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July 4: Heavy rainfall across several parts of Maharashtra has led to widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions, affecting normal life in multiple regions of the state.

Continuous downpours have inundated low-lying areas, causing inconvenience to commuters and slowing vehicular movement in major cities and towns. Traffic congestion was reported on key roads as water accumulated in several stretches.

Local authorities have been deployed to manage the situation, with civic teams working to clear waterlogged areas and restore normal traffic flow. Emergency response measures have been activated in vulnerable locations to address rain-related disruptions.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with disaster management teams to ensure public safety. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious in affected areas.

New Delhi, July 5 (UDN): The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a series of reforms aimed at simplifying and expediting provident fund (PF) claim settlements, with eligible claims now set to be processed within three days under an enhanced auto-settlement mechanism.

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The move is intended to improve service delivery and provide faster access to provident fund savings for millions of subscribers across the country.

Under the revised system, eligible advance claims meeting prescribed conditions will be processed automatically without manual intervention, significantly reducing the settlement time from the earlier processing period. The reforms are expected to benefit subscribers seeking withdrawals for medical treatment, education, housing, marriage and other approved purposes.

EPFO has also expanded the scope of auto-claim settlement by easing verification requirements and leveraging digital services to minimise delays. Officials said the initiative is part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to make PF-related services more transparent, efficient and user-friendly.

The organisation has advised subscribers to ensure that their Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated and linked with Aadhaar, PAN and bank account details to facilitate seamless claim processing. Members have also been encouraged to keep their KYC details updated to avoid delays or rejection of claims.

According to EPFO, the digital reforms are expected to reduce paperwork, improve claim disposal efficiency and enhance the overall experience for more than seven crore provident fund subscribers across the country.

Officials said the latest measures form part of the government’s broader push towards digital governance and time-bound delivery of citizen-centric services.

Subscribers can file and track their claims through the EPFO’s online member portal and the UMANG mobile application.

Gurugram, July 4, 2026: Swaranjali Delhi, in association with Eternal Oasis Gurugram, will present Baithaki 2026, an evening dedicated to Indian classical music, on August 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The event will be held at Prakriti Hall, 1st Floor, Eternal Oasis, 591A, Sector 42 Main Road, Gurugram, Haryana.

The musical evening will feature acclaimed Hindustani vocalist Dr. Veena Kedar Sawale and renowned Carnatic vocalist Smt. Sudha Raghuraman, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience two of India’s rich classical music traditions on a single मंच.

The performances will be accompanied by distinguished co-artists Shri G. Raghuraman, Shri Jitendra Swain, Shri M.V. Chander Shekar, and Kshitij Singh, who will add depth and excellence to the concert through their instrumental accompaniment.

Baithaki 2026 aims to celebrate India’s classical music heritage while providing a platform for connoisseurs and music enthusiasts to enjoy soulful performances in an intimate concert setting. Organizers have extended a cordial invitation to music lovers, patrons of the arts, and the general public to attend the event.

Those interested in attending may register or seek further information by visiting www.swaranjali.org or www.eternaloasis.org, or by contacting +91-9910300319 or +91-9773565708.

Shreyas Webmedia Solutions is the Digital Media Partner for the event.

July 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a significant step in strengthening aviation infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity in Rajasthan.

The project has been developed at a total cost of ₹480 crore and spans more than 23,000 square metres. The modern terminal is designed to handle up to 20 lakh passengers annually, significantly increasing the airport’s capacity to manage growing air traffic in the region.

The newly built terminal combines contemporary infrastructure with architectural elements inspired by Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. It has been equipped with modern passenger facilities to ensure a seamless, efficient, and comfortable travel experience.

Officials stated that the upgraded infrastructure is expected to boost tourism, trade, and employment generation in Jodhpur and surrounding areas. The expansion is also aligned with efforts to improve last-mile connectivity and support economic development through enhanced air transport facilities.

The airport currently handles over 10 lakh passengers annually, with traffic witnessing steady growth over the years. The new terminal is expected to further strengthen operational efficiency and support future expansion in passenger movement.

During the event, the Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of improving aviation infrastructure to meet rising travel demand and support India’s economic growth.

The inauguration of the new terminal marks a key milestone in Jodhpur’s aviation development and reinforces the government’s focus on modern, sustainable, and passenger-friendly airport infrastructure.

July 4: Tamil Nadu has announced an ambitious plan to develop a 200 MW rooftop solar power project across 200 government buildings, marking a significant step toward expanding renewable energy adoption and improving energy efficiency in the public sector.

The initiative aims to harness rooftop solar potential in government offices, institutions, and public buildings to generate clean electricity, reduce dependency on conventional power sources, and lower long-term energy costs for the state. The project is expected to contribute meaningfully to Tamil Nadu’s broader clean energy and carbon reduction goals.

Under the proposed plan, solar installations will be deployed across selected government offices, with each facility contributing to decentralized power generation. The distributed nature of rooftop solar systems is expected to enhance energy resilience while optimizing unused rooftop space in public infrastructure.

Officials indicated that the project will be implemented in phases, with a focus on ensuring technical feasibility, grid integration, and efficient energy management. The generated solar power is expected to support daytime electricity needs of government buildings, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing operational expenses.

The initiative aligns with India’s national renewable energy targets and supports Tamil Nadu’s position as one of the leading states in solar energy adoption. It also reflects the government’s continued emphasis on sustainable development, green infrastructure, and climate-conscious policymaking.

Experts believe the project will not only reduce carbon emissions but also serve as a model for large-scale rooftop solar deployment in the public sector. It is expected to encourage wider adoption of clean energy solutions across other states and institutions.

Once completed, the 200 MW rooftop solar network will represent one of the largest government-led rooftop solar initiatives in the country, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and achieving long-term energy sustainability goals.

July 4: A massive gas removal and safety containment operation is currently underway at a seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, following an ammonia gas leak that triggered an immediate emergency response from district authorities and specialized disaster management teams.

Soon after the leak was detected, emergency personnel including fire and rescue services, hazardous materials handling experts, and local administrative officials rushed to the site and initiated swift containment measures. The facility was promptly secured to prevent further exposure, and access to the surrounding area was restricted as a precautionary step to ensure public safety.

The ongoing operation involves the use of advanced gas evacuation equipment and established industrial safety protocols to safely extract and neutralize residual ammonia from the premises. Authorities are closely supervising the process to ensure that the site is fully stabilized before any resumption of operations is permitted.

As part of precautionary measures, nearby workers and residents were advised to avoid the vicinity while containment and decontamination efforts continued. Medical support teams were placed on standby to respond to any potential health impacts, while continuous monitoring of air quality was carried out in and around the affected area.

An inquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the leak and to assess adherence to mandatory industrial safety standards at the facility. Officials stated that appropriate corrective actions will be taken based on the findings to prevent similar incidents in the future and strengthen safety compliance across similar industrial units.

Authorities emphasized that the primary focus remains on ensuring complete safety at the site, minimizing environmental impact, and restoring normal operations only after thorough verification and clearance.

The incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in industrial facilities handling hazardous chemicals and highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to manage such emergencies effectively.

July 4: India’s aviation industry is witnessing a steady revival in international passenger traffic as easing global tensions and improving travel conditions encourage more people to fly overseas. The recovery signals renewed confidence among travelers and airlines, reflecting stronger demand for both business and leisure travel.

International airlines and Indian carriers have reported a noticeable increase in bookings on overseas routes, supported by improved connectivity, expanding flight schedules, and growing demand from tourists, business travelers, and the Indian diaspora. The restoration of key international routes and the addition of new destinations have further strengthened the sector’s recovery.

The increase in international passenger traffic has also boosted activity at airports across the country, with higher passenger volumes and aircraft movements contributing to the aviation ecosystem’s overall growth. The resurgence is expected to generate positive spillover effects for tourism, hospitality, retail, and other travel-related industries, supporting employment and economic activity.

The easing of geopolitical uncertainties has played a significant role in restoring traveler confidence, allowing airlines to gradually expand operations and optimize capacity on major international routes. Combined with India’s strong economic growth, rising disposable incomes, and increasing preference for air travel, these factors are creating a favourable environment for sustained expansion in the aviation sector.

India continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets through ongoing investments in airport infrastructure, improved connectivity, and supportive government initiatives. These developments are enhancing the country’s ability to cater to rising passenger demand while reinforcing its role as a key global aviation hub.

Looking ahead, industry experts expect international passenger traffic to maintain its upward momentum, driven by robust travel demand, expanded airline networks, and improving global conditions. While external uncertainties remain, the sector’s continued recovery reflects the resilience of India’s aviation industry and its readiness to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities.

The renewed growth in international travel highlights the sector’s strong fundamentals and reinforces confidence in India’s long-term aviation growth story.