Category: News

Belpahar, Jharsuguda, June 26 (UDN): What began as a young girl’s fascination with a stage performance at a school function in Belpahar has culminated in a historic achievement for Odisha’s theatre community. Twenty-five-year-old Sonia Behera has become the first woman from the state to secure admission to the prestigious three-year Diploma in Dramatics programme at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi.

Sonia secured the eighth rank in the All India merit list after scoring 80.05 percentile in the highly competitive admission process. The selection involved multiple stages, including preliminary screening, intensive theatre workshops, practical assessments and personal interviews conducted at the NSD campus in New Delhi between June 14 and 19.

For Sonia, the achievement marks the fulfilment of a dream she had never envisioned when she first stepped into the world of theatre.

“I feel immensely proud. When I started performing, I had never imagined that I would one day study at the National School of Drama. It still feels surreal,” she said.

The eldest among five siblings, Sonia’s journey in theatre began in 2015 after she watched the acclaimed play Lal Paen during a school event in Belpahar. The performance, staged by Jharsuguda-based Mirror Theatre Group, left a profound impact on her and inspired her to join the troupe later that year.

Over the past eleven years, Sonia has established herself as a versatile theatre artiste, performing in several acclaimed productions, including Lal Paen, ULPI, April-27, Badakha Dada, Pachen, Ramadevi, Tor Jhumka, Tor Kiriya, Bhokara Aneka Ranga and Panata Kani.

She also played the lead role in Kaenjuri, a landmark production that entered the record books for a continuous performance lasting 49 hours, 48 minutes and 12 seconds. Her performances in Lal Paen and ULPI, staged across Odisha and other parts of the country, earned her national recognition.

Sonia credited her mother for encouraging her to pursue theatre despite the uncertainties associated with the profession. She also acknowledged the unwavering support and mentorship of Mirror Theatre founder-director Dr Subash Chandra Pradhan and senior members of the troupe, whom she described as instrumental in shaping her artistic journey.

Describing Sonia’s selection as a proud moment for the state, Dr Pradhan said her success demonstrates that talent from smaller towns can compete at the highest level when nurtured with dedication and proper guidance.

Sonia hopes her achievement will inspire aspiring artistes, particularly young women from rural and small-town backgrounds, to pursue their passion fearlessly and believe that national platforms are within their reach.

New Delhi, June 26: An Indian Army humanitarian assistance team has been deployed to Venezuela under Operation Amistad to support relief efforts following a devastating earthquake in the country.

The team will assist local authorities in ongoing rescue and relief operations and provide necessary humanitarian support to affected populations. Their role is expected to include coordination of relief activities, support in search and rescue efforts where required, and assistance in managing emergency response operations on the ground.

Officials said the deployment reflects India’s continued commitment to global humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, particularly in times of natural calamities affecting friendly nations.

The mission will be carried out in close coordination with Venezuelan authorities and other international agencies engaged in relief work to ensure effective and timely support to those impacted.

Raipur, June 26: Chhattisgarh has taken the first formal step towards exploring the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, officials said on Thursday.

The move is aimed at examining legal, social, and administrative aspects related to the possible introduction of a common civil law framework governing personal laws.

Officials said the process will involve consultations with legal experts, stakeholders, and civil society representatives to assess the feasibility and implications of such a reform.

The initiative marks the beginning of a structured review process, with the state government seeking to understand how a Uniform Civil Code could be framed and implemented in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Further details regarding the composition of committees or timelines for the exercise are expected to be announced in due course.

The development is seen as an initial step in evaluating policy options related to civil law uniformity in the state.

Gandhinagar, June 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to launch the ‘Bharat Taxi’ initiative and the ‘PM Family Care Tracker’ pilot project during his upcoming visit to Gujarat, officials said on Thursday.

The initiatives are aimed at strengthening citizen-centric services through technology-driven platforms and improving accessibility of essential services for the public.

The ‘Bharat Taxi’ initiative is expected to focus on enhancing organised transport services, while the ‘PM Family Care Tracker’ pilot project will aim to improve coordination and monitoring of family welfare-related services through a digital framework.

Officials said both projects reflect the government’s continued emphasis on digital governance, efficiency, and improved service delivery mechanisms for citizens.

The pilot rollout will be closely monitored before being expanded further based on feedback and performance assessment.

Further details regarding the launch programme and operational framework of the initiatives are expected to be announced during the Gujarat visit.

New Delhi, June 26: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revised passport application fees, with new charges set to come into effect from July 1.

Under the revised structure, applicants for a 36-page passport will now pay ₹2,500, while the Tatkal service fee has been increased to ₹5,000.

For a 60-page passport, the fee has been revised to ₹3,500, with the Tatkal charge set at ₹6,000.

In cases of lost or damaged passports, the replacement fee for a 36-page passport has been fixed at ₹5,000, while Tatkal processing will cost ₹7,500. For a 60-page passport, the replacement fee will be ₹6,000, and the Tatkal fee will be ₹8,500.

Officials said the revised fee structure is part of periodic updates aimed at streamlining passport services and aligning charges with administrative requirements. The new rates will apply to all applications submitted on or after July 1.

Applicants have been advised to check the updated fee schedule before applying to avoid any inconvenience.

London/Paris, June 26: Several European countries are grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record levels and forcing authorities to shut schools, issue health alerts and implement emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations.

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The severe heatwave, driven by a persistent high-pressure system over southern and western Europe, has pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages in countries including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece. Meteorological agencies have warned that the scorching conditions are likely to persist over the coming days.

Authorities in several regions have ordered the closure of schools or shortened class hours to safeguard students and staff from extreme heat exposure. Outdoor activities have also been restricted in many areas, while hospitals and emergency services remain on high alert amid concerns over heat-related illnesses.

In some parts of southern Europe, temperatures have crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark, breaking previous records for June. The prolonged heat has also heightened the risk of wildfires, prompting governments to deploy firefighting resources and issue warnings to residents in vulnerable areas.

Health officials have urged people, particularly children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Climate experts have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to global climate change, warning that extreme weather events are becoming more common across the continent.

The ongoing heatwave has disrupted daily life, affected transportation services and increased electricity demand as millions rely on cooling systems to cope with the soaring temperatures.

New Delhi, June 26: The Centre has notified key changes in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations aimed at simplifying compliance requirements for food business operators and improving ease of doing business in the sector.

Officials said the revised framework is designed to reduce procedural burdens while ensuring that food safety and quality standards remain uncompromised. The reforms are expected to streamline approval processes, simplify documentation requirements, and make regulatory compliance faster and more efficient.

The changes are part of a broader effort to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food sector by reducing regulatory complexity and encouraging greater formalisation of businesses. Authorities noted that the updated norms will also promote a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment.

FSSAI has also strengthened its risk-based regulatory approach, enabling more targeted inspections and monitoring based on the size, nature, and risk profile of food business operators. This is expected to improve enforcement efficiency while reducing unnecessary compliance pressure on low-risk entities.

Industry stakeholders are expected to benefit from clearer guidelines, faster approvals, and improved operational ease across the food supply chain. Officials added that the reforms reflect the government’s continued focus on balancing consumer safety with industry facilitation and promoting a more business-friendly regulatory ecosystem.

Bhubaneswar, June 26 (UDN): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected the formation of a low pressure area over the North Bay of Bengal during the first week of July, a development that could significantly strengthen monsoon activity across eastern and central India, including Odisha.

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According to IMD’s latest extended range outlook, a cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha coast, around July 2. Under its influence, a low pressure area may develop over the North Bay of Bengal between July 3 and 4.

Weather experts said the system is expected to move in a west-northwestward direction and may intensify further during the second week of July, thereby enhancing the southwest monsoon flow over large parts of the country.

Several leading numerical weather prediction models, including IMD-GFS, NCEP-GFS, NCMRWF Mithuna, ECMWF, as well as artificial intelligence-based forecasting models such as Pangu Weather and GraphCast, have indicated the possibility of such a weather system taking shape over the Bay of Bengal.

However, the IMD has clarified that no immediate cyclogenesis is expected during the next two weeks. Ensemble forecast models indicate only a low probability—between 20 and 30 per cent—of the system intensifying into a depression. Current model consensus points towards the formation of a low pressure area rather than a stronger cyclonic system.

Meteorologists noted that while uncertainties remain regarding the exact track and intensity of the system, its formation is likely to trigger enhanced rainfall activity over Odisha and several parts of eastern and central India.

The IMD is closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions and has advised stakeholders, particularly farmers and fishermen, to remain updated with official weather bulletins and advisories.

Kolkata, June 26: The death toll in the Kolkata warehouse roof collapse incident has risen to 15 after a 19-year-old worker succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital, officials said.

The victim was among those critically injured in the collapse and had been under intensive medical care since the incident. Several other injured workers are still undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

The incident took place after the roof of a warehouse suddenly collapsed, trapping workers inside and triggering large-scale rescue operations. Fire and emergency services, along with disaster response teams, were deployed immediately to pull out those trapped under debris.

Preliminary information suggests that structural weakness and possible safety lapses may have contributed to the collapse, though an official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause. Authorities have begun examining compliance with building safety norms and workplace regulations at the site.

Officials said a detailed probe has been launched, and statements from survivors, supervisors, and site managers are being recorded as part of the investigation.

The tragedy has renewed concerns over industrial safety standards and enforcement in workplace facilities, with calls for stricter monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future.

London, June 26: The Indian men’s hockey team suffered a narrow defeat to England in a penalty shootout during their FIH Pro League encounter, after both sides were locked at the end of regulation time in a closely fought match.

The game was marked by high intensity and disciplined defensive structures from both teams, with limited clear scoring opportunities through the four quarters. India matched England’s pace and physicality for most of the contest, holding firm in defence while attempting to build structured attacking moves.

Despite creating chances in key phases of the match, the Indian side was unable to convert opportunities into goals, with the England defence and goalkeeper standing strong to keep the scoreline level at full time.

With the match tied after regulation time, the outcome was decided through a shootout, where England held their composure to edge past India and secure the victory.

India, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed chances during regulation play and the fine margins that ultimately determined the result. However, the performance also highlighted several positives, including defensive solidity and sustained pressure in midfield during stretches of the game.

The result adds another closely contested fixture to India’s FIH Pro League campaign, with the team expected to regroup and focus on converting chances more effectively in upcoming matches.