Category: News

Jaipur, June 24: Rajasthan Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Pachpadra Refinery project and stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the project soon, signalling the nearing completion of one of the state’s key industrial developments.

The Chief Minister assessed construction and operational readiness of the refinery, which is considered a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting energy capacity, industrial growth and employment generation in the region.

Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the current status of work, including technical installations, connectivity infrastructure and final-stage preparations required before commissioning.

The project is expected to strengthen Rajasthan’s position in the petroleum and petrochemical sector, while also contributing to regional economic development through industrial expansion and downstream opportunities.

Authorities said the refinery will play an important role in enhancing energy security and supporting long-term industrial growth once fully operational.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the project will soon be ready for inauguration, marking a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development journey.

New Delhi, June 24: Hockey India has congratulated former India women’s hockey team captain Savita Punia on being conferred the Padma Shri, describing the recognition as a “richly deserved honour” for her outstanding contribution to Indian hockey.

The national federation said Savita’s journey reflects dedication, discipline and consistent excellence at the highest level of international competition. As one of India’s most dependable goalkeepers, she has played a key role in several historic performances of the women’s hockey team on the global stage.

Officials noted that her leadership and match-winning performances have significantly contributed to the growth and visibility of women’s hockey in India, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Hockey India stated that the Padma Shri recognition highlights her commitment to the sport and her role in strengthening India’s presence in international hockey over the years.

The federation added that Savita’s achievements will continue to serve as motivation for young players aspiring to represent the country.

Her contribution is being widely acknowledged as a landmark in Indian women’s hockey, marking her as one of the most influential figures in the sport’s modern era.

Guwahati, June 24: The Assam government is planning to significantly upgrade its road infrastructure with a network of expressways and high-speed corridors aimed at enabling travel across the state within a six-hour radius.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen connectivity, reduce travel time and improve economic integration between key urban centres, industrial zones and rural regions.

Officials said the proposed corridors will be designed to support faster movement of goods and passengers, improving logistics efficiency and boosting regional development. The plan is also expected to enhance access to markets, healthcare, education and employment opportunities across the state.

The expressway network will focus on linking major growth hubs while integrating with national highways and existing transport infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity.

Government authorities believe the project will play a crucial role in accelerating Assam’s economic growth by improving mobility, attracting investment and strengthening supply chain networks.

The high-speed corridors are also expected to support tourism development by making remote and scenic regions more accessible to travellers.

Further planning and phased implementation details are expected to be rolled out as part of the state’s long-term infrastructure development roadmap.

Bhubaneswar/Balangir, June 24 (UDN): In a landmark achievement for India’s agricultural and processed food export sector, Odisha has successfully exported the country’s first-ever consignment of dried whole egg powder to Austria, marking a significant breakthrough in India’s efforts to expand value-added food exports to premium global markets.

 Representational image

The maiden shipment, comprising 22.6 metric tonnes of dried whole egg powder, was exported by Balangir-based OVO Farm Pvt. Ltd. with facilitation and support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The export assumes added significance as it marks the entry of an Odisha-based food processing enterprise into the highly regulated European market, known for its stringent food safety and quality standards. Industry experts believe the development will pave the way for greater participation of Indian egg processors in high-value international markets.

To cater to export demand, OVO Farm established a state-of-the-art egg processing facility in Balangir in 2025. The unit manufactures dehydrated egg products in compliance with Export Inspection Council (EIC) norms, European Union hygiene regulations and internationally accepted food safety standards.

The facility is certified under the globally recognised FSSC 22000 Version 6 food safety management system and also possesses HALAL and KOSHER certifications, enabling it to access diverse international markets.

Dried whole egg powder is widely used in bakery, confectionery, ready-to-eat foods, pasta, sauces, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical products due to its long shelf life, ease of transportation and high nutritional value.

The consignment was virtually flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev in the presence of senior officials from the Odisha government, representatives of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Balangir district administration and industry stakeholders.

Officials said APEDA has extended support to the exporter through various financial assistance and export promotion schemes aimed at strengthening food processing infrastructure, quality management systems and export readiness.

The successful export is expected to boost Odisha’s agro-processing ecosystem, create new opportunities for poultry farmers and allied industries, and attract further investments in food processing infrastructure across the state.

Industry stakeholders view the development as a major step towards enhancing farmers’ incomes through value addition and strengthening India’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality processed food products in global markets.

With increasing international demand for processed egg products, the achievement is being hailed as Odisha’s “Golden Egg” moment, reinforcing the state’s emergence as a promising hub for value-added poultry exports.

Bhubaneswar, June 24 (UDN): Revenue and Disaster Management Department Additional Chief Secretary Aravind Kumar Padhi on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the proposed fourth railway line project between Haridaspur in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the importance of timely implementation of the strategically significant rail corridor.

During the review meeting, Padhee assessed the status of land acquisition, inter-departmental coordination, and other preparatory activities related to the ambitious infrastructure project. He directed officials to expedite pending processes and ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders for the early execution of the project.

The proposed fourth railway line is expected to substantially enhance rail connectivity and freight handling capacity along the busy east coast corridor, which serves as a vital transportation link for industries, ports, and mineral-rich regions of Odisha and neighbouring states.

Officials informed the meeting that the project is aimed at easing congestion on the existing rail network, improving operational efficiency, and facilitating faster movement of both passenger and freight trains.

Padhee stressed the need for close coordination between district administrations, the Railways, and other concerned departments to address land acquisition and rehabilitation-related issues in a timely manner.

Senior officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, district administrations, and representatives of the Railways participated in the review meeting and discussed measures to expedite project implementation.

The proposed rail corridor is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth in eastern India.

Bhopal/New Delhi, June 24: The Burhanpur Kela (banana) has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone for the farmers of Burhanpur district in Madhya Pradesh and strengthening the identity of one of India’s key banana-producing regions.

The application for the GI tag was filed in January 2024 by Khaknar Krushi Vikas Farmer Producer Company Limited. Burhanpur is known for its high banana yield and is the only district in Madhya Pradesh with a dedicated banana mandi, making it a major hub for banana cultivation in the state.

The region is home to thousands of orchards, with bananas supplied across India and exported to international markets, particularly in North India and Gulf countries, where demand continues to grow steadily.

Officials said the GI recognition will give Burhanpur bananas a distinct identity in domestic and global markets, helping improve brand value, protect against imitation products and ensure better price realisation for farmers. It is also expected to open new export opportunities and strengthen the region’s agricultural economy.

The recognition has brought significant relief and pride to more than 18,000 banana farmers in the district, who have contributed to building the crop’s strong reputation over the years. At present, around 18,640 farmers are engaged in banana cultivation across approximately 26,120 hectares, producing nearly 18.28 lakh metric tonnes annually.

The development is also expected to encourage growth in agri-based industries and food processing units in the region, generating new employment opportunities for local communities.

Burhanpur already has a growing banana processing ecosystem, with over 55 units established under the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Industry Development Scheme. These units produce a range of value-added products from bananas, further strengthening the supply chain and boosting rural entrepreneurship.

With the GI tag, Burhanpur banana is poised for wider recognition, stronger market positioning and improved economic prospects for farmers in the region.

Mumbai, June 24: Life Insurance Corporation of India (Life Insurance Corporation of India) has fixed June 25 (Thursday) as the record date for its final dividend of ₹10 per share, making today the final trading session for investors looking to qualify for the payout.

The record date determines which shareholders are eligible to receive the dividend. Only those whose names appear in the company’s demat records as of June 25 will be entitled to the declared payout.

Under the SEBI T+1 settlement mechanism, shares purchased must be credited to an investor’s demat account before the record date. This effectively means investors need to buy LIC shares at least one trading day prior to the record date to ensure eligibility for the dividend.

The announcement has placed LIC shares in focus, as market participants typically see increased interest in dividend-paying large-cap companies around record dates.

Dividend declarations by major public sector insurers like LIC are closely tracked by investors seeking steady income opportunities, especially in volatile market conditions.

Investors are advised to carefully consider settlement timelines and trading cut-offs to ensure they do not miss eligibility for corporate benefits.

The ₹10 per share final dividend reflects LIC’s continued commitment to rewarding shareholders, even as it navigates evolving market and regulatory conditions.

Bhubaneswar, June 24 (UDN): In a major step towards accelerating Odisha’s clean energy transition, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) and Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) signed a Joint Venture Agreement on Tuesday to jointly develop 1000 MW of renewable energy projects across the state.

The signing ceremony, held in Bhubaneswar, was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who described the partnership as a milestone in strengthening Odisha’s renewable energy ecosystem and achieving its clean energy targets.

The proposed Joint Venture Company (JVC) will focus on a diversified renewable energy portfolio, including 250 MW of wind power projects and 225 MW of floating solar projects, along with other green energy initiatives to be implemented in phases across Odisha.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said the collaboration between NIRL and OREDA would harness Odisha’s renewable energy potential while combining technical expertise and financial strength to accelerate sustainable development. He added that the initiative would support the state’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets and position Odisha as a leading hub for green innovation in India.

The JVC will be structured with 51% equity participation from NIRL and 49% from OREDA. The Board of Directors will consist of five members, including three nominees from NIRL and two from OREDA, ensuring balanced governance and coordinated decision-making.

Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Vishal Kumar Dev stated that the initiative will significantly enhance the state’s institutional capacity to execute large-scale renewable energy projects and support Odisha’s long-term sustainability goals.

Senior officials including Prasanna Kumar Acharya and Devendra Pratap Singh, along with representatives from the Energy Department, OREDA, and NIRL, attended the event.

Officials said the partnership marks a crucial step in Odisha’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more energy-secure future.

Guwahati, June 24: Assam has been placed on high alert after flash floods in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh raised concerns over possible downstream flooding in vulnerable riverine areas.

The alert has been issued as rising water levels in key river systems flowing from Arunachal Pradesh are being closely monitored by disaster management authorities in Assam. Officials said precautionary measures have been activated in low-lying and flood-prone districts.

District administrations have been instructed to stay prepared for emergency response, including evacuation planning, deployment of relief teams and continuous monitoring of river water levels.

Authorities are coordinating with upstream monitoring agencies to track rainfall patterns and inflow levels from catchment areas in Arunachal Pradesh, where intense rainfall has triggered flash flooding in several regions.

Residents in vulnerable zones have been advised to remain alert and follow official advisories, particularly in areas historically prone to seasonal flooding.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority said it is maintaining round-the-clock surveillance and is prepared to respond swiftly if water levels rise further in major rivers.

Officials added that early warning systems and inter-state coordination are crucial in managing flood risks in the Brahmaputra basin during the monsoon season.

Bhubaneswar, June 24 (UDN): In a key ritual prelude to the annual Rath Yatra celebrations, the Basunga Pata has been dispatched to the sacred premises of Shree Jagannath Temple (Shrimandir) in Puri on Tuesday, temple officials said.

The ceremonial cloth, considered an important component of the traditional rituals associated with the Rath Yatra preparations, was sent following established religious procedures under the supervision of temple servitors and officials.

According to sources, the dispatch of Basunga Pata marks the continuation of preparatory rites ahead of the grand chariot festival, during which Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, will be worshipped in accordance with centuries-old traditions.

Servitors ensured that all customary rituals were performed before the transfer of the sacred cloth, maintaining the sanctity and religious significance of the process.

Temple authorities stated that all preparatory arrangements for Rath Yatra are progressing in a structured manner, with various rituals being conducted as per the prescribed schedule.

Further ritual activities are expected to continue in the coming days as part of the elaborate preparations for one of Odisha’s most significant annual festivals.