29, Sep 2026
Puri Beach Waste Turned Into Record-Breaking Art Installation, Enters India Book of Records
Puri, Sept. 29 (UDN): Discarded fishing nets and other marine waste collected from the Puri coastline have been transformed into a large-scale art installation, earning a place in the India Book of Records for promoting coastal and marine conservation.
The record, titled “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness,” was achieved by Spandan in partnership with HCL Foundation as part of an initiative to highlight the growing threat posed by marine waste.
The installation was created using waste recovered during a major coastal cleanup drive held at Puri on September 19, coinciding with International Coastal Cleanup Day.
10,000 Kg Of Waste Collected
Around 700 marine activists, volunteers and members of various organisations participated in the cleanup along the Bay of Bengal coast.
The participants included personnel from the Indian Coast Guard, Puri Mahanagar Nigam, women self-help groups, Scouts and Guides, the Puri Cricket Association, members of the Fishery Association and other local volunteers.
The drive resulted in the collection of more than 10,000 kg of solid waste from the beach.
Among the waste were abandoned fishing nets and discarded fishing gear, which can pose significant risks to marine animals and affect coastal ecosystems.
Waste Transformed Into Art
Following the cleanup, the collected material was segregated and handed over for an innovative community art initiative.
Young members of the local community used the discarded materials to create a large artistic installation aimed at drawing attention to marine pollution and the impact of fishing-related waste on marine biodiversity.
The artwork was displayed at Penthakotta in Puri on September 28.
India Book Of Records Recognition
The unique installation was formally recognised by the India Book of Records under the category of “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness.”
India Book of Records adjudicator Sanjay Kumar Bhola attended the event and presented the record recognition to members of the team.
He also appreciated the efforts of Spandan and HCL Foundation in using collected coastal waste to create awareness about marine conservation and the protection of India’s coastal ecosystem.
The initiative has given discarded beach waste a new purpose—turning material that threatened the marine environment into a public artwork carrying a message of conservation.
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- By Neel Achary
29, Sep 2026
Puri Intensifies Khaja Inspections Ahead of Festive Season, Five Units Sealed
Puri, Sept. 29 (UDN): With demand for the famous Puri khaja expected to rise during the upcoming festive season, district authorities have intensified inspections of sweet-making units to curb adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety norms.
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A joint team from the Food Safety Unit and Puri district administration conducted raids at several khaja manufacturing units in and around the town, including establishments in Dolamandap Sahi near the Shree Jagannath Temple.
During the latest operation, officials seized around four quintals of khaja, sugar syrup and eight domestic LPG cylinders from the inspected premises.
Five Manufacturing Units Sealed
Authorities sealed five khaja manufacturing units for alleged violations of food safety regulations. Two pushcarts were also seized during the enforcement drive.
Officials said inspections would continue across different parts of Puri to monitor the quality and safety of food products being sold to devotees, tourists and local consumers.
The intensified checks come amid preparations for the festive season, when Puri witnesses a significant increase in visitors and demand for its traditional sweets.
Earlier Raids Also Conducted
The latest enforcement action follows another major inspection drive carried out in Puri days earlier.
During that operation, authorities seized approximately five quintals of khaja and khaja syrup and destroyed the material. Four khaja manufacturing units were also sealed for alleged violations.
Officials have indicated that further inspections will be conducted as part of the ongoing food-safety campaign.
Focus on Traditional Puri Sweet
Khaja is one of Puri’s best-known traditional sweets and is closely associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple and the city’s religious and tourism economy.
With the festive season expected to bring increased demand, authorities are stepping up surveillance of manufacturing and selling points to ensure that khaja and other food products meet prescribed safety standards.
The enforcement drive is expected to continue in the coming days, with officials maintaining checks on manufacturing units and vendors across the town.
29, Sep 2026
Fatehpur House Collapse: Death Toll Rises to Five After Powerful Blast
Fatehpur, Sept. 29: The death toll from the collapse of a two-storey house in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district has risen to five after one of the injured victims succumbed to his injuries, officials said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Monday evening in the Malwan police station area, where a powerful explosion at the house of a fruit trader caused a major portion of the building to collapse.
Four people were initially killed in the incident, while three others were rescued from the debris and rushed to Fatehpur Medical College for treatment.
One of the injured victims, who had suffered burns over more than 90 per cent of his body and was reportedly on ventilator support, later died during treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Kunal, Alok, Arpit, Ved and Yash, aged between six and 25 years.
Rescue Operation Launched After Blast
Police received information about the incident through the Police Response Vehicle (PRV) at around 5:30 pm on Monday.
Local police teams immediately reached the area. However, the narrow lane leading to the damaged house made it difficult for a fire tender to access the spot.
A rescue operation was subsequently carried out using a JCB machine to remove the debris.
Around 16 personnel from the police and fire departments, along with local residents, joined the search operation and worked to locate people trapped beneath the rubble.
Seven people were eventually pulled out of the collapsed structure and taken to the medical college. Doctors later declared four of them dead, while the remaining injured victims were admitted for treatment.
Gas Cylinder Blast Suspected
Fatehpur Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik said preliminary inquiries indicated that a gas cylinder could have triggered the explosion.
Police reportedly recovered four gas cylinders from the site, two of which are believed to have exploded.
However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the blast.
Forensic experts and Fire Department teams are examining the site and collecting evidence to determine what led to the explosion and subsequent collapse.
Nearby Houses Also Damaged
The blast caused the upper two floors of the main house to collapse, while parts of neighbouring structures were also affected.
Beams of some nearby houses reportedly suffered damage, although no casualties were reported from those buildings.
Police and administrative officials continue to remain at the site as the investigation into the incident proceeds.
Authorities are now focusing on determining the exact sequence of events leading to the explosion and whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.
29, Sep 2026
Mahanadi Flood Alert: 26 Hirakud Gates Open, Cuttack and Several Districts on Watch
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The flood situation in Odisha’s Mahanadi river system has intensified, with 26 gates of the Hirakud Dam currently open and more than five lakh cusecs of water being released downstream.
Representational Image
The rising discharge has triggered concern across several low-lying areas, particularly in Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and parts of Kendrapara districts.
According to reports, nearly 8 lakh cusecs of floodwater reached Mundali by Monday evening, increasing the pressure on downstream areas along the Mahanadi system.
Hirakud Releases Over 5 Lakh Cusecs
The Hirakud reservoir was receiving around 5.01 lakh cusecs of water per second, while the downstream discharge stood at approximately 5.14 lakh cusecs.
The reservoir water level was reported at 629.69 feet. With outflow exceeding inflow, authorities are closely monitoring the movement of water through the downstream river system.
The impact is already being felt in several areas along the Mahanadi and its distributaries.
Farmland Under Water in Banki
Floodwaters have entered the Ran and Chandrapara branch rivers in the Banki area of Cuttack district, inundating hundreds of acres of agricultural land.
For farmers, the situation has become particularly difficult as this is reportedly the third flood of the season. Repeated inundation has raised concerns over crop losses and the economic impact on farming communities.
Dhabaleswar Temple Entry Restricted
Authorities have also imposed precautionary restrictions around the Dhabaleswar shrine as water levels continue to rise.
Entry of devotees has been restricted until Tuesday evening, while Section 163 has been imposed in the area to prevent any untoward incident.
At Badamba, floodwater has reportedly entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Maa Bhattarika Shakti Peetha, highlighting the extent of the flooding in areas located close to the Mahanadi.
Cuttack, Khordha, Puri Among Vulnerable Areas
Officials from the Water Resources Department have warned that rising Mahanadi levels could affect low-lying areas of Cuttack, Khordha, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts.
Parts of Patkura and Garadpur in Kendrapara district could also face the impact as the floodwater travels further downstream.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on river levels and the movement of floodwater to assess the situation in vulnerable locations.
Residents Advised to Remain Alert
With the Mahanadi continuing to carry a heavy volume of water, residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by the local administration.
The coming hours will remain crucial as authorities monitor the downstream impact of the large volume of water being released from Hirakud.
29, Sep 2026
Rohde & Schwarz Expands FSWX Analyzer With New Multi-Channel Pulse Analysis
The new R&S FSWX-KM700 pulse analysis option extends the multi-channel signal and spectrum analyzer, for example, into a workstation for testing how Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) jammers capture, reproduce and manipulate radar pulses. It measures key pulse parameters, evaluates pulse trains and extracts capture vs. time, pulse result/statistics tables, magnitude/phase/frequency vs. time, and parameter trends including channel parameter delta information.
Sept 29: DRFM jammers support deception, spoofing and jamming by capturing radar emissions, digitizing them and reproducing them with controlled delay, phase and frequency. As radars become more agile and use more complex waveforms, test systems must measure pulse shape, timing, modulation and repeatability. The FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer addresses this test environment with its innovative dual-channel, phase-coherent architecture. With the R&S FSWX-KM700 pulse analysis option, Rohde & Schwarz adds a software extension for dedicated pulsed signal work and DRFM analysis.
The option measures pulse width, amplitude, rise time, fall time, pulse repetition interval, duty cycle, shape and overshoot. These measurements allow engineers to check whether a jammer reproduces the envelope of the original radar burst with the required accuracy, since small changes in timing or amplitude behavior can affect the credibility of a deception signal.
The analysis also covers complete pulse trains. The option extracts pulse repetition frequency spectra and pulse-to-pulse variation data, allowing engineers to verify complex pulse sequence behavior and timing patterns. R&S FSWX-KM700 supports chirped pulses, pulse width modulation, pulse position modulation and phase-modulated waveforms. Engineers can use these measurements to check whether a device handles modulation schemes used by modern radar systems, including both the pulse envelope and modulation content.
The system can trigger on amplitude, pulse width, pulse repetition interval or user-defined patterns. This helps engineers isolate selected events inside a pulse train and focus the measurement on the relevant parts of the signal. For longer measurements, R&S FSWX-KM700 aggregates results from many captured pulses. This provides information about repeatability and consistency over time and helps engineers assess whether timing or modulation errors occur only under certain conditions.
The option comes with the following displays: parameter trend for DRFM electronic attack technique analysis, capture vs. time to measure jammer response time and latency between stimulus and response, individual pulse parameter display such as pulse amplitude, frequency, and phase to make sure there are no distortions introduced by the jammer. These measurements connect pulse analysis with the behavior of the jammer under test.
With the new R&S FSWX-KM700 option, the FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer gains a more specialized role in DRFM test workflows. It combines phase coherent multi-channel analysis with pulse, pulse train, modulation and segmented capture functions in one instrument, supporting verification of signal fidelity, timing behavior and consistency in agile electronic warfare scenarios.
Rohde & Schwarz showcases the new R&S FSWX-KM700 pulse analysis option at EuMW 2026 at booth B10 at Excel London from October 6 to 8, 2026.
29, Sep 2026
Tata Chemicals Mithapur Launches ‘Suraksha Gurukul’ Safety Training Centre
Chandigarh, 29 September 2026: Tata Chemicals Mithapur has launched ‘Suraksha Gurukul’, a Safety Training Centre for employees, contractors, visitors and drivers. The centre was inaugurated by Vikrant Deoras, Site & Manufacturing Head, Tata Chemicals Mithapur, in the presence of senior leadership, department heads and employees.
Developed over two years, the centre brings together Tata Chemicals’ Golden Safety Rules, digital learning, simulation-based training, practical demonstrations and competency assessments.
A key feature of the centre is its vehicle driving simulators, which allow drivers to practise different driving scenarios before entering operational areas. The training focuses on driver competency, hazard perception and defensive driving.
The centre also offers VR-based modules on areas such as working at height, fire safety and emergency preparedness. Plant locations and operational activities at Tata Chemicals Mithapur have also been digitally recreated to provide site-specific learning.
Suraksha Gurukul includes a Safety Exhibition Gallery with safety equipment models, demonstrations, learning displays and best practices. The training journey covers classroom and digital learning, practical sessions, simulator and VR training, assessment and certification.
Commenting on the launch, Vikrant Deoras, Site & Manufacturing Head, Tata Chemicals Mithapur, said: “Safety is a core part of how we operate at Tata Chemicals. Suraksha Gurukul brings together technology, practical training and site-specific learning to strengthen safety competence among our employees and partners. As we continue our journey towards Zero Harm, the centre will support a stronger and more proactive safety culture at the Mithapur site.”
The centre was developed with support from the Safety, Civil, Electrical and Plant teams at Mithapur.
Suraksha Gurukul is part of Tata Chemicals Mithapur’s continued efforts to strengthen safety capabilities across the site and support its Zero Harm journey.
29, Sep 2026
Servotech Marks the Beginning of a New Era at ‘Navaarambh 2026’, Celebrates Channel Partnership and Unveils Next-Generation Solar Inverters
New Delhi, 28th September 2026: Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. (NSE: SERVOTECH), India’s leading manufacturer of solar and renewable energy solutions, hosted ‘Navaarambh 2026’, a special channel partner meet and product launch event bringing together its channel partner network from across India to celebrate partnerships, recognise contributions and unveil the company’s latest innovations. Signifying a new era, Navaarambh reflected Servotech’s continued journey towards innovation, growth, and a cleaner energy future.
The event witnessed the presence of Servotech’s Global Brand Ambassador Sonu Sood, alongside Raman Bhatia, Managing Director, Servotech, and Sarika Bhatia, Director Sales, Servotech, over 300 Channel Partners of Servotech, and other Key Management Personnels. A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of an exclusive privilege program for Servotech’s channel partners. Sonu Sood, Raman Bhatia and Sarika Bhatia presented certificates to the channel partners who became a member of the privilege program on the announcement day itself, celebrating the partnerships that continue to drive Servotech’s growth.
As part of Navaarambh 2026, Servotech unveiled three new products: Sparkle Pro IP54 Hybrid Inverter, Sparkle Elite IP65 Hybrid Inverter and Advanced Micro Grid Inverter. Designed as a new generation of advanced solar inverter solutions, these products reflect Servotech’s focus on smarter energy management, enhanced performance and evolving customer requirements. The newly introduced products are also set to be exported to SAARC countries and the Middle East, marking a step forward in Servotech’s international expansion. These innovations further strengthen the company’s commitment to advancing cleaner, more technology-driven energy solutions.
Sonu Sood brought an added energy to the celebration, engaging with the Servotech team and its channel partners. With channel partners joining from different parts of India, Navaarambh became a platform for meaningful interactions, recognition and a shared vision for the road ahead.
The event marked more than a product launch, it celebrated the ecosystem behind Servotech’s growth and opened a new chapter of innovation and collaboration.
Speaking of Navaarambh, Raman Bhatia, Founder & Managing Director, Servotech, said, “Navaarambh represents a new era for Servotech, but also a renewed commitment to the partners who have been integral to our journey. With our new-generation inverter solutions, we are taking another step towards delivering smarter, cleaner and more reliable energy solutions while growing together with our channel partner ecosystem.”
Speaking of his experience at Navaarambh, Sonu Sood, Global Brand Ambassador of Servotech said, “It was wonderful to be part of Navaarambh and witness the energy of the Servotech team and its channel partners. The spirit of innovation, collaboration and growth was truly visible throughout the event, and I wish Servotech and its partners continued success as they build towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
29, Sep 2026
Cuttack Gears Up for Durga Puja: Over 170 Pandals Prepare for Grand Celebrations
Cuttack: Sept. 28 (UDN): The festive spirit is building in Cuttack as preparations for Durga Puja gather momentum across the city, with more than 170 puja pandals getting ready to welcome devotees.
Representational Image
From traditional clay idol-making to mandap preparations, artisans and puja committees are working against the clock to complete arrangements ahead of the festival. Despite interruptions caused by rain, work has continued at several locations, with artisans putting in long hours to meet deadlines.
Artisans Race Against Time
At Professor Pada, preparations are underway for an approximately 18-foot-tall Durga idol, described by the organisers as one of the tallest in the state.
The first phase of clay work has been completed, while artisans are preparing to begin the next stage of idol-making.
At Haripur Dolamundai, meanwhile, craftsmen are working on the bamboo and straw framework of the idol. The first layer of clay is expected to be applied shortly.
For the artisans, idol-making is not merely a profession but a work carried out with considerable devotion.
“I am handling five to six idols. The bamboo work is already done, and now we will proceed with the first and second layers of mud. Working on the Goddess’s idol feels very different from any other task. We work with such devotion that we don’t think of anything else; it is unique and distinct from all our other works,” artisan Debendra Muduli said.
Over 170 Puja Mandaps Prepare
Durga Puja occupies a special place in Cuttack’s cultural calendar, with neighbourhoods across the city preparing elaborate celebrations featuring idols of Goddess Durga and Hara-Parbati.
While idol-making continues, puja committees are also busy preparing their respective mandaps and arranging facilities for devotees.
The scale of the celebrations means preparations extend beyond decorations and religious rituals, with authorities also working on crowd management, security and other logistical arrangements.
Administration Steps Up Preparations
The district administration and Commissionerate Police have begun coordination efforts ahead of the festivities. Meetings with puja committees, peace committees and other stakeholders have been held to discuss arrangements and ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.
A single-window system has also been introduced to facilitate the process of obtaining permissions required by puja committees.
Authorities are additionally preparing for live coverage of Durga Puja celebrations, allowing devotees to follow the festivities remotely.
With memories of disturbances during last year’s Dussehra still fresh, officials have appealed to organisers and residents to cooperate with the administration and help maintain peace and order during the festival.
Cuttack Awaits the Festive Days
For puja committees and artisans, the countdown has already begun. With work continuing at multiple locations, the city is gradually taking on a festive look.
“We are very happy that the Goddess’s puja will be held with great pomp and discipline. The weather was a bit concerning, but it has improved now. Cuttack is a city of brotherhood, so there won’t be any issues. We will celebrate the puja of the city’s largest idol with peace and order,” Professor Pada puja committee president Bichitrananda Khuntia told OTV.
As the final layers of clay take shape and mandaps prepare to light up, Cuttack is getting ready for another season of devotion, tradition and community celebration.
29, Sep 2026
University of Michigan Health-West Expands Use of Canopy’s Wearable Safety Technology, Adding to its Commitment to Staff Safety
Nearly 1,900 additional employees at UM Health-West’s Village campus to receive wearable safety devices, building on the Canopy program already in place
WYOMING, MI– Sept. 29, 2026 — Canopy, the leader in connected safety technology for healthcare, is announcing that University of Michigan Health-West (UM Health-West) has deployed Canopy Protect, Canopy’s workplace safety platform, to nearly 1,900 employees across its Village campus. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 24, UM Health-West is distributing 1,875 wearable safety devices, giving staff a fast, discreet way to alert security and nearby colleagues the moment they need support.
With two quick presses of the wearable device, the Canopy Button instantly sends the employee’s name and location to security dispatch and alerts nearby colleagues, enabling a faster, more coordinated response before a situation escalates. The rollout is supported by the LocationID Network, with indoor and outdoor gateways providing coverage across the hospital, surrounding parking lots, and walking paths.
“There isn’t one single piece of technology or one security program that can address every situation we encounter,” said Gary Gorski, director of security at UM Health-West. “That’s why we’ve built this system in layers. Our K9 teams provide a visible presence and can help de-escalate situations. Weapons detection helps us keep dangerous items out of the ED and hospital, and Canopy gives our employees a way to discreetly call for help and tell us exactly where they are at a time when seconds matter.”
UM Health-West first piloted Canopy Protect in its Emergency Department in 2023. Following the success of that pilot, the hospital is now expanding the technology system-wide across its Village campus, making it available to clinical and non-clinical staff alike.
The deployment marks the latest expansion of Canopy’s presence within University of Michigan Health. University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, part of the same health system, has equipped thousands of staff with wearable duress buttons since introducing the program, and in May 2026 extended the technology to its hospice and home care teams, allowing clinicians who work inside patients’ homes to call for help just as discreetly as staff on hospital floors. UM Health-West’s rollout extends that same connected safety infrastructure to another University of Michigan Health community, reflecting a system-wide investment in giving frontline staff a fast, reliable way to call for help.
“Healthcare workers and frontline staff deserve to feel safe every time they step onto the floor, and we’re proud to partner with organizations like UM Health-West that are making workplace safety a priority,” said Shan Sinha, CEO and founder of Canopy.
Workplace violence remains one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges, with frontline caregivers frequently facing verbal threats and physical aggression on the job. By giving staff a direct line to security and colleagues, UM Health-West is equipping employees with a solution to intervene before situations escalate, complementing the training and response protocols already in place.
29, Sep 2026
World Heart Day 2026: Don’t Miss a Beat—Simple Steps to Protect Your Heart
Sept. 29 (UDN): Every heartbeat is a reminder that the body is constantly working to keep us alive. Yet heart health is often overlooked amid busy schedules, unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles.
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Observed every year on September 29, World Heart Day serves as a reminder to pay attention to cardiovascular health and take preventive steps before health risks turn into serious problems.
This year’s message, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” highlights the importance of recognising cardiovascular risks, making healthier choices and seeking timely medical advice.
Everyday Habits Can Affect Heart Health
Modern lifestyles have brought several risk factors for cardiovascular disease into sharper focus. Lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and prolonged stress can all contribute to poor heart health.
Diets high in salt, saturated fats and other unhealthy fats can also increase cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with physical inactivity and other lifestyle factors.
Heart-related health concerns are not limited to older adults. Cardiovascular risk factors can develop earlier in life, making prevention and regular health monitoring important across age groups.
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
Protecting heart health does not necessarily require drastic lifestyle changes. Consistent, manageable habits can form an important part of a healthier routine.
Some basic measures include:
Staying physically active and incorporating regular walking or exercise into the daily routine
Eating a balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables and whole foods
Limiting excess salt and unhealthy fats
Avoiding tobacco and smoking
Keeping alcohol consumption within recommended limits
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Finding healthy ways to manage stress
Getting adequate sleep
The right approach can vary from person to person, particularly for people who already have health conditions or cardiovascular risk factors.
Don’t Ignore Routine Health Checks
Lifestyle changes are only one part of heart-health prevention. Regular health monitoring can help identify important risk factors before they cause noticeable symptoms.
Checking blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol at appropriate intervals can help people understand their cardiovascular risk and seek medical advice when needed.
People with existing medical conditions, a family history of heart disease or other risk factors may require more regular monitoring as advised by their healthcare professional.
Listen to Your Heart—Before It Becomes an Emergency
World Heart Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to take stock of everyday habits and recognise that prevention often begins with simple decisions.
A little more movement, a healthier plate, less tobacco, better stress management and timely health checks can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
This World Heart Day, the message is simple: don’t wait for a warning sign to start caring for your heart. Every beat counts.
