New Delhi, July 23: The Central Government has clarified that there is no decision yet to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 per cent, maintaining the current blending target under the country’s biofuel policy. The government said the existing 20 per cent ethanol blending programme will continue, with focus on strengthening fuel security, reducing dependence on crude oil imports, and promoting cleaner energy alternatives. Officials…
Food Poisoning Suspected at Mayurbhanj School
Bhubaneswar, July 23 (UDN): A suspected case of food poisoning has triggered concern in Odisha after more than 50 girl students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Saragada, Bijatala block of Mayurbhanj district, fell ill following the consumption of chhatua. The students, enrolled in Classes VI to X, reportedly developed symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea soon after consuming the food on Wednesday…
PM Modi Monitors Gujarat Floods, Additional NDRF Teams Airlifted
New Delhi, July 23: The Central Government has intensified its response to the flood situation in Gujarat after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the impact of heavy rainfall and directed authorities to expedite rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in the affected regions. To strengthen ongoing operations, two additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been airlifted from New Delhi to Gujarat, reinforcing…
The Oval to Host ICC World Test Championship Final 2027 from June 9
London, July 23: The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2027 will be held at The Oval in London from June 9, reaffirming the iconic venue’s status as one of the premier destinations for Test cricket. The announcement marks another major international event for The Oval, which has a rich history of hosting high-profile cricket matches. The venue is expected to welcome the top two…
Lovlina Assured of India’s First Commonwealth Games 2026 Medal
Glasgow, July 23: India has opened its medal account at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain secured a place in the women’s 75kg boxing semifinals, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal. Lovlina advanced directly to the last four after receiving a bye, ensuring India’s first podium finish of the Games even before stepping into the ring in her weight category. The achievement…
MSME Sector Crosses 8 Crore Employment Mark Under UDYAM Registration Framework
New Delhi, July 23: India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has reported more than 8 crore employment opportunities through enterprises registered under the UDYAM registration system, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to economic development and job creation. According to the government, MSMEs across the country continue to play a crucial role in generating employment, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local economies. Among the states,…
Passengers Escape Safely After OSRTC Bus Develops Smoke Issue in Ganjam
Ganjam, July 23 (UDN): Passengers of an OSRTC bus operating under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) had a narrow escape after thick smoke was noticed coming from the vehicle during its journey near Udura village under Belaguntha police limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The incident occurred on Thursday when passengers noticed smoke emerging from the bus, prompting the driver to immediately stop the vehicle on…
India Accelerates Highway Expansion as 10,389 Km of High-Speed Corridors Awarded
New Delhi, July 23: The Government of India has announced that 10,389 km of National High-Speed Corridors have been awarded across the country, marking a major milestone in the expansion and modernisation of the nation’s road infrastructure. The development is part of the government’s efforts to build a faster, safer, and more efficient highway network aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and strengthening logistics…
IMD Issues Thunderstorm Alert for 15 Odisha Districts, Advises Public Caution
Bhubaneswar, July 23: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert predicting light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in 15 districts of Odisha over the next few hours. According to the latest nowcast warning, thunderstorm activity is likely at one or two places across districts including Jajpur, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Koraput, Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Rayagada.…
Sacred Jagannath Traditions Receive Trademark Protection as SJTA Secures Approval for Key Terms
Bhubaneswar, July 23 (UDN): The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has secured trademark approval for five important terms linked to the traditions and heritage of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, marking a significant step towards protecting the temple’s cultural identity. The approved terms include Mahaprasad, Neelachakra, Jagannath Dham, Shree Khetra, and Koili Baikuntha. The applications have successfully cleared the second stage of examination and will…