Haryana could soon become home to India’s first Disneyland-style amusement…
- Is Vaani Kapoor’s Mandala Murders Based on a True Story? The Shocking Truth Behind Netflix’s Darkest Crime Thriller
- Binge Watch This Weekend: Must-See OTT Releases That’ll Keep You Glued to the Screen
- War 2 Trailer Review: A Dazzling Showdown with Style, Power, and a Hint of Excess
- Goodbye Mountain Movie Review: A Poignant, Powerful Exploration of Lost Love and Redemption
- Is Sarzameen a Remake of Mission Kashmir?
- Rangeen Series Review: A Bold, Unconventional Tale That Sparks Curiosity
- Mandala Murders Review: A Gripping, Haunting Thriller That Delivers More Than Just Chills
- Thalaivan Thalaivii Movie Review: A Powerful Emotional Rollercoaster Rooted in Relationships
Gold prices saw a fresh upward move today as market sentiment turned bullish after recent…
Guwahati, May 15 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, on Thursday visited the proposed site for a thermal power plant at Chirakuta Charuwa Bakra in Bilasipara Co-District of Dhubri district.
Located approximately eight kilometres from Bilasipara railway station, the project site spans a vast area of 3,300 bighas, 2 kathas and 15 lechas. During the visit, the Chief Minister, along with the Power Minister, Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath and senior officials conducted an inspection to assess the site’s feasibility for the project. Sarma directed the District Commissioner to initiate necessary developmental activities to prepare the site for the implementation of the project. He also reviewed pending infrastructural requirements, such as the construction of approach roads and other essential facilities to facilitate the setup of the power plant. Addressing concerns related to land acquisition, the Chief Minister assured that if any families require relocation due to the project, the government will provide them with suitable alternative land for rehabilitation. The Assam government has set an ambitious target of achieving energy self-sufficiency, aiming for a thermal power generation capacity of 5,000 MW by 2035. In line with this vision, the state has introduced the Assam Thermal Power Generation Product Promotion Policy 2025, which has already attracted investment proposals worth Rs 77.3 billion. The Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. will serve as the nodal agency for the implementation of the policy, with a single-window clearance system in place to fast-track approvals and project execution. The Chief Minister also visited the sites earmarked for the proposed medical college and hospital, as well as the Energy Park, in Goalpara district. At Bhandara village, under the Balijana Revenue Circle, he reviewed the site identified for the medical college and engaged in discussions with senior officials regarding a range of relevant issues, placing particular emphasis on ensuring efficient connectivity from the National Highway. He directed the relevant authorities to undertake the development of the medical college and hospital, announced in the state budget, in a systematic and planned manner. While addressing the media during the visit, Sarma affirmed that the state government intends to commence construction of the Goalpara Medical College and Hospital within the current financial year. He further observed that, in line with the government’s broader initiative to establish a medical college in each district, steps are being taken to ensure that the people of Goalpara have access to modern healthcare services in their own district. –IANS tdr/dan
Bhubaneswar, May 15 (IANS) The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha, has flagged alarmingly high levels of pollution in the Jeera River, a tributary of the Mahanadi River.
The SPCB, in its affidavit submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) also revealed that the water of the Jeera River is not even suitable for bathing.Following the instructions of the NGT in connection with a plea filed by one Ramakanta Rout, the SPCB had collected surface water samples from upstream (near Bargarh Law College) and downstream (near PHED Pada at the old water intake point) of Bargarh town from Jeera River.The test report results disclosed that the sample collected from the river upstream at Bargarh Law College contained 790 MPN/100 ml, which increased to 54000 mpn/100 ml in the sample collected from the downstream at PHED Pada, Bargarh.The SPCB team also found that untreated urban sewage from the Bargarh town is being directly discharged to the Jeera River by the Bargarh municipality, flouting all the guidelines and rules.During the hearing of a case, the Bargarh Municipality has itself proposed the setting up of five Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) of 125 KLD at five different locations inside the municipality. We therefore direct the said STPs to be installed and made operational by December 31, 2023.The SPCB, during inspection conducted on March 21, 2025, found that no such STPs of the said capacity have been installed by the Bargarh Municipality to date, or no document was available with the municipality during inspection regarding STP establishment.However, the Bargarh Municipality has installed and made operational one Septage Treatment Plant (SeTP) of 30 KLD capacity at Tentela, and has obtained CTO vide letter no – 562 dt.04.03.2022 valid up to dt.31.03.2022.The NGT further asked the Bargarh Municipality to ensure complete treatment of legacy waste through Biomining/Micro Composting Centres/Material Recovery Facilities by December 31, 2023.However, the SPCB affidavit exposed that the Municipal Authority has not completed the remediation of the legacy waste at the alleged dumpsite site near the town till the inspection by SPCB team on March 21.During the inspection, it was observed that approximately 20,000 MT (as enquired with the representative of the unit) only of legacy waste has been bio-mined out of approximately 51,476 MT from the dumping site.The apex green court of the country also remarked that legacy waste dumpsites have resulted in huge damage to the environment and population in the vicinity of such dump sites, which have suffered in safety, health, and comfort. It has been directed that one-third of the land occupied by legacy dump sites (on reclamation) needs to be reserved for afforestation, but the SPCB in its affidavit clarified that the Bargarh Municipality has no information about such orders.Meanwhile, the NGT on May 14 asked the Odisha SPCB to file an Action Taken Report by May 20 in connection with action taken against the Bargarh municipality for failing to comply with the instructions of the apex green court.–IANSgyan/dan
Shillong, May 15 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said that the government has been planning to build a digitally empowered youth population in the hill state.
“The government is making sustained investments in the IT sector as part of its broader vision to create a digitally empowered and economically self-reliant youth population,” said the Chief Minister. “The presence of global and national IT players is helping to position Meghalaya as a preferred destination for technology businesses. The state has skilled human resources, and the government is supporting IT-enabled services, which will open opportunities for the youth of the state,” the Chief Minister added. Sangma inaugurated the new office of SIROBILT Software Services Pvt. Ltd., a US-based technology solutions company, at the IT Park in Mawdiangdiang in Shillong. “SIROBILT’s presence in the region marks a significant step forward for our local IT ecosystem. The company plans to recruit up to 300 software professionals, creating valuable opportunities for our youth and boosting employment in the tech sector,” the Chief Minister said. SIROBILT is the fifth company to set up operations at the Shillong Tech Park. The establishment of the new office marks the full occupancy of Phase I at the IT park. The expansion of the Shillong Tech Park (Phase – II) will attract more IT companies, start-ups, and the establishment of skill development hubs focused on digital technologies, such as AI, blockchain and cloud computing. The Chief Minister also informed that the government is supporting start-ups and companies willing to invest in the IT sector. “Meghalaya’s youth are its greatest asset. Through our investments in digital infrastructure, capacity building, and public-private partnerships, we are unlocking their potential and enabling them to be part of the global tech revolution,” the Chief Minister added. Meanwhile, in a separate function, the Chief Minister also stressed the need for documentation and research and added, “The documentation of seminars in the form of compilations, books or papers is important not only to support the research but they also become the tool of knowledge sharing.” He also said that the Chief Minister’s Research Grant, which supports research studies and announced this program will be expanded further to support more research scholars. –IANS tdr/dan
Gurugram, May 15 (IANS) The Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) has started a special campaign against illegal advertisements here in Gurugram.
The team of the corporation’s advertising branch, led by Assistant Engineer Ashish Hooda, took action and removed and confiscated the unipoles illegally installed on government land near Chintal Society in Sector-109 on the Dwarka Expressway. During the campaign, the team also took immediate action on two other illegal unipoles installed on private land without corporation approval. The hoardings installed on 26 unipoles were removed due to pending payment of corporation fees. The Municipal Corporation team also took action against other types of hoardings and advertisement boards, which were against the rules. MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said that this campaign will continue further, and any advertisement installed illegally will not be tolerated. He also clarified that it is mandatory to take approval from the Municipal Corporation before displaying any type of advertisement. The advertisements whose fee is not paid on time are also being removed. In a fast-growing city like Gurugram, illegal advertisements violate administrative rules and pose potential security risks. This special campaign, launched by the municipal corporation, is an important step towards keeping the city organised and aesthetic. “This type of action also sends a strong message to those who misuse the public and private properties of the city without permission and paying fees,” Dahiya said. The MCG has further intensified action against those violating the rules of solid waste management and plastic waste management. During the campaign, the MCG recently imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 each on two establishments, Hotel Lemon Tree Premier in Sector-29 and IFC M3M in Sector-66, for negligence in waste management.–IANSsttr/dan
Chandigarh, May 15 (IANS) In a major initiative, the Punjab government on Thursday said it has amended the Industrial and Business Development Policy of 2022 to introduce a capital subsidy scheme for the installation of paddy straw-based boilers.
The scheme aims to increase farmers’ income, promote effective stubble management, protect the environment, and provide significant benefits to the industrial sector. Industry Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced that the decision to provide capital subsidy for paddy straw as fuel in industrial boilers was taken at the Cabinet meeting held on February 13. The official notification was issued on February 20, followed by detailed subsidy guidelines on April 23. He said the existing industrial units currently using coal, oil or other biomass fuels will be eligible for a capital subsidy if they install new paddy straw-based boilers. The capital subsidy will be Rs 1 crore per 8 TPH (tons per hour) boiler or 33 per cent of the actual expenditure, whichever is less, with a maximum limit of Rs 5 crore per unit. For existing units upgrading boilers to use paddy straw, a subsidy of Rs 50 lakh per 8 TPH boiler or 33 per cent of the actual expenditure, whichever is lower, will be provided, subject to a cap of Rs 2.5 crore per unit. According to department estimates, 500 to 600 industrial units in the state are expected to benefit from this scheme, with Ludhiana-based industries, which are heavily boiler-reliant, likely to see the greatest advantage. The government has earmarked a budget of Rs 60 crore for this scheme. Additionally, the minister highlighted existing incentives such as 100 per cent stamp duty exemption for land purchased for paddy straw storage and handling, along with 100 per cent net State GST reimbursement (capped at 75 per cent of total investment) for seven years. He emphasised that the objective of this policy is to encourage industrial development while ensuring environmental protection. The new scheme will help reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning and promote sustainable use of paddy straw as a fuel source, benefiting the environment, farmers, and industries alike. –IANS vg/dan
Chennai, May 15 (IANS ) Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi left for New Delhi on a four-day visit early Thursday morning, triggering speculation in political circles about the possible agenda behind the trip. The Governor departed from Chennai at 7.00 a.m. aboard an Air India passenger flight, accompanied by his secretary, personal assistant, and security officer.According to sources at the Raj Bhavan, he is expected to return to Chennai on Sunday at 10:30 am.Although no official reason has been provided for the unannounced trip, sources suggest that Governor Ravi is likely to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his stay in the national capital.These anticipated high-level meetings have fueled conjecture among political observers about whether the visit carries political significance amid the ongoing friction between the Raj Bhavan and the DMK-led state government.However, officials close to the Governor’s office have downplayed the development, stating that the Delhi trip is part of a “routine schedule” and should not be linked to any current political developments in the state.Governor Ravi’s relationship with the Tamil Nadu government has been notably tense in recent months, with disagreements over issues such as the NEET exemption, pending bills, and administrative delays.R. N. Ravi’s recent remarks on governance and cultural identity in Tamil Nadu have also drawn criticism from several ruling party leaders.In the absence of an official statement clarifying the purpose of his Delhi itinerary, political analysts remain divided on whether the visit is indeed routine or if it signals a significant development on the Centre-State front.With the Governor expected to return on Sunday, all eyes will be on any statements or developments that emerge from his interactions in Delhi.–IANSaal/svn
Agartala, May 14 (IANS) In a significant development, the state-owned Oil India Limited (OIL) commenced its exploration and production activities in Tripura by spudding its well at Debtamura in Tripura’s Gomati district, officials said here on Wednesday.
An OIL spokesman said that the company’s Resident Chief Executive (RCE), Rupjyoti Phukan and other senior officials from OIL attended the spudding ceremony on Sunday at the location, around 120 km away from Agartala.Terming the event a historic breakthrough in Tripura’s hydrocarbon scenario, as the Debtamura-1 well is going to be the first well drilled by any oil and gas company in the state of Tripura, under the government of India’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) regime.The well Debtamura-1 is located inside Baramura-Debtamura reserve forest in Gomati district, near the India-Bangladesh international border, the spokesman said.He said so far hydrocarbon exploration and production activities in this block had been beset with a myriad set of challenges which broadly include undulated and thick vegetated terrain, challenging surface logistics due to limited and narrow hilly roads having hairpin curves, and predominant.The extended monsoon season is causing unprecedented floods and the ensuing landslides due to younger sediments dissected by lineaments, which badly damaged the well plinths and the approach road, also causing a challenging task in the areas, the spokesman added.He said, “Overcoming all these, the spirit of all Oil Indians speaks to its moment and our aspiration of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”Maj General (Retd) Praveen Mathur, Advisor – Security (DGH), Sutirtha Paul, Joint Director, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, of Tripura government, Chitra Mohan Borah, Executive Director and HoD, Frontier Basin Project, OIL, Arunav Baruah, Chief General Manager (FB), OIL, Pankaj Kumar Biswas, General Manager, GAIL, and other senior officials from OIL attended the spudding ceremony at the location.Meanwhile, another government-owned oil and gas major, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), found a significant quantity of natural gas reserves in Tripura.Since 1972, it has drilled over 200 wells in the northeastern state, and a significant number of wells are yielding gas.The ONGC currently produces 3.5 MMSCMD of gas in Tripura. The ONGC has many years back formed the ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) and set up the 726 MW electricity generation capacity Palatana gas-based power plant at Udaipur in Tripura’s Gomati district.Two separate units of the OTPC (363.3 MW X 2) were inaugurated by former President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2013 and 2014, respectively.–IANSsc/dan
Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Wednesday that the railway sector has witnessed extraordinary progress in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister said that multiple components of modern trains like the Metro and Vande Bharat are manufactured within the country, and various companies in this field have represented some of the finest examples for the ‘Made in India’ mission.Yadav made these remarks during his visit to the BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) workshop in Bengaluru on Wednesday. BEML will also manufacture rolling stock and metro coaches in Madhya Pradesh.He added that the ties between Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh will grow stronger, and new avenues for mutual development will be explored.During his visit, the Chief Minister handed over the land allotment letter for setting up BEML’s new rolling stock manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, which is located adjacent to Bhopal.Terming the establishment of BEML’s unit in Madhya Pradesh as an unprecedented initiative, Yadav said that setting up a metro and rail coach manufacturing unit is a significant step toward the inclusive and sustainable development of the state.”It will strengthen the industrial ecosystem of both the state and the nation. It will also open new opportunities for employment and enterprise for youths,” Chief Minister Yadav said.He further stated that the state government has approved the allotment of 60.63 hectares of land for the proposed unit, which will manufacture rolling stock and metro coaches for major railway and urban transport projects.In its initial phase, the unit will focus on manufacturing stainless steel car body coaches, with plans to expand capabilities in the future.The plant will be equipped with modern infrastructure, designed not only to meet domestic requirements but also to cater to global market demand.The project will be implemented in a phased manner, ensuring strategic and sustainable operations.–IANSpd/dan
Gurugram, May 14 (IANS) Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that no country or state can progress without industries.
To boost industrial growth in the state, the government has started work on developing 10 new Industrial Model Townships (IMTs). Land has already been identified for this purpose. A new industrial policy will soon be introduced, and drafts for various related policies are being prepared, the minister said. He said that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, has given priority to the industrial sector in the budget. The budget for the Industries Department has been increased by 126 per cent, with a total allocation of Rs 1848 crore for the current financial year. Singh said that bringing major changes to the industrial sector over the next five years is his top priority as the Industry Minister. “A new IMT will be developed in Mewat, adjoining Gurugram. After Manesar, M/s Amprex Technologies Ltd. has shown interest in setting up a unit in Mewat. Out of its proposed Rs 7,083 crore, an investment of Rs 2,460 crore has been made by the company. State government is committed to transforming Nuh into a developed district like others in Haryana,” the minister said. He further said that to promote the textile industry, the state has launched the ‘Haryana AatmaNirbhar Textile Policy 2025’. Textile industries in Panipat, Gurugram, and Faridabad will also be promoted. Under this policy, a provision has been made to give a subsidy of Rs.1200 crore to the industries. “Areas with at least 10 acres of land and 50 proposed industrial units will be declared as ‘confirmation zones’. A dedicated portal for this will be made, where investors can upload their documents. A ‘Single Window System’ has been set up in Panchkula to provide NOCs to entrepreneurs. Similar systems will be established in other districts so that investors don’t have to visit multiple offices for approvals,” he added.–IANSstr/dan