Category Archives: News

Odisha Govt Suspends ‘VB-G Ram G’ Work for 60 Days During Kharif Season

Bhubaneswar, June 26 (UDN): The Odisha Government has announced the temporary suspension of the ‘VB-G Ram G’ work for a period of 60 days during the ongoing agricultural season to facilitate farming activities across the state.

According to an official notification issued by the government, the decision has been taken keeping in view the peak agricultural operations during the Kharif season. The suspension aims to ensure that farmers and rural workers can actively participate in farming activities without any disruption.

The government stated that the temporary halt in the implementation of the scheme will help address the increased demand for labour in agricultural fields during the sowing season. The move is expected to support timely cultivation and enhance agricultural productivity.

Officials said that the scheme’s activities will resume after the completion of the 60-day suspension period. Necessary instructions have already been issued to the concerned departments and implementing agencies for effective compliance with the government’s directive.

The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests while ensuring the smooth implementation of rural development programmes.

Puri Conducts Mock Drill for Smooth and Safe Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra

Puri, June 26 (UDN): In preparation for the upcoming Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, a comprehensive mock drill was conducted in Puri on Friday to ensure smooth, safe, and disciplined management of the festivals.

The exercise was organized with the active participation of various government departments and agencies, including the district administration, police, health services, fire services, municipal authorities, and other stakeholders. The mock drill aimed at strengthening inter-departmental coordination and assessing preparedness for crowd management, emergency response, traffic regulation, and other essential services during the grand annual festivals.

Officials reviewed the standard operating procedures and simulated different scenarios to ensure prompt and effective responses in case of any emergency. Special emphasis was laid on maintaining law and order, ensuring seamless movement of devotees, and providing necessary public amenities.

The district administration reiterated its commitment to conducting the Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra in a safe, orderly, and hassle-free manner for lakhs of devotees expected to visit Puri during the festivities.

Senior officials from various departments were present during the exercise and expressed satisfaction over the preparedness measures undertaken.

Rajya Sabha Oath Becomes a Tribute to Andhra’s Weavers as Chintakayala Vijay Chooses Mangalagiri Handloom

New Delhi, 25 June 2026

In a gesture that spoke louder than any speech, Chintakayala Vijay, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh, chose a traditional Mangalagiri handloom shawl for his oath-taking ceremony. In an era of designer suits and formal blazers, Vijay walked into India’s upper house wrapped in the living heritage of Andhra Pradesh’s weavers, making an unmistakable statement about the kind of leader he intends to be.

The Mangalagiri shawl was not a prop or a political statement — it was an act of gratitude and solidarity with the thousands of artisan families whose craft defines the cultural identity of his home state. At 41, with a Master’s in Political Science (Political Management) from George Washington University and 17 years of grassroots service in the Telugu Desam Party, Vijay brings to the Rajya Sabha both international perspective and a deeply grounded understanding of Andhra’s people and their livelihoods.

The son of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, Vijay was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha.

The soul of Mangalagiri: 500 years of living heritage

Mangalagiri — the “Auspicious Hill” — has been a centre of handloom excellence for over 500 years, its legacy dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire. Famous for its durable cotton weaves and stunning metallic zari borders, the fabric holds a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, one of India’s most celebrated textile certifications.

Today, nearly 5,000 local weavers continue this heritage as their primary livelihood, artisans whose daily labour goes largely unseen, yet whose work is woven into the very fabric of Andhra’s identity.

This heartfelt gesture also aligns with the consistent and proactive efforts of Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, who also serves as the MLA of Mangalagiri constituency. Lokesh has long championed the region’s handloom community — referring to the weavers as respected “artisans” and “cultural artists” who weave identity into every thread. He actively promotes Mangalagiri handlooms by proudly wearing them and gifting them on important occasions. Notably, he gifted a beautiful handwoven Mangalagiri saree to his wife, Nara Brahmani, during Sankranti 2025. Brahmani publicly expressed her gratitude, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and tradition behind the fabric. Lokesh has also gifted specially designed Mangalagiri stoles to national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji.

Beyond personal promotion, Lokesh has driven concrete welfare initiatives for the weaving community, including the Nethanna Bharosa Scheme (annual financial assistance of ₹25,000 per handloom family along with free electricity), health insurance support, a ₹5 crore Thrift Fund, infrastructure development, and dedicated marketing efforts to ensure artisans receive fair compensation.

By choosing Mangalagiri for one of the most important days of his political life, Vijay brought these 5,000 families — their skill, struggle, and artistry — into the halls of Parliament and carried forward this spirit of respect and recognition.

 “This Mangalagiri shawl is not just cloth, it carries the hard work, devotion, and dreams of our weavers. As I step into the Rajya Sabha, I carry the soul of Andhra Pradesh with me. I am committed to working for the welfare of our artisans, farmers, and youth, and for the bright future of our state under the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu garu,” said Chintakayala Vijay, Rajya Sabha MP, Andhra Pradesh.

A new voice for Andhra in the Upper House

Vijay enters the Rajya Sabha at a significant moment for Andhra Pradesh — a state working to regain its economic momentum and cultural confidence. With his academic background, party experience, and an evident commitment to the people behind the politics, he brings a distinctive combination of intellect and groundedness to national legislative discourse.

His priorities, as he has publicly stated, are clear: amplifying the voices of Andhra’s youth, farmers, and artisans at the national level. In wearing Mangalagiri on Day One, he has already shown that for him, political office is not about personal elevation — it is about representation in the truest sense of the word.

The TDP government in Andhra, led by Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, has consistently advocated welfare measures for the handloom sector — including health insurance for weavers, subsidised power for looms, and marketing support to ensure artisans receive fair value for their exceptional work. Vijay has made clear he intends to carry that commitment into the corridors of Parliament.

Powerful Earthquakes Rock Venezuela Near Caracas, Causing Widespread Destruction

Caracas, June 25: Venezuela was shaken by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday, sending shockwaves across the nation and causing significant damage in and around the capital, Caracas. The strong tremors led to the collapse of several buildings, disrupted transport and communication networks, and triggered panic among residents.

Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities and hundreds of injuries, while rescue teams continue to search for people feared trapped under debris. Emergency services have been deployed to the worst-affected areas, and temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families.

The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency and urged citizens to remain cautious as several aftershocks have been reported. Schools and public offices in affected regions have been closed, and hospitals are operating on emergency protocols to treat the injured.

International aid agencies and neighboring countries have expressed solidarity with Venezuela and offered assistance for rescue and relief operations. Officials warn that the death toll may rise as search teams reach remote and heavily damaged areas.

The twin earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in recent decades, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

Russia Considers Gasoline Imports from India Amid Refinery Disruptions: Report

June 25: Russia is reportedly exploring the possibility of importing gasoline from India as it navigates temporary disruptions in its domestic refinery operations, according to recent reports.

The development highlights emerging energy trade dynamics between the two countries, with India’s refining capacity increasingly positioned as a potential source of supply in global fuel markets. India, one of the world’s largest refining hubs, has expanded its export capabilities in recent years, supplying petroleum products to multiple international markets.

The report suggests that refinery disruptions in Russia have created short-term supply pressures, prompting considerations for alternative sourcing options to ensure stable domestic fuel availability. In this context, India’s robust refining infrastructure and surplus production capacity have drawn attention as a viable option for meeting demand.

Industry observers note that any potential fuel trade between India and Russia would reflect broader shifts in global energy flows, where refining capacity and export flexibility are becoming key strategic assets. Such developments could also strengthen energy trade ties between the two nations.

Experts believe that India’s growing role in global petroleum product markets underscores its importance as a reliable energy supplier, particularly in times of regional supply constraints.

The report reflects ongoing changes in global energy supply chains and highlights the increasing interconnectedness of fuel markets across regions.

India’s Growth Driven by Resilience, Learning and Ambition: Piyush Goyal

June 25: Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India’s growth journey continues to be shaped by resilience, a strong culture of learning, and national ambition.

He noted that India has consistently shown the ability to adapt to global challenges while maintaining steady economic progress. This resilience, he said, has played a key role in strengthening the country’s position in the global economy.

Goyal further emphasized that continuous learning and innovation are central to India’s development model. He highlighted that individuals, businesses, and institutions are increasingly embracing new ideas and improving their capabilities, which is helping drive competitiveness and long-term growth.

He also said that ambition at all levels of society is contributing to India’s rapid progress. According to him, this collective drive is enabling the country to expand opportunities and move steadily toward its long-term development goals.

Experts believe that India’s growth story reflects a combination of strong domestic demand, policy reforms, and a dynamic workforce, which together are supporting sustained economic momentum.

The statement reinforces India’s positioning as a resilient and fast-growing major economy focused on innovation, adaptability, and long-term vision.

Nagpur Airport to Power Development Across Central India: Nitin Gadkari

June 25: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that Nagpur Airport is set to play a key role in driving economic growth across Central India, supported by ongoing infrastructure development and improving connectivity.

He highlighted that Nagpur’s central location gives it a natural advantage to emerge as an important aviation and logistics hub in the coming years. With continued upgrades and expansion, the airport is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and support faster movement of passengers and cargo.

According to the Minister, improved airport infrastructure will help boost trade, tourism, and industrial activity across surrounding regions. He added that better air connectivity will make Central India more accessible and attractive for investment and business expansion.

The planned developments at Nagpur Airport include capacity enhancement, improved passenger facilities, and upgraded cargo operations, aimed at meeting future demand and improving efficiency.

Experts believe that the airport’s growth could generate new employment opportunities and support allied sectors such as logistics, warehousing, and tourism, contributing to overall regional development.

The statement reflects the government’s continued focus on infrastructure-led growth as a key driver of economic development in India.

EPFO Services to Remain Temporarily Unavailable Due to System Migration

June 25: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced that several of its online services will remain temporarily unavailable for a couple of days as part of a planned system migration initiative aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and improving service delivery.

The temporary disruption is necessary to facilitate the migration of EPFO’s existing systems to a more advanced technology platform. The upgrade is expected to improve system efficiency, strengthen data security, and provide a better user experience for millions of subscribers, employers, and pensioners across the country.

During the migration period, users may face difficulties accessing various online services, including member account-related functions, claim submissions, balance checks, passbook access, and other digital services offered through the EPFO portal and associated platforms.

EPFO has advised its members, employers, and stakeholders to plan their activities accordingly and avoid scheduling non-urgent transactions during the maintenance window. The organization has assured users that every effort is being made to complete the migration process as quickly as possible and restore services at the earliest.

The system upgrade forms part of EPFO’s ongoing efforts to modernize its digital ecosystem and strengthen service delivery capabilities. Once completed, the migration is expected to support faster processing, improved reliability, and enhanced accessibility of EPFO services.

EPFO has expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to users and has requested stakeholders for their cooperation during the transition period.

Jharkhand Emerges as Power Surplus State with Commissioning of PVUNL’s Second 800 MW Unit

Ranchi, June 25: In a major boost to Jharkhand’s energy infrastructure, the state has officially become power surplus following the commencement of commercial operations of the second 800 MW unit of the Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) thermal power project.

The commissioning of the new unit marks a significant milestone in Jharkhand’s efforts to strengthen its power generation capacity and achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. With the addition of another 800 MW, the state is now better positioned to meet rising electricity demand from households, agriculture, businesses, and industries while reducing its dependence on power purchases from other states.

PVUNL, a joint venture between NTPC and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), is one of the state’s flagship power projects aimed at modernising electricity infrastructure and ensuring long-term energy security. The operationalisation of the second unit substantially increases the project’s contribution to the state’s power supply network.

Officials said the enhanced generation capacity will improve grid stability, strengthen power availability across urban and rural regions, and support uninterrupted electricity supply. The development is also expected to accelerate industrial growth by providing reliable power to existing industries and attracting fresh investments into the state.

The achievement comes at a time when Jharkhand is focusing on infrastructure-led economic development. Adequate and reliable electricity is considered a key enabler for manufacturing, mining, commercial activities, and social development initiatives.

Energy sector experts noted that becoming a power surplus state offers multiple benefits, including reduced expenditure on power procurement, improved energy planning, and the potential to supply surplus electricity to other regions through the national grid. This could further enhance the state’s revenue generation opportunities.

The commissioning of the second unit also reflects the successful execution of large-scale infrastructure projects in the power sector and highlights ongoing efforts to modernise thermal power generation facilities with improved efficiency and environmental standards.

State officials expressed confidence that the expanded power generation capacity will play a crucial role in supporting Jharkhand’s long-term economic ambitions, improving quality of life for citizens, and ensuring sustainable energy availability for future growth.

With the latest addition to its power infrastructure, Jharkhand has taken a significant step towards strengthening its energy ecosystem and reinforcing its position as an emerging industrial and economic hub in eastern India.

Over 17 pc of Assam Households Pay Zero Electricity Bills: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati, June 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that more than 17 per cent of households in the state are currently paying zero electricity bills, highlighting the impact of the government’s power subsidy and welfare initiatives.

According to the Chief Minister, the benefit is reaching a significant number of families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, helping reduce their monthly household expenses.

Sarma said the initiative is part of the state’s efforts to make electricity more affordable and ensure wider access to essential services. He noted that the scheme has provided relief to thousands of families amid rising living costs.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to improving power infrastructure and expanding access to reliable electricity across urban and rural areas of the state.

Officials said the programme reflects Assam’s focus on inclusive development and social welfare, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach those who need them most.

The state government continues to implement measures aimed at improving the quality of life for residents through affordable and accessible public services.