Category: News

Hyderabad, June 25: Door-to-door enumeration has officially begun across Telangana under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, aimed at updating and verifying voter records.

Election officials said trained field staff have been deployed across districts to carry out the verification process, which involves collecting and updating voter details directly from households. The exercise is intended to ensure accuracy in the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming revisions.

According to officials, the enumeration drive will cover all eligible voters, with teams visiting homes to verify existing entries and include eligible new voters. The process is being carried out in coordination with local authorities to ensure smooth implementation.

Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with enumeration teams and provide accurate information to facilitate error-free voter lists. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that the process is completed in a systematic and time-bound manner.

Officials stated that the SIR exercise is a key step in strengthening the electoral system by improving data accuracy and removing discrepancies in voter records.

The drive will continue over the coming weeks across all districts of Telangana.

Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): The Odisha Vigilance has launched a large-scale investigation into alleged corruption and embezzlement of government funds in the implementation of LED street lighting projects in Gram Panchayats across Kendujhar, Nayagarh and Jajpur districts.

Representational image

Acting on credible inputs regarding suspected financial irregularities, the anti-corruption agency on Wednesday deployed 24 specialised teams comprising 81 officers, including Additional Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Inspectors and other personnel, to conduct simultaneous field inquiries in the three districts.

The investigation pertains to the project titled, “Implementation of LED Street Lighting System in One Village of Each Gram Panchayat on Turnkey Basis Including Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC),” undertaken during the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23 under the Fifth State Finance Commission devolution grants.

Preliminary inquiries have reportedly uncovered serious procedural violations and large-scale irregularities in the execution of the project. Vigilance officials suspect that several mandatory components required for every cluster of 10 LED streetlights were either partially installed or not installed at all.

These components allegedly include energy meters, electrical cables, MCCBs, eye hooks, suspension clamps, dead-end clamps and photo switch timers. Despite the alleged non-installation of these materials, executing agencies are suspected to have submitted bills claiming full completion of the works and received payments accordingly.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Vigilance teams are carrying out on-the-spot technical inspections and physical verification at nearly 50 locations across the three districts. The exercise aims to determine the exact quantum of financial loss caused to the government and identify the roles of officials, contractors and executing agencies involved in the alleged irregularities.

Officials said documentary evidence is being collected and records are being scrutinised to verify whether the installations conform to the specifications mentioned in project documents and payment bills.

The Vigilance Department is expected to initiate further legal action, including registration of criminal cases, after completion of the field inquiry and assessment of the extent of the alleged misappropriation.

June 25: A powerful earthquake in Venezuela has claimed at least 32 lives and left more than 700 people injured, according to interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The tremor has caused widespread destruction, with severe building collapses reported in La Guaira and surrounding regions.

Describing the situation as a “true tragedy,” Rodríguez said emergency response teams are working continuously to carry out search-and-rescue operations, locate survivors trapped under debris, and provide urgent medical care to the injured.

Authorities confirmed that extensive structural damage has disrupted normal services and slowed access to some affected areas. Despite these challenges, rescue operations remain underway with full mobilisation of emergency personnel across the impacted regions.

The government has prioritised relief measures, including deployment of medical teams, restoration of essential services, and evacuation support for displaced residents. Efforts are also being made to ensure timely delivery of food, water, and emergency supplies.

Rodríguez expressed gratitude to international partners, including US President Donald Trump, for extending support in response to the disaster. She also confirmed that international rescue teams are expected to arrive in Venezuela within hours to assist ongoing operations.

Humanitarian agencies and global relief organisations are closely monitoring the situation as rescue and recovery efforts intensify. Priority remains focused on saving lives, supporting the injured, and stabilising affected communities.

Experts have warned that the scale of destruction highlights the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and underscores the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

Cuttack, June 25 (UDN): A fresh petition has been moved in the Odisha High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged disappearance of the Justice A.S. Naidu Commission report pertaining to the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

The petition, filed by advocate Debashish Hota, has raised serious concerns over the whereabouts of the commission report and sought an independent probe to ascertain the circumstances under which the document allegedly went missing.

According to the plea, the disappearance of the report has cast doubts over transparency in the handling of one of Odisha’s most sensitive and high-profile cases. The petitioner has urged the court to direct the CBI to investigate the alleged lapse and identify those responsible.

The Justice A.S. Naidu Commission was constituted to inquire into various aspects related to the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and the subsequent communal violence that rocked Kandhamal district in 2008.

Swami Laxmanananda, a prominent Hindu seer and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, was assassinated along with four associates at his Jalespeta Ashram in Kandhamal district on August 23, 2008. The incident had triggered widespread communal unrest in the region.

The latest petition has once again brought the case into the spotlight, with legal experts and civil society groups closely watching the proceedings in the High Court.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing in the coming days.

Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): The Odisha government has put in place elaborate transportation arrangements to ensure hassle-free travel for devotees during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri. As part of the arrangements, nearly 400 buses will operate to and from the pilgrim town to facilitate the movement of lakhs of devotees expected to attend the grand festival.

Officials said the special bus services will be operated from various parts of the state with an aim to provide safe, convenient and orderly transportation during the festival period.

The State Transport Authority (STA) and the Commerce and Transport Department have prepared a comprehensive traffic and transport management plan in coordination with district administrations, police and other concerned agencies.

Special emphasis has been laid on streamlining vehicle movement, reducing congestion and ensuring smooth passenger flow in and around Puri. Temporary bus stands, designated parking zones and traffic diversions are also being planned to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims.

Authorities have urged devotees to make use of the designated transport facilities and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure a smooth and safe Rath Yatra experience.

The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, making it one of the largest religious congregations in the world.

Chennai, June 25: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to participate in a series of cultural and heritage-focused engagements in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, underscoring the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich historical legacy and promoting cultural tourism.

As part of her visit, the Finance Minister will launch a heritage-themed publication highlighting the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of prominent landmarks in Tamil Nadu. The book is expected to showcase the region’s enduring heritage and contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at documenting and preserving India’s diverse cultural traditions.

In a significant development for heritage conservation, Sitharaman will also inaugurate the restored historic lighthouse in Puducherry, a landmark that has undergone extensive renovation and preservation work. The restoration project is aimed at safeguarding the structure’s historical character while enhancing its appeal as a cultural and tourism destination.

Officials said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote heritage tourism, strengthen public awareness of India’s maritime history, and preserve iconic monuments for future generations. The restored lighthouse is expected to emerge as a key attraction for visitors, offering insights into the region’s historical role in maritime navigation and trade.

The events reflect the growing emphasis on cultural infrastructure and heritage conservation as integral components of India’s tourism and development agenda. By revitalising historical landmarks and supporting documentation of regional heritage, authorities aim to create greater opportunities for cultural engagement, education, and local economic development.

The Finance Minister’s engagements are also expected to highlight the importance of collaboration between government agencies, heritage experts, and local communities in preserving historically significant sites across the country.

Observers note that such initiatives contribute not only to heritage conservation but also to the promotion of sustainable tourism, helping strengthen regional economies while preserving India’s unique cultural identity.

The launch of the heritage publication and the inauguration of the restored lighthouse are being viewed as important steps in celebrating and safeguarding the historical and cultural treasures of southern India.

New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has mobilised more than ₹25,000 crore through stake sales in public sector undertakings (PSUs) via the Offer for Sale (OFS) route so far in 2026, marking the highest fundraising exercise through PSU disinvestment in over a decade.

According to market data compiled by Prime Database, the Centre has raised approximately ₹25,491 crore by diluting stakes in eight listed public sector enterprises during the year. The achievement reflects the government’s continued focus on strategic disinvestment and efficient capital management to support fiscal objectives and economic priorities.

The fundraising figure represents the strongest PSU OFS performance since 2015, when the government raised around ₹35,291 crore through stake sales in five state-owned companies. Including private sector issuances, a total of 24 listed companies have collectively raised nearly ₹29,445 crore through the OFS mechanism in 2026, underscoring robust market participation and investor appetite.

Major PSU stake sales during the year have included Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), Central Bank of India, Coal India, NHPC, NLC India, and General Insurance Corporation of India, among others. These transactions have formed a key component of the government’s broader disinvestment strategy aimed at enhancing market liquidity and unlocking shareholder value.

Market experts note that while PSU stocks have experienced mixed performance following OFS launches amid global uncertainties, the successful fundraising demonstrates sustained investor confidence in India’s public sector enterprises and capital markets.

Analysts also believe that the proceeds from these stake sales could provide additional fiscal flexibility to support government expenditure on critical sectors such as food security, fertiliser subsidies, infrastructure development, and social welfare programmes.

The strong response to PSU OFS issues highlights the growing depth of India’s capital markets and reinforces the government’s commitment to balancing fiscal prudence with growth-oriented spending. As the disinvestment programme progresses, policymakers are expected to continue leveraging market-based mechanisms to optimise public sector investments while supporting broader economic development goals.

With fundraising already approaching historical highs, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most successful years for government stake sales, reflecting favourable market conditions and investor confidence in India’s long-term growth trajectory.

Kolkata, June 25: West Bengal’s FY 2026-27 Budget marks a significant shift towards an investment-driven growth strategy, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, industrial expansion, technology-led innovation, and job creation, according to recent analyses of the state’s fiscal roadmap.

The budget, presented by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, outlines a comprehensive vision to transform West Bengal into a major investment destination while maintaining a balance between welfare commitments and economic development. Key measures include the introduction of a Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy, a ₹5,000-crore investment framework, incentives for AI data centres, and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

Industry experts have described the budget as a decisive move towards growth-oriented policymaking, highlighting its focus on infrastructure, industrialisation, and employment generation. The government has also announced plans to streamline business approvals through a single-window clearance system and support emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced technologies.

The FY27 budget includes provisions for creating one lakh government jobs, expanding infrastructure networks, and developing new economic hubs, while also continuing major welfare initiatives. Significant allocations have been made for women’s welfare, healthcare, rural development, and skill enhancement, reflecting an approach that seeks to combine social inclusion with economic growth.

Analysts note that the budget represents a broader effort to reposition West Bengal as a competitive destination for domestic and global investment. Measures targeting industrial growth, technology adoption, logistics, and infrastructure development are expected to strengthen the state’s long-term economic prospects and attract fresh capital inflows.

With investment promotion and job creation emerging as central themes, the FY27 budget is being viewed as a strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and laying the foundation for sustained development in the years ahead.

Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday emphasized the need for leveraging advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to strengthen maritime security and ensure a safer coastline for the state.

Addressing the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG) Policy Meeting held in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said that the high-level meeting was being organised outside New Delhi for the first time, underscoring Odisha’s growing strategic significance in the country’s maritime security framework.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the deliberations would pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the Centre and the State in safeguarding maritime interests.

Highlighting Odisha’s strategic importance, Majhi noted that the state has a coastline stretching nearly 575 kilometres and has maintained trade and cultural links with Southeast Asian countries since ancient times.

“Odisha continues to occupy a significant position in the maritime sector. We are confident of receiving substantial support from the Central Government in view of the state’s strategic importance in maritime security,” he said.

The Chief Minister further informed that the state government, with support from the Centre, is developing a deep seaport in Ganjam district to strengthen maritime infrastructure. In addition, a major shipbuilding cluster is being established at Paradip.

Both projects are being developed with an investment exceeding Rs 50,000 crore and are expected to significantly boost Odisha’s maritime capabilities, industrial growth and employment opportunities.

Majhi also stressed the importance of adopting emerging technologies such as AI for surveillance, monitoring and threat detection to further enhance coastal security and maritime preparedness.

Senior officials from various maritime security agencies, defence establishments and central and state departments participated in the policy meeting.

Keonjhar/Chennai, June 24 (UDN): The death toll in the Tamil Nadu gas leak tragedy involving migrant workers from Odisha has risen to eight following the death of another critically injured woman worker from Keonjhar district on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Subasini Juang, a resident of Balisahi under Sunapentha village in Keonjhar district. She had been undergoing treatment in a critical condition after being exposed to toxic ammonia gas in the industrial accident.

With her death, the number of victims from Keonjhar district alone has climbed to eight, underscoring the scale of the tragedy that has devastated several families in the region. Earlier, seven women workers from the district had died due to injuries sustained in the same incident.

Meanwhile, the bodies of five deceased workers were brought back to their native villages in Keonjhar on Wednesday and handed over to grieving family members by district administration officials. The mortal remains were taken to Kodipasa, Talachampei, Rangamatia, and Tangiri villages, where emotional scenes unfolded as relatives and residents gathered to pay their final respects.

“Four of the five women workers died in the tragic mishap. The condition of one is stable,” said a villager, as mourning engulfed the affected villages. Most of the bereaved families belong to economically weaker sections, prompting renewed demands for adequate compensation and long-term rehabilitation support.

The incident occurred on Sunday at a seafood processing unit in Periyapalayam, Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, when an ammonia gas leak triggered a major industrial accident. Several workers were exposed to the toxic gas, resulting in multiple deaths and leaving dozens hospitalized.

In response to the tragedy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced enhanced ex-gratia assistance of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased workers.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the leak, while rescue and medical teams are monitoring the condition of those still under treatment.