Category: news

PM-SETU: Centre Clears INR 1,238 Crore Plan to Upgrade ITIs Nationwide

New Delhi, July 7: The Central Government has approved an investment of ₹1,238 crore under the PM-SETU programme to modernise Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and strengthen the country’s skill development ecosystem. The initiative aims to transform selected ITIs into advanced training centres by upgrading infrastructure, introducing modern equipment, and...

116-Year-Old Devotee Inspires Millions by Climbing 3,550 Steps to Tirumala Temple

Tirupati, July 7 (UDN): In an inspiring display of devotion and resilience, 116-year-old Navaneethamma completed the arduous pilgrimage to Tirumala by trekking the 9-km Alipiri footpath and climbing 3,550 steps, capturing the admiration of devotees across the country. Accompanied by her family, the centenarian successfully completed the uphill journey...

Indonesia Honours PM Modi with Highest Civilian and Military Award ‘Bintang Adipurna’

Jakarta, July 7: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced the conferment of the country’s highest honour, the ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognising his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and global cooperation. Pic Credit: https://x.com/narendramodi  Instituted in 1959, the Bintang Adipurna is...

Sambalpur University Researchers Develop Promising Herbal Anti-Cancer Formulation from Gandhamardan Medicinal Plants

Bhubaneswar, July 7 (UDN): Researchers at Sambalpur University have reported a significant breakthrough in cancer research after developing a polyherbal anti-cancer formulation derived from medicinal plants found in Odisha’s Gandhamardan Hills. The formulation has demonstrated encouraging results in pre-clinical animal studies, paving the way for the next phase of...

KIIT Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta Honoured with Prestigious AAPI Award in the US

Bhubaneswar, July 7 (UDN): Eminent educationist and social reformer Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT, KIMS and KISS, has been conferred the prestigious AAPI Award 2026 by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to social service, humanitarian initiatives and strengthening...

Monsoon Shortfall Impacts Kharif Sowing and Water Storage Across India

New Delhi, July 7: Kharif crop sowing across India continues to lag behind last year’s pace as a significant monsoon rainfall deficit affects more than half the country, according to a report by Dolat Capital. Despite a gradual improvement in rainfall over recent weeks, prolonged dry conditions during June...

Saudi Introduces “Package Visa”, Integrating Travel Booking With Easier Visa Application

India, July 7: Saudi has announced the launch of Package Visa, a new digital initiative designed to simplify travel to Saudi by integrating tourist visa application directly into curated travel bookings. The launch is currently underway through qualified travel and tourism service providers across selected international markets ahead of a broader rollout. The initiative builds on Saudi’s wider efforts to simplify visiting the country. Since launching...

Eight MEMU Services Suspended in Khurda Road Division for Track Modernisation

Bhubaneswar, July 7 (UDN): To facilitate critical track modernisation and safety enhancement works in the Khurda Road Division, Indian Railways has temporarily cancelled eight MEMU train services operating on July 7, 2026, affecting commuters travelling on key suburban routes in Odisha. Representational Image The cancellations are necessitated by ongoing...