10, Oct 2026
Unseasonal Rain, Chilly Weather Blamed for Himachal Pradesh’s Apple Output Decline
Shimla, Oct 10 (UDN): Unseasonal rainfall, cold conditions during the flowering stage and insufficient chilling hours have adversely affected apple production in Himachal Pradesh this season, state Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Friday.
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Addressing the media in Shimla, Negi said unfavourable weather conditions had affected the state’s apple crop. He also outlined the procurement figures under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), along with measures taken by the state government to clear pending payments to farmers and orchardists.
According to the Minister, the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) and the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers Federation Limited (HIMFED) had procured 13,202.666 metric tonnes of apples under the scheme so far.
Meanwhile, 1,23,34,739 apple boxes had reached markets during the current season, he said.
Government Reports Progress on Pending Dues
Negi defended the state government’s handling of MIS payments, alleging that the present Congress government had inherited outstanding liabilities of Rs 114 crore from the previous BJP administration.
He said the government had cleared the inherited dues and disbursed more than Rs 262 crore to farmers and orchardists so far.
The Minister also accused BJP leaders of misleading apple growers over the payment issue, maintaining that the government had taken steps to address outstanding liabilities and improve the implementation of the scheme.
Application-Based System Introduced
Highlighting reforms under the state government’s Vyavastha Parivartan initiative, Negi said the traditional registration system under the MIS had been replaced with an application-based mechanism.
According to him, the revised process was intended to improve transparency and streamline beneficiary verification. He added that the number of registered farmers and orchardists had declined following the change.
The government has also been making payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.
Thousands of Beneficiaries Under Verification
The Minister said DBT payments had been made to 11,285 farmers and orchardists with fewer than 30 bags and another 2,827 beneficiaries with fewer than 100 bags.
Around 7,000 farmers and orchardists with more than 100 bags had been identified for verification, he added.
Of these, approximately 2,000 cases had been verified, while land-related documents were being sought to complete the process for the remaining 5,000 cases.
The verification exercise is aimed at establishing beneficiary eligibility and ensuring that payments under the scheme reach the intended recipients.
Re 1 Increase Announced Under MIS
Negi further said the state government had announced a Re 1 increase under the Market Intervention Scheme, a move expected to benefit apple growers across Himachal Pradesh.
The announcement comes as growers contend with weather-related challenges affecting production, alongside concerns over procurement and payments.
With apple cultivation serving as a key source of livelihood for thousands of farming households in the hill state, the impact of adverse weather and the timely implementation of government support measures remain important concerns for the sector.
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- By Neel Achary
10, Oct 2026
Odisha Student Union Elections: Nomination Process Ends Across Colleges, Universities
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (UDN): The nomination process for student union elections across colleges and universities under Odisha’s Higher Education Department concluded on Thursday, marking a key step towards the conduct of student polls across the state.
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The state government has put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the election process proceeds smoothly, transparently and in an orderly manner, according to an official statement.
The Higher Education Department has been closely tracking developments at educational institutions through a state-level control room operating under the direct supervision of Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal.
The control room has been established to monitor election-related activities, coordinate oversight and facilitate the smooth conduct of student union elections across the state.
With the nomination phase now complete, attention is turning to the subsequent stages of the electoral process at participating institutions. The department’s monitoring arrangements are aimed at ensuring transparency and maintaining orderly procedures throughout the elections.
Student union elections play an important role in campus life, providing students with an opportunity to elect representatives who can raise their concerns and advocate for their interests within their respective institutions.
The Higher Education Department’s continued oversight is intended to support a fair and well-coordinated electoral process across colleges and universities in Odisha.
10, Oct 2026
Durga Puja 2026: Rourkela Pandals to Showcase Jagannath’s Suna Besha and Dantewada’s Rani Mahal
Rourkela, Oct 10 (UDN): Preparations for Durga Puja are gathering momentum across Rourkela, with artisans and puja committees working against the clock to create spectacular pandals for this year’s celebrations. Among the major attractions, Sector 7 will feature an entrance inspired by Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha, while Sector 9 is set to recreate the architectural grandeur of Dantewada’s Rani Mahal.
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The two installations are expected to draw devotees and visitors with their distinctive designs, elaborate craftsmanship and impressive dimensions, adding to the festive atmosphere in Odisha’s Steel City.
Sector 7 to Present a Grand Tribute to Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha
The Sector 7 Durga Puja committee is preparing an elaborate entrance structure inspired by Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha, the revered golden attire of the deity. The design aims to bring the splendour of this iconic religious tradition to the city’s Durga Puja celebrations.
Measuring approximately 45 feet in height and 120 feet in width, the structure is expected to make a striking impression on visitors. Organisers plan to use around 4,000 bamboo poles, 300 cubic feet of timber and more than 1,000 pieces of cloth to bring the ambitious design to life.
More than 15 artisans are engaged in the construction, working long hours to complete the intricate structure before the festivities begin.
Beyond the main attraction, the committee is also planning a meena bazaar to offer visitors an additional festive experience. Devotees will be able to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga while exploring the surrounding attractions.
Sector 9 to Recreate the Heritage of Dantewada’s Rani Mahal
At Sector 9, the Durga Puja committee is preparing a grand entrance inspired by Dantewada’s Rani Mahal, bringing a distinctive architectural theme to its 35th year of celebrations.
The proposed structure will stand 80 feet tall and span 90 feet in width. Its construction involves approximately 300 bamboo poles, 600 cubic feet of timber and more than 1,500 metres of cloth.
Over 20 artisans are working on the installation, carefully shaping the materials to recreate the grandeur of the chosen design. The scale of the project is expected to make the entrance a prominent attraction during the celebrations.
Meanwhile, the clay idol of Goddess Durga is nearing completion, marking another important milestone in the committee’s preparations.
Artisans Race Against Time Ahead of the Festivities
With Durga Puja approaching, workers at both Sector 7 and Sector 9 are focused on completing their projects within the stipulated time. From assembling the large bamboo frameworks to adding decorative elements and finishing the idols, every stage requires careful planning and coordinated effort.
The contrasting themes promise to give visitors two distinctive experiences: the spiritual splendour of Lord Jagannath’s golden attire at Sector 7 and the architectural magnificence of Rani Mahal at Sector 9.
As the final preparations continue, Rourkela is gearing up for a vibrant celebration, with the two pandals poised to become notable highlights of the city’s Durga Puja festivities.
10, Oct 2026
RIDEV Launches 16th Hub in Chennai as Electric Two-Wheeler Fleet Crosses 12,000
Chennai, October 10, 2026: RIDEV, an electric mobility platform focused on enabling India’s delivery and gig workforce, today announced the launch of its 16th hub in Chennai, as its fleet crosses 12,000 electric two-wheelers on the road. The launch was attended by Hemant Kabra, Founder and Managing Director of BGauss, as the Chief Guest.
The Chennai hub marks another step in RIDEV’s expansion of its hub-led operating model, which combines electric two-wheeler rentals with the operational support needed by high-usage delivery and gig workers. RIDEV’s operations are supported by in-house technology solutions that help manage its fleet, hubs and rider operations. Founded in April 2024 with just 10 electric two-wheelers, RIDEV has scaled to more than 12,000 electric two-wheelers on the road. Its rental model includes battery swapping, servicing and maintenance, roadside assistance, insurance and standby EV support, all provided at no additional cost.
The model is designed to give delivery and gig workers access to an electric two-wheeler without the upfront burden of ownership, while reducing some of the operational challenges that can affect their ability to stay on the road, including battery access, maintenance, repairs and vehicle downtime. For delivery and gig workers, the vehicle they use is directly connected to their ability to earn.
RIDEV’s approach is built around keeping that vehicle operational while taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities associated with running an electric two-wheeler. ““At RIDEV, our philosophy is simple: we don’t just provide a vehicle; we provide access to an earning asset. For a delivery partner, a vehicle is more than transportation, it is the foundation of their livelihood and their family’s future. That’s why our responsibility goes beyond putting an EV on the road. We work to ensure riders can keep earning without being held back by ownership, maintenance, repairs, or downtime. In many ways, RIDEV becomes part of the backbone of a family’s livelihood. Every new RIDEV hub strengthens this ecosystem, enabling more riders across India to earn with confidence, dignity, and reliability. -Manish Kumar Jain, Founder & CEO, RIDEV
The company’s growth from 10 EVs to more than 12,000 reflects its focus on building a scalable operating model around vehicle access, rider support and technology. As part of the Chennai hub launch, RIDEV will also showcase its 12,000th electric two-wheeler, marking a symbolic milestone in the company’s growth journey. RIDEV will continue to expand its fleet and hub network across key markets while strengthening its technology and operational infrastructure to support the growing needs of India’s delivery and gig workforce.
10, Oct 2026
Enso Goes Live on Robinhood Chain, Bringing Composable Stock Token Access to Wallets and Fintechs
One Enso integration lets apps route into more than 248 Robinhood Stock Tokens, swap across chains and access DeFi on Robinhood Chain.
ZURICH, Switzerland, 010 October, 2026 — Enso, the execution infrastructure platform for onchain finance, today announced its official launch on Robinhood Chain, the Arbitrum-built Layer-2 designed for financial services and tokenized real-world assets. Through a single Enso API integration, wallets, trading and investment apps, fintechs and institutions can now offer same-chain and cross-chain swaps, DeFi actions including deposits, liquidity provision and flashloans, and Robinhood Stock Tokens routing on the network.
More than 20 teams have already integrated Enso on Robinhood Chain ahead of today’s announcement, routing more than 8,450 transactions worth about $17 million. Stock Tokens account for nearly 30% of those transactions, with roughly one in three wallets using Enso on the network having traded one.
Tokenized equities are arriving onchain faster than the infrastructure needed to put them to work. Each new chain typically means a fresh round of integrations for liquidity venues, bridges and protocols. Enso extends the routing, simulation, bridging and policy enforcement it already runs across 27+ chains to Robinhood Chain, so existing partners can support the network through the same API they use today.
With Enso, Stock Tokens can be swapped, moved cross-chain or combined into a DeFi position within a single transaction path. A user holding USDC on Base, for example, can move into a Stock Token or a DeFi position on Robinhood Chain with one signature, without bridging manually or first acquiring ETH for gas on the new chain.
“Tokenized stocks only matter if people can reach them from the apps they already use,” said Connor Howe, Co-Founder and CEO of Enso. “More than 20 teams are already using Enso to bring Robinhood Chain to their users, and about a third of wallets routing through us have traded a Stock Token. That tells us the demand is there when access sits inside the products people already use. Partners on Enso can offer Stock Tokens, swaps and DeFi on Robinhood Chain through one integration, and they’ll be able to do the same for the next asset class or chain without starting over.”
Every transaction executed through Enso goes through pre-trade simulation and execution verification, the same standard applied on every chain Enso supports. Enso composes and executes transactions; it does not issue custody or broker Stock Tokens, and assets remain in the user’s or institution’s control.
Robinhood Chain support is available now in the Enso API. More information is available on the Enso blog here.
9, Oct 2026
Faasos Marks 22 Years with the Opening of Its First-Ever Physical Outlet in Pune
09th Oct 2026: Faasos, India’s much-loved wrap brand from Rebel Foods, is set to open its first dedicated physical outlet at Aeromall, Pune, on 10 October 2026, marking a new chapter in its 22-year journey. The launch will bring the brand back to the city where it started in 2004, as Faasos returns to its roots with a place of its own.
Over the past 22 years, Faasos has grown from its beginnings in Pune into one of India’s most recognised wrap brands, bringing convenient and flavourful food to customers across the country. From homes and offices to colleges and wherever cravings take them, the brand has brought its wraps to people for over two decades. The new outlet now gives existing customers an opportunity to experience a familiar favourite in a physical setting, while creating a new, accessible space for younger audiences to discover Faasos.
The move into a dedicated physical format extends Faasos’ relationship with customers beyond delivery, giving them a new way to experience the brand. At Aeromall, the outlet brings the familiar Faasos experience into a retail setting, creating an in-person touchpoint for customers in Pune.
Speaking at the launch, Ankush Grover, Co-founder and Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, “Pune holds a special place for Faasos, as the city where it began 22 years ago before growing into a wrap brand enjoyed by consumers across India. As we continue to build our brands, we also look at how we can bring them closer to consumers in ways that feel relevant to them. With the new outlet at Aeromall, we look forward to making Faasos more accessible to customers in Pune, while continuing to serve the wraps they have come to know and enjoy. We look forward to welcoming customers and bringing the Faasos experience to them in a new way.”
The opening will be celebrated with special offers for customers visiting the new outlet. The first 200 customers will receive a FREE Faasos wrap, with celebrations beginning at 11 AM on 10 October. For the rest of the launch day, customers can enjoy the Wrapchik.
For Faasos, the opening marks an important step in bringing the brand closer to consumers through a dedicated physical presence. After 22 years of bringing its wraps to customers across the country, Faasos is now creating a space for customers to enjoy the brand in the city where it all began.
Store Address
Faasos, Second Floor, Aeromall, Airport Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411032
9, Oct 2026
BMW Golf Cup 2026 India winners set to represent the country at the World Final
Gurugram | Oct 09. BMW Group India today announced the winners of the 16th edition of the BMW Golf Cup 2026 final, held at DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurugram. Anish Bhujle – Category A and Vikas Mahajan – Category B emerged victorious in their respective handicap categories and will represent India at the BMW Golf Cup World Final scheduled to be held in South Africa in March 2027.
Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, President & CEO, BMW Group India said, “The BMW Golf Cup is more than a celebration of sporting excellence, it is a powerful expression of performance, passion and the strength of the BMW community. This year, the tournament reached a new milestone, bringing together 2,300 amateur golfers from across India, with 40 exceptional players advancing to the national final. I congratulate our winners on this outstanding achievement. As they step onto the global stage to represent India at the World Final, they carry the pride and support of the entire BMW community. Through distinctive experiences such as the BMW Golf Cup, we continue to bring our customers together and create memorable moments that reflect the spirit of BMW.”
The national final brought together 40 leading amateur golfers who qualified through regional tournaments held at spectacular golf courses across Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Vadodara, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata and Gurugram. This season attracted 2,300 participants, the finalist competed for national honours and the opportunity to represent India at the pinnacle of the BMW Golf Cup.
At the final, Anish Bhujle from Mumbai claimed the title in Category A for handicaps upto 12, while Vikas Mahajan from Muradabad won the Category B for handicaps 13-28. The two champions will form Team India at the BMW Golf Cup World Final, competing against leading amateur golfers from participating nations.
BMW Golf Cup, one of the world’s largest amateur golf tournament series can trace its roots back a quarter of a century to a British-based initiative that ran on its own for five years before going international. The tournament started as the BMW Invitation Tournament in UK. It has now developed into a global series with 1,000 qualifying tournaments involving 100,000 players in up to 40 countries. The best players from each nation qualify for the highlight, the BMW Golf Cup World Final, where the individual titles are contested in three categories.
The BMW Golf Cup 2026 has two categories, A (for handicaps up to 12) and B (for handicaps 13 – 28). The winners of the individual handicap categories qualify for the National Final. The winners in each of the two handicap categories in the National Final qualify to take part in the World Final of BMW Golf Cup.
9, Oct 2026
CM Majhi Calls on Odisha’s Youth to Embrace Gopabandhu Das’s Ideals of Service and Sacrifice
Bbubaneswar, Oct 9 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the life and ideals of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, urging them to balance personal ambitions with a commitment to social welfare and nation-building.
The Chief Minister made the appeal while paying floral tributes to the legendary freedom fighter, social reformer and literary figure on his birth anniversary at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises.
Remembering Gopabandhu Das as an enduring symbol of Odia identity and pride, Majhi highlighted his lifelong dedication to the service of the poor, the underprivileged and people affected by natural calamities such as floods and cyclones.
Gopabandhu’s Legacy of Selfless Service
Majhi said Gopabandhu Das placed the welfare of others above his personal comfort and happiness, dedicating his life to helping vulnerable sections of society.
He described the revered leader as a pioneer of India’s freedom movement who embraced simplicity and championed values closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
The Chief Minister also recalled Gopabandhu’s contributions as a social worker, writer and poet, noting that his work helped spread awareness and strengthen the spirit of the freedom struggle.
His commitment to social reform and public service, Majhi said, continues to offer valuable lessons for generations to come.
Youth Urged to Combine Ambition with Social Responsibility
Calling on young people to follow Gopabandhu’s example, Majhi said they should pursue their aspirations while remaining sensitive to the needs of society and the nation.
He emphasised that the ideals of compassion, sacrifice, simplicity and service remain relevant as Odisha works towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to public welfare, faster development and the overall progress of the state.
Vision of Samruddha Odisha 2036
Linking Gopabandhu Das’s ideals with the state’s development goals, Majhi said the vision of ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ should be pursued in the spirit of dedication and public service exemplified by the eminent leader.
He stressed the importance of carrying forward Gopabandhu’s legacy while working towards a prosperous Odisha that creates opportunities and improves the lives of its people.
Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh and other dignitaries were present at the commemorative programme.
The observance served as a tribute to Gopabandhu Das’s enduring contribution to Odisha’s social, cultural and political life, while renewing the call for young people to uphold his ideals through meaningful service to society.
9, Oct 2026
Rising Digital Demand to Drive India’s Mobile Network Growth Through 2030
New Delhi, Oct 9: India’s mobile network traffic is expected to grow at an annual rate of 17 per cent between 2025 and 2030, supported by increasing smartphone usage, wider 5G adoption and growing demand for digital services, according to a report.
The rising use of mobile internet for video streaming, online gaming, digital payments and other online activities is expected to drive data consumption over the coming years.
As digital services become an increasingly important part of everyday life, telecom operators will need to expand network capacity and improve connectivity to meet the growing demand. The expansion of 5G services is also expected to support faster data speeds and more reliable connections.
The growth in mobile traffic is likely to create new opportunities for India’s telecommunications industry, encouraging investment in network infrastructure and advanced technologies.
At the same time, telecom companies will need to focus on improving service quality, managing network congestion and keeping mobile data services affordable for consumers.
The expected increase in mobile network traffic highlights the growing importance of digital connectivity in India’s economy. Continued investment in reliable telecommunications infrastructure will be essential to support businesses, consumers and the country’s expanding digital ecosystem.
9, Oct 2026
1,200 Children to Take the Field at Mobile Creches’ Annual Sports Meet in Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 09, 2026: The children of the people who build our cities, grow our food and keep communities running will take centre stage this Sunday as Mobile Creches hosts its Annual Sports Meet – “Kheltey Raho, Khiltey Raho” at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi.
Around 1,200 children from 50 Mobile Creches centres will participate in the sporting event on October 11, turning the track into a field of running, cheering, competing and celebration. The event will be joined by Pooja Dhanda, Indian wrestler, 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist and 2019 Arjuna Award recipient, as the Chief Guest. The event will also include an award distribution ceremony.
For Mobile Creches, the sports meet is more than a sporting event. It reflects a larger belief that every child deserves the right to play, learn, grow and be celebrated — irrespective of where their parents work or where their family lives.
Across India, construction workers raise buildings and infrastructure, families working in brick kilns make the bricks that shape our cities, and tea garden workers help put tea on tables across the country. Their children often grow up alongside these workplaces, with families moving in search of work or living in communities where access to quality childcare and early learning can be limited.
For more than five decades, Mobile Creches has worked to address this gap by taking childcare to where families live and work.
Founded in 1969, the organisation runs creches and learning centres across construction sites, urban settlements, brick kilns, tea gardens and rural and tribal communities, providing daycare, early learning, nutrition and health support close to children’s homes and their parents’ workplaces.
The organisation currently works across 17 states through more than 5,000 childcare centres and has reached over one million children, while training more than 20,000 care workers who form the backbone of its early childhood programmes.
From a creche to the sports field
The Annual Sports Meet brings this everyday work into focus.
At Mobile Creches centres, play is treated not as a reward, but as an essential part of childhood. Through play and early learning, children develop physical strength, confidence, social skills and a sense of belonging.
“Play is not a reward for children who have everything. It is how every child learns to trust, to try and to belong, For children from the communities we work with, this sports meet is the day the country turns around and says: we see you.” said Sumita Mishra, CEO, Mobile Creches.
The sports meet is an opportunity to see that belief in action — children lining up at the starting line, running their races, cheering for friends, experiencing the excitement of competition and celebrating each other’s achievements.
The programme will begin with an Indian Map formation and National Anthem, followed by a Torch Lighting Ceremony. Sporting activities will then take place across the track, with children participating age-wise.
Pooja Dhanda, whose own journey in wrestling has taken her to the international sporting arena, will join the children as Chief Guest. Her presence will add another dimension to the day’s message — that talent can come from every corner, and opportunity can help it find its field.
A celebration of the circle around every child
Mobile Creches believes that no child grows alone. Around every child is a circle of care — parents and families, the didis and care workers at the creches, communities, employers and developers who enable childcare spaces at worksites, and partners who support the organisation’s work.
The Annual Sports Meet brings this circle together on one field.
For one day, the children of families who spend their days building, growing and powering the country will not be on the sidelines. They will take the field, compete, cheer, laugh and be applauded.
And that, for Mobile Creches, is the spirit of “Kheltey Raho, Khiltey Raho” — because every child deserves the chance to play, compete and be cheered.
