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June 23: India’s economy is being viewed with long-term optimism due to its strong focus on innovation-led growth, even as the global environment remains uncertain, according to a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) economist.

The economist noted that India’s expanding innovation ecosystem—supported by startups, digital infrastructure, and increasing investment in research and development—is helping the country strengthen its economic resilience.

Despite global challenges such as geopolitical tensions and slower growth in some major economies, India continues to show steady progress in technology adoption and intellectual property creation. This, experts say, is positioning the country as an emerging leader in innovation-driven development.

The growth of sectors such as digital services, fintech, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing innovation is also contributing to India’s broader economic transformation.

WIPO officials highlighted that sustained policy support and a young, skilled workforce are key factors supporting India’s long-term growth potential.

Overall, while global uncertainties persist, India’s innovation-focused growth path is expected to remain a strong source of economic optimism in the coming years.

Bhubaneswar, June 23: The southwest monsoon has arrived across all parts of Odisha in a remarkably quick span of just 11 days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The monsoon began advancing into the state on June 12 and has now fully covered the region.

The arrival of monsoon winds has brought a welcome change in weather conditions. Most parts of the state are witnessing cloudy skies, with several areas receiving light to moderate rainfall.

The widespread cloud cover has also helped ease the heat, bringing noticeable relief from high temperatures. Western Odisha, in particular, has experienced a drop of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, making conditions significantly more comfortable.

The weather office has also indicated that temperatures may fall further by around 3 degrees Celsius over the next couple of days, along with continued cloudy skies and chances of intermittent rain.

Overall, the early and fast-moving monsoon has improved weather conditions across Odisha, bringing relief from heat and supporting the upcoming agricultural season.

June 23: The Government of India has put in place contingency measures to address agricultural challenges arising from an estimated 40% rainfall deficit, according to the Agriculture Commissioner.

Officials stated that despite the uneven and below-normal monsoon conditions in several regions, preparedness plans are being implemented to safeguard crop production and support farmers. These measures include advisories on crop planning, promotion of drought-resilient seed varieties, and targeted interventions to manage water stress in affected areas.

The Agriculture Commissioner emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation and working with state authorities to ensure timely response mechanisms are activated where rainfall shortfalls are impacting sowing and crop growth.

Special focus is being given to vulnerable regions where delayed or insufficient monsoon rainfall may affect key kharif crops. Irrigation support, alternative cropping strategies, and extension services are being strengthened to minimise potential losses.

While the rainfall deficit presents challenges for the current agricultural season, officials remain confident that coordinated efforts between central and state agencies will help mitigate risks and support farm productivity.

Overall, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring farmer welfare and maintaining food security through proactive planning and real-time monitoring of monsoon conditions.

New Delhi,June 23: Reports have suggested that CRED founder Kunal Shah may be appointed as the global head of WhatsApp, while Meta is also said to have made a significant investment of nearly $1 billion in the fintech company CRED.

According to sources cited in media reports, discussions are underway regarding a possible leadership reshuffle within WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Meta. However, there has been no official confirmation from either Meta or WhatsApp regarding the reported appointment.

In a parallel development, reports also indicate that Meta has invested close to $1 billion in CRED, the Indian fintech platform founded by Kunal Shah. The investment, if confirmed, would mark one of the major global funding moves involving an Indian consumer fintech company.

Neither Meta nor CRED has issued an official statement confirming the reported deal or leadership change at WhatsApp.

The reports have sparked widespread discussion in the technology and startup ecosystem, though details remain unverified at this stage.

Further clarification from the companies is awaited.

Baripada, June 23 (UDN): The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district will remain closed for tourists and visitors from June 29 due to the onset of the monsoon season and associated safety concerns, authorities announced on Monday.

 UDN (File)

According to an official notification issued by the Office of the Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, tourist entry through Kaliani Gate in Jashipur and Pithabata Gate near Baripada will be suspended until further notice. However, the Talabandh and Jamuani eco-tourism complexes will continue to remain open for visitors during the closure period.

Authorities said the annual shutdown has been enforced as heavy monsoon rainfall makes forest roads muddy, slippery and difficult to navigate. In addition, rainwater flowing down from the hills often damages internal roads, increasing the risk to tourists and vehicles inside the reserve.

Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve and Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Baripada Circle, Dr. Prakash Chandra Gogineni, said the reopening date will be decided later based on weather conditions and road safety assessments after the monsoon season.

Officials noted that the reserve was reopened to tourists on October 18, 2025, and follows a routine seasonal closure every year during the rainy period to ensure visitor safety and ecological protection.

Further updates regarding reopening will be issued by the authorities in due course.

Mundra, June 23: Adani Mundra Airport has officially commenced its first scheduled commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in enhancing air connectivity for the Kutch region.

The new service connects Mundra with Mumbai and Goa, providing direct and convenient travel options for passengers, businesses, and the tourism sector. The inaugural scheduled operations were launched by airline partner Star Air, as part of the airport’s broader expansion of regional connectivity.

Officials said the introduction of scheduled flights is expected to significantly boost economic activity in the region by improving access to key commercial and tourism hubs. The enhanced connectivity is also likely to support trade, logistics, and industrial growth in Kutch, which is already a rapidly developing economic zone.

In addition to the Mumbai and Goa routes, the airport has expanded its network to multiple other destinations, further strengthening its role as an emerging aviation hub in western India.

Industry experts believe the move will reduce travel time, improve business mobility, and encourage new investments in the region, especially in sectors linked to ports, manufacturing, and exports.

The development marks a new phase in Mundra Airport’s operations, transitioning it into a key node in India’s growing regional aviation network.

Sambalpur, June 23 (UDN): Three persons have been detained in connection with the assault of a youth from Kerala who was allegedly attacked by a mob in Sambalpur city on suspicion of being a child lifter, police said on Monday.

According to police, a case was registered at Khetrajpur police station based on a complaint filed by ASI Surya Narayan Das. Sambalpur Additional SP Ajay Kumar Mishra confirmed that three individuals have been detained after being identified through CCTV footage and viral video clips of the incident.

The victim, identified as Vishnu Shibu from Kerala, was working as a labourer under a contractor in Bargarh district. Police said he had recently left his job and had come to Sambalpur in search of work when the incident occurred at Dhobapada Square.

Mishra stated that some locals allegedly assaulted him after suspecting him of involvement in criminal activity linked to child lifting rumours. He added that a language barrier may have further escalated the misunderstanding, as the youth was unable to communicate with the crowd.

The victim was rescued by police and taken to hospital for medical examination. Officials said he did not suffer any major injuries and was later sent back to his native place after receiving primary treatment.

Police added that the detained persons were identified based on video footage circulating on social media and CCTV recordings from the area. A detailed investigation is underway to identify others involved in the incident.

The video of the assault had gone viral on social media, showing a group of youths attacking the labourer while bystanders attempted to check his belongings.

The incident comes days after a similar case in Rayagada district, where two women from Delhi were allegedly assaulted on suspicion of being child lifters, prompting renewed concern over the spread of rumours leading to mob violence in the state.