17, Jun 2026
Basumati Snana: Odisha’s Sacred Ritual of Rebirth, Rest, and Reverence for Mother Earth
June 17: In Odisha’s rich cultural calendar, Basumati Snana stands out as a deeply symbolic and spiritually grounded ritual that concludes the vibrant Raja Parba festival. It is not merely a ceremonial tradition, but a poetic expression of how an agrarian society once understood the Earth—as a living, breathing mother who deserves rest, respect, and renewal.
Observed on the fourth day of Raja, Basumati Snana marks the ceremonial “bathing” of Basumati (Mother Earth), signalling the end of her symbolic rest period and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.
When the Earth Rests Like a Mother
Raja Parba, celebrated across Odisha, is unique in its philosophy: during these three days, the Earth is believed to undergo her symbolic menstrual cycle. In respect of this natural process, all farming activities—ploughing, digging, tilling—are traditionally paused.
This cultural pause is not symbolic alone; it reflects an ancient ecological wisdom. The soil is allowed to rest, mirroring the idea that fertility is sustained not through constant extraction, but through renewal and care.
Basumati Snana becomes the moment of gentle return—when the Earth is ritually cleansed and awakened for the next cycle of cultivation.
The Silapua: Where Earth Becomes Divine
At the heart of this ritual lies the silapua, a traditional stone grinding slab found in many Odia households. During Basumati Snana, this everyday object is transformed into a sacred representation of Bhudevi.
Women of the household perform the ritual with devotion, bathing the silapua with turmeric water—a substance deeply associated with purity and healing in Indian tradition. It is then anointed with sandalwood paste, decorated with vermilion, and adorned with fresh flowers and seasonal offerings.
What emerges is a striking transformation: an ordinary stone becomes a living symbol of the Earth herself—nourished, honoured, and worshipped.
A Ritual Written in Colour, Fragrance, and Faith
The ritual is not performed in silence—it is accompanied by devotion, songs, and the fragrance of turmeric and flowers. Each element carries meaning:
- Turmeric water signifies purification and vitality
- Sandalwood paste represents calmness and sanctity
- Flowers and fruits symbolise abundance and gratitude
- Vermilion marks auspiciousness and life force
Together, they create a sensory offering to Mother Earth, blending ecology with spirituality.
An Ancient Environmental Philosophy
What makes Basumati Snana extraordinary is its ecological depth. Long before modern environmental frameworks, this tradition encoded a powerful idea: the Earth must rest to remain fertile.
The pause in agricultural activity during Raja mirrors sustainable land ethics. The ritual cleansing of the silapua represents the renewal of life, while the return to farming reflects a respectful re-engagement with nature.
In essence, Basumati Snana is an early form of environmental consciousness—where spirituality and sustainability are inseparable.
Honouring Womanhood and Natural Cycles
Another distinctive dimension of Raja Parba and Basumati Snana is its respectful alignment with feminine biology. The Earth’s symbolic cycle is celebrated rather than hidden, drawing a powerful parallel with womanhood and fertility.
This cultural perspective transforms what is often socially stigmatised into a moment of reverence, dignity, and celebration of life itself.
A Living Heritage for Modern Times
In an era marked by ecological stress and fading cultural memory, Basumati Snana offers more than tradition—it offers a philosophy.
It reminds us that:
- The Earth is not an object of extraction but a living presence
- Rest is essential for regeneration
- Human life is deeply interwoven with natural cycles
As turmeric water is poured and the silapua is adorned, Odisha’s ancient wisdom quietly speaks to the present: care for the Earth is not optional—it is sacred duty.
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- By Neel Achary
17, Jun 2026
ITS America Conference & Expo 2026 Delivers Record Innovation and Landmark Celebration in Detroit
More than 3,000 industry leaders gather in the Motor City to advance intelligent transportation
DETROIT, Mich. June 17: The ITS America Conference & Expo 2026 brought breakthrough technologies and real-world solutions to Detroit, drawing more than 3,000 industry professionals from 46 states, and the District of Columbia together to advance safer, smarter, and more connected mobility worldwide. Organized in partnership by RX Global and ITS America, the four-day event at Huntington Place united the industry’s most forward-thinking companies and global leaders around solutions spanning artificial intelligence, connected transportation, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles.
This year’s conference, themed “Empowering Innovation,” featured more than 100 conference sessions spanning four days, 25 live demonstrations, 170+ exhibitors and sponsors, and an unprecedented outdoor demonstration program that placed attendees directly inside Detroit’s connected transportation corridors. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer helped wrap up the conference with closing remarks, then met with industry leaders and Clinton High School STEM students on the exhibit hall floor.
Detroit served as more than a backdrop. As the birthplace of American automotive manufacturing and home to 1.7 million vehicles produced annually, the city gave the intelligent transportation community a living laboratory to showcase how the industry’s most advanced technologies are being deployed on real roads, in real time. From the 45-mile I-94 Freeway Experience connecting downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor, to the four-mile M-1 Intelligent Woodward Experience featuring 31 vehicle-to-everything (V2X)-equipped intersections and autonomous vehicle shuttles, attendees experienced the full potential of connected transportation firsthand.
“The technologies on display here, including AI-powered traffic management and V2X-connected corridors, represent the very innovation our industry has championed for decades,” said Laura Chace, President and CEO of ITS America. “What we witnessed in Detroit shows that bringing people from across public, private, and research sectors together builds lasting partnerships and leads to safer, smarter, and more connected transportation.”
The conference program brought national leaders to center stage for two landmark plenary sessions. On June 10, Sean McMaster, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation, joined public and private sector leaders to reflect on the industry’s 35-year evolution and chart the course for the next generation of mobility. On June, 11, Miovision sponsored a plenary session, led by Laura Chace and Kurtis McBride, CEO and Co-founder of Miovision, featuring key transportation executives and focused on turning bold ideas into measurable real-world outcomes. State DOT roundtables also provided transportation leaders with a dedicated platform to exchange implementation strategies and share lessons learned from the field.
“ITS America Conference & Expo 2026 delivered an experience unlike any other,” said Jaime McAuley, Event Vice President, ITS America Events, RX Global. “The demonstration program in Detroit set a new standard, reaching far beyond the show floor and into the city itself. Connecting the ITS community to real, deployed technology along Detroit’s most iconic corridors gave every attendee something they could not experience anywhere else.”
The 2026 show floor introduced two new dedicated zones that reflected the industry’s most urgent priorities. The inaugural ITS StartUps Zone gave emerging transportation companies a platform alongside the industry’s most established players, connecting new voices in the sector with the agencies, investors, and partners needed to advance their technologies from concept to deployment.
The new Cybersecurity & Data Zone brought together 10 exhibitors, including Palo Alto Networks, Google, and 360 Network Solutions, LLC, delivering hands-on workshops, cutting-edge solutions, and expert sessions focused on protecting connected vehicles, securing smart infrastructure, and strengthening the resilience of transportation systems nationwide.
To demonstrate the benefits of using drone technology to deliver supplies to emergency responders, Blueflite staged a series of deliveries at the outdoor demo area. ITS America President and CEO Laura Chace, U.S. DOT representatives, Michigan DOT and ITS Michigan received deliveries of hats and koozies, and ITS Korea and the Korean Delegation received invitations to ITS World Congress 2026.
“As a former chair of ITS America, I know firsthand what this event means to the transportation community, and hosting it in Utah is something we take seriously,” said Carlos Braceras, Commissioner of the Utah Department of Transportation. “Salt Lake City is a city that embraces bold ideas, and the Salt Palace Convention Center will give transportation leaders from around the world the stage they need to share the technologies and solutions shaping the next generation of mobility. We cannot wait to see you in April 2027.”
The Future Leaders Program, sponsored by Southwest Research Institute, challenged students and young professionals to explore artificial intelligence’s role in transforming transportation, connecting rising talent directly with industry pioneers throughout the four-day event.
17, Jun 2026
CaratLane – A TATA Product Appoints Dhaval Raja as Chief Saes Officer
Mumbai, India, June 17: CaratLane – A Tata Product, India’s leading omni-channel jewellery brand, has announced the appointment of Dhaval Raja as its Chief Sales Officer (CSO). In this role, Dhaval will lead the company’s sales function across channels and markets, driving business growth, retail excellence, customer experience transformation, and network expansion as CaratLane continues to strengthen its omni-channel presence across India.
Dhaval brings extensive experience in sales leadership, business expansion, and retail operations, having worked across leading consumer-facing organisations. Prior to joining CaratLane, he served as Chief Sales & Business Officer at Senco Gold & Diamonds, where he led the retail, online, corporate, and digital business verticals. During his tenure, the company witnessed significant transformation, expanding from a strong regional player into a nationally recognised jewellery brand while achieving rapid retail growth and a successful public listing.
Speaking on his appointment, Dhaval Raja, Chief Sales Officer, CaratLane, said, “CaratLane has built a strong reputation for redefining the jewellery-buying experience through innovation, accessibility, and a customer-first approach. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to strengthen sales excellence, expand our retail footprint, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the brand’s next phase of growth.”
At CaratLane, Dhaval will be responsible for driving sales growth, accelerating new store expansion, strengthening retail execution, and leading customer experience transformation initiatives across the network. He will work closely with the leadership team to align sales strategy with the company’s long-term growth ambitions, while enhancing productivity and delivering consistent business performance across channels.
Over the course of his career, Dhaval has held leadership roles at Raymond Ltd., Raymond Apparel Ltd., and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd., where he built expertise across sales, commercial strategy, channel management, and business operations. He has worked closely with cross-functional teams to drive market expansion, improve productivity, and build scalable operating structures that support sustainable business growth.
Known for his structured leadership style and strong execution orientation, Dhaval brings a sharp focus on building accountable, high-performing teams and fostering collaboration across functions. His ability to combine commercial insight with operational discipline has enabled organisations to scale efficiently while maintaining consistency in execution.
17, Jun 2026
Time Travel Through Food: At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, the Past Is Still Being Served
A Culinary Legacy That Allows Guests to Move Between Eras in a Single Meal
TOKYO, June 17: Restaurants worldwide are rethinking how meals are experienced, complementing technical excellence with a greater emphasis on memory, heritage and narrative. This approach reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations, where context, origin and emotional connection carry as much weight as flavor, creating a dining experience that almost transports guests back in time.
Industry trends indicate rising demand for immersive, story-driven experiences alongside renewed interest in heritage cuisine and culinary nostalgia. For many operators, this has meant building concepts designed to evoke history. At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, that narrative does not need to be constructed; it already exists. What is now emerging as a defining direction in global hospitality has, in effect, long been integral to the hotel’s culinary identity for more than 135 years.
Within the Imperial Viking Sal, the hotel’s long‑established buffet restaurant, dishes originally created for specific guests and moments in history remain in active service. Introduced in 1958 as Japan’s first “Viking” buffet, the concept marked a turning point in how the country engaged with international cuisine, bringing multiple culinary traditions into a single setting while allowing guests to shape their own experience. Inspired by the Scandinavian smorgasbord encountered by Imperial Hotel president Tetsuzō Inumaru, the format was adapted for a Japanese audience as a dining style centered on variety and individual choice.
The restaurant’s cultural impact extends beyond the hotel itself. The name “Viking,” originally chosen for its Nordic associations, entered everyday language and became widely used in Japan as a synonym for all‑you‑can‑eat buffet dining, reflecting how the concept was not only adopted but fully integrated into the country’s modern food culture.
Following its renewal in August 2023, the Imperial Viking Sal now presents more than 50 dishes spanning French, Japanese, and Chinese influences, reflecting its continued evolution from its original smorgasbord roots. Unlike a traditional set menu, the format allows diners to move fluidly across cuisines and eras within a single meal. A single visit can trace a progression from prewar European techniques to postwar Japanese adaptations and into contemporary interpretations, creating a layered experience built plate by plate.
“Many restaurants today are working to build experiences around history and narrative,” said Kazuhiko Yashima, General Manager of the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. “At the Imperial Hotel, those stories are already embedded in our dishes. They were created at distinct moments in time for real guests, and they have remained part of our offering ever since.”
Several signature offerings, both dishes and beverages, anchor this continuity, reflecting the hotel’s role in cultural exchange, personalization, and culinary evolution.
The Chaliapin Steak, created in 1934 for Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin, represents an early example of highly personalized cuisine. Developed to address the singer’s difficulty with tougher cuts of meat, the steak is tenderized using grated onions, whose enzymes break down the fibers to produce a soft, yielding texture. It is finished with sautéed onions that add depth without the need for a traditional sauce, illustrating how technical adaptation can lead to lasting culinary innovation.
The Gratin of Prawn and Sole “Queen Elizabeth II”, first prepared during the Queen’s state visit to Japan in 1975, reflects the precision and restraint associated with diplomatic hospitality. The dish combines delicate seafood with a carefully balanced cream-based preparation designed to feel refined rather than overtly rich. Its name, granted with the Queen’s approval, ties it directly to a specific historical moment and reinforces its place within the hotel’s legacy of state occasions.
The hotel’s Signature Double Consommé Soup, refined over generations, reflects the introduction and evolution of classical French culinary technique within Japan. Achieving its clarity requires a prolonged clarification process that removes impurities while concentrating flavor, resulting in a crystal-clear broth with notable depth. Long regarded as a benchmark of technical discipline, it underscores the precision that underpins the hotel’s culinary foundations.
The Imperial Hotel’s signature “Mount Fuji” cocktail, first created in 1924, represents a distinctive moment in the hotel’s history of hospitality and innovation. Conceived as a welcome drink for Western passengers arriving in Tokyo on around‑the‑world cruises, it was designed as a visual tribute to Japan’s most iconic landscape. Its white, foamy surface, accented with a maraschino cherry, evokes the image of a snow‑capped Mount Fuji with the red sun rising above its peak. As the Imperial Hotel’s first original cocktail, its carefully balanced recipe, combining gin, fruit juices, egg white, and cream, has been passed down unchanged since its creation. While later accounts note that the identity of its creator remains uncertain, the Mount Fuji continues to be served at the Old Imperial Bar as an enduring symbol of the hotel’s legacy and its tradition of welcoming international guests.
Taken together, these dishes trace a progression of influence, adaptation and exchange. They serve not only as menu offerings, but as records of shifting cultural relationships and evolving tastes, shaped by the individuals and moments for which they were originally created. As the industry increasingly favors experience-led formats and narrative-driven menus, dining rooted in real historical moments and figures has gained renewed relevance. The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo offers a distinct point of reference, one grounded not in recreation, but in continuity.
The result is not a reinterpretation of history, but its continuation. At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, guests encounter another era not through imagination, but through a progression of dishes that carries them across time.
17, Jun 2026
Canara Bank Launches new FCNR Special Deposit Scheme for NRIs, offers up to 6.50 petcentage p.a. on US Dollar deposits
Bengaluru, June 17 : Canara Bank announces its FCNR Special Deposit Scheme, designed to help Non-Resident Indians grow their savings while investing securely in India. This announcement comes in line with the recent measures announced by the Reserve Bank of India to encourage foreign currency inflows into the nation.
Under the Special Deposit Scheme, customers can earn interest on deposits denominated in foreign currencies, with high interest rates and capital protection features. This scheme is offered in leading foreign currencies such as US Dollar , British Pound Sterling , Euro, Canadian Dollar and Australian Dollar
Customers can now earn an attractive interest rate of up to 6.50% p.a. on USD deposits, with a flexible tenure ranging from 3 years to 5 years. The deposit carries a lock-in period of one year.
The rate is effective from June 11, 2026.
Another important benefit of FCNR deposits is that both the invested sum and the earned interest amount can be transferred abroad without any restrictions, offering total freedom to the NRIs managing their financial affairs overseas. Besides, the interest earned from the FCNR deposits is exempted from tax in India, which makes for an ideal investment choice for the NRIs. Under this scheme, Canara Bank is also providing the facility of a loan against the FCNR deposits.
Speaking about this scheme, Shri. Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director, Canara Bank, said,
“The FCNR(B) Special Deposit Scheme is tailor-made to provide our NRI customers with the benefit of earning competitive interest on their foreign currency deposits. This scheme is very convenient, tax-efficient, and easy to withdraw funds, making an excellent investment option for our customers abroad.”
This scheme reflects Canara Bank’s dedication to developing creative, customer-oriented banking facilities for its customers worldwide.
Customers can learn more about the scheme by visiting Canara Bank’s official website https://www.canarabank.bank.in/
17, Jun 2026
New Book on Property Tax in Europe Spotlights Lessons with International Relevance
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS—Property tax experts from across Europe came together last week to discuss comparative insights and policy lessons at a conference signaling the launch of Property Tax in Europe: A Changing Landscape—the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s newest book in a series on international property taxation.
Edited by Riël Franzsen, Roy Bahl, and William McCluskey, Property Tax in Europe features in-depth case studies from more than a dozen countries—including successful institutional transitions, use of the property tax as a land policy instrument, and innovative technological applications.
The conference, presented by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Netherlands Council for Real Estate Assessment, took place at The Hague in the Netherlands on June 8–9.
“This must-read volume is full of new information, ongoing challenges, and reform strategies, delivering important lessons for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars working on improving property taxation around the world,” said Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University.
Property Tax in Europe follows two other Lincoln Institute books that cover property tax on an international scale, Property Tax in Africa: Status, Challenges, and Prospects (2017) and Property Tax in Asia: Policy and Practice (2022).
“This is a timely resource, given the current fiscal and political situation in Europe and the diversity of the policies in place throughout the continent,” said Joan Youngman, executive director of Land and Fiscal Systems at the Lincoln Institute. “The local property tax can provide a stable revenue source well suited for local governments, and this book captures the many different approaches found in Europe and analyzes their operation.”
17, Jun 2026
Saatvik Green Energy Limited Wins Golden Peacock Occupational Health & Safety Award 2026
Mumbai, June 17: Saatvik Green Energy Limited, one of India’s leading integrated renewable energy companies, has been conferred the Golden Peacock Occupational Health & Safety Award 2026 in the Power (Renewable) Sector by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India. The award is among the country’s most prestigious recognitions for corporate excellence and acknowledges organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to workplace safety, employee well-being, and continuous improvement in occupational health and safety performance.
The recognition reflects Saatvik‘s unwavering commitment to fostering a safety-first culture across its solar PV module manufacturing operations in Ambala, Haryana. With a large workforce comprising employees and contract workers operating in a highly dynamic manufacturing environment, the Company has consistently embedded safety into every aspect of its operations through strong leadership commitment, robust governance systems, employee engagement, and technology-enabled risk management.
Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Prashant Mathur, CEO, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said: “At Saatvik, safety is not a compliance requirement or a business priority, it is a core value embedded in every decision we make. As we continue to expand our manufacturing footprint and contribute to India’s clean energy transition, our foremost responsibility is to ensure that every employee and contractor returns home safely each day. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our workforce in building a proactive safety culture driven by leadership commitment, employee participation, continuous learning, and technology-led risk management. From AI-enabled safety monitoring and predictive maintenance to robust governance systems and extensive workforce training, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in occupational health and safety. We are honoured to receive the Golden Peacock Occupational Health & Safety Award 2026 and remain steadfast in our pursuit of a zero-harm workplace.”
Safety at Saatvik is supported by a comprehensive Occupational Health & Safety Management System aligned with ISO 45001 standards and integrated into the Company’s overall governance framework. Occupational health and safety performance is regularly reviewed by senior leadership and forms an integral part of the Company’s ESG governance architecture.
The Company has adopted a technology-driven approach to workplace safety. Digital-enabled visual inspection systems help identify manufacturing defects that could potentially lead to electrical or fire-related risks. Real-time video analytics monitor PPE compliance and unsafe behaviours, while predictive maintenance systems identify equipment-related risks before they escalate into incidents. These initiatives are further supported by structured processes such as Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Permit-to-Work systems, Behaviour-Based Safety programmes, and Management of Change protocols.
Employee participation remains central to Saatvik‘s safety culture. Through safety committees, suggestion schemes, toolbox talks, recognition programmes, and continuous training initiatives, employees and contract workers actively contribute to hazard identification, risk reduction, and workplace improvements. The Company also maintains 100 percent safety training coverage across its workforce, reinforcing competency and awareness at all organizational levels.
Saatvik‘s safety performance has delivered measurable outcomes. Over the last two years, the Company has maintained Zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI), achieved a significant reduction in Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR), reduced incident-related downtime, and strengthened workforce capability through more than 4,700 annual training hours. The Company has also reported zero compensation claims, zero equipment damage incidents, and no regulatory penalties or notices related to occupational health and safety.
The Company’s safety systems and performance have been independently validated through ISO 45001 certification and a Bronze Medal from EcoVadis, placing the Company among the top-performing organizations globally on ESG parameters.
The Golden Peacock Occupational Health & Safety Award is conferred annually by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India, and is widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in workplace health and safety. The selection process involves a rigorous multi-stage assessment, including independent evaluation, peer review, and final adjudication by an eminent jury chaired by Hon’ble Justice Uday U. Lalit, Former Chief Justice of India, along with distinguished leaders from public administration, industry, law, sustainability, and governance.
17, Jun 2026
Vogue India Spotlights Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Leadership, Purpose, and Vision for Empowering Women
MUMBAI, India, June 17 — Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been featured by leading lifestyle media publication Vogue India. The feature article, titled “Empowering Change: Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Vision for Women-Led Development”, highlights her inspiring leadership journey, her vision for empowering women and girls through education and healthcare, and the transformative impact of Merck Foundation’s programs in advancing healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, and driving social change across Africa and beyond.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential African Women (2019-present) shared, “I am truly honoured to be featured by Vogue India, yet again. As a long-time reader of Vogue, I have always admired its ability to celebrate fashion, individuality, and influential voices. This feature not only highlights the impact of my work but also reflects a message I strongly believe in that women should never feel they must compromise their femininity to become effective leaders. Leadership today is multidimensional; it is not only about the decisions we make, but also about how we present ourselves and represent our mission. I believe confidence, authenticity, professionalism, and personal style can coexist seamlessly, and that embracing our individuality can make us stronger leaders and role models for others.”
Beyond her personal leadership journey, The Vogue India feature also highlights Dr. Kelej’s close collaboration with 33 African and Asian First Ladies, through which she champions programs that empower women in healthcare and STEM, break infertility stigma, support girls’ education, and create lasting impact in communities across Africa and Asia.
Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the lives of millions through their impactful programs including the “Merck Foundation Scholarships Program”, through which more than 2,600 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
She also created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement in 2015, one of the most impactful and widely recognized campaigns, that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. The campaign is building quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, raising awareness about infertility prevention & male infertility, and Supporting Girl Education.
As a passionate advocate for supporting girls’ education Dr. Kelej has launched Merck Foundation Educating Linda program, which provides annual scholarships to high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, in partnership with African first Ladies. To date, more than 1,500 annual scholarships are awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books and uniforms, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.
The article also showcases how Dr. Kelej has leveraged innovative and creative platforms, including media, fashion, music, animation films, and storybooks, to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Through these initiatives, Merck Foundation has been able to engage communities and create culture shift in communities across Africa and beyond.
The feature also spotlights Dr. Kelej’s distinctive style and fashion presence while offering insights into the personal philosophy that has guided her journey, she shares, “My learnings and takeaways from my work and journey have been to never give up and always be yourself. Be consistent, persistent, and disciplined. Not only in your work commitments and goals, but also in your personal ones, such as daily exercise, healthy eating, and self-development, to stay relevant. Most importantly, practice daily stress management, which is the key to sustainable high performance.”
17, Jun 2026
Jagatsinghpur to Get Greenfield University; Land Identification Process Begins
Bhubaneswar, June 17 (UDN): In a major boost to higher education infrastructure in Odisha, the Higher Education Department has initiated steps for the establishment of a Greenfield University in Jagatsinghpur district. The proposed university is expected to enhance access to quality higher education, research, and skill development opportunities for students in the region.
As part of the preliminary process, the Jagatsinghpur Collector and District Magistrate have been directed to identify and earmark a suitable land parcel measuring between 50 and 100 acres within or in the vicinity of the district headquarters. The selected site is expected to have adequate connectivity and infrastructure to support the development of a world-class academic institution.
The proposed Greenfield University is envisioned as a modern centre of excellence that will cater to the evolving educational needs of students while promoting innovation, research, and multidisciplinary learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The initiative reflects the Odisha Government’s commitment to expanding higher education facilities across the state and ensuring equitable access to quality learning opportunities. Once established, the university is expected to emerge as a key educational hub, benefiting students from Jagatsinghpur and neighbouring districts while contributing significantly to the region’s socio-economic development.
16, Jun 2026
Cinnzeo Bakery Café Signs Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement for Telangana Territory in India
Hyderabad – June 16: Cinnzeo Bakery Café of Canada is pleased to announce the signing of a multi-unit franchise development agreement for the Telangana Territory in India, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s international expansion strategy.
Under the agreement, the new franchise partner will develop multiple Cinnzeo Bakery Café locations throughout Telangana, including key urban markets such as Hyderabad. The development will introduce Cinnzeo’s signature fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and premium bakery offerings to one of India’s fastest-growing and most dynamic regions.
“We are excited to welcome our Telangana franchise partner to the Cinnzeo family,” said Brad Turner, CEO of Cinnzeo Bakery Café of Canada. “India represents a tremendous growth opportunity for our brand, and Telangana’s strong economic development, vibrant retail sector, and growing consumer demand for premium café experiences make it an ideal market for expansion.”
The multi-unit development agreement reflects Cinnzeo’s commitment to partnering with experienced operators who share the brand’s focus on product quality, operational excellence, and exceptional guest experiences.
Cinnzeo Bakery Café is widely recognized for its oven-fresh cinnamon rolls, made with proprietary recipes and premium ingredients. In addition to its signature Classic Roll, the menu features specialty rolls, Cinnzeo Bites, gourmet coffee beverages, and other bakery café offerings designed to meet evolving consumer preferences.
“Our new franchise partner brings strong local market knowledge and a strategic growth vision,” added Gaurav Marya, CEO of Franchise India. “We look forward to supporting the successful rollout of multiple locations across Telangana and building a strong, long-term presence in the region.”
The first Telangana location is anticipated to open in 2026, with additional units to follow in accordance with the agreed development schedule.
This agreement further strengthens Cinnzeo’s global footprint and reinforces its position as a leading specialty bakery café brand committed to thoughtful, sustainable international growth.
