Speaking before graduating students, researchers and academic leaders, the minister said institutions such as NISER are not merely awarding degrees but are carrying forward a legacy of scientific excellence, innovation and national service. He urged young graduates to build upon the vision of renowned nuclear scientist Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and contribute to India's scientific and technological advancement.

The convocation ceremony was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and several senior scientists, academicians and policymakers. A total of 260 students from Integrated MSc, MSc-PhD, MSc and PhD programmes received their degrees during the event.

Dr. Singh said the occasion represented the transfer of responsibility from one generation of scientists to the next. He noted that the graduates would be expected to contribute not only to scientific research but also to national development priorities in the decades ahead.

Highlighting India's progress in the atomic energy sector, the minister said the country's nuclear programme, originally envisioned by Dr. Bhabha for peaceful purposes, has entered a new phase under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to him, reforms introduced in recent years have strengthened indigenous capabilities and encouraged greater self-reliance in strategic technology sectors.

He pointed to the development of India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor as a significant milestone in the country's nuclear journey. The project, he said, reflects India's growing scientific capability and its long-term commitment to energy security.

The minister also linked scientific advancement with India's broader development ambitions. He said the 260 graduating students would become part of a larger national effort aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 while pursuing sustainable growth and environmental commitments.

Dr. Singh stressed that scientific innovation would be central to addressing future challenges, including energy demands, climate concerns and technological competitiveness. He said the government expects young researchers and innovators to develop solutions that support both economic growth and sustainability.

Referring to India's nuclear energy roadmap, he said the country's installed nuclear power generation capacity currently stands at 8,780 MW and is targeted to increase to 22,380 MW by 2032. Expanding clean energy infrastructure, he noted, remains a key component of India's long-term energy strategy.

The minister also highlighted recent policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's scientific ecosystem. He referred to the Union Budget announcement regarding the development of four Rare Earth Corridors across the country, including one in Odisha. The initiative is expected to support critical mineral supply chains and strengthen India's strategic manufacturing capabilities.

Dr. Singh further praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, saying it has encouraged interdisciplinary learning, research and innovation. He noted that institutions such as NISER have emerged as important centres for advanced scientific education and research under the evolving academic framework.

Concluding his address, the minister congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to view their degrees as a commitment to nation-building. He expressed confidence that the new generation of scientists would help shape an innovative, self-reliant and globally competitive India in the years ahead.

15 Dead in Udhampur Bus Accident After 100-Foot Gorge Plunge

Vehicle lost control on a blind curve in J&K’s Udhampur district on Monday morning, marking a tragic Udhampur bus accident that has left at least 15 dead and several injured, with the toll feared to rise further.

At least 15 people lost their lives when a passenger bus veered off the road and plunged nearly 100 feet into a gorge in the Kagot area of Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. The accident occurred around 10 am as the vehicle negotiated a blind curve near Kagort village in the Ram Nagar belt. Officials said the bus was heading to Udhampur from a remote village.

Bus Loses Control  

The driver struggled to keep the vehicle steady on the narrow, winding stretch. Within moments, the bus slipped off the edge and tumbled down the steep slope.

Plunge Into Gorge  

It fell 100 feet before hitting the rocky terrain below and overturning. Debris scattered across the gorge as the heavily loaded public transport bus came to a halt in a mangled state.

Rescue Efforts Intensify  

A major rescue operation swung into action immediately. Local residents, security forces and cranes rushed to the spot to pull out survivors and recover bodies. The terrain made the work difficult, yet teams worked without pause.

Injured in Critical State  

Several passengers were shifted from the site to hospitals in Udhampur. Many remain in critical condition. Medical teams are providing emergency care, and authorities have warned that the death toll may increase as more information emerges from the scene.

CM Offers Condolences  

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences over the tragedy. He said he was deeply saddened by the road accident involving the passenger bus travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur.

Minister Shares Update  

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed in a social media post that the vehicle was a public transport bus. He conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims.

Road Mishap Highlights Risks  

This Udhampur bus accident has once again drawn attention to the hazards of travel on hilly roads in the region. Blind curves, steep drops and heavy passenger loads often combine to create dangerous conditions, especially on routes connecting remote villages to district headquarters. In the latest news today, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by commuters in Jammu and Kashmir.  

Rescue teams continue to comb the area even as the injured receive treatment. Families of the deceased have begun arriving at hospitals. The focus now remains on providing immediate support to those affected and ensuring that every possible effort is made to handle the aftermath of this devastating Udhampur bus accident.