Category: News

Rome, June 24: Europe is grappling with an intense and prolonged heatwave that has pushed several countries into emergency response mode, with the World Health Organization (WHO) describing the situation as a “health emergency”.

Italy has issued red heat alerts across 16 cities, reflecting extreme temperature conditions expected to continue in the coming days. Authorities have warned of significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups including the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses.

France recorded its hottest day since measurements began in 1947, with extreme temperatures straining public services. In response, major tourist landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum temporarily adjusted operating hours to ensure public safety.

Spain continues to face severe heat conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 44°C in parts of Andalusia. Weather agencies have issued high-level alerts across multiple regions as extreme heat persists.

In the United Kingdom, rare red warnings have been issued for parts of central and southern England, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C. Several schools have suspended activities due to safety concerns.

The WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, warned that heat is now a major public health crisis, noting rising temperatures are placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems across the region. He highlighted that Europe is the fastest-warming region globally and that heat-related deaths have significantly increased in recent years.

He also stressed that many heat-related deaths can be prevented through timely warnings, improved urban planning, better access to water and shade, and stronger preparedness of health systems during extreme weather events.

Meteorological agencies across Europe have warned that the current heatwave is being intensified by persistent high-pressure systems, with conditions expected to remain extreme in the near term.

Authorities continue to urge citizens to take precautions as the continent faces one of the most severe early-summer heat events in recent years.

New Delhi, June 24: Hockey India has announced the junior women’s national squad for an upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, aimed at providing valuable international exposure and strengthening the country’s long-term player development pipeline.

The selected squad comprises a blend of promising young players who have impressed in recent domestic tournaments and national coaching camps. The selection reflects the focus on identifying talent capable of transitioning to higher levels of international competition.

The UK tour is designed as a key developmental assignment, giving players the opportunity to experience different playing styles, faster game tempo and more physically demanding match conditions commonly seen in European hockey.

Team officials said the tour will also serve as an important assessment platform for the coaching staff, helping evaluate player performance, adaptability and decision-making under pressure. It is expected to play a crucial role in shaping future selections for senior national duties.

During the tour, the junior women’s team will play a series of practice and competitive matches against local clubs and representative sides in the UK. These fixtures are intended to improve tactical discipline, teamwork and on-field coordination.

The exposure trip is part of Hockey India’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots development and build a strong talent pipeline for future international competitions, including major global tournaments.

The team is scheduled to depart in the coming days, with preparations focused on fitness, skill refinement and match readiness ahead of the overseas challenge.

Puri, June 24 (UDN): In a major development in the hotel owner murder case, the prime accused sustained injuries during a police encounter in Puri on Wednesday morning, officials said.

The accused, identified as Chandan Palar, was allegedly involved in the killing of a hotel owner in the coastal town. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a team of Baliapanda Police launched an operation to trace and apprehend him.

According to police sources, during the operation, the accused allegedly attempted to escape custody, prompting police to open fire in self-defence. In the incident, a bullet reportedly struck his left leg, leaving him injured. He was immediately overpowered by the police team and taken into custody.

The injured accused was rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital for medical treatment under tight security.

Police have intensified investigation into the murder case and are probing the motive behind the crime as well as possible involvement of other individuals.

Senior police officials visited the spot and reviewed the situation, while security has been tightened in the area to maintain law and order.

Further investigation is underway, and more details are awaited.

Bhubaneswar, June 24 (UDN): Odisha has once again earned national acclaim as three eminent personalities from the state were conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award by President Droupadi Murmu at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The awardees—Santali litterateur and educationist Charan Hembram, veteran Prahallad Natak exponent Simanchal Patra, and master Bandha weaver Sarat Kumar Patra—have been recognised for their extraordinary contributions in the fields of literature, education, folk arts and traditional craftsmanship.

Charan Hembram, hailing from Mayurbhanj district, has dedicated over three decades to the preservation and promotion of the Santali language, literature and culture. A passionate advocate of indigenous knowledge systems, Hembram has played a pivotal role in strengthening Ol Chiki education and establishing institutions devoted to the advancement of Santali language and heritage. His efforts have significantly contributed to safeguarding tribal traditions and empowering future generations.

Ninety-eight-year-old Simanchal Patra of Ganjam district, fondly regarded as the “Vishma Pitamaha” of Prahallad Natak, was honoured for his lifelong commitment to Odisha’s traditional folk theatre. Through his relentless efforts, the centuries-old art form, known for its rich musical traditions encompassing 35 ragas and nearly 300 compositions, continues to thrive. His unparalleled dedication to preserving the cultural legacy of Prahallad Natak has earned him admiration across the country.

Master craftsman Sarat Kumar Patra from Tigiria in Cuttack district received the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to the traditional Bandha weaving tradition. Widely acclaimed for weaving verses from the sacred Geeta Govinda onto handwoven textiles, Patra achieved a remarkable milestone by creating a 52-metre-long Bandha saree inscribed with the revered text. The intricate masterpiece, completed after nearly seven years of painstaking effort, stands as a testament to Odisha’s rich handloom heritage.

The conferment of the Padma Shri on these distinguished personalities is a matter of immense pride for Odisha. Their lifelong dedication and outstanding achievements have not only preserved the state’s rich cultural and literary traditions but have also elevated Odisha’s stature on the national stage.

Their recognition serves as an inspiration for future generations to uphold and promote the state’s diverse and vibrant heritage.

Hyderabad, June 23: The Telangana government has achieved a record paddy procurement of around 80 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) this season and has sought an upward revision of the procurement target along with an extension of the Custom Milled Rice (CMR) delivery timeline.

Officials said the large-scale procurement reflects strong farmer participation and effective implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations across the state. The extensive procurement network helped ensure that farmers were able to sell their produce without distress.

Following the record procurement, the state government has requested the Centre to revise procurement targets in line with higher output levels and extend CMR delivery deadlines, citing logistical challenges and storage constraints arising from the unprecedented volume of grain procured.

The government also highlighted the need for additional support in storage infrastructure and movement of stocks to ensure smooth processing and timely delivery of rice.

Officials stated that the request is aimed at safeguarding farmers’ interests, preventing storage bottlenecks, and ensuring efficient handling of procured paddy without disruption.

The development reflects Telangana’s continued efforts to strengthen its procurement system while managing the challenges of record agricultural output during the current season.

New Delhi, June 23: In a significant move aimed at shaping the future of transportation in the country, India is set to establish its first dedicated research centre for transportation and mobility economics.

The upcoming centre will focus on understanding how people and goods move across cities and regions, helping policymakers develop smarter, more efficient, and sustainable transportation systems. As India continues to invest heavily in highways, railways, metro networks, airports, and logistics infrastructure, the need for specialised research in mobility planning has become increasingly important.

The institution will bring together experts, researchers, and policymakers to study key issues such as urban mobility, traffic management, logistics efficiency, public transport systems, and the economic impact of transportation projects. It is also expected to examine emerging trends, including electric mobility, digital transport solutions, and sustainable travel practices.

Officials believe the centre will play a crucial role in supporting evidence-based policymaking and long-term infrastructure planning. By generating data-driven insights, it will help governments and industry stakeholders make informed decisions that improve connectivity, reduce travel challenges, and enhance economic productivity.

The initiative reflects India’s growing focus on creating a modern, future-ready transportation ecosystem that can meet the needs of a rapidly urbanising and expanding economy.

The establishment of the research centre marks an important milestone in the country’s efforts to build smarter mobility solutions and strengthen transport planning for the decades ahead.

New Delhi, June 23: The Delhi government has announced that residents living in slum clusters established before January 1 of last year will be eligible for rehabilitation, marking a significant step towards improving housing security and living conditions for thousands of families in the national capital.

Under the proposed initiative, eligible residents will be rehabilitated through planned housing measures aimed at providing safer and more dignified living environments. The move is expected to benefit families residing in informal settlements while supporting the city’s broader urban development objectives.

Officials stated that the policy seeks to balance infrastructure development with the welfare of vulnerable communities by ensuring that eligible residents are not left without shelter during redevelopment and relocation efforts.

The rehabilitation programme is expected to include verification of eligibility, identification of beneficiaries, and the implementation of housing solutions in accordance with government guidelines. Authorities emphasized that the initiative is focused on improving quality of life and providing long-term housing stability for affected residents.

The announcement has been welcomed as a step towards inclusive urban development, recognising the housing needs of economically weaker sections while facilitating planned growth across the city.

The Delhi government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that redevelopment projects are carried out with adequate safeguards for residents and with a focus on sustainable and people-centric urban planning.

New Delhi, June 23: The bullet train project has announced 224 job openings across engineering, operations, and information technology sectors, offering new employment opportunities in India’s high-speed rail development initiative.

The recruitment drive is aimed at strengthening the technical and operational workforce required for the ongoing execution and future functioning of the project. Officials said the hiring will support various stages, including construction support, system operations, maintenance, and digital infrastructure management.

The positions cover a range of specialised roles in engineering and project execution, as well as operational management and IT-based support systems, reflecting the increasing integration of technology in modern rail infrastructure.

Authorities noted that the initiative is expected to attract skilled professionals from across the country and contribute to capacity building in high-end infrastructure development.

The recruitment forms part of broader efforts to ensure timely progress of the bullet train project while maintaining efficiency and technical standards.

Overall, the move highlights the project’s role not only in advancing transportation infrastructure but also in generating employment opportunities in skilled sectors.