3, Oct 2026
Chandigarh University Research Scientists gets 17 lakh grant from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology; to build skilled manpower for nature conservation and Ecotourism
Chandigarh University to Train Youth as Nature Conservators and Ecotourism Guides, Creating Conservation-Linked Livelihoods
CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant of over Rs 17 lakhs from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India for conducting a three-month specialized training programme on ‘Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide’ aimed at building a skilled workforce in nature conservation, sustainable and responsible tourism and green entrepreneurship.
Notably, the GSDP initiative was developed with an aim to create skilled workforce for environment and forest-related sectors with training designed to support gainful employment and self-employment.
Sanctioned by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) through its Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub, the programme will train 20 participants through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, field exposure and entrepreneurship-oriented skill development.
Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences Chandigarh University and Principal Investigator of the programme, along with experts including (Prof) Dr. Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University and Dr. Sangeeta from the Department of Biosciences from CU will contribute to the academic and practical delivery of the programme.
Sharing the details about the programme, Dr LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences said, “The three-month programme will provide participants with extensive practical exposure, with the proposed training structure comprising approximately 35–40 per cent theory and 60–65 per cent practical and skill-based learning. Participants will be trained in areas including biodiversity assessment, identification of flora and fauna, wildlife and bird observation, nature interpretation, ecosystem understanding, sustainable tourism planning, ecotourism operations, hospitality, environmental monitoring, digital marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship.”
Prof (Dr) Attri added, “A significant component of the programme will be field-based learning. Participants are expected to visit ecologically and tourism-relevant locations including the Siswan Ecotourism Project, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh Biodiversity Park, Chhatbir Zoological Park, Ropar Wetland, Morni Hills, Pinjore Heritage Gardens, Timber Trail, organic farms, village homestays in the Shivalik region, Hoshiarpur Eco Resort, Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland. Such exposure will enable trainees to understand how conservation, visitor management, interpretation and local livelihood opportunities can be integrated at actual destinations.”
Prof (Dr) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University said, “The programme carries a defined employment outcome with the sanction requiring 50 per cent gainful placement of trained candidates in relevant sectors. This places employability and livelihood generation at the centre of the training rather than limiting the programme to academic certification. The potential career opportunities emerging from the training span nature guiding, ecotourism operations, wildlife and birding activities, rural tourism, homestay management, hospitality, destination interpretation, conservation-related work and nature-based entrepreneurship. These skills can contribute to the growing demand for trained professionals in Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors. The sanctioned amount will cover course materials and training kits, boarding and lodging, transportation and field visits, honorarium, and other expenses for the three-month residential training programme for 20 trainees and resource persons.”
Dr Sangeeta, Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University, shared that initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, government agencies, conservation organisations, tourism stakeholders and local communities. Its field-oriented design can provide participants with direct understanding of protected areas, wetlands, biodiversity parks, rural tourism sites and community-based tourism models while also introducing them to the operational and entrepreneurial dimensions of the sector. For Chandigarh University, the grant adds another dimension to its engagement with green skills by connecting scientific training, tourism education and livelihood development. With nature-based tourism increasingly requiring trained personnel who understand both ecological systems and visitor needs, the programme is positioned to develop professionals capable of contributing to conservation as well as responsible tourism.
The programme comes at a time when ecotourism and nature-based tourism are increasingly recognised for combining responsible travel with biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, environmental awareness and sustainable livelihood generation. Unlike conventional tourism, ecotourism places greater emphasis on environmental protection, community participation, cultural preservation and nature-based enterprises. Punjab’s diverse natural assets, including the Shivalik foothills, wetlands, riverine habitats, forests, biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offer significant scope for developing such responsible tourism models and generating conservation-linked livelihood opportunities.
With expertise coming together from Chandigarh University’s Departments of Biosciences and Tourism & Hospitality Management, the interdisciplinary training will combine ecological knowledge with nature interpretation, biodiversity documentation, sustainable tourism practices, hospitality, destination management and enterprise development, preparing participants for responsible tourism and conservation-related livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of GSDP to develop green-skilled human resources equipped for sustainable development, with programmes across the country covering nature conservation, ecotourism and livelihood-oriented training. Through the sanctioned programme, Chandigarh University will train 20 participants in a specialized green skill, combining field-based learning, practical training and employability-focused outcomes to support the development of skilled manpower for Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors.
About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.
Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/
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- By Sai Krishna
3, Oct 2026
Odisha to Stay Hot and Humid Till October 7 as Monsoon Retreats
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Odisha is likely to continue experiencing hot and humid weather until October 7, with elevated temperatures and high moisture levels making conditions uncomfortable across the state.
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The heat is expected to be noticeable from the morning, while warm and humid conditions may persist through the night, adding to discomfort for residents.
Clearer Skies, Rising Day Temperatures
The gradual withdrawal of the southwest monsoon is bringing clearer skies to several parts of Odisha. Reduced cloud cover is allowing stronger sunlight to reach the surface, contributing to a rise in daytime temperatures.
At the same time, moisture remaining in the atmosphere following the recent rainy spell is contributing to higher humidity. As surface moisture evaporates under strong sunshine, the combination of heat and humidity can make temperatures feel considerably more oppressive.
October Brings Cyclone Watch
October marks the beginning of the period when Odisha’s coast typically remains vulnerable to weather systems developing over the Bay of Bengal. Low-pressure areas and depressions can form during October and November and may subsequently influence weather conditions along the coast and adjoining regions.
Before the development of such systems, wind speeds over land may occasionally weaken. Lower wind movement, combined with high temperatures and humidity, can further intensify the feeling of heat.
For now, residents may have to wait a few more days for noticeable relief, with hot and humid conditions likely to continue across Odisha through October 7.
3, Oct 2026
CM Majhi Hails CUO as Centre of Excellence for Classical Pali Gets Nod
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has congratulated the Central University of Odisha (CUO) following the Union Ministry of Education’s approval to establish a Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Pali at the university.
A proud moment for Odisha and a significant step towards preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage.
The Ministry of Education’s approval of a Centre of Excellence for Classical Pali at the Central University of Odisha will strengthen the study, preservation and promotion of… pic.twitter.com/hNSJT31oIB
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 3, 2026
Describing the development as a proud moment for Odisha, Majhi said the new centre would contribute to the preservation, research and promotion of Pali, a language closely associated with India’s intellectual, spiritual and cultural traditions.
Focus on Preserving Linguistic Heritage
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the establishment of the centre would reinforce Odisha’s role in safeguarding India’s civilisational knowledge and linguistic heritage.
Majhi noted that the initiative would strengthen academic efforts to study and preserve Pali while creating greater opportunities for its promotion and dissemination.
The Chief Minister said the development represented an important step towards preserving India’s rich linguistic legacy and enhancing Odisha’s contribution to the field.
Five Classical Language Centres Approved
The approval was conveyed through an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Higher Education’s Language Division on October 1.
The Ministry has approved five Centres of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages across the country. The centres will focus on:
Classical Assamese — Tezpur University, Assam
Classical Bengali — Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal
Classical Marathi — Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune
Classical Pali — Central University of Odisha
Classical Prakrit — Central University of Gujarat
Boost to Research and Digitisation
The Centres of Excellence are envisaged as platforms for advancing scholarly research, digitisation, preservation and wider dissemination of the heritage associated with the respective classical languages.
The establishment of the Pali centre at CUO is expected to provide a dedicated institutional platform for academic work on the language and its literary, cultural and intellectual traditions, while further strengthening Odisha’s position in the preservation of India’s classical heritage.
3, Oct 2026
PMOS Care, Smart Textiles, Online Research Ethics, and the TEMPO Pilot
Toronto, October 03: JMIR Publications released four feature News and Perspectives articles this week, covering developments in smart textiles, PMOS treatment in India, the FDA’s TEMPO pilot for regulating AI-enabled devices, and the ethical quandaries of using online forums in research.
How Digital Tools May Improve Access to PMOS Treatment in India
In “Closing Treatment Gaps for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome in India”, Bharath Thampi speaks with physicians and patients of PMOS—renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome earlier this year—on the condition’s persisting stigma and barriers to care. Diagnosis and treatment is particularly inaccessible in rural regions of India, writes Thampi, but digital initiatives may help. Reproductive health awareness has improved with the adoption of smartphones and social media, and digital twin technology is beginning to be harnessed to develop individualized treatment plans for PMOS patients. According to expert source Dr. Paramesh Shamanna, app-delivered treatment plans may one day be accessible and affordable to girls and women in rural regions as well.
The Future of Fabric
Is it time to ask more of our fabrics? In “Smart Textiles Tackle Wound Healing, Climate Adaptation, and Reproductive Health”, Virginia Gewin covers developments in the nascent field of smart textiles—fabrics with technology literally woven in that can sense and track changes in health markers—and its applications in medical care, climate adaptability, and even military operations. Up next, writes Gewin, researchers are “moving from simply sensing skin conditions to taking actions, such as delivering antibiotics or adjusting pressure in response to real-time swelling”.
What the FDA’s TEMPO Pilot Means For Medical AI Regulation
Tejas S Athni reports on the Technology-Enabled Meaningful Patient Outcomes for the FDA’s Digital Health Devices Pilot program in “The US Food and Drug Administration’s TEMPO Pilot Signals a New Regulatory Approach for AI-Enabled Medical Devices”. This pilot “provisionally enables certain manufacturers to launch digital health devices for clinical use before obtaining traditional FDA marketing authorization, while the agency evaluates their performance in real-world settings,” writes Athni, noting that AI-enabled devices can perform dynamically in real-world settings, meaning traditional evaluation pathways may not be adequate for these products. “TEMPO represents an important experiment on how the FDA may regulate AI-enabled medical devices, providing regulators an opportunity to learn from technologies in real time.”
The Ethics of Mining Data from Public Forums
Public forums, and their wealth of accessible information, are useful to researchers—but can this data be collected ethically? Simon Spichak investigates in “How to Use—And How Not to Use—Public Forums in Research”, speaking with a moderator of the subreddit /r/ChangeMyView, which was unknowingly subjected to an experiment by the University of Zurich in 2025; as well as internet research ethicist Dr. Amy Bruckman. Spichak notes that “Social media sites…have been commonly mined for data by researchers even though most users are unaware,” and that “a lack of explicit user consent…is common among research that uses Reddit posts.” Data mining, increasingly common with AI web scraping, has prompted Reddit and other companies to take matters into their own hands by restricting access to forums, which will in turn require researchers to develop new strategies for ethical data collection.
3, Oct 2026
BJD Reshuffles Media Team, Names 10 National Spokespersons
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has undertaken a major restructuring of its communication apparatus, appointing 10 national spokespersons and revamping its Media, Social Media and IT cells.
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The organisational changes were announced through a fresh party order issued on Friday, superseding earlier arrangements.
10 Leaders Named National Spokespersons
The newly appointed national spokespersons are Dr Santrupt Misra, Dr Sasmit Patra, Manas Mangaraj, Sulata Deo, Subhashish Khuntia, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Chiranjib Biswal, Pradip Majhi, Lekhasri Samantasinghar and Bhrugu Buxipatra.
New Media Cell Structure
The reconstituted Media Cell has been divided into electronic and print media wings, along with dedicated responsibilities for social media and IT.
For electronic media, Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo has been appointed Chief Coordinator, while Debesh Acharya and Lenin Mohanty will serve as Senior Coordinator and Coordinator respectively.
In the print media wing, Sanjay Kumar Das Burma has been named Chief Coordinator, with Goutam Buddha Das as Senior Coordinator and Priyabrata Majhi as Coordinator.
The Social Media and IT Cell will be headed by Pratap Jena as Chief Coordinator. Pranab Kumar Balabantaray has been appointed Senior Coordinator, while Swayam Prakash Mahapatra will oversee social media coordination and Amresh Patri will handle IT coordination.
30 State Spokespersons Announced
The party has also constituted a 30-member state spokesperson panel featuring senior BJD leaders, including Ranendra Pratap Swain, Prasanna Acharya, Debi Prasad Mishra, Pramila Mallick, Pratap Keshari Deb, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Niranjan Pujari, Pranab Prakash Das, Dibya Shankar Mishra, Tukuni Sahu, Snehangini Chhuria, Sulochana Das, Subash Singh, Ranjita Sahoo, Chinmaya Sahu and Ipsita Sahoo, among others.
The latest appointments mark a restructuring of the party’s communication framework across national, state, traditional media and digital platforms.
3, Oct 2026
CM Majhi Announces Rs 11 Lakh Reward for Each Indian Women’s Hockey Player After Asian Games Gold
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for members of the Indian women’s hockey team following their gold medal triumph at the 2026 Asian Games.
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The Chief Minister also announced Rs 5.5 lakh each for the team’s support staff, recognising their contribution to India’s historic title-winning campaign.
Majhi Hails Team’s Determination
The Chief Minister’s Office, in a post on X, congratulated the players for their impressive performance, determination and commitment, saying their achievement had brought immense pride to the country.
The CMO also reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to promoting hockey and supporting athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence.
“Odisha Government stands firmly with Indian hockey and remains committed to supporting and nurturing sporting excellence,” the CMO said.
India Ends Four-Decade Wait for Gold
India secured the women’s hockey gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after defeating defending champions China 1-0 in a closely contested final on Friday.
The victory ended India’s wait of more than four decades for the Asian Games women’s hockey gold and also earned the team direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The triumph adds another significant chapter to Indian women’s hockey and highlights the growing success of the country’s athletes on the international stage.
3, Oct 2026
Tunnel Breakthrough Marks Major Milestone in Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project has reached a key construction milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No. 41-41A between Borra Guhalu and Karakavalasa stations under the Rayagada Division of East Coast Railway.
The breakthrough was achieved on October 1 with 100 per cent alignment accuracy, marking another significant step towards strengthening railway connectivity along the challenging Kottavalasa-Koraput route.
829-Metre Tunnel Over Curved Alignment
Tunnel No. 41-41A stretches 829 metres and has been constructed in a horseshoe-shaped configuration. The tunnel alignment passes through a section featuring a curve of up to 8 degrees, adding to the engineering challenges involved in its construction.
The breakthrough was completed in the Borra Guhalu-Karakavalasa block section, reflecting the precision required for executing railway infrastructure projects in the region’s difficult terrain.
Boost to Rail Capacity
The successful completion of the tunnel breakthrough is expected to facilitate further progress on the Kottavalasa-Koraput doubling works.
Once the doubling project is completed, the additional railway line is expected to increase route capacity, improve operational efficiency and enable smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.
The latest achievement underscores the steady progress being made on the project and represents another step towards upgrading rail infrastructure along the strategically important Kottavalasa-Koraput corridor.
3, Oct 2026
RAKEZ showcases Ras Al Khaimah’s food manufacturing potential at Future Food Summit 2026
Ras Al Khaimah, Oct 03: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) participated as a Silver Sponsor in the eighth edition of Future Food Summit 2026, organised by the UAE Food Cluster and the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The annual summit brought together key players from the UAE’s food ecosystem to discuss food security, trade, supply chains and sector growth.
Throughout the summit, the RAKEZ team engaged with food and beverage manufacturers, suppliers, investors and industry stakeholders, highlighting Ras Al Khaimah’s competitive operating environment and the range of business and industrial solutions available to F&B companies.
Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, said: “Food and beverage manufacturing is an important part of the UAE’s industrial growth story, and Ras Al Khaimah offers a strong platform for companies looking to establish, scale and serve regional markets. At RAKEZ, our focus is on creating the right conditions for that growth through competitive industrial solutions, connected infrastructure and practical business support. As the sector continues to evolve, sustainability and resource efficiency will become increasingly important, and we are committed to helping manufacturers access the facilities, services and partnerships they need to grow responsibly and competitively.”
As part of RAKEZ’s participation, Puneet Jain, Chief Strategy Officer at RAKEZ, joined the panel discussion ‘The Net-Zero Food Chain: Building Circular, Sustainable Systems’, which explored how circular production models and stronger collaboration can support the UAE’s transition towards a more sustainable food system.
During the discussion, Jain highlighted the role economic zones can play in enabling circularity by bringing manufacturers, suppliers, logistics providers, technology companies and service providers together within connected ecosystems. He noted that closer collaboration can make it easier for businesses to share infrastructure and resources, including opportunities for by-products or materials from one operation to be repurposed as inputs for another.
He also emphasised the importance of making sustainable practices practical and commercially viable for F&B businesses, particularly through shared infrastructure and solutions around cleaner energy, water efficiency, waste management and resource recovery. By giving businesses access to the right facilities, technologies and partners, economic zones can help them operate more efficiently while remaining competitive as they grow.
The panel also examined opportunities to strengthen water reuse, waste segregation, recycling and recovery, and encourage greater resource exchange across the food value chain.
Through its participation in Future Food Summit 2026, RAKEZ reinforced its role in supporting the development of the food and beverage sector and advancing a more sustainable business ecosystem. This also supports the objectives of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 by contributing to a more resilient and future-ready food ecosystem.
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3, Oct 2026
Sachin Kumar Yadav IAS Takes Charge as KFON Managing Director
Thiruvananthapuram, October 03 2026: Sachin Kumar Yadav, IAS, has assumed charge as the Managing Director of Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON). Currently serving as the Director of Kerala State IT Mission, he is also holding additional charge as the CEO of Technopark and Director of the Kerala State Remote Sensing and Environment Centre (KSRSEC). He has previously served as Deputy Secretary and Officer on Special Duty in the Finance Department and the AIS Department of the General Administration Department. He has also served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rebuild Kerala Initiative.
Born in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Sachin Kumar Yadav completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi before joining the Indian Administrative Service. He has served in various positions in the Kerala Government, including Assistant Collector, Ernakulam; Sub Collector, Tirur; and District Development Commissioner, Malappuram.
His leadership is expected to provide fresh impetus to efforts to further strengthen digital connectivity across the state and expand KFON services to more regions and sections of society. Expanding connectivity to homes, government institutions, educational institutions and commercial establishments, while further strengthening digital inclusion, will remain key areas of focus.
3, Oct 2026
V D Satheesan Delivers 18th K P Hormis Memorial Lecture Hosted by Federal Bank
Kochi, October 03, 2026: The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V D Satheesan, delivered the 18th K P Hormis Memorial Lecture, hosted by Federal Bank, at Grand Hyatt Kochi.
The Chief Minister delivered the memorial lecture on the topic “Reimagining Kerala”. In his lecture, he highlighted the need for a comprehensive transformation of Kerala across key sectors, including education, healthcare, tourism, sports, public welfare, elderly care and women’s safety, in keeping with the changing needs of the modern era. He noted that Kerala already possesses infrastructure and social amenities comparable with those in several Western countries, and emphasised the need to utilise these resources more efficiently. He also stressed the importance of transforming the State’s geographical and demographic challenges into opportunities for growth, while creating greater opportunities for the youth and ensuring the welfare of senior citizens.
He added that the State should move beyond its traditionally recognised development achievements and create a distinctive Kerala model of development capable of redefining growth across sectors. As part of this vision, he announced plans to organise ‘Festival Kerala’, initially across different parts of India and subsequently at international locations. The initiative will showcase Kerala’s heritage, art, culture and traditions while also providing a platform to highlight the State’s entrepreneurs, investment opportunities, tourism potential and talent to audiences in India and across the world. He emphasised that Festival Kerala would go beyond being a cultural showcase and serve as a platform for investment promotion, tourism, entrepreneurship and presenting Kerala’s capabilities to a wider global audience.
The Chief Minister welcomed Federal Bank’s contribution to the State’s development and called for its continued participation in the efforts to reimagining Kerala and drive its transformation across sectors.
Mr. Elias George, Chairman, Federal Bank, welcomed the gathering and set the context for the evening. Mr. KVS Manian, Managing Director & CEO, Federal Bank, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for delivering the 18th K P Hormis Memorial Lecture.
The event was attended by over 1,500 people, including eminent personalities, Trustees of the Foundation, members of the Bank’s Board of Directors, Senior Executives and officials of the Bank. Students from various business schools also attended the event. The event also featured a digital exhibition showcasing some of the latest innovations and technologies in the banking and financial sector, including FedHive, the Bank’s social media monitoring tool.
The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer session with the Chief Minister, in which he deliberated on the topic further.
The K P Hormis Memorial Lecture is organised in memory of Late K P Hormis, Founder of Federal Bank, and has over the years provided a platform for distinguished leaders and eminent personalities to share their perspectives on issues of contemporary relevance.
The Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation was instituted in 1996 to perpetuate the memory of Late K P Hormis. The Foundation and its activities were inaugurated by the then Union Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, at Ernakulam on October 18, 1996. Since its inception, the Foundation has undertaken various initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge and awareness in the areas of banking, finance and economics, alongside educational and community welfare programmes.
The 18th K P Hormis Memorial Lecture continued this legacy by bringing together a diverse audience for an exchange of perspectives and ideas on issues relevant to society and the economy.
