7, Oct 2026
Education in Ireland Fair in Chennai on 10th of October 2026 at Hyatt Regency.

~ Students will interact directly with leading Irish institutions and learn about programmes at this high-quality study destination~
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List of Participating institutions
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Atlantic Technological University
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Dublin Business School
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Dundalk Institute of Technology
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Independent College
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Maynooth University
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Munster Technological University
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National College of Ireland
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University College Dublin
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South East Technological University
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Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
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Technological University of the Shannon
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Technological University Dublin
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University College Cork
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RCSI: University of Medicine & Health Sciences
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University of Galway
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University of Limerick
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Dublin City University
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- By Neel Achary
7, Oct 2026
Sudarsan Pattnaik Marks PM Modi’s 25 Years in Public Service With Sand Art at Puri Beach
Puri, Oct 7 (UDN): Renowned Odisha sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has paid tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of his 25 years in public service with a special sand sculpture at Puri Beach.
Pattnaik shared images of the artwork on social media, describing the creation as a tribute to Modi’s journey of public service, leadership and dedication to the nation.
Sand Art Celebrates 25 Years of Public Service
The striking sculpture features an image of Prime Minister Modi with folded hands, accompanied by messages highlighting his 25-year public life and his vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Sharing the artwork, Pattnaik congratulated the Prime Minister and said the sand sculpture was a humble tribute to his “remarkable journey” and vision for a developed India.
The installation carries prominent messages including “25 YEARS Of Public Service” and “The Spirit of Service, Modi Ji’s Vision for Viksit Bharat.”
Artwork Draws Attention at Puri Beach
The sand sculpture has attracted attention from visitors at the popular Puri beach, while photographs of the artwork shared online have also received appreciation from netizens.
Known for creating sand sculptures on prominent personalities, national occasions and global events, Pattnaik once again used the sands of Puri to mark a significant milestone in the public life of the Prime Minister.
7, Oct 2026
Odisha Government Reshuffles IAS Cadre, Appoints New Collectors for Nabarangpur and Nuapada
Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): The Odisha Government on Wednesday carried out a minor reshuffle in the IAS cadre, including the appointment of new Collectors for Nabarangpur and Nuapada.
Representational Image
The General Administration & Public Grievance Department issued a notification announcing transfers and fresh postings involving seven IAS officers.
New Collectors for Two Districts
Anya Das, IAS (RR-2019), currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare Department, has been appointed Collector and District Magistrate of Nabarangpur.
Similarly, Madhumita, IAS (RR-2020), who recently joined the General Administration & Public Grievance Department after availing maternity leave, has been posted as Collector and District Magistrate of Nuapada.
The two appointments follow the transfer of the incumbent Collectors of the respective districts.
Existing Collectors Get New Assignments
Dr Maheswar Swain, IAS (SCS-2014), who was serving as Collector and District Magistrate of Nabarangpur, has been transferred and appointed Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Madhusudan Dash, IAS (SCS-2014), Collector and District Magistrate of Nuapada, has been posted as Additional Secretary to the Government in the GA & PG Department.
In another posting, Pradeep Kumar Nayak, IAS (SCS-2014), Additional Commissioner of the Additional Revisional Court, Bhubaneswar, has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department.
Other Administrative Changes
The government has also made changes at the sub-divisional level.
Ashni A L, IAS (RR-2023), Under Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare Department, has been transferred and posted as Sub-Collector, Bhabanipatana.
Her predecessor, Kasturi Sha, IAS (RR-2024), Sub-Collector, Bhabanipatana, has been transferred and posted as Under Secretary to the Government in the GA & PG Department.
The latest reshuffle is part of the State Government’s ongoing administrative reorganisation and includes changes at both district and departmental levels.
7, Oct 2026
Assam Rifles Jawan V Teja Cremated With Full Military Honours in Rayagada
Rayagada, Oct 7 (UDN): Assam Rifles jawan V Teja, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during operational duty in Nagaland, was cremated with full military honours at Swargadwara in Siriguda, Rayagada, on Wednesday.
The final rites drew a large gathering of residents, youths and ex-servicemen, who assembled to pay their last respects to the soldier and honour his sacrifice.
Teja’s mortal remains had reached Rayagada late Tuesday night after being transported from Visakhapatnam by ambulance. Earlier, his body was flown to Guwahati and subsequently taken to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam before being brought to his hometown.
Guard of Honour Before Final Rites
Rayagada Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni and Superintendent of Police paid floral tributes to the jawan before his final journey.
The Assam Rifles personnel accompanying the mortal remains accorded Teja a Guard of Honour as part of the military funeral.
Local residents gathered along the route to bid a final farewell to the soldier, with many expressing solidarity with his family and saluting his service to the nation.
Joined Assam Rifles in 2022
Teja, a resident of the Katur area of Rayagada town, had joined the force in 2022.
According to reports, he sustained gunshot wounds while performing operational duties in Nagaland. He was subsequently admitted for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.
His death has left his family and the local community in deep grief.
Final Farewell on His 31st Birthday
In a poignant coincidence, Teja was cremated on what would have been his 31st birthday.
The jawan was also reportedly scheduled to get married in December this year, adding to the tragedy surrounding his untimely death.
As Rayagada bid farewell to the young soldier, his family, fellow personnel and residents remembered him for his service and the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.
7, Oct 2026
CM Majhi Hails PM Modi’s 25 Years in Public Life, Calls Journey an Inspiration
Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in public life, describing his political journey as an example of dedicated public service, social justice and committed leadership.
Representational Image
In a series of posts on X, Majhi praised Modi’s long tenure in public service and said his contribution to governance had strengthened the democratic ethos of the country.
The Odisha Chief Minister said Modi’s 25-year journey, marked by a focus on social justice and the welfare of marginalised sections, would continue to serve as an example of selfless leadership for future generations.
Majhi also highlighted what he described as the Prime Minister’s governance philosophy, saying that public trust remains central to effective governance.
Modi’s Vision Inspiring Odisha’s Development
Majhi said Modi’s vision of an empowered and developed Bharat was providing fresh momentum to Odisha’s development priorities.
“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India continues to move forward with the spirit of Seva, Sankalp and Samarpan,” Majhi said, referring to the principles of service, resolve and dedication.
He added that Modi’s journey of 25 years in public life continues to inspire millions of people across the country.
‘India Has Emerged as a Self-Reliant Global Power’
In another message, Majhi credited Modi’s leadership with helping India strengthen its position on the global stage.
He said the past 25 years had been marked by “visionary resolve and relentless duty” and asserted that India had emerged as a more confident and self-reliant global power.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Odisha, I offer my deepest congratulations on this significant accomplishment,” Majhi said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come as BJP leaders and supporters across the country mark Modi’s completion of 25 years in public service, highlighting his transition from Gujarat politics to national leadership.
7, Oct 2026
RBI Raises Repo Rate To 5.50 percent, Signals Calibrated Tightening Amid Inflation Risks
By Umesh Sharma, CIO – Debt, The Wealth Company Mutual Fund
“ The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% and changed its stance to calibrated tightening, with the Governor saying rate cuts are off the table for now. This was the first hike since February 2023. The RBI raised its FY27 growth forecast to 7.1% and inflation forecast to 5.2%, while core inflation is now seen at 4.4%. The move came as oil prices rose above $100, the monsoon was weak and global central banks tightened. The rate hike was expected, but the stance change was a mild surprise. The 10-year G-Sec yield rose 3-4 bps, and shorter-term yields rose 5-10 bps. We expect 2-3 more hikes in this cycle, as inflation is above target and global yields keep rising. Each policy meeting remains live. We continue to expect accrual strategies to perform well under these conditions, however investors with longer time horizon could look to add duration to their portfolio in a staggered manner “
7, Oct 2026
Odisha Bandh on October 8: Transport, Markets and Schools May Face Disruptions
Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Odisha is bracing for a statewide bandh on Thursday, October 8, with the INDIA bloc opposition parties calling for a 12-hour shutdown over a range of political and governance-related issues.
Representational Image
The bandh was announced by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on behalf of the alliance. Congress and its allies, including the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP, Samajwadi Party and RJD, are backing the agitation.
The opposition has appealed to people to support the shutdown and said the bandh would be observed peacefully across the State.
Why Has the Bandh Been Called?
The INDIA bloc has listed several demands behind the October 8 shutdown.
A key demand is the withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. Opposition parties have alleged that the amended law could undermine Odisha’s interests in its mineral resources and affect the State’s financial rights.
The alliance is also demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demand for Kumar’s resignation has become a major issue in the Opposition’s ongoing campaign.
Another major issue is the controversy over errors in school textbooks. The Opposition has sought accountability from the State Government and demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
Transport Services May Be Hit
Normal movement of vehicles is expected to be affected in several parts of Odisha during the bandh.
Public and private transport services may face disruptions as supporters could stage road blockades and demonstrations at major junctions. Commuters travelling between cities and districts have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Railway services are not automatically covered by a bandh call, but road blockades and protests near transport hubs could affect access to railway stations.
Shops and Markets
Commercial establishments, markets and shops may remain closed in areas where traders and business associations extend support to the bandh.
The extent of disruption, however, is likely to vary from district to district depending on local participation.
Schools and Colleges
There is no indication in the material reviewed of a blanket statewide government order directing all schools and colleges to close for the bandh.
However, educational institutions may take local decisions depending on the situation in their respective areas. Students and parents should therefore check advisories issued by their individual institutions before travelling.
Essential Services Expected to Continue
Essential and emergency services are generally expected to remain operational during the bandh.
These include:
Hospitals and emergency medical services
Ambulances
Pharmacies
Fire and rescue services
Electricity and water supply
Other essential services
Authorities are expected to deploy additional security personnel at sensitive locations, including major roads, transport hubs and government establishments, to prevent violence, forced closures and disruption of essential services.
Government, Police on Alert
The bandh comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Odisha. The INDIA bloc had earlier staged protests over the MMDR amendment, SIR and textbook controversy, with tensions reported during demonstrations in Bhubaneswar.
The State administration is expected to closely monitor the situation and take steps to maintain law and order throughout the 12-hour shutdown.
7, Oct 2026
Noatum Logistics Launches a New Global Fairs & Events Logistics Business Line
Photo caption: From left to right, Derek Cassidy, Vice President, Global Fairs & Events Product Management; Lars Pohlmann, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Fairs & Events; Luke Wrigley, Head of Global Operational Process and Head of UK; and Ozkan Aksoy, Head of Global Business Solutions and Head of Benelux.
Barcelona/ Hamburg/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 07 October 2026: Noatum Logistics, an AD Ports Group company (ADX: ADPORTS) and global provider of integrated logistics services, has launched Fairs & Events Logistics as a dedicated business, bringing together industry experience and established capabilities to better serve customers across international exhibition markets. The business will operate with its own leadership team, product organisation and growth strategy.
The company’s vision is to build a leading global Fairs & Events Logistics business line. By working closely with customers, organisers and venues, Noatum Logistics aims to integrate logistics more strategically into the planning and delivery of exhibitions, supported by precise planning, consistent local execution and experienced teams with deep operational expertise. The approach goes beyond traditional freight forwarding to deliver integrated, tailored services and a consistent customer experience worldwide.
Thorsten Meincke, Executive Vice President, Air & Ocean Freight, Noatum Logistics, said: “The demands on logistics for fairs and events are becoming more complex. As organisers and exhibitors expect seamless execution across multiple markets, demand is growing for a truly international provider. We see a clear opportunity to combine specialised exhibition expertise with the scale and reach of our global network, helping customers deliver increasingly sophisticated events consistently across borders.”
The new organisation will be led by an international management team comprising Lars Pohlmann, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Fairs & Events; Derek Cassidy, Vice President, Global Fairs & Events Product Management; Luke Wrigley, Head of Global Operational Process and Head of UK; Christine Pan, Head of Greater China; and Ozkan Aksoy, Head of Global Business Solutions and Head of Benelux. Together, the team brings a wealth of exhibition logistics experience and long-established industry relationships rarely assembled within a single organisation.
Lars Pohlmann, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Fairs & Events, Noatum Logistics, said: “Exhibition logistics depends on precise planning, reliable local execution and experienced teams on site. Customers need partners who understand the operational realities of events and can deliver consistently across markets. Our goal is to build one coordinated global organisation for customers across the world’s major exhibition markets. We are investing in the people, structure and capabilities needed to support that growth.”
In addition to its new leadership team, the company brings extensive experience to the sector through its established UAE-based Fairs & Events Logistics business, which has served as the preferred logistics partner for major global events, including the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX). The experience and track record gained through these events underpin the company’s ability to extend a proven service model to customers worldwide.
At launch, teams will be based in Germany, the United Kingdom, Greater China, Benelux, the United Arab Emirates and Iberia, supported by Noatum Logistics’ wider operational network.
The business will focus on strengthening its capabilities, expanding customer relationships, and delivering exceptional value to exhibitors, organisers and venues worldwide.
7, Oct 2026
World Wellness Weekend Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary with a Global Wave of Wellness Across Cities and Countries
Mexico leads the world in wellness activities, Italy tops the venue count, while Jakarta’s iconic Monas turns blue for the milestone edition

Oct 07 — From 18–20 September 2026, communities around the world came together for the 10th World Wellness Weekend, celebrating a decade of making wellness more accessible, inclusive and meaningful for people everywhere.
The milestone edition demonstrated the continued global momentum of the movement, with countries and cities on all 5 continents recording significant participation through wellness activities and venues.
The Stats & Facts of the 10th edition place Mexico first for net activities, Italy first for net venues, and Cancún first among cities for net activities and venues.
A decade of wellness, celebrated around the world
The final country statistics show Mexico with 754 net activities, followed by Spain with 500, Vietnam with 469, the USA with 424 and the Dominican Republic at 5th position with 421. Other countries among the leading 10 were Italy, India, Japan, Indonesia and Argentina.
In terms of net venues with sessions, Italy led with 272, followed by Spain with 234, Japan with 210, Mexico with 170, and the USA with 163.
These figures reflect the official final methodology used for the 10th edition. Where applicable, the statistics exclude fitness clubs without classes or sessions and parks/public spaces that were not confirmed by the relevant authorities.
Country figures are based on the official final country statistics. City figures use a 25 km radius from the city centre.
MEXICO LEADS THE GLOBAL WELLNESS MOVEMENT
Mexico emerged as the leading country in the final activity statistics, recording 754 net activities across 170 net venues.
Its strong national performance was reinforced by several Mexican destinations appearing among the world’s most active cities.
Cancún led the city statistics with 307 net activities and 58 net venues, followed by Tulum (5th place) with 94 activities and 25 venues, Playa del Carmen (8th place) with 50 activities and 11 venues, Los Cabos (9ex) with 48 activities and 14 venues, Merida (14th) with 42 activities and 12 venues.
This gives Mexico a particularly strong presence not only at national level but also among the leading individual wellness destinations.
ITALY LEADS IN WELLNESS VENUES
Italy recorded 272 net venues with sessions, the highest country figure in the official 10th-edition statistics. It also recorded 401 net activities.
Several Italian cities featured prominently in the city statistics, including:
● Casciana Terme Lari – 30 activities / 23 venues
● Rome – 28 activities / 17 venues
● Milan – 22 activities / 15 venues
● Florence – 18 activities / 8 venues
The results underline the breadth of participation across Italy, especially with the support of CIWAS (Confederazione Italiana de Wellness and Sport) and Fondazione SportCity with free activities nationwide.
SPAIN CONTINUES TO SHINE AS A WELLNESS DESTINATION
Spain stands as the 2nd most Active Country with 234 net venues with sessions, and 500 net activities.
Several Spanish cities featured prominently in the city statistics, including:
● Marbella (3rd) – 107 activities / 41 venues
● Malaga (9ex) – 48 activities / 30 venues
● Madrid (15) – 38 activities / 10 venues
● Santa Cruz de Tenerife (16) – 36 activities / 12 venues
● Barcelona (21) – 27 activities / 16 venues
● Las Palmas (29ex) – 17 activities / 8 venues
TOP 10 CITIES BY NET ACTIVITIES
Within a 25 km radius from the city centre, the official statistics recorded:
|
Rank |
City |
Country |
Net Activities |
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1 |
Cancún |
Mexico |
307 |
|
2 |
Punta Cana |
Dominican Republic |
182 |
|
3 |
Marbella |
Spain |
107 |
|
4 |
Tulum |
Mexico |
94 |
|
5 |
Caracas |
Venezuela |
77 |
|
6 |
Singapore |
|
76 |
|
7 |
Punta del Este |
Uruguay |
51 |
|
7 |
Playa del Carmen |
Mexico |
50 |
|
9= |
Malaga |
Spain |
48 |
|
9= |
Los Cabos |
Mexico |
48 |
PUNTA CANA: A GLOBAL WELLNESS HOTSPOT
Punta Cana was a standout city in the Caribbean of the 10th edition, recording 182 net activities and 16 net venues with sessions within the official 25-kilometre city radius with thousands of people taking part in a raceç
MONAS TURNS BLUE FOR WELLNESS
In Jakarta, the 10th anniversary was marked by a particularly visual celebration.
On 18 September 2026, the iconic Monas (National Monument) lit up in blue as part of World Wellness Weekend.
The blue illumination symbolized the spirit of wellness and a shared commitment to creating healthier, more balanced and more meaningful lives.
The special moment brought the World Wellness Weekend message into one of Jakarta’s most recognizable landmarks:
“Wellness for All – because wellness belongs to everyone.”
Residents and visitors were invited to witness and capture the rare sight of Monas illuminated in blue, creating a memorable visual symbol for the 10th anniversary.
Indonesia itself recorded 205 net activities across 86 net venues in the final country statistics, placing it at N°9 among 185 countries in the 2026 edition.
A GLOBAL MOVEMENT, ONE SHARED MESSAGE
From Mexico to Spain, Japan to Vietnam, Indonesia to Argentina, the 10th World Wellness Weekend demonstrated the diversity of the global wellness community.
The city statistics also demonstrate this geographic diversity: alongside the leading Mexican and Spanish destinations are cities including Caracas, Singapore, Punta Del Este, Santo Domingo, Ho Chi Minh City…
JEAN-GUY DE GABRIAC, FOUNDER OF WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND
“Ten years ago, we began with a simple idea: wellness should be something everyone can experience and share. Ten years later, seeing communities across the globe come together around wellness is incredibly meaningful. The 10th edition reminds us that wellness has no borders and that small local actions can contribute to a truly global movement turning free classes into food donations and blood donations.”
WELLNESS STARTS WITH “WE”
The statistics tell only part of the story.
Behind every activity is a person choosing to move, breathe, connect, learn, rest or simply take a moment for their wellbeing. Behind every venue is a community creating a space where wellness can be experienced and shared.
That is the essence of World Wellness Weekend after ten years:
Wellness is not a luxury reserved for a few.
Wellness is best when shared with family, friends, colleagues and wellness buddies.
7, Oct 2026
Nayax Enters US Fuel Retail Through Distribution Partnership with Allied Electronics, Inc.
HERZLIYA, Israel, Oct 07 – Nayax Ltd. (Nasdaq: NYAX; TASE: NYAX), a global commerce enablement, payments, and loyalty platform, today announced a distribution partnership with Allied Electronics, Inc. to bring Nayax Fuel’s VPOS Media 5 outdoor payment solution to fuel retailers across the United States.
The US fuel market operates at exceptional scale, with convenience stores generating over $450 billion in fuel sales in 2025 and selling an estimated 80% of the fuel Americans buy, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Drivers increasingly pay for that fuel by card, which now represents 81% of transactions at the pump, up from 64% a decade ago. That shift has made modern payment infrastructure at the pump a necessity for US fuel retailers, central to how they serve customers.
This partnership meets that need by bringing Nayax payment infrastructure to US fuel retailers alongside Allied, a partner retailers know and trust. Allied has served the retail petroleum industry since 1978, and its systems, including the NeXGen PRIME forecourt controller, operate at tens of thousands of locations nationwide. Nayax Fuel, a dedicated vertical within the Nayax group, extends that foundation with a comprehensive portfolio spanning payment at the dispenser, forecourt control, and station management, building on the successful integration of OTI PetroSmart and Roseman.
“Allied and Nayax share an important focus on making the forecourt work better for retailers,” said Eli Bar, General Manager, Nayax Fuel. “Allied is one of the most respected names in US fuel retail, and our payment technology and solution give its customers a fuel-specific option built to meet the same high standard.”
“The US fuel industry is moving through a modernization cycle, and operators need both reliable forecourt systems and modern payment solutions at the pump,” said Bob Danford, Director of Engineering & Development at Allied Electronics, Inc. “Nayax complements our solutions with a purpose-built payment terminal backed by global payments infrastructure, allowing us to deliver the complete package to retailers together.”
Nayax Fuel will present its fuel retail solutions at the NACS Show, October 7-9, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visitors can find Nayax at booth C6385.

