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  • MAHE Ranked Global No. 1 for SDG 5 in THE Impact Rankings 2026

    June 25: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has achieved outstanding global recognition in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026, securing the World No. 1 position for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality.

    This remarkable achievement highlights MAHE’s continued commitment to promoting inclusivity, gender equity, and empowerment of women across all levels of its academic and institutional ecosystem. The ranking reflects the university’s strong performance in implementing policies, initiatives, and practices that support equal opportunities and foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

    According to the THE Impact Rankings assessment, SDG 5 evaluates institutions based on their contribution to gender equality through teaching, research, leadership representation, institutional policies, and community engagement. MAHE’s top global position underscores its leadership in advancing these critical parameters on an international scale.

    University officials attributed this milestone to sustained efforts in strengthening diversity-focused policies, enhancing participation of women in education and leadership, and integrating gender equality principles into academic and administrative frameworks. The recognition also reflects MAHE’s broader vision of aligning higher education with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Experts note that this achievement further strengthens MAHE’s global academic reputation and reinforces India’s growing presence in international sustainability-focused university rankings. It also positions the institution as a leading contributor to global conversations on equality, inclusion, and sustainable development in higher education.

    MAHE’s success in the THE Impact Rankings 2026 demonstrates its ongoing commitment to academic excellence combined with social responsibility, innovation, and global impact.

  • Sensex and Nifty End Marginally Higher Despite Late Selling Pressure

    June 25: Indian equity benchmarks closed marginally higher in a volatile trading session, as early gains were partially erased by late selling pressure. Despite intraday fluctuations, both Sensex and Nifty managed to end in positive territory, reflecting a cautious yet stable market sentiment.

    The session witnessed a strong start, supported by selective buying across key sectors. However, profit booking in the latter half of the trading day weighed on overall momentum, leading to a moderation in gains by the close of trade.

    Market participants observed that investor sentiment remained mixed amid global cues and ongoing domestic developments. While some sectors showed resilience, others faced selling pressure, resulting in a narrow trading range for most of the session.

    Analysts noted that the market continues to be driven by stock-specific movements, with investors focusing on corporate earnings, macroeconomic indicators, and global market trends. The overall trend, however, indicates underlying strength in the broader market despite short-term volatility.

    Experts suggest that cautious optimism persists among investors, with a focus on quality stocks and long-term positioning. The ability of the indices to hold gains despite late-session weakness is seen as a sign of continued market resilience.

  • India-Led BRICS Initiative Launches Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage

    June 25: Marking a significant milestone in international energy cooperation, BRICS nations have officially launched a Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE) dedicated to Smart Grids and Energy Storage under India’s chairmanship. The initiative is aimed at fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, and technological collaboration among member countries in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

    The newly established Centre of Excellence will serve as a collaborative platform for research, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise in smart grid technologies and advanced energy storage systems. The initiative is expected to support the modernization of power infrastructure and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources across BRICS economies.

    The launch underscores the collective commitment of BRICS nations to strengthening energy security, promoting sustainable development, and accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in the energy sector. By encouraging cooperation among governments, industry stakeholders, and research institutions, the Centre will help address emerging challenges related to energy transition and grid resilience.

    India’s leadership in establishing the Digital Centre of Excellence reflects its growing role in advancing global clean energy initiatives and promoting technology-driven solutions for sustainable growth. The Centre is also expected to support policy development, skill enhancement, and innovation-led partnerships among member countries.

    As energy systems worldwide undergo rapid transformation, the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence is poised to become an important hub for collaboration, helping member nations build smarter, more efficient, and sustainable power networks for the future.

     

  • FIA delivers strongest set of financial results in a decade

     

    FIA delivers strongest set of financial results in a decade

     

    Federation continues its financial transformation since election of H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem as President in 2021

    Dubai, UAE, June 25: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today reported its strongest operating result in 10 years.

    For FY2025, the FIA delivered an operating profit of €6.7m, up 43% year-on-year and representing a significant turnaround from the €-24m operating loss reported in 2021. Operating revenue was €191.7m, a 75% increase since FY2021.

    This result builds on the FIA’s return to profitability delivered in FY2024, and reflects the continued financial transformation of the federation since the election of the President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in 2021.

    It is underpinned by a stronger commercial strategy, improved cost discipline, and clearer financial oversight across the organisation.

    H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “Six months into my second term as FIA President, I remain committed to ensuring a profitable and financially sustainable operation. Today, I am proud that we have continued to deliver on this mission, achieving the FIA’s strongest operating result in ten years and building on the significant progress made since 2021.

    “Improving the governance, transparency and financial health of the FIA was central to my manifesto pledge, and we have transformed the organisation into a more resilient and professional federation.

    “I will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to drive positive change across the FIA and deliver long-term value for our Member Clubs, our Championships, our people, and our global mobility and motor sport communities.”

    The 2025 results were supported by strong performance across key FIA Championships and commercial activities. This included the advancement of a new promoter process for the FIA World Rally Championship with improved commercial terms, strong performance from the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the implementation of new regulations.

    Additionally, the landmark long-term contract extension with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship promoter, Formula E Holdings Limited generated an exceptional gain of €20m, reflecting the Championship’s continued growth.

    The FIA Commercial Department, established in 2023, launched a new Global Partner Programme focused on innovative partnerships with global brands and tech partners, contributing to overall revenue growth. These include DHL, Rolex, Hankook and AlphaTauri as Global Partners, and Siemens and Tomorrow.io as Official Partners.

    The FIA is in a much stronger position to deliver value for its Member Clubs across the world and continue investing in the Championships under its governance.

    Since 2022, over €20m has been reinvested into key initiatives such as a new Officials Department to better support the training and development of the officiating community, and the Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme.

    The federation has continued to modernise its operations, governance, and communications. It opened its first office in London in 2025, strengthening its global footprint and supporting its ability to attract talent and deliver its mission across international markets.

    It increased its headcount to 308 permanent employees in 2025, a 14% increase on prior year. New initiatives such as FIA CareerShift and FIA Graduate Pathway Rotational Programme reflect further investment into professional development and career pathways.

    Across sport, the FIA continued to strengthen the long-term foundations of its Championships and competition structures in 2025.

    The signing of the Concorde Governance Agreement with Formula One Group established a structured governance model for the sport and helped secure its long-term future.

    In mobility, the FIA continued to advocate globally for safer, more accessible and more sustainable transport, while sustainability also remained a central priority.

    Through the FIA University, the federation published new research to support decision-making by Member Clubs, policymakers and industry stakeholders, while promoting professional development through programmes including the Advanced Leadership Programme and Executive Leadership Programme.

    The FIA reported a strong financial position at year end, with cash and cash equivalents equal to 73% of the balance sheet, an increase of 6% year-on-year, an equity ratio of 49%, and no financial debt.

    This financial position supports the FIA’s ability to continue investing in its Championships, its Member Clubs, its people and its strategic priorities across sport and mobility.

     

     

  • Cafe Calma × Soul with a Sole Present ‘Rain Check’ : A Six Course Monsoon Ramen Supper Club

    Cafe Calma × Soul with a Sole Present ‘Rain Check’ : A Six Course Monsoon Ramen Supper Club

    Mumbai, June 25: This monsoon, Cafe Calma brings the ultimate rainy day ritual to the city with Rain Check, an intimate ramen supper club in collaboration with Soul with a Sole.

    At the heart of the evening is Soul with a Sole’s signature 48-hour ramen — a deeply layered broth made with mushrooms, vegetables and black garlic, paired with a choice of Shoyu or Miso Tare and your choice of protein. Having hosted over 30 Ramen Lovers Club editions and served 650+ bowls, Soul with a Sole brings its much-loved ramen experience to Cafe Calma.

    The 6-Course Experience Includes:

    • 2 Curated Bar Nibbles
    • 2 Soju Cocktail Pairings
    • Signature 48-Hour Ramen
    (Choice of Shoyu / Miso Tare & Tofu / Chicken / Pork)
    • Sticky Toffee Gochugaru Coconut Pudding

    Six courses. Slow broths. Soju cocktails. A monsoon evening worth stepping out for.

    Date: 27th June, 2026
    Time: 7 PM onwards
    Venue: Cafe Calma, The Shalimar Hotel, Kemps Corner

  • EPFO Services to Remain Temporarily Unavailable Due to System Migration

    June 25: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced that several of its online services will remain temporarily unavailable for a couple of days as part of a planned system migration initiative aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and improving service delivery.

    The temporary disruption is necessary to facilitate the migration of EPFO’s existing systems to a more advanced technology platform. The upgrade is expected to improve system efficiency, strengthen data security, and provide a better user experience for millions of subscribers, employers, and pensioners across the country.

    During the migration period, users may face difficulties accessing various online services, including member account-related functions, claim submissions, balance checks, passbook access, and other digital services offered through the EPFO portal and associated platforms.

    EPFO has advised its members, employers, and stakeholders to plan their activities accordingly and avoid scheduling non-urgent transactions during the maintenance window. The organization has assured users that every effort is being made to complete the migration process as quickly as possible and restore services at the earliest.

    The system upgrade forms part of EPFO’s ongoing efforts to modernize its digital ecosystem and strengthen service delivery capabilities. Once completed, the migration is expected to support faster processing, improved reliability, and enhanced accessibility of EPFO services.

    EPFO has expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to users and has requested stakeholders for their cooperation during the transition period.

     

  • Indian Stock Market Remains Attractive for Long-Term Investors: Report

    June 25: The Indian stock market continues to be one of the most attractive investment destinations for long-term investors, according to a recent market report. The report highlights India’s strong economic fundamentals, growing domestic consumption, increasing infrastructure investments, and supportive policy environment as key factors driving optimism in the equity market.

    According to the report, India remains well-positioned to sustain its growth momentum despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. Strong corporate earnings, rising investor participation, and continued economic expansion are expected to support long-term value creation across various sectors of the market.

    The report notes that India’s rapidly growing middle-class population, digital transformation initiatives, and focus on manufacturing and infrastructure development are creating significant opportunities for businesses and investors alike. These structural growth drivers are likely to strengthen corporate performance and contribute to the long-term growth of the capital markets.

    Market experts believe that while short-term volatility may continue due to global and domestic factors, the overall outlook for Indian equities remains positive. Long-term investors who maintain a disciplined investment approach and focus on fundamentally strong companies are expected to benefit from the country’s growth trajectory.

    The report also points out that increasing participation from both domestic and foreign investors reflects growing confidence in India’s economic prospects. Continued reforms, improved business conditions, and a stable investment environment are further enhancing the attractiveness of Indian equities.

    As India continues its journey toward becoming a larger and more influential global economy, the stock market is expected to remain a key avenue for wealth creation and long-term investment growth.

     

  • Jharkhand Emerges as Power Surplus State with Commissioning of PVUNL’s Second 800 MW Unit

    Ranchi, June 25: In a major boost to Jharkhand’s energy infrastructure, the state has officially become power surplus following the commencement of commercial operations of the second 800 MW unit of the Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) thermal power project.

    The commissioning of the new unit marks a significant milestone in Jharkhand’s efforts to strengthen its power generation capacity and achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. With the addition of another 800 MW, the state is now better positioned to meet rising electricity demand from households, agriculture, businesses, and industries while reducing its dependence on power purchases from other states.

    PVUNL, a joint venture between NTPC and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), is one of the state’s flagship power projects aimed at modernising electricity infrastructure and ensuring long-term energy security. The operationalisation of the second unit substantially increases the project’s contribution to the state’s power supply network.

    Officials said the enhanced generation capacity will improve grid stability, strengthen power availability across urban and rural regions, and support uninterrupted electricity supply. The development is also expected to accelerate industrial growth by providing reliable power to existing industries and attracting fresh investments into the state.

    The achievement comes at a time when Jharkhand is focusing on infrastructure-led economic development. Adequate and reliable electricity is considered a key enabler for manufacturing, mining, commercial activities, and social development initiatives.

    Energy sector experts noted that becoming a power surplus state offers multiple benefits, including reduced expenditure on power procurement, improved energy planning, and the potential to supply surplus electricity to other regions through the national grid. This could further enhance the state’s revenue generation opportunities.

    The commissioning of the second unit also reflects the successful execution of large-scale infrastructure projects in the power sector and highlights ongoing efforts to modernise thermal power generation facilities with improved efficiency and environmental standards.

    State officials expressed confidence that the expanded power generation capacity will play a crucial role in supporting Jharkhand’s long-term economic ambitions, improving quality of life for citizens, and ensuring sustainable energy availability for future growth.

    With the latest addition to its power infrastructure, Jharkhand has taken a significant step towards strengthening its energy ecosystem and reinforcing its position as an emerging industrial and economic hub in eastern India.

  • Over 17 pc of Assam Households Pay Zero Electricity Bills: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

    Guwahati, June 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that more than 17 per cent of households in the state are currently paying zero electricity bills, highlighting the impact of the government’s power subsidy and welfare initiatives.

    According to the Chief Minister, the benefit is reaching a significant number of families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, helping reduce their monthly household expenses.

    Sarma said the initiative is part of the state’s efforts to make electricity more affordable and ensure wider access to essential services. He noted that the scheme has provided relief to thousands of families amid rising living costs.

    The Chief Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to improving power infrastructure and expanding access to reliable electricity across urban and rural areas of the state.

    Officials said the programme reflects Assam’s focus on inclusive development and social welfare, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach those who need them most.

    The state government continues to implement measures aimed at improving the quality of life for residents through affordable and accessible public services.

  • Odisha Crime Branch Recovers Rs 1.1 Crore Lost by Retired Professor in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

    Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): In a major success against cyber fraud, the Odisha Crime Branch has recovered and returned Rs 1.1 crore to a retired professor who had lost over Rs 2.45 crore in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam earlier this year.

    Odisha Crime Branch Recovers Rs 1.1 Crore Lost by Retired Professor in 'Digital Arrest' Scam

    Representational image

    According to officials, the victim was targeted in February through an elaborate four-day cyber fraud operation orchestrated by fraudsters posing as government officials.

    The ordeal began with a phone call informing the retired academic that his Aadhaar number had allegedly been linked to a bank account associated with terrorist activities. The call was subsequently shifted to a video conference, during which the fraudsters impersonated officials from central investigative agencies.

    To make the deception appear genuine, the scammers allegedly sent a forged “digital arrest order” through WhatsApp, directing the professor not to leave his residence or contact anyone. The victim was kept under constant surveillance through virtual means and was allegedly coerced into transferring Rs 2,45,24,540 to multiple bank accounts over several days.

    After realising that he had been duped, the professor lodged an FIR with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Odisha Crime Branch on March 2 and subsequently registered a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

    Acting swiftly, investigators traced the money trail and identified beneficiary accounts linked to the fraud. During the investigation, one account containing Rs 1.1 crore was frozen. Following necessary legal procedures and coordination with the concerned bank, the amount was successfully refunded to the victim.

    Officials said the investigation is still underway and efforts are on to trace the remaining funds and identify those involved in the cyber fraud. No arrests have been made so far.

    The case comes amid a sharp rise in cybercrime incidents in Odisha. Official figures indicate that the state recorded 49,426 cyber fraud complaints involving Rs 432.28 crore in 2025. Of this amount, Rs 68.71 crore was frozen, while Rs 5.31 crore was refunded to victims. Between January and April 2026, another 16,335 complaints involving Rs 134.24 crore were reported, with authorities freezing Rs 24.27 crore and returning Rs 2.97 crore to victims.

    The Odisha Police have once again cautioned citizens against falling prey to “digital arrest” scams, stressing that no genuine government agency or law enforcement authority conducts investigations solely through video calls or asks individuals to transfer money during an inquiry.

    People have been advised to immediately report suspicious calls by dialling the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or by lodging complaints through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.