Category: News

 

Chennai, June 15, 2026: Author Dr. Sangeeta Baid today launched her book Read, Reflect & Rise at a well-attended event held at the Ballroom, Taj Connemara, Chennai. The evening brought together family members, friends, professionals, readers, distinguished guests, and members of the media to celebrate the launch of a book focused on personal growth, self-awareness, and purposeful living.

The book was formally unveiled by the Chief Guests, Sri Daman Prakash Ji Rathore and Dr. Saranya Jaikumar, who congratulated Dr. Sangeeta Baid on her literary contribution and appreciated the book’s focus on self-reflection, personal development, and value-based living.

The event featured the ceremonial unveiling of the book followed by an engaging session that celebrated the author’s journey and accomplishments. One of the highlights of the evening was a special audience interaction segment moderated by the event anchor. Through a series of questions, family members, friends, and well-wishers of Dr. Sangeeta Baid shared personal anecdotes and insights about her journey, values, and dedication. Their heartfelt responses received warm appreciation and applause from the audience, offering a deeper glimpse into the person behind the author.

Unlike conventional self-help books, Read, Reflect & Rise combines inspiring stories with reflection exercises, journal prompts, quizzes, and practical challenges, encouraging readers to actively engage with the lessons and apply them in their daily lives. The book explores key values including belief, balance, bravery, compassion, communication, confidence, commitment, and personal responsibility.

Guests appreciated the book’s practical approach and its ability to connect timeless life lessons with contemporary challenges. Many described it as a guide for individuals seeking greater clarity, resilience, and purpose in both their personal and professional lives.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sangeeta Baid said, “This book is an invitation to pause, reflect on our experiences, learn from them, and rise stronger. True transformation begins when we become willing to look within.”

The evening concluded with a networking dinner and book-signing session, where guests interacted with the author, shared their feedback, and congratulated her on the successful launch.

Read, Reflect & Rise is now available for purchase on Amazon. Readers can order their copy at:

https://www.amazon.in/READ-REFLECT-RISE/dp/9369107630

About the Author

Dr. Sangeeta Baid is an author, speaker, and advocate of personal growth and conscious living. Through her work, she seeks to inspire individuals to embrace self-awareness, cultivate positive values, and lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

About the Book

Read, Reflect & Rise is a transformational book designed to help readers develop self-awareness and positive life values through stories, reflective exercises, and actionable insights. It aims to inspire meaningful personal growth by encouraging readers to read with intention, reflect with honesty, and rise with confidence.

 

Gurugram, June 15: Stupa Sports, the leading global AI-powered sports technology and analytics firm, today announced that its cutting-edge Advanced Decision Review System (ADRS) is all set to power the upcoming Rugby Premier League (RPL) Season 2, scheduled to take place from June 16 to June 28, 2026, at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The tournament will bring together the country’s top rugby talent in a fast-paced, high-intensity format.

As part of this collaboration, Stupa will deploy its advanced, operator-led video review capabilities to support match officials and medical teams throughout the tournament. The system integrates multi-angle camera feeds with frame-by-frame playback, slow-motion analysis, and zoom functionalities (as available in broadcast feeds), enabling faster, more accurate on-field decision-making. Additionally, Stupa’s real-time clipping and replay technology will ensure that key incidents are reviewed instantly, with decisive clips delivered within a turnaround time of two minutes.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for Stupa Sports as it expands beyond its stronghold in racquet sports such as table tennis and badminton into the dynamic world of rugby. Known for delivering federation-certified tracking and analytics solutions in high-speed racquet sports, Stupa’s entry into a full-contact team sport like rugby underscores the scalability and adaptability of its AI-driven sports technology platform.

Megha Gambhir, CEO and Co-Founder of Stupa Sports, commemorating the partnership, said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Rugby Premier League for Season 2. It represents an exciting step forward for us. Rugby is a fast, high-impact sport where decision accuracy and response time are critical, not just for fairness, but also for player safety. Our advanced DRS capabilities are designed to empower referees and medical teams with precise, real-time visual evidence. Expanding into rugby reflects our broader vision of building a multi-sport technology platform that can enhance officiating standards across diverse sporting ecosystems.”

Sourojit Ghosh, General Manager – HP & T&E, Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), expressed his thoughts with “At Rugby India, player welfare and match integrity remain at the heart of everything we do. In line with World Rugby’s player welfare and match official standards, our partnership with Stupa strengthens our ability to make accurate, timely, and evidence-based decisions during matches. Their advanced video review capabilities provide valuable support to referees and medical teams, particularly in critical areas such as foul play review and head injury assessment protocols. By integrating this technology into our competitions, we are reinforcing our commitment to safer rugby, consistent officiating, and the highest standards of player welfare across the game.”

With this deployment at the Rugby 7s tournament in Hyderabad, Stupa continues to demonstrate the versatility of its technology across sporting formats. From precision tracking in racquet sports to real-time video-assisted review systems in contact team sports, the company is steadily building a comprehensive sports intelligence ecosystem designed to serve leagues, federations, and emerging tournaments globally.

The partnership further consolidates Stupa Sports’ expanding footprint within the sports ecosystem. Much like its recent landmark milestones – including the BWF certification of its AI-powered Instant Review System for all sanctioned badminton tournaments, its role as Data and Technology Partner for the Pickleball Champions League Asia Finals, the deployment of Stupa Cast for the Generali Hexagon Cup Padel tournament, and its provision of AI analytics for Major League Table Tennis and the Prime Volleyball League, along with its growing footprint in Oceania through agreements with Table Tennis Australia – this partnership reinforces Stupa’s position as an Indian firm leading technology innovation across multiple sports and federations globally.

 As the first monsoon showers touch the parched land of Odisha, the state comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Raja Parba 2026, a unique four-day festival that blends ecological awareness, cultural tradition, and social joy. Unlike many festivals centered on deities, Raja Parba stands apart as a deeply symbolic celebration of Mother Earth and womanhood.

The word Raja comes from Rajaswala, meaning a menstruating woman. In Odia tradition, it is believed that Bhudevi (Mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual cycle during this period, resting and rejuvenating before the agricultural season begins. The festival therefore becomes a time of respect, rest, and renewal for nature.

Earth in Rest: The Core Philosophy

During Raja Parba, Odisha symbolically halts agricultural activity to honor the Earth’s resting phase. Farmers avoid ploughing fields, cutting trees, or disturbing the soil. People treat the ground with care, reflecting a deep environmental ethic rooted in tradition.

Household routines also change significantly. Women and young girls are traditionally exempted from daily labor, especially cooking and heavy chores, marking a rare social pause that celebrates womanhood and rest.

The Four Days of Raja Parba 2026

The festival in 2026 continues to follow its structured four-day cycle:

1. Sajabaja (June 13) – The Preparation Day

The day before the festival is dedicated to preparation. Homes are cleaned, ingredients are stored, clothes are arranged, and all heavy work is completed in advance so that the coming days remain free of labor.

2. Pahili Raja (June 14) – The First Day

The festival officially begins. Girls wear new traditional attire, apply alata (red dye) to their feet, and gather for swings tied to mango and banyan trees. The atmosphere fills with Raja Geeta folk songs and community bonding.

3. Raja Sankranti (June 15) – The Main Celebration

Also known as Mithuna Sankranti, this is the peak day of festivities. Families prepare elaborate feasts, community gatherings are held, and traditional games and cultural performances take place across villages and towns.

4. Basi Raja / Basumati Snana (June 16) – The Closing Ritual

The final day marks the ritualistic conclusion of the festival. The Sila (household grinding stone symbolizing Mother Earth) is bathed with turmeric, decorated with flowers and fruits, and worshipped, signifying the Earth’s rejuvenation and readiness for cultivation.

Swings, Songs, and Culinary Heritage

The most iconic image of Raja Parba remains the decorated swings (doli) suspended from banyan and mango trees become centers of joy, where young women swing high while singing traditional Raja Geeta folk songs.

Food is central to the celebration. The festival is synonymous with rich traditional delicacies like poda pitha, slow-cooked overnight in a clay oven, along with arisa pitha, manda pitha, and chakuli. These dishes reflect Odisha’s deep culinary heritage.

Another cherished tradition is the Raja Paan, a festive betel leaf preparation filled with sweet spices, coconut, and cherries, widely sold in markets and stalls during the festival.

Raja Parba 2026 Meets Modern Odisha: Trade Fairs and Economic Energy

In 2026, Raja Parba is not only a cultural celebration but also an economic driver in urban Odisha. In Janata Maidan Exhibition Ground, a large Raja-themed trade fair has been organized, bringing together artisans, entrepreneurs, and self-help groups from across the state.

Similarly, exhibitions and commercial stalls at the IDCO Exhibition Ground Trade Fair have strengthened seasonal economic activity. These platforms showcase handlooms, handicrafts, rural products, food industries, and local enterprises, generating income opportunities during the festive season.

This blending of culture and commerce has significantly boosted Odisha’s local economy, particularly benefiting small traders, artisans, and women-led self-help groups.

A Festival Rooted in Ecology and Humanity

Raja Parba 2026 is a reminder of Odisha’s unique cultural philosophy—where human life is seen in harmony with nature’s cycles. It celebrates rest for the Earth, dignity for women, and joy for communities, all while adapting to modern economic realities.

From rural swings under mango trees to bustling trade fairs in Bhubaneswar, Raja Parba continues to evolve—yet remains deeply rooted in its timeless message: the prosperity of humans is inseparable from the well-being of nature.

A new study shows that horse owners’ psychological characteristics, including their attachment styles and personality traits, are systematically linked to how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses, as well as the equipment they choose to use. The findings offer new insights into how human psychology shapes horse welfare and management.

Attachment theory, originally developed to describe emotional bonds between humans, has increasingly been applied to human–animal relationships. Attachment style describes how individuals relate to others emotionally: those with high avoidant attachment tend to distance themselves emotionally and rely less on others, while those with high anxious attachment tend to seek closeness and fear rejection or abandonment.

“We were interested in whether these psychological tendencies, which are well-studied in human relationships, would also manifest in how people interact with their horses — and indeed they do,” says lead author of the study, Postdoctoral Researcher Océane Liehrmann from the Department of Biology at the University of Turku, Finland, and the Department of Biosystem and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden.

The international research group conducted an online survey, gathering responses from 2,239 horse owners worldwide. The survey assessed their attachment styles using the Horse Attachment Questionnaire (HAQ) validated by the research group, and their personality traits using the Short Five Questionnaire. 

Owners reported how often they rode, did groundwork training, and spent quality time with their horses, as well as what type of headgear — bit, bitless, or both — they used.

More emotionally distant owners interact less with their horses

The results showed a clear pattern: owners who spent more time with their horses, whether riding, training, or simply being with them, tended to be more emotionally connected to their horses. In contrast, owners who kept more emotional distance to their horse also tended to interact with them less frequently, spending less time riding and engaging in hands-on activities.

“This mirrors what has been found in companion animal research, where people with higher avoidant attachment tend to be less attentive and less engaged in caring for their pets. Our findings suggest the same dynamic extends to horse ownership,” notes Liehrmann.

Interestingly, the type of interaction and relationship length also mattered. Owners who regularly spent informal, unstructured quality time with their horse, simply being present with them without a specific training goal, tended to show stronger emotional bonds. Owners with longer relationships with their horse showed progressively lower avoidant attachment, with those knowing their horse for over 10 years being about 15 percent less avoidant than those in relationships of under one year.

Owners’ personality also played a role in how they engaged with their horses, though differences between groups were subtle. Those who rode more frequently tended to be slightly more organised, outgoing, and emotionally stable. In contrast, owners who practised groundwork more often tended to score higher in openness to new experiences, which may reflect a greater curiosity and willingness to explore non-traditional, horse-centred training methods.

“These are not dramatic differences, but they are consistent and meaningful. Personality shapes the way people approach activities across many domains of life, and equestrian practice appears to be no exception,” Liehrmann explains.

Equipment choice linked to emotional distancing

The study also found subtle links between headgear choice and owner psychology. Owners who used bitless equipment or alternated between bit and bitless tended to score slightly lower in emotional distancing than those who rode exclusively with a bit. Owners open to using both types of headgear also tended to score higher in openness to new experiences, suggesting a greater willingness to explore different approaches to riding.

The researchers note that these are modest tendencies observed across a large group of owners, and that equipment choice is shaped by many factors, including riding discipline, training background, and the individual horse’s needs. 

Rather than pointing fingers at any particular practice, the findings suggest that reflecting on our own psychological tendencies could be a valuable step toward more conscious, horse-centred decision-making.

Implications for horse welfare and training

The researchers emphasise that even modest psychological differences may carry practical importance when they consistently influence how horses are managed and cared for over time.

“Understanding the psychological characteristics of horse owners could help tailor training programmes, improve human-horse communication, and ultimately support better horse welfare. Designing tools that give equestrians greater awareness of their own psychological tendencies could be a meaningful step in that direction,” concludes Liehrmann.

 

New Delhi: Senior officials reviewed the preparations and security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi.

The review focused on ensuring a safe, secure, and smooth pilgrimage experience for devotees undertaking the annual yatra. Officials discussed security measures, logistical arrangements, and coordination among various agencies involved in managing the pilgrimage.

A comprehensive multi-layered security grid will be deployed along the entire yatra route, with the participation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other security agencies. The enhanced security framework is aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims throughout their journey.

Authorities were directed to ensure adequate arrangements for essential services, including pilgrim registration, accommodation, healthcare facilities, transportation support, and disaster management mechanisms. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining efficient coordination among departments to provide timely assistance to pilgrims.

Officials also instructed authorities to regulate and advance pilgrim batches in accordance with prevailing weather conditions and forecasts to minimize risks and ensure smooth movement along the route.

The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra attracts thousands of devotees from across the country and is one of India’s most significant religious pilgrimages. The review meeting underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring robust security, seamless logistics, and the well-being of all pilgrims participating in this year’s yatra.

 

New Delhi: NITI Aayog on Thursday convened a high-level interaction with the Chief Ministers and representatives of the North-Eastern States to discuss key development priorities, regional challenges, and best practices for accelerating growth across the region.

Representatives from all eight North-Eastern states participated in the deliberations, which focused on strengthening cooperative federalism and fostering collaborative approaches to development. The meeting provided a platform for states to share experiences, identify common challenges, and explore innovative solutions to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

The interaction was led by Ashok Lahiri, who emphasized the importance of tailored policy interventions and coordinated efforts to unlock the immense economic and social potential of the North-East.

During the discussions, participants exchanged views on critical sectors including infrastructure development, connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism, skill development, digital transformation, and investment promotion. The states also highlighted successful initiatives and best practices that could be replicated across the region.

NITI Aayog reiterated its commitment to supporting the North-Eastern states through evidence-based policymaking, institutional collaboration, and targeted development strategies. The interaction underscored the government’s continued focus on ensuring balanced regional development and integrating the North-East more closely with India’s growth story.

The meeting is expected to contribute to a stronger framework for cooperation between the Centre and the states, enabling more effective implementation of development initiatives and improved outcomes for citizens across the region.

New Delhi: In a significant development for the Northeast, the Government of India, the Government of Assam, and the Government of Nagaland have signed a historic tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), bringing an end to a decades-long dispute and opening new opportunities for oil and gas exploration in the region.

The agreement is expected to unlock the energy potential of the Northeast by facilitating exploration and development activities in areas that were previously affected by the longstanding inter-state dispute. Officials described the MoU as a landmark step toward fostering cooperation, economic growth, and energy security.

The resolution of the issue is being viewed as a testament to India’s spirit of unity and cooperative federalism, with both Assam and Nagaland demonstrating a willingness to set aside differences in the larger national interest. The agreement is also aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of building an energy-independent India through increased domestic production of oil and natural gas.

Industry experts believe the move could attract fresh investments, generate employment opportunities, and accelerate infrastructure development across the Northeast. The agreement is also expected to strengthen regional stability and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic progress.

The tripartite MoU marks a major milestone in the Centre’s efforts to resolve long-pending issues in the Northeast while leveraging the region’s vast natural resources for national development.

Noida: Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s transportation infrastructure and commitment to sustainable mobility, the state government on Thursday flagged off 45 electric buses operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and inaugurated the Noida Electric Bus Depot.

The newly launched electric buses will operate on the Lucknow–Jewar Airport route and serve key areas including Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region in Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The initiative is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity while providing commuters with a cleaner and more environmentally friendly mode of transport.

Speaking on the occasion, officials highlighted that the “New Uttar Pradesh” of “New India” has emerged as a model for modern infrastructure development, gaining recognition not only for its world-class road network but also for rapidly improving air connectivity. The launch of the electric bus services is seen as another step toward integrating road and air transport systems in the state.

The inauguration of the Noida Electric Bus Depot is expected to support the efficient operation and maintenance of the growing electric bus fleet, reinforcing the government’s focus on sustainable urban mobility and reduced carbon emissions.

The development comes as the state continues to invest in modern transportation facilities around the upcoming Jewar Airport, positioning the region as a major connectivity and economic hub.

Residents of Gautam Buddha Nagar have welcomed the initiative, which is expected to improve public transport accessibility, reduce pollution, and provide a comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Berhampur, June 12 (UDN): Odisha marked a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey with the inauguration of the state’s first major solar power project under the Prime Minister’s KUSUM Yojana at Surakhadeipur village in Ganjam district’s Sorada block.

Representational image

Developed by young entrepreneur Kishan Kumar Rath, the solar power facility has been established over nearly seven acres of land and is equipped with extensive solar panel infrastructure. The project has a generation capacity of 2.6 megawatts and is expected to produce more than 15,000 units of electricity daily, contributing substantially to the region’s power supply.

Officials associated with the project said GRIDCO has signed an agreement to procure the electricity generated from the plant at a tariff of Rs 4.40 per unit. The power produced will be supplied to four electricity feeders in the Badagada region, helping strengthen power distribution and improve supply reliability for consumers.

The project is expected to generate daily revenue of around Rs 60,000 while supporting Odisha’s efforts to expand clean energy generation and reduce dependence on conventional power sources. Apart from meeting growing energy demands, the initiative is also expected to encourage further investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure across the state.

Sharing his journey, entrepreneur Kishan Kumar Rath said he had first applied for the PM-KUSUM project in 2020, but the proposal could not materialize at that time. When fresh opportunities emerged, he participated in the tender process and secured one of the state’s early solar power allocations. He noted that the project received a tariff of Rs 4.40 per unit, making it one of the most competitive solar ventures in the country.

The project was formally inaugurated by Southern Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) Birasen Pradhan. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan described the initiative as a landmark achievement for both Ganjam district and Odisha. He expressed hope that such renewable energy projects would help address power supply challenges in the region and accelerate the state’s transition towards sustainable development.

The commissioning of the solar plant is being viewed as a major step towards strengthening Odisha’s green energy ecosystem and advancing the state’s clean energy ambitions.

New Delhi, June 12 (UDN): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has defended India’s decision to continue importing Russian crude oil, asserting that the country’s energy choices are driven by national interest and the need to ensure affordable fuel supplies for its citizens.

Speaking at an international forum in Finland, Jaishankar said India increased its purchases of Russian oil following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict at a time when global energy markets were facing severe uncertainty and soaring prices. He noted that stable and affordable energy supplies were crucial for sustaining economic growth and protecting consumers from market shocks.

The minister highlighted that during the peak of the energy crisis, several countries acknowledged India’s role in helping stabilize global oil markets by maintaining energy flows and preventing further disruptions. He remarked that nations which had earlier encouraged measures to ease pressure on global energy supplies later adopted policies that appeared contradictory.

Without directly targeting any country, Jaishankar underscored the importance of consistency in international economic and energy policies. He said every nation acts in accordance with its own interests, and India is no exception when it comes to safeguarding its energy security and economic well-being.

Reiterating India’s independent foreign policy stance, the minister said New Delhi will continue to make sovereign decisions based on its developmental priorities and the welfare of its people. He stressed that India’s approach to energy procurement remains pragmatic, transparent and focused on ensuring long-term stability.

The remarks come amid continuing global discussions on energy security, trade relations and geopolitical realignments, with India maintaining that its oil import decisions are guided by market realities and national requirements rather than external pressures.

India remains among the world’s largest energy consumers, and Russian crude has become an important component of the country’s import basket since 2022, helping contain domestic fuel costs and support economic growth.