13, Jun 2026
IN-SPACe Announces Winners of Space Technology Use-Cases Under Seed-Fund Scheme
Ahmedabad, India June 13: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN SPACe) has announced the Grantees for five space technology use-cases under its Seed Fund Scheme for Use-Case Demonstration by Indian Non-Government Entities. The initiative aims to foster innovative and scalable space-enabled solutions addressing national priorities in agriculture, disaster management, water security, critical infrastructure monitoring, and other sectors.
Following technical evaluations of 92 proposals received, by a distinguished panel comprising domain experts, representatives from key user agencies, and experts from ISRO and IN SPACe, 15 respondents were selected for pilot demonstrations.
The selected grantees will undertake pilot demonstrations under the five use-cases announced by IN-SPACe. Infosys Limited, Bhoomicam Pvt. Ltd. and AgCane Science & Services Pvt. Ltd. have been selected for pest and disease forewarning and early detection of biotic stress in major crops. JalViks Pvt. Ltd., Nansei Restoration LLP along with Semantic Technologies and Agritech Services Pvt. Ltd. Will be working on SAR applications using NISAR data.
Biosky Space Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Quantasip Geomatic Informative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd. have been selected for decision support systems for power sector installations and Right of Way management. Reservoir rim slope stability monitoring will be undertaken by Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., EarthSense Labs Pvt. Ltd. and Suhora Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Additionally, Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Prithvi Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd., and Infosys Limited have been selected for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) monitoring and Early Warning Systems (EWS). These demonstrations are expected to showcase scalable space-enabled solutions addressing key national priorities.
Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said, “This initiative marks a defining moment for India’s space economy. The downstream sector represents the most direct interface between space capabilities and citizen benefit, a large share of our projected $44 billion space economy. What makes this milestone truly transformative is the pathway it creates: successful pilot demonstrations are positioned to receive operational orders from user agencies, turning today’s proofs-of-concept into tomorrow’s national programmes. IN-SPACe is proud to connect India’s world-class space capabilities to those who need them most – first at home, and increasingly, across the world.”
Shri Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical Directorate), IN-SPACe, said, “The announced use-cases are the result of extensive stakeholder engagement conducted by IN-SPACe with user agencies (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Power), ISRO, and domain experts, wherein, the user requirements were translated into focused problem statements, forming the basis of the five Announcements of Opportunity (AOs). Submitted proposals underwent multi-stage technical evaluation by ISRO experts and the user agencies. The selected grantees will now proceed to pilot demonstrations using satellite data, AI/ ML techniques and ground based IoT devices to validate the effectiveness of their proposed solutions.”
Building on the strong response to this initiative, IN-SPACe plans to launch additional use-cases and opportunities for Indian Non-Government Entities, further expanding the role of private industry and startups in delivering impactful space-enabled solutions for national priorities and contributing to India’s growing space economy.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
13, Jun 2026
Horse owners’ personality and attachment style shape how they interact with and care for their horses
A new study shows that horse owners’ psychological characteristics, including their attachment styles and personality traits, are systematically linked to how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses, as well as the equipment they choose to use. The findings offer new insights into how human psychology shapes horse welfare and management.
Attachment theory, originally developed to describe emotional bonds between humans, has increasingly been applied to human–animal relationships. Attachment style describes how individuals relate to others emotionally: those with high avoidant attachment tend to distance themselves emotionally and rely less on others, while those with high anxious attachment tend to seek closeness and fear rejection or abandonment.
“We were interested in whether these psychological tendencies, which are well-studied in human relationships, would also manifest in how people interact with their horses — and indeed they do,” says lead author of the study, Postdoctoral Researcher Océane Liehrmann from the Department of Biology at the University of Turku, Finland, and the Department of Biosystem and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden.
The international research group conducted an online survey, gathering responses from 2,239 horse owners worldwide. The survey assessed their attachment styles using the Horse Attachment Questionnaire (HAQ) validated by the research group, and their personality traits using the Short Five Questionnaire.
Owners reported how often they rode, did groundwork training, and spent quality time with their horses, as well as what type of headgear — bit, bitless, or both — they used.
More emotionally distant owners interact less with their horses
The results showed a clear pattern: owners who spent more time with their horses, whether riding, training, or simply being with them, tended to be more emotionally connected to their horses. In contrast, owners who kept more emotional distance to their horse also tended to interact with them less frequently, spending less time riding and engaging in hands-on activities.
“This mirrors what has been found in companion animal research, where people with higher avoidant attachment tend to be less attentive and less engaged in caring for their pets. Our findings suggest the same dynamic extends to horse ownership,” notes Liehrmann.
Interestingly, the type of interaction and relationship length also mattered. Owners who regularly spent informal, unstructured quality time with their horse, simply being present with them without a specific training goal, tended to show stronger emotional bonds. Owners with longer relationships with their horse showed progressively lower avoidant attachment, with those knowing their horse for over 10 years being about 15 percent less avoidant than those in relationships of under one year.
Owners’ personality also played a role in how they engaged with their horses, though differences between groups were subtle. Those who rode more frequently tended to be slightly more organised, outgoing, and emotionally stable. In contrast, owners who practised groundwork more often tended to score higher in openness to new experiences, which may reflect a greater curiosity and willingness to explore non-traditional, horse-centred training methods.
“These are not dramatic differences, but they are consistent and meaningful. Personality shapes the way people approach activities across many domains of life, and equestrian practice appears to be no exception,” Liehrmann explains.
Equipment choice linked to emotional distancing
The study also found subtle links between headgear choice and owner psychology. Owners who used bitless equipment or alternated between bit and bitless tended to score slightly lower in emotional distancing than those who rode exclusively with a bit. Owners open to using both types of headgear also tended to score higher in openness to new experiences, suggesting a greater willingness to explore different approaches to riding.
The researchers note that these are modest tendencies observed across a large group of owners, and that equipment choice is shaped by many factors, including riding discipline, training background, and the individual horse’s needs.
Rather than pointing fingers at any particular practice, the findings suggest that reflecting on our own psychological tendencies could be a valuable step toward more conscious, horse-centred decision-making.
Implications for horse welfare and training
The researchers emphasise that even modest psychological differences may carry practical importance when they consistently influence how horses are managed and cared for over time.
“Understanding the psychological characteristics of horse owners could help tailor training programmes, improve human-horse communication, and ultimately support better horse welfare. Designing tools that give equestrians greater awareness of their own psychological tendencies could be a meaningful step in that direction,” concludes Liehrmann.
13, Jun 2026
West Bengal Needs Statewide Sports Medicine Network, Says Dr. Indranil Khan at ICC SportsMed 2026
Kolkata, June 13: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted SportsMed 2026 under the theme ‘From Performance to Prevention: Integrating Science, Medicine & Technology’, bringing together leading healthcare professionals, sports medicine experts, policymakers, hospital leaders and sports practitioners to discuss the future of sports healthcare in India. The summit was attended by eminent speakers including Mr. Prashant Sharma, Chairman, ICC National Healthcare Committee and Managing Director, Charnock Hospitals; Dr. Sankar Sengupta, Vice President, CAHO, and Medical Superintendent & Professor, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute; Mr. Sibananda Mishra, Regional Director-in-Charge, NSERC Kolkata, Sports Authority of India (SAI); Mr. Ranadeep Moitra, former cricketer and sports performance specialist; Ms. Richa S. Debgupta, Co-Chair, ICC National Healthcare Committee and Executive Vice President, Fortis Hospitals; Dr. Abhijit Sen, Consultant Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement and Sports Injury Surgeon; Dr. Khawer Naveed Siddiqui, Head of Preventive Cardiology, B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre and Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Services & Sports, Government of West Bengal. The summit served as a platform for deliberations on preventive care, injury management, rehabilitation, nutrition and technology-driven innovations, while emphasising the importance of stronger collaboration between healthcare, sports science and policy stakeholders to enhance athlete wellbeing and build a more resilient sporting ecosystem in India.
While welcoming the audience to the Opening Session: Future of Sports Medicine in India, Mr. Prashant Sharma, Chairman, ICC National Healthcare Committee and MD, Charnock Hospitals, said,
“Sports medicine is a very potent and relevant subject today as healthcare evolves beyond curative care towards prevention, rehabilitation and enabling healthier lifestyles. As our country continues to grow in the field of sports, what is required is a very active ecosystem to support these initiatives through healthcare services in sports medicine covering preventive care, rehabilitation, sports injury fixation, advanced surgeries, post-surgical care and treatment of chronic ailments that enable sportspersons to perform better. While we have become very good at treating illnesses, we also have to become better at preventing them. The convergence of longevity, wellness, preventive medicine and sports medicine will play the central role in providing a healthier life to individuals, be it sportspersons or non-sportspersons.”
Dr. Sankar Sengupta, Vice President, CAHO, Medical Superintendent & Professor, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Regional Cancer Centre, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, while delivering his theme address said,
“Accreditation marks the initiation of quality, but that is not the end. The process and outcome become better once you methodically propagate the essence of quality and imbibe the culture of safety in your healthcare system. CAHO’s vision for sports medicine is focused on promoting standardized clinical practices, evidence-based care pathways, patient safety culture, continuous quality improvement, and outcome measurement benchmarking indicators. Our key areas of focus include injury prevention programs, safe rehabilitation protocols, infection prevention and control, athlete-centered safety, risk assessment, and rehabilitation and return-to-play frameworks. Driving improvement through evidence through clinical audits, outcome measurement indicators, registries, research collaboration, and benchmarking against best practices will be critical for the growth of sports medicine in the country.”
Mr. Sibananda Mishra, Regional Director – In charge, NSERC Kolkata, SAI, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, added,
“The Government of India has introduced a new national sports policy after a gap of two and a half decades — Khelo Bharat Niti — with a wider vision of harnessing the power of sports not only for excellence and winning more medals, but also for promoting fitness, inclusion, empowerment, and leveraging the latest developments in science and technology, including artificial intelligence, sports medicine, and big data analytics. The policy places emphasis on sports science, technology and medicine, athlete-centric development, collaboration between coaches and sports science staff, and stronger participation of multiple stakeholders including government, private sector, research and international bodies. As India aspires to host the Olympics in 2036 and expand its sports ecosystem, the need for sports medicine, injury prevention, rehabilitation and sports science services will become increasingly significant in supporting athletes and promoting healthier and more active communities.”
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Ranadeep Moitra, Former Cricketer, Golf Instructor, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Golf Biomechanist and Corrective Exercise Coach, highlighted his expertise on The Rationale for Preventive Medicine in Sports and said, “For me, corrective is almost synonymous with prevention, particularly in preventing musculoskeletal injury and trauma. Over the last twenty years, there has been a paradigm shift from a performance-oriented mindset to a more corrective and prehabilitative approach, where prevention of injuries has become a major part of strength and conditioning protocols. In my clinical practice, most injuries occur when the principles of mobility and stability are compromised. Corrective exercise is a systematic process of identifying musculoskeletal dysfunction, developing a plan of action and implementing corrective strategies to restore normal movement. The objective is to foresee the red flags, prevent impairment of the human movement system and ensure injuries do not happen.”
Speaking during the session Plenary Session I: Advancing Care, Elevating Performance, Dr. Abhijit Sen, Consultant Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement and Sports Injury Surgeon, highlighted on Sportsperson’s Health & Performance and said,
“The human body is no different from a high-performance system — performance depends not only on talent, hard work and training, but on a body that moves freely, recovers early and remains injury-free. Orthopaedics is not only about fracture surgery; it is about the complete movement system where strong bones, stable and mobile joints, and healthy muscles improve performance. Prevention is the best treatment, and prevention itself improves performance. Recovery is a part of training, because growth comes after rest, not during training. Pain ignored becomes injury, and injury ignored becomes lost performance. The goal is not to perform today, but to perform for many years.”
Speaking during the same session, Dr. Khawer Naveed Siddiqui, Head – Preventive Cardiology, B M Birla Heart Research Centre, highlighted his vision on Cardiac Care for Sportsperson and said,
“Cardiac health is of paramount importance for athletes because the heart is responsible for maintaining overall physical performance, yet cardiovascular diseases can lead to sudden cardiac death even in young and very fit individuals. While sports offer profound cardiovascular benefits, safe participation in sports is very important and pre-checkup is most vital in today’s era. Regular screening, pre-sports evaluation, awareness of warning signs and preparedness on the field through Basic Life Support can play a critical role, because prevention is always better than cure and cardiac health should be given utmost importance.”
In this occasion, Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Services & Sports, Government of West Bengal, said,
“With Khelo India, our state of West Bengal is going to witness a fundamental change in sports infrastructure, sports manpower and the overall performance of our sportspersons. We have to groom and support our players during their formative years through professional support ranging from coaching to sports medicine, fitness coaching and injury management. Sports medicine is going to witness a major change for the better and will not be restricted to Kolkata — it will be decentralized so that players across West Bengal receive opportunities and support. The government will lead this change, but I would also like to encourage entrepreneurs and stakeholders to come and invest in sports and be a part of this transformation.”
13, Jun 2026
Tourism Secretary extols PHDCCI platform for creating a new synergy for Simhastha 2027–28
SHIRDI June 13 : With preparations gathering momentum for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28, policymakers, tourism leaders, temple administrators, hospitality stakeholders and spiritual organizations came together in Shirdi to chart a long-term vision for Maharashtra’s spiritual tourism future at रूहmantic: PHDCCI’s 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave.
Organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Maharashtra Tourism; Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC); and Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, the conclave brought together more than 300 delegates from across the country to deliberate on strengthening India’s spiritual tourism ecosystem and leveraging major pilgrimage destinations as engines of sustainable economic growth.
Inaugurating the conclave, Mr. Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, emphasized that spiritual tourism is not merely a tourism segment in India; it is deeply embedded in our civilizational identity and way of life. Maharashtra, with its unique concentration of Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peeths, pilgrimage centres and sacred destinations, possesses immense potential to emerge as a globally recognized spiritual tourism destination. The need of the hour is to connect these destinations through integrated circuits that combine spirituality, heritage, culture and local experiences, enabling visitors to experience the full richness of the region,” he said.
“India’s rapidly growing domestic tourism market presents immense opportunities for local communities, entrepreneurs, homestay operators and tourism stakeholders. Technology, ranging from virtual experiences and live-streamed religious ceremonies to seamless digital travel solutions, will play an increasingly important role in making spiritual tourism more accessible, inclusive and engaging,” he said.
He further added,
“As visitor numbers continue to rise, sustainable destination management becomes critical. Cleanliness, crowd management, carrying-capacity planning and quality civic infrastructure must remain central to our development strategy. Supported by initiatives such as the PRASHAD scheme and significant improvements in national connectivity, India has built a strong foundation for tourism growth. The next phase will require greater collaboration between government and industry to create world-class spiritual tourism experiences while preserving the authenticity and sanctity of our sacred destinations.”
Mr. Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, said,
“MTDC will soon partner with Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust to further enhance visitor experiences and strengthen destination development initiatives in Shirdi. We are actively upgrading tourism infrastructure through public-private partnerships and developing curated pilgrimage circuits that assure quality, reliability and seamless services for devotees. Spiritual destinations must evolve beyond darshan by creating meaningful experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer, engage with local culture and contribute to local economies.”
Welcoming delegates to Shirdi, Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust highlighted Shirdi’s growing stature as a global spiritual destination, noting that devotees from more than 61 countries visit the sacred town inspired by the teachings and legacy of Shri Sai Baba. He emphasized that the Sansthan has developed extensive infrastructure and visitor facilities, including a modern darshan queue complex, dedicated services for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees, large-scale accommodation facilities and a Prasadalaya that serves tens of thousands of devotees daily. He called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to further enhance pilgrim experiences and strengthen the growth of spiritual tourism in the region.
Mr. Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director – Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said Maharashtra is preparing for Simhastha with a long-term vision extending beyond the event itself. “Our objective is not only to successfully host millions of pilgrims during Simhastha, but also to create lasting tourism assets and experiences that continue to benefit local communities for decades. Shirdi, Nashik and Trimbakeshwar have the potential to emerge as an integrated spiritual tourism circuit of international significance.”
Mr. Abhay Shelke Patil, Vice President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad, emphasized the importance of civic infrastructure, cleanliness and community participation in supporting the sustainable growth of spiritual tourism destinations.
Delivering the theme address, Mr. Anil Parashar, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said,
“India’s spiritual heritage is among its greatest competitive advantages. The challenge before us is to transform pilgrimage movements into opportunities for destination development, livelihood generation, cultural preservation and visitor experience enhancement. Simhastha offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how faith-based tourism can become a driver of inclusive economic growth.”
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, remarked that the conclave had brought together a unique blend of policymakers, destination managers and industry leaders to create actionable recommendations for the sector.
The inaugural session, moderated by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, brought together senior government officials to deliberate on the opportunities emerging from Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 and the future of faith-based tourism in India.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Report on Spiritual Tourism, titled ‘From Darshan to Destination: The Transformation of Spiritual Tourism in India’. The report examines evolving pilgrim behaviour, technology adoption, sustainability imperatives, destination planning frameworks and emerging opportunities for creating integrated spiritual tourism ecosystems across the country.
Delivering a virtual keynote address, Mr. Amrit Abhijat (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary – Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shared lessons from Uttar Pradesh’s successful transformation of destinations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. “The success of spiritual tourism lies in balancing faith, infrastructure, heritage conservation and visitor experience. Large religious events should be viewed as opportunities to create long-term tourism assets and destination value. The transformation witnessed in Uttar Pradesh demonstrates how strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration can create lasting impact.”
The day-long deliberations featured a series of thought-provoking sessions:
·Simhastha 2027 – From Kumbh to Spiritual Tourism Corridor: Moderated by Mr. Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect, the session featured Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust Shirdi and Mr. Shekhar Singh (IAS), Commissioner, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority. The discussion focused on leveraging Simhastha as a catalyst for regional development through improved connectivity, visitor infrastructure, destination branding, crowd management systems and integrated tourism circuits. Speakers emphasized that the true legacy of Simhastha would be measured not by the event itself, but by its ability to transform Nashik, Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi into vibrant year-round spiritual destinations.
·Creating Round-the-Clock Spiritual Experiences: Chaired by Mr. Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism and moderated by Mr. Aalap Bansal, Partner, KPMG India, the session explored how pilgrimage destinations can enhance visitor engagement through evening aartis, cultural performances, digital interpretation, sacred food streets and immersive tourism experiences. Panelists Dr. Kiran Shinde, Professor – Planning, La Trobe University Australia; Mr. Prasad Ajgaonkar, Managing Director, iRealities; Mr. Vikash Mishra, Founder & CEO, Trip to Temples; and Mr. Sameer Bajaj, Head – Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs, MakeMyTrip highlighted the importance of creating experiences that encourage longer stays and deeper destination engagement.
·The Architecture of Faith: Hosted by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, this conversation featured Mr. Kiran Kalamdani, Conservation Architect and Prof. Manoj Mathur, Architect.The discussion highlighted how India’s temples represent a unique confluence of architecture, science, symbolism and storytelling. Speakers stressed the need for heritage conservation, interpretation centres and immersive storytelling initiatives that enable visitors to better appreciate the cultural significance of sacred spaces.
·Roohmantic Reflections: In a deeply engaging session, Sister Deepa of Brahma Kumaris reflected on the growing convergence of spirituality, wellness and mindful travel. She noted that modern travellers are increasingly seeking journeys centred on self-discovery, emotional well-being and inner transformation, creating new opportunities for meditation retreats, wellness tourism and conscious travel experiences.
The conclave concluded with delegates participating in darshan at Shri Saibaba Temple, a devotional Bhajan Sandhya and a familiarization visit to Nashik and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, providing firsthand exposure to destinations that will play a pivotal role during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28.
The conclave was supported by Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board; Jharkhand Tourism; IRCTC; DigiDevalaya; Vama; Ramalaya; Hotel Radisson Individuals, Shirdi; Mann Fleet Partners; KPMG; Temple Connect; Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
13, Jun 2026
ROHL Strengthens Spiritual Tourism Portfolio with Launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati
Bengaluru, June 13: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), through its subsidiary Regenta Hotels Private Limited, announces the launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati, further strengthening its presence in Andhra Pradesh. The new hotel marks a significant milestone in the group’s expansion strategy, offering a perfect blend of contemporary luxury, modern amenities, and spiritual serenity in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.
Regenta is Royal Orchid’s upscale 4-star brand known for delivering exceptional value, contemporary facilities, and the group’s signature warmth and personalized service. Positioned with the tagline “Where Devotion Meets Comfort & Contemporary Luxury”, Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is ideal for devout pilgrims, families, and business/leisure travelers seeking both spiritual fulfillment and modern comfort.
Strategically located in the heart of Tirupati at 20-7-27/101, DBR Hospital Road, Kothapalli, Subash Nagar, the hotel offers stunning views of the sacred Seshachalam Hills (seven hills) and enjoys excellent connectivity. It is just 2 km from Tirupati Railway Station and RTC Bus Stand, 9 km from Renigunta Railway Station, and 15 km from Renigunta (Tirupati) International Airport. The property is among the closest branded hotels to major temples, including the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati Balaji), along with Sri Padmavathi Temple and ISKCON Temple.
The hotel features 56 thoughtfully designed accommodations comprising Deluxe Rooms, Club Rooms, Suite Rooms, and 2 Presidential Suites with larger room sizes, contemporary design, and elements of spiritual serenity. Guests can enjoy modern amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ergonomic workspaces, LED televisions, tea/coffee makers, and comfortable bedding.
The culinary experience is anchored by Pinxx, an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant offering a diverse menu with South Indian specialties, North Indian favorites, vegetarian delights, and a wide selection of beverages — perfect for pilgrims and families. Guests also benefit from round-the-clock in-room dining and refreshments.
Key highlights and USPs include:
- Rooftop Infinity Swimming Pool with panoramic mountain views
- Gym / Fitness Centre
- Spa on the 6th floor
- Versatile Banquet & Event Facilities (up to 200 pax) and 3 Board Rooms
- EV Charging Stations
- Travel Desk with guided tours and transportation assistance
- 80% power consumption from solar energy – the first hotel in Andhra Pradesh and 9th in India with Vertical Solar (220 kW capacity)
Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said: “The launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is a proud addition to our growing portfolio and aligns perfectly with our Vision 2030. Tirupati’s spiritual significance and rising tourism make it an ideal destination for the Regenta brand. We are excited to partner with the ownership group to deliver a comfortable, convenient, and spiritually enriching experience for guests while upholding the trusted service standards of Royal Orchid Hotels.”
Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is now open and accepting reservations.
13, Jun 2026
Imagicaa Brought the Madness of Dhamaal 4 to Life with an Exclusive Poster and Trailer Launch
Mumbai, June 13: Imagicaa, one of India’s leading entertainment and theme park destinations, successfully hosted the official poster and trailer launch of the much-anticipated comedy blockbuster Dhamaal 4 on June 12, 2026. In collaboration with T-Series Films, the event brought together Bollywood superstars, entertainment media, influencers, and fans for a larger-than-life celebration filled with laughter, entertainment, and memorable moments.
The event witnessed the presence of the film’s lead cast, including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi and Ravi Kishan, along with Bhushan Kumar, Indra Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and other key members associated with Dhamaal 4. As the film’s official Adventure Partner, Imagicaa proudly collaborated with one of India’s most loved comedy franchises, bringing together the excitement of Bollywood and immersive entertainment for audiences and fans alike.
Known for hosting world-class attractions, family entertainment, and memorable live experiences, Imagicaa transformed into a hub of Bollywood excitement as the much-awaited poster and trailer of Dhamaal 4 were unveiled amidst an electrifying atmosphere. The event generated significant buzz across entertainment, lifestyle, and digital media platforms, further amplifying anticipation for the film’s release.
Speaking about the collaboration, Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaa, said, “Imagicaa has always been about creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through entertainment. Partnering with T-Series Films and the team of Dhamaal 4 was an exciting opportunity to blend the magic of Bollywood with the thrill and adventure that Imagicaa is known for. We were delighted to host the trailer launch and welcome fans, media, and the film fraternity for a truly memorable celebration.”
The launch also featured extensive opportunities for fan engagement, media interactions, celebrity appearances, influencer participation, and digital content creation, offering attendees an exclusive glimpse into one of the year’s most anticipated comedy blockbusters.
With Bollywood’s biggest stars, blockbuster entertainment, and the spirit of adventure coming together, Imagicaa delivered a truly unforgettable Dhamaal-filled experience.
12, Jun 2026
Government Revises Onion Procurement Price to Rs.1,650 per Quintal to Support Farmers
New Delhi: In a move aimed at strengthening onion procurement operations and ensuring better returns for farmers, the government has revised the Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) for storage-grade onions to ₹1,650 per quintal, effective from June 13, 2026.
The decision was taken following a review meeting chaired with officials from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), where discussions focused on enhancing procurement mechanisms and safeguarding farmers’ interests amid prevailing market conditions.
According to officials, the revised procurement price has been determined based on current mandi rates and quality requirements for onions intended for storage. The increase is expected to provide greater price assurance to farmers while supporting the government’s efforts to maintain adequate buffer stocks.
In addition to revising the MAPP, the government has refined its pricing methodology to make procurement more responsive to changing market dynamics. The updated framework is expected to enable more efficient procurement decisions and ensure that farmers receive fair compensation in line with market realities.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural marketing systems, stabilizing onion supplies, and improving income security for farmers. Onion remains one of India’s most important horticultural crops, and procurement interventions play a key role in balancing farmer welfare with consumer interests.
Officials said the revised procurement mechanism will help ensure timely purchases, support price stability, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural supply chain.
12, Jun 2026
Authorities Review Security and Logistics Preparations for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra
New Delhi: Senior officials reviewed the preparations and security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi.
The review focused on ensuring a safe, secure, and smooth pilgrimage experience for devotees undertaking the annual yatra. Officials discussed security measures, logistical arrangements, and coordination among various agencies involved in managing the pilgrimage.
A comprehensive multi-layered security grid will be deployed along the entire yatra route, with the participation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other security agencies. The enhanced security framework is aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims throughout their journey.
Authorities were directed to ensure adequate arrangements for essential services, including pilgrim registration, accommodation, healthcare facilities, transportation support, and disaster management mechanisms. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining efficient coordination among departments to provide timely assistance to pilgrims.
Officials also instructed authorities to regulate and advance pilgrim batches in accordance with prevailing weather conditions and forecasts to minimize risks and ensure smooth movement along the route.
The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra attracts thousands of devotees from across the country and is one of India’s most significant religious pilgrimages. The review meeting underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring robust security, seamless logistics, and the well-being of all pilgrims participating in this year’s yatra.
12, Jun 2026
Haryana Appoints Usha Priyadarshini as Women’s Commission Chairperson, Meena Parmar as Vice-Chairperson
Chandigarh: The Haryana Government has appointed Usha Priyadarshini as the Chairperson and Meena Parmar as the Vice-Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women.
The appointments are expected to strengthen the Commission’s efforts towards safeguarding women’s rights, addressing gender-related issues, and promoting the welfare and empowerment of women across the state.
The Haryana State Commission for Women plays a crucial role in reviewing safeguards provided for women under various laws, addressing grievances, recommending policy measures, and creating awareness about issues affecting women. The Commission also works closely with government departments and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the status of women.
Officials expressed confidence that the newly appointed Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson will contribute significantly to advancing the Commission’s mandate and enhancing support mechanisms for women in Haryana.
The appointments reflect the state’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive social development.
12, Jun 2026
NITI Aayog Holds Interaction with Chief Ministers of North-Eastern States on Regional Development
New Delhi: NITI Aayog on Thursday convened a high-level interaction with the Chief Ministers and representatives of the North-Eastern States to discuss key development priorities, regional challenges, and best practices for accelerating growth across the region.
Representatives from all eight North-Eastern states participated in the deliberations, which focused on strengthening cooperative federalism and fostering collaborative approaches to development. The meeting provided a platform for states to share experiences, identify common challenges, and explore innovative solutions to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
The interaction was led by Ashok Lahiri, who emphasized the importance of tailored policy interventions and coordinated efforts to unlock the immense economic and social potential of the North-East.
During the discussions, participants exchanged views on critical sectors including infrastructure development, connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism, skill development, digital transformation, and investment promotion. The states also highlighted successful initiatives and best practices that could be replicated across the region.
NITI Aayog reiterated its commitment to supporting the North-Eastern states through evidence-based policymaking, institutional collaboration, and targeted development strategies. The interaction underscored the government’s continued focus on ensuring balanced regional development and integrating the North-East more closely with India’s growth story.
The meeting is expected to contribute to a stronger framework for cooperation between the Centre and the states, enabling more effective implementation of development initiatives and improved outcomes for citizens across the region.
