Category Archives: News

India’s Office Market Gets Major Boost as GCCs Drive Future Demand

New Delhi, July 24: Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are expected to emerge as a major driver of India’s commercial real estate growth, accounting for up to 50% of the country’s office space demand by 2027, according to a recent industry report.

The growing expansion of multinational companies in India is fueling demand for high-quality office spaces, advanced infrastructure, and technology-enabled workplaces across major business hubs including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR.

The report highlights that GCCs are increasingly evolving beyond traditional back-office operations, with companies setting up advanced centres focused on research and development, artificial intelligence, engineering, digital transformation, and innovation.

The continued growth of GCCs is expected to strengthen India’s position as a global business and technology hub while generating new employment opportunities and attracting increased investment in the commercial real estate sector.

Industry experts noted that demand for flexible, sustainable, and digitally integrated office spaces is likely to remain strong as companies prioritize innovation-driven operations and long-term growth strategies.

With favourable business conditions, a skilled talent pool, and improving infrastructure, India’s GCC ecosystem is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country’s office market.

Divine Homecoming: Lakhs Witness Lord Jagannath’s Bahuda Yatra in Puri

Bahuda Yatra Today: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra Begin Sacred Return Journey to Srimandir

Puri, July 24 (UDN): The holy city of Puri is witnessing a grand spiritual gathering today as the sacred Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, is being observed with devotion and traditional rituals.

After spending nine days at the Gundicha Temple, the three deities are returning to the Srimandir in a ceremonial procession, marking the concluding phase of the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.

The atmosphere in Puri has turned divine with the chants of “Jai Jagannath”, the sound of conch shells, drums, and devotional music filling the air. Thousands of devotees have gathered along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to witness the return of the revered deities and participate in the centuries-old tradition.

The rituals began with the Pahandi Bije, during which the deities were ceremonially brought from the Gundicha Temple to their respective chariots by the servitors. Lord Jagannath is seated on Nandighosha, Lord Balabhadra on Taladhwaja, and Devi Subhadra on Darpadalana.

One of the most significant rituals of the day is the Chhera Pahanra, where the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri performs the symbolic sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom. The ritual represents humility, equality, and the belief that everyone is equal before the Lord.

During the return journey, the chariots make a traditional stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath is offered the famous Poda Pitha, a special delicacy considered a beloved offering to the deity.

The Bahuda Yatra is not only a religious ceremony but also a celebration of faith, unity, devotion, and the timeless bond between the Lord and His devotees. The centuries-old tradition continues to attract devotees from across India and around the world.

Jai Jagannath.

Assam on High Alert as Rivers Swell, Disaster Authority Issues Advisory

Guwahati, July 24: The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued a warning as rising water levels in several rivers increase the risk of further flooding across affected areas of the state.

Authorities are closely monitoring river conditions and have advised residents in vulnerable regions to remain alert and follow safety guidelines. District administrations have been instructed to strengthen preparedness measures and ensure timely response in case of emergencies.

Continuous rainfall has contributed to rising water levels, affecting several communities and increasing concerns over possible disruption to daily life, transportation, and essential services. Rescue and relief teams remain prepared to provide assistance in flood-prone areas.

The administration has urged people living near riverbanks and low-lying areas to stay cautious and cooperate with local authorities. Emergency response teams are being kept on standby to support evacuation and relief operations if required.

Officials continue to assess the situation and are coordinating with relevant agencies to minimize the impact of flooding and ensure the safety of residents.

Sooryavanshi’s Quickfire Half-Century Sets Up India’s T20I Win

July 24: India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a historic performance in the opening T20 International against Zimbabwe, becoming the youngest player in men’s international cricket history to score a half-century.

The 15-year-old batter announced his arrival on the global stage with a breathtaking 18-ball fifty, an innings packed with four boundaries and four sixes. His fearless stroke play and aggressive approach set the tone for India’s successful chase at the Harare Sports Club.

Sooryavanshi’s milestone innings added another remarkable chapter to his rapid rise in international cricket. The young opener continued to showcase the talent and confidence that have made him one of India’s most exciting emerging players.

Earlier in the match, India’s bowling unit produced a disciplined display to restrict Zimbabwe to 125 for 7. The pace attack, led by Mayank Yadav, dismantled the hosts’ top order with early breakthroughs, leaving Zimbabwe struggling to build momentum.

India completed the chase comfortably to register a seven-wicket victory and take an early lead in the three-match T20I series. The win reflected a strong all-round performance from the young Indian side.

Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking knock received widespread appreciation, with fans and cricket experts praising his composure, power-hitting ability, and maturity beyond his years.

India will aim to continue its winning momentum in the remaining matches, while Zimbabwe will look to make a strong comeback in the series.

Assam Floods Leave Six Dead, Disrupt Lives Across 11 Districts

Guwahati, July 24: The flood situation in Assam has intensified, with the death toll rising to six and more than 7.2 lakh people affected across 11 districts following continuous rainfall and rising water levels in major rivers.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have intensified rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. Emergency teams, local administration, and disaster response personnel are working to provide assistance, including shelter, food supplies, medical support, and other essential services to affected communities.

Several villages have been impacted by floodwaters, disrupting daily life and affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and transportation networks. Relief camps have been set up in vulnerable areas to support displaced residents and ensure timely assistance.

The state administration has directed officials to maintain close coordination with disaster management agencies and prioritize evacuation, relief distribution, and public safety measures.

Authorities continue to assess the situation as weather conditions and river levels remain under watch. Efforts are underway to minimize the impact of the floods and provide immediate support to affected families.

Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Draw INR 10,000 Crore in Private Capital

New Delhi, July 24: The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal initiative has attracted approximately ₹10,000 crore in private investment, underscoring growing industry confidence in India’s logistics and infrastructure development agenda.

The substantial private sector participation is expected to accelerate the development of modern cargo terminals across the country, enhancing multimodal connectivity, improving freight efficiency, and reducing logistics costs. The investment aligns with the Government of India’s vision of building an integrated, technology-driven logistics network under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The expanded cargo terminal network is anticipated to strengthen rail-based freight movement, improve supply chain reliability, and support key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, e-commerce, and exports. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities while promoting sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

Officials stated that continued collaboration between the public and private sectors remains central to transforming India’s logistics ecosystem into a globally competitive network. The strong investment response reflects confidence in ongoing policy reforms and the country’s long-term infrastructure growth strategy.

The Government remains committed to facilitating faster project implementation, encouraging private participation, and creating world-class logistics infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances ease of doing business, and reinforces India’s position as a global manufacturing and trade hub.

Hawaiʻi Pacific University Hosts Symposium that Promotes Dialogue about Evidence-Based Evaluation of Genki Balls

(HONOLULU) – Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) hosted a research symposium and panel discussion on July 17 at its Aloha Tower Marketplace campus where scientists presented the findings of a two-year field and laboratory study, conducted with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), evaluating whether Genki balls improve water quality in Hawaiʻi’s waterways. These findings were presented alongside research conducted in the Ala Wai Canal, highlighting the system’s complexity and the difficulty of attributing changes in environmental conditions to individual bioremediation efforts.

Genki balls are fermented mud balls made from mud, rice bran and molasses, combined with a commercial product called Effective Microorganisms, or EM, which is marketed as containing lactic acid bacteria, phototrophic bacteria and yeast. 

Tossed into waterways, the balls are intended to sink to the bottom, break down organic “sludge” and improve water quality. The best-known local effort, the Genki Ala Wai Project, has deployed hundreds of thousands of the balls into Honolulu’s Ala Wai Canal since 2019, supported by community volunteers and ongoing third-party monitoring. EM is produced by EMRO USA and distributed locally through partners including EM Hawaiʻi LLC.

Titled HPU Talks: Evaluating Genki Balls for Hawaiʻi’s Waterways, the symposium brought together researchers, educators, resource managers and community partners for an afternoon of evidence-based discussion. Opening remarks were delivered by HPU College of Natural and Computational Sciences Dean Brenda Jensen, Ph.D., followed by a keynote address from Grieg Steward, Ph.D., Professor of Oceanography at UH Mānoa.

Mesonet crosses 100-station mark, serves wide range of Nebraska needs

July 23: To combat the raging wildfires that swept across western Nebraska this year, firefighters and emergency management personnel repeatedly drew on information from a key resource – the Nebraska Mesonet weather station network. 

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s mesonet stations, operating throughout the state, have high value for firefighters, helping them recognize periods of elevated fire danger and adapt tactics as conditions change, said John Erixson, the Nebraska state forester. 

“The mesonet’s real-time information – including wind speed and direction, soil moisture, humidity and temperature – helps firefighters, emergency managers and the team make critical decisions about where to position crews and equipment, how fires are likely to behave and where resources are needed most,” he said.

After mesonet data indicated particularly high fire risk for the Panhandle this year, the Nebraska Wildfire Advisory Group relocated the state’s single-engine air tanker from the Ainsworth area to Scottsbluff – a move that proved crucial in responding to the South Fork Fire.

“The value of the mesonet doesn’t end when the fire is out,” Erixson said. “Those same data help inform restoration efforts; monitor changing environmental conditions; and improve preparedness, planting and recovery.” 

The mesonet network – begun in 1981 and part of the university’s School of Natural Resources – crossed the 100-station mark this year, with a total of 104 weather-monitoring sites statewide. The newest stations are near Cody, Lakeside, O’Neill and Scottsbluff.

“Agriculture is our biggest end user, but emergency managers, water managers and land managers are all using our data,” said Ruben Behnke, mesonet director.

Major institutional users include the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska’s 23 natural resources districts and the National Weather Service. 

“The mesonet is an exceptional example of how Nebraska’s industries, communities and agricultural producers benefit every day from information provided by SNR and (Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources) programs and research centers,” said Larkin Powell, professor and SNR director. “That work supports decisions that drive our economy while protecting our natural resources.” 

Ken Herz, a farmer and rancher in south-central Nebraska and former president of Nebraska Cattlemen, said the mesonet system provides information of practical everyday use for his operations. 

“The raw, real‑time data it provides is used by me and numerous agencies that, in turn, deliver me timely and critical information about weather, drought, wildfire risk and other conditions that directly affect my land, livestock and crops,” Herz said. “This system isn’t just helpful — it’s a foundational tool that supports safe, efficient and responsible agricultural management across our state.”

Mesonet data plays a crucial role in irrigation scheduling, helping farmers optimize water use by providing precise, real-time soil moisture and weather information.

“This enables efficient irrigation practices that conserve water, a vital natural resource, while maintaining crop health and yield,” Herz said. 

In winter, Nebraska emergency management personnel find great value in data from the mesonet’s snow depth sensors.

“Our new precipitation gauges actually measure snow water equivalent,” Behnke said. “That helps land and water managers and emergency managers understand how much water is available to flood once the snow melts.” 

Throughout the year, mesonet data are important in helping understand statewide drought conditions. The network “is a source of weather information for Nebraska that allows the National Drought Mitigation Center to create a detailed drought map for every corner of the state,” Powell said. “That’s critical for decisions made by Nebraska’s industries, communities and agricultural producers.”

Herz noted that governmental disaster aid programs often rely on data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, which incorporates mesonet information to assess drought severity and allocate resources effectively.

“This means that accurate, localized drought data helps secure timely financial assistance and support for affected agricultural communities, ensuring resilience and recovery during challenging conditions,” he said.

Grant funding is crucial for maintaining and adding to the Mesonet. In 2025, the system added 21 stations thanks to $1.48 million in funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, and Lower Loup and Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources Districts. 

This year, $904,936 in funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enabled installation of 10 additional stations, and $390,000 from NOAA will be awarded during the fall to support station maintenance and upkeep. 

Achieving more regular funding support for grants as well as state funding is a central need for the system. That support can help the mesonet continue to fill in coverage gaps through additional stations and meet the system’s significant maintenance responsibilities. 

A robust mesonet system clearly serves the public interest in multiple ways, Erixson said. 

Firefighters and emergency management personnel have a particular appreciation, he said, because “every mesonet station we add strengthens our ability to support first responders, protect communities and build a more resilient Nebraska.”

Centre Keeps Ethanol Blending Target at 20 pc, No Decision on Further Increase

New Delhi, July 23: The Central Government has clarified that there is no decision yet to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 per cent, maintaining the current blending target under the country’s biofuel policy.

The government said the existing 20 per cent ethanol blending programme will continue, with focus on strengthening fuel security, reducing dependence on crude oil imports, and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.

Officials stated that any future revision to the blending target would require detailed evaluation of factors such as fuel availability, vehicle compatibility, production capacity, and technical feasibility.

India’s ethanol blending initiative has supported the growth of the biofuel sector while providing additional opportunities for farmers and related industries. The programme is also aimed at reducing carbon emissions and encouraging sustainable energy solutions.

The government reiterated that decisions regarding higher ethanol blending will be taken after assessing all relevant aspects and in consultation with stakeholders.

PM Modi Monitors Gujarat Floods, Additional NDRF Teams Airlifted

New Delhi, July 23: The Central Government has intensified its response to the flood situation in Gujarat after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the impact of heavy rainfall and directed authorities to expedite rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in the affected regions.

To strengthen ongoing operations, two additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been airlifted from New Delhi to Gujarat, reinforcing the emergency response on the ground.

During the review meeting, the Prime Minister assessed the flood situation, the progress of rescue operations, and the preparedness of both Central and State agencies. He stressed the importance of coordinated action to ensure the safety of residents and the timely delivery of relief to affected communities.

The deployment of additional NDRF personnel is expected to enhance search-and-rescue operations, support evacuations, and assist local authorities in providing essential services in flood-hit areas.

The Centre has assured the Gujarat Government of all necessary assistance, with disaster response agencies remaining on high alert as heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of the state.

Officials said continuous monitoring of the weather and flood situation is underway to ensure prompt action wherever required and to minimise the impact on lives and property.