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  • Alia Bhatt Felicitates India’s Fastest Sprinter Gurindervir Singh with Traditional Sweets

    June 22: Actor Alia Bhatt extended a heartfelt gesture to India’s fastest sprinter Gurindervir Singh by gifting traditional “motichoor ladoo” sweets, celebrating his achievements in athletics and his contribution to Indian sports.

    The exchange highlights a moment of appreciation and encouragement for India’s growing sporting talent, with the gesture symbolising goodwill and recognition beyond the field of entertainment and athletics.

    Gurindervir Singh, known for his record-breaking performances on the track, has emerged as one of India’s prominent sprinting talents in recent years. The recognition from a leading public figure adds to his growing profile and reflects increasing public interest in track and field achievements in India.

    Alia Bhatt’s gesture has been widely viewed as a celebration of sporting excellence and cultural tradition, blending encouragement with a symbolic expression of support through a traditional Indian sweet often associated with celebration and success.

    The interaction has been welcomed by fans across social media, who have appreciated the moment as a positive example of cross-domain recognition between entertainment and sports.

    Such gestures continue to highlight the growing connection between India’s entertainment industry and its sporting ecosystem, where athletes are increasingly being acknowledged for their accomplishments on national and international stages.

  • Rupee Expected to Gain Against US Dollar in H1 FY27 as Global Risks Ease

    June 22: The Indian rupee is expected to appreciate against the US dollar in the first half of FY27, supported by improving global risk sentiment and a more stable macroeconomic environment, according to a recent market report.

    The outlook reflects expectations of reduced external volatility, easing inflationary pressures, and moderating commodity prices, which together are likely to support emerging market currencies, including the Indian rupee.

    Analysts note that a more favourable global backdrop could encourage stronger capital inflows into Indian equity and debt markets. Combined with steady domestic economic fundamentals, this may provide additional support for the currency in the near term.

    However, the report highlights that currency movements remain vulnerable to global uncertainties, including US Federal Reserve policy decisions, crude oil price fluctuations, and geopolitical developments. Any unexpected shifts in these factors could influence short-term volatility.

    Market observers will continue to track foreign portfolio investment trends, trade balances, and macroeconomic indicators to assess the sustainability of the rupee’s potential gains.

    Overall, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with improving global conditions seen as a key driver for potential rupee strength in H1 FY27.

  • Aprilia Channels Iconic Heritage To Transform The Tuono 457 Special Edition As The Ultimate Street Machine

    Aprilia Channels Iconic Heritage To Transform The Tuono 457 Special Edition As The Ultimate Street Machine

    June 22:  Since its market debut last year, the Aprilia Tuono 457 has transformed expectations for what a mid-performance motorcycle can deliver. It has proven that the sophisticated engineering and technical prowess of a world-renowned brand can be perfectly tailored for the demands of the open road and the urban landscape. Tuono 457 is not just a standard bike; it is a true mid-performance naked, stripped of excess fairings and engineered to provide a raw, authentic connection between the rider and the asphalt.

    Today, Aprilia India announces the 2026 Special Edition Tuono 457, a machine refined for the everyday rider who demands precision, character, and absolute reliability.

    Introduced on World Motorcycle Day, this new iteration pays homage to the legendary 2006 Aprilia Tuono 1000R, a motorcycle that earned its reputation by mastering the street. By leveraging the proven, responsive 457cc parallel-twin platform, Aprilia has crafted a motorcycle designed specifically to conquer the diverse realities of Indian commuting.

    Available in the striking Mamba Black and Puma Grey, the special edition is an evolution of the original concept, focused entirely on elevating comfort and rideability. With a contemporary aesthetic and updated hardware, it once again redefines its category, establishing itself as the technical benchmark for the naked segment and the clear leader among twin-cylinder motorcycles.

    Designed for motorcyclists who prioritize real-world usability and high-level riding satisfaction, this Aprilia is the fastest machine in its class. It is a motorcycle that understands the needs of the modern rider, offering a balance of punchy performance and effortless control.

    Thanks to innovations developed by Aprilia’s engineering team, the special edition Tuono 457 sets a new standard for high-performance street machines. Here are the key upgrades:

    • Distinctive New Colorway: The Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries draw from the iconic spirit of the 2006 Tuono 1000R, providing a sophisticated and athletic look suited for any street environment.
    • Modernized Graphics: Fresh, sharp decals and a redesigned brand logo create a clean, contemporary visual signature.
    • Upgraded Comfort Pack: Optimized ergonomics ensure a premium, effortless riding experience, specifically designed for daily use:

    o   Aerodynamic flyscreen for wind protection

    o   Adjustable brake lever for personalized control

    o   Enhanced rider saddle for superior long-distance support

    o   Increased handlebar height for an intuitive, upright posture

    o   Refined suspension geometry for maximum comfort over varied surfaces

    Speaking on the launch, Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said: “The Special Edition Tuono 457 has been developed with a clear focus on enhancing rider comfort and everyday usability while preserving the high performance, precision and character that define Aprilia motorcycles. With the plethora of enhancements like the aerodynamic flyscreen, revised suspension setup, upgraded saddle, raised handlebar position and adjustable brake lever, the motorcycle is more comfortable and confidence-inspiring across urban rides and longer journeys.

    The new Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries add an even stronger visual identity, making this a distinctive expression of Aprilia’s naked DNA. At the attractive pricing we are launching it, we believe this is most value-for-money naked twin cylinder mid-performance motorcycle available to Indian riders. With its segment-defining 47.6 hp twin-cylinder engine, electronic ride-by-wire throttle, and multi-level traction control, the Special Edition Tuono 457 firmly re-establishes itself as the absolute technical benchmark for the naked segment.”

    KEY HIGHLIGHTS

    THE DESIGN:

    ·       A new, aggressive flyscreen incorporates a very close headlight. It has been designed to cleanly integrate into the aggressive streetfighter design and reinforce its premium, authentic naked character. The Flyscreen has been crafted from a premium high-impact material with smoked finish that helps reduce rider fatigue at high speeds, Every detail has been designed to attract the eyes with its refined style, but also and above all to be functional.

    ·       Inspired by the 2006 Tuono1000R, the liveries for the special edition are a result of the utmost attention to detail. Mamba Black and Puma Grey emphasize aggressiveness, radical new graphics for an unmistakeable Tuono feel

    THE ‘ELEVATED’ HANDLEBAR:

    ·       The elevated handlebar has been thoughtfully engineered to enhance overall riding comfort and control. By shifting the rider’s torso into a more relaxed, upright posture, it significantly reduces strain on the wrists, shoulders and lower back, while also improving steering leverage for effortless manoeuvrability in urban conditions.

    ·       At the same time, it enhances long-distance riding endurance, with factory-optimised geometry ensuring seamless integration without compromising cable routing or steering lock.

    ENHANCED COMFORT PACK:

    ·       Engineered specifically for Indian riding conditions, the Tuono 457 incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort enhancements designed to deliver superior ride quality across varied terrains.

    ·       A softer initial suspension stroke effectively absorbs potholes and speed breakers, while factory‑recalibrated compression damping ensures adaptability across diverse road surfaces.

    ·       Preload adjustability at both ends allows riders to tailor the setup to their preference, further elevating control and confidence.

    ·       Complementing this is an advanced seat construction featuring a high‑resilience foam core that significantly dampens engine and road vibrations.

    ADJUSTABLE BREAK LEVER:

    The new special edition Tuono 457 features customizable lever positioning designed to enhance rider comfort and control across every journey. It improves control in very tangible ways:

    ·       Optimised reach = better modulation: When the lever span matches the rider’s hand size, fingers can apply pressure more progressively rather than overreaching or gripping awkwardly. This results in more precise braking input.

    ·       Stronger grip and stability: A comfortable hand position allows the rider to maintain a firm, confident hold on the controls, especially during sudden braking or quick adjustments, reducing the chances of jerky inputs.

    ·       Reduced fatigue = consistent control: Less strain on the fingers and wrist means the rider can maintain consistent braking performance over longer durations, whether in traffic or on highways.

    ·       Improved feedback from the brakes: With better finger placement and leverage, the rider can more clearly feel the braking response, enabling quicker and more accurate adjustments.

    ENGINE, ELECTRONICS AND CHASSIS:

    ·       At the heart of the new special Edition Tuono 457 edition lies the same trusted 457cc parallel-twin engine producing max power of 35 kW and 43.5 Nm of torque, delivering a responsive and exciting riding experience across the rev range.

    ·       Paired with a lightweight aluminium chassis, best in class power-to-weight ratio, ride-by-wire throttle and sophisticated rider aids, the new naked motorcycle embodies Aprilia‘s philosophy of delivering race-inspired road performance with precision and control.

    ·       What particularly characterizes and distinguishes the special edition Aprilia Tuono 457 is the care and attention dedicated to every single element and detail that makes it up. Attention that allows improved performance and functionality.

    ·       The dashboard: TFT digital instrument, receives all the information from the CAN line and becomes an integral part of the self-diagnosis system as it has a historical memory. It retains all the indications of the previous one (including the possibility of self-timing with memory of the last 40 laps) with an extremely modern and compact design

    ·       The LED lighting is adjustable to three levels.

    ·       The front headlight ensures perfect vision when driving in the dark.

    ·       The rear sports an innovative design and is equipped with LEDs.

    ·       The ignition key has internal coding, and the ignition lock is equipped with an immobilizer as standard.

    QUALITY:

    ·       All Aprilia performance, with sure shot peace of mind. The endless durability tests during the development phase have made it possible to create a bike with total reliability in every component. Aprilia now able to offer a 4-year warranty or 48000 KM (whichever is earlier) to protect its value for longer.

    LIST OF ACCESSORIES:

    ·       Passenger Seat Cover

    ·       USB Socket

    ·       Helmet Cable Lock

    ·       TPMS

    ·       Outside Vehicle Cover

    ·       Electronic Antitheft

    ·       Fork Sliders

    ·       Shorter Mudguard

    ·       Quick Shifter Up/Down

    ·       Front Brake Pads Sintered

    The new special edition Tuono457 in Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries is now open for prebooking at select Aprilia showrooms across India.

    Once again, Aprilia has succeeded in creating an exclusive, refined, and unmistakable naked bike. The special edition Aprilia Tuono 457 represents the ultimate in the naked twin-cylinder, a perfect synthesis of quality, technology, components and finishes.

  • Odisha Achieves 99.75 pc Form Distribution in Roll Revision

    Bhubaneswar, June 22: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Odisha has entered its final stage, with enumeration forms distributed to 99.75% of voters and digitisation of over 81% of collected data completed, officials said on Sunday.

    Reviewing the progress of the exercise, Chief Electoral Officer R. S. Gopalan visited multiple digitisation centres under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and directed officials to expedite remaining work ahead of the June 28 deadline.

    According to official figures, enumeration forms have been distributed to 3,33,15,897 electors across the state, covering nearly the entire voter base included in the revision drive. The ongoing exercise aims to ensure a more accurate, updated, and error-free electoral roll.

    Officials informed the CEO that data entry for 2,71,31,312 electors has already been completed, representing 81.23% of the total forms collected. He instructed field teams to accelerate digitisation work and complete the remaining entries on a priority basis within the stipulated timeline.

    During his visit to digitisation centres, the CEO reviewed operational processes and emphasised the importance of ensuring inclusive voter participation. He directed officials to make certain that no eligible elector is left out of the updated voter list.

    “The participation of every eligible voter is essential for a healthy democratic process,” Gopalan said while reviewing the progress of the revision exercise.

    The state election machinery has set June 28 as the deadline for completing all SIR-related activities, including verification and final data entry. Authorities said efforts are being intensified across districts to ensure timely completion ahead of publication of the revised electoral roll.

    Senior officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office and the BMC accompanied him during the inspection.

  • IMD Warns of Rainfall in Khurda and Cuttack Over Next 1–2 Hours

    Bhubaneswar, June 22: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast warning indicating light to moderate rainfall over parts of Khurda and Cuttack, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities, over the next one to two hours.

    IMD Warns of Rainfall in Khurda and Cuttack Over Next 1–2 Hours

    According to the alert issued at 08:50 am, isolated places in the two districts are likely to experience brief spells of rain under the influence of active monsoon conditions. The IMD has placed both districts under a yellow warning category, advising residents to remain cautious.

    The India Meteorological Department noted that while the expected rainfall is light to moderate, short bursts of intense showers accompanied by gusty winds cannot be ruled out due to prevailing convective weather activity.

    Meteorological officials have advised people in the affected areas, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities, to stay alert to changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions, especially during outdoor activities and travel.

    This marks the second weather alert issued for the region today, indicating continued moist and unstable atmospheric conditions influenced by the southwest monsoon system.

    Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are expected to issue further updates if weather conditions intensify.

  • India’s Space Sector Set for Rapid Expansion Toward Dollar 40–45 Billion Valuation

    New Delhi, June 22: The space sector in India is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with estimates placing the size of the country’s space economy at around $40–45 billion, driven by rising commercial participation, innovation, and expanding global demand for space-based services.

    The outlook reflects strong momentum in satellite manufacturing, launch services, earth observation, communication technologies, and downstream applications such as navigation and data analytics. Increasing involvement of private players alongside national initiatives has further accelerated the sector’s growth trajectory.

    India’s space ecosystem has been evolving rapidly in recent years, supported by policy reforms, technological advancements, and growing collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises. The sector is expected to play a key role in boosting innovation-led economic growth and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.

    Officials and industry experts note that the expansion of the space economy is also likely to enhance India’s position in the global space market, as demand for cost-effective and reliable space solutions continues to rise worldwide.

    The progress is closely linked to the efforts of Indian Space Research Organisation and the emerging network of private space startups, which together are strengthening India’s capabilities across the value chain.

    Analysts believe that sustained investment, supportive policy frameworks, and increased global partnerships could help India capture a larger share of the global space economy in the coming years.

    The projected growth underscores the strategic importance of the space sector in shaping India’s technological and economic future.

  • Gold and Silver Prices Rise as Crude Oil Softens, Supporting Precious Metals

    June 22: Gold and silver prices traded higher in global markets today, supported by easing crude oil prices and improved investor sentiment amid a calmer geopolitical backdrop.

    Precious metals saw renewed buying interest as softer crude prices helped ease concerns over inflationary pressures, prompting investors to reassess their risk positions. The decline in energy costs has strengthened expectations of a more stable macroeconomic environment, which typically benefits demand for safe-haven assets such as gold and silver.

    Market participants noted that fluctuations in global energy prices continue to play a key role in shaping commodity trends. Lower crude prices tend to reduce inflation expectations, while also influencing currency movements and broader financial market sentiment.

    Silver also gained alongside gold, with industrial demand expectations providing additional support. Analysts point out that silver often benefits from both safe-haven demand and its industrial usage, particularly in sectors such as electronics and renewable energy.

    Investors are closely monitoring further developments in global oil markets, central bank policy signals, and geopolitical conditions, all of which are expected to influence the trajectory of precious metal prices in the near term.

    Overall, the movement in gold and silver reflects a broader shift toward stability in global commodity markets, driven by easing energy costs and cautious optimism among investors.

  • Australia Stands Ready to Respond to Possible H5N1 Avian Flu Outbreak

    Canberra, June 22: The Government of Australia has stated that the country is “well prepared” to respond to any potential outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, following recent global concerns over the spread of the virus.

    Australia’s Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said that national biosecurity systems are robust and capable of managing emerging animal health threats, including highly pathogenic bird flu strains. She emphasized that surveillance, preparedness measures, and response frameworks are already in place across relevant agencies.

    Authorities noted that Australia maintains strict biosecurity protocols aimed at preventing the entry and spread of infectious animal diseases. These include monitoring wildlife populations, regulating poultry industry practices, and coordinating rapid response mechanisms in the event of an outbreak.

    Officials also highlighted ongoing cooperation between environmental, agricultural, and health agencies to ensure early detection and containment of any potential cases. Public awareness efforts and contingency planning are part of broader national preparedness strategies.

    While no widespread outbreak has been reported in Australia, officials continue to closely monitor global developments related to H5N1, which has affected bird populations in several regions worldwide.

    The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting the agricultural sector, and maintaining strong biosecurity standards to mitigate risks associated with emerging infectious diseases.

  • Kamakhya Temple in Assam Hosts Start of Four-Day Ambubachi Mela

    Guwahati, June 22, 2026: The annual four-day Ambubachi Mela has commenced today at the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in Assam, drawing devotees, pilgrims, and visitors from across the country and abroad.

    The festival, associated with the revered tradition of the goddess Kamakhya, is observed with deep religious significance and marks a period of intense devotion and ritual practices. The temple premises have been witnessing a steady influx of devotees since early morning as the sacred observances begin.

    Authorities have made extensive arrangements to manage the large gathering, including crowd control measures, security deployment, sanitation facilities, and medical assistance to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims throughout the event. Special provisions have also been put in place to regulate movement and maintain order during peak visiting hours.

    Local administration and temple authorities are working in coordination to facilitate a smooth experience for visitors, with emphasis on maintaining cleanliness, ensuring efficient crowd flow, and providing necessary amenities for pilgrims undertaking the journey.

    The Ambubachi Mela is considered one of the most important annual festivals in the region, symbolizing deep-rooted cultural and spiritual traditions. The event also contributes significantly to local tourism and the economy, attracting visitors from various parts of India and overseas.

    The celebrations will continue over the next four days, culminating in the reopening rituals that mark the conclusion of the sacred observance.

  • Jaishankar Visit Signals Push to Strengthen India’s Ties with Mongolia and South Korea

    New Delhi, June 22: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to undertake an official visit to Mongolia and South Korea aimed at reinforcing India’s strategic partnerships and expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation with both nations.

    The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations through high-level engagements with leadership in both countries. Discussions will cover a broad range of areas, including trade and investment, energy cooperation, connectivity initiatives, regional security, and cultural exchanges.

    In Mongolia, the talks are anticipated to emphasize India’s continued commitment to deepening development cooperation and enhancing collaboration in sectors of mutual interest. The engagement also reflects India’s growing focus on strengthening ties in the Asia-Pacific and Central Asian regions.

    In South Korea, the discussions are expected to build on the robust economic and technological partnership between the two countries, with particular attention to advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, supply chain resilience, and innovation-led growth.

    Officials noted that the visit underscores India’s broader diplomatic strategy of expanding strategic partnerships while fostering stronger economic linkages with key regional partners. The engagements are also expected to provide momentum to ongoing initiatives and open new avenues for collaboration.

    The visit reflects India’s continued efforts to enhance its global partnerships, strengthen regional cooperation, and support shared priorities in an evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.