29, Sep 2026
Meet the Flagship: SunRay Social & Swim Club Lands at SAii Lagoon Maldives
Maldives | Sept 29 – Following the successful soft launch of its new hospitality concept, SunRay Social & Swim Club, at SAii Koh Samui Villas earlier this year, S Hotels & Resorts has announced its expansion to SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton ahead of a portfolio-wide rollout concluding at SAii Laguna Phuket later this year.
Designed to rethink the traditional beach club, SunRay shifts the focus from after-dark revelry to everything that happens under the sun: movement, good food, great music and time together. From sunrise to sunset, its programme follows the rhythm of the day, building towards golden hour and the Maldives’ spectacular sunsets.
The Indian Ocean edition brings that philosophy to the lagoon-front setting of SAii Lagoon Maldives, where the sun and ocean shape the day and experiences invite families, couples and groups of friends to move naturally between activity, connection and relaxation.
Four distinct periods shape the experience. First Light begins with sunrise yoga or a beach bootcamp, offering a gentle awakening or an active start. During Morning Drift, guests take to the water, from energising Aqua Flow workouts and games of newly introduced floating pickleball to discovering the lagoon’s marine life through snorkelling and diving. At Peak Sun, the tempo rises with mobile karaoke, water polo and pool volleyball, while water painting kits offer a creative pause by the beach.
Golden Hour pairs friendly rivalry with time together. Beachside table tennis, beach volleyball, padel clinics and Kick Box Fit keep the energy going, while family sandcastle competitions give imagination centre stage, bringing generations together to shape something of their own in the sand.
As the sun dips below the horizon, a Boduberu sunset ritual brings the rhythms of Maldivian culture to the shore. After dark, a rotating weekly line-up gives each evening its own character, from live bands and acoustic guitar sessions to DJ-led nights, collaborative sets pairing DJs with live guitarists, and DJ & SunRay chromatic ritual.
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- By Neel Achary
29, Sep 2026
Only 7 pc Of Odisha Govt Hospitals Have Valid Fire Safety Certificates: CM
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): Only 17 out of 241 government hospitals in Odisha that are required to have Fire Safety Certificates currently hold valid certificates, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly on Monday.
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The figure means just 7.05 per cent of the government hospitals covered by the mandatory fire-safety requirement have valid certification.
241 Govt Hospitals Require Certification
In a written reply to a question raised by Basta MLA Subasini Jena, the Chief Minister said Fire Safety Certificates are mandatory for 241 of the state’s 747 government medical colleges and hospitals, District Headquarters Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals and Community Health Centres.
The requirement comes under the Odisha Fire Safety Rules, 2017, along with subsequent amendments.
Of the 241 facilities requiring certification, only 17 have obtained valid Fire Safety Certificates, according to the government’s reply.
Hospitals Asked To Apply
The Chief Minister said government hospitals that have not yet obtained the mandatory certificates have been advised to apply in accordance with the prescribed rules.
He further stated that steps are being taken under the Odisha Fire Safety Rules and amended provisions to address identified deficiencies and initiate appropriate action.
Balasore Has 10 Certified Facilities
The Assembly was also informed about the fire-safety status of hospitals and health facilities in Balasore district.
There are 65 government and private medical colleges and hospitals, District Headquarters Hospitals and Community Health Centres in the district where Fire Safety Certificates are mandatory.
Of these, 10 facilities have obtained Fire Safety Certificates, according to the Chief Minister’s written reply.
The remaining government and private health facilities have been advised to obtain the certificates as per the prescribed norms.
The government has stated that corrective measures are being pursued to address fire-safety deficiencies and ensure compliance with the applicable rules.
29, Sep 2026
Odisha T20 League: Keonjhar Miners Book Final Spot, Sambalpur Warriors Face Bhubaneswar Tigers In Qualifier
Cuttack, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Keonjhar Miners have secured a place in the final of the Odisha T20 League–CM Trophy after finishing the league stage at the top of the standings, while the Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers will battle it out in the qualifier at Barabati Stadium on Tuesday.
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The league stage was heavily affected by rain, with several matches abandoned. Keonjhar Miners nevertheless finished ahead of the other teams and earned direct entry into the title clash.
Sambalpur Warriors, Bhubaneswar Tigers In Qualifier
Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers will meet in the qualifier on September 29, with the winner advancing to the final against Keonjhar Miners.
The match is scheduled to be played at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Sambalpur Warriors entered the qualifier after a strong finish to the league stage, including an eight-wicket victory over Puri Titans. Keonjhar Miners, meanwhile, registered a 26-run win over Sambalpur Warriors in their final completed league-stage encounter.
Keonjhar Miners Maintain Top Position
Keonjhar Miners strengthened their position with a series of important results towards the end of the league stage.
They defeated Rourkela Superstars by 47 runs before beating Kataka Panthers by 26 runs. In the latter match, Keonjhar posted 187/8 and bowled out Kataka Panthers for 161.
Their final league-stage outing against Sambalpur Warriors also ended in victory, with Keonjhar Miners posting 109/5 in 10 overs and restricting Sambalpur to 83/9.
Rain Disrupts League Schedule
Persistent rain played a major role throughout the competition, forcing several fixtures to be abandoned or shortened.
The league-stage match between Rourkela Superstars and Kataka Panthers was also called off due to a wet outfield at Barabati Stadium.
The tournament features six franchises—Keonjhar Miners, Sambalpur Warriors, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Puri Titans, Rourkela Superstars and Kataka Panthers—and is being organised by the Odisha Cricket Association.
Women’s Exhibition Match Also Scheduled
A women’s exhibition match is also part of the tournament programme at Barabati Stadium, providing a platform for women cricketers alongside the men’s competition.
With Keonjhar Miners already through to the final, all eyes now turn to the qualifier between Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers, which will determine their opponents in the championship match.
29, Sep 2026
“Meshwarha” First Phase Concludes: Uber and INJAZ Egypt Celebrate the Empowerment of 60 Female Drivers
Cairo, Egypt [29September 2026]: After launching Meshwarha, Uber and INJAZ Egypt have completed the initiative’s first training programme, bringing together 60 female Uber drivers for a learning journey focused on personal and professional development.
Launched in July as Uber’s long-term initiative supporting women’s economic participation in Egypt through learning, earning, and growth opportunities, Meshwarha began with a dedicated partnership with INJAZ Egypt.
Over four weeks, the 60 participating women took part in three complementary learning tracks: Drive with Confidence, Drive Your Money, and Drive with Balance. The sessions covered soft skills, financial literacy and wellbeing, giving participants practical knowledge and tools they can apply both on and off the road.
The programme also created a space for participants to exchange experiences, learn from one another and build confidence around their personal and professional goals, while fostering a community of women drivers who can continue to support, encourage and learn from one another moving forward.
Turning Learning into Opportunity
This initiative reflects Uber’s continued commitment to the Egyptian market and its efforts to expand flexible earning opportunities for women. “Meshwarha” was designed as a long-term platform that will continue to evolve through new partnerships and programs aimed at supporting women throughout their journey of learning, earning, and growth.
“ ‘Meshwarha’ initiative reflects our commitment to supporting women’s economic participation in Egypt at every stage of their journey, and this partnership with INJAZ Egypt marks a key first step in that direction” said Mohamed El Shamy, General Manager, Uber Egypt. “It has been inspiring to see the participants’ dedication and investment in developing skills that positively impact both their personal and professional lives. We are proud of what the female drivers have achieved today, and at Uber, we look forward to continuing to build on and expand the impact of the ‘Meshwarha’ initiative through future partnerships and programs.”
“We were very proud to partner with Uber on the Meshwarha program, where we had the opportunity to witness the enthusiasm of the 60 female Uber Captains as they came together to learn, grow, and support one another as one community. It has been incredibly rewarding to see them learn from one another, build their confidence, and grow throughout this journey. At INJAZ Egypt, we believe that sometimes having the right space to learn, share, and believe in yourself can make all the difference. We are proud to have been part of their Meshwarha journey and look forward to seeing where it takes them next.” said Yasmine Wilson, Managing Director, INJAZ Egypt.
The Journey Continues
The completion of the INJAZ Egypt programme marks the first milestone under Meshwarha, with the broader initiative continuing beyond the four-week programme.
Uber aims to expand the impact of “Meshwarha” as a sustainable platform and continue supporting women at different stages of their journey through new partnerships and initiatives designed to support women in learning, working, and growing, while creating access to new opportunities across Egypt.
The closing session brought the 60 participants together to celebrate their progress and receive their certificates, with Mohamed El Shamy joining the women to mark the occasion and recognise their commitment throughout the programme.
29, Sep 2026
CAG Flags Financial And Procedural Lapses Across Odisha Government Departments
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged a series of financial, procedural and implementation lapses across key Odisha government departments, including irrigation, mining, fisheries, forests and public works.
The findings form part of the CAG Compliance Audit Report for the year ended March 31, 2024, covering the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Steel and Mines, Water Resources and Works departments.
The report, prepared for submission to the Governor under Article 151 of the Constitution, highlights unfruitful expenditure, non-recovery of government dues, project delays and instances where prescribed clearances were allegedly not obtained before execution of works.
Rs 91.57 Crore Spent On Incomplete Irrigation Projects
In the Water Resources Department, the audit found that 38 Minor Irrigation Projects were awarded without completing land acquisition and obtaining forest clearances.
As a result, headworks and distribution systems remained incomplete, rendering expenditure of Rs 91.57 crore unfruitful, according to the CAG.
The audit also pointed to unrealistic budgeting and underutilisation of funds between 2021 and 2024, resulting in the surrender of Rs 520.60 crore.
Other findings included an inadmissible payment of Rs 6.49 crore towards contingency charges to OCCL and non-recovery of Rs 67.54 crore in interest on advances totalling Rs 510.19 crore released to the organisation.
Pipeline Works Leave Nearly 19,291 Hectares Without Irrigation
The CAG also highlighted delays in 64 Underground Pipeline works.
According to the report, the delays left 19,290.951 hectares of cultivated command area without irrigation as of March 2025.
In another finding, the audit said seven check dams on which Rs 4.26 crore was spent between April 2023 and January 2025 appeared, based on geo-spatial verification, to have existed before the agreements were executed.
The CAG said the possibility of fraudulent payment could not be ruled out and recommended examination of the matter.
Mining Dues Worth Crores Flagged
The Steel and Mines Department also came under the auditor’s scanner.
The CAG detected short levy of Rs 92.38 crore in royalty and other mining dues due to the exclusion of sizing charges from the Run-of-Mine coal price while calculating royalty.
It further found that Rs 69.53 crore in interest on delayed payment of mining dues had not been levied and realised.
The audit also identified instances of mineral production beyond permitted limits or without the required Consent to Operate and environmental clearance, resulting in liabilities running into several crores.
In one case involving two coal mines, production of 1,17,96,540 tonnes beyond or without the prescribed environmental clearance attracted a reported liability of Rs 975.57 crore.
Fisheries, Forest Departments Also Flagged
In the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, the CAG found that 494 incinerators could not be installed or put to use because three-phase electricity was unavailable.
This resulted in wasteful expenditure of Rs 16.60 crore, according to the report.
The Forest Department, meanwhile, suffered non-realisation of Rs 25.90 lakh due to delays in disposing of seized timber, poles and firewood.
Works Sector Sees Cost Overruns, Blocked Funds
The audit also pointed to several lapses in the Water Resources and Works departments.
These included an avoidable additional expenditure of Rs 3.86 crore due to the use of higher-grade cement concrete in canal lining, besides alleged undue benefits to contractors through transportation and dewatering provisions.
A bridge project in Keonjhar also resulted in Rs 4.07 crore of funds remaining blocked due to its incomplete status.
The CAG clarified that while the principal audit period was 2023-24, instances from earlier years and matters relating to subsequent periods were also included wherever considered relevant.
The findings underline the need for stronger financial controls, timely execution of projects and compliance with statutory requirements across the departments examined.
29, Sep 2026
realme announces INR 500 crore worth of festive offers, bringing unbeatable value to consumers
New Delhi, September 29, 2026: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, is gearing up to make this Diwali more exciting with its “Real Wali Diwali” celebrations, bringing ₹500 crore worth of offers across its portfolio of smartphones & AIOT products
As part of its Real Wali Diwali celebrations, realme will bring attractive offers and benefits for consumers looking to upgrade their devices during the festive shopping season. The offers will be available on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days Sale and realme.com, along with mainline stores nationwide giving consumers access to exciting deals across the brand’s latest offerings.
With these festive offers, realme aims to make its technology more accessible to consumers while adding greater value to their festive shopping experience. The ₹500 crore festive offer will further strengthen realme’s commitment to bringing innovative products and compelling value to Indian consumers.
29, Sep 2026
3.9-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Debagarh, Tremors Felt In Angul
Angul, Sept. 29 (UDN): An earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale jolted Odisha’s Debagarh district late Monday night, with tremors also reported from parts of neighbouring Angul district.
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According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck at 10:48:20 pm on September 28, 2026.
Epicentre At 20-Km Depth
The NCS placed the epicentre at 21.179°N latitude and 84.774°E longitude, with the seismic activity originating at a depth of 20 kilometres.
The agency classified the earthquake as a reviewed event.
Tremors Felt Across Several Areas
Tremors were reported from multiple locations in Debagarh, including Chadheimara, Barkot, Debagarh, Kundheigola and Reamal.
Residents in parts of Angul also reportedly felt the tremors, with reports coming from Khamar, Patakamunda, Kosala and Bagadia, besides areas of Chhendipada block.
No Damage Reported
There were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage following the earthquake.
The sudden tremors, however, caused brief panic in some areas, with residents reportedly stepping outside their homes as a precaution.
Authorities and residents continue to monitor the situation, while further details regarding the impact of the tremors, if any, are awaited.
29, Sep 2026
World Heart Day: Heart Disease Is No Longer an Age-Defined Illness; Mumbai Experts Urge Early Risk Detection
Mumbai, Sept 29: Heart disease is no longer a health concern that can be viewed primarily through the lens of age. Mumbai’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, coupled with sedentary habits, tobacco exposure, unhealthy dietary patterns, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, chronic stress and inadequate sleep, is creating a growing cardiovascular risk burden—even among people who may appear healthy and symptom-free.
The concern extends beyond conventional lifestyle factors. A study assessing the health impact of particulate pollution in Mumbai estimated that 10,880 deaths annually were attributable to PM2.5 exposure in 2015, with ischemic heart disease accounting for about 33.3% of PM2.5-attributable mortality in the analysis. More recent research across Indian cities has also found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in short-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 1.4% increase in daily mortality, highlighting the wider health implications of urban air pollution.
“Heart disease is no longer a condition that can be viewed primarily through the lens of age. We are increasingly seeing the importance of identifying cardiovascular risk much earlier, particularly among individuals with multiple risk factors,” said Dr. Ashish Mishra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.
According to Dr. Mishra, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia can remain clinically silent while progressively affecting blood vessels and the heart. The combination of multiple risk factors can accelerate cardiovascular risk, making early identification particularly important.
“Preventive cardiology should move from a symptom-driven approach to a risk-based approach. A young person may feel completely healthy while already having several interacting cardiovascular risk factors. The objective is not to subject everyone to extensive cardiac testing, but to identify those who require earlier assessment based on their personal and family history, metabolic profile and lifestyle,” Dr. Ashish Mishra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road added.
Dr. Anand Ram, Consultant Cardiologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, emphasised that warning symptoms should never be dismissed, particularly when they are sudden, unusual or persistent. “Heart health should never be treated as an issue that can wait. Symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, unusual sweating, sudden fatigue or palpitations may sometimes indicate an underlying cardiac problem and should not be ignored,” said Dr. Ram.
He added that Mumbai’s urban lifestyle can make preventive health particularly challenging, with prolonged sitting, irregular eating patterns, stress, smoking and uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes potentially adding to cardiovascular risk.
“The key is early recognition and timely medical evaluation. Regular health check-ups, a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, adequate sleep and effective management of risk factors can go a long way in protecting the heart. Most importantly, prevention is not a one-day effort—it is a lifelong commitment to better heart health,” Dr. Anand Ram, Consultant Cardiologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai said.
For Mumbai citizens, experts emphasise that cardiovascular prevention should begin before symptoms appear—with awareness of personal risk, regular monitoring and timely medical intervention when required.
29, Sep 2026
OSSSC Reschedules Counselling For RI, ICDS Supervisor And Other Posts
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has rescheduled the counselling process for choice of post and district for several district cadre posts under CRE-2023(IV).
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The counselling, earlier scheduled for September 30, 2026, will now be conducted on October 6, 2026, following the Odisha Bandh called by the Naba Nirmana Krushaka Sangathana on September 30.
Counselling For Five Posts Deferred
As per an OSSSC notice issued on September 28, the revised schedule applies to candidates appearing for counselling for the posts of:
Revenue Inspector (RI)
ICDS Supervisor
Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI)
Amin
Statistical Field Surveyor (SFS)
The Commission took the decision to defer the counselling in view of the bandh and has fixed October 6 as the new date.
Existing Intimation Letters Remain Valid
OSSSC clarified that candidates whose roll numbers were included in Annexure-XIV of its earlier notice, issued on September 22, 2026, are required to attend the counselling on the revised date.
Candidates do not need to download fresh intimation letters. The letters already downloaded for the September 30 counselling will remain valid for the rescheduled session on October 6.
Time And Venue Unchanged
The Commission further stated that the time and venue mentioned in the existing intimation letters will remain unchanged.
All other terms, conditions and instructions contained in the earlier counselling notice will continue to apply.
Candidates have been advised to take note of the revised date and attend the counselling process accordingly.
29, Sep 2026
PMO Seeks Odisha Govt Response Over Alleged Textbook Printing Irregularities
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has sought a response from the Odisha government over allegations of large-scale irregularities in the printing and distribution of school textbooks in the state.
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The development follows a complaint submitted by RTI activist and whistleblower Pradip Pradhan, who alleged financial irregularities, conflict of interest and lapses in the textbook printing process.
Education Ministry Seeks State Response
Following the complaint, the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education reportedly sought a response from Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department.
The state department has been asked to examine the allegations and take appropriate action, according to reports.
Pradhan has alleged that a deputy director-level official associated with the government press has been involved in overseeing textbook printing work since 2022 despite the responsibility, according to his complaint, falling under the School and Mass Education Department.
Conflict Of Interest Alleged
The whistleblower has further alleged that the official facilitated printing and supply contracts involving a private agency allegedly operated by the officer’s wife.
Pradhan has sought a detailed investigation into the matter, alleging that such an arrangement could constitute a conflict of interest and have financial implications for the state exchequer.
He has also alleged that lapses in quality control resulted in error-filled textbooks being supplied to students across Odisha.
The allegations are subject to examination by the concerned authorities.
1,741 Errors Found In School Textbooks
The controversy comes amid disclosures made by the Odisha government in the State Assembly regarding errors in school textbooks.
According to a written reply by School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, as many as 1,741 errors were identified in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.
The government informed the Assembly that around Rs 175 crore had been spent on the printing and publication of these textbooks.
The PMO’s intervention has now brought renewed attention to the textbook production process, with the state government expected to respond to the allegations and clarify the steps taken to address the reported irregularities.
