22, Jun 2026
Odisha CM Announces 40% Hike in Welfare Assistance for Lawyers
Bhubaneswar, June 22 (UDN): In a major relief for the legal fraternity, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a 40 per cent increase in financial assistance provided under the Odisha State Advocates’ Welfare Fund.
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According to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the enhanced assistance will be extended to practicing advocates upon retirement and to their family members in the event of the advocate’s death.
The decision is expected to benefit thousands of lawyers practicing in courts across the state. The previous revision in the welfare assistance amount was carried out in 2021.
Under the revised provisions, the family of an advocate with up to five years of practice will receive ₹1.05 lakh in the event of the lawyer’s death. The financial assistance will increase progressively with each additional year of legal practice.
Advocates with 30 years of service will now be eligible for a maximum assistance of ₹6.30 lakh upon retirement. In case of their demise, the same amount will be provided to their next of kin.
The enhancement in welfare assistance is aimed at strengthening the social security framework for advocates and providing greater financial support to lawyers and their families in recognition of their contribution to the justice delivery system.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Jun 2026
EU Expresses Concern Over Growing Chinese Presence in Spain’s Strategic Ports: Report
June 22: The European Union is reportedly concerned over China’s expanding economic and logistical footprint in key Spanish ports, amid broader debates on strategic infrastructure control and supply chain security across Europe.
According to a recent report, increasing Chinese investment and operational involvement in port infrastructure has raised questions among European policymakers regarding long-term strategic implications for critical trade gateways in the region.
The developments come as European economies reassess the role of foreign investment in essential infrastructure, particularly assets linked to shipping, logistics, and international trade routes. Concerns have been raised about potential dependencies and the influence of external stakeholders in strategically important locations.
Spain’s ports play a vital role in Europe’s maritime trade network, serving as key entry and exit points for goods moving between Europe, Asia, and other global markets. Any shifts in control or influence over such infrastructure are being closely monitored by EU authorities.
Officials are reportedly evaluating regulatory frameworks and security considerations to ensure that foreign participation in critical infrastructure aligns with the bloc’s economic and strategic interests.
While investment in port infrastructure is seen as important for modernization and efficiency, the balance between openness to foreign capital and safeguarding strategic autonomy remains a key policy discussion within the EU.
The report highlights ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions surrounding global infrastructure investment and the increasing scrutiny of cross-border strategic assets.
22, Jun 2026
Odisha Disburses April–May Pensions to Over 17.6 Lakh Beneficiaries
Bhubaneswar, June 22: The Government of Odisha has released pensions for the months of April and May to over 17.6 lakh beneficiaries, covering nearly 91.5% of eligible recipients under various social security schemes.
According to Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Minister Nityananda Gond, a total of 17,60,435 beneficiaries out of 19,22,525 have received their pension amounts directly into their bank accounts.
The beneficiaries include senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups covered under multiple welfare programmes aimed at providing financial support and social security assistance.
The Minister stated that the remaining beneficiaries will receive their pending payments once banking and technical processes are completed. He added that the government is working to ensure that all eligible recipients are covered without further delay.
The state government has also initiated the process for June pension disbursement and reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely and uninterrupted payments going forward.
Officials noted that minor delays had occurred due to technical issues in the payment system, but corrective measures are being implemented to streamline future disbursements.
The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on welfare delivery and financial support for vulnerable sections of society.
22, Jun 2026
Prosper AI raises $30M from Andreessen Horowitz to scale the first AI platform to run the entire patient journey
Working across 150,000 healthcare providers, Prosper AI is the first platform built to combine patient scheduling, insurance verification, and patient billing while coordinating voice interactions with both patients and insurers.
NEW YORK, US – June 22: Prosper AI, the leading AI platform to run the entire patient journey, today announced a $30 million Series A financing led by Andreessen Horowitz (“a16z”), with participation from Base10 and continued support from Emergence Capital, Y Combinator, and Company Ventures
The financing follows a period of rapid adoption and market acceleration. Since its last funding announcement six months ago, Prosper AI has grown revenue 5x, added more than 40 healthcare organizations as customers, expanded across more than 150,000 healthcare providers, and become the platform powering more than $1.3 billion in patient care. Today, Prosper AI wins 80% of competitive evaluations.
Providers increasingly recognize that scheduling is only the first step in the patient journey. As healthcare organizations look to automate insurance verification, and patient billing alongside scheduling, Prosper AI is emerging as the platform of choice to power financially cleared appointments.Today, Prosper AI’s customers span some of healthcare’s most influential organizations, including PE-backed outpatient groups such as Preferred Dermatology, health systems such as Jackson Memorial Hospital—the second-largest hospital in Florida—and healthcare technology leaders such as Athenahealth, one of the largest ambulatory EHR platforms in the United States.
Healthcare’s Next AI Platform Won’t Stop at Scheduling
Every patient appointment depends on workflows that occur before and after care is delivered, from scheduling and insurance verification to patient billing and collections. Historically, these processes have been fragmented across disconnected teams and point solutions, creating +$450B in administrative waste while making healthcare more expensive and less transparent for patients.
Where first-generation healthcare AI stopped at scheduling, Prosper AI manages the broader patient journey. The platform answers patient calls, schedules appointments directly in the EHR, verifies insurance benefits, automates patient billing, and contacts insurers on the phone when additional information is needed. By automating the patient journey end-to-end, Prosper AI helps providers lower administrative costs by +40% while giving patients visibility into their coverage and financial responsibility before care is delivered. The result is a single platform that manages both patient and payer workflows from appointment request through reimbursement.
Winning the Most Competitive Evaluations in Healthcare AI
As provider outpatient groups and health systems evaluate AI platforms, Prosper AI is increasingly emerging as the preferred solution.
“We evaluated seven different vendors through an extensive RFP and live demonstration process and concluded that Prosper AI had the most comprehensive platform” said Jonathan Banta, CEO of The 44 Group, and Co-founder of The Executive Roundtable, a provider consortium representing more than 600 physicians. “The difference wasn’t simply scheduling. Prosper AI was the only platform capable of handling insurance verification, patient financial responsibility, and the broader workflows required to support the entire patient journey.”
“Out of the gate, Prosper AI was handling more than 50% of our patient conversations end-to-end, including complex cases involving real-time benefits verification,” said Noah England, COO of Piedmont Dermatology. “Many organizations using other AI solutions remain stuck at 20–30% automation because those systems stop at scheduling.”
Enterprise Healthcare Platforms Are Choosing Prosper AI
The shift toward comprehensive AI solutions beyond voice AI for scheduling is no longer limited to provider groups. Some of the largest healthcare technology companies have also selected Prosper AI following side-by-side evaluations against competing AI platforms.
Athenahealth, one of the largest ambulatory EHR platforms in the United States covering +60M lives, selected Prosper AI after evaluating multiple AI solutions for internal voice AI workflows. Imagine Software, a leading healthcare software company serving more than 100,000 physicians and processing over $65 billion in claims annually, also selected Prosper AI after conducting a competitive evaluation.
“We reviewed multiple AI platforms, and Prosper AI consistently delivered the strongest performance, now handling thousands of conversations per day across multiple clients on our platform,” said Sam Khashman, CEO of ImagineSoftware. “In repeated side-by-side evaluations, Prosper AI achieved the highest accuracy and completion rates.”
Why Andreessen Horowitz and Base10 Invested
“AI should make healthcare infinitely accessible,” said Jay Rughani, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. “Prosper AI stood out because of the scope of their ambition: they want to eliminate every administrative friction point between a patient and the care they need. What convinced us was the pattern we kept hearing from customers — providers would deploy Prosper AI for scheduling, then quickly ask them to take on insurance verification, then billing, and so on. That pull-through only happens when your technology can consistently guide patients through the care journey end-to-end. It’s no surprise Prosper AI is winning the vast majority of competitive evaluations they enter.”
Adeyemi Ajao, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Base10 Partners “Prosper AI is leveraging agentic AI to transform the way provider groups and hospitals engage with patients, driving not only savings, but increased revenue and better patient experience”.
Building the AI Workforce for Healthcare Operations
With the new funding, Prosper AI will expand its engineering and customer-facing teams, deepen integrations across the largest EHR platforms, and accelerate adoption across provider groups and health systems.
“Healthcare providers don’t want separate tools for scheduling, insurance verification, and billing,” said Xavier de Gracia, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Prosper AI. “They want a single platform capable of managing the workflows that determine whether care happens and whether providers ultimately get paid. That’s what we’ve built, and it’s why providers, health systems, and healthcare technology companies are choosing Prosper AI.”
Over time, Prosper AI aims to build the AI workforce that powers healthcare’s administrative engine, eliminating waste, expanding access to care, and enabling providers to focus more of their time on patients.
22, Jun 2026
Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. Certified as a Great Place to Work in India for 2026–27
Bengaluru, 22nd July 2026: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. has been certified as a Great Place to Work® in India for 2026–27, recognizing the company’s commitment to fostering a high-trust, people-centric workplace culture.
The Great Place To Work® Certification is conferred on organisations that achieve a minimum of 70 percent positive responses on the Trust Index survey, which assesses credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. With insights drawn from more than 100 million employees across 150 countries over the last three decades, Great Place To Work® represents the global benchmark for measuring and recognising exceptional workplace cultures.
At Royal Orchid Hotels, a strong inclusive workplace philosophy continues to drive the brand’s growth. The organisation has built a future-ready talent ecosystem anchored in continuous learning, leadership development and holistic well-being. Associates at Royal Orchid benefit from structured career progression, continuous learning opportunities, capability-building programs, and a culture that celebrates contribution and achievement. What truly distinguishes Royal Orchid as a Great Place to Work® is its ability to translate its values into everyday experiences—fostering an environment built on trust, mutual respect, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence.
“We are pleased to be certified as a Great Place to Work® in India,” said Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. This recognition reflects the culture we have consciously built at Royal Orchid Hotels-one founded on trust, respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Our people have always been at the heart of our success, shaping memorable guest experiences and driving the growth of our organisation. Receiving this certification based on employee feedback makes it especially meaningful, as it validates our efforts to create an environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work. We dedicate this achievement to every member of the Royal Orchid family whose passion, resilience, and dedication continue to define who we are.”
Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Employee Survey is the world’s most widely used model to understand employee perceptions about their workplace. According to GPTW, an increase in Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Score positively impacts productivity, innovation, costs, and other business results.
22, Jun 2026
Assam Products Gain Global Reach, Says Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, June 22: Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the growing global presence of products from Assam, stating that items “made in Assam” are now being enjoyed by consumers across international markets.
Speaking on the state’s expanding trade footprint, the Chief Minister noted that Assam’s traditional and locally produced goods are gaining wider acceptance abroad, reflecting improvements in branding, quality enhancement, and market access initiatives.
He said that the state’s focus on promoting indigenous products has helped local industries and artisans reach new markets beyond India, strengthening rural livelihoods and supporting small producers.
Officials pointed out that Assam’s export potential has been growing steadily, driven by sectors such as tea, handicrafts, agricultural products, and processed goods. Efforts to improve packaging, certification, and global outreach have further supported this expansion.
The government has also been working to promote local entrepreneurship and strengthen supply chains, enabling small businesses and self-help groups to connect with national and international buyers.
Industry observers say the increasing global visibility of Assam-made products reflects a broader trend of regional brands from India gaining traction in overseas markets.
The statement underscores the state’s continued push to position itself as a key contributor to India’s growing export ecosystem while preserving its cultural and artisanal identity.
22, Jun 2026
The Search For India’s Next Breakthrough Innovations Begins As Marico Innovation Foundation Invites Applications For Indian Innovation Icons 2027
Mumbai, June 22 : Marico Innovation Foundation , a pioneer in championing impactful innovations, today invited applications for the 11th edition of its flagship biennial platform – Indian Innovation Icons.
Launched in 2006, Indian Innovation Icons has emerged as one of the country’s premier innovation recognition platforms, spotlighting ‘currently hidden, yet potentially game-changing’ Indian innovations creating socio-economic and environmental impact. Over the years, the platform has spotlighted several upcoming innovators whose solutions have gone on to transform communities and industries across the country.
The 11th edition will recognize innovations across Business (For-Profit) and Social (Not-For-Profit) categories. Applications will remain open from 22nd June 2026 to 22nd July 2026, and interested innovators can apply through Indian Innovation Icons 2027 | Application Form
Indian Innovation Icons follows a unique and rigorous evaluation process spanning over eight months to identify the most disruptive and promising innovations. The process includes two rounds of deliberations by an independent jury for each category, followed by detailed on-ground due diligence conducted by an independent knowledge partner, Deloitte Monitor.
The jury for the 11th edition will feature distinguished leaders from the business, startup, investment, science, and social impact sectors. The Business Category jury will be chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson Bain Capital and India, Co-Founder, ATE Capital and include Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals; Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog, former President of Nasscom and former Vice President & MD, Intel South Asia; Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory; Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive India. Ravi Mariwala, Chairman and MD, Smaart Water; Sanjiv Kaul, Senior Partner, ChrysCapitall.
The Social Category jury, also chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson Bain Capital and India, Co-Founder, ATE Capital, will comprise Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation; Samarinita Shetty, Co-founder and CEO, IDR; Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder and Chairperson, Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation; Aniket Doegar, CEO, Haqdarshak; Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-founder, AssisTech Foundation; Luis Miranda, Co-founder and Chairperson, Indian School of Public Policy.
The grand finale of the 11th edition of Indian Innovation Icons will take place on March 4, 2027, at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The event will bring together a distinguished gathering of leaders from the business, startup, investment, social impact, and media landscape to celebrate extraordinary stories of innovation, perseverance, and change.
Harsh Mariwala, Founder, Marico Innovation Foundation said,
“India is witnessing a strong wave of innovators building solutions that have the potential to create meaningful impact at scale. Yet, many breakthrough ideas often remain under-recognized despite solving real challenges on the ground. Through Indian Innovation Icons, we aim to identify and champion such disruptive innovations by providing them with greater visibility, access to networks, and opportunities that can help accelerate their growth and impact. Over the years, the platform has recognized innovators who have gone on to create significant change across sectors and communities, and we look forward to discovering the next generation of transformative ideas through the 11th edition.”
Winners of the 11th edition will gain strategic guidance from Mr. Harsh Mariwala, access to Marico Innovation Foundation’s ecosystem of investors, business leaders, grant makers, and ecosystem partners, along with bespoke mentoring from Marico’s senior leadership, enhanced national visibility, and curated opportunities to accelerate their growth and scale.
Amit Chandra, Jury Chair and Chairperson of the Governing Council at Marico Innovation Foundation said,
“India’s future will be shaped by people who see problems differently and have the courage to build disruptive solutions. Indian Innovation Icons exists to identify and champion such innovators early in their journey. Past winners like Skyroot Aerospace, Dozee, and Astrome Technologies are powerful examples of what happens when bold ideas are recognized and backed early.
Every edition leaves me inspired by the ingenuity, resilience, and ambition of India’s innovators. I look forward to discovering the next generation of those whose ideas might create impact at scale and help shape India’s next chapter.”
Previous winners have included organizations such as Skyroot Aerospace, Indra Water, People’s Archive of Rural India , India Development Review, Ishitva Robotic Systems, Dozee and Khushi Baby, among others.
In the previous edition, the platform received over 1,100 applications from across India, showcasing innovations addressing diverse challenges across the country.
Suranjana Ghosh, Head, Marico Innovation Foundation, said,
“It has been exciting to witness the progress of our past Indian Innovation Icons winners over the years and see how India’s innovation ecosystem has continued to evolve. As we launch the 11th edition, we are eager to discover the ideas, innovators, and impact stories that have emerged since the last edition of Indian Innovation Icons. At Marico Innovation Foundation, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate innovation, and also to learn from the individuals and organizations shaping the future of India. We look forward to spotlighting the next generation of path breaking innovations and invite innovators from across the country to wholeheartedly apply and share their stories with us.”
22, Jun 2026
Baba Ramdev Mesmerised by Lord Jagannath’s Darshan at Puri Srimandir
Puri, June 22 (UDN): Renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev visited the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Sunday and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.
During his visit to the 12th-century shrine, Baba Ramdev had darshan of the Holy Trinity and sought blessings from Lord Jagannath. He also interacted with temple officials and servitors during his visit.
Marking the occasion, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration felicitated the yoga guru with the sacred Khandua Pata and offered him Mahaprasad as a mark of reverence and tradition.
Speaking to the media after offering prayers, Baba Ramdev expressed deep spiritual satisfaction over his visit to the Srimandir.
“I am mesmerised by the divine darshan of Lord Jagannath on the occasion of International Yoga Day. I prayed for the good health, happiness and prosperity of the people of the country. India has already emerged as a global leader in yoga, and I pray that the nation continues to progress in every sphere,” he said.
Baba Ramdev also urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, stressing that regular practice of yoga is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
22, Jun 2026
From AI to Data Centres, India’s Digital Rise Accelerates on Global Stage
June 22: Over the past 12 years, India has strengthened its position as a global digital leader, supported by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, expansion of data centre infrastructure, and large-scale digital transformation across sectors.
The country’s digital rise has been powered by increasing adoption of emerging technologies, wider internet access, and sustained investment in innovation-led growth. These factors have collectively reshaped India’s technology landscape and strengthened its role in the global digital economy.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a key growth driver, with applications expanding across industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and public services. The integration of AI-based solutions has improved efficiency, enabled automation, and supported the development of new digital services.
At the same time, India’s data centre ecosystem has witnessed significant expansion, driven by rising demand for cloud computing, data storage, and high-speed digital connectivity. This growth has attracted strong interest from both domestic and international investors.
Industry experts note that the combination of AI innovation and robust digital infrastructure has positioned India as a competitive hub for technology development and digital services at the global level.
Analysts believe that continued investment in technology, skilled talent, and infrastructure will further strengthen India’s digital capabilities and global influence in the coming years.
The transformation highlights India’s evolution into a technology-driven economy with a growing role in shaping the future of the global digital landscape.
22, Jun 2026
Poonam Maharana Crowned Miss Universe Odisha 2026, Advances to National Level
Bhubaneswar, June 22: Poonam Maharana has been crowned Miss Universe Odisha 2026, securing her place in the Miss Universe India national finals after a state-level selection event held in Pune, Maharashtra.
Representing Odisha, Poonam impressed the jury with her confidence, communication skills, and clarity of vision, standing out among participants from across the country.
Hailing from Ganjam district, she is a B.Tech graduate in Computer Science Engineering with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her profile reflects a blend of academic achievement and emerging leadership qualities among young Indian women.
Her advocacy work focuses on environmental protection, social service, and entrepreneurship, with an aim to create meaningful social impact and encourage youth engagement in community development.
Following her win, Poonam said the title represents responsibility as much as recognition. She expressed gratitude to her family and mentors for their constant support throughout her journey.
She now prepares to compete at the national level, with aspirations of advancing further on the Miss Universe platform while continuing her work in social development initiatives.
