July 3: India’s commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy capacity is expected to nearly triple by 2032, rising from about 32 GW in 2025 to nearly 100 GW, driven by sustained policy reforms at the state level, according to a new industry report by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) and Customized Energy Solutions (CES). The report highlights that progressive state initiatives—particularly Green Energy Open…
BJD Seeks High-Level Probe into Nuapada Farmer’s Death, Raises Questions Over Paddy Procurement
Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday demanded a high-level and impartial inquiry into the death of a farmer in Odisha’s Nuapada district, alleging that lapses in the paddy procurement process contributed to the tragic incident. A BJD delegation, led by party Vice-President and former Minister Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, visited the family of the deceased farmer, Nepal Majhi, before…
Odisha Puts Fire Services on Statewide Rain Alert
Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): The Odisha Fire and Emergency Services has placed the entire state on high alert following the forecast of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall linked to an active low-pressure system. Inspector General of Police (Home Guards and Fire Services) Umashankar Dash reviewed preparedness measures under the guidance of Director General Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi. Officials said all fire stations have been put on 24-hour…
Entrepreneur Loans Grow Faster Than Lending to Commercial Entities: Report
New Delhi, July 3: A recent report shows that business loans to individual entrepreneurs and small business owners are growing at a faster pace than credit extended to larger commercial entities, indicating a shift in lending patterns. The report highlights rising credit flow toward micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed entrepreneurs, supported by improved access to formal banking channels and digital lending platforms. Government-backed…
India, France to Deepen Innovation and Investment Ties: Sitharaman
New Delhi, July 3: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the India–France strategic partnership will play an important role in driving the next phase of innovation-led growth, with both countries expanding cooperation in key areas such as technology, investment, and sustainable development. Pic Credit: https://x.com/FinMinIndia She highlighted that the bilateral relationship between India and France is built on long-standing trust and is steadily deepening across…
MBA Seeks CAG Audit of ₹2.41 Crore Expenditure on Mahanadi Tribunal’s Odisha Visit
Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): The Mahanadi Banchao Andolan (MBA) has sought a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the ₹2.41 crore reportedly spent on the visit of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal to Odisha, alleging that the expenditure warrants greater transparency and public accountability. Representational image In a memorandum submitted to the authorities, the organisation questioned the expenditure incurred during the tribunal’s visit and…
NTPC Ash Pond Breach Floods Areas in Odisha’s Angul After Heavy Rain
Angul, July 3 (UDN): Heavy rainfall on Thursday night led to a breach in an ash pond operated by NTPC Limited at Derang in Kaniha block of Angul district, resulting in ash slurry flowing into nearby areas. The incident occurred after sustained rainfall in the region, which is believed to have increased pressure on the ash containment structure. Following the breach, ash-laden water reportedly moved into…
Odisha Government Directs Schools to Clear Pending Electricity Dues Within Seven Days
Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): The Odisha Government has directed government schools across the state to clear all outstanding electricity bills within seven days, warning that failure to comply will invite administrative action against the concerned authorities. The directive has been issued by the School and Mass Education Department following reports of mounting electricity arrears in several educational institutions, raising concerns over uninterrupted power supply and…
Centre Flags E-Rickshaw Battery Safety, Orders Removal of BAT-BMS Apps
New Delhi, July 3: The government has directed app stores to remove BAT-BMS applications following concerns related to the security and safety of e-rickshaw battery management systems. Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening oversight of battery management software used in electric three-wheelers, particularly e-rickshaws, which rely heavily on digital battery monitoring systems for safe operation. The action comes amid concerns that vulnerabilities in such…
Eight HIV-Positive Inmates Identified During Health Screening at Jharpada Special Jail
Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): Eight inmates at the Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar have been identified as HIV-positive during a recent health screening conducted as part of routine medical surveillance, prison officials said. According to officials, the cases were detected during regular health check-ups aimed at monitoring the well-being of inmates and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of communicable diseases within correctional facilities. Following confirmation…