30, Jun 2026
Cyber Fraudsters Target College Aspirants, Demand Money in the Name of Admissions
Bhubaneswar, June 30 (UDN): Cyber fraudsters have reportedly targeted college aspirants in Odisha by posing as admission officials and demanding money under the guise of facilitating admissions.
Representational Image
According to sources, the fraudsters are allegedly accessing personal details of students from the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal and using the information to contact applicants and their parents. By referring to candidates’ application details, they attempt to appear credible before asking for payments through digital transactions.
The incident has raised concerns over the security of students’ personal data and the growing misuse of online platforms by cyber criminals. Authorities have urged students and parents not to respond to unsolicited calls, messages or emails seeking admission-related payments.
Officials have advised applicants to complete all admission-related formalities only through the official SAMS portal and authorised institutions. They have also appealed to the public to verify any suspicious communication before making payments and to report cyber fraud attempts to the Cyber Crime Helpline or the nearest police station.
With the admission season underway, authorities have called for heightened vigilance, warning that no legitimate admission process requires payments through unofficial channels or personal bank accounts.
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jun 2026
One Glimpse, Lifetime of Blessings: Lakhs Witness Divine Hati Besha as Snana Purnima Concludes Peacefully
Puri, June 29 (UDN): The sacred observance of Snana Purnima concluded peacefully in Puri with lakhs of devotees thronging the Grand Road to witness the majestic Hati Besha (Elephant Attire) of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra at the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Amid an atmosphere of deep devotion and spiritual fervour, devotees from across Odisha and different parts of the country gathered to catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity adorned in the divine Hati Besha, a ritual that holds immense religious significance. The colourful and grand attire symbolises Lord Ganesha and is considered highly auspicious among devotees.
The ceremonial bathing ritual, Snana Yatra, commenced in the morning with the deities being bathed with 108 pots of sacred water on the Snana Mandap. Following the elaborate rituals, the sibling deities appeared in the revered Hati Besha, drawing overwhelming crowds and filling the temple town with chants of devotion.
Extensive arrangements made by the district administration, police, temple authorities and various service agencies ensured the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival. Crowd management, traffic regulation, drinking water facilities, health services and security measures were effectively implemented, enabling devotees to participate in the festivities without inconvenience.
Officials expressed satisfaction over the successful and incident-free completion of the festival, while devotees described the divine darshan as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
With the conclusion of Snana Purnima, the deities will now remain in seclusion during the traditional Anasara period before reappearing for the grand Rath Yatra.
29, Jun 2026
ASME Launches GDTP 2018 Certification
New credential validates design interpretation and manufacturability skills, helping engineers demonstrate competency and employers reduce errors, rework, and delays
NEW YORK (June 29, 2026) – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced the launch of its updated GDTP 2018 (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional) Certification, a credential designed to help engineers validate critical skills while enabling employers to improve product quality, reduce costly errors, and strengthen workforce and supply chain consistency.
As workflows in manufacturing organizations become more complex and increasingly digital, engineering teams face a growing need for professionals who can clearly communicate design intent and apply precise tolerancing requirements. The GDTP 2018 certification directly addresses that need by aligning with the latest ASME Y14.5-2018 standard, the authoritative framework for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing used across high‑precision industries. It establishes symbols, rules, definitions, requirements, defaults, and recommended practices for stating and interpreting GD&T and related requirements for use on engineering drawings, models defined in digital data files, and in related documents.
The certification provides engineers with standardized proof of knowledge while giving employers confidence that teams can execute design, manufacturing, and inspection work with consistency and accuracy. Demand for GD&T expertise is rapidly increasing with advances in manufacturing technologies, global supply chains, and the adoption of digital product definition practice. GDTP 2018 helps close persistent skills gaps by improving workforce readiness and reducing ambiguity that can lead to scrap, rework, and production delays.
“The ability to apply GD&T correctly is fundamental to modern engineering,” said ASME Director of Learning Experience and Excellence Mair DeMarco. “With GDTP 2018, we are equipping professionals with a credential aligned to the current standard while giving employers a reliable way to ensure their workforce can deliver high‑quality, consistent results that improve their bottom line.”
Career Value for Engineers
For engineers, the certification offers a clear pathway to demonstrate technical competence and advance professionally. It supports increased employability, stronger peer recognition, and greater confidence in applying GD&T principles within modern digital workflows.
The program includes two levels: Technologist and Senior, allowing both early-career and experienced professionals to validate their skills, from interpreting engineering drawings to designing and implementing tolerancing strategies. Certification is valid for three years, with recertification options available.
Built for Digital Engineering and Workforce Development
Designed for today’s engineering environment, GDTP 2018 reflects the growing importance of Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), where standardized, machine‑readable tolerancing is essential. The certification is part of a broader ecosystem that includes updated exams, study materials, and preparation resources, providing a more guided and accessible candidate experience.
For employers, the program supports scalable workforce development by offering a consistent, standards‑aligned framework for building and measuring GD&T competency across teams.
29, Jun 2026
JP Nadda launches WhatsApp-based Ayushman Sarathi chatbot, unified drug registry
June 29: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has launched the Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp chatbot along with a Unified Drug Registry to make healthcare services more accessible and digitally connected.
The WhatsApp chatbot will help citizens easily access information about government health schemes, hospital services, eligibility, and other health-related queries in a simple and quick way.
The Unified Drug Registry will act as a central digital system to track medicines and improve their availability, monitoring, and regulation across the healthcare system.
Officials said the initiative aims to make healthcare services more transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly by using widely accessible digital platforms.
29, Jun 2026
Lightning strike damages dome of Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Darbhanga
June 29: A lightning strike has damaged the dome of the historic Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Darbhanga, Bihar, on Sunday amid adverse weather conditions.
The impact of the strike caused visible damage to the upper structure of the temple. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Local authorities have been informed and an assessment of the damage is currently underway. A detailed inspection will be carried out to determine the extent of repairs needed, following which restoration work is expected to begin.
Officials said necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of devotees visiting the temple, especially given the ongoing monsoon conditions.
The temple, which holds significant religious and cultural importance, continues to attract devotees throughout the year, particularly during major festivals.
29, Jun 2026
Top UK engineers to receive The Princess Royal Silver Medal
June 29: Three leading UK engineers are to be presented with The Princess Royal Silver Medal, one of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s most prestigious individual awards. They will receive their medals at the Academy Awards Dinner in London on Wednesday 8 July from HRH The Princess Royal, who is a Royal Fellow of the Academy.
The award celebrates an outstanding personal contribution made to UK engineering by an early to mid-career engineer resulting in market exploitation. This year’s winners have used lasers and optical fibres to develop a new way of capturing information from space, created software that makes batteries more sustainable, and applied AI to make touch-responsive materials.
The recipients of The Princess Royal Silver Medals for 2026 are:
· Dr Ian Campbell, Co-founder of Breathe Battery Technologies
· Dr Liucheng Guo, Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of TG0
· Professor Robert Thomson FREng, Professor of Photonics at Heriot-Watt University
Luke Logan FREng, Chair of the Academy’s Awards Committee, said:
“This year’s winners of The Princess Royal Silver Medal have each pushed the boundaries of engineering. Through their research and innovative ideas, they have supported the UK in being a leader in engineering and sustainability, making significant contributions to our national economy through inspiring entrepreneurship and collaboration.”
Dr Ian Campbell, Co-Founder at Breathe Battery Technologies
With his company Breathe Battery Technologies, Ian has discovered how to extract the most potential from batteries by improving the charging process.
By simulating the internal workings of batteries, the team at Breathe created software that gives insight on the electrochemistry and other issues that can reduce their efficiency. The software helps manufacturers to optimise battery charging and design and can be integrated without hardware changes. By extracting better performance from existing battery chemistries, this technology has the potential to reduce electronic waste and accelerate the transition to cleaner, electrified transport and devices.
Ian achieved his PhD at Imperial College London with his research focus being lithium-ion batteries. Founded in 2019 as a spin-out from Imperial College London, Breathe Battery Technologies has now grown to operate the largest battery testing facility in London and has raised more than $33 million in funding. They have also collaborated with large corporations such as Volvo Cars, OPPO and Polestar.
Ian said:
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Princess Royal Silver Medal. Climate change and air pollution continue to threaten health and livelihoods worldwide. By combining battery physics simulation with materials libraries built in industrial-scale labs, we can screen millions of potential designs and rapidly optimise the most promising candidates using advanced software. This capability is helping to bring cleaner, quieter, healthier and more affordable cars, trucks and energy storage systems to market faster.”
Professor Ricardo Fernando Martinez-Botas, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London, said:
“Ian’s success in commercialising world-class research from Imperial College London exemplifies how UK academic excellence can translate into real-world impact. His contributions are not only advancing the UK’s position at the forefront of the international battery technology race but helping to shape the future of cleaner transport.”
Dr Liucheng Guo, Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of TG0
Dr Liucheng Guo, who received his PhD from Imperial College London, has spent the last decade developing a first-of-its-kind “AI for Sensing” technology for electronic products, giving machines a more human-like sense of touch and enabling more intuitive interaction.
Most electronic products, from robotic skins to car seats, rely on having individual buttons for powering on and off alongside multiple sensors and parts for general use. TG0’s patented technology replaces these complex separate parts with intelligent touch-sensitive surfaces powered by lightweight embedded AI, resulting in simpler, lower-cost and more sustainable designs. The system can detect signal changes from different components, for example, detection of pressure, location, direction and movement of touch. This mimics a more human way of perceiving and processing tactile information, creating more user-centric experiences.
The company has received support from Innovate UK, the European Innovation Council, and leading investors including Amadeus Capital Partners and Fuel Ventures. TG0 has been recognised as one of Deloitte UK’s Fast 50 fastest-growing technology companies, selected for Tech Nation’s Future Fifty programme, and received the GBx Best in British Tech Award for Deep Tech Innovation.
Liucheng is currently an Industrial Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Computer Society (BCS). He was chosen to join the Academy’s Shott Scale Up Accelerator where he graduated as an SME Leader in 2019. He was also a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in 2021 and is a STEM Ambassador, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Liucheng said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Princess Royal Silver Medal. This recognition reflects not only my own journey, but also the dedication of my co-founder Ming, the TG0 team, investors, collaborators and mentors. I believe engineering has a vital role to play in shaping a resilient and sustainable future, creating technologies that are not only intelligent, but also accessible, energy-efficient and beneficial to society.”
Professor Wei Liu, Professor of Design Engineering and Innovation at King’s College London, said:
“Dr Guo’s pioneering approach to low-resource, sustainable embedded AI has immense potential for growth. His roadmap includes expanding in-material intelligence into medical wearables, adaptive robotics, and next-generation sustainable manufacturing – fields that will define the next decade of engineering innovation.
“He exemplifies the spirit of this award – engineering that transforms ideas into impact and inspires a more sustainable, intelligent world.”
Professor Robert Thomson FREng, Professor of Photonics at Heriot-Watt University
By applying photonics to astronomy, Robert invented the integrated photonic lantern, redefining what is possible in fibre optics.
Conventional optical fibres carry data as pulses of light. Across longer distances, these are typically single mode fibres that rely on light having a single pattern as it travels. Using single mode optical fibres to collect light in astronomy is challenging because most telescopes create signals inherently composed of multiple patterns. This leads to a loss of signal and increased noise.
To overcome this, Robert developed a new type of photonic lantern small enough to be mass produced and easily integrated into instruments for astronomy and other applications. Using ultrafast laser pulses, tiny 3D light-guiding paths are carved inside glass, creating pathways that smoothly connect the multimode light collection to single mode devices, preserving the information as it travels. Applications of Robert’s integrated photonic lanterns include capturing starlight to look for evidence of exoplanets, advanced medical and biological sensing, and next generation telecommunications.
Robert developed the first integrated photonic lanterns during his Advanced Fellowship funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, part of UKRI. He also co-founded a company called Optoscribe, which was later acquired by Intel.
Robert said:
“I am delighted to receive the Princess Royal Silver Medal. Throughout my career, I have been motivated by the challenge of translating fundamental discoveries into technologies that create tangible benefits for society. I have also been fortunate to work with outstanding students, researchers, clinicians and industrial partners, and this award reflects their contributions as much as my own.”
Professor Steve McLaughlin, Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University, said:
“Robert Thomson’s work in ultrafast laser microfabrication has redefined the art of the possible in photonics. His seminal inventions – the 3D waveguide interconnect and the integrated photonic lantern – are not only academic breakthroughs but transformative for industry.”
29, Jun 2026
Government Examining Facts in Naba Das Murder Case, Says BJP State President
Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): The Odisha government is closely examining all facts and circumstances related to the high-profile Naba Das murder case, BJP state president Manmohan Samal said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, Samal stated that the government is reviewing all available information pertaining to the case and assured that appropriate steps would be taken based on the findings.
“The government is examining the facts related to the case,” he said, while responding to queries regarding the progress of the investigation into the murder of former Health Minister Naba Das.
The statement assumes significance amid continued public and political interest in the case, with various quarters demanding a comprehensive probe to unravel all aspects surrounding the sensational killing.
Naba Das was shot at by a police ASI during a public programme in Jharsuguda in January 2023 and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
The murder case has remained a major political issue in the state, with opposition parties and family members of the deceased repeatedly seeking further investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all facts related to the case are thoroughly examined in accordance with the law.
Further developments in the matter are awaited.
29, Jun 2026
India’s industrial growth rises to 5.1 pc in May
New Delhi, June 29India’s industrial growth accelerated to 5.1 per cent in May, indicating continued expansion in manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors and reflecting sustained economic momentum.
The growth highlights improved performance across key industrial segments, supported by rising demand, stable macroeconomic conditions, and ongoing policy measures aimed at boosting production and investment.
Officials noted that manufacturing activity remained a major driver of growth, while the mining and power sectors also contributed positively to overall industrial output. The uptick signals resilience in India’s industrial base despite global economic uncertainties.
Economists said the figures point to steady recovery and expansion in core industries, supported by infrastructure development, consumption demand, and increased capacity utilisation.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening industrial growth through reforms, infrastructure development, and initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness and encouraging private sector participation.
29, Jun 2026
Ariel University Honors World Chess Legend Boris Gelfand, Israel Prize Laureate Prof. Yonina Eldar and War Hero Avigdor Kahalani
Academic Excellence, Social Impact and National Leadership: Ariel University Awards 2026 Honorary Doctorates to Efrat and Hanoch Daum, Avigdor Kahalani, Adi Altschuler, Prof. Yonina Eldar, Prof. Avraham Gover and Grandmaster Boris Gelfand
The seven recipients embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership, and commitment to Israeli society.
Ariel University held its annual Honorary Doctorate ceremony this morning, Wednesday, on the university campus. The ceremony was attended by Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman; Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov; representatives of the Board of Trustees; members of the academic faculty; and public figures.
This year, Honorary Doctorates were awarded to seven prominent individuals from the fields of science, security, education, public service and culture. In recognition of outstanding achievements, values-based leadership, and long-standing contributions to the resilience of the State of Israel and the advancement of human knowledge.
Recipients of Ariel University’s 2026 Honorary Doctorates:
Prof. Yonina Eldar: One of the world’s leading researchers in the fields of signal processing, computer vision and artificial intelligence, and recipient of the Israel Prize in 2025. Prof. Eldar was recognized for her development of the field of sub-Nyquist sampling, a scientific breakthrough with applications in medical imaging, radar systems and smart sensors, and for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Israeli scientists and researchers.
Adi Altschuler: A leading social entrepreneur and changemaker.
The degree was awarded to her for founding and leading groundbreaking national and international initiatives, including the Krembo Wings youth movement, the civic commemoration initiative Zikaron BaSalon, and the Inclu network of inclusive schools, which have helped promote the values of inclusion, equality and mutual responsibility.
Prof. Avraham Gover: An internationally renowned researcher and physicist in the field of applied physics. The degree was awarded to him for decades of groundbreaking research in laser, electron and radiation technologies, combining basic science with advanced engineering developments that have industrial and defence applications, and positioning Israel at the forefront of global research in his field.
Grandmaster Boris Gelfand: One of the world’s leading chess players, who has represented the State of Israel on the international stage for more than three decades, including his historic challenge for the title of World Chess Champion in 2012. The degree was awarded to him for his extraordinary achievements, which placed Israel at the top of the global chess world making him a symbol of excellence, strategic thinking, and perseverance.
Efrat and Hanoch Daum: Efrat is a social entrepreneur, and Hanoch is a journalist, satirist and bestselling author whose books have dealt extensively with Israeli identity. The degree was awarded to them in recognition of their contribution to strengthening social cohesion and their wide-ranging civic activity, led by the national emergency initiative “Embracing Reservists,” which supported thousands of reservist families and businesses impacted by the war.
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani: One of the outstanding heroes of the State of Israel, recipient of the Medal of Valor and the Medal of Distinguished Service. The degree was awarded to him for his many years of contribution to the security of the state, his exemplary leadership on the battlefield, and his public service as Minister of Internal Security, Chairman of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, and as an author and lecturer on leadership and national responsibility.
Hanoch Daum, who spoke on behalf of the Honorary Doctorate recipients, first turned to his mother, who was seated in the audience, and apologized to her for not having a matriculation certificate. “At least now I am a doctor,” he said with a smile. He then thanked Ariel University for the recognition and addressed the President of the University, saying that he was not surprised by the impressive figures regarding the high proportion of reservists among Ariel University students. He added: “I believe Ariel University is cultivating the next generation of leadership for the State of Israel.”
Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman, and Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov, congratulated the recipients and emphasized their extraordinary contributions.
President of Ariel University, Prof. Ehud Grossman:
“This year’s recipients represent excellence across a range of fields: science, security, society and culture. Each of them has shown that personal achievement gains its greatest significance when it serves society, the State of Israel, and the advancement of humanity. In their own way, this year’s recipients have shaped reality, expanded the boundaries of what is possible, and left a significant mark on Israeli society and on their respective fields.”
Rector of Ariel University, Prof. Albert Pinhasov:
“When looking at this year’s recipients of our Honorary Doctorates, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride. These are individuals whose achievements continue to drive Israel’s growth, innovation, and progress. For academia, the privilege of honoring them is also an opportunity to present the next generation with a model of excellence, leadership and commitment to society.”
29, Jun 2026
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Concludes 37th iCARE Initiative
Chandigarh,June 29 : Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the successful completion of its 37th iCARE initiative under its Employee Volunteerism Program. It marks another milestone in TKM’s efforts to create meaningful social impact through employee volunteering and community engagement. Guided by the company’s core principles of continuous improvement and respect for people, the activity focused on strengthening educational infrastructure and encouraging students to make better use of library resources.
Held at Government High School, Doddaghollarahatti, Karnataka, in observance of National Reading Day, the initiative brought together 250 iCARE volunteers, including TKM employees, their family members and students.
As part of the initiative, volunteers revitalized the school’s library into a lively and student-friendly reading space by adding colorful mural arts, dusting, arranging and cataloguing books, assembling furniture and installing signage to improve visibility. Volunteers also contributed both new and pre-owned books, helping expand the library’s collection and providing students with greater access to reading material. The iCARE volunteers worked on every aspect & stage of the refurbishment, renovation & transformation process of making the library into a bright and welcoming one, ensuring that it is both functional and inviting for students.
This initiative reflects Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s ongoing commitment towards supporting national development goals, particularly in the education sector. Through its CSR efforts, TKM aligns and reinforces the Government of India’s vision under the National Education Policy 2020, which underscores the critical role of libraries as dynamic learning spaces. These institutions are essential for building foundational literacy, encouraging multilingual proficiency, enabling research capabilities and nurturing a culture of lifelong learning.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said,
“At Toyota, we believe that every child deserves access to spaces that inspire learning and curiosity. A library is often the first place where students discover new ideas, perspectives and opportunities beyond the classroom. Through the 37th iCARE initiative, we have worked to create a more welcoming and engaging environment that encourages students to read, explore and learn. By strengthening access to books and learning resources, we hope to support students in building knowledge, confidence and aspirations that can help shape their future.”
Since its inception in 2017, iCARE has served as TKM’s flagship employee volunteerism initiative, encouraging employees and their families to contribute towards meaningful social causes. To date, over 4,500 volunteers have participated in 37 community programs, positively impacting more than 68,800 lives. By collaborating with local institutions and communities, TKM remains committed to creating sustainable and long-term impact across its six core CSR pillars- Education, Health & Hygiene, Environment, Skill Development, Road Safety and Disaster Management.
