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  • Perseverance, Focus and Discipline Are the Foundation of My Success: World Champion Esha Singh

    Lifespan Pays Tribute to Legendary Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana

    Hyderabad, June 13: Lifespan Private Limited organized a grand felicitation ceremony in Hyderabad to honour its Brand Ambassador, Esha Singh, for her remarkable performance at the ISSF World Cup 2026 held in Munich, Germany. Esha brought immense pride to the nation by winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event and setting a new World Record.

    To celebrate this historic achievement, Lifespan felicitated Esha Singh in the presence of distinguished dignitaries and guests.

    The event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, as the Chief Guest. Soni Bala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), and Gareth Wyn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Narendra Ram Nambula, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Lifespan Private Limited, congratulated Esha Singh on her historic accomplishment.

    “Esha Singh’s extraordinary achievement is a proud moment for the entire nation. As Lifespan’s Brand Ambassador, she embodies perseverance, dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to celebrate her success and remain committed to encouraging sporting talent that inspires future generations,” he said.

    Addressing the gathering, Esha Singh expressed her gratitude to her coaches, family members, supporters and well-wishers who stood by her throughout her journey. She encouraged young athletes to pursue their goals with focus, discipline and unwavering commitment.

    “Perseverance, focus and discipline have been the foundation of my success. I hope my journey inspires young sportspersons to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals,” she said.

    As a mark of respect, the gathering observed a one-minute silence in memory of Jaspal Rana, the legendary shooting coach whose immense contribution to Indian shooting has inspired generations of athletes. The attendees fondly remembered his invaluable role in the development of the sport and his lasting legacy in nurturing young talent.

    The felicitation ceremony reflected Lifespan’s continued commitment to promoting health, fitness and sporting excellence while supporting athletes who bring glory to the nation.

  • From Swings to Trade Fairs: Raja Parba 2026 Transforms Odisha into a Festival of Earth, Culture, and Economy

    From Swings to Trade Fairs: Raja Parba 2026 Transforms Odisha into a Festival of Earth, Culture, and Economy

     As the first monsoon showers touch the parched land of Odisha, the state comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Raja Parba 2026, a unique four-day festival that blends ecological awareness, cultural tradition, and social joy. Unlike many festivals centered on deities, Raja Parba stands apart as a deeply symbolic celebration of Mother Earth and womanhood.

    The word Raja comes from Rajaswala, meaning a menstruating woman. In Odia tradition, it is believed that Bhudevi (Mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual cycle during this period, resting and rejuvenating before the agricultural season begins. The festival therefore becomes a time of respect, rest, and renewal for nature.

    Earth in Rest: The Core Philosophy

    During Raja Parba, Odisha symbolically halts agricultural activity to honor the Earth’s resting phase. Farmers avoid ploughing fields, cutting trees, or disturbing the soil. People treat the ground with care, reflecting a deep environmental ethic rooted in tradition.

    Household routines also change significantly. Women and young girls are traditionally exempted from daily labor, especially cooking and heavy chores, marking a rare social pause that celebrates womanhood and rest.

    The Four Days of Raja Parba 2026

    The festival in 2026 continues to follow its structured four-day cycle:

    1. Sajabaja (June 13) – The Preparation Day

    The day before the festival is dedicated to preparation. Homes are cleaned, ingredients are stored, clothes are arranged, and all heavy work is completed in advance so that the coming days remain free of labor.

    2. Pahili Raja (June 14) – The First Day

    The festival officially begins. Girls wear new traditional attire, apply alata (red dye) to their feet, and gather for swings tied to mango and banyan trees. The atmosphere fills with Raja Geeta folk songs and community bonding.

    3. Raja Sankranti (June 15) – The Main Celebration

    Also known as Mithuna Sankranti, this is the peak day of festivities. Families prepare elaborate feasts, community gatherings are held, and traditional games and cultural performances take place across villages and towns.

    4. Basi Raja / Basumati Snana (June 16) – The Closing Ritual

    The final day marks the ritualistic conclusion of the festival. The Sila (household grinding stone symbolizing Mother Earth) is bathed with turmeric, decorated with flowers and fruits, and worshipped, signifying the Earth’s rejuvenation and readiness for cultivation.

    Swings, Songs, and Culinary Heritage

    The most iconic image of Raja Parba remains the decorated swings (doli) suspended from banyan and mango trees become centers of joy, where young women swing high while singing traditional Raja Geeta folk songs.

    Food is central to the celebration. The festival is synonymous with rich traditional delicacies like poda pitha, slow-cooked overnight in a clay oven, along with arisa pitha, manda pitha, and chakuli. These dishes reflect Odisha’s deep culinary heritage.

    Another cherished tradition is the Raja Paan, a festive betel leaf preparation filled with sweet spices, coconut, and cherries, widely sold in markets and stalls during the festival.

    Raja Parba 2026 Meets Modern Odisha: Trade Fairs and Economic Energy

    In 2026, Raja Parba is not only a cultural celebration but also an economic driver in urban Odisha. In Janata Maidan Exhibition Ground, a large Raja-themed trade fair has been organized, bringing together artisans, entrepreneurs, and self-help groups from across the state.

    Similarly, exhibitions and commercial stalls at the IDCO Exhibition Ground Trade Fair have strengthened seasonal economic activity. These platforms showcase handlooms, handicrafts, rural products, food industries, and local enterprises, generating income opportunities during the festive season.

    This blending of culture and commerce has significantly boosted Odisha’s local economy, particularly benefiting small traders, artisans, and women-led self-help groups.

    A Festival Rooted in Ecology and Humanity

    Raja Parba 2026 is a reminder of Odisha’s unique cultural philosophy—where human life is seen in harmony with nature’s cycles. It celebrates rest for the Earth, dignity for women, and joy for communities, all while adapting to modern economic realities.

    From rural swings under mango trees to bustling trade fairs in Bhubaneswar, Raja Parba continues to evolve—yet remains deeply rooted in its timeless message: the prosperity of humans is inseparable from the well-being of nature.

  • Humanscale Debuts Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro Studio, and M/Charge at Fulton Market Design Days

    Chicago, Illinois, June 13: Humanscale, the leader in high-performance ergonomic design, will return to Fulton Market Design Days 2026 with a showcase centered on the future of adaptable, human-centered environments. Presented during the industry’s leading commercial interiors event, Humanscale’s exhibition will highlight solutions designed to support flexibility, wellness, and productivity across today’s evolving workplaces as well as hospitality and residential environments. Guided by the theme “Body. Planet. Materials.,” the presentation will explore the interconnected relationship between human wellbeing, sustainable innovation, and the future of materiality in design.

    Humanscale Debuts Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro Studio, and M/Charge at Fulton Market Design Days

    A major component of the presentation will be a museum-style exhibition exploring Next Generation Materials and the future of sustainable manufacturing. Centered on the belief that the future of design depends on materials that support both human wellbeing and planetary health, the installation will showcase emerging innovations that transform waste into resources and biology into manufacturing. The exhibit will examine how these advanced materials can reduce reliance on virgin extraction while opening new possibilities for high-performance, environmentally responsible design. Expanding on the “Body. Planet. Materials.” concept, the exhibition will also feature conversations and activations developed in collaboration with leading sustainability organizations including the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), Design for Freedom, and mindful MATERIALS, further reinforcing Humanscale’s commitment to transparency, material health, and ethical manufacturing practices across the built environment.

    Among the featured products will be Diffrient Lounge, one of the final concepts envisioned by legendary designer Niels Diffrient and recently honored with a Red Dot Design Award in Product Design. Blending residential comfort with advanced ergonomic engineering, the lounge chair reimagines how people work, relax, and connect within hybrid environments. Motorized adjustments, integrated power, and an adaptable worksurface create a seamless experience that responds intuitively to the body while maintaining a refined, minimalist aesthetic while enabling smooth transitions between seated work, rest, and informal collaboration.

    Building on this platform, Humanscale will debut eFloat Quattro Studio, a purpose-built meeting table designed specifically for today’s hybrid collaboration environments. Optimized for small-group meetings of two to seven people, eFloat Quattro Studio integrates connectivity, power, and display support directly into the table itself, simplifying meeting environments while enabling organizations to deploy collaborative spaces quickly and efficiently without complex AV infrastructure, permanent room builds, or extensive installation requirements. Designed to support both seated and standing collaboration, the solution creates flexible meeting environments that adapt seamlessly across open-office huddle spaces, executive offices, project review areas, and hybrid meeting rooms.

    The presentation will also feature M/Charge, Humanscale’s new modular 2-in-1 magnetic wireless charging solution designed to integrate with the M/Connect 3 ecosystem while also functioning as a standalone charging dock. Supporting simultaneous dual-device charging through Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible technology, M/Charge delivers fast, efficient charging with magnetic alignment, flexible viewing angles, and a weighted metal base engineered for stability and effortless one-handed use. Designed for modern workspaces, hospitality settings, and residential environments alike, the solution reflects Humanscale’s continued focus on intuitive functionality, seamless integration, and reduced desktop complexity.

    Humanscale’s presence at Fulton Market Design Days will further underscore its broader commitment to sustainability and purposeful innovation. As the only major commercial furniture manufacturer in the United States certified as a B Corp, Humanscale will continue to develop products and processes that prioritize both human health and environmental responsibility through a net positive design approach that integrates material transparency, reduced environmental impact, and long-term product longevity.

    In addition to the showroom presentation, Humanscale will host a series of Fulton Market Design Days events and activations throughout the week designed to foster conversation around design, sustainability, and the future of work. Programming will include a Morning Walk/Jog Meet-Up on Monday, June 8 from 7:00–7:45 AM, followed by a Happy Hour with mindful MATERIALS from 5:00–6:00 PM and a Party at Federales from 6:00–9:00 PM. On Tuesday, June 9, Humanscale will host a Happy Hour with Living Future and Design for Freedom from 5:00–6:00 PM. The showroom, located at 345 N Morgan St., Suite 150 in Chicago, will remain open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM throughout Fulton Market Design Days from June 8-10, 2026, with coffee and light fare available at The Emily Hotel café adjacent to the showroom. These events and activations will bring together designers, architects, sustainability leaders, brand partners, and members of the broader creative community for networking opportunities and discussions centered on innovation, wellbeing, and material transparency.

     

  • Rural Fellows Relaunches with Eight Students Serving Across Nebraska

    Eight University of Nebraska–Lincoln students are spending part of their summer immersed in Nebraska communities as Rural Fellows.

    The students are living and working alongside residents in Curtis, Hastings, York and Knox County, contributing to local projects while gaining hands-on experience. The seven-week internships run through July 17.

    Fellows were selected through an application and interview process and matched with communities based on their strengths and interests. This year’s cohort began with a training academy June 1-2 before relocating to their host communities on June 3.

    Timothy “Ben” Bentzinger is excited to use everything he is learning in class as a master’s student in community and regional planning. Bentzinger will work alongside Sue Crawford in York’s City Planning Department.

    “York just took on a new comprehensive plan and is introducing a bike path through town, so I plan to work with them on those things, and what Sue does directly relates to my master’s studies,” Bentzinger said.

    The Rural Fellows program, part of Rural Prosperity Nebraska, returned this year after a two-year pause. It is led by Mary Emery, professor in agricultural leadership, education and communication. As the program relaunched, organizers took a more tailored approach to placing students, said Blair Bagley, doctoral student and graduate research assistant.

    “As we’re restarting the program, we approached the communities with the students’ talents in mind,” Bagley said. “I think this cohort of Rural Fellows is going to be a great experience for both the students and their host communities, because it’s benefiting both — students meeting professional goals and community members getting the talent they need to complete these projects.”

    The fellows, communities and host organizations are:

    • Timothy “Ben” Bentzinger, York, York City Planning Department
    • Alexa Carter, York, York County Community Coalition
    • Sarah Lange, York, York County Community Coalition
    • Swade Lamb, Hastings, United Way of South Central Nebraska with a focus on affordable housing
    • Hagar Ghanem, Hastings, United Way of South Central Nebraska with focus on early childhood education centers
    • Graysan Guss, Hastings, enCourage Advocacy Center, Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning
    • Brandon Jurgens, Knox County with focus on emergency management through an EPSCoR grant
    • Sam Durre, Curtis with focus on wildfire/burn prevention through an EPSCoR grant

  • 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.

     

  • Fewer Than 1 in 4 with Stroke, 1 in 7 with Brain Injury Receive Inpatient Rehab

    MINNEAPOLIS — Fewer than one in four people with stroke and fewer than one in seven people with traumatic brain injury receive inpatient rehabilitation care after being hospitalized, according to a study published on June 10, 2026, in Neurology® Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers found disparities in access across sex, race, insurance coverage and income level.

    “Receiving intensive rehabilitation after stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury can improve a person’s recovery, yet access to inpatient rehabilitation care remains inconsistent and may not be equitable,” said study author Farhaan S. Vahidy, MBBS, PhD, of TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

    “Inpatient rehabilitation facilities provide more intensive rehabilitation care, usually more than three hours per day, than skilled nursing facilities,” said Vahidy. “Our study found fewer people receive this type of rehabilitation than are likely eligible, with concerning disparities affecting historically marginalized communities, people with Medicaid and those from lower-income areas.”

    For the study, researchers reviewed four years of health records in five states to identify 444,908 adults hospitalized for stroke, traumatic brain injury and traumatic spinal cord injury. They had an average age of 69. Of participants, 75% had stroke, 24% had TBI and 1% had spinal cord injury. After hospitalization, 22% were discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities, 26% to skilled nursing facilities and 54% were sent home.

    Researchers found just 22% of those with stroke and 14% of those with traumatic brain injury were sent to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, while the number was 44% of those with spinal cord injury. That is fewer than one in four people with stroke and one in seven people with brain injury discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

    Researchers also looked at the differences between various groups of people.

    After adjusting for factors such as insurance, a person’s home residence and health factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, researchers found older people with an average age of 75 had 4% higher odds than younger people with an average age of 63 of being discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility versus home, female participants had 19% higher odds than male participants, and Black people had 29% higher odds than white people while Hispanic people had 22% lower odds.

    The researchers note several limitations when interpreting these findings. The analysis looked back at administrative data and cannot determine causal relationships or account for unmeasured factors that influence hospital discharge, especially social and individual factors not captured in medical records.

    Researchers also found that having private insurance or Medicaid versus Medicare and living in areas with the highest average income compared to areas with the lowest average income were associated with 12% lower odds of being discharged to an institutional rehabilitation facility.

    When looking only at people discharged to rehabilitation or skilled nursing care, and not those sent home, Black people had 10% lower odds of being discharged to a rehabilitation facility than a skilled nursing facility.

    “Ensuring equitable access to intensive inpatient rehabilitation can help improve long-term outcomes for people with these conditions,” said Vahidy. “Future studies should further examine differences in care and develop interventions to reduce disparities.”

    Another limitation of the study was that the data reviewed did not include information on the severity of strokes, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

    Discover more about brain health at Brain & Life®, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource also offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world’s leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

    The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

  • JMIR Publications’ JMIR Neurotechnology Invites Submissions on the Responsible and Ethical Use of Neurotechnology

    Toronto, June 13: JMIR Publications invites submissions to a new section titled “Ethics and Policy in Neurotechnology” in its open access journal JMIR Neurotechnology. The premier, peer-reviewed journal is indexed in Sherpa/Romeo, DOAJ, EBSCO/EBSCO Essentials, PubMed Central and PubMed.

    Neurotechnology needs an urgent and focused discussion on what effective policy and regulation looks like for this rapidly expanding field. A pioneering science, such as combining neuroscience with new technologies, necessitates rigorous scrutiny and clear policy frameworks to guide ethical development, application, and evaluation. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with hardware and software advancements and neuroscience can open new opportunities for scientific discovery within the central nervous system. At the same time, this introduces new ethical, legal, social, and medical questions while also amplifying or emphasizing existing issues. 

    While the EU AI Act prohibits manipulative AI (https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/), the direct link that neurotechnology creates could increase the potential for vulnerabilities. As AI-integrated brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) shift from experiments and clinical trials to applications in consumer or even military sectors, the capacity to monitor or modulate neural activity is rapidly outpacing current ethical frameworks. This commercial and defense-driven advancement creates a gap in policy regarding cognitive liberty, where legal definitions of mental privacy remain insufficient to protect from data harvesting or dual-use exploitation.

    This new section in JMIR Neurotechnology focuses on the responsible and ethical use of neurotechnology. We welcome submissions on ethics and policy in neurotechnology, including original research, case series, theoretical viewpoints, and data-driven analyses, that explore the intersection of safety, ethics, policy, and practical implementation. By scrutinizing these emerging issues and proposing actionable solutions, contributors will help provide the pragmatic policy insights necessary to advance the field.

    Example topics for authors submitting to this section include but are not limited to:

    • Standards for biocompatibility, material corrosion, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic compatibility
    • Comparative ethics and safety of intravenous versus direct-to-cortex implantation methods
    • Technical standards for neural data anonymization
    • Data privacy, security, and confidentiality, including informed consent from users for data sharing
    • Security protocols for protecting wireless BCIs from signal hijacking or interference
    • Strategies to mitigate planned obsolescence and ensure long-term implant functionality
    • Policies for mandatory firmware updates and monitoring late-onset surgical complications

  • NMDC NMDC participates at the MEAI Mining 4.0 Conference in Hyderabad

    Hyderabad, June 13 : The Mining Engineers’ Association of India began its two-day National Conference on “Mining 4.0: Advanced Technologies for Safe and Sustainable Mining Operations” in Hyderabad. The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC, in the presence of industry leaders, mining professionals, academicians, and senior officials.

    NMDC NMDC participates at the MEAI Mining 4.0 Conference in Hyderabad

    Shri Vinay Kumar, Director , NMDC and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter, presided over the event, while Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director , NMDC, participated as a Guest of Honour. 

    The first day of the conference saw discussions around how technology is steadily reshaping mining operations. Sessions focused on the growing use of digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, geospatial systems, and smart monitoring technologies in improving mine safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance.

    Speaking at the event, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said,

     “In mining, the only acceptable number in safety is zero. Safety and sustainability must go hand in hand, and technology is helping us strengthen both. Today, digitalisation and automation are transforming mining operations, making them safer, more efficient and more responsible. As demand for iron ore, steel and critical minerals continues to grow, the mining industry has a tremendous opportunity before it. At the same time, we must ensure that growth is driven by responsible mining, continuous innovation and value creation for all stakeholders. Conferences like MEAI help us learn from each other, gain new perspectives and return better prepared for the future”

    A key theme across the conference was the need to move research and innovation beyond presentations and into practical mining applications that can make a real difference on the ground.

    The inaugural function  concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognising professionals and experts for their contribution to the mining sector and its evolving technological landscape. Among those felicitated were Shri S. Krishnamurthy, Former Executive Director, NMDC and Former Secretary General, MEAI; Shri Akshaya Datt Tripathi, Former Executive Director, NMDC; Dr. K. Srinivas, Retired Professor of Eminence, Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University; and Dr. K. V. Shankar, Retired Professor of Eminence, Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University.

    Through its participation at the conference, NMDC highlighted its focus on using new technologies, encouraging innovation and strengthening responsible mining practices for safer and more sustainable operations. At NMDC, we are introducing systems like automated drills, remote sensing, digital monitoring platforms, and real-time analytics to improve the way mines are managed and operated.

    The conference will continue on June 13 with technical sessions, expert interactions, and discussions on emerging trends shaping the future of mining.

  • ROHL Strengthens Spiritual Tourism Portfolio with Launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati

    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.

     

     
     

  • Government Revises Onion Procurement Price to Rs.1,650 per Quintal to Support Farmers

    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.