Category Archives: News

India, Venezuela Move Toward Deeper Institutional Cooperation in Energy Trade

Gold Market Sees Major Correction as Prices of Gold and Silver Drop

Bhubaneswar, June 26 (UDN): In a major relief for consumers and jewellery buyers, gold and silver prices witnessed a significant decline in domestic markets on Thursday, raising hopes of increased demand ahead of the upcoming festive and wedding seasons.

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Market sources said the prices of both precious metals registered a sharp correction amid fluctuations in global bullion markets, easing concerns among consumers who had deferred purchases due to soaring rates in recent months.

Jewellers said the decline in prices is expected to boost retail demand, particularly among customers planning purchases for weddings, festivals and investment purposes. Traders are optimistic that the correction in rates will revive market sentiment and improve sales in the coming weeks.

Industry experts attributed the fall in prices to a combination of factors, including changing global economic indicators, fluctuations in international bullion prices, movements in the US dollar and investor sentiment in global markets.

While market analysts expect some volatility in the near term, they advised consumers and investors to closely monitor price trends before making large purchases or investment decisions.

Jewellery traders across several cities reported an increase in customer inquiries following the price drop, with many buyers viewing the correction as an opportune time to invest in precious metals.

Market observers said future price movements would largely depend on international market trends, geopolitical developments and monetary policy decisions by major central banks.

India Wins 24 Medals at ISSF Junior World Championship 2026

New Delhi, June 26: India delivered a strong performance at the ISSF Junior World Championship 2026, securing a total of 24 medals, officials said.

The Indian contingent showed consistent performance across rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, reflecting the growing depth of junior shooting talent in the country.

Coaches and officials attributed the success to structured training programmes, improved infrastructure, and increased exposure to international competitions, which have helped young athletes perform confidently at the global level.

Sports authorities said the achievement highlights India’s rising presence in international shooting and the strength of its talent development system.

The performance is expected to boost morale ahead of upcoming international events and strengthen India’s prospects in senior-level competitions.

From Belpahar Stage to National School of Drama: Sonia Behera Scripts History

Belpahar, Jharsuguda, June 26 (UDN): What began as a young girl’s fascination with a stage performance at a school function in Belpahar has culminated in a historic achievement for Odisha’s theatre community. Twenty-five-year-old Sonia Behera has become the first woman from the state to secure admission to the prestigious three-year Diploma in Dramatics programme at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi.

Sonia secured the eighth rank in the All India merit list after scoring 80.05 percentile in the highly competitive admission process. The selection involved multiple stages, including preliminary screening, intensive theatre workshops, practical assessments and personal interviews conducted at the NSD campus in New Delhi between June 14 and 19.

For Sonia, the achievement marks the fulfilment of a dream she had never envisioned when she first stepped into the world of theatre.

“I feel immensely proud. When I started performing, I had never imagined that I would one day study at the National School of Drama. It still feels surreal,” she said.

The eldest among five siblings, Sonia’s journey in theatre began in 2015 after she watched the acclaimed play Lal Paen during a school event in Belpahar. The performance, staged by Jharsuguda-based Mirror Theatre Group, left a profound impact on her and inspired her to join the troupe later that year.

Over the past eleven years, Sonia has established herself as a versatile theatre artiste, performing in several acclaimed productions, including Lal Paen, ULPI, April-27, Badakha Dada, Pachen, Ramadevi, Tor Jhumka, Tor Kiriya, Bhokara Aneka Ranga and Panata Kani.

She also played the lead role in Kaenjuri, a landmark production that entered the record books for a continuous performance lasting 49 hours, 48 minutes and 12 seconds. Her performances in Lal Paen and ULPI, staged across Odisha and other parts of the country, earned her national recognition.

Sonia credited her mother for encouraging her to pursue theatre despite the uncertainties associated with the profession. She also acknowledged the unwavering support and mentorship of Mirror Theatre founder-director Dr Subash Chandra Pradhan and senior members of the troupe, whom she described as instrumental in shaping her artistic journey.

Describing Sonia’s selection as a proud moment for the state, Dr Pradhan said her success demonstrates that talent from smaller towns can compete at the highest level when nurtured with dedication and proper guidance.

Sonia hopes her achievement will inspire aspiring artistes, particularly young women from rural and small-town backgrounds, to pursue their passion fearlessly and believe that national platforms are within their reach.

Operation Amistad: India Deploys Aid Team to Venezuela

New Delhi, June 26: An Indian Army humanitarian assistance team has been deployed to Venezuela under Operation Amistad to support relief efforts following a devastating earthquake in the country.

The team will assist local authorities in ongoing rescue and relief operations and provide necessary humanitarian support to affected populations. Their role is expected to include coordination of relief activities, support in search and rescue efforts where required, and assistance in managing emergency response operations on the ground.

Officials said the deployment reflects India’s continued commitment to global humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, particularly in times of natural calamities affecting friendly nations.

The mission will be carried out in close coordination with Venezuelan authorities and other international agencies engaged in relief work to ensure effective and timely support to those impacted.

Chhattisgarh Initiates First Step Towards Implementation of Uniform Civil Code

Raipur, June 26: Chhattisgarh has taken the first formal step towards exploring the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, officials said on Thursday.

The move is aimed at examining legal, social, and administrative aspects related to the possible introduction of a common civil law framework governing personal laws.

Officials said the process will involve consultations with legal experts, stakeholders, and civil society representatives to assess the feasibility and implications of such a reform.

The initiative marks the beginning of a structured review process, with the state government seeking to understand how a Uniform Civil Code could be framed and implemented in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Further details regarding the composition of committees or timelines for the exercise are expected to be announced in due course.

The development is seen as an initial step in evaluating policy options related to civil law uniformity in the state.

Amit Shah to Launch ‘Bharat Taxi’ Initiative and ‘PM Family Care Tracker’ Pilot in Gujarat

Gandhinagar, June 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to launch the ‘Bharat Taxi’ initiative and the ‘PM Family Care Tracker’ pilot project during his upcoming visit to Gujarat, officials said on Thursday.

The initiatives are aimed at strengthening citizen-centric services through technology-driven platforms and improving accessibility of essential services for the public.

The ‘Bharat Taxi’ initiative is expected to focus on enhancing organised transport services, while the ‘PM Family Care Tracker’ pilot project will aim to improve coordination and monitoring of family welfare-related services through a digital framework.

Officials said both projects reflect the government’s continued emphasis on digital governance, efficiency, and improved service delivery mechanisms for citizens.

The pilot rollout will be closely monitored before being expanded further based on feedback and performance assessment.

Further details regarding the launch programme and operational framework of the initiatives are expected to be announced during the Gujarat visit.

Passport Fees Hiked: New Rates to Apply from July 1

New Delhi, June 26: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revised passport application fees, with new charges set to come into effect from July 1.

Under the revised structure, applicants for a 36-page passport will now pay ₹2,500, while the Tatkal service fee has been increased to ₹5,000.

For a 60-page passport, the fee has been revised to ₹3,500, with the Tatkal charge set at ₹6,000.

In cases of lost or damaged passports, the replacement fee for a 36-page passport has been fixed at ₹5,000, while Tatkal processing will cost ₹7,500. For a 60-page passport, the replacement fee will be ₹6,000, and the Tatkal fee will be ₹8,500.

Officials said the revised fee structure is part of periodic updates aimed at streamlining passport services and aligning charges with administrative requirements. The new rates will apply to all applications submitted on or after July 1.

Applicants have been advised to check the updated fee schedule before applying to avoid any inconvenience.

Europe Sizzles Under Intense Heatwave; Schools Shut as Temperatures Break Records

London/Paris, June 26: Several European countries are grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record levels and forcing authorities to shut schools, issue health alerts and implement emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations.

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The severe heatwave, driven by a persistent high-pressure system over southern and western Europe, has pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages in countries including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece. Meteorological agencies have warned that the scorching conditions are likely to persist over the coming days.

Authorities in several regions have ordered the closure of schools or shortened class hours to safeguard students and staff from extreme heat exposure. Outdoor activities have also been restricted in many areas, while hospitals and emergency services remain on high alert amid concerns over heat-related illnesses.

In some parts of southern Europe, temperatures have crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark, breaking previous records for June. The prolonged heat has also heightened the risk of wildfires, prompting governments to deploy firefighting resources and issue warnings to residents in vulnerable areas.

Health officials have urged people, particularly children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Climate experts have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to global climate change, warning that extreme weather events are becoming more common across the continent.

The ongoing heatwave has disrupted daily life, affected transportation services and increased electricity demand as millions rely on cooling systems to cope with the soaring temperatures.

Centre Simplifies FSSAI Compliance Norms to Ease Business Operations in Food Sector

New Delhi, June 26: The Centre has notified key changes in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations aimed at simplifying compliance requirements for food business operators and improving ease of doing business in the sector.

Officials said the revised framework is designed to reduce procedural burdens while ensuring that food safety and quality standards remain uncompromised. The reforms are expected to streamline approval processes, simplify documentation requirements, and make regulatory compliance faster and more efficient.

The changes are part of a broader effort to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food sector by reducing regulatory complexity and encouraging greater formalisation of businesses. Authorities noted that the updated norms will also promote a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment.

FSSAI has also strengthened its risk-based regulatory approach, enabling more targeted inspections and monitoring based on the size, nature, and risk profile of food business operators. This is expected to improve enforcement efficiency while reducing unnecessary compliance pressure on low-risk entities.

Industry stakeholders are expected to benefit from clearer guidelines, faster approvals, and improved operational ease across the food supply chain. Officials added that the reforms reflect the government’s continued focus on balancing consumer safety with industry facilitation and promoting a more business-friendly regulatory ecosystem.