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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.

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.