Category Archives: News

Outgoing Odisha Governor Kambhampati Receives Farewell at Bhubaneswar Airport

Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: Outgoing Odisha Governor Haribabu Kambhampati was accorded a formal farewell at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Friday, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and senior state officials gathered to see him off.

Kambhampati’s wife, Jayashree Kambhampati, was also present at the airport ceremony, along with Chief Secretary Anu Garg, DGP-in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra and other senior administrative and police officials.

Among those attending were Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor; Dr Suresh Dev Datta Singh, Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Kataka Commissionerate Police; and Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department.

Chief Minister Acknowledges Governor’s Contribution

The airport farewell followed a separate ceremony held at Lok Bhavan on October 14, where Chief Minister Majhi paid tribute to the outgoing Governor’s service to Odisha.

During the occasion, Majhi expressed gratitude for Kambhampati’s contributions to the state and wished him good health, happiness and success in his future endeavours. He also invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath for the Governor’s well-being.

A farewell programme was organised at Lok Bhavan to formally honour Kambhampati as he prepared to leave the state.

Tenure Began in January 2025

Haribabu Kambhampati assumed office as the Governor of Odisha on January 3, 2025. He served in the constitutional post for approximately one year and nine months.

His departure marks the end of his tenure as the state’s Governor, with arrangements underway for the assumption of office by his successor.

New Governor to Take Oath on October 18

Braj Mohan Ram, who has been appointed as the next Governor of Odisha, is scheduled to take the oath of office on October 18, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony is set to coincide with the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

The transition will formally usher in a new chapter in Odisha’s gubernatorial administration, following Kambhampati’s departure from the state.

‘Don’t Go Na’: Maaza® Celebrates Festive Connections Through Its First-Ever Digital Micro-drama Series

Watch Episodes: Here

NEW DELHI, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Celebrating the warmth of Indian festivities and the little moments that bring people closer, India’s homegrown billion-dollar brand, Maaza®, has launched its first-ever seven-episode micro-drama series, ‘Don’t Go Na’. Celebrating festive gatherings, budding connections, love stories and the joy of togetherness, the series places Maaza at the heart of hosting, capturing familiar emotions that make celebrations special.

In India, festivals are as much about welcoming people as they are about coming together. Homes fill with family and friends, tables are laden with festive treats, and hosts go the extra mile to make every guest feel at home. From offering one more serving to insisting that guests stay a little longer, these small gestures reflect the warmth and generosity that define Indian hospitality.

With its rich mango taste and appeal across generations, Maaza® has long been a favourite at gatherings, bringing a familiar touch of indulgence to occasions spent with family and friends. This festive season, the brand brings that connection to life through ‘Don’t Go Na’, celebrating the warmth and spontaneity that make hosting an integral part of Indian festivities.

To engage a new generation of consumers, Maaza® is moving beyond traditional television advertising with its first-ever brand-led digital micro-drama series, ‘Don’t Go Na’. The seven-episode series follows a young man and woman whose paths cross at a Diwali party, capturing how a simple shared moment over a glass of Maaza can spark a connection. Set against the lively backdrop of festive celebrations, the series brings to life the small, everyday interactions that make these occasions memorable. The episodes will be available on Maaza’s official Instagram and YouTube channels.

Sunainika Singh, Senior Director, Marketing – Nutrition, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia said, “Maaza has always been about bringing people together, and with ‘Don’t Go Na’, we are celebrating one of the most familiar expressions of warmth in Indian households, not letting a guest leave easily. Festive hosting is filled with these little moments of generosity, emotion and humour, and we wanted to bring them to life through a fresh, relatable storytelling format. The micro drama format allows us to capture these everyday situations in a way that feels contemporary and engaging, particularly for younger audiences. Through ‘Don’t Go Na’, we hope to celebrate the joy of having people over and the moments that make every gathering feel a little more special.”

Conceptualised by Ogilvy India (as a part of Open X by WPP) Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India, added: “Festivals in an Indian household are chaotic, joyous, and full of chemistry. It’s the time when extended families meet, new bonds are forged, and often, sweet festive connections begin. Maaza has always been the ultimate festive treat, but with this micro-drama series, we wanted Maaza to be the spark that starts the story. Bypassing standard advertising formulas, we created a bite-sized episodic romance where a glass of Maaza becomes the quiet catalyst bringing two people together amidst the festive hustle. It’s fresh, culturally deeply resonant, and captures the exact feeling of an Indian festive home.”

As Maaza continues to be a household favourite across the nation, the brand remains rooted in the joy of mangoes and Indian traditions, celebrating the simple moments that bring people closer during the festive season.

About Coca-Cola:

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rimzim, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes’ range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of over six million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities, and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About WPP Open X:

WPP Open X, is a bespoke agency operating model created to help The Coca-Cola Company transform their marketing, attract a new generation of consumers, and grow their business. Our open-source creation of ideas and world-class execution at global scale allow us to deliver human-centered experiences built around culture and passions. Our seamless integration of creative, media, social, data, technology, commerce, and PR drive our client’s marketing transformation, and enable us to build on the legacy of The Coca-Cola Company.

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Reliance Digital’s Festival of Electronics Offers Up to ₹20,000 Exchange Bonus, Flat 50% Off on the Second Product and Up to ₹30,000 in Bank Card and Consumer Loan Discounts

Celebrate Dussehra with Reliance Digital’s Festival of Electronics and enjoy festive deals on the iPhone 17 Pro 256GB at ₹56,990*, iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB at ₹71,990*, Dell XPS 13 Intel Core 5 laptop at ₹74,999*, Xiaomi 43-inch TV at ₹19,990* with a 3-year warranty, LG 10 kg front-load washing machine at ₹37,990*, Lloyd 1.5T Inverter AC at ₹34,990* with exchange and cashback, 308L Double-Door Refrigerator at ₹26,990*, Side-by-Side Refrigerator starting at ₹39,990*, Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 1 at ₹17,999*, and Dyson Big Ball vacuum cleaner at ₹14,990* on purchases of ₹50,000 and above.

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reliance Digital’s Festival of Electronics is featuring festive deals across smartphones, laptops, televisions, air conditioners, washing machines and audio products. Under its #CelebrateWithNoExcuses campaign, Reliance Digital is offering promotional prices on selected electronics, alongside exchange benefits, second-product savings and bank card and consumer loan discounts.

Best Deals on Smartphones, Laptops, TVs, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Refrigerators and Vacuum Cleaners

Featured offers in the Festival of Electronics include:

• iPhone 17 Pro 256GB at ₹56,990*
• iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB at ₹71,990*
• Dell XPS 13 powered by Intel Core 5 Laptop: ₹74,999*
• Xiaomi 43″ TV: ₹19,990* with 3 years warranty
• Lloyd 1.5T Inverter AC: ₹34,990*(Under exchange and cashback)
• LG 10 KG Front Load Washing Machine: ₹38,990*
• 308L Double-Door Refrigerator: ₹26,990*
• Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Starting at ₹39,990*
• Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen1: ₹ 17,999* (After Bank Cashback)
• Dyson Big Ball Vacuum Cleaner: ₹14,990* on shopping of Rs 50,000 and above

These offers cover multiple electronics categories, including personal technology, home entertainment, climate control, laundry, audio and home cleaning.

Exchange Bonus, Second-Product Offer and Bank Discounts

In addition to selected product deals, Reliance Digital’s Festival of Electronics features the following promotional offers:

• Exchange bonus: Up to ₹20,000 assured exchange bonus*
• Second-product offer: Flat 50% off on the second product, subject to applicable product eligibility and terms*
• Consumer loan discounts: Up to ₹30,000*
• Bank Card discounts: Upto Rs 15,000 instant discount on Credit Cards.

Consumers should check the applicable terms and conditions, product eligibility and offer validity before making a purchase.

What Is #CelebrateWithNoExcuses?

#CelebrateWithNoExcuses is the campaign theme for Reliance Digital’s 2026 Festival of Electronics. The campaign encourages consumers to stop postponing planned upgrades and use the festive season to bring home technology for themselves and their families.

The Festival of Electronics features deals across smartphones, laptops, televisions, home appliances and audio products, catering to consumers looking to upgrade existing devices, purchase electronics for their homes or buy technology as festive gifts.

Consumers can visit their nearest Reliance Digital or My Jio Store to explore available products and offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reliance Digital’s Festival of Electronics?

The Festival of Electronics is Reliance Digital’s festive-season promotional event, featuring selected electronics deals across smartphones, laptops, televisions, home appliances and audio products.

Which products are featured in the 2026 Festival of Electronics?

Featured products include the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB, Xiaomi 43-inch TV, LLOYD 1.5T Inverter AC, LG 10 kg Front-Load Washing Machine, 308L Double-Door Refrigerator, Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 1 and Dyson Big Ball Vacuum Cleaner.

What is the price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB?

The listed promotional price is ₹71,990*, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

What exchange benefit is available?

Consumers can avail themselves of an assured exchange bonus of up to ₹20,000*, subject to applicable terms.

What is the second-product discount?

The campaign includes a flat 50% discount on the second product*. The detailed offer terms and eligible products should be checked before purchase.

Are bank card and consumer loan discounts available?

Yes. Discounts of up to ₹30,000* are available on leading bank cards and consumer loans, subject to applicable terms and eligibility.

Where can consumers shop for these offers?

Consumers can visit their nearest Reliance Digital or My Jio Store. Product availability and offer eligibility may vary by location and applicable terms.

When does the Festival of Electronics end?

The end date has not been specified in the information provided for this release.

What is the campaign hashtag?

The campaign hashtag is #CelebrateWithNoExcuses.

*All prices and offers are subject to applicable terms and conditions. Product availability, eligibility and offer validity may vary.

About Reliance Digital:

Reliance Digital is India’s largest electronics retailer, present in over 800 cities with more than 700+ large-format Reliance Digital stores and 900+ My Jio stores, serving customers in every corner of the country and making the latest technology accessible to all. With over 300 international and national brands and more than 5,000 products at the best prices, Reliance Digital offers the largest selection of models to help customers find the right technology for their lifestyle. The trained and well-informed staff at every store are always ready to guide customers through every detail of each product. Importantly, Reliance Digital provides after-sales service for all its products through Reliance resQ, the service arm of the retailer and India’s only ISO 9001-certified electronics service brand. Reliance resQ is available all week and is fully equipped to provide end-to-end solutions.

For ease of purchase, customers can visit any Reliance Digital store, shop online at www.reliancedigital.in

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CSL Group Acquires SIMPL Wireless to Bring Critical Connectivity® to North America

Adding multi-carrier eSIM, a unified connectivity management platform and Tier-1 US carrier partnerships to CSL’s global IoT connectivity platform

LONDON and DULUTH, Ga., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSL Group, the leading global provider of Critical Connectivity®, has acquired SIMPL Wireless, the US-based IoT eSIM connectivity provider. The acquisition gives CSL a North American home and gives customers connectivity that is simple, fast and fully under their control, within a single, resilient connectivity service.

As IoT estates grow across borders, enterprises need to manage every SIM, contract and network from one place. Unified management lowers cost and speeds deployment, while multi-network resilience keeps devices connected when a network goes down.

The acquisition, CSL’s second in 2026 following IoTM Solutions in July, strengthens CSL’s ability to help customers build resilient IoT estates – with the uptime and operational control that life, mission and business-critical applications demand.

Simple. Fast. Yours.

SIMPL’s promise is simple, fast and yours: connectivity that goes live quickly, runs on the SIMs, APNs, hardware and carrier contracts customers already have, and keeps them in control of every connection. EverSIM, its multi-carrier eSIM built on unmodified, GSMA SAS-certified Thales eUICC infrastructure and native to SGP.22 and SGP.32, gives customers the option to buy connectivity from SIMPL or bring their own from up to 100 mobile network operators, with 5G Standalone support, backward-compatible to NB-IoT. A single SIM SKU carries a native primary carrier profile, and customers can localise anywhere by downloading local profiles over the air, with backup profiles that step in automatically if the primary network goes down and hand back when it returns. Compass, its single-pane-of-glass platform, gives customers one dashboard and one API to activate, monitor and manage SIMPL SIMs alongside existing carrier SIMs, with automated self-healing via auto-profile fallback.

Historically, enterprise eSIM deployments have taken a year or more because of platform integrations, carrier certifications and custom development. EverSIM compresses that timeline to days, enabling customers to move quickly from proof of concept to production while maintaining centralised oversight. Speed, simplicity, control – it just works.

With established partnerships including T-Mobile and Thales, SIMPL serves Solution Providers and Resellers in addition to customers across retail, transport, energy and EV charging.  This gives CSL an immediate US customer base, local go-to-market capability and Tier-1 carrier relationships.

Combined with CSL’s patented rSIM® multi-network resilience and IoTM’s connectivity orchestration, SIMPL completes a single operating model for customers: manage every SIM and eSIM, and stay online when a network fails.

Jason Morrow, CEO of SIMPL Wireless, said:

“SIMPL was built on three ideas: speed, simplicity and control. IoT connectivity should be fast to activate, run on what customers already have, and stay theirs to control – it should just work. Joining CSL Group puts that on a platform engineered for uptime and backed by three decades of critical connectivity expertise. For our customers, nothing changes on day one except what we can now offer them.”

The SIMPL team will join CSL Group, and SIMPL will continue to serve its existing customers, carriers and partners – as SIMPL Wireless, a CSL Group company.

Expanding CSL in North America

CSL already delivers managed IoT connectivity and patented rSIM® resilience across more than three million connections in building security, healthcare, infrastructure, utilities and transport. SIMPL gives CSL the US base, carrier relationships and local team to bring that capability to North American customers.

Together, CSL, IoTM and SIMPL enable customers to deploy globally, connect with confidence, automate SIM and eSIM lifecycle management and keep critical devices online as their estates grow.

Ed Heale, CEO of CSL Group, commented:

“Customers shouldn’t have to choose between flexibility and resilience. Bringing SIMPL into CSL Group gives us a home in North America and a platform that lets customers connect anywhere, with the certainty critical applications require.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About CSL Group

CSL Group is the world’s leading provider of Critical Connectivity®. Founded in 1996, CSL has spent three decades building the expertise, resilience and managed infrastructure that life, mission and business-critical IoT applications depend on. Today, CSL manages over three million connections across building security, healthcare, infrastructure, utilities and transport, delivering always-on, fully managed, multi-path IoT solutions at scale. Where other connectivity providers deliver a commodity, CSL delivers certainty: designing, deploying and managing secure, resilient solutions tailored to the environments where failure is not an option.

Learn more at csl-group.com.

Follow CSL:

on LinkedIn

on Instagram

About SIMPL Wireless

SIMPL Wireless is a US-based eSIM-as-a-Service provider headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. Its EverSIM multi-carrier eSIM and Compass platform deliver IoT connectivity that is simple, fast and yours. Customers can buy connectivity from SIMPL or bring their own from up to 100 mobile network operators, activate quickly on the hardware and carrier contracts they already have, and manage every connection through one dashboard and one API. SIMPL is built on GSMA SAS-certified Thales infrastructure and works with partners including T-Mobile and Thales. SIMPL Wireless is a CSL Group company.

Learn more at justsimpl.com.

For more information, contact: marketing@csl-group.com

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Awaken Your Senses: Embrace the Golden Hour Privilege at WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc

Discover a new rhythm of island living on Vietnam’s Pearl Island, where a 24-hour culinary journey and shared experiences redefine the beachfront escape.

PHU QUOC, Vietnam, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As golden sunset season unfolds, WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s first WorldHotels-branded resort, introduces its Ultra All-Inclusive experience, bringing together beachfront relaxation, culinary discoveries and memorable moments from sunrise to starlight.

Just ten minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport and close to Duong Dong center – the island’s cultural and entertainment hub, the beachfront resort features 465 rooms and suites, offering an inviting balance of coastal tranquility and island exploration.

A Holiday Without Watching the Clock

Inspired by the philosophy “Live in the Moment. Together”, Ultra All-Inclusive offers a seamless 24-hour holiday designed around the freedom to enjoy every moment at your own pace.

Unlike conventional dining schedules, the experience unfolds around the clock. Mornings begin with breakfast at TERAI, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, followed by poolside bites and craft beer at Nori Pool Bar. As golden hour arrives, imagine sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail at Sora Sky Bar, where the setting sun paints the sky in shades of orange, pink and purple. More than just drinks, sunset cocktails celebrate nature’s grand finale, before late-night flavours and overnight refreshments carry the experience into a new morning.

Selected local and international beverages are available during designated service periods, allowing guests to savour each experience without interruption.

One Stay. Endless Ways to Experience Phu Quoc.

Beyond dining, Ultra All-Inclusive brings families and couples together through memorable activities. Children explore more than 15 play areas at Gemy Kids Zone, while families enjoy outdoor movies and lively poolside celebrations. Couples can reconnect over sunset cocktails, shared cooking experiences or peaceful moments together.

For those seeking a slower pace, Pearl Sense Spa offers soothing sauna sessions and rejuvenating foot treatments, complemented by exclusive body massage privileges for longer stays.

“Our Ultra All-Inclusive experience is about giving guests something truly valuable — the freedom to enjoy their time together,” said Mr. Subash Gadtaula, General Manager. “When every detail is thoughtfully considered, guests can simply embrace the moments that matter.”

At WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, Ultra All-Inclusive is more than a collection of privileges. It is freedom to live every moment, together.

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BC.GAME’s BC Engine surpasses $10 million in rewards in six months after launch

Launched in April 2026, BC Engine has reached a major milestone in cumulative rewards, strengthening its role as a core value-sharing mechanism within the BC.GAME ecosystem

BELIZE CITY, Belize, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BC.GAME – the award-winning global online entertainment platform – can announce that its BC Engine has surpassed 10 million BCD in cumulative rewards, equivalent to more than US$10 million, just six months after its launch on April 8, 2026.

The milestone highlights the rapid growth of BC Engine, which has evolved from an hourly reward mechanism into an increasingly important pillar of the BC.GAME ecosystem, connecting $BC holders, platform activity, and gaming partners through recurring value distribution.

From launch to $10 million in six months

Since its introduction, BC Engine has recorded consistent growth in cumulative rewards.

On May 28, participating $BC holders had earned more than 2.1 million BCD. By July 28, cumulative rewards had exceeded 5 million BCD, reaching 8.6 million BCD by September 18.

Now, just six months after launch, the figure has surpassed 10 million BCD, representing nearly fivefold growth since late May.

BC Engine allows eligible $BC holders to earn BCD rewards through hourly settlement rounds. The reported US$10 million represents rewards already earned through completed settlements, rather than projected returns or changes in $BC’s market price.

Building a stronger BC.GAME ecosystem

Beyond the milestone itself, BC Engine is becoming a key component of BC.GAME’s long-term ecosystem strategy.

Unlike conventional promotional rewards, BC Engine connects platform activity with recurring value distribution, creating ongoing incentives for participation and strengthening the utility of $BC.

Through the introduction of Engine Nodes, partners including BC Originals, Croco Gaming and BETBY, have become part of the expanding reward ecosystem, connecting different gaming products and providers through a shared value distribution mechanism.

For users, BC Engine provides recurring rewards and transparent settlement records. For ecosystem partners, it creates deeper connections with the platform and its community. Together, these mechanisms are designed to strengthen long-term engagement, build trust and support a more interconnected gaming ecosystem.

Supporting BC.GAME’s global expansion

BC Engine’s growth comes alongside BC.GAME’s continued international expansion.

In 2026, BC.GAME strengthened its regulated presence in Mexico and partnered with Mexican football legend Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa as a brand ambassador, reinforcing its localization strategy in Latin America.

As BC.GAME continues to develop its international operations, BC Engine serves as an increasingly important mechanism connecting platform growth, $BC utility and ecosystem participation.

Surpassing US$10 million in just six months marks a significant step toward BC.GAME’s vision of building a more connected, participation-driven gaming ecosystem.

Adrian Chen, Senior Legal Counsel at BC.GAME, said: “Achieving 10 million BCD in rewards in the first six months of the BC Engine demonstrates the success and rapid growth of our rewards programme and adoption amongst players. We look forward to rewarding even more BCD in the coming months as we continue to scale our ecosystem globally.”

About BC.GAME

BC.GAME is a global online gaming and entertainment platform offering casino, sportsbook and digital asset-based products across international markets where permitted.

Since 2017, BC.GAME has developed a crypto-native entertainment ecosystem focused on product innovation, community participation and global partnerships. Its native token, $BC, powers ecosystem utilities including BC Engine, which provides recurring BCD rewards to eligible participants.

For more information, visit https://bc.game/bc.

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Odisha Approves INR 133.72-Crore Mahanadi Riverfront Project in Cuttack, Work to Begin in November

Cuttack, Oct 16: Cuttack is set for a major riverfront transformation, with the Odisha government approving the outcome of the bidding process for the ₹133.72-crore Integrated Development of the Mahanadi Waterfront.

 Representational Image 

The project aims to turn the Mahanadi riverfront into an attractive public destination featuring recreational spaces, cultural facilities, improved infrastructure and environmental enhancements. Construction is expected to begin in November 2026, with completion targeted for November 2028.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Cuttack’s urban landscape and create new opportunities for public recreation and tourism.

KatakaHaat, Open-Air Theatre to Be Major Attractions

A key highlight of the project will be ‘KatakaHaat’, alongside an open-air theatre and an anchor pavilion. These facilities are planned to provide spaces for cultural programmes, community gatherings and visitor activities.

The development will also feature landscaped riverfront promenades, pedestrian pathways, parking facilities and other public amenities. Improved pedestrian access and non-motorised mobility networks are intended to make the waterfront easier to navigate.

The proposed facilities are expected to give residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the riverside while supporting Cuttack’s cultural identity.

Two-Year Construction, Five-Year Maintenance

The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, with a stipulated construction period of 24 months.

The quoted project cost is ₹133,71,97,015, excluding GST. Following construction, the selected agency will be responsible for comprehensive operation and maintenance for five years, in accordance with the tender conditions.

Maintaining the promenades, landscaped areas, lighting, surveillance systems, pathways and other facilities will be important to ensuring that the riverfront remains safe, clean and accessible over the long term.

Environmental Protection Among Key Priorities

Along with new infrastructure, the project includes landscaping, environmental enhancement and the development and rejuvenation of waterbodies.

According to the project document, the work must comply with applicable statutory provisions, environmental requirements and directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Balancing urban development with the ecological importance of the Mahanadi will be crucial. Effective implementation of environmental safeguards will therefore remain an important part of the project.

Boost to Cuttack’s Tourism and Public Spaces

The riverfront development is expected to expand Cuttack’s recreational infrastructure and create additional venues for leisure, cultural performances and public gatherings.

The project comes amid the continuing water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi. While the dispute remains a separate issue, the waterfront initiative represents a major planned investment in the development of Cuttack’s riverfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in November, attention will now turn to the project’s implementation, completion within the stipulated timeline and the quality of facilities delivered to the public.

Coca-Cola India Brings Festive Refreshment and Experiences to Navratri Celebrations

VADODARA, India and SURAT, India and AHMEDABAD, India and BHARUCH, India and ANAND, India, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Navratri is a time when communities come together to celebrate through music, dance and festive traditions, with Garba bringing people together across cities and neighbourhoods. This Navratri, Coca-Cola India is bringing its diverse beverage portfolio closer to consumers across Gujarat through a range of festive experiences spanning pandals, Garba venues, local markets and popular gathering spots.

A key highlight will be Coca-Cola’s presence at prominent festive destinations, including the United Garba Mahotsav, recognised as the world’s largest Garba celebration, and festivities at Lukshmi Vilas Palace (LVP) Heritage Garba.

Adding to the energy of the celebrations, Coca-Cola India will partner with RangMorla by Aditya Gadhvi, one of Ahmedabad’s most popular Garba pandals, as its beverage partner. Known for his Coke Studio chartbuster Khalasi, Aditya Gadhvi brings a distinctive musical connect to the festive season. The pandal will feature beverage stalls, a Maaza mixology station and a dedicated Maaza selfie zone, bringing together music, refreshment and memorable festive moments.

Coca-Cola will bring its Coke On Wheels experience to popular festive destinations, making chilled beverages more accessible to consumers as the celebrations gather pace. Dedicated selfie points will give friends and families an opportunity to capture their festive looks and memorable moments, adding another way to be part of the Navratri experience.

Maaza will welcome consumers to the festivities with a dedicated presence that serves as a warm and inviting point at key celebration spaces. Building on this spirit of hospitality, the brand will also introduce its Mixology Act, featuring mocktail creations made with Maaza for consumers to sample and enjoy. The experience will add a refreshing twist to the festivities, offering visitors a chance to pause and savour something new between celebrations.

Sprite will bring its Sprite X Spicy experience to Navratri, celebrating the love for bold flavours that often accompanies festive food outings. Through engaging on-ground activations, the brand will add to the excitement around local food destinations, bringing together spicy favourites and refreshing moments as consumers make their way through the celebrations.

Thums Up will bring its Thums Up X Snacking initiative to eating and drinking outlets, building on the association between bold flavours, favourite snacks and refreshing beverages. The brand will also engage consumers through on-ground activities featuring interactive games and opportunities to win rewards, adding another layer of excitement to the festive experience.

Minute Maid Pulpy Orange will engage consumers through dedicated on-ground activations during the festive period, bringing its refreshing fruit beverage closer to people at popular gathering spots. The initiative will offer consumers an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing pause amid the celebrations.

Kinley will provide convenient hydration options through stalls at key festive locations, helping consumers stay refreshed as they participate in the celebrations and enjoy the festivities through the evening.

Commenting on the initiative, Sundeep Bajoria, Vice President, Integrated Operations, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia said, “The festive season brings families and communities together through traditions celebrated across generations. These moments of celebration serve as important touchpoints for us to connect with consumers, ensuring they stay hydrated and refreshed as they enjoy the festivities. At Coca-Cola India, our focus is on deepening these connections by combining our diverse beverage portfolio with local insights and the reach of our strong distribution, retail and bottling ecosystem.”

Through its Navratri initiatives, Coca-Cola India aims to be part of the many moments that bring the festival to life, from the energy of Garba nights and the excitement of festive gatherings to the simple joy of sharing a refreshing drink with friends and family. By bringing its beverages and experiences closer to consumers, the company looks to add to the colour, connection and celebratory spirit of the season.

About Coca-Cola:

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’, offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy-based products. In India, its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rimzim, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes’ range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The company, along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners, has a strong network of over six million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally, together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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oneworld, All 15 Members, Commit to Buckingham Palace Declaration

Every member airline united in support of global initiative to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking

BRUSSELS, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — oneworld® and its 15 member airlines have agreed to combat illegal wildlife trafficking by signing onto the Buckingham Palace Declaration (BPD), becoming the first airline alliance to do so with the unanimous support of its members. 

“The complete commitment of all oneworld members greatly increases our ability to identify and disrupt trafficking and help combat the illegal trade in wildlife,” said Ole Orvér, CEO of oneworld. “This milestone reinforces the critical role aviation plays in protecting endangered species and safeguarding global ecosystems.” 

Royal Jordanian President and CEO Samer Majali signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration at IATA’s Wings of Change Europe in Brussels, completing the commitment from all 15 oneworld member airlines.

Wildlife trafficking forms part of the wider environmental crime economy, one of the fastest-growing forms of organised crime globally and relies heavily on global transport networks and supply chains to move illegal goods. Environmental crime is also a major driver of biodiversity loss, contributing to over US$1 trillion in economic damage annually.

The Buckingham Palace Declaration brings together the transport and logistics sectors to help close the routes exploited by traffickers and was launched by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife (UfW) in 2016. Through this commitment, oneworld members will strengthen policies, improve detection and reporting, and support global enforcement efforts across the alliance’s network of nearly 1,000 destinations.

“We are pleased to see momentum continue with new signatories strengthening global efforts to prevent and disrupt wildlife trafficking,” said Lord William Hague, Co-Chair of United for Wildlife. “We welcome the oneworld family, representing 15 airlines, into the Taskforce. By signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration, oneworld joins this global effort, strengthening the aviation sector’s ability to detect and deter these crimes through collaboration with law enforcement and conservation partners.”

By signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration, all 15 oneworld member airlines have committed to supporting the global effort against wildlife trafficking. Together, they can now strengthen staff training, information sharing and collaboration with law enforcement to help detect, deter and disrupt wildlife trafficking across their networks.

Measures of the declaration include:

• Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to illegal wildlife trade 
• Enhancing screening, reporting, and compliance processes across cargo and passenger operations 
• Training frontline teams to identify and respond to suspicious activity 
• Collaborating with governments, customs authorities, and conservation organisations 

The Buckingham Palace Declaration also supports the broader United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce efforts, helping accelerate a more coordinated and effective global response to illegal trade in wildlife.

About oneworld

oneworld brings together 15 world-class airlines – Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines to nearly 1,000 destinations. oneworld member airlines work together to consistently deliver a superior, consistent travel experience, with special rewards and privileges for its frequent flyers, including earning and redeeming miles and points across the entire alliance network, access to airport lounges, priority check in and boarding and extra baggage allowances and more. Learn more about the oneworld Alliance at oneworld.com.

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Contact:

press@oneworld.com

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De Beers and Forevermark Diamond Jewellery Bring Jaipur’s Royal Legacy into a New Chapter

– Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur announced as advocate for natural diamonds in India –

– Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur unveiled as the face of Forevermark’s festive campaign –

JAIPUR, India, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Against the historic setting of Jaipur’s City Palace, De Beers brought together heritage, contemporary culture and diamond jewellery for a landmark event that celebrated two significant new chapters for natural diamonds in India. The evening presented His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur as De Beers Group’s advocate for natural diamonds in India, while Forevermark Diamond Jewellery marked its first anniversary in India with a new festive campaign featuring Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur. Together, the two moments reflected De Beers’ vision, from the natural origin, rarity and authenticity of diamonds to their contemporary expression through jewellery, design and personal style.

As Maharaja of Jaipur and part of a living legacy shaped by jewellery, craftsmanship and precious gems, His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh brings an instinctive understanding of rarity, provenance and the value of pieces that endure beyond the moment. His role with De Beers is to bring the natural diamond story into a new cultural conversation, connecting its extraordinary natural origin and individuality with a generation that is redefining luxury through authenticity, meaning and personal expression. In doing so, he brings royalty’s storied relationship with diamonds into the present, while helping shape the next chapter of natural diamonds in India.

“For me, legacy is not simply about preserving the past; it is about understanding where you come from and finding ways to make that heritage relevant for the future. A natural diamond carries that same sense of continuity. It is shaped by nature over an extraordinary period of time, and its value lies not only in its beauty, but in the rarity and authenticity that make it truly timeless. I look forward to this association with De Beers as the advocate of the gemstone as I get to showcase the unique story of a diamond to the younger generations,” said His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur.

The initiative forms a part of De Beers’ broader ambition to strengthen the desirability of natural diamonds, enhancing their story for a new generation of Indian consumers.

Shweta Harit, Senior Vice President, De Beers Group and CEO, Forevermark, said: “India has a remarkable relationship with diamonds, rooted in generations of craftsmanship, jewellery and an appreciation for rarity. Today, as a new generation redefines what luxury means to them, we see an opportunity to bring the story of natural diamonds into that conversation through His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh who brings a rare cultural connection to this story. His association reflects our ambition to deepen the emotional and cultural relevance of natural diamonds and grow the category in India.”

Following the unveiling of His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh for the natural diamond narrative, another chapter unfolded as Forevermark Diamond Jewellery unveiled Princess Gauravi Kumari as the face of its festive campaign.

Marking one year of Forevermark in India, the campaign brings together contemporary designs crafted with beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced natural diamonds while exploring the role of modern jewellery in festive dressing and individuality with Princess Gauravi Kumari’s distinctive sensibility. It reflects Forevermark’s growing presence in India and its vision of inspiring a new generation through considered design and personal expression.

“The festive season has always been about coming together, creating memories and celebrating the people and moments that matter. What I love about Forevermark is the way it brings the beauty of natural diamonds into a more contemporary expression of style. Jewellery can be traditional, bold, understated or completely personal. Forevermark Diamond Jewellery blends tradition with modern aesthetic, making it a perfect addition to the contemporary woman of today,” said Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur.

“Forevermark gives us an opportunity to express the beauty and rarity of natural diamonds through a more contemporary lens. As we mark our first year in India, we are seeing a consumer who wants jewellery to feel personal, distinctive and connected to their own sense of style. Gauravi embodies that sensibility beautifully. She brings together the richness of her Jaipur heritage with a distinctly modern point of view, making her a natural fit for Forevermark as we enter our next chapter in India. Our ambition is to build on this momentum, broaden the occasions for diamond jewellery and inspire a new generation to discover diamonds in their own way,” added Shweta Harit, Senior Vice President, De Beers Group and CEO, Forevermark.

The event brought together celebrities, leading personalities and HNI guests from Jaipur and across India, for an evening celebrating diamonds, heritage, fashion and contemporary Indian luxury. The campaign films were unveiled during the evening, followed by a grand fashion show displaying Forevermark jewellery across contemporary festive looks amongst an innovative dance performance.

India remains a strategically important market for De Beers, with the company focused on growing the diamond category and deepening its relevance among a new generation of Indian consumers. As jewellery increasingly moves beyond traditional milestones into self-expression, personal achievement, gifting and new occasions, De Beers sees an opportunity to make diamonds part of a broader and more contemporary luxury conversation. For Forevermark, the past year has been focused on establishing the brand in India, expanding its retail presence and introducing its distinctive expression of natural diamond jewellery to Indian consumers. With 10 stores now across the country, Forevermark enters its second year with an ambition to build further scale and create more opportunities for consumers to discover and experience exceptional natural diamond jewellery.

The evening in Jaipur brought these two distinct dimensions of De Beers’ vision to life: the extraordinary story of the diamond and the evolving ways in which that rarity is expressed through jewellery today. Together, the two announcements reflect De Beers’ ambition to strengthen the desirability of natural diamonds while creating new relevance for them with a generation that is redefining luxury. As India’s relationship with diamonds evolves, De Beers is focused on shaping what comes next, from the story of the gem itself to the way it is discovered, worn and celebrated.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

About Forevermark Diamond Jewellery

Forevermark Diamond Jewellery is the diamond jewellery brand from De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, a name synonymous with more than 135 years of expertise and heritage in the world of diamonds. Every Forevermark Diamond Jewellery creation celebrates life’s most meaningful moments, featuring natural diamonds that are beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Forevermark diamonds bear a unique inscription, ensuring authenticity and making each piece deeply personal.

Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth, Forevermark diamonds are hand-selected for their exceptional quality, graded beyond the 4Cs in the pursuit of absolute beauty. Responsibly sourced and carefully cared for along their journey, they reflect the brand’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the people and places its diamonds come from. Expertly crafted by master designers, Forevermark Diamond Jewellery combines modern artistry with timeless elegance. Each piece elevates the brilliance of its diamond while embodying the brand’s enduring values of beauty, rarity, and responsibility.

forevermark@prpundithavasred.com

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