Category Archives: News

ASME Launches GDTP 2018 Certification

New credential validates design interpretation and manufacturability skills, helping engineers demonstrate competency and employers reduce errors, rework, and delays
 

NEW YORK (June 29, 2026) – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced the launch of its updated GDTP 2018 (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional) Certification, a credential designed to help engineers validate critical skills while enabling employers to improve product quality, reduce costly errors, and strengthen workforce and supply chain consistency.

As workflows in manufacturing organizations become more complex and increasingly digital, engineering teams face a growing need for professionals who can clearly communicate design intent and apply precise tolerancing requirements. The GDTP 2018 certification directly addresses that need by aligning with the latest ASME Y14.5-2018 standard, the authoritative framework for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing used across high‑precision industries. It establishes symbols, rules, definitions, requirements, defaults, and recommended practices for stating and interpreting GD&T and related requirements for use on engineering drawings, models defined in digital data files, and in related documents.

The certification provides engineers with standardized proof of knowledge while giving employers confidence that teams can execute design, manufacturing, and inspection work with consistency and accuracy. Demand for GD&T expertise is rapidly increasing with advances in manufacturing technologies, global supply chains, and the adoption of digital product definition practice. GDTP 2018 helps close persistent skills gaps by improving workforce readiness and reducing ambiguity that can lead to scrap, rework, and production delays.

“The ability to apply GD&T correctly is fundamental to modern engineering,” said ASME Director of Learning Experience and Excellence Mair DeMarco. “With GDTP 2018, we are equipping professionals with a credential aligned to the current standard while giving employers a reliable way to ensure their workforce can deliver high‑quality, consistent results that improve their bottom line.”

Career Value for Engineers

For engineers, the certification offers a clear pathway to demonstrate technical competence and advance professionally. It supports increased employability, stronger peer recognition, and greater confidence in applying GD&T principles within modern digital workflows.

The program includes two levels: Technologist and Senior, allowing both early-career and experienced professionals to validate their skills, from interpreting engineering drawings to designing and implementing tolerancing strategies. Certification is valid for three years, with recertification options available. 

Built for Digital Engineering and Workforce Development

Designed for today’s engineering environment, GDTP 2018 reflects the growing importance of Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), where standardized, machine‑readable tolerancing is essential. The certification is part of a broader ecosystem that includes updated exams, study materials, and preparation resources, providing a more guided and accessible candidate experience.

For employers, the program supports scalable workforce development by offering a consistent, standards‑aligned framework for building and measuring GD&T competency across teams.

Lightning strike damages dome of Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Darbhanga

June 29: A lightning strike has damaged the dome of the historic Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Darbhanga, Bihar, on Sunday amid adverse weather conditions.

The impact of the strike caused visible damage to the upper structure of the temple. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

Local authorities have been informed and an assessment of the damage is currently underway. A detailed inspection will be carried out to determine the extent of repairs needed, following which restoration work is expected to begin.

Officials said necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of devotees visiting the temple, especially given the ongoing monsoon conditions.

The temple, which holds significant religious and cultural importance, continues to attract devotees throughout the year, particularly during major festivals.

Government Examining Facts in Naba Das Murder Case, Says BJP State President

Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): The Odisha government is closely examining all facts and circumstances related to the high-profile Naba Das murder case, BJP state president Manmohan Samal said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, Samal stated that the government is reviewing all available information pertaining to the case and assured that appropriate steps would be taken based on the findings.

“The government is examining the facts related to the case,” he said, while responding to queries regarding the progress of the investigation into the murder of former Health Minister Naba Das.

The statement assumes significance amid continued public and political interest in the case, with various quarters demanding a comprehensive probe to unravel all aspects surrounding the sensational killing.

Naba Das was shot at by a police ASI during a public programme in Jharsuguda in January 2023 and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

The murder case has remained a major political issue in the state, with opposition parties and family members of the deceased repeatedly seeking further investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all facts related to the case are thoroughly examined in accordance with the law.

Further developments in the matter are awaited.

Bengaluru rail network to get four-track corridors within 100 km radius

Bengaluru , June 29: The Union Minister for Railways has announced the development of four-track railway corridors within a 100-km radius of Bengaluru as part of a major infrastructure expansion plan aimed at decongesting one of India’s busiest rail networks and improving regional connectivity.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance both passenger and freight movement in and around the Bengaluru metropolitan region, which has been experiencing rapidly increasing rail traffic due to urban expansion, industrial growth, and rising commuter demand.

According to the announcement, the proposed corridor upgrades will include the addition of extra railway lines on key saturated routes, enabling smoother train operations, reduced delays, and higher service frequency. The project forms part of the broader strategy to modernize railway infrastructure in Karnataka and integrate Bengaluru more efficiently with surrounding economic hubs.

Officials indicated that the upgraded corridors will support faster movement of goods and passengers, particularly along critical routes connecting Bengaluru with industrial and logistics centres within a 100-km radius. The project is also expected to complement ongoing suburban rail and high-speed rail initiatives in the region.

The Ministry of Railways emphasized that the expansion aligns with India’s long-term vision of capacity augmentation, network decongestion, and improved multimodal connectivity in major urban clusters.

Further detailed project reports, alignment plans, and implementation timelines are expected to be released in subsequent phases.

Swift government action kept fuel supplies stable during West Asia crisis: Navdeep Suri

June 29: Navdeep Suri said the government acted promptly to safeguard India’s fuel supplies during the recent West Asia crisis, ensuring there was no major disruption despite rising geopolitical tensions.

He said timely coordination between government agencies, energy companies, and diplomatic channels helped maintain steady imports of crude oil and other fuels. These measures prevented supply shortages and helped keep the country’s energy needs on track.

Suri added that the government’s proactive approach demonstrated India’s preparedness to handle global uncertainties and ensured that consumers and industries continued to receive an uninterrupted fuel supply.

BRO’s Project Brahmank marks 16th Raising Day with celebrations

New Delhi, June 29: The 16th Raising Day of the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) Project Brahmank was celebrated with enthusiasm and pride, marking years of dedicated service in strengthening strategic road connectivity in difficult and remote regions.

The occasion highlighted the project’s vital role in developing and maintaining crucial infrastructure in challenging terrains, ensuring better connectivity, faster mobility for defence forces, and improved access for local communities.

Senior officials and personnel associated with Project Brahmank were felicitated for their commitment and contribution to nation-building. Speakers praised the project teams for their resilience and engineering excellence in executing critical road projects under tough geographical and climatic conditions.

The celebration also reaffirmed BRO’s commitment to enhancing border infrastructure and supporting national security through improved road networks in strategic areas.

MP’s Seoni custard apple gets GI tag

June 29: The custard apple grown in Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone for local farmers and strengthening the region’s agricultural identity.

The GI recognition is expected to enhance the market value of Seoni custard apples, improve branding, and open new opportunities for farmers in both domestic and export markets. Officials said the certification will help ensure better price realization and wider market access for producers in the region.

Known for its distinct taste, texture, and natural quality, Seoni custard apple has long been a key horticultural product of the region. The GI tag formally recognises its unique geographical characteristics and traditional cultivation practices.

Agriculture experts noted that the certification will encourage value addition, processing, and organised marketing of the fruit, thereby improving income stability for farming communities.

The development is also expected to promote rural entrepreneurship and strengthen horticulture-based livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh, while boosting the state’s presence in premium fruit markets.

ten23 health obtains ATMP Manufacturing GMP Licenses from Swissmedic for its Basel and Visp facilities

Basel & Visp, Switzerland, June 29^th, 2026 ten23 health, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on sterile and biologic drug products, today announced it has successfully obtained GMP certifications for the manufacturing and testing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) in its facilities in Basel and Visp, Switzerland.

These licenses mark a significant milestone in ten23 health’s strategic expansion into the rapidly growing field of advanced therapies. With this authorization, both sites are now GMP certified to support the clinical and commercial sterile manufacturing of ATMPs in compliance with related quality standards. A first oligonucleotide customer program is in progress, advancing further into clinical development. In addition to ten23’s expertise in formulation development, the new GMP license means that ten23 can now also support its Customers for GMP sterile manufacturing and QC testing for clinical and commercial human use for oligonucleotide products such as mRNA, siRNA, DNA and antisense oligonucleotides.

The Basel facility, known for its innovation-driven development environment, provides support for early- and late-phase product development, small-scale non-GMP manufacturing with ten23’s previously announced Line 0 and GMP Quality Control release and stability testing. The Visp facilities, leveraging its state-of-the-art infrastructure and scalability, provide late-stage clinical and commercial sterile production and QC Microbiology.

“Obtaining ATMP licenses for both Basel and Visp reinforces our commitment to enabling sterile medicines for next-generation therapeutics,” said Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO at ten23 health. “We are proud to provide our partners with integrated, high-quality sterile product solutions that accelerate their molecule’s journey from drug substance to drug products, from concept to patient.”

As demand for advanced therapies continues to grow globally, ten23 health is positioned to be a trusted partner for biotech and pharmaceutical companies seeking flexible, reliable, and innovative manufacturing solutions.

Ahead of Rath Yatra, Odisha Crime Branch Blocks 50 Fake Hotel Booking Websites

Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): In a major cyber crackdown ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Crime Branch has blocked 50 fraudulent hotel booking websites over the past week to protect devotees from online accommodation scams.

Representational image

The action was initiated following multiple complaints received through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, amid a surge in online fraud targeting pilgrims planning to visit Puri for the grand festival scheduled on July 16.

Officials said cybercriminals had been creating cloned versions of genuine hotel and lodge websites to deceive unsuspecting travellers. These fake portals reportedly offered attractive room tariffs, discounted accommodation packages and even bogus VIP darshan facilities to lure devotees into making advance payments through digital wallets and UPI platforms.

Investigations revealed that the fraudulent websites were designed to secure prominent visibility in online search results, thereby increasing the chances of duping pilgrims searching for accommodation in Puri.

According to police sources, online accommodation fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Odisha. Over the past year, at least 30 tourists reportedly lost nearly Rs 5 lakh after falling prey to fake hotel booking scams. In the last two weeks alone, four pilgrims were allegedly duped of around Rs 35,000 through similar frauds.

With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri for Rath Yatra, authorities fear that the scale of cyber fraud could rise significantly if preventive measures are not strengthened.

Following the crackdown, the Crime Branch has intensified cyber patrolling and launched extensive awareness campaigns across the state. Devotees have been advised to verify the authenticity of hotel websites, avoid making payments to unverified accounts and report suspicious portals immediately.

Officials urged the public to use only authorised booking platforms or directly contact hotels through verified channels. Any cyber fraud or suspicious activity can be reported through the cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

The Crime Branch reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.

Gujarat sets INR 10 lakh crore investment target under new industrial policy

June 29: The Gujarat government has announced a target of attracting ₹10 lakh crore in fresh investments over the next five years under its new industrial policy, aimed at further strengthening the state’s industrial base and boosting economic growth.

The policy is designed to accelerate industrial expansion, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and generate large-scale employment opportunities across diverse sectors. Officials said the framework focuses on improving ease of doing business, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging innovation-led development.

Key focus areas include manufacturing, renewable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and emerging technology sectors. The policy also places emphasis on sustainable growth and balanced regional development across urban and rural regions of the state.

Government representatives said the initiative will simplify investment procedures, provide targeted incentives, and strengthen industrial infrastructure to attract both domestic and global investors.

Experts believe Gujarat’s strong industrial ecosystem, logistics advantages, and pro-investor environment position it well to achieve the ambitious target, supporting long-term economic growth and job creation.