Category Archives: News

Pakhala Dibasa Goes Global as Odisha Celebrates Food, Culture and Sustainability

Observed on March 20 each year, Pakhala Dibasa has grown from a simple culinary tradition into a vibrant cultural celebration for Odias across the globe. What was once a humble summer meal is now a symbol of identity, heritage, and community bonding.

Pic Credit:https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

Pakhala—fermented rice soaked in water and often mixed with curd—is cherished for its cooling properties and probiotic benefits, making it ideal for the hot summer months. Beyond its nutritional value, it represents a way of life deeply rooted in Odisha’s traditions.

This year, the scale of celebrations has expanded significantly. Leading hospitality brands such as Nimantran, Mayfair, and Swosti Premium are offering elaborate “Gourmet Pakhala Thalis,” some featuring up to 20 traditional side dishes. These curated spreads are drawing food lovers and tourists, giving the traditional dish a modern and luxurious presentation.

What truly stands out is the global participation. With millions of households and members of the Odia diaspora across more than 20 countries observing the day, Pakhala Dibasa has evolved into an unofficial “national day” for Odias worldwide. As temperatures rise, people come together over a bowl of pakhala, celebrating not just food but shared heritage and collective memory.

The festivities also include cultural events such as the two-day Pakhala Paraba held at Panthanivas, where Odisha’s culinary richness is showcased alongside discussions on sustainability and traditional food practices. The event was inaugurated by Deepankar Mohapatra and will be attended by key leaders including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

A major highlight this year is the state’s attempt to set a Guinness World Records benchmark by preparing the largest serving of pakhala—estimated at 800–850 kg. Organised in collaboration with the Robin Hood Army, the initiative emphasizes sustainability and a zero-waste approach.

Meanwhile, Cuttack is hosting vibrant community celebrations at Barabati Fort, bringing people together from midnight through the afternoon. Local leaders, including Subhash Singh, have highlighted how pakhala has evolved from a modest household dish to one that is widely appreciated for both its health benefits and cultural significance.

In my own home, the preparation of pakhala remains a cherished ritual. Cooked rice is cooled and soaked in water, often with a touch of curd, allowing it to ferment slightly and develop its signature tang. For lunch, it is served with a variety of traditional sides such as aloo bharta, saga bhaja, badichura, and roasted dishes like baigana poda and bilati poda. Sometimes, crispy sukhua bhaja is added for an extra burst of flavor, along with simple accompaniments like green chilies and onions.

More than just a meal, Pakhala Dibasa is a reminder of Odisha’s rich food heritage and sustainable eating practices. Whether enjoyed at home, in restaurants, or at community gatherings, a bowl of pakhala continues to unite people—offering comfort, nourishment, and a deep connection to cultural roots.

Odisha Shines on Day 1 of National Para Athletics Championship

Bhubaneswar witnessed an energetic start to the 24th National Para Athletics Championship 2026, with Odisha’s para-athletes delivering an impressive performance on the opening day at Kalinga Stadium.

The host state secured a total of five medals, including two gold, one silver, and two bronze, setting a strong tone for the competition ahead. Athletes from Odisha showcased determination and skill across multiple events, earning early recognition among participants from across the country.

The championship has drawn top para-athletes nationwide, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. Spectators were treated to high-energy performances as participants pushed their limits in pursuit of excellence.

Odisha’s strong start not only reflects the state’s growing focus on inclusive sports but also highlights the rising standards of para-athletics in India. With several events still to unfold, expectations remain high for more standout performances in the coming days.

Odisha to Host 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships

In a defining moment for Indian athletics, the state of Odisha has been selected to host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028. This announcement marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/IPR_Odisha

The championship’s return to India after more than two decades highlights the country’s growing reputation for successfully organizing international sporting events. For Odisha, in particular, this achievement reflects years of focused investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development.

The decision is being seen as a strong endorsement of India’s ability to deliver world-class sporting experiences. Odisha has already earned recognition for hosting major hockey events and nurturing grassroots talent, and this new responsibility further cements its status as a leading sports hub in the country.

Leaders across the nation have expressed pride in this accomplishment, emphasizing how it showcases India’s emergence on the global stage. The support and vision of Narendra Modi have also been acknowledged as instrumental in strengthening the country’s sporting ecosystem.

Beyond the competition itself, the 2028 championships present an opportunity to display India’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and organizational excellence to a global audience. Athletes and fans from around the world can expect not just high-quality sporting action, but also an immersive experience of Indian traditions and spirit.

As preparations begin, anticipation is already building. The event is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes while boosting India’s ambitions of hosting even larger global competitions in the future.

With this announcement, Odisha take another confident step forward on the world sporting map.

WII Conducts 10th Wildlife Conservation Course, Trains Public in Biodiversity Protection

DEHRADUN, March 20: The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has conducted its 10th Wildlife Conservation course for enthusiasts, training 15 participants as part of its ongoing efforts to promote public awareness and participation in conservation.

The ten-day course, held from March 2 to 11, was organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Since its inception in 2012, the initiative has trained a total of 148 participants from diverse professional backgrounds.

Designed for individuals without formal training in wildlife biology, the programme aims to provide exposure to key aspects of wildlife conservation. Participants included professionals from fields such as armed forces, medicine, engineering, information technology, finance, media, academia, and conservation.

The course comprised four days of classroom sessions led by WII faculty and researchers, covering topics such as Indian biogeography, conservation challenges, management of large mammal populations, illegal wildlife trade, wildlife forensics, and citizen science initiatives.

This was followed by a five-day field visit to the Lansdowne Forest Division near Kotdwar in Uttarakhand, where participants gained practical insights into forest ecosystems, wildlife management practices, and the relationship between local communities and forests.

The valedictory session on March 11 was attended by Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Additional Director General (Wildlife), who interacted with participants and shared perspectives on conservation efforts in India.

Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of biodiversity and encourage citizens to actively contribute to wildlife conservation and awareness.

President Droupadi Murmu Offers Prayers at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Calls for Unity and Inclusive Development

AYODHYA, March 20: Droupadi Murmu visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on Wednesday and offered prayers to Ram Lalla.

During her visit, the President performed darshan and aarti at various locations within the temple complex. She also carried out the rituals of Shri Ram Yantra Sthapana and pujan.

Addressing the gathering, Murmu described her visit as a “supreme privilege,” saying she felt blessed to be in Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram. She noted that the occasion coincided with Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, marking the beginning of Samvatsar 2083 and the first day of Navratri.

The President said that key milestones related to the temple, including the Bhoomi Pujan, Pran Pratishtha of the idol, opening of the Ram Darbar, and installation of the temple flag, represent “golden moments” in India’s cultural and historical journey.

Highlighting the vision of a developed and inclusive India, she expressed confidence that the country would achieve its goals by 2047 with the blessings of Lord Ram. She said the concept of Ram Rajya, as described by Goswami Tulsidas, reflects ideals of social harmony, prosperity, and moral values.

Murmu said these principles align with India’s contemporary goals of social inclusion and economic justice. She added that the nation’s ongoing progress across economic, social, political, and cultural spheres reflects a broader renaissance.

Calling for unity, the President urged citizens to work together in the spirit of devotion and shared responsibility to contribute to nation-building.

Wayne State University and Great Lakes Water Authority launch major collaboration to protect Lake Erie and Rouge River

DETROIT – A research team led by Wayne State University was awarded a $473,566, three-year grant from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) for a major collaborative initiative focused on enhanced phosphorus removal at the nation’s largest single-site wastewater treatment facility.

The GLWA Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) serves 77 communities — including Detroit — and manages flows from a nearly 1,000‑square‑mile sewer shed. The project aims to protect the Rouge River and Lake Erie by improving phosphorus removal efficiency and ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations designed to reduce harmful algal blooms.

“This project is critical for protecting the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water, food and recreation for many local communities,” said Dr. Shawn McElmurry, chair of Wayne State’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering. “Phosphorus enters our water systems through various ways like agricultural and urban runoff, sewage and waste, and when the amount entering the environment is too large, it can cause significant problems like algal blooms. It is critical that we continue to improve our ability to remove this nutrient to address these challenges.”

The research team will develop a comprehensive understanding of how phosphorus moves through the WRRF using advanced chemical analyses to identify and quantify phosphorus species. They will build bench-scale treatment systems that allow controlled, side-by-side testing of biological and chemical processes to enhance phosphorus removal. Moreover, they will create new predictive models to help water treatment facility operators optimize phosphorus removal in real-time, which will advance data-driven water management.

In addition to improving local water systems, the project will provide critical training for Wayne State students to become experts in wastewater treatment and environmental protection. 

“This collaboration with Wayne State University represents the kind of innovation-focused partnerships that strengthen our ability to protect the region’s water resources,” said Dr. John Norton, director of energy, research and innovation at GLWA. “Through this research, we will not only enhance our treatment capabilities at the WRRF but also help train the next generation of water professionals.”

“This collaboration is an excellent example of Wayne State’s Grand Challenges initiative, which aims to address increasingly complex problems and how we can deliver real-world solutions that impact our local communities and beyond,” said Dr. Ezemenari M. Obasi, vice president for research & innovation at Wayne State. “This project will aid in driving lifelong health and fostering sustainable environments — two of the major themes of our initiative — by creating discoveries that will improve lives and our critical environmental resources.”

The project team includes McElmurry; Dr. Timothy Dittrich (co-PI), associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, Wayne State; Brooke Ballard, MSESE student, GLWA; Norton; and Dr. Andrew Marcus, senior research engineer, GLWA.

Nanexa Demonstrates Feasibility of Quarterly Semaglutide Dosing with PharmaShell®

Uppsala, Sweden. March 20. Nanexa AB on March 19 announced highly promising new results from its long‑acting semaglutide program, developed using the company’s proprietary PharmaShell® drug delivery platform. Building on the breakthrough monthly‑dosing PK data reported in January 2026, Nanexa has now completed a pharmacokinetic study in rats using several PharmaShell® semaglutide formulations. These new data, in combination with human modelling, indicate that semaglutide can potentially be administered once every three months (quarterly) while maintaining a controlled and therapeutically relevant plasma concentration.

PharmaShell® encases active pharmaceutical ingredients at the atomic level in a highly protective, extremely thin film coating (approximately 30 nm thick) of slow-dissolving non-toxic inorganic oxides. The platform provides exceptional control of release rate, enabling long, smooth PK profiles with very low ratio between the maximum and minimum plasma concentration.

New Rat Data Supports Ultra‑Long Release with Exceptionally Smooth Plasma Concentration Profile

Using this dataset, Nanexa applied established pharmacokinetic models to simulate repeated dosing in humans. These simulations demonstrate that PharmaShell®‑coated semaglutide can achieve and maintain therapeutic plasma levels using once‑quarterly subcutaneous injections, with ratio between the maximum and minimum plasma concentration significantly lower than typically observed for weekly administration of the marketed product Wegovy® (semaglutide).

Lower initial plasma concentration peaks are considered key to minimizing gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea — a major reason for treatment discontinuation in GLP‑1 therapies. By enabling a smoother and more tolerable exposure profile, PharmaShell® could markedly improve adherence and overall patient experience.

A Major Step Forward for Long‑Acting GLP‑1 Therapies

“These new results represent another important milestone for Nanexa,” said David Westberg, CEO of Nanexa. “Demonstrating the potential for quarterly dosing of semaglutide is exceptional, and — as far as we know — no one else has shown this before. This further underscore the unique capability of PharmaShell® to control release rates for complex peptides and reinforces our position as a leader in long‑acting GLP‑1 development. We see significant commercial and therapeutic potential in these findings.”

The new data build on the clinical Phase 1 results from Nanexa’s liraglutide program, reported in 2025, which provided essential human validation of the PharmaShell® technology. These learnings have accelerated development, improved modelling accuracy, and strengthened the path toward clinical readiness.

AppViewX Acquires Eos, Expands Leadership in AI and Machine Identity Security

New York, NY – March 19, 2026 – AppViewX, a leading machine identity management provider, today announced it has acquired Eos, an AI-native Identity Control Plane for AI agents and autonomous workloads within the enterprise. By combining AppViewX’s automated CLM and PKI with Eos’s agentic governance and privileged access control, the platform delivers an integrated solution for AI agent and machine identity security. The acquisition accelerates AppViewX’s evolution into an AI-native platform, positioning the company as a leader in securing machines, workloads, and AI agents in cloud and hybrid environments.

Additionally, Archit Lohokare, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eos, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of AppViewX, succeeding Dino DiMarino, who has stepped down as the company’s Chief Executive Officer to pursue other opportunities. 

Mr. Lohokare brings more than two decades of experience in cybersecurity across Identity Security, Data Security, and Endpoint Security. Prior to founding Eos, Mr. Lohokare was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Workforce and Endpoint Security business at CyberArk, where he was instrumental in creating CyberArk’s next-generation Identity Security Platform. His deep expertise in identity security will guide AppViewX through its next phase of platform expansion in the AI and quantum era.

“AI agents are increasingly acting with autonomy inside the enterprise, with privileged access to data, applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments,” said Archit Lohokare, Chief Executive Officer of AppViewX. “Identity is the control plane for this new era. As organizations rapidly deploy AI agents, they need a unified governance and risk layer that secures machines and AI agents with consistent visibility, policy, and enforcement. By combining AppViewX’s leadership in machine identity with Eos’s AI-native capabilities, we are building the next-generation platform enterprises need to innovate confidently and securely at AI scale.”

Additionally, Kashyap Ivaturi, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Eos, will be joining AppViewX as Chief Technology Officer and Madhu Venkatarajan, current AppViewX Chief Technology Officer, will be assuming the role of Chief Engineering Officer and General Manager of India Operations, focusing on scaling engineering excellence, accelerating product delivery, and strengthening AppViewX’s India-based innovation and execution capabilities. Mr. Ivaturi has led large-scale global enterprise engineering organizations at CyberArk and ServiceNow and brings extensive experience building secure, scalable SaaS platforms for global enterprises. His leadership will accelerate AppViewX’s product innovation and AI-native roadmap.

“As organizations scale AI agents and autonomous workloads, the identity-driven attack surface expands dramatically,” said Ian Loring, Senior Managing Director & Executive Chair at Haveli Investments. “AppViewX has established leadership in machine identity management, and the addition of Eos accelerates its evolution into a unified platform that governs machines, AI workloads, and autonomous agents. We are confident that this combination, in addition to Archit’s and Kashyap’s leadership of the new company, will position AppViewX for long-term category leadership and durable growth.” 

“AI agents are a new identity group, and their rapid proliferation creates new risks for the enterprise,” said John Barrow, Chief Information Security Officer at JB Poindexter. “These agents often behave non-deterministically. To reduce risk, we must monitor, audit, and control their privileged access to sensitive data and systems and ensure their lifecycle is automated and governed. I’m excited to see AppViewX and Eos come together. Eos’s AI agent Identity Security platform combined with AppViewX’s Machine Identity Security platform positions AppViewX as the leader in Machine and AI Agent Identity Security.”

The acquisition of Eos adds to AppViewX’s growing market momentum and leadership recognition from both the IDC MarketScape for Certificate Lifecycle Management (CLM) and KuppingerCole’s Non-Human Identity Management (NHIM) Leadership Compass

Manoj Sharma Conducts Engaging PR Masterclass at DME Media School

New Delhi, March 19, 2026

Mr. Manoj Sharma, Managing Director of PR Guru, delivered a masterclass on Public Relations at DME Media School, IP University, focusing on core areas such as media relations, campaign strategy and strategic PR planning.

The session aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice, offering students a practical perspective on the evolving communications landscape. Through case-led discussions and real-world examples, Mr. Sharma outlined the role of PR in shaping narratives, managing stakeholder perception and driving value in a competitive media ecosystem.

The interaction saw active student participation, with discussions centred on contemporary PR challenges, media dynamics and the growing importance of strategic communication.
“Public Relations today extends beyond visibility—it is about credibility, consistency and long-term value creation. Engaging with students at this stage is crucial in building industry-ready professionals,” said Mr. Manoj Sharma.

Dr. Parul Mehra, Head, DME Media School, IP University, highlighted the importance of industry exposure in communication education. “Creating platforms where students can directly engage with practitioners is essential. Such sessions enable them to understand the practical dimensions of Public Relations beyond classroom learning,” she said.

Reflecting on the session, Vrind Aggarwal a participating student said, “The masterclass offered clear, practical insights into how PR functions in real-world scenarios. The interactive format helped us better understand media handling and strategic planning.”

Mr. Sharma expressed his gratitude to Dr. Parul Mehra for the invitation and acknowledged the opportunity to share the platform with Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bhanwar Singh.

NCATM 2026 Concludes at CIMP Patna, Highlights Role of Technology in Transforming Agriculture

Patna, March 19, 2026: The National Conference on Agriculture Technology and Management (NCATM 2026) was successfully held today at Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) in a hybrid format, bringing together academicians, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to explore the transformative role of technology and management in agriculture.

The conference commenced with an inaugural session at the CIMP Auditorium, graced by eminent academicians including Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, Prof. (Dr.) Ankit Sharma and other distinguished faculty members. In his welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh emphasized the need for collaborative platforms to address emerging agricultural challenges. A conference overview was presented by Prof. (Dr.) Vijaya, who underlined its interdisciplinary relevance in the current agricultural landscape.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Birendra Prasad Yadav, I.A.S., Special Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, delivered a keynote address highlighting the transformative impact of technology across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and the broader economy. He stressed that technological advancements are critical to enhancing productivity, ensuring food security, and achieving sustainable development. He also emphasized the importance of green technologies and effective management practices in driving agricultural growth. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ranjani Ram.

NCATM 2026 featured five technical sessions covering a wide range of themes. Key discussions focused on agri-business challenges, green recruitment practices, and the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bihar’s agricultural transformation. Experts also deliberated on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), agri-fintech, and circular economy practices.

The sessions showcased innovations in smart farming and precision agriculture, alongside new agri-based industrial models promoting rural entrepreneurship and sustainability. Mechanization advancements, including efficient harvesting systems, and strategic management approaches for agri-business SMEs were also highlighted. Notably, research presentations on deep learning applications—such as automated soybean seed grading—demonstrated the growing potential of advanced technologies in improving agricultural productivity and accuracy.

The valedictory session marked the conclusion of the conference, with Dr. Nitish Nigam presenting a comprehensive summary of the technical deliberations. He highlighted key themes including IoT, AI-driven analytics, agri-fintech, and evolving policy frameworks. The session also recognized academic excellence through the presentation of Best Paper Awards to outstanding contributors.

Dr. Nitish Nigam delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Director, faculty members including Prof. (Dr.) Ankit Sharma and Prof. (Dr.) Vijaya, the organizing team, participants, and volunteers for their contributions in making the conference a success.

Overall, NCATM 2026 emerged as a significant academic platform, reinforcing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in shaping the future of agriculture.