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Snake Speek Project from Andhra Pradesh among top 50 at National Geographic Slingshot Challenge

Politics

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Snake Speek Project from Andhra Pradesh among top 50 at National Geographic Slingshot Challenge

Ancient rock art discovered on a rock shelter near Alatam along the banks of the Krishna River in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve Forest, Andhra Pradesh, by Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), on Saturday (June 13). | Photo Credit: ARRANGEMENT An extensive epigraphical survey being conducted by the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve Forest has brought to light a rich collection of inscriptions spanning nearly 1,400 years, offering fresh insights into the region’s political, cultural and linguistic history.Speaking to The Hindu, during a field visit, on Saturday (June 13) Director (Epigraphy), ASI, Mysuru, K. Munirathnam Reddy said that in an ongoing survey the teams had in the last three days documented and copied 25 inscriptions dating from the 2nd century CE to the 16th century CE. The inscriptions belong to several prominent dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Eastern Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Potapi Cholas, Kakatiyas, Reddy rulers and the Vijayanagara Empire.The survey team explored remote locations in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve and the Yerragondapalem region. On the first day (June 11, 2026), eight inscriptions were copied from villages such as Gangaram Penta, Meetonta, Palitla, Ponnalabavi and Jillalapadugu. These inscriptions, written in Telugu, date from the 7th to the 16th centuries CE.On the second day (June 12, 2026), the team documented 10 inscriptions belonging to the Kalyani Chalukya, Potapi Chola, Kakatiya and Vijayanagara periods, written in Kannada and Telugu scripts and dating between the 11th and 16th centuries CE.The third day (June 13, 2026) yielded seven more inscriptions, including rare Satavahana records written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. The newly documented inscriptions also include records of the Eastern Chalukya, Reddy and Vijayanagara dynasties. Ancient rock art discovered on a rock shelter near Alatam along the banks of the Krishna River in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve Forest, Andhra Pradesh, by Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), on Saturday (June 13). | Photo Credit: ARRANGEMENT Adding to the significance of the survey, ancient rock art was identified near Alatam on the banks of the Krishna River inside the Nallamala Tiger Reserve. Preliminary assessments suggest that the megalithic and early historic paintings date back to around 1500 BCE, indicating human activity in the region more than 3,500 years ago.Mr. Reddy expressed gratitude to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and the Forest authorities for extending support to the survey team operating in the challenging terrain of the reserve forest.The discoveries are expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of Andhra Pradesh’s ancient history, inscriptions and cultural heritage. Published - June 13, 2026 04:50 pm IST

High-speed rail project: India’s Shinkansen track takes shape in Surat factory

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High-speed rail project: India’s Shinkansen track takes shape in Surat factory

IN A decision that sends a clear message to contractors, the Northern Railway has turned down a proposal for reducing the scope of the station redevelopment project being executed under the flagship Amrit Bharat station scheme.Ludhiana-based contractor Deepak Builders and Engineers India Ltd had in November 2025 proposed to do away with the originally-planned through-roof (canopy covering the entire station), reduce the width of the concourse or pathways between platforms, and cut down on the number of lifts and escalators, from the Rs 240-crore project. This was deliberated upon for almost six months before the Northern Railway finally turned it down on May 16.The Northern Railway has asked the contractor to submit a detailed planning as per original plan, but assured it of all possible help including reasonable space for timely completion of the project. Railway sources said at least two other contractors had proposed a similar reduction of scope of development after emerging as the lowest bidder and winning the contract. “Had the proposal gone through, it would have downgraded the originally conceived airport-look of the station,” said a source, who did not wish to be named. Further, it has sent a signal to contractors they cannot bid low, get a project, and then attempt to scale it down, On May 16, the Northern Railway zone informed Deepak Builders that descoping of Faridabad station that it sought was not feasible in the view of future passenger growth, The Indian Express has learnt. The company had cited safety and restoration work in its proposal to scale down the scope of the project. When contacted, a senior executive in Deepak Builders and Engineers, told The Indian Express, that the company was not getting enough blocks to complete the redevelopment work; hence it proposed to reduce the scope of work. Blocks refer to temporary suspension of train movement on specific sections for construction works. Deepak Builders is executing the project under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract. The company was awarded the work in 2022.Story continues below this ad Sources said the removal of the entire through-roof of about 22,950 sqm — bigger than an international cricket ground — was proposed on the grounds of safety and restoration concerns. The reason cited for compressing the concourse between platforms 1 and 4 was that the contractor was not getting enough space for undertaking construction activities with trains operating continuously, said the sources. On March 25, The Indian Express sent a detailed questionnaire to Northern Railway on the proposed descoping of the Faridabad project. The Ministry of Railways responded on May 27 and said the work will be carried as per the original scope of the contract. “No descoping is envisaged at this stage in respect of the ongoing Faridabad station redevelopment work and the work is planned to be carried as per the original scope of the contract,” it said. Such de-scoping of the project after awarding it to the contractor could have raised questions on the fairness of the tender and could be understood as giving favour to a party in a competitive bid, said a source. The descoping was pitched as entailing savings of almost Rs 24 crore to the Railways, but sources said these works are actually valued at a much higher price as per current market rate and the contractor was likely to benefit from a scaling down of the works. Sources said that Railways have already made payment of almost 50 per cent of the project cost (Rs 117 crore) to the contractor.Story continues below this ad The contractor had, in its November missive, proposed to reduce the width of concourse from 72 meters to 15 meters for some parts between platform 1 and platform 4, removal of through roof, 50 per cent reduction in lifts in concourse area and reducing five escalators in both foot over bridges (FOBs). This could have adversely affected the total passenger evacuation time from the platf

61 projects worth about Rs 5,000 cr approved during India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks

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61 projects worth about Rs 5,000 cr approved during India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks

5 min readNew DelhiMay 26, 2026 04:18 AM IST Groups of former civil servants, lawyers, legal and environmental activists have issued open letters criticising Chief Justice Of India Surya Kant’s remarks last week about attempts by “alleged environmentalists and activists” to stall development projects. On May 11, a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard a plea challenging the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) dismissal of an appeal against the environmental clearance (EC) granted for the expansion of Pipavav Port in Gujarat.The CJI-led bench granted partial relief. “Although we are not inclined to agree… that the NGT has dismissed the appeal without assigning any reasons, we grant liberty to the appellant to move a review application before the NGT,” it ordered. However, the CJI’s observations during the hearing prompted a pushback. “Show us even a single project in this country where these alleged environmentalists and activists say we welcome this project,” the CJI observed, adding, “Everything you drag to the court.” His other observations included: “In this country, this kind of litigation is filed only to stall all development projects. That is the problem”; “See, you people don’t want ports to be expanded. How is the country going to progress”; “You went to NGT and unfortunately that creates a lot of doubts on bona fide. You don’t go to any authority pointing out that I am an expert, I find that these are the deficiencies… if at all you are an expert. You are some RTI activist, you are so-and-so activist, an environmentalist, you have so many degrees… Jahan daav lage wahin (Wherever the opportunities are…)”. In an open letter released on May 22, 71 members of the Constitution Conduct Group, a platform for former civil servants, pointed out that the CJI’s remarks may “weaken environmental and conservation safeguards in the country, and influence lower courts to also adopt similar attitudes”. The letter underlined that “most of the expert and statutory bodies set up by the Environment Ministry…consist only of government or retired government officials” and urged the Supreme Court not to place “blind faith in these appraisal bodies which act as rubber stamps for the government”.Story continues below this ad The same day, another letter signed by over 600 citizens and civil society groups from across the country said the remarks “risk portraying citizens who seek lawful scrutiny of environmental decision-making as a suspect constituency”. Last Tuesday, 72 members of the National Alliance for Justice, Accountability & Rights, a platform for legal professionals, wrote to the CJI: “Environmental PIL is a jurisdiction created and legitimised by the Court itself to scrutinise executive action. To frame recourse to it as a tactic of stalling undermines the spirit of Articles 32 and 226.” The environmental clearance for the proposed expansion of Pipavav Port, which was issued in June 2012, expired in June 2024. It was renewed in July 2025 without considering certain contradictions in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and the developer’s failure to initiate expansion work due to lack of financial viability, the appellant alleged before the NGT. On November 26, 2025, the NGT dismissed the appeal at the admission stage. Before the Supreme Court on May 11, the petitioner argued that the 45-page NGT order reproduced the project’s EIA report across 41 pages before dismissing his appeal “perfunctorily”, and sought a hearing on merits.Story continues below this ad The bench, however, pointed out that 14 experts of the “highest rank” had conducted the EIA process. “See how many experts are involved. Do you think (the) NGT is better than these people,” the CJI asked, adding that the single expert member on an NGT bench “cannot do anything” about EIAs prepared by so many experts. However, the appellant’s petition underlined that, as an expert adjudicatory body vested with appellate jurisdictio

Donald Trump warns Iran to ‘better get smart soon’, says he is ‘no more Mr. Nice Guy’

Economy

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Donald Trump warns Iran to ‘better get smart soon’, says he is ‘no more Mr. Nice Guy’

US President Donald Trump's administration on Friday announced a new policy requiring most foreign nationals applying for green cards to complete the process from outside the country instead of adjusting status within the US.US President Donald Trump's administration announced new rules for immigrants seeking green cards(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)Continuing its crackdown on immigrants in the US, President Donald Trump's administration on Friday (local time) announced a new policy for foreigners applying for permanent residency in the country.According to a Bloomberg report, those seeking permanent residency in Washington will be required to return to their home countries to seek green cards.Trump administration ramps up crackdown on immigrantsIn a statement, Zach Kahler, a spokesman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said, "From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances." Kahler added, "This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes."CBS News, citing officials, said they plan to end the option for many immigrants seeking a green card to complete the process without leaving the country. Under the new approach, most of these immigrants would instead have to return to their home countries and apply for an immigrant visa abroad at a US consulate.What does the document say?The memo, which was issued by USCIS on Friday, aims to strictly limit when the agency can allow immigrants to receive a green card via the "adjustment of status" process. According to reports, this route allows eligible immigrants already in the US to apply for permanent residency without having to leave the country and apply at a US consulate abroad.In a memo outlining the change, USCIS employees who decide applications for permanent residency were told that some exceptions could be made. The memo directed them to “consider and weigh all the relevant evidence in the record, taking into account the totality of the circumstances to determine whether the alien is suitable for permanent residence.”Additionally, it also directs federal agency officers to view adjustment of status as an "extraordinary" form of relief and an act of "administrative grace," citing federal law to argue that most green card applicants should complete the process overseas. Further, officers have now been told to see adjustment of status as a rare and special benefit, not a normal option. Officers are now instructed to view choosing adjustment of status over applying at a US consulate abroad as a negative factor in a person’s case.While the policy does not clearly state all the exceptions, the memo says that some groups, such as those on "dual intent" visas like H-1Bs for high-skilled workers, as well as refugees and asylees, will likely be allowed to apply for a green card in the country via adjustment of status.Trump's policy change could impact thousandsAccording to immigration law experts, the announcement of a new policy could impact hundreds of thousands of people a year and potentially reduce legal immigration further amid a sweeping government crackdown.The Trump administration has introduced a series of restrictions affecting everyone from asylum seekers to students and highly skilled workers.The new rules broadly affect foreigners who entered the US on temporary non-immigrant visas, such as students, H-1B or L visa workers, and visitors. Washington grants about one million green cards annually, but nearly half are for foreign relatives sponsored by US citizens, and those cases are typically already handled outside the country.Trump administration's stance on immigrantsThe developments come at a time when citizens of at least 39 countries, mostly in Africa and Asia, are barred or restricted from entering Washington under a proclamation signed by the US President on national security grounds, commo

Iran-Israel war LIVE: Iran enforces new 'sovereign' transit rules in Strait of Hormuz; mandates prior permits for vessels

Economy

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Iran-Israel war LIVE: Iran enforces new 'sovereign' transit rules in Strait of Hormuz; mandates prior permits for vessels

Days after US President Donald Trump announced Project Freedom to guide ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, two US officials have revealed that the move angered Saudis, who feared that Trump's operation could renew strikes in the region.A file image of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. President Donald Trump(REUTERS)Nearly a week after US President Donald Trump made a sudden announcement on May 3 that the US would guide ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, two officials have now told NBC News that the move angered Saudi officials.The two US officials said that the Saudi officials feared that a surprise move by Trump could spur more Iranian attacks on Gulf allies and reignite the conflict.Reports suggested that Trump offered to help ships cross the Strait of Hormuz without notifying its key Gulf allies first. In response, Riyadh informed Washington that it would not allow the US military to fly aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase southeast of Riyadh or through Saudi airspace to support the effort. As a result, the US President was forced to pause the operation almost 36 hours after it commenced, and the airspace was reopened, the officials added.Saudi Arabia is in a stronger position than several other Gulf nations because it can continue exporting oil without relying entirely on the Strait of Hormuz. Its 750-mile East-West pipeline connects the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, allowing crude oil to bypass the strategic chokepoint. This gives the kingdom an alternative export route if the strait becomes closed or unsafe for commercial shipping.What did the US officials reveal?An official noted that the way Project Freedom was to be executed was risky and could have triggered escalation, adding that Washington's Gulf allies could have suffered "catastrophic" strikes.The official further said that previously, such issues would have been handled with a few phone calls, “but given the world we live in today, the rush to put things out on social media puts things in high focus."According to one of the officials, the Trump administration is unlikely to resume Project Freedom anytime soon since the concerns of Gulf allies remain.Additionally, when Gulf and Saudi officials spoke with members of the Trump administration and the US military to express their concerns that the operation might be too risky and to ask how Washington would respond to Iranian aggression over the operation, the US made clear that a peace deal was the primary focus and that it would likely not respond to Iranian strikes on infrastructure in the region.Project FreedomAnnounced on May 3 in a social media post, Project Freedom was the Trump administration's effort to get traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) since the US and Israel waged war against Tehran in late February. The operation came after Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely as the two sides continued to work towards a peace deal and ending the war.The project was, however, paused shortly after. In a Truth Social post, Trump noted that Project Freedom would be “paused for a short period of time to see whether or not” an agreement to resolve the war “can be finalized and signed.”Project Freedom temporarily provided military surveillance, firepower, and personnel aboard commercial ships to help them safely transit through the Strait of Hormuz and out of the Persian Gulf, as Iranian forces continued threatening and attacking vessels in the strategic waterway. Pentagon officials said the operation was separate from the bombing campaign launched on February 28, which was code-named “Epic Fury.”Iran's response to Trump's Project FreedomA day after Trump announced the commencement of the operation, Iran’s military warned the United States Navy to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz after the US President said that Washington would “help free up” ships stuck in the Gulf, Al Jazeera reported on May 4.

Mumbai builder pulled up: MahaRERA awards ₹3 crore interest for 5-year home delay

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Mumbai builder pulled up: MahaRERA awards ₹3 crore interest for 5-year home delay

3 min readPuneMay 5, 2026 12:54 AM IST Ajit Pawar had taken up the onus to develop a 125-metre long glass skywalk at a cost of Rs 333 crore to connect the hill station with two popular tourist spots — Lions Point and Tiger Point.The dream project of late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is all set to become a reality soon as the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) on Monday made provision of Rs 200.50 crore in its Rs 4,628-crore budget for 2026-27 to develop a world-class glass skywalk in Lonavala as a tourist destination and road infrastructure project, including twin tunnels in Pune city. The PMRDA general body meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis in Mumbai and attended by both deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.The authority made provision of Rs 200.50 crore in the PMRDA annual budget hoping to get Rs 100 crore funding each from the Union government and District Planning Committee. “The maximum provision of Rs 3,895 crore is for capital expenditure which includes Rs 2,919 crore for projects and Rs 971 crore for land acquisition for projects mainly the inner ring road,” a PMRDA official said. Fadnavis directed the formation of special purpose vehicle of PMRDA and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for development of proposed twin tunnel from Katraj to Yerawada to decongest city roads by enabling direct seamless movement of vehicles from Alandi road, Mumbai-Pune road, Ahmednagar road through the tunnel. Meanwhile, the PMRDA has done all neccessary administrative work to acquire land for inner ring road to decongest city roads. “The allocated funds will be used to acquire land for ring road,” the officer said. He also directed for preparing development plan for 23 newly merged villages in PMC. Ajit Pawar had taken up the onus to develop a 125-metre long glass skywalk at a cost of Rs 333 crore to connect the hill station with two popular tourist spots — Lions Point and Tiger Point. NCP MLA Sunil Shelke had insisted for the skywalk project at a location 15 km away from Lonavala and on 15 acres of land. The project includes the construction of a 6-metre-wide and 90-metre-long bridge but the main attraction would be the 125-metre-long and 6-metre wide skywalk.Story continues below this ad Facilities for adventure sports such as zip lining and bungee jumping, an amphitheatre for 1,000 people, 24 gazebos, and a parking space for 1,500 cars and 2,000 two-wheelers will also be constructed as part of project. The PMRDA will also widen the roads towards both tourist points. The Lions Point and Tiger Point are popular tourist destinations, which attract around 10,000 visitors on weekends and at least 2,000 on weekdays. Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming Janua

Missing Link project main aim to enhance safety, prevent accidents: MSRDC

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Missing Link project main aim to enhance safety, prevent accidents: MSRDC

3 min readPuneApr 30, 2026 10:26 AM IST Traffic volume on this route is substantial, with around 65,000 vehicles using it daily and numbers rising to nearly 100,000 on weekends and during long holidays. (Source: File) With the Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune expressway opening from May 1, facilitating travel between the cities, Rajesh Patil, joint managing director of MSRDC told The Indian Express that the main aim of the project was to enhance safety. Detailed studies showed that a significant number of accidents were concentrated within a 7 km stretch of the...

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