Category Archives: News

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.

Odisha Crime Branch Recovers Rs 1.1 Crore Lost by Retired Professor in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): In a major success against cyber fraud, the Odisha Crime Branch has recovered and returned Rs 1.1 crore to a retired professor who had lost over Rs 2.45 crore in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam earlier this year.

Representational image

According to officials, the victim was targeted in February through an elaborate four-day cyber fraud operation orchestrated by fraudsters posing as government officials.

The ordeal began with a phone call informing the retired academic that his Aadhaar number had allegedly been linked to a bank account associated with terrorist activities. The call was subsequently shifted to a video conference, during which the fraudsters impersonated officials from central investigative agencies.

To make the deception appear genuine, the scammers allegedly sent a forged “digital arrest order” through WhatsApp, directing the professor not to leave his residence or contact anyone. The victim was kept under constant surveillance through virtual means and was allegedly coerced into transferring Rs 2,45,24,540 to multiple bank accounts over several days.

After realising that he had been duped, the professor lodged an FIR with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Odisha Crime Branch on March 2 and subsequently registered a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Acting swiftly, investigators traced the money trail and identified beneficiary accounts linked to the fraud. During the investigation, one account containing Rs 1.1 crore was frozen. Following necessary legal procedures and coordination with the concerned bank, the amount was successfully refunded to the victim.

Officials said the investigation is still underway and efforts are on to trace the remaining funds and identify those involved in the cyber fraud. No arrests have been made so far.

The case comes amid a sharp rise in cybercrime incidents in Odisha. Official figures indicate that the state recorded 49,426 cyber fraud complaints involving Rs 432.28 crore in 2025. Of this amount, Rs 68.71 crore was frozen, while Rs 5.31 crore was refunded to victims. Between January and April 2026, another 16,335 complaints involving Rs 134.24 crore were reported, with authorities freezing Rs 24.27 crore and returning Rs 2.97 crore to victims.

The Odisha Police have once again cautioned citizens against falling prey to “digital arrest” scams, stressing that no genuine government agency or law enforcement authority conducts investigations solely through video calls or asks individuals to transfer money during an inquiry.

People have been advised to immediately report suspicious calls by dialling the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or by lodging complaints through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fake Ticket Websites Raise Online Security Concerns

New Delhi, June 25: Concerns have been raised over fraudulent online platforms impersonating official channels for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket sales, with authorities and cybersecurity experts warning fans to exercise caution while booking tickets.

Officials said several fake websites and misleading links have surfaced, attempting to imitate legitimate ticketing portals and deceive users into sharing personal and financial information. The surge in such activities has prompted increased monitoring and public advisories to ensure safe access to official ticketing channels.

Cybersecurity experts have advised fans to verify official sources before making any purchases and avoid clicking on unverified links circulated through social media or messaging platforms. They also stressed the importance of checking domain authenticity and using only authorised platforms for ticket bookings.

Organisers are expected to intensify awareness campaigns to help fans identify genuine ticketing sources and reduce the risk of online fraud during the tournament’s ticket sales phase.

Authorities are working to track and block suspicious websites while encouraging users to report any suspected fraudulent activity to relevant agencies.

With global demand expected to be high for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, experts say public vigilance will play a key role in preventing financial losses and ensuring secure transactions.

Government Introduces QR Code System to Track High-Risk Medicines

New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has mandated the use of QR codes on vaccines, antimicrobials, and cancer drugs as part of a strengthened regulatory framework aimed at curbing counterfeit medicines and improving drug traceability across the supply chain.

Officials said the move is intended to ensure end-to-end tracking of critical and high-value pharmaceutical products, enhancing patient safety and strengthening trust in the healthcare system. The QR code system will allow stakeholders, including regulators, healthcare providers, and consumers, to verify the authenticity of medicines in real time.

The initiative is expected to improve transparency across manufacturing, distribution, and retail channels by enabling digital verification at every stage of the supply chain. Authorities said this will help reduce the risk of spurious or substandard drugs entering the market.

Regulatory bodies will oversee the implementation process, ensuring compliance from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Companies will be required to integrate QR-based tracking systems into packaging for the specified categories of medicines.

Health officials noted that the step is particularly significant for life-saving drugs such as vaccines, cancer treatments, and antimicrobial medicines, where counterfeit risks can have serious public health implications.

The government stated that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of leveraging digital technologies to strengthen healthcare governance and improve patient safety outcomes.

Experts believe the measure will enhance accountability in the pharmaceutical sector and position India’s drug regulatory system among the more advanced globally in terms of traceability and anti-counterfeit mechanisms.

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.