Category: News

The roadmap covers every layer of the Algorand protocol, from user wallets and developer tooling to consensus mechanisms, with milestones beginning in Q3 2026 and deployment progressing through the end of 2027

DOVER, DELAWARE,  JUNE 19: The Algorand Foundation today announced a comprehensive post-quantum security roadmap, committing to advance broad quantum resilience by the end of 2027, well before NIST deprecates legacy RSA key sizes, and three years ahead of the NSA’s target for national security systems. Every layer of the protocol is included in the roadmap, from user wallets and developer tooling to consensus mechanisms.

Beginning Q3 2026, Algorand will introduce native post-quantum accounts for existing users or developers. Post-quantum account creation will be available directly within the Pera wallet, and all SDKs will be updated accordingly. Later this year, the Foundation will introduce post-quantum multi-signatures and begin migrating its own treasury to post-quantum accounts. Stakers will additionally be able to stake from post-quantum accounts. The roadmap comes four years after Algorand began post-quantum preparations with the deployment of State Proofs signed with the Falcon signature scheme in 2022.

“Post-quantum security cannot be retrofitted after Q-Day,” said Bruno Martins, Chief Technology Officer, Algorand Foundation. “Every institution tokenizing or staking, every developer building, and every user transacting on Algorand needs to know their assets will remain secure should the quantum threat materialize. This roadmap gives them that assurance, starting with concrete deployments in 2026.”

The roadmap addresses the deeper cryptographic layers of the protocol, including post-quantum consensus, a post-quantum Verifiable Random Function (VRF), an active research area in cryptography that Algorand is helping to advance from peer-reviewed research toward production deployment. Algorand is also committing to cryptographic agility and a hybrid approach to post-quantum preparations. Cryptographic agility will enable Algorand to be easily integrated by systems that support multiple signature schemes. A hybrid approach enables accounts to be secured by any combination of keys, providing a robust defense against both classical and post-quantum security risks.

“Migrating a live protocol takes years, and the probability of a quantum attack on legacy cryptography grows meaningfully as the end of this decade approaches,” said Chris Peikert, Chief Scientific Officer, Algorand Foundation. “Algorand’s roadmap deploys advanced, peer-reviewed post-quantum cryptography across every layer of a live production protocol, including the consensus mechanism, at an unprecedented scale.”

The quantum roadmap is being released as Algorand celebrates its seventh anniversary and seven years without downtime. Algorand is building toward broad quantum resilience before the end of next year. Further announcements on individual milestones will be made as development progresses.

New Delhi, June 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is increasingly being viewed globally as a rising growth engine, with international engagement, investor confidence, and strategic partnerships witnessing steady expansion across sectors.

He noted that the world is looking at India with renewed optimism and trust, supported by the country’s strong economic fundamentals, consistent policy direction, and expanding opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, digital innovation, and services.

The Prime Minister highlighted that rising foreign investment inflows and deeper global collaborations reflect India’s strengthening position in global supply chains and its growing role in emerging technologies and innovation ecosystems.

He added that India’s development journey is now closely integrated with global economic progress, with increasing participation from international partners in areas such as trade, clean energy, technology, and sustainable development.

According to the Prime Minister, this growing global interest demonstrates that India is not only a major market but also a key driver of future economic growth and innovation worldwide.

Baripada, June 19(UDN): The discovery of fossilised shark teeth, molluscan shells and other marine remains in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has strengthened scientific evidence that present-day Baripada was once covered by a shallow sea millions of years ago.

Researchers have identified a rich assemblage of marine fossils at a site locally known as Asurahada, scientifically referred to as the Baripada Fossil Bed, situated in the foothill region near Baripada. The fossils are estimated to be between 12.6 million and 8.3 million years old, dating back to the Miocene epoch.

The findings were documented by Dr Debabrata Nandi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Remote Sensing and GIS at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University.

According to Dr Nandi, the fossil-bearing sediments indicate that the region once formed part of a coastal marine basin that supported diverse aquatic life.

“The fossils provide compelling evidence that this area was submerged under a shallow marine environment during the Miocene period, a time marked by major climatic changes, continental shifts and global cooling,” he said.

Among the most significant discoveries are fossilised shark teeth from extinct marine species and a wide variety of well-preserved molluscan shells. Scientists say these remains are helping reconstruct ancient ocean ecosystems and understand long-term changes in climate, sea levels and marine biodiversity.

The discovery has also opened new questions about the geological history of the region, particularly how the coastline gradually retreated to its present position.

“The sea appears to have receded nearly 60 kilometres from present-day Baripada. Understanding whether this happened due to climate change, tectonic activity or other geological processes requires further investigation,” Dr Nandi said.

Researchers believe the Baripada Fossil Bed could become an important geological archive for studying India’s palaeogeographic evolution and evidence of marine transgression in eastern India. The site may also help establish links with similar fossil-bearing formations found elsewhere in the country.

Dr Nandi noted that remote sensing, GIS-based mapping and advanced geospatial analysis played a crucial role in locating and documenting the fossil horizon. By combining field investigations with spatial technology, researchers were able to map fossil distribution and geological features with greater precision.

The discovery has generated significant interest among geologists, palaeontologists and academic institutions, who view it as an important contribution to understanding Odisha’s ancient marine history and the changing geography of eastern India.

New Delhi, June 19: India’s office real estate investment trust (REIT) market is expected to witness strong expansion, with penetration projected to rise to nearly 30 per cent by 2030, according to a recent industry report.

The growth outlook is being supported by rising demand for Grade-A office spaces, increasing institutional participation, and a continued shift towards transparent and regulated investment structures in commercial real estate.

The report highlights that India’s office real estate sector is benefiting from sustained expansion in key growth segments such as IT services, global capability centres (GCCs), financial services, and emerging startups. This steady demand for modern workspaces is expected to remain a key driver for REIT growth over the coming years.

It further notes that REITs are helping formalise the commercial real estate market by improving transparency, enhancing liquidity, and enabling wider investor participation. The structure also allows investors access to stable rental income and professionally managed real estate assets.

Industry experts believe that the projected increase in REIT penetration reflects growing investor confidence and the strengthening of India’s commercial property ecosystem. Improved regulatory clarity and institutional-grade asset availability are also contributing to this positive outlook.

With continued urbanisation and corporate expansion, India’s office REIT segment is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s real estate investment landscape.

The report concludes that India’s office REIT market remains well-positioned for sustained long-term growth, aligning with global standards of real estate investment.

Jaipur, June 19: A fresh western disturbance is set to influence weather conditions across Rajasthan over the next few days, bringing increased cloud cover, thunderstorms, and chances of light to moderate rainfall in several parts of the state.

Meteorological assessments indicate a shift from prevailing hot and dry conditions to a more unstable weather pattern. The system is expected to affect both eastern and western regions, leading to fluctuating temperatures and localized weather activity.

Some areas may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, while isolated pockets could also witness dust storms due to dry surface conditions in western districts. The intensity and distribution of rainfall are likely to vary across regions.

The incoming weather system is expected to provide partial relief from heat conditions in several districts, with daytime temperatures likely to remain comparatively moderate due to increased cloud cover.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity, avoid open areas during lightning, and secure loose objects in view of strong winds. Farmers have also been urged to take precautions to protect crops and stored produce.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the system and will issue updated forecasts as conditions evolve.

Overall, Rajasthan is expected to remain under active weather influence over the coming days, with intermittent spells of rain, wind, and cloud development.

June 19: India produced a spirited performance but fell short against Germany in a closely contested FIH Pro League encounter, despite showing resilience and creating several key scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Both teams started on an aggressive note, with Germany managing to take control in crucial phases of the game. India responded with determined attacking play and solid defensive efforts, keeping the contest competitive until the final stages.

India’s forwards tested the German defence on multiple occasions, while the midfield worked hard to maintain possession and build attacking transitions. However, Germany’s clinical finishing and structured gameplay gave them the edge in the decisive moments of the match.

Despite the result, India’s performance was marked by fighting spirit and tactical discipline, with several positives to take forward in their ongoing Pro League campaign. The team will look to build on this performance as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Coaching staff emphasized the importance of converting opportunities and maintaining consistency against top-ranked opponents, noting that such high-intensity matches are crucial for long-term development and preparation.

The encounter adds valuable experience for India as they continue their campaign in the FIH Pro League, with focus now shifting to upcoming matches.

New York, June 19: The United Nations marked International Yoga Day with a global gathering that brought together diplomats, delegates, and wellness practitioners from several countries to highlight the growing global embrace of yoga as a holistic practice for health and well-being.

The event featured guided yoga sessions and demonstrations showcasing traditional practices aimed at improving physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Participants underscored yoga’s relevance in promoting healthier lifestyles and managing stress in today’s fast-paced world.

Speakers at the celebration emphasized that yoga has evolved beyond a traditional discipline into a global wellness movement, widely adopted across cultures as part of preventive healthcare and daily well-being routines.

The programme also highlighted yoga’s role in fostering mindfulness, inner harmony, and a sense of collective well-being. Delegates noted that its universal appeal continues to bridge cultural differences and encourage shared approaches to health and wellness.

The observance at the UN reinforced the importance of international cooperation in promoting holistic health practices and sustainable well-being initiatives, reflecting yoga’s enduring contribution to global peace and harmony.

New Delhi, June 19: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed a set of ongoing measures aimed at strengthening the cooperative banking sector and enhancing India’s export competitiveness.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/AmitShah

The review focused on improving the financial stability, governance, and operational efficiency of cooperative banks, which play a key role in providing credit support at the grassroots level, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. Discussions also highlighted the need to deepen financial inclusion and expand the reach of cooperative institutions.

Alongside this, the meeting assessed strategies to boost exports by improving global competitiveness, supporting diversification of export products, and ensuring better institutional coordination for trade promotion. Emphasis was placed on enabling stronger linkages between financial institutions and export-oriented industries.

Officials noted that modernising the cooperative sector is essential to strengthening rural credit systems and supporting economic activity at the grassroots level. The Minister underlined the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability within cooperative banking institutions.

The review forms part of the government’s broader effort to reinforce the cooperative sector as a pillar of inclusive growth while simultaneously advancing India’s export-led economic expansion.

Kolkata, June 19: In a passenger-friendly move, Kolkata Metro Railway will commence services from 4:00 a.m. on June 21 to facilitate commuters on the occasion of International Yoga Day and the NEET-UG examination.

The early start has been planned to ensure smooth and timely travel for students appearing for the national medical entrance examination, as well as participants attending Yoga Day events across the city. Officials said the decision aims to reduce travel stress and provide convenient connectivity during peak early morning hours.

Metro authorities have advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and make use of the additional services being introduced for the day. Security and operational arrangements will be strengthened to manage the expected rise in early morning footfall.

The special schedule reflects Kolkata Metro’s continued focus on passenger convenience, particularly during important national events and examinations, ensuring reliable and efficient urban transport for the city’s commuters.

Guwahati, June 19: Assam is making significant strides in strengthening its power infrastructure and is steadily progressing towards becoming an energy-surplus state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Underscoring the government’s commitment to building a robust and reliable energy ecosystem, the Chief Minister highlighted ongoing investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution networks across the state. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, meeting rising energy demand, and supporting Assam’s long-term economic growth.

Sarma noted that a stronger power sector is essential for attracting investments, promoting industrial development, and improving the quality of life for citizens. The state government has prioritized the modernization of energy infrastructure, expansion of grid connectivity, and enhancement of operational efficiency to deliver reliable power to both urban and rural communities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Assam’s energy transformation is not only about meeting current demand but also about creating the capacity required for future growth. With several infrastructure projects underway, the state is laying the foundation for a self-reliant and sustainable power sector capable of supporting expanding industries, businesses, and households.

As Assam advances towards achieving energy-surplus status, the strengthened power network is expected to boost economic activity, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the state’s competitiveness as a preferred investment destination in Northeast India.

The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development reflects its broader vision of driving inclusive growth and ensuring that reliable energy remains a catalyst for Assam’s development journey.