the report highlighted that credit growth across sectors is likely to remain steady, supported by improving economic activity, rising consumption, and sustained corporate borrowing demand.

Banks are expected to maintain a balanced lending approach, with continued focus on retail, housing, and MSME segments, which are likely to support overall credit expansion. Financial institutions are also strengthening risk management practices to navigate possible sectoral fluctuations.

Analysts said that while weather-related risks remain a key variable for agriculture, the banking sector’s diversified exposure and structural growth drivers are expected to ensure stability in credit performance in the coming months.

Gujarat boosts water storage under Sujalam Sufalam

June 29: Gujarat’s flagship water conservation programme, the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, has significantly boosted the state’s water storage capacity this year, adding 20,789 lakh cubic feet through large-scale desilting, deepening of lakes and ponds, and restoration of traditional water bodies.

The initiative focuses on improving water availability and groundwater recharge ahead of the monsoon season, with works carried out across multiple districts. Officials said coordinated efforts by government agencies, local bodies, and communities have helped enhance the efficiency and capacity of key water resources.

Under the programme, extensive cleaning and restoration of water bodies have improved rainwater harvesting potential, particularly in drought-prone and semi-arid regions. This is expected to provide stronger water security for agriculture, drinking water supply, and rural livelihoods.

Authorities highlighted that the campaign is part of a long-term strategy to build climate resilience through sustainable water management and revival of natural ecosystems. Community participation has also played a key role in ensuring the success of the initiative.

Experts noted that the increased storage capacity will help improve groundwater levels and reduce seasonal water stress, reinforcing Gujarat’s preparedness for water security challenges in the coming years.

Organ India return as Team India Managers for third consecutive World Transplant Games

New Delhi,June 29 : ORGAN India, an initiative of the Parashar Foundation, have been appointed Team Managers and Country Representatives for India by the World Transplant Games Federation for the Indian contingent participating in the World Transplant Games 2027, scheduled to be held in Leuven, Belgium.

This marks the third consecutive time that ORGAN India has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing and supporting Team India at the prestigious international sporting event for transplant recipients.

The World Transplant Games bring together transplant recipients from across the globe, celebrating the gift of life through sport while demonstrating the success of organ transplantation and the importance of organ donation. The Games provide a powerful platform for transplant recipients to showcase their fitness, determination and ability to lead active and fulfilling lives after transplantation.

Having successfully led the Indian contingent at the previous two editions, ORGAN India will once again oversee the selection, preparation, training support, logistics, fundraising and participation of Indian athletes representing the country in Leuven in 2027.

The organisation will work closely with transplant recipients, donor families, transplant professionals, hospitals and supporters across the country to identify and prepare athletes from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit of the Games.

Under ORGAN India’s stewardship, India’s participation at the World Transplant Games has witnessed significant growth. In 2023, Team India travelled to Perth, Australia, with a contingent of 32 athletes and returned with 35 medals. Building on this momentum, the 2025 contingent grew to 57 athletes, who brought home 63 medals from Dresden, Germany, marking India’s strongest-ever performance at the Games.

Encouraged by the growing interest among transplant recipients across the country, ORGAN India is now preparing to take a contingent of close to 80 members to Leuven in 2027, which is expected to be India’s largest representation at the Games so far.

“Being appointed as the Team Managers for the third consecutive World Transplant Games is both an honour and a responsibility. Every edition gives us an opportunity to show the country what organ donation and transplantation can make possible. Through Team India, we hope to celebrate the achievements of transplant recipients, inspire more conversations around organ donation and demonstrate that life after transplant can be active, competitive and full of possibility,” said Anika Parashar, Chairperson, Parashar Foundation and Founder, ORGAN India.

India’s transplant athletes have continued to demonstrate remarkable dedication and sporting excellence while serving as ambassadors for organ donation. Their journeys reinforce the message that transplantation does not simply offer recipients a second chance at life, but also enables them to return to sport, pursue new ambitions and represent the country on a global platform.

“We have seen Team India grow stronger, more competitive and more confident with every edition. As preparations for Leuven begin, our focus will be on identifying athletes from across India, giving them the right training and support, and building a team that is prepared to compete at the highest level. We are already seeing considerable interest from transplant recipients and expect 2027 to be our largest contingent yet,” said Sunayana Singh, CEO, ORGAN India and India’s Member Representative at the World Transplant Games Federation.

As preparations begin for the 2027 Games, ORGAN India will invite transplant recipients interested in representing India, along with supporters, donors, corporate partners and institutions, to join Team India’s journey to Leuven.

The organisation remains committed to strengthening awareness around organ donation and showcasing the life-changing impact of transplantation through the achievements of India’s transplant athletes on the global stage.