US President Donald Trump has thanked India after a road in Hyderabad was officially named after him. Calling it an “unprecedented honour”, Trump expressed his gratitude through his social media platform Truth Social and also shared a picture from the inauguration ceremony.

The road, located in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, June 24, by the Telangana government. The road has been named after the American President as a symbolic recognition of the growing partnership between India and the United States.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor was present at the inauguration ceremony and highlighted Hyderabad’s increasing role in strengthening India-US relations. He said the city has become an important centre for bilateral cooperation and global investments.

The newly named road is located near the US Consulate and was earlier known as the American Consulate Road. The area is also home to offices of several major international technology companies, including Microsoft, Google and Amazon.

Officials described the move as a symbolic gesture reflecting Hyderabad’s growing international importance and the strong ties between India and the United States.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and US Ambassador Sergio Gor formally inaugurated the road named after Donald Trump. Reacting to the honour, Trump said that no previous American President had received such recognition and described himself as the first US President to be honoured in this manner.

The proposal to rename the road was reportedly introduced by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in December 2025. The decision was taken to highlight Hyderabad’s expanding global identity and its contribution to strengthening India-US relations.

The development comes at a time when Hyderabad continues to emerge as a major hub for technology, business and international collaboration.

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A strong earthquake struck parts of Pakistan on Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of their homes after feeling intense tremors. The earthquake was part of a series of natural disasters being reported across different parts of the world in recent days.

According to earthquake monitoring agencies, the tremor occurred at around 8:53 AM local time on Saturday. The earthquake measured 5.4 magnitude on the Richter scale, as per preliminary information from seismic monitoring authorities.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the earthquake originated at an estimated depth of around 35 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface. Data from the National Centre for Seismology indicated that the epicentre was located approximately 40 to 75 kilometres below the surface of Pakistan.

Soon after the tremors were felt, several residents in affected areas were seen rushing outside their homes in fear. People gathered in open spaces as a precautionary measure following the sudden shaking.

However, no reports of major damage or casualties have been received so far. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and assess any possible impact in the affected regions.

The earthquake comes amid a period of increased natural disaster activity in different parts of the world, raising concerns among communities and disaster management agencies.

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has presented a major roadmap to transform the state into the most industrially developed state in Eastern India. Addressing the CII Eastern Regional Council Conference held in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister announced major reforms in the state’s industrial policy along with the launch of the ambitious ‘Go East’ platform aimed at accelerating inclusive industrial growth.

Under the Go East initiative, the state government will establish a high-level special task force to fast-track investment projects and ensure smoother implementation. A dedicated ‘Go Swift’ module will also be introduced to enable real-time monitoring and tracking of investment proposals and approval processes.

The Chief Minister said the initiative will encourage maximum investment in Odisha’s border districts and help create new industrial growth centres across the state. He also informed that amendments have been made to the Industrial Policy Resolution-2022, which will open up new opportunities for setting up non-mineral-based industries in 15 key districts, including economically backward regions such as Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh and Gajapati.

Highlighting Odisha’s future growth potential, Majhi said India’s economic expansion had largely depended on western and southern corridors for decades, but the next major chapter of the country’s development story would be written in Eastern India. He stated that the government’s vision is to connect ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ with ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and make Odisha one of the most investment-friendly destinations in the country.

The Chief Minister revealed that since June 2024, the Odisha government has approved around 477 projects involving investments of nearly ₹9.5 lakh crore, which are expected to generate employment opportunities for around 6 lakh people.

Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain also stressed the importance of youth empowerment and skill development for industrial growth. Earlier, Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma presented Odisha’s industrial progress and investment achievements before CII members.

The conference was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders and representatives, including EPICOL Managing Director Aboli Sunil Naravane, CII Eastern Regional Vice Chairman Rudra Chatterjee and Odisha Council Chairman Anil Kumar Singh.

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The Odisha government has assured necessary reforms after the All Odisha Contractors’ Association submitted a charter of demands seeking changes in bidding norms, price escalation relief and simplification of digital procedures.

The association, during a press conference on Thursday, highlighted several issues affecting contractors involved in government projects. Their demands focused on creating a more transparent and practical system for tendering and project execution.

Contractors Seek Review of Negative Bidding Norms

One of the key demands raised by the contractors was the reconsideration of negative bid capping and the related additional performance security provisions. The contractors argued that these rules create additional financial pressure on bidders and discourage healthy competition in the tendering process.

They also demanded a revision of the Schedule of Rates (SoR), stating that existing rates often fail to reflect frequent fluctuations in market prices. Contractors have been seeking more realistic and regular updates to ensure smooth execution of construction projects.

The government informed that the new SoR-2026 would be introduced soon and would be updated every year to match changing market conditions.

Revised Tender Framework Under Consideration

The contractors also raised concerns regarding the existing tender framework and demanded greater flexibility through joint ventures and subcontracting provisions. In response, government officials stated that a revised Standard Bidding Document is being prepared, which will include these provisions.

The proposed changes are expected to allow wider participation of contractors and improve the capacity for timely completion of infrastructure projects.

Quarry List Issue to Be Discussed

Another major concern raised by the association was the updated quarry list. Contractors expressed dissatisfaction, saying that difficulties in sourcing construction materials have affected project work.

The Public Works Department assured the contractors that the matter would be taken up with the Steel and Mines Department for necessary action.

The government’s response indicates a move towards addressing long-pending concerns of contractors and improving the overall working environment for infrastructure development in Odisha.

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The holy town of Puri is all set for the grand Snana Purnima festival of Lord Jagannath, with elaborate security and crowd management arrangements put in place for the annual ceremonial bathing ritual of the sibling deities. With only two days left for the festival, the district administration and police have intensified preparations to ensure a smooth and safe darshan for thousands of devotees expected to gather at the Jagannath Temple.

As part of the arrangements, the administration has decided to sell 10,000 special Pahandi Darshan tickets, priced at ₹150 each, allowing devotees to witness the ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to the Snana Mandap.

To maintain law and order, 79 platoons of police personnel will be deployed across Puri. The security setup includes 15 officers of SP rank, 30 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and nearly 320 officers of Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector rank. Police personnel will be stationed inside and outside the temple, at traffic junctions, control rooms and rooftop observation points to monitor crowd movement and ensure public safety.

The temple premises and surrounding areas have been divided into 14 security sectors, each supervised by senior officers. CCTV surveillance will be strengthened around the Snana Mandap, Anand Bazaar and other sensitive locations to monitor the movement of devotees and prevent any untoward incidents.

Barricades have already been extended up to Market Chhak to facilitate orderly movement of pilgrims. Devotees will enter the temple through the designated barricaded route to avoid congestion during the festival.

The temple administration has also issued strict guidelines for the Snana Purnima rituals. Devotees will not be allowed to touch the deities either during the Pahandi procession or while the deities remain on the Snana Mandap. Standing close to or leaning against the deities has also been prohibited to preserve the sanctity of the rituals and protect the elaborate Gaja Besha decorations. Six specially trained police officers will assist the Daitapati servitors in maintaining discipline during the ceremonies.

According to the ritual schedule, 150 Ghantua servitors will play ceremonial bells while the deities are taken to the Snana Mandap, while 84 Ghantua servitors will perform the same duty during the return procession.

The Puri Police have also issued a detailed traffic advisory for the festival. Two-wheelers will be allowed only up to Market Chhak, while four-wheelers will be permitted via Shree Setu up to the JBPC parking area. Alternative parking arrangements have also been made in case the designated parking facilities reach full capacity.

With comprehensive security measures, traffic regulations and crowd management plans in place, the administration aims to ensure that devotees can witness the sacred Snana Yatra in a safe, orderly and spiritually fulfilling environment.

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Despite the southwest monsoon covering the entire state, Odisha is yet to receive sufficient rainfall for agricultural activities, leaving farmers worried over the delayed start of the kharif season. The prolonged dry spell, attributed to the weakening monsoon trough and the impact of El Niño, has left vast stretches of farmland parched even after the traditional farming milestones of Akshaya Tritiya and Raja festival.

According to noted weather expert Professor Surendranath Pashupalak, the current weather conditions do not indicate sustained rainfall in the immediate future. He advised farmers against taking hasty decisions on sowing, as intermittent showers are unlikely to provide adequate moisture for cultivation.

The lack of rainfall has created uncertainty among farming communities across several districts. In Mayurbhanj, where the majority of farmers depend entirely on monsoon rains, agricultural fields remain dry. The district has set a target of cultivating kharif crops over nearly 4.22 lakh hectares this season. However, farmers fear that if adequate rainfall does not occur within the coming week, the region could face drought-like conditions, severely affecting crop production.

A similar situation prevails in Bhadrak district. With little or no rainfall, agricultural lands remain unused, and grazing cattle can be seen roaming across fields that should have been prepared for cultivation. Although the district has targeted kharif cultivation over 1.37 lakh hectares, farming operations have largely remained stalled due to insufficient soil moisture.

In Kendrapara’s Aul region, many farmers had already prepared and germinated paddy seedlings in anticipation of timely rains. However, the prolonged dry weather has left the seedlings at risk of withering. While a few farmers have managed to irrigate their fields using water pumps, many others lack access to irrigation facilities, raising fears of significant crop losses if rainfall continues to elude the region.

The situation is equally grim in Dhenkanal’s Bhuban area, where soaring temperatures have replaced the expected monsoon showers during the month of Ashadha. In the absence of canal irrigation, farmers are transporting water manually from ponds and nearby water bodies in a desperate attempt to save their seedbeds. Cracks have begun appearing across farmlands as the prolonged dry spell continues.

Experts warn that unless widespread and sustained rainfall occurs soon, the delay in sowing could adversely affect kharif crop production across Odisha. Farmers have urged the government to closely monitor the situation and take timely measures if the rainfall deficit persists in the coming days.

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Young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is on the verge of creating history in world cricket as he is expected to make his international debut in India’s first T20I against Ireland.

If selected in the playing XI, Vaibhav will become the youngest player ever to represent India in international cricket, surpassing the long-standing record held by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Vaibhav is set to make his T20I debut at the age of just 15 years and 91 days in Belfast. Sachin Tendulkar had made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days, a record that has stood for nearly four decades.

The young star’s possible debut has created major excitement among cricket fans, as he is set to become the youngest Indian to step onto the biggest stage of the sport.

Vaibhav will become the 120th player to represent India in T20 internationals if he gets the opportunity to play. The match could mark a historic milestone in his young career.

India and Ireland are scheduled to begin a two-match T20I series, and all eyes are on the team selection ahead of the opening game. Vaibhav earned attention after impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for India A, strengthening his chances of making the national squad.

However, his inclusion in the playing XI could lead to a major selection decision, with established players such as Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan potentially competing for a spot.

The cricketing world now awaits whether the teenager from Bihar will get the opportunity to create history and begin what many believe could be a remarkable international career.

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To ensure a safe and smooth Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a high-tech security initiative named ‘Project Hawk Eye’. The project has been introduced in Anantnag district of South Kashmir and focuses on round-the-clock surveillance along the traditional Pahalgam route.

The objective of the initiative is to continuously monitor the movement of pilgrims, identify potential security threats at an early stage, and enable quick action during emergencies.

According to police officials, Project Hawk Eye combines advanced technology with manpower to create a multi-layered security system. Five drones have been deployed at strategic locations to provide aerial surveillance. These drones will transmit real-time video feeds and intelligence inputs, allowing security forces to respond quickly to any suspicious activity.

A total of 28 high-security observation posts have been established at sensitive points along the pilgrimage route. In addition, 22 specially trained sniper teams have been positioned to deal with any possible security challenges.

The security network also includes 416 high-capacity CCTV cameras and facial recognition systems installed across the entire route. The surveillance system is designed to detect suspicious movements and activities immediately, creating an integrated monitoring mechanism from both ground and aerial levels.

This year’s 57-day Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. For the security of pilgrims, the Union Home Ministry has approved the deployment of 670 additional companies of paramilitary forces.

As part of enhanced security measures, the Pahalgam and Baltal routes have been declared ‘no-flying zones’ from July 1 until the end of the pilgrimage. As a result, pilgrims will not have access to helicopter services for the second consecutive year.

Officials said security arrangements have been strengthened further following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of devotees during the annual pilgrimage.

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Tensions have once again escalated in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil transportation, after a commercial cargo vessel was targeted in a suspected drone attack.

The United States has directly blamed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for the attack on the Singapore-flagged container ship ‘Ever Lovely’, which was reportedly targeted off the coast of Oman.

The incident has raised serious concerns over ongoing efforts to maintain peace between the United States and Iran. The attack, along with Tehran’s insistence on imposing tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has created fresh challenges for diplomatic negotiations.

According to reports, the vessel was hit by a projectile near the Omani coastline, damaging the ship’s control room. However, no casualties were reported in the incident.

Calls for Restraint

The attack comes at a sensitive time when US-Iran relations remain fragile. According to reports, American officials alleged that the IRGC was responsible for the strike, though the US government has not issued an official public statement on the matter yet.

Iran’s Islamic government has also not responded to the allegations.

Earlier, Iran had warned that any vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its approval could face action. The latest incident has intensified concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.

The British Navy also confirmed that a commercial vessel near Oman was struck by a projectile, resulting in damage to the ship’s control facilities.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is considered one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through the region.

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