ISRO Bengaluru Facility Evacuated After Hoax Bomb Threat Email

Bengaluru, July 2: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received a hoax email claiming the presence of a bomb at its new BEL Road facility in Bengaluru, prompting immediate precautionary action.

Following the threat alert, the premises were evacuated as a safety measure while security agencies conducted preliminary checks. Officials later indicated that the email appeared to be part of a broader hoax campaign targeting multiple institutions.

Police sources stated that similar threat emails have recently been sent to the Karnataka High Court and several schools in Bengaluru, suggesting a coordinated attempt to create panic.

Authorities are investigating the origin of the emails, while security has been tightened across sensitive locations as a precautionary step. Further details are awaited.

Meghalaya Records 74 pc Rainfall Deficit, Highest in Northeast: IMD

Shillong, July 2: Meghalaya has recorded a monsoon rainfall deficit of 74 per cent, the highest among northeastern states, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The significant shortfall highlights uneven monsoon performance across the region, with several areas receiving substantially below-normal rainfall so far this season. Meteorological data indicates that the deficit has impacted overall precipitation patterns in the state.

Experts suggest that such a high deficit may affect agriculture, water availability, and allied activities if the dry spell persists. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and weather developments to assess potential impacts in the coming weeks.

The IMD continues to track monsoon conditions across the Northeast as rainfall distribution remains highly variable this season.

Odisha Government Declares Odia Film ‘Aafaa’ Tax-Free to Promote Organ Donation Awareness

Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): The Odisha government has granted tax-free status to the Odia feature film ‘Aafaa’, recognising its powerful social message on organ donation and its potential to inspire public awareness, particularly among the youth.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the proposal on Wednesday, paving the way for the film to be screened across the state without the burden of entertainment tax.

Directed by Pritiraj Satpathy and produced by Naina Das Tiwari, Aafaa centres on the emotional journey of a 16-year-old girl battling a life-threatening illness who chooses to donate her organs despite the challenges she faces. Through its compelling narrative, the film seeks to promote compassion, selflessness and the life-saving importance of organ donation.

According to the state government, the decision to exempt the film from tax reflects its commitment to supporting cinema that carries meaningful social messages. Officials believe the film has the potential to encourage discussions on organ donation and motivate people, especially young audiences, to contribute towards this humanitarian cause.

With the tax exemption, the government expects Aafaa to reach a wider audience and strengthen awareness about organ donation while reinforcing the role of cinema as a medium for positive social change.

Indian Railways Freight Loading Rises 4 pc to 142.21 Million Tonnes in June

New Delhi, July 2: Indian Railways has reported a 4 per cent year-on-year increase in freight loading, reaching 142.21 million tonnes in June, reflecting steady growth in cargo movement across the national rail network.

The rise in freight volumes highlights improved logistics efficiency and sustained demand from key sectors such as coal, cement, steel, and food grains. Officials noted that the consistent performance underscores the growing role of railways in supporting India’s supply chain and industrial activity.

The increase in freight loading is also seen as a result of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure capacity, streamline operations, and improve turnaround time for goods transportation.

With stable demand from core sectors, Indian Railways is expected to maintain strong freight performance in the coming months, contributing significantly to the country’s logistics and economic growth.

Stock Markets Rise Sharply on Easing Crude Prices

Mumbai, July 2: Indian equity markets ended higher as easing crude oil prices boosted investor sentiment and supported gains across key sectors.

The Sensex surged 579 points, while the Nifty index crossed the 24,175 mark, reflecting strong buying interest in auto, banking, and metal stocks. Market participants attributed the rally to softening global crude prices, which eased concerns over inflation and input costs.

Analysts said that lower oil prices improved overall risk appetite and strengthened expectations of stable macroeconomic conditions. Positive domestic cues, including strong sectoral performance, also contributed to the upward momentum.

Broader markets witnessed healthy participation, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks also trading in positive territory.

Experts noted that sustained trends in global commodity prices and upcoming economic data releases will continue to guide market direction in the coming sessions.

Odisha Congress In-Charge Lalji Desai to Chair Maiden Organisational Meeting in Bhubaneswar Today

Bhubaneswar, July 2 (UDN): Newly appointed Odisha Congress in-charge Lalji Desai is set to chair his first organisational meeting with party leaders in Bhubaneswar today, marking the beginning of his efforts to strengthen the party’s organisational structure in the state.

The meeting is expected to be attended by senior state Congress leaders, office-bearers, district presidents, legislators, and other key functionaries. Discussions are likely to focus on organisational strengthening, membership expansion, preparations for upcoming political programmes, and strategies to enhance the party’s outreach across Odisha.

Desai is also expected to review the party’s performance, assess district-level organisational activities, and seek feedback from leaders on issues concerning the state’s political landscape. The meeting assumes significance as the Congress seeks to revitalise its base in Odisha and intensify its campaign on public issues.

Party leaders are hopeful that Desai’s maiden visit and interaction with the state leadership will provide fresh momentum to the organisation and help improve coordination among party functionaries.

Further details of the deliberations and decisions taken during the meeting are expected to be shared after the conclusion of the meeting.